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Rapid City Seeks Public Input on Proposed Data Center Ordinance

APID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City continues to seek input from the public regarding a proposed data center ordinance in the community. Earlier this month, the City of Rapid City hosted a public open house on the ordinance and is seeking comments through an online survey through November 2. The proposed ordinance amendment would add provisions to an ordinance adopted by the Rapid City Common Council in December 2024. The survey and additional information can be accessed on the City’s homepage at www.rcgov.org and general public comment can also be emailed to cpweb@rcgov.org.

Rapid City Area Schools to Hold Final $107 Million Bond Referendum Forum

The final Bond Referendum Information Session for the proposed $107 million bond for Rapid City Area Schools will be held this week on Thursday at the Stevens High School Theatre from 6 to 7:30 p.m. These informational sessions are intended to provide clear, factual, and balanced information about the proposed bond referendum to help community members understand the proposal and make an informed decision. The bond issue is one of several that will be decided in the Nov. 3 general election. 

National Weather Service Encourages South Dakotans to Prepare for Winter

PIERRE, S.D. — The National Weather Service has named Wednesday as Winter Weather Preparedness Day – encouraging South Dakotans to get ready for winter weather that is right around the corner. In preparing for winter weather, loss of heat, power, phone service and a shortage of supplies are the primary concerns. The National Weather Service recommends you put together an emergency kit with things like a flashlight, food and water, backup power and options for emergency heat. For more tips on how to stay safe this winter, visit the National Weather Service’s Winter Safety page at weather.gov/safety/winter. Check it out. 

South Dakota Technical Colleges Report Record Enrollment Despite Declines in Some Programs

Enrollment at South Dakota’s four technical colleges increased, according to the 2026 fall enrollment report. The state Board of Technical Education reviewed the report Thursday during its Rapid City meeting. Total enrollment grew by 39 students over last year, reaching a record 7,813 across degree-seeking, dual-credit and non-degree-seeking categories. By contrast, enrollment fell at South Dakota’s public universities by 294 students to 35,797, driven primarily by drops among undergraduate and international students. South Dakota’s four technical colleges are in Sioux Falls, Watertown, Mitchell and Rapid City. 

More flooding in Four Corners region after storms bring heavy rain and at least one tornado

A rain-soaked swath of the Southwest U.S. has endured additional flooding after days of rain forced evacuations and water rescues. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch Sunday for much of the Four Corners region — the meeting point of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. At least one tornado touched down in New Mexico. Though local officials forecast further receding of swollen rivers, they say many residents remain evacuated and without power. The area has experienced unusually heavy rain since last Wednesday that has surged rivers, flooding homes and forcing water rescues. Officials say they’re not aware of any deaths. (Full story)

Oregon coastal city issues evacuation order after fire at seafood plant

A coastal city in Oregon has issued evacuations after a fire erupted at a seafood wholesaler and there was concern the smoke contained ammonia. The City of Newport issued the order for a 1-mile radius of a Pacific Seafood processing plant and set up a shelter at a local church. City officials urged residents and visitors to stay indoors, and to wear a mask outside. Officials are investigating the potential of ammonia contamination in the air due to the chemicals at the seafood processing plant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says ammonia is a colorless gas with a sharp odor and that high levels of exposure can cause skin, eye and throat irritation. (Full story)

Venezuela’s opposition leader Machado returns after months in exile, as doubts over democracy deepen

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Nobel laureate María Corina Machado has reappeared in Venezuela for the first time since December. She announced her return on social media, saying, “I am here. With you.” Opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez confirmed her arrival and expressed support. He emphasized the importance of her return for Venezuelans. Machado’s homecoming comes amid growing concerns about Venezuela’s democratic future. Since the U.S. military deposed Nicolás Maduro, acting President Delcy Rodríguez has led the country. Rodríguez, a Maduro ally, has exceeded her authorized term, and no election is scheduled. (Full story)