RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Rapid City Council approved a controversial funding measure for a new sports complex Monday night, dedicating $5 million in surplus Vision Funds to the project. In a 7-2 vote the council passed Resolution 2025-077, which amends the Vision Fund’s five-year plan. The move was requested by Mayor Jason Salamun during a press conference on June 24 ^th. The funds will go to the proposed multi-purpose Sports Complex, which is planned to be built on land donated by the Lien family.

Supporters, including the Rapid City Sports Commission and Visit Rapid City, stated the facility is a necessary investment to keep the city’s youth sports scene competitive.

“We often get compared to Sioux Falls, but there’s regional communities such as Gillette, Casper, and Fargo that have all made investments, not just for tourism, but also their community as well,” said Domico Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Rapid City Sports Commission.

The complex is expected to host large youth tournaments, attracting visitors who will spend money locally and generate sales tax revenue. Proponents stressed that the facility is planned to be more than just for sports, serving as a multi-use venue for community events, including school orchestra concerts.

“They fill our hotel rooms, they dine in our restaurants, they spend money in our local businesses,” said Ally Formanek, C.E.O. of Visit Rapid City, “So, this is a smart, really targeted way to invest in the future of Rapid City while making sure the people who live here benefit every step of the way.”

The proposal drew sharp criticism from aldermen Bill Evans and Rod Pettigrew, who cast the two dissenting votes. They argued the move undermined the citizen-led Vision Fund process, which recently saw a committee whittle down over $74 million in community project requests to just $12 million.

Pettigrew questioned the credibility of the process, stating that the council was going against the fund’s original intent.

“We’re distorting what the vision fund was set up to do. What we’re trying to do with it,” Pettigrew said during the meeting, “And I just think it’s not credible to find an extra $5 million, call it vision funds, and throw it in this project.”

Evans pointed to other long-standing community needs that were once again passed over, highlighting a specific project at Roosevelt Park that has sought funding for years.

“I think how there’s never been any money for the swim center. They keep coming back to us year after year after year to get an enclosed structure,” Evans said, “That would cost $6 million. I mean, gee, we could build it with that.”

Despite the objections, the measure passed. The new sports complex is still in the planning phase, and the Rapid City Sports Commission notes that all architectural designs are still subject to change. The $5 million from the Vision Fund serves as a catalyst for the estimated $55 million project, which will also be financed through other means, including a new fee on hotel stays.

Per grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from South Dakota Mines. He found his passion for weather reporting by the impact it has on the community, both in how people work and how it brings people together through severe weather preparation. He also has a passion for preventing health issues with Air Quality Index awareness. Per can be found enjoying outdoor activities in the Black Hills when the weather allows.

Background:

Youth athletes may have reduced opportunities for sufficient sleep, and often report poor mental health and wellbeing.

Hypothesis:

Most youth athletes obtain less than recommended duration and quality of sleep, with associated reduced wellbeing.

Study design:

Prospective observational study.

Level of evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Sleep was monitored in 98 youth athletes (15.19 ± 2.08 years) for 8 consecutive weeks. Wellbeing was self-reported weekly using the Multicomponent Training Distress Scale (MTDS) and the Short Recovery Stress Scale (SRSS).

Results:

Adolescent athletes averaged 7.0 (±1.1) hours sleep per night, but did not meet recommended daily sleep duration (ie, ≥8 hours) on >80% of nights studied. Significant sleep disturbances were detected in 40% of participants. Total sleep time measured via actigraphy was associated negatively with MTDS depression (all values given as [β; CI)] (-0.50; -0.95-0.05), stress (-0.78; -1.23-0.33) and sleep disturbance (-0.62; -0.97-0.27) subscales and overall score (-2.57; -4.27-0.87), and the SRSS stress subscale (-0.82; -1.50-0.15) (P < 0.05). Subjective sleep quality measured via sleep diaries was associated positively with all MTDS scores including depression (0.85; 0.50-1.19), sleep disturbance (1.04; 0.72-1.35), and physical symptom (0.60; 0.13-1.08) subscales, and the SRSS stress subscale (1.67; 0.91-2.43), and negatively with SRSS recovery subscale (-1.02; -1.64-0.41). Fatigue ratings before bed and upon awakening were associated positively with all MTDS subscales and the SRSS stress subscale (1.23; 0.74-1.71) (1.26; 0.79-1.74) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Many adolescent athletes do not meet current sleep recommendations, and inadequate duration and/or quality of sleep in this population is associated with poorer self-reported wellbeing.

