<SUBMISSION>
<ACCESSION-NUMBER>0001130464-04-000328
<TYPE>8-K
<PUBLIC-DOCUMENT-COUNT>3
<PERIOD>20040825
<ITEMS>2.02
<ITEMS>9.01
<FILING-DATE>20041026
<DATE-OF-FILING-DATE-CHANGE>20041026
<FILER>
<COMPANY-DATA>
<CONFORMED-NAME>BLACK HILLS CORP /SD/
<CIK>0001130464
<ASSIGNED-SIC>4911
<IRS-NUMBER>460458824
<STATE-OF-INCORPORATION>SD
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>1231
</COMPANY-DATA>
<FILING-VALUES>
<FORM-TYPE>8-K
<ACT>34
<FILE-NUMBER>001-31303
<FILM-NUMBER>041096216
</FILING-VALUES>
<BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>625 9TH STREET
<STREET2>PO BOX 1400
<CITY>RAPID CITY
<STATE>SD
<ZIP>57709
<PHONE>6057212343
</BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<MAIL-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>625 9TH STREET
<STREET2>PO BOX 1400
<CITY>RAPID
<STATE>SD
<ZIP>57709
</MAIL-ADDRESS>
<FORMER-COMPANY>
<FORMER-CONFORMED-NAME>BLACK HILLS HOLDING CORP
<DATE-CHANGED>20001222
</FORMER-COMPANY>
</FILER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>8-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>form8k_102504.htm
<DESCRIPTION>8-K DATED 10/22/04
<TEXT>
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<HEAD>
<TITLE></TITLE>
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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=4>UNITED STATES<BR>SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION <BR>Washington, D.C. 20549
</FONT></H1>



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     <P ALIGN=CENTER>_________________ </P>

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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=4>FORM 8-K </FONT></H1>

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     <P ALIGN=CENTER>_________________ </P>

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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=4>CURRENT REPORT<BR>
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
<BR>SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934</FONT></H1>



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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>October 22, 2004
<BR>Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)  </FONT></H1>

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     <P ALIGN=CENTER>_________________ </P>

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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=4>BLACK HILLS CORPORATION<BR>
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
</FONT></H1>




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     <P ALIGN=CENTER>_________________ </P>


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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>South Dakota<BR>
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) </FONT></H1>

<BR>

<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0">
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TH><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TH>
     <TH><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TH></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><B> 001-31303 </B>                <BR>
       <B> (Commission File Number)</B>         <BR><BR>
     <B>625 Ninth Street, PO Box 1400 </B>      <BR>
         <B>Rapid City, South Dakota </B>       <BR>
 <B>(Address of principal executive offices)</B>
</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2">             <B>46-0458824</B><BR>
  <B>(IRS Employer Identification No.)</B><BR><BR>
            <B> 57709-1400</B><BR>
             <B>(Zip Code)</B><BR>

</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>

<BR>


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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>605.721.1700<BR>
                                 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) </FONT></H1>


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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Not Applicable<BR>
                             (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) </FONT></H1>



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     <P ALIGN=CENTER>_________________ </P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Check
the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the
filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (<I>see</I>
General Instruction A.2. below): </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><img src="ballot.jpg">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Written
communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><img src="ballot.jpg">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Soliciting
material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><img src="ballot.jpg">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-commencement
communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><img src="ballot.jpg">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-commencement communications
pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) </FONT></P>

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<H1 ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3><B>Item 2.02 Results of Operations and
Financial Condition</B> </FONT></H1>

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<P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>On October 22, 2004, the Registrant issued
a press release announcing an earnings range for the third quarter of 2004 of approximately $0.50 to $0.54 per
share.  In addition, the release also provided information on recent treasury transactions.
<BR>
<BR>The press release is attached as Exhibit 99 to this Form 8-K.  This information is being furnished pursuant
to Item 2.02 of Form 8-K and shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed
incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly
set forth by specific reference in such filing. </FONT></P>

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<H1 ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3><B>Item 9.01 Financial Statements and
Exhibits</B> </FONT></H1>

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<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(c)  </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Exhibits </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>


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<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;<U>Number </U></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=75%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Exhibit</U> </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>


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<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;99  </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=75%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Press
Press release dated October 22, 2004  </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>





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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>2 </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><U>SIGNATURES</U> </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=65%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=65%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By:&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;<U>/s/ Mark T. Thies</U><BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Mark T. Thies<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Executive
Vice President<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and Chief Financial Officer</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Date: October 26, 2004 </FONT></P>






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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>3 </FONT></P>



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<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>EXHIBIT INDEX<BR>to<BR><BR>Black Hills Corporation<BR>
October 22, 2004 Form 8-K </FONT></P>


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<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exhibit
<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Number</U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Description</U> </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>


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<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;99  </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Press
Release dated October 22, 2004. </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>


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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>4 </FONT></P>


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<TYPE>EX-99
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>ex99_form8k-102504.htm
<DESCRIPTION>PRESS RELEASE DATED OCTOBER 22, 2004
<TEXT>
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<P ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3><B>Exhibit 99</B>  </FONT></P>

