Alena Neves
Anchor/Producer
Rapid City
Alena made her way in the broadcast industry from production assistant with BET News, to general assignment reporter at CTV Community News and then became News Brief Anchor for DCPS (DC Public School) Channel. Skilled at conversing live coupled with her quick wit, Alena entered the spotlight when she became Co-Host of Clear Channel’s “Stacey and Alena on Progressive Talk 1260” and then worked really hard to become Host of WPGC 95.5FM, CBS Radio’s “Alena7’s All Access” where she hosted, edited and produced her own daily video show.
Alena was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and moved to Washington, D.C. after being selected to attend the famed Duke Ellington School of the Arts High School in Georgetown, DC. This youngest daughter of Cape Verdean heritage (African & Portuguese ethnicity), Alena credits her mother for inspiring her to be all that she could be despite any odds. “I have grown to be familiar with a striving through strife mindset because of a strong foundation rooted in family and educational values. These brief but significant attributes have naturally inspired me to become a voice to the voiceless, a beacon of hope to the hopeless and a resource for all others.”
After graduating from Duke Ellington, Alena went on to study Communications and Fine Arts at Howard University. She became Miss DC USA in 1993 representing the nation’s capital in the Miss USA pageant live on CBS from Wichita, Kansas. Alena began acting & working in broadcasting in the late 1990s. After completing her reign as Miss DC USA, she moved to Los Angeles and began snagging roles in the tv business. Alena got her first opportunity to perform when she was cast on the sitcom, “Sister Sister”. Guest work continued in other comedy series like “Between Brothers”, “The Mike Hammer Show” on the TNT network before landing a recurring role on “NYPD BLUE”. While in Los Angeles, Alena became a guest reporter on BET’s popular entertainment show, entitled “Screen Scene”. Alena is the proud mom to twins, Alana and PJ.
The Rapid City Arts Council has announced a special showing of, Zitkala-Ša on Saturday, Nov. 25, that is open to the community.
AJ Wich was just 13 years old when she began writing her debut novel, “The Adventures of Ann Turner” which is garnering a lot of attention around South Dakota.
If you have dreamed of buying your first home or just want to find out what it takes to buy a house, today is your chance to get started by attending the Heritage Home Lending free seminar today at 5:30 p.m. at the First American Title Company off Mount Rushmore.
The Black Hills State University Center for American Indian Studies announced the public release of their documentary “Howasteya Oyuspapi: Capturing Their Good Voices.”
Encouraging all ages of people to care about their spine health and take a step in the right direction for World Spine Day by registering for the Spinal Pain Symposium today starting at 4:30 p.m.
Black Hills Works spotlights access and inclusion for National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Black Hills Works is announcing its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October.
The Bearhead Sisters have come to Rapid City to perform Monday night at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 9, at Main Street Square for Native American Day.
Rapid City’s YMCA's new teen center will be the place for young adults to go after school where they can get help with homework, learn life skills, take up photography and so much more.
Miranda O’Bryan, Miss South Dakota America 2023 takes young readers on a journalism journey to help spark human interest into a whole new world of possibilities.
The South Dakota Poetry Society will sponsor the “Poetry on the Road” project which will consists of a series of monthly poetry readings around the state over the course of a year.
This year’s theme, ‘Remember My Name,’ aims to honor and commemorate the lives lost to suicide while offering support to survivors.
Freedom Lodge is a trauma recovery center created by Dr. Ruby Gibson for the healing and wellness of Indigenous People.
National Yoga Month is the perfect time to explore Chair Yoga and learn about one of the most helpful types of yoga exercises right at your very hands that you can do anywhere you find a place to sit down.
The Rapid City YMCA is celebrating the 75th year anniversary of opening its doors in the heart of the thriving downtown community with a 5k walk and run on Saturday, September 30 called the “5 for 75″ presented by Black Hills Energy.
A summer fun foodie event in the town of Summerset is shutting down for the season with a “September Food Truck Night” celebration at the Summerset City Hall Building on Wednesday, September 5.
Quilts, Quilts and more Quilts will be featured at the 24th Annual Hill City Quilt & Fiber Arts Show & Sale at Hill City High School, 400 Main Street, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturday, September 9, and Sunday, September 10.
The annual Hearts for Habitat Fundraising Dinner and Auction, hosted by Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity, returns in 2023 with renowned actor, Jeff Kingsbury, Development Director of Black Hills Playhouse at the helm.
Like it or not electric cars and hybrids are here to stay.
As part of a community integration program, Monument Health is preparing to debut the Special Rodeo at the Central States Fairgrounds on Saturday, August 26 in hopes of giving individuals with disabilities an opportunity to be a rodeo rock star for the day.
If you want to see her in action attend the Range Days Rodeo shows at the Central States Fair tonight and tomorrow at 7 p.m. or catch Carrissa at the Stock Show or next year's “Days of 76″.