Clinical relevance:

Education surrounding sleep in youth athletes should emphasize the importance of adequate sleep, alongside the maintenance of regular sleeping patterns to promote wellbeing and mental health.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace is bringing his talents to Tulsa this fall, hosting a youth basketball camp designed to help kids sharpen their game and build confidence on and off the court.

The one-day FlexWork Basketball Camp is set for Saturday, Sept. 14, at Ascension St. John’s Sportsplex, offering children ages 6 to 16 a chance to train with Wallace and his coaching team.

Organizers say the event is expected to fill quickly, and prices will increase based on availability, so early registration is encouraged.

What Campers Can Expect

Participants will take part in a hands-on, high-energy learning experience. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., kids will rotate through a series of skill-building stations and group activities focused on fundamentals and competition.

All campers will be grouped by age to ensure fair instruction and balanced competition levels.

The first hour of the camp will be devoted to check-in, group assignments, and sponsor giveaways.

Meet and Train With an NBA Pro

Throughout the day, Wallace, known for his defensive hustle and game IQ, will be actively involved in drills and mentoring sessions. Campers will also receive a limited-edition FlexWork Basketball Camp T-shirt and have the opportunity to take a group photo with Wallace.

Photos will be sent to participants digitally within 7 to 10 business days after the camp.

Registration Details and Requirements

Registration is open now. Parents should sign up each camper individually and can find the registration link on the FlexWork Sports website.

Campers should arrive dressed in athletic attire, including gym shorts and sneakers. Organizers emphasize the camp is open to players of all skill levels, from beginners to more advanced athletes.

Where and When

Date: Saturday, Sept. 14, 2025

Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Ascension St. John’s Sportsplex

Address: 101 E 81st St S, Tulsa, OK 74132

In a mark to improve STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in Arizona, the Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Suns are partnering with Honeywell Aerospace, a global leader in aviation technology.

This partnership aims to inspire students across the state to explore careers in STEM fields through various engaging events and programs.

The initiative will kick off with the Mercury STEM Camp, scheduled for today, July 8, at PHX Arena.

Commenting on the partnership, executive director of the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation, Sarah Krahenbuhl, said: “The Suns and Mercury’s partnership with Honeywell is an investment in Arizona’s future – helping to inspire and prepare the next generation of STEM leaders.”

This partnership seeks to combine sports and education creatively, enhancing student curiosity and introducing them to essential skills and career pathways.

Highlighting the importance of this partnership, president and CEO of Honeywell Aerospace, Jim Currier, added:“Our partnership with the Suns and Mercury will help promote STEM education across the Valley and inspire the next generation of innovators in our community.”

The program follows a hands-on STEM curriculum that links basketball, aerospace technology, and innovation, enabling youth in the Valley to build academic confidence, inclusion, and support career exploration.

Collaboration with Science of Sport, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to using sports as a platform for teaching STEM concepts, will ensure a robust curriculum and practical implementation.

Additionally, a STEM workshop will be organised to provide educators and nonprofit organisations with essential resources to teach STEM effectively.

Tomorrow, Honeywell will serve as the presenting partner of the Mercury’s Camp Day during their game against the Minnesota Lynx at PHX Arena.

This event aims to underscore the burgeoning STEM field and will feature STEM-related activities in the Bally Bet COURTyard.

Throughout the Mercury season, Honeywell will showcase its cutting-edge products and technology at the concourse during six games, designed to excite students about potential careers in STEM.

Looking ahead, the partnership will include themed STEM nights during the Phoenix Suns’ 2025-26 season and a STEM Fest planned for spring 2026 at PHX Arena.

This event will comprise a STEM project pitch competition along with exhibits and guest speakers, further promoting STEM among youth.

This collaboration represents a step towards cultivating Arizona’s future workforce through innovative educational pathways and engaging community initiatives in STEM.

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The funding supports a broad range of Human Services programs that assist individuals and families across Scottsdale, with a focus on housing stability, crisis response, youth and senior services and behavioral health support.

(Shutterstock)

How will the funds be used and where does the money come from?

• $180,000 will support a variety of human services programs including Adopt-a-Senior and Beat the Heat; this funding is provided from charitable donations via Scottsdale Cares, the city program that allows utility bill customers to add a donation to their monthly utility bill.
• $130,000 provides meals for Scottsdale seniors; funding from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community via a tribal gaming grant.
• $80,000 to non-profit service organizations like Scottsdale Community Partners, which provides a variety of assistance programs for youth, families and seniors; paid from the Scottsdale general fund.
• $120,000 will provide housing and suitable living environments for low-and moderate-income individuals and families; funding is from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant funds.

In addition, the Scottsdale Family Resource Center was awarded a $250,000 grant to continue programs for children.

The grant was provided by First Things First, a statewide agency committed to supporting young children and their families from kindergarten and beyond.

