EXPECT DELAYS HEADING TO RAPID CITY STARTING APRIL 9th AT CATRON BOULEVARD AND HIGHWAY 16

RAPID CITY, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work is scheduled to begin Monday, April 9, at the intersection of Highway 16 and Catron Boulevard in Rapid City.

Work being done includes median modifications, lighting, signals and pavement markings to add a second left turn lane for westbound traffic on Catron Boulevard turning left towards Mount Rushmore.

Motorists will see crews working in the median on the north side of the intersection installing a footing and electrical conduit for a new signal pole that will be installed later in the month.

Driving lanes will be reduced to one in each direction on Catron Boulevard in conjunction with the traffic control set up for the city resurfacing project on Catron Boulevard heading west from Highway 16.

Muth Electric, Inc., of Rapid City is the prime contractor on this $280,000 contract.  The overall completion date for the project is May 18, 2018.

For complete road construction information, visit www.safetravelusa.com/sd or dial 511.

House Trailer Destroyed by Fire on Highway 16 West in Custer Tuesday Evening

By Herb Ryan
December 21, 2016

Custer, SD – A  house trailer was destroyed Tuesday evening December 20, 2016 in the trailer park at 11967 Highway 16 West. The fire was reported around 8:00 pm with fire units responding from Custer and mutual aid from Pringle and Argyle Fire Departments. The owner of the trailer was transported to Custer Regional Hospital. The origin of the fire is unknown at this time.
On Wednesday afternoon around 4:15 pm, a resident in an adjoining trailer reported smoke coming from the destroyed trailer. An engine from Custer Fire Department responded, searched the trailer for smoke and reported they had found the fire source and it was extinguished.

 

Custer Volunteer fire department member Landon Wiley and 2nd Chief Bill Bell prepare to extinguish a smoldering fire in a trailer Wednesday, December 20, 2016 on Highway 16 West in Custer.The trailer was destroyed by fire Tuesday evening December 20, 2016 Photo:Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

 

A partial view of the trailer that was destroyed by fire Tuesday, December 20, 2016 on Highway 16 West of Custer. Members of Custer Volunteer Fire Department returned Wednesday afternoon, December 21, 2016 to extinguish a smoldering fire in the trailer. Photo:Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

 

Custer Fire Department 2nd Chief Bill Bell searches for points of ignition Wednesday afternoon December 21, 2016  in a trailer that was destroyed by fire Tuesday, December 20, 2016 on Highway 16 West of Custer. Members of Custer Volunteer Fire Department returned Wednesday, December 21, 2016 afternoon to extinguish a smoldering fire in the trailer. Photo:Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

 

Custer Fire Department 2nd Chief Bill Bell streams water on a smouldering fire Wednesday afternoon December 21, 2016  in a trailer that was destroyed by fire Tuesday, December 20, 2016 on Highway 16 West of Custer. Photo:Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

Silver Mountain Prescribed Fire Planned West of Rapid City, SD

 

Rapid City, SD, November 14, 2016 – The Mystic Ranger District on the Black Hills National Forest is planning to ignite 221 acres on the Silver Mountain project Tuesday, November 15 & Wednesday, November 16, depending on weather. Smoke will be visible for several miles and could impact Highway 16, Hill City, Rapid City and other surrounding areas. Crews have been preparing to implement the project to meet management objectives for several years.

The Silver Mountain project area is located approximately 10 miles west/southwest of Rapid City, SD between Highway 16 and Sheridan Lake Road, along Boulder Hill Road to the west.

The goal of the Silver Mountain Prescribed Fire is to maintain a mosaic of vegetation conditions created by the Battle Creek Fire of 2002. This project will lessen the severity and extent of future wildfires in the project area by breaking up the continuity of dead, downed fuels, ultimately reducing those fuel loads. Fire will also be utilized as a tool to thin pine regeneration and increase canopy base heights. Additionally, this burn will stimulate browse for big game species.

After many years of fire exclusion, an ecosystem, such as the Black Hills, needs periodic fire to remain healthy. Without it, trees are stressed by overcrowding, fire-dependent species disappear, and flammable fuels build up and become hazardous.

Forest visitors, including hunters, are asked to be aware of their surroundings and watch for prescribed burning operations in the months ahead. Areas where burning operations are taking place will be signed to notify visitors. The public is also encouraged to contact a nearby Forest Service office with questions.

As conditions permit, fire officials will continue to assess ignition of other prescribed burn units across the Black Hills National Forest.

For more information on Black Hills National Forest prescribed fire, visithttp://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=STELPRDB5112694