It’s a condition that afflicts 80 million people, with men affected more than women, hair loss.
This year marks the 100th birthday of a longstanding landmark of a beloved educational building in Rapid City. Built-in 1923, Rapid City High School has tested the hands of time and is still in use to this very day.
From “Superhero Sanitarium to Couch Potato”: Homestake announces Acts of “Getting Our Acts Together”
The Homestake Opera House is partnering for the second year in a row with Belle Fourche Community Theatre and the Matthews Opera House to present “Getting Our Acts Together” an evening of one acts.
It’s National Thrift Shop Day and we are celebrating in the studio with The Club for Boys in Rapid City.
The South Dakota Army National Guard Sands of Valor Volleyball tournament is a free event for anyone who wants to participate in a recreational or competitive bracket competition.
Established in 2000, the Ups of Downs Family Support Group provides support, education, and social activities for families of children with Down syndrome.
It’s a program that fosters an innovative, “learn by doing” approach for school-aged kids.
The community is invited to capture a piece of history as the Homestake Opera House rolls out a next phase of renovations that will include a historical look to the opera house.
Test your strength, endurance and bring your guts to the South Dakota Army National Guard 3rd annual Gut-Check Obstacle Challenge.
The Rapid City Arts Council has announced it's bringing back a program to provide performers with opportunities to develop their form and careers through the Emerging Artists Program at the Dahl Arts Center.
In the event you are not the one in 300 million to win the Powerball jackpot then you are probably not any richer than the rest of us lottery hopefuls but saving a few dollars this year could be the next best thing to winning. AARP just released 99 great ways to save, which could make you richer over time than believing in the magic of the lottery. We talked with Neil Wertheimer of AARP Magazine about saving up this year to keep more of your own money.
Created by friends Emily Berry and Brittany Neiles last year, The Rapid City Ladies MTB Rides hopes to provide a welcoming space for female and non-binary riders to connect with other women, gain confidence, and get out on their bikes.
Bruce Burgess Junek, a South Dakota native and author of the dynamic female warrior trilogy series thanks to his latest “A Bright One” released just a month ago.
McGeary says she welcomes the window of opportunity by offering preschoolers piano readiness classes and free music exploration at the Rapid City Public Library this Saturday, July 15 at 11 a.m.
Out of the pandemic came the rise of freelance work, side hustles, and new business owners.
The 9th annual Deadwood 3-Wheeler Rally will be roaring into town for its five-day event at the Deadwood Event Complex starting on Sunday. July 9.
The Black Hills Playhouse has announced its summer hit musical has returned “The Drowsy Chaperone” to a highly anticipated and beloved fanfare.
Owner of Black Hills Adventure Tours, Carrie Gerlach says, “I know it’s disappointing when you were not anticipating rain on your vacation but here in the Black Hills there’s a lot to do.”
Celebrating several milestones in 2023, KOTA Territory’s former anchor Miranda O’Bryan can now add to her list of accomplishments, the title of Miss South Dakota America 2023.
It’s National Coconut Day and who better to celebrate this super-fruit holiday than Tammy Yanders, owner of Staple & Spice Health Food Market in Rapid City.
Join bikers from all over for the annual Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Ch. 3 Poker Run on Saturday, June 24th to benefit Rapid City’s hometown heroes.
Comics from around the country will take the stage between locations, The Blind Lion or The Hay Camp Brewery for The Black Hills Comedy Festival beginning on Thursday, June 22nd that will feature stellar line-up of entertainment.
June is national cancer survivor month and whether you are someone in treatment or remission, the journey is a battle worth celebrating and connecting with other survivors. To date, there are 16.9 million cancer survivors across the country. Cancer survivor and journalist Steve Holzer, along with Head and Neck Surgeon Dr. Mark Urken is raising awareness about the drastic increase of HPV-related head and neck cancer.
The Rapid City Municipal Band presents a free outdoor band concert series, “Rapid City Concert at the Park” at the Memorial Park Bandshell every Wednesday night for the summer starting at 8 p.m.
Get your swords ready and spend some time learning the tricks of the trade of stage combat fighting in a summer adult camp in Rapid City.
The Rapid City Police Department and The Rapid City Fire Department will be coming together for the 18th Annual Guns n Roses Blood Drive beginning on Tuesday, June 20.
Chris Enss’s “An Open Secret” has been catching fire because of the exposure to a familiar way of life for some women back in the wild wild west as prostitution is uncovered in a new book.
An annual event celebrating the history, growth & development of Sturgis and Meade County, “Trails of History” will feature local history, art, a bus tour, demonstrations, and shared stories.
On Saturday, June 17 beginning at 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., the Rapid City Performing Arts Center will host a “Let's Celebrate Freedom Day” commemoration.
Bring plants or plant(y) accessories that no longer bring you joy and swap it for something new!
