It’s that time of year again, Houston, when the weather is downright relentless and we have to escape. But don't despair: There are many cool, clear, refreshing lakes, rivers, and spring-fed pools to enjoy right here in this beautiful state of ours.
KNBN NewsCenter1
An increased amount of travelers has the Black Hills travel industry optimistic for a strong tourism season.
June 15, 2021
RAPID CITY, S.D. The summer season equals tourism season in the Black Hills.
“Saw some prairie dogs, saw more bison than I ever imaged that I would and after a while, it’s like ‘oh bison, like it’s just like seeing a dog’,” said Mary Blum, from North Carolina.
In getting to western South Dakota this time of year, Rapid City Regional Airport welcomes travelers with open arms, especially in the wake of a pandemic year.
“In terms of our loads, we’ve definitely seen a pick up,” said Patrick Dame, the Executive Director for the Rapid City Regional Airport. “We’ll find out in the next couple weeks here in terms of how may went. June is definitely looking strong already for us and I think the rest of the summer is going to show more of the same.”
KNBN NewsCenter1
May 13, 2021
Photo courtesy of the Interior Volunteer Fire Department
HOT SPRINGS, S.D. The South Dakota Wildland Fire Division will hold an annual fire aviation certification for the South Dakota National Guard’s aviation unit on Friday, May 14 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Angostura Reservior.
“This is a great way to practice what is an important partnership,” said Craig Price, Cabinet Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. “National Guard helicopters can be another important resource in fighting different kinds of fires.”
Crews are tested on fire aviation procedures – including dipping water from a source with buckets and live training for ground personnel – as part of their yearly certification for the USDA and Dept. of Interior, which allows them to respond to wildland fires on federal lands.
Southern Airways Express flies to El Dorado, Hot Springs and Harrison.
Southern Airways Express announced Tuesday that it has added Friday and Sunday flights connecting the El Dorado, Harrison and Hot Springs airports, as well as making Memphis a connecting hub for the Hot Springs airport in June.
The El Dorado and Harrison airports already have Memphis service.
Southern has held the Essential Air Service contracts for those airports in Arkansas since 2016. The EAS is a federal program that subsidizes smaller carriers so they can profitably offer a minimal level of scheduled air service to smaller communities.
Arkansas Business first reported on the company s plans for the intra-Arkansas flights a few weeks ago. Fares for those start at $59.