The Family Resource Center offers activities and services that educate and promote positive change in parenting and child development. In fiscal year 2023-24, the center supported 530 parents – providing families over 220 activities, 3,900 diapers, 1,100 ounces of baby formula and 13 pounds of baby food. Through this grant, the center will continue to serve Scottsdale’s vulnerable population.

“This funding reflects our city’s commitment to ensuring that every Scottsdale resident has access to the resources and support they need to thrive,” said interim Human Services Director Mary Witkofski. “Through a combination of city funds and competitive grant awards, our Human Services Department continues to deliver high-impact programs that make a real difference in the lives of our residents.”

One of the goals of the department, as outlined in their 2025-28 Strategic Plan (PDF), emphasizes “pursuing diversified funding strategies to maintain and increase the capacity of the Human Servies department.” This funding reinforces that goal and will help support vulnerable populations in Scottsdale for years to come.

The funding was approved by City Council as part of the fiscal year 2025/26 tentative budget and will go into effect July 1.

For more information about Scottsdale Human Services, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Assistance Programs.”

Read more stories from the Phoenix Area on Signals A Z.com.

The Hudson Boosters hosted its annual Fourth of July event, featuring a hot dog eating competition, live music and a fireworks finale. And with this year’s Booster Days, a large portion of the funds collected went toward a new athletic complex for youth sports in the city. 

“We want to get the information out there about our new facility and we want to get the community involved. There’s definitely a need for it,” said Booster Days Commissioner Helen McCombie.

This facility would be located north of the truck stop on Highway 12 near Trinity Lutheran Church, where Hudson Boosters owns 20 acres of land as it aims to supply local baseball, softball and football teams with more field space. 

At a Hudson Town Hall meeting in April, the board voted to pass an amendment that would create a “Youth-Oriented Recreation District,” which allows for a change in zoning rules to create the new facility. Before the amendment, the town’s zoning restrictions prohibited playing past dark, having lights and projecting amplified sound. 

Now, the boosters are working on fundraising and seeking approval at the county level to move forward with the project. Booster Days is the organization’s largest fundraising event; McCombie and other Hudson Boosters supporters are hoping that the event provides a good amount of money — and community support.

Hudson Booster Days was off to a hot start with the sun beaming down and temperatures nearing the 90s. Nevertheless, people came out to celebrate Independence Day at Lakefront Park with carnival rides, food trucks, live music, bingo games and other activities.

A band called “30 Minute Difference” — bassist Jerney Joles, drummer Jaydin Joles, lead vocalist Lizzy Dallas and guitarist Caleb Dallas — from Chippewa Falls, Wis., kicked off the live entertainment. 

The group met in their middle school jazz band. Wanting to take their music to the next level outside of school, they formed the band and have been playing gigs in the western Wisconsin area ever since. Despite jazz providing the origin story, 30 Minute Difference performs covers of classic rock songs from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

“We’re hyped. We’re ready to take the stage and ready to party,” said Jaydin, the band’s drummer, right before going up on stage as the first band of the weekend.

Following 30 Minute Difference was The Chubs, a rock band out of Rochester, Minn., consisting of guitarist Mike Little, bassist Rocky Schultz, guitarist/vocalist Darrel Carpenter and drummer Devin Farlow. The band rocked on late into the night playing an impressive array of songs across multiple eras: The Beatles, Chris Stapleton and a lot more in between. 

In close proximity to the music, attendees enjoyed a little low-stakes gambling at the bingo tent. The bingo tent, a Booster Days staple, offers a place for shade where some spend hours playing the game with drinks by their side, trying to make some money amidst the fun. Located behind the band shell, it is a great spot for listening to the live music or looking out on the St. Croix River.

“It’s a fun game where you’re not gonna win a lot of money and you’re not gonna lose a lot of money, but it’s good entertainment,” said Dave Huehn regarding the game’s popularity. 

Huehn has been part of Boosters for 40 years, taking on various roles from food management to event decision-making. He has been running the bingo tent for the past 10 years, saying that it’s one of his favorite parts about Booster Days.

The sweltering heat on Friday did not deter people from heading downtown to Hudson’s Booster Days festivities to celebrate the official holiday.

Adults sought the cool in the beer garden or the shade during bingo (see Thursday) as children circled the grounds competing for prizes and enjoying the many different rides. Others danced under the sun to the live entertainment by the bands “North of Dixie” and “Bigly.”

One of the biggest attractions, likely due to the heat, was the “Fresh Squeezed Lemonade” truck, which served 16 to 32 ounce lemonade drinks. At many points attendees had to wait in a long line for a taste of the refreshing beverage. Desmond Gregorson, 17, was one of the employees working the truck in the afternoon and said the demand was exceptionally high that day.

