May 19, 2012
Home Ownership Rate
 
April 12, 2012
Rapid City School Board Budget Discussion Resources

The Rapid City School Board is negotiating the 2012-2012 school year budget and the $4 Million budget cuts. Use this resource guide to get background information and provide feedback at the citizen meetings about the proposed budget and cuts.

 School Board Budgets & Proposed Cuts

Proposed 2012-2013 Budget-April 5, 2012 Board Meeting

2012-2013 Budget Reduction Ideas

March 30, 2012
Deadline Approaching for Square Granite Carving Project

The deadline for artists to submit their applications to carve the granite spires at Main Street Square is Apr. 17.

The deadline for artists to submit their applications to carve the granite spires at Main Street Square is Apr. 17. From this pool, semi-finalists will be chosen with a winner of the $2 million project chosen from them.  To read the full article from the Rapid City Journal, click here.

March 29, 2012
Household Income Disparities Greatest in Rapid City

Median household income differences are greatest in the Rapid City metropolitan area compared to more rural parts of the Black Hills. A new interactive map allows users to view this data by census tract.

Median household income differences are greatest in the Rapid City metropolitan area, compared to more rural parts of the Black Hills. As depicted in this interactive map, data from the 2010 U.S. Census reveals that the region's highest income tracts are on the south and western sides of the Rapid City metro area. The lowest income areas are to the north and east of downtown and on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. This data aligns with national studies of income inequality that show that income differences are highest in urban areas. 

February 12, 2012
Black Hills Corp. Announces Growth in 2011 Income

Overcoming a rough start to the year, Black Hills Corp. increased earnings 6 percent per share in 2011, compared to 2010.

Growth in demand and earnings in its electric and gas utilitiy operations helped Black Hills Corporation increase earnings per share to $1.92, up 6 percent from $1.81 in 2010. The company's full year and fourth quarter results press release is available here. The company has posted an Investor Presentation webcast on its website.

February 11, 2012
US Rep. Noem Listens to VA Healthcare Updates & Concerns

Noem gathers information, promises to work hard.

Noem will work 'shoulder-to-shoulder' with VA Black Hills Health Care System as they move forward in struggle to keep services in Hot Springs.

Read full article in Rapid City Journal.

Follow local Veterans Affairs HERE.

January 12, 2012
Work Force Initiative to Aid Career Preparation, Attract Families

Governor's initiative hopes to recruit 1,000 skilled workers to South Dakota.

To train and attract skilled workers, Governor Dennis Daugaard proposed a multi-faceted initiative to address the state's work force shortage. The program, dubbed South Dakota Wins, focuses on four key areas: K-12 education, technical training, rural health and workforce training.

January 11, 2012
Rapid City Economic Development Links and Help

This resource page is dedicated to the economic development occuirng in Rapid City.  The city and its officials are constantly looking for new ideas and strategies to bring in and keep businesses in the Rapid area.

http://www.rapiddevelopment.com/

This link will show what Rapid City has to offer to new businesses and also what the city is doing to bring in new businesses to the area.

January 9, 2012
SDSU Extension Embraces New Look

One year later, South Dakota Cooperative Extension is leaner and more efficient.

One year ago Barry Dunn was tasked with converting South Dakota Cooperative Extension service into leaner, more efficient organization.  It's been a year of "tough times".

Read full article in Rapid City Journal. 

More education items HERE

November 28, 2011
School District Invites Public Comment on Proposed Budget Cuts

Possible cuts include some extracurricular activities, Reading Recovery, reductions in band and orchestra, counseling services and more. Budget issues could also affect staff salaries.

November 22, 2011
In Budget Bind, Schools Consider Cutting Classes

Parents seeking challenges for students may need to look elsewhere.

Talented and Gifted (TAG) program on list of suggested classes to cut.  Read full article in Rapid City Journal.

Read about more possible school budget cuts HERE.

November 22, 2011
State of School Address - LIVE CHAT

Listen LIVE - Dr. Mitchell's State of Schools Address.

Listen live, 11:30 today November 22, 2011.  Read print Q & A at Rapid City Journal.

See related video at Rapid City Journal.

More school budget stories HERE.

November 14, 2011
Hurdles in President's Plaza Construction Still Remain

Despite the passage of the TIF restriction removal by the City Council, there are many hurdles that remain before a groundbreaking can happen with the President's Plaza.

Despite the passage of the TIF restriction removal by the City Council, there are many hurdles that remain before a groundbreaking can happen with the President's Plaza.  None of the hurdles are insurmountable and there are things that can be done should something not work out.  To read the full article from the Rapid City Journal, click here.

November 2, 2011
School Program Cuts Inevitable, says Superintendent

Facing a budget cut of nearly $8 million, Rapid City Area Schools administrators are looking for areas to make cuts in while still providing a good education.

Facing a budget cut of nearly $8 million, Rapid City Area Schools administrators are looking for areas to make cuts in while still providing a good education. It could mean schedule changes, less bus amenities, or others.  For more this article from the Rapid City Journal, please click here.

October 25, 2011
Superintendent presents"Ideas" for school budget cuts

Ideas for school budget cuts-4 million dollars worth.

Superintendent Mitchell presents list of 'ideas' for reducing budget by $4 million. 

Read full article and find out what items are on the list on RCPL diigo HERE.

October 23, 2011
Land Use Sustainability

Sustainability Education Resource List

List of links to pertinent and educational sites

Resources

List of sites that provide tools and guidance to cities looking to go green

October 18, 2011
Update: Black Hills Power Hearing Begins - Rapid City

The Public Utilities hearing on the Black Hills Power and Light request for a rate increase has begun in Pierre. Click here for information about listening live to the hearings. For continued information on the case click here.

October 9, 2011
Curriculum Resources: School Gardening

School gardening programs and curriculum.

School gardening programs and curriculum. List includes some that can be used with troubled youth.

October 9, 2011
Curriculum Resources: Varied Progams

List of resources for developing youth environmental, sustainability programs.

List of resources for devleoping youth programs on recycling, tree planting, sustainability, and more.

October 9, 2011
Funding Resources

Resources for grants and awards for environmental education.

Use the following resources to help find funding for environmental education programs in K-12 schools and beyond.

October 9, 2011
Information on Standards

Resources for green education curriculum standards.

List of resources on standards to use when developing sustainability curriculum.

September 29, 2011
Four-Year Terms Being Considered by Rapid City Council

The Rapid City Council is considering lengthening the term limits of the mayor and aldermen from two years to four years. 

June 29, 2011
City council may adopt Vision 2012 timeline

The Rushmore Plaza Civic Center energy plant, Main Street Square and Rapid City Regional Airport terminal expansion would move to the top of the list for Vision 2012 dollars under a proposed timeline for funding. The Rapid City Council, meeting as the Vision 2012 committee, will consider the recommended timeline at a special meeting 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. for more information click here.

June 29, 2011
Roosevelt field house fate could hinge on operating costs

A $4.88 million indoor recreational facility being proposed by the city Parks & Recreation Department could require an annual subsidy of $50,000 to $150,000 to cover ongoing operational costs.

Proponents are confident the additional cost to the city will be paid back in increased access to recreational opportunities, which they say are just as important as other city-funded programs to the quality of life in Rapid City

Read more HERE

June 29, 2011
Update: Vision 2012

The 2012 Citizens Committee has released th list of projects they recomend to get 2012 funding. The recommendation now go to the city council for consideration. To see this list and a list of all requested projects click here.