Pennington County officials ground helipad idea

RAPID CITY (AP) — The Pennington County Commission for a second time has rejected an effort by a Black Hills businessman to build a helipad near Rockerville.

Michael Jacob gives helicopter tours of Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Black Hills from a Keystone heliport but has faced opposition from neighbors. Neighbors of the Rockerville site also have objected, saying they fear problems with property values and safety.

Jacob says his helicopters make less noise than a large motorcycle, and that his business could boost the local economy.

The County Commission rejected the Rockerville proposal in May, and this week denied Jacob's appeal. He declined comment.

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