Retail theft was climbing fast in Rapid City — until law enforcement, prosecutors, and local businesses teamed up. Katy and Lara talk with RCPD’s Mark Eisenbraun and retailer Doug Smith about what changed, what’s working, and what shoppers should know this holiday season.

In this powerful episode, Katy and Lara sit down with Trooper Louis Plunkett of the South Dakota Highway Patrol and Starla Pressley who lost her brother to an impaired driver. Together, they explore why South Dakota has one of the highest DUI rates in the nation, what troopers are seeing on the roads during the holidays, and what every driver needs to know to keep their community safe. Starla’s story brings heart and urgency to a crisis that affects far too many families.

Why does school attendance matter so much - not just for grades, but for a child’s future? In our latest episode of Justice in Action, we sit down with leaders from the Rapid City Area Schools and the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office to talk about truancy, the law, and how our community works to keep kids in school. We’ll explore how attendance connects to long-term success, the role our office plays in addressing chronic absenteeism, and the resources available to families before legal action is ever considered.

If you’re a parent, educator, or just care about the next generation, this conversation will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how we’re working to keep kids on track.

In this powerful episode of Justice in Action, we share the story of Jeanette Jumping Eagle, a young mother whose life was tragically cut short in the early hours of New Year’s Day 2021. Her mother, Patricia Pancott, joins us to recount Jeanette’s life, her light, and her legacy. What initially appeared to be suicide was soon revealed to be a staged scene, triggering a complex homicide investigation. You’ll hear from Patricia, lead detective Dan Trainer, and State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel, as well as Prosecutor Kevin Krull, as they walk us through the years-long journey to uncover the truth and secure justice.

Domestic Violence Resources:

• WAVI (Working Against Violence, Inc.) – Rapid City, SD
  WAVI provides shelter, support, and advocacy for individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.
  📞 24-Hour Helpline: (605) 341-4808
  _🌐 _www.wavi.org
  ‌
• National Domestic Violence Hotline
  Confidential support is available 24/7 from trained advocates.
  📞 Call or Text: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  _💬 Chat Online: _www.thehotline.org

Violent crime has been making headlines in our community—and with that, public concern about crime continues to grow. While it may feel like crime is increasing, the truth is that violent crime is actually down. In this episode, we’re talking not only about the trauma that follows acts of violence, but also about the proactive efforts happening behind the scenes—efforts that are truly making a difference in keeping our community safer.

In this powerful episode of Justice in Action, we hear directly from Ashtyn, the survivor at the center of State v. Rolfe. More than a decade after testifying against her abuser, she bravely shares why she is speaking out now, how the experience shaped her life, and what she wants other survivors to know.

Ashtyn’s story is one of resilience, healing, and hope. Her voice is a testament to the strength of survivors everywhere. Don’t miss this compelling and important conversation.

In this month’s gripping two-part series, Justice in Action takes you back 15 years to one of the first major internet crimes against children in our community. In Episode 10, we walk through the disturbing details of State v. Rolfe, where investigators uncovered not only possession of child sexual abuse materials, but also evidence of their creation—crimes committed against a local child. You’ll hear how law enforcement and prosecutors built the case, piece by piece, leading to a powerful courtroom battle in 2011.

Then, in Episode 11, we hear directly from Ashtyn, the survivor at the heart of the case. Now a young woman, Ashtyn opens up about what it was like to testify as a child, how the trauma shaped her journey, and why she’s choosing to speak out now. Her story is one of strength, resilience, and hope—and a powerful reminder of the impact of justice.

The internet can be a powerful tool, but it also comes with hidden dangers—especially for children. In this episode, we sit down with Forensic Examiner Hollie Strand from the local Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit to uncover the critical work ICAC does in prosecuting crimes against children. Hollie shares eye-opening insights and actionable advice to help parents and internet users safeguard themselves and their families in an increasingly connected world. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to navigate the digital landscape safely.

In Part 2 of Breaking the Cycle, Public Information Officer Katy Urban speaks with three graduates who shared their personal journeys from addiction to recovery. Their stories are raw, inspiring, and a testament to resilience.

In this episode, we sit down with members of the Pennington County Drug Court team to explore how this innovative program works, how it saves taxpayers money, transforms lives, and ultimately makes our community safer.