If you’ve stepped outside today, you already know the wind is trying to blow the Black Hills halfway to Minnesota. It’s wild. Between the literal 60 mph gusts and a massive vote coming up on Tuesday, there is a ton of breaking news Rapid City SD residents are trying to parse through right now. Honestly, it’s one of those weeks where the local grapevine is humming louder than the turbines out by the airport.
We’ve got a mix of high-stakes local politics, weather warnings that actually matter, and some somber community news that has people talking at the coffee shops.
The Winds and the Roads: Current Safety Alerts
The National Weather Service didn't stutter with this one. We are currently under a High Wind Warning that stays in effect until 4:00 PM today, Sunday, January 18. We are looking at sustained winds that could hit 40 mph, with gusts reaching up to 60 mph. It’s not just a "hold onto your hat" kind of day; it’s a "watch out for your neighbor's trampoline" kind of day.
If you’re driving a high-profile vehicle—think semis or even just a tall SUV—I-90 is going to be a nightmare. We’ve already seen reports of power outages popping up sporadically across the Black Hills because of downed branches.
- Wind Peak: Expect the strongest hits through the early afternoon.
- Snow Potential: There’s a chance of snow showers tonight. It won't be much accumulation, but with this wind, visibility will be garbage.
- Road Status: Keep an eye on the SD511 map. As of this morning, things are open, but that can change if a trailer tips.
The Tuesday Vote: Why Everyone Is Arguing About the "Destination District"
Basically, the biggest story in town right now isn't the weather; it’s the January 20 special election. You’ve probably seen the yard signs. They are everywhere.
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At the heart of the debate is a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district proposed for a new "Destination District" north of I-90. Mayor Jason Salamun has been very vocal about this, recently appearing on the Meeting With the Mayor podcast to clear the air. He’s pushing back against the idea that this is just "giving away public money."
According to the city, the TIF is designed to use future tax revenue from the project to pay for the infrastructure—stuff like roads and sewers—that the project needs to exist in the first place. The opposition? They aren't buying it. There’s a real fear among some locals that this is a handout to private developers while the rest of us deal with rising property taxes.
It’s getting heated. Both sides are digging in, but the real message from City Hall is simple: just show up and vote on Tuesday. Turnout for special elections in Rapid is notoriously low, so a few hundred votes could literally decide the future of the city’s northern expansion.
Remembering Mayor Don Barnett
We also lost a titan this week. Former Mayor Don Barnett passed away, and the news has hit the community hard. If you didn't grow up here, you might not realize just how much he did for this place. He was the mayor during the 1972 Black Hills Flood, which is the defining moment in Rapid City’s history.
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Barnett was the guy who had to lead the city through the aftermath of 238 deaths. He was instrumental in creating the greenway—that big stretch of parks along Rapid Creek. Without him, we’d probably still have houses in the flood zone. Instead, we have Memorial Park and the bike paths. His legacy is quite literally the ground we walk on.
What’s New on the Menu?
On a lighter note, if you’re looking to escape the wind, Restaurant Week is officially in full swing. It started on the 15th and runs through the 25th. If you haven't checked the Visit Rapid City app yet, you're missing out on some decent deals.
- Bokujō Ramen is doing a Bison Curry Ramen for $16. It’s heavy, spicy, and exactly what you want when it’s 20 degrees outside.
- Dakotah Steakhouse and Delmonico Grill have their usual prix-fixe menus, which are great if you want the "fancy" experience without the $100 price tag.
- Cohort Craft Brewing is doing BOGO specialty sours.
Honestly, the local food scene has been one of the few things consistently growing here over the last two years. It’s worth supporting these spots before the tourist season hits and you can't get a table anywhere.
Beyond the City Limits: Regional Tension
There is some weirdness happening out toward the reservation and into the Twin Cities that’s filtering back here. Oglala Sioux Tribal President Frank Star Comes Out recently had to walk back some claims about federal immigration agents arresting tribal members in Minneapolis.
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Initially, there was a lot of talk about "treaty violations" and ICE targeting tribal citizens. The Department of Homeland Security denied the whole thing, saying they couldn't find any record of these specific arrests. It highlights the ongoing tension between the tribes and the federal government, especially with the current political climate. It's something to watch, as these tensions often spill over into local policy and protests right here in Rapid.
Actionable Steps for Residents
If you're trying to keep up with the breaking news Rapid City SD is throwing at us today, here is what you actually need to do:
- Secure your gear: If you have patio furniture out, move it. These 60 mph gusts aren't a joke.
- Verify your polling place: If you’re a registered voter, Tuesday is the day. Don't let someone else decide how your tax dollars get spent on the Destination District.
- Check the forecast before Monday morning: The wind is supposed to die down by 4:00 PM today, but the drop in temperature tonight might lead to some slick spots for the Monday commute.
- Support local: Use the Restaurant Week deals. It’s the slowest time of year for these businesses, and a lot of them are still feeling the squeeze from utility hikes.
Stay safe out there. The Black Hills are beautiful, but they sure can be moody in January.