The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
South Dakota School of Mines Raises Nearly 120 Million Dollars in Fundraising Campaign
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The South Dakota School of Mines says a recent fundraising campaign brought in more than 100-million dollars. The campaign brought in closer to 120-million dollars from over 64-hundred contributing donors. Mines President Brian Tande says it’s a foundation, not a finish line. The money is expected to go to funding of the Nucor building, an addition to the student center and scholarship programs. School officials said donors went above and beyond to make the campaign a success.
Pennington County Spring Load Limits to Begin Feb. 17 on West River Roads
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Pennington County officials have announced seasonal spring load limits will take effect Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, on all county asphalt roads west of U.S. Highway 385. According to the Pennington County Highway Department, all affected asphalt roads will be posted at seven tons per axle or 96,500 pounds gross vehicle weight, whichever is less. The restrictions are part of the county’s annual effort to protect road surfaces during the spring thaw, when pavement becomes more vulnerable to damage. Several roads will continue operating under perpetual load limits of six tons per axle.
Sturgis City Council to Review Proposed Residential Camping Ordinance Revision
STURGIS, S.D. — The Sturgis City Council will get its first look Tuesday, Feb. 17, at a potential revision to the residential camping ordinance aimed at improving clarity, fairness, and enforceability for both residents and city staff. The proposed residential camping ordinance will be introduced at the City Council meeting for informational purposes only, and no action will be taken at that time. Mayor Kevin Forrester said the goal of the proposed residential camping ordinance is to bring clarity and fairness to the process. The council meets tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m.
Bill to Ban Kratom Sales Advances to House Floor
PIERRE, S.D. — A bill to ban sales of kratom and kratom products is heading to the House floor. Five people testified they lost family members to kratom as the bill was being pitched in committee. The Department of Health reported that six people died from kratom use in 2024. The bill passed on an eight-to-four vote. It would make selling, distributing or possessing kratom a class two misdemeanor.
Indian Health Service to phase out use of dental fillings containing mercury by 2027
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The federal agency that provides health care to Native Americans will no longer treat tooth decay with dental fillings containing mercury. The Indian Health Service announced this month it will phase out the use of such fillings, known as dental amalgams, by 2027. The American Dental Association notes existing evidence does not link mercury exposure via dental fillings to long-term negative health impacts. But advocates say Indian Health Service patients should not receive treatment that is considered antiquated in the private sector. Documents from the Indian Health Service show the percentage of patients receiving mercury fillings has declined from 12% in 2005 to 2% in 2023. (Full Story)
FBI: DNA recovered from glove found near Guthrie home that appears to match glove worn by suspect
The FBI says a glove containing DNA was found about two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s Arizona home and appears to match those worn by a masked person outside her front door the night she vanished. The glove, found in a field near the side of the road, was sent off for DNA testing. The discovery was revealed days after investigators had released surveillance videos of the masked person outside Guthrie’s front door in Tucson. Guthrie is the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie and was last seen at her home on Jan. 31. Purported ransom notes were sent to news outlets, but two deadlines for paying have passed. (Full Story)
No clear path to ending the partial government shutdown as lawmakers dig in over DHS oversight
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Lawmakers and the White House are offering no signs of compromise in their battle over oversight of federal immigration officers. That impasse has led to a pause in funding for the Department of Homeland Security. A partial government shutdown began Saturday after congressional Democrats and President Donald Trump’s team failed to reach a deal on legislation to fund the department through September. Congress is on recess until Feb. 23, and both sides appear dug into their positions. (Full Story)
