The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Rapid City Fire Crews Extinguish Grass Fire Started by Fireworks
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Fire crews extinguished a grass fire Wednesday near the intersection of Catron Boulevard and Dan Christy Lane after juveniles using fireworks ignited dry vegetation, according to officials. Firefighters arrived to find flames 1 to 2 feet high and contained the fire before it spread beyond the initial area. The fire burned about one-quarter acre. Officials said the incident highlights the fire danger posed by fireworks in dry conditions and urged residents to use caution, supervise children and follow local fireworks laws ahead of the Fourth of July. (Full story)
Law enforcement agencies prepare for busy Fourth of July across Black Hills
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City police and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office have coordinated with local, state and federal agencies to prepare for Independence Day events across the Black Hills, including celebrations in downtown Rapid City and fireworks at Mount Rushmore. Officials said increased traffic is expected and urged motorists to allow extra travel time. Additional officers, firefighters and code enforcement personnel will be on duty, and law enforcement encouraged residents to celebrate responsibly, arrange sober rides, follow fireworks laws and report illegal fireworks through the Rapid City Police Department’s non-emergency dispatch line. (Full story)
Juvenile Dies in Lawrence County ATV Crash
DEADWOOD, S.D. — The Lawrence County sheriff’s office says a juvenile died at the scene of an ATV crash on Monday evening. According to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, the ATV was carrying 2 riders when it rolled over an embankment in a rural area, causing critical injuries to the juvenile on board. The injured juvenile’s family called 911 and began lifesaving efforts. Responders from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and Spearfish Ambulance Service all arrived at the scene and took over lifesaving efforts, but were unsuccessful, and the juvenile died at the scene. The juvenile’s name has not been released at this time. (Full story)
Rapid City Woman Sentenced to Probation in Child Abuse Case
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A Rapid City woman convicted of child abuse was sentenced Monday to four years of probation in Pennington County Circuit Court. Janelle Vela pleaded guilty to one count of child abuse as part of a plea agreement that dismissed three other charges involving two children, ages 14 and 11. Judge Joshua Hendrickson granted a suspended imposition of sentence, meaning the conviction can be removed from Vela’s record if she successfully completes probation. If she violates the terms, she could face prison time. A co-defendant, Nicholas Floyd, remains charged with two counts of child abuse and one misdemeanor assault charge. His next court hearing is scheduled for Aug. 20. (Full story)
Trump Visits Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota
MEDORA, N.D. (AP) — President Donald Trump visited the newly built Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, on Wednesday, touring the 96,000-square-foot facility and speaking about the nation’s 26th president. Trump praised Theodore Roosevelt’s leadership and legacy during remarks at a Western-themed amphitheater. The library officially opens Saturday as part of July 4 celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Trump traveled aboard the new Air Force One, a Boeing 747 donated to the United States by Qatar. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum joined the visit. (Full story)
Climber couple arrested after scaling Empire State Building antenna for apparent marriage proposal
NEW YORK (AP) — A daredevil couple has been arrested after scaling the Empire State Building’s antenna and unfurling a banner about “the power of love” and peace. It was apparently part of an audacious, high-altitude marriage proposal. The Russian climbers go by Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus. They were the subject of a 2024 Netflix documentary called “Skywalkers.” It’s unclear how the pair gained access to the antenna. Police identified the two climbers by their formal names, Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov. They were arrested on burglary, reckless endangerment and other charges. It’s not immediately clear whether they have attorneys who can speak to the charges. (Full story)
16 children rescued from Ohio home were ‘almost feral,’ authorities say
HAMDEN, Ohio (AP) — Authorities say 16 children from the same family who were rescued from a run-down home in rural Ohio were living in horrific conditions and were confined to just one room over much of the past four years. Investigators say some of the children discovered Tuesday were unable to speak. The children’s parents and two grandparents are now charged with felony child endangerment. They appeared in court Wednesday where a judge entered not guilty pleas on their behalf. Authorities say they found the children while carrying out a search warrant in an unrelated investigation. They also say it seems as if no one outside the family knew about the children, who weren’t enrolled in school. (Full story)
