South Dakota
1000 Thank You’s to those who keep our community safe
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – While many of us will be watching fireworks and grilling outside this Fourth of July, one group wants us to remember those working to keep everyone in our community safe.
An officer of the law is never “off duty.”
During the summer months, officers are putting in extra hours to respond to the increase in calls. With the Fourth of July holiday and the large number of visitors to the Black Hills, their work is constant.
“This time of year is very busy for our law enforcement agencies, and while many people are off flipping burgers, our folks will be working, and that’s what we do,” said Don Hedrick, the Chief of Police for the Rapid City Police Department.
As a way to thank law enforcement for all they do for the community, South Dakota Strong printed 1,000-yard signs thanking law enforcement for keeping people safe.
”It’s very humbling. Yesterday I took a drive up Mount Rushmore Road and saw an outpouring of support for law enforcement with signage, really, our folks see that, they appreciate it, and we work every single day to maintain the trust of the community, and it’s something that we take very seriously here in our county and in our city,” Hedrick said.
This is the second year for South Dakota Strong, which has grown in participation with double the number of signs posted, boosting the spirits of law enforcement.
”I had an opportunity to visit with a few staff this morning, and they just talked about the impact when they’re driving to work and they’re seeing these signs in their neighbor’s yards, they’re stopping at local businesses, and the signs are hanging in the windows. It means a lot to all of our staff, and it’s truly part of why all of us choose to do this work in this beautiful county,” Brian Mueller, the Pennington County Sherriff, said.
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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – According to the South Dakota Department of Health, the Great Plains Zoo reported that a bat on its campus has tested positive for rabies.
The bat was reportedly found between the pollinator garden and the farm just before noon on May 9.
“No guests were known to have contact with the bat. Zoo animals, veterinary team members, and designated animal care staff are routinely vaccinated against rabies. There is no concern for the staff members who captured or handled the animals that were infected,” said GPZ veterinarian, Dr. Jenny Clementson.
The bat has since been removed by animal care staff.
Those who believe they may have been in contact with the bat are asked to contact the South Dakota Department of Health.
More information about rabies can be found on the Department of Health website.
Copyright 2025 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.
SIOUX FALLS — A Minnesota man killed after a crash on a Sioux Falls Interstate on-ramp has been identified by authorities.
The crash occurred shortly after 6 p.m. Sunday, May 11, on the 12th Street on-ramp to Interstate 29 northbound on the west side of Sioux Falls.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol said 44-year-old Derek Berry, of Zumbrota, Minnesota, was operating a Suzuki motorcycle when he entered the on-ramp to the northbound lanes of Interstate 29 at 12th Street, which features a sharp curve.
Troopers say Berry lost control of his bike on the curve and struck concrete barriers on both the east and west sides of the on-ramp, causing him to separate from his motorcycle.
Berry was taken to a Sioux Falls hospital where he died of his injuries.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash, though traffic was impacted for some time.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.
A South Dakota native, Hunter joined Forum Communications as a reporter for the Mitchell (S.D.) Republic in June 2021 and now works as a digital reporter for Forum News Service.
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