South Dakota

Park Ranger programs begin at Badlands National Park

Published

2 years ago

May 30, 2023

Press Room

Park Ranger programs begin at Badlands National Park

A family walks through the alien landscape along the Door Trail in Badlands National Park.

Darsha Dodge, Journal staff

Memorial Day marked the beginning of the summer schedule for park ranger programs at Badlands National Park in South Dakota.

Programs run through Sept. 4; all times listed are Mountain Time.

Fossil Preparation Lab (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily): one of the unique experiences visitors can have at Badlands National Park is a visit to the Fossil Preparation Lab. Badlands is the only National Park where visitors can interact with paleontologists and interns as they process actual specimens found in the park for future research. (Wheelchair accessible).

Geology Walk (8:30 a.m. daily; 45 min.): explore the rock formations at Badlands National Park. Meet at the Door Trailhead at the north end of the Door/Window parking lot, around two miles north of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center on Badlands Loop Road.

Fossil Talk (10:30 a.m. daily; 20 min.): explore what fossils can tell us about ancient life in the Badlands and why they should be protected. Meet at the Fossil Exhibit Trail, approximately five miles northwest of the park headquarters/visitor center on Badlands Loop Road. (Wheelchair accessible).

Junior Ranger Program (10 a.m.; schedule varies): all kids (young and old) are invited to meet at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center for a 30- to 45-minute adventure exploring an exciting aspect of Badlands National Park. It could be a hike, game or other activity. Attendees will receive a Junior Ranger badge after the activity. For more information, visit nps.gov.

Evening Program (Daily; May 27 to July 31 at 9 p.m.; Aug. to Sept. at 8:30 p.m.): join a park ranger for a 35-minute presentation at the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater. A weekly listing of program talks is available at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, Cedar Pass Lodge and Cedar Pass Campground kiosk. (Wheelchair accessible).

Night Sky Program (Daily; May 27 to July 31 at 9:45 p.m.; Aug. to Sept. at 9:15 p.m.): view the spectacular night sky through a variety of telescopes or bring your own binoculars. NPS night sky staff will help visitors locate and identify stars, constellations, planets and other objects. (Wheelchair accessible).

The National Park Service advises visitors to bring sunscreen, plenty of water, sturdy shoes or boots, and a hat for most programs.

Contact Darsha at ddodge@rapidcityjournal.com

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South Dakota

Bat tests positive for rabies at Great Plains Zoo

Published

16 hours ago

May 16, 2025

Press Room

Bat tests positive for rabies at Great Plains Zoo

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.

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South Dakota

Obituary for Bobby Joachim at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home

Published

1 day ago

May 16, 2025

Press Room

Obituary for Bobby Joachim at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home

RAPID CITY – Bobby Bob Joachim, 70, of Rapid City, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, and beloved Papa, Bobby was cherished by all who knew him for his warm heart, steady presence, and unwavering love for

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South Dakota

Minnesota man killed in Sioux Falls on-ramp crash identified

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2025

Press Room

Minnesota man killed in Sioux Falls on-ramp crash identified

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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