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January 25, 2025
WE MARCH!

#wemarch for #humanity
January 24, 2025 at 4:01 AM
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Residents are voicing serious concerns about a proposed telecommunications tower in Pennington County, particularly regarding access agreements and potential health risks from radio frequencies.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #PenningtonCountyResidents #CommunityEngagement
Resident Kelly Jensen raises access agreement concerns at Big Bend property meeting
Kelly Jensen reveals lack of commercial access agreement affecting his property near tower.
citizenportal.ai
July 29, 2025 at 3:06 PM
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The debate over Rapid City Public Library's funding could shape the future of vital services for county residents—will commissioners restore the full $373,000 request or stick to the reduced levy?

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #CommunityFunding #PublicLibraries
Board debates Rapid City Public Library funding as part of 2027 budget discussions
Commissioners reopened outside‑agency funding in the 2027 provisional budget, debating whether to restore Rapid City Public Library funding toward the library's $373k request or maintain the reduced levy‑supported amount; commissioners asked the library for a detailed breakdown of services that would be cut at lower funding levels.
citizenportal.ai
September 12, 2026 at 3:32 PM
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Pennington County is shifting gears on renewable energy, directing staff to limit utility-scale wind and solar projects to industrial zones after an emotional public hearing revealed deep divides in the community.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #RenewableEnergy #CommunityInvolvement
After heated public hearing, Pennington County directs staff to steer utility‑scale solar and wind toward industrial zones
Following several hours of public testimony for and against utility‑scale renewable projects, the Pennington County Commission voted 3–2 to direct staff to draft ordinance language that would restrict utility‑scale wind and solar to industrial zoning districts and continued the ordinance’s first reading to January for a staff redraft.
citizenportal.ai
December 25, 2025 at 9:11 AM
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Developer Russell Johnson's ambitious plan to exceed 40 homes in Palmer Gulch faces fierce opposition from neighbors concerned about safety and access.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #EmergencyAccess #PublicSafety
Neighbors oppose Palmer Gulch developer’s plan to exceed 40 homes; commission grants continuance
A proposed variance that would allow more than 40 dwellings on a dead-end road in the Palmer Gulch area prompted hours of testimony. Developer Russell Johnson offered to create and maintain an emergency egress corridor; neighbors and the state’s attorney raised legal and safety concerns. The board continued the matter to May 19 to allow the applicant to pursue a recorded easement and other mitigations.
citizenportal.ai
April 9, 2026 at 1:11 AM
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Firefighters battling the First Thunder Wildfire south of #RapidCity made “a good handle” on the blaze Tuesday night, according to a social media update from the #PenningtonCounty Sheriff’s office. www.keloland.com/news/local-n... - keloland

#FirstThunderFire #SDFire #SDwx
'A good handle': Progress on First Thunder fire
SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) — Firefighters battling the First Thunder Wildfire south of Rapid City made “a good handle” on the blaze Tuesday night, according to a social media update …
www.keloland.com
September 4, 2024 at 9:31 PM
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Get ready for a spectacular celebration as the 81st Central States Fair returns to Rapid City with thrilling events, live music, and enhanced safety measures!

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityEvents #PenningtonCountyFair #CulturalEconomy
Commission proclaims Aug. 21–29 as 81st Central States Fair; fair managers outline lineup
The board issued an executive proclamation recognizing the 81st Central States Fair and heard from fair managers about event schedules, new lighting and a planned fireworks show for America's 250th anniversary.
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September 12, 2026 at 6:40 PM
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Sheriff Brian Mueller is shaking up the budget by proposing reductions that aim to lower tax support while keeping essential services intact—what's his strategy?

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #BudgetAccountability #PublicSafety #PenningtonCountySheriff
Sheriff proposes multiple staffing and budget adjustments; commission approves several reductions
Sheriff Brian Mueller proposed reallocating Title III funds, removing a PIO position and unfunding two deputy positions (to be addressed through attrition and city cost‑sharing); the board approved motions aiming to reduce tax support while preserving services.
citizenportal.ai
September 12, 2026 at 3:34 PM
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Pennington County's registrar reveals a staggering $483 million in unrecorded documents due to a recent cyber attack, leaving the office scrambling to catch up amidst a seven-week backlog.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #PenningtonCountyRegistrar #CybersecurityIssues
Register of Deeds reports seven‑week backlog, $483M in records unrecorded after cyber incident
Registrar Audra Castile told commissioners a cyber incident left the office with seven weeks of unrecorded documents, including roughly $272.4M in mortgages and $211.3M in deed transfers; staff say recovery depends on a software vendor and improved interdepartmental communications.
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September 12, 2026 at 3:17 PM
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Pennington County has officially adopted a controversial new tax that could reshape the local economy and shift the financial burden from property to sales.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CommunityInvolvement #CitizenPortal #TaxReform #FiscalTransparency #PenningtonCountyTaxes
Pennington County adopts Ordinance 796 to impose county gross receipts and use tax
County commissioners gave second reading and adopted Ordinance 796, a county gross receipts/use tax. State's Attorney noted neighboring Mead County removed an administrative fee provision; commissioners voted in favor on final adoption.
citizenportal.ai
September 4, 2026 at 8:56 AM
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Residents of Pennington County are rallying for hand-counted ballots, arguing it could save money and enhance election transparency—will their voices be heard?

