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Coyote Flats Fire Near Rockerville Burns 200 Acres, Threatens Structures
ROCKERVILLE, S.D. — A new wildfire broke out Wednesday afternoon off Neck Yoke Road, southeast of Rockerville and Highway 16. The Coyote Flats Fire was initially reported in the 23800 block of Pebble Lane. The fire is reported to be around 200 acres and is burning to the south. Numerous area fire crews have been called in to fight the fire, along with multiple air attack resources. Tessa Jaeger, public information officer for the Rapid City Fire Department, confirmed that the fire is currently threatening structures, though there have no reports of any structures lost. Residents in the immediate area of the fire were evacuated yesterday and roads in the fire area are also closed. Law enforcement and fire officials are encouraging people to stay out of the fire area. Meanwhile, fire crews reported making good progress of the Qury Fire south of Custer. The fire has burned 9,161 acres and was 27-percent contained last night. The control lines around the fire continued to hold Wednesday despite the high temperatures, gusty winds, and low relative humidity.
Man Pleads Not Guilty in Fatal Shooting at Oxford Square Apartments
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A Rapid City man arrested and charged in connection with a fatal shooting at the Oxford Square apartments last year pleaded not guilty during his court appearance Tuesday. Police say Kane Youngman is accused of shooting and killing 29-year-old Monte Gakin in August 2025. Officers responded to reports of gunshots inside the apartment complex and found Gakin at the scene. Investigators later identified Youngman as a suspect through physical evidence and forensic analysis, according to authorities. The Rapid City Police Department arrested him on March 13. Youngman now faces two alternative counts: first-degree murder and second-degree murder. His bond was set at $1 million.
Lead Man Arrested After Domestic Incident Involving Knife
LEAD, S.D. — The Lead Police Department arrested a man following a domestic incident late Tuesday night. The incident happened on Miners Avenue as first arriving officers found a man armed with a knife outside the residence. The man was subdued by officers using a less-lethal option and taken into custody. Police say an elderly man inside the residence sustained cuts and lacerations and an officer also received an injury that required medical treatment. The man, identified as 47-year-old Mickey Yost of Lead, was taken to the Lawrence County Jail.
Five Candidates Qualify for Rapid City Council Ballot Ahead of Filing Deadline
RAPID CITY, S.D. — With less than a week before the filing deadline, five candidates have had their petitions validated by the Rapid City Finance Office and their names will be placed on the June 2 municipal election ballot for the Rapid City Council races. Next Tuesday is the deadline to file petitions for the June election. One position in each of Rapid City’s five wards is up for election. Election packets containing petitions and information on election requirements and deadlines are available at the City’s Finance Office at City Hall, 300 Sixth Street. As of Tuesday evening, the candidates that have had their petitions validated include Josh Biberdorf in Ward 1, Lindsey Seachris in Ward 2, Ardin Jay Cychosz (Chi-Kosz) in Ward 4, and Laura Armstrong and Pat Roseland in Ward 5.
Trump pays his respects in Delaware to 6 US service members killed in the Middle East
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AP) — President Donald Trump was present as the remains of six U.S. service members returned from the Middle East to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. The crew members of an Air Force refueling aircraft were killed last week when the plane crashed over friendly territory in western Iraq while supporting operations against Iran. They were from Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Washington state. Wednesday’s visit was the second time this month the Republican president has participated in the dignified transfer of service members. The dignified transfer was closed to news media coverage at the request of the families in accordance with military policy. (Full story)
What to know about the meningitis outbreak in England causing angst among university students
LONDON (AP) — A meningitis outbreak in southeast England has led to the deaths of a university student and a pupil from a nearby school. The outbreak has prompted public health officials to quickly roll out medical interventions. The outbreak in the county of Kent was described Wednesday as unprecedented by U.K. Health Secretary Wes Streeting because of the high number of cases appearing in such a short space of time. The first case was only confirmed on Friday. The number of meningitis cases rose by a further five to 20. Thousands of students at the University of Kent in the city of Canterbury are being offered antibiotics as well as a vaccination. (Full story)
A landmark WNBA labor deal nears reality, paving the way for the first million dollar players
NEW YORK (AP) — A landmark new WNBA collective bargaining agreement was reached in principle early Wednesday morning that will give the league its first million dollar players. There’s still a lot of work to do between now and the start of the regular season on May 8, however. Lawyers on both sides are finalizing the term sheet for players and the league’s Board of Governors to approve, which should be done in the next day or so. (Full story)
