Community Appeal
A basketball hoop that had been left open for neighborhood use was taken from the driveway of Open Heart United Methodist Church in Rapid City late Monday night.
Security footage from the church’s exterior shows four people approaching the property on foot, lifting the hoop onto a wheeled cart and carrying it away, suggesting the thieves may reside nearby.
The church has long kept its hoops accessible to the community, and while it conducts an internal investigation, it is urging anyone who spots the equipment or has information about those involved to come forward.
Call for Information
No questions will be asked if the hoop is returned, and the congregation is hopeful that the simple act of giving it back will restore a shared resource that brings families together. Michelle Slott, who coordinates outreach for the church, said the response from neighbors has been encouraging, but the search is still ongoing.