Gregorson said business was good, but the truck had a tough competitor just outside the festival perimeters, where a group of middle and elementary school aged children set up their own homemade lemonade stand just outside of the venue entrance.

Other than being a familiar weekend for Hudson residents to gather and celebrate their town and the United States, the Booster Days attracted outsiders as well.

Angie Kelly, who happened to be in Hudson for a Volleyball tournament from Appleton, Wis., brought her children and nephews to the event for a fun break that consisted of “eating fried foods and going on fun rides.”

An unexpected highlight for them: the many prizes the kids won at the different game booths, including toy guns that Kelly said her “sister and brother-in-law won’t be very happy about.”

“I was lobbying for the goldfish,” she added, laughing, referring to the live goldfish prizes at one of the game booths.

Kelly added that the Fourth of July represents a great opportunity.

“It means it’s time to get together with your family,” she said. “And to take a break from your normal stuff and have a good time.”

Cindy Hadlich wrapped up her fourth year of announcing the many floats and vehicles that passed by on 2nd St. during the annual Booster Days parade. Lynell Nemitz, who provides support when necessary, concluded her third year.

“Keep coming to the parade,” Hadlich said Saturday. “Come to Booster Days, support the youth of Hudson and we appreciate everybody.”

Hadlich added that Saturday was tough because she had laryngitis during the event. Additionally, heavy rain made for a lighter lineup.

But the crew read the names regardless of attendance, as rain seeped through the tarp protecting the announcers’ stand.

“As my mother used to tell me, I’m not made of sugar, I won’t melt,” Nemitz said. 

Hot dog eating contest

A Brookfield, Ill. native, Paul Byrne was visiting family in Hudson for Booster Days when he decided to sign up for the hot dog eating contest at RJ’s Meats. Paul finished first in the contest, while his cousin, Jimmy, finished third. 

“I’ve never been in one,” Paul said of his competitive eating experience. “I’m just a fast eater.”

RJ’s changed up the rules for this year’s competition: Adults ate 5 hot dogs and buns with water, and kids did the same but with just three hot dogs. J.R. Baker earned first place in the kids bracket. 

Car show

Rain led to a smaller turnout at this year’s car show, but when the sun came out, Jim Spaight, the car show’s organizer, drove his 1962 Austin Healey to Lakefront Park Saturday. 

“It doesn’t matter what kind of car is here,” Spaight said. 

Shortly after that, he was interrupted by a driver in a Ferrari California, the first hardtop convertible from the Italian sports car maker. 

Then, he said, “When you see a car show, people can walk through and say, ‘Oh, I love that one. But, oh, I love that one.’ People are talking and hanging out. And with the owners, we’re usually kind of around our cars. So then it just turns into this community-building thing where we’re talking about what we like and what we don’t.”

Spaight said he loves all-original cars — customization isn’t his style. His Austin Healey is an original. It also used to be his dad’s car. 

“Everybody has different tastes,” he said. 

Children gathered in Lakefront Park for the annual Hudson Booster Days kids fishing contest — eager to cast lines and catch some fish for prizes. 

Children ages 15 and younger caught fish for an hour and 15 minutes. The fisher with the biggest catch earned $100 to Cabela’s. This year 10-year-old Louie Delmonico earned that honor, by hooking a 28-inch fish.

“[I] just wanted to have fun,” he said. “I needed to get better with my bass rock, so I just threw it out there.”

The fisher with the most fish caught earned $50 to Fleet Farm. The kid with the smallest catch of the day won a $25 gift card to Dairy Queen.

Three fish were caught that morning, the highest number for the contest. And the smallest fish totaled 3 inches.

“It’s just fun,” said a Hudson Booster volunteer on Sunday morning. “[The kids] just love it and the parents get involved too.”

Fireworks

The annual Hudson Booster Days came to an explosive end, thanks to the City of Hudson and Festival Foods, both of which sponsored the fireworks show at Lakefront Park. 

Attendees, still sporting Fourth of July apparel, scattered throughout the First Street park to enjoy the night’s light show. 

With cameras at the ready, snacks in hand and a comfortable watching spot secured, firework fanatics were ready to bask in the thundering, technicolor spectacle. 

Necks craned upwards to catch the first bang, but slowly descended to note the fireworks glistening over the St. Croix River. 

Listening to live tunes, screaming on carnival rides, collecting candy and raindrops at Saturday’s Second Street parade and eating fried foods throughout, Booster Days offers a wide range of entertainment to help fund youth sports. The fireworks make for an explosive ending.