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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=4><B>BLACK HILLS
CORPORATION ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER 2004 EARNINGS RANGE, <BR>RECENT TREASURY TRANSACTIONS AND
NEXT CONFERENCE CALL </B> </FONT></H1>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>RAPID CITY, SD&#151;October 22,
2004&#151;Black Hills Corporation (NYSE:BKH) today announced that income from continuing
operations for the three-month period ended September 30, 2004 would be approximately
$0.50 to $0.54 per share. Income from continuing operations was $0.54 per share in 2003. </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>RECENT TREASURY
TRANSACTIONS </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On
October 21, 2004, the Company called in entirety its Series AB, $45 million 8.3% First
Mortgage Bonds issued by Black Hills Power, Inc. The bonds had a maturity date of 2024. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On
September 30, 2004, a one-year $150 million credit facility was renewed for Enserco Energy
Inc., the Company&#146;s natural gas marketing subsidiary. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On
August 31, 2004, the Company effected a call on its $5.85 million 6.7% Pollution Control
Revenue Bonds issued through Lawrence County, South Dakota, on behalf of Black Hills
Power, Inc. The bonds had a maturity date of 2010. </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Left" FSL="Default" -->
<P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>EARNINGS RELEASE AND
CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Indent" FSL="Default" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Company will issue its third quarter 2004 earnings release on Tuesday, November 9, 2004. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A
conference call will be held on Wednesday, November 10, 2004, beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Eastern Standard Time to discuss financial and operating performance. The conference call
will be open to the public. The call can be accessed by dialing, toll-free, (888)
273-9890. When prompted, indicate that you wish to participate in the &#147;Black Hills
Quarterly Earnings Conference Call.&#148; A replay of the conference call is available
through November 17, 2004 by dialing (800) 475-6701 (USA) or (320) 365-3844
(international). The access code is 751672. </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Left" FSL="Default" -->
<P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>ABOUT BLACK HILLS
CORPORATION </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Black
Hills Corporation (www.blackhillscorp.com) is a diverse energy and communications company.
Black Hills Energy, the wholesale energy unit, generates electricity, produces natural
gas, oil and coal, and markets energy; Black Hills Power is our electric utility serving
western South Dakota, northeastern Wyoming and southeastern Montana; and Black Hills
FiberCom, a broadband communications company, offers bundled telephone, high speed
Internet, and cable entertainment services. </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Left" FSL="Default" -->
<P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>CAUTION REGARDING
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Indent" FSL="Default" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Some
of the statements in this release include &#147;forward-looking statements&#148; as
defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. Black Hills Corporation makes
these forward-looking statement in reliance on the safe harbor protections provided under
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than
statements of historical facts, included in this release that address activities, events
or developments that Black Hills expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the
future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on
assumptions, which Black Hills believes are reasonable based on current expectations and
projections about future events and industry conditions and trends affecting Black
Hills&#146; business. However, whether actual results and developments will conform to
Black Hills&#146; expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in
the forward-looking statements, including, among other things: </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&#149;  </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>The
amount and timing of capital deployment in new investment opportunities; </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&#149; </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>
The timing of production from oil and gas development facilities, which may be dependent
upon issuance by federal, state, and tribal governments, or agencies thereof, of building,
environmental and other permits, and the availability of specialized contractors, work
force, equipment, and prices of and demand for our products; </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&#149;  </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>General
economic and political conditions, including tax rates or policies and inflation rates; </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>






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<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&#149;  </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Our
use of derivative financial instruments to hedge commodity and interest rate risks; </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&#149;  </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>The
creditworthiness of counterparties to trading and other transactions, and defaults on
amounts due           from counterparties; </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&#149;  </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>The
amount of collateral required to be posted from time to time in our transactions; </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&#149;  </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Changes
in or compliance with laws and regulations, particularly those relating to taxation,
safety and           protection of the environment; </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&#149; </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>
The timing and extent of changes in energy-related and commodity prices, interest rates,
energy and commodity supply or volume, the cost of transportation of commodities, and
demand for our services, all of which an affect our earnings, liquidity position and the
underlying value of our assets; </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&#149;  </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Weather
and other natural phenomena; </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&#149;  </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>The
extent of success in connecting natural gas supplies to gathering and processing systems; </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&#149;  </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Industry
and market changes, including the impact of consolidations and changes in competition; </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&#149;  </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>The
effect of accounting policies issued periodically by accounting standard-setting bodies; </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0>
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<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&#149;  </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>The
cost and effects on our business, including insurance, resulting from terrorist actions
or responses           to such actions; </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&#149;  </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Capital
market conditions, including price risk due to marketable securities held as investments
in           benefit plans; and </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&#149;  </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Other
factors discussed from time to time in our filings with the SEC.  </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;New
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in
forward-looking statements emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to
predict all such factors, or the extent to which any such factor or combination of factors
may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statement.
We assume no obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as
a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. </FONT></P>

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