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #ElectionTransparency #CivicEngagement #PublicParticipation
Dozens of Pennington County residents urge hand counts at commissioners meeting
More than a dozen public commenters told the Pennington County board they had organized precinct volunteers and believe a hand count would improve transparency; volunteers submitted lists and raised cost comparisons with contracted tabulation.
citizenportal.ai
September 4, 2026 at 8:53 AM
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Pennington County's Board of Commissioners sticks with tabulators for the upcoming runoff despite public outcry for hand counting, leaving many residents frustrated and divided.

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Pennington County keeps tabulator plan after attempt to rescind 100% audit fails
After days of public comment urging a 100% hand count, the board voted down a motion to rescind its July 7 direction and declined to adopt a full post‑election hand count for the upcoming runoff, citing state legal limits and staff capacity concerns.
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September 4, 2026 at 8:51 AM
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Pennington County is gearing up to enhance firefighter safety with a new grant application while navigating increased fire restrictions on federal lands.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #FirePrevention #CommunitySupport
Pennington County to apply for volunteer firefighter PPE grant; fire restrictions expanded on federal lands
Fire administration requested authority to apply for a South Dakota volunteer firefighter PPE grant (not to exceed $3,700) and reported stage 1/2 fire restrictions now in effect on large federal tracts; commissioners authorized the grant application and acknowledged added web guidance.
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September 4, 2026 at 8:57 AM
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A 125-foot monopine telecommunications tower is set to rise near Rushmore Cave, but controversy brews over road maintenance commitments.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #CommunityAccess #InfrastructureDevelopment #TelecomExpansion #PenningtonCountyTelecommunications
Commission approves 125-foot monopine tower near Rushmore Cave after applicant pledges limited road work
The commission approved COTC26-0002, a 125-foot monopine telecommunications tower with variances previously granted by the county, after the applicant’s representative said the company will construct and maintain the road segment needed for build access but disputed claims it agreed to maintain the entire Battle View Road.
citizenportal.ai
September 4, 2026 at 3:40 AM
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Mariah Cranny claims U.S. election infrastructure is vulnerable to foreign interference and urges a shift to hand-counted ballots, sparking a heated debate at the Pennington County Board.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #PenningtonCountyElections
Mariah Cranny tells commissioners election systems are 'compromised,' objects to certification
Mariah Cranny addressed the Pennington County commissioners during public comment, alleging recent intelligence reports show foreign actors and non-state groups can compromise U.S. election systems; she said she objected to certification and called for hand-counted paper ballots. The board certified the canvas by voice vote.
citizenportal.ai
September 3, 2026 at 6:04 AM
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Pennington County's commissioners have sparked a heated debate by deciding to use electronic tabulators for the upcoming runoff while leaving the door open for a full hand count—if legal hurdles are cleared!

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #ElectionTransparency
County to use machines for July 28 runoff; commissioners authorize full post‑election hand count only if legally allowed
After hours of public testimony urging precinct hand counts, Pennington County commissioners voted 3–2 to use existing tabulators for the July 28 gubernatorial runoff and to pursue a 100% post‑election hand count only if legal counsel and state authorities clear it.
citizenportal.ai
August 26, 2026 at 6:57 AM
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Pennington County is racing against the clock to secure emergency medical services after Rapid City Fire warned they might pull ambulance coverage from unincorporated areas by 2026!

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #HealthcareAccess #RuralSafety #CitizenPortal #PenningtonCountyEMS
Pennington County begins planning funding options after Rapid City warns it may stop rural ambulance coverage
After Rapid City warned that, without contracts, it may cease ambulance responses to some unincorporated areas after 12/31/2026, the commission authorized staff to open talks on ambulance districts, levies and stopgap funding and to send a formal county letter requesting cooperation.
citizenportal.ai
August 26, 2026 at 6:58 AM
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Pennington County is on the brink of imposing a controversial 0.5% sales tax aimed at easing property taxes, but concerns about its permanence and impact on homeowners are raising eyebrows.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #FiscalAccountability #PenningtonCountyPropertyTax
Commission approves second reading for 0.5% county sales tax intended to offset owner‑occupied property taxes
On a first reading commissioners approved scheduling a July 21 second reading of an ordinance to impose a county 0.5% sales and use tax under SB96 to provide targeted owner‑occupied property‑tax relief; public speakers and several commissioners debated permanence, distribution, and revenue estimates.
citizenportal.ai
August 26, 2026 at 6:59 AM
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Pennington County is on the brink of a major jail transformation, with plans for a $3.9 million tech upgrade and a potential $183 million expansion!

