Jeffrey Lindblom

Tracy Laughlin, William long, Gilbert Reyna and Travis Nelson all want to be tried together, but the state wants to sever each case and try them individually. The main issue is whether or not one defendant’s rights could be violated if another defendant testifies against them at a joint trial.

The Citizens Vision Fund Committee is made up of nine members who will work until December on how to dedicate the funds. Then, they'll recommend their findings to City Council, who will make the final decision on how the funds will be allocated within the community.

Last week saw two large snow events that may have negatively impacted driving conditions, but lent a hand to improving this week’s drought monitor.

A marijuana summer study committee has been working on legislation to legalize the adult use of recreational marijuana. It’s an issue that could potentially be back on the ballot for South Dakotans in 2022.

”Went in and got my flu shot, man. Took me about five seconds, in and out. It’s great," says Woodie Cochran, a Hill City Veteran, "everybody ought’ to get one. Who wants to get the flu after all that has gone on? I’ve been tied down for two years in my little cabin in Hill City. Now, I’m out and about. I definitely don’t want to get sick from the flu. I appreciate everybody taking care of us veterans, though, I really do appreciate it.”

In order to meet the requirements for the Vision Fund, an applicant must prove their project meets various community-based requirements.

“I love my family,” says 9-year-old Lydiah, “I wish we never got in a car accident. I’m glad that God was with us, and I’m glad my siblings weren’t hurt very much.”

"It’s part of living here. You know, we need the moisture. It’s just too bad it’s so heavy. Thank God for snow blowers.”

The mountain is looking for all kinds of staff in preparation of the season. They’re holding a job fair November 13th for anyone that is interested.

Kurra says the flu cycle is somewhat predictable, and that it’s common to have two or three years of a quiet flu season. However, what he calls a "raging flu season" tends to follow.

“There’s just a lot of things that contribute to someone losing their life,” says Timm,”but, when you’re living outdoors and when your feet are your only transportation, there’s a higher risk of things going wrong.”

It's completely safe to get a COVID vaccine or booster shot at the same time as a flu shot, according to Dr. Shankar Kurra, Vice President of Monument Health Medical Affairs. He adds that last years flu season hardly had any cases. However, he says that after a quiet one, a worse tends to follow. He recommends everyone get their flu shot.

“You could be sleeping outside. You could be over there. You could be anywhere, or just sit under a bridge where there’s no snow. Cause," says Adrian Black Wolf, a Rapid City homeless man, "I know mostly everybody in here, and we do the same thing.”

Marsy's law requires victim's to be notified. "We [the public] have to have valid driver's license. We have to drive with our seat belts on. If not, we break the law. Does the same not hold true for government officials? It's wrong"

City officials describe the current state of licensing as the homework phase, where people are looking into the documents and filling them out thoroughly before submitting. Adding that it will take time before any applications are approved.

Rapid City is dedicating $295,000 to help the Police Department better handle struggles within the homeless population, an area that the department says 65% of their calls for service involve.

“I want to walk down the halls and know that everybody that I see has the opportunity to be able to have a healthy nutritious meal.”

“Basically, we come up here. Everyone wears some funny costumes and silly outfits. We mix some white paint and water and we push it down the “M.” You slide down on a frisbee and that’s “whitewashing the ‘M,’” says, Senior Allie Gregor, with a smile.

It’s been a warm start to fall, which comes as no surprise as this summer was the second warmest since 1936 during the dust bowl era.

The fire was started by a piece of agricultural equipment that struck a rock, igniting the nearby vegetation. The fire stayed within the vegetation, which is about the best they could have asked for, according to Joe Tjaden, Rapid Valley Fire Chief.

"All the evidence recovered at the scene, video surveillance, multiple interviews with neighbors, coworkers, witnesses... everything’s indicating murder/suicide at this point,” says RCPD Assistant Chief, Scott Sittz.

Back in 2018, 62% of the people in Rapid City who made less than $35,000 lived in unaffordable housing, that’s according to Black Hills Area Community Foundation. They say the City is short 3,500 housing units that cost less than $900 per month. Since the pandemic, they say the need for housing is even more critical.

The bid for the Crisis Stabilization Unit has been awarded and they’re expecting to break ground behind the Care Campus beginning this fall.

They’re paying 50-percent of student tuition for nursing school and are paying a full ride to anyone who wants to become a CNA.

To see skateboarding make it to the level you’re seeing in the Olympics -- these kids have started at such a young age. It just shows that if you put in the time and you can do some amazing things,” says Derrick.

Last year was a busy year for fire crews. With a dryer year this year, the Rapid City Fire Department is taking measures to ensure the public's safety in case of a fire.

Spring is here and that means businesses are hatching up ideas for a new season.