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🌱 What the new county library funding means for Rapid City readers
Good morning Rapid City! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- What the new county library funding means for Rapid City readers
- How would Dusty Johnson’s ‘Strong Schools’ plan change Rapid City classrooms?
- Where and when Angel Tree gifts are handed out in Rapid City
Also on today's calendar: Free Pinball Fridays | Hay Camp Brewing Rapid City... and 5 more events.
📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Rapid City? Post it to Rapid City photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️
Today's riddle: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: Very windy; showers around, with a high of 61 and low of 20 degrees.
- Thursday: Very windy in the morning, temps: high: 37, low: 26.
- Friday: Strong winds; rather cloudy, with a high of 64 and low of 31 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Rapid City officials commend Pennington County for library funding vote (kbhbradio.com) — Rapid City residents can expect county-funded access to the public library in 2026 after Pennington County commissioners approved $320,000 for services. The funding keeps Sunday hours and avoids new user fees for county taxpayers, though some collections and services will still be trimmed. City officials praised commissioners for listening to public feedback before voting 4–1. 
2. Rep. Dusty Johnson wants to improve South Dakota education through 'Strong Schools' Plan (kotatv.com) — A new ‘Strong Schools’ education plan unveiled in Rapid City could reshape how South Dakota funds K‑12 and measures student success, with direct implications for Rapid City Area Schools. Rep. Dusty Johnson outlines proposals to prioritize education spending, boost reading and math scores, and expand skilled trades, while the Noem‑Rhoden administration pushes back, citing budget limits and existing reforms.
3. Salvation Army's Angel Tree to deliver gifts to nearly 2,000 children in KOTA Territory (kotatv.com) — Families in Rapid City can still pick up Salvation Army Angel Tree gifts and Christmas food boxes at Uptown Mall on Wednesday and Thursday, helping nearly 2,000 local children enjoy the holiday. Volunteers say community generosity is crucial this year as economic pressures keep demand high across the Black Hills.
4. Check out this week's South Dakota Power 5 basketball poll (rapidcityjournal.com) — Rapid City hoops fans can see how Stevens and other West River teams stack up in this week’s statewide Power 5 basketball poll after the Raiders opened with a win over Douglas. The rundown highlights Maĥpíya Lúta’s rise to No. 1 in Class A and showcases several familiar regional programs and standout players.
5. Santa delivers early Christmas cheer to Rapid City child care center (kotatv.com) — Young children at Youth and Family Services’ Child Development Center in Rapid City got an early visit from Santa, who arrived with 185 gifts and candy canes. For the 19th year, Santa and Mrs. Claus brought cheer to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers at the East Adams Street site, with support from First American Title Company employees. More Santa coverage is promised on Christmas Eve.
📸 Around Rapid City
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓
Upcoming Events in
Rapid City
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
-
NYE Coco Loco Cabaret Show
707 Sports Bar & Nightlife · Rapid City, SD, Rapid City
7:00 pm
Wednesday December 17
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
-
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
9:30 am -
Little Explorers
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
11:00 am -
Chapter Chat Book Club
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
6:00 pm -
Stevens HS – Band
Stevens High School Theatre
7:00 pm -
Level Up! Teen Gaming Night
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
3:30 pm -
Free Pinball Fridays | Hay Camp Brewing Rapid City...
Hay Camp Brewing Company · Rapid City , SD , Rapid City
4:00 pm -
Tahoe Knight Monsters at Rapid City Rush
The Monument · Rapid City , SD , Rapid City
7:05 pm
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
📣 Rapid City Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
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Lunch and Learn
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
12:00 pm -
Library Dice Legion
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Hoyt Room
5:00 pm -
Practical Making
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
5:30 pm -
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
9:30 am
Wednesday December 17
Thursday December 18
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Saturday hot chocolate at the Copperfield light show went great!
We will be doing it this Friday and Saturday night as well! (Nextdoor Copperfield) - Does anyone happen to have crutches we can borrow?
My husband sprained his ankle pretty good and needs to be able to get around. He is around 6 ft tall, so taller crutches would be helpful. Thanks in… (Nextdoor West Rapid City)
- Golden Corral posted a job opening for Meat Cutter in Rapid City. Apply here.
- Wal-Mart posted a job opening for Maintenance Custodian Associate in Rapid City. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Rapid City here.
Ok Rapid City! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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