The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
South Dakota Approves Tax Rebates for Wind Farm and Research Lab
South Dakota’s Board of Economic Development approved up to $6.1 million in tax rebates Tuesday for a $750 million wind farm north of Philip. The 333-megawatt project will cover about 110 square miles, include up to 87 turbines and is expected to begin operating in 2028. The project is expected to create 200 construction jobs and 12 permanent positions. The board also approved up to $8,845 in tax rebates for Sioux Falls-based OmegaQuant Analytics, which received a $320,864 federal grant to develop blood tests for early detection of macular degeneration and glaucoma. (Full story)
Meade School District Considers Four-Day School Week Following Survey
STURGIS, S.D. — The Meade 46-1 School Board is considering a four-day school week after a district survey found 50 percent of 1,130 respondents supported exploring the change. The proposed calendar would reduce instructional days by 16 to 154, with school days extended approximately 35 minutes to maintain instructional hours. Board President Justin Jutting said the proposal focuses on student achievement, staff morale and community satisfaction rather than cost savings. The board will continue reviewing childcare needs and scheduling options before making a decision. A public presentation is scheduled for 6 p.m. tonight at Stagebarn Middle School in Summerset. (Full story)
Skyline Drive gets grant dollars
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City has been awarded a $7 million National Scenic Byways Grant to support improvements on Skyline Drive. Skyline Drive improvements will enhance safety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians, provide better access to trailheads and scenic overlooks, and improve parking and visitor amenities. Historic features, including stone walls and the iconic gateway, will also be preserved or restored. City officials anticipate the Skyline Drive project is scheduled to bid in late 2027. Rapid City is one of only 11 communities nationwide to be awarded a National Scenic Byways Grant. (Full story)
South Dakota Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Fallen Minnehaha County Deputy
PIERRE, S.D. — Flags be flown at half-staff statewide from sunrise until sunset on Monday, October 19, in honor of Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Ann Frank, who tragically lost her life in the line of duty. Flags be flown at half-staff statewide the day prior to the funeral services for Deputy Frank, Sunday, October 18, to honor her along with all the men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty. A funeral service for Deputy Frank will be held on Monday, October 19, in Sioux Falls. (Full story)
Clothing items sought for Cornerstone
RAPID CITY, S.D. — West River Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP+) is collecting winter clothing donations for veterans at the Cornerstone Rescue Mission as part of Make A Difference Day. Requested items include new socks, underwear, coats, hats and gloves. Donations will be accepted through Wednesday, October 28, at RSVP offices in Rapid City and Spearfish. The Rapid City office is located at 333 Sixth Street. Last year’s drive collected 1,060 items. Donations can also be arranged for pickup. For more information or to coordinate donations, contact RSVP+ Director Ann Hines at 605-394-2507. (Full story)
Justice Department threatens California with legal action over claim of noncitizens on voter rolls
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Justice Department is threatening California with possible legal action over what it says are noncitizens believed to have received mail ballots for next month’s midterm elections. A letter sent Tuesday to Secretary of State Shirley Weber from Trent McCotter, the acting deputy attorney general, says the Justice Department has provided officials in Los Angeles County with a password-protected thumb drive with a list of names the federal government believes are likely noncitizens. The letter gives the state 48 hours to determine whether any citizens are listed. Neither the California secretary of state nor the Los Angeles County registrar immediately responded to requests seeking comment. (Full story)
Social Security recipients to get 3.6% cost of living boost, an average of $75 per month
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Social Security Administration projects a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment for older adults and people with disabilities starting in 2027. Some recipients say it won’t offset rising prices. This adjustment means $75 extra per month for the nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries and about 7.3 million Supplemental Security Income recipients. Inflation continues to pressure household budgets and savings, and some older Americans feel the increase isn’t enough. The Social Security Administration faces a looming bankruptcy date if a funding shortfall isn’t addressed by Congress. Lawmakers have proposed measures to replenish the trust funds, including lifting the payroll tax cap to generate substantial revenue. (Full story)
The first new sunscreen type in 25 years has arrived on US store shelves
WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans have a new sunscreen option for the first time in over 25 years. The FDA approved the chemical ingredient BEMT back in June. It’s now available in products from brands like Neutrogena and others. The ingredient, already popular in Europe, offers broad protection without the cosmetic downsides of older ingredients. Dermatologists say BEMT fills a market gap by providing strong protection from ultraviolet light without leaving white streaks. It also has minimal skin absorption, reducing safety concerns. Unlike some older chemicals, BEMT is stable in sunlight. Experts still recommend reapplying sunscreen regularly and using additional sun protection. (Full story)