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CommunityEngagement #PenningtonCountyJailExpansion #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #JusticeReform
Sheriff seeks DOJ funding that could cover major jail expansion; commissioners approve COPS technology paperwork
Sheriff Brian Mueller said Pennington County must pursue federal grant opportunities to address chronic jail capacity; the board approved submitting documents for a $3.9 million COPS technology award and authorized moving ahead with a larger DOJ grant application that could request up to roughly $183 million toward expansion.
citizenportal.ai
August 26, 2026 at 6:55 AM
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As budget season kicks off in Pennington County, commissioners are faced with tough decisions on funding requests from the Rapid City Public Library, health agencies, and the Central States Fair.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #PenningtonCountyFinance #CitizenPortal #CommunityResources
Commissioners hear library, health and fair funding requests as budget season opens
Finance staff previewed post-provisional budgets and multiple outside-agency requests; commissioners asked for clearer revenue breakdowns, CPI/growth scenarios and asked library and fair representatives to return with firm, itemized requests before final budget votes.
citizenportal.ai
August 21, 2026 at 4:51 AM
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Pennington County faces a staggering backlog of over $272 million in unrecorded mortgages due to a recent cyber incident, jeopardizing real estate transactions and public access to vital services.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #GovernmentTransparency #PublicAccess
County register warns seven-week backlog in recordings after cyber incident
Audrey Castile, Pennington County Register, told commissioners the office remains days-to-weeks behind after a cyber incident, leaving millions of dollars of mortgages and deeds unrecorded and prompting requests for vendor access, overtime and coordination to restore public services.
citizenportal.ai
August 21, 2026 at 4:46 AM
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In a controversial decision, commissioners have denied a variance that would have increased housing on a dead-end road, prioritizing fire safety and emergency access over development.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #InfrastructurePlanning #CitizenPortal #PenningtonCountyHousing
Commissioners deny variance that would add housing off Schroeder Road, citing fire-safety concerns
The board denied a variance request (COVA 26-0017) that would have allowed more than 49 units on a dead-end road after staff and the fire department warned the proposed increase would worsen emergency access and contravene the county's density safeguards.
citizenportal.ai
August 8, 2026 at 8:00 PM
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A cyber incident has thrown Pennington County's services into disarray, forcing staff to manually process motor-vehicle transactions while real-estate systems remain offline.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #CyberSecurity #GovernmentTransparency
Pennington County treasurer says cyber incident still disrupting real-estate services; motor-vehicle transactions handled manually
Treasurer Annette Grant told commissioners a county cyber incident has left real-estate and some county programs offline, forcing manual processing for motor-vehicle customers and causing delays for about 400 daily visitors; staff prioritized restoring real-estate services but reported no ETA.
citizenportal.ai
August 8, 2026 at 7:53 PM
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Pennington County's latest zoning debate on alternative energy is heating up as commissioners clash over the future of wind and solar projects in industrial zones!

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #AgriculturalProtection #ZoningReform #CitizenPortal #RenewableEnergy
Commissioners take up second reading of alternative-energy zoning ordinance; debate over industrial zoning and decommissioning funds
The board considered second reading of Ordinance OAA25-16 to amend Section 3.17 (alternative energy) of the Pennington County Zoning Ordinance. Amendments added an infrasound definition and stricter decommissioning-fund requirements; commissioners split on whether industrial zones should be required for wind/solar projects.
citizenportal.ai
August 8, 2026 at 7:54 PM
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In a heated debate, Pennington County commissioners took a pivotal step towards addressing diminishing ambulance coverage by directing their Emergency Management Office to lead a regional planning effort with Box Elder—will this partnership save lives?

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Commissioners direct Emergency Management to coordinate regional ambulance planning after debate over grant partnership
After debate over a Box Elder-led grant and concerns about transparency, the board directed the Pennington County Emergency Management Office to serve as lead coordinator for regional EMS and ambulance planning in coordination with Box Elder, Rapid City and other jurisdictions; the motion passed with one commissioner opposed.
citizenportal.ai
August 8, 2026 at 7:55 PM