A nationwide helium shortage has caused a spike in helium prices.
Although helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, most of it in the Earth's atmosphere escapes into space.
Today, the U.S. alone produces 75 percent of the world's helium.
Roughly 30 percent of the world's helium supply comes from the U.S. Federal Helium Reserve. With the nationwide helium shortage most of the helium is sold to hospitals first.
Dakota Party in Rapid City has helium on hand because owner Jack Wellman says he's lucky his supplier still has access to helium.
"We've seen our prices more than double over the past six months. We have a supplier that has been able to supply us, so we are able to get it for now," said Wellman.
As helium reserves tighten, the greatest impact could be on healthcare and small - scale scientific research.
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The recall petition deadline approaching many people have been speaking out against Councilman Bill Clayton At this week's city council meeting, a few people of Rapid City took the opportunity to
People of Rapid City stepped up to defend Councilman Bill CLayton at City Hall.
FEDERAL SEQUESTER CUTS COULD SOON TAKE A TOLL ON KOTA TERRITORY ANTI HUNGER PROGRAMS, BUT JUST HOW SOON IS A WAITING GAME. LEGISLATION APPROVED BY THE HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE WOULD CUT ABOUT 2.5
Federal sequester cuts could soon take a toll on KOTA Territory anti hunger programs, but just how soon?
It's a program aimed to combat drinking and driving in South Dakota. But is it working? The ignition interlock devices were added to the 24/7 Sobriety Program in October. More than 100 people have used
It's a program aimed to combat drinking and driving in South Dakota. But is it working? The ignition interlock devices were added to the 24/7 Sobriety Program in October.
For the next several days, Candidate Mark Kirkeby and Incumbent Sam Kooiker will continue to answer some of the big questions facing voters. Tonight we ask them about city government and how they plan to
We asked them about city government and how they plan to get more citizen participation.
The Oglala Sioux Tribe has revoked the building lease for the only grocery store on Pine Ridge because of continued complaints about spoiled food. Highway 20 has operated the store for more than a quarter century,
Highway 20 has operated the store for more than a quarter century, but the company has been given until August 4th to vacate the tribally owned building.
The inside of the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center will be a little more colorful, thanks to a new mural that's going up. lt also will serve as a memorial and honor those that served our country. Two art
The inside of the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center will be a little more colorful, thanks to a new mural that's going up. It also will serve as a memorial and honor those that served our country. Two art
Law enforcement is increasing its presence in Whiteclay after activists attacked two beer trucks and threatened one driver with a knife. Nebraska State Patrol Col. David Sankey says more officers are patrolling
Nebraska State Patrol officers are patrolling the tiny town, which has seen an uptick in violence from protesters who oppose its beer sales.
FEDERAL SEQUESTER CUTS COULD SOON TAKE A TOLL ON KOTA TERRITORY ANTI HUNGER PROGRAMS, BUT JUST HOW SOON IS A WAITING GAME. LEGISLATION APPROVED BY THE HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE WOULD CUT ABOUT 2.5
Federal sequester cuts could soon take a toll on KOTA Territory anti hunger programs, but just how soon?
The Oglala Sioux Tribe has revoked the building lease for the only grocery store on Pine Ridge because of continued complaints about spoiled food. Highway 20 has operated the store for more than a quarter century,
Highway 20 has operated the store for more than a quarter century, but the company has been given until August 4th to vacate the tribally owned building.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:00 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:00:47 GMT
A Box Elder teen went missing Wednesday, and now police are asking for your help. Wednesday evening, Alissa Ducheny , 17, left the Sams Club parking lot with close friends, leaving behind her keys, wallet
Wednesday evening, Alissa Ducheny , 17, left the Sams Club parking lot with close friends, leaving behind her keys, wallet and cell phone.
Law enforcement is increasing its presence in Whiteclay after activists attacked two beer trucks and threatened one driver with a knife. Nebraska State Patrol Col. David Sankey says more officers are patrolling
Nebraska State Patrol officers are patrolling the tiny town, which has seen an uptick in violence from protesters who oppose its beer sales.
The body of a missing Wisconsin woman, originally from Rapid City, was discovered. Anita Bucki was found not too far from her home and police say her husband killed her. Bucki, 48, was initially reported
The body of a missing Wisconsin woman, originally from Rapid City, was discovered. Anita Bucki was found not too far from her home and police say her husband killed her.
It's a family favorite pizzeria throughout KOTA Territory. Now owners are expanding the operation. Pizza Ranch broke ground Thursday on a second Rapid City location on Stumer Road ... Near the new Walmart
Pizza Ranch broke ground Thursday on a second Rapid City location on Stumer Road ... Near the new Walmart off Catron Boulevard.
The Hand County Sheriff's Office needs the public's help finding an elderly man ... who has been missing since around one a.m. Sunday morning. 82 year old LeRoy Nye was last seen in Saint Lawrence at 10:30
82 year old LeRoy Nye was last seen in Saint Lawrence at 10:30 on Saturday night wearing a white t–shirt and underpants.
Gasoline at some stations in Rapid City is nearly 30 cents more per gallon from a couple weeks ago. Most stations are posting $3.30 per gallon, an increase of about 20 cents in a week. Across South
Most stations are posting $3.30 per gallon, an increase of about 20 cents in a week.
For the next several days, Candidate Mark Kirkeby and Incumbent Sam Kooiker will continue to answer some of the big questions facing voters. Tonight we ask them about city government and how they plan to
We asked them about city government and how they plan to get more citizen participation.
