<SUBMISSION>
<ACCESSION-NUMBER>0001130464-05-000329
<TYPE>8-K
<PUBLIC-DOCUMENT-COUNT>3
<PERIOD>20050822
<ITEMS>8.01
<ITEMS>9.01
<FILING-DATE>20050823
<DATE-OF-FILING-DATE-CHANGE>20050822
<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>051042167
</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_wygenconstruction.htm
<DESCRIPTION>WYGEN II CONSTRUCTION
<TEXT>
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE> </TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY bgcolor="#ffffff">




<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=5>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><b><font SIZE=5>UNITED STATES</font></b></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><b><font SIZE=5>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></b></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><b><font size=2>Washington, D.C. 20549</font></b></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><b><font size=3>___________</font></b></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=3>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><b><font SIZE=5>FORM 8-K</font></b></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><b><font size=3>____________</font></b></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=3>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><b><font SIZE=2>CURRENT REPORT</font></b></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><b><font size=2>PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE</font></b></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><b><font SIZE=2>SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934</font></b></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=3>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><b><font size=2>Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) August 22, 2005</font></b></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><b><font size=3>____________</font></b></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=3>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><b><font SIZE=5>BLACK HILLS CORPORATION</font></b></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><b><font size=2>(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></b></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><b><font size=3>____________</font></b></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=3>&nbsp;</font></p>


<table border="0" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="93%" style='margin-left:23.4pt;border-collapse:collapse'>
    <tr >
        <td  colspan="4" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>South Dakota</font></b><b></b></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td  colspan="4" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)</font></b><b></b></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td width="162" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>001-31303</font></b><b></b></p> </td>
        <td width="234" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b>&nbsp;</b></p> </td>
        <td  colspan="2" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>46-0458824</font></b><b></b></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td width="162" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>(Commission File Number)</font></b><b></b></p> </td>
        <td width="234" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b>&nbsp;</b></p> </td>
        <td  colspan="2" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>(IRS Employer Identification No.)</font></b><b></b></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td width="162" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b>&nbsp;</b></p> </td>
        <td width="234" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b>&nbsp;</b></p> </td>
        <td  colspan="2" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b>&nbsp;</b></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td  colspan="2" rowspan=2 valign=top style='padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>625 Ninth Street, PO Box 1400 </font></b></p>
<p style='margin-left:12.6pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>Rapid City, South Dakota</font></b></p>
<p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>(Address of principal executive offices)</font></b><b></b></p> </td>
        <td  colspan="2" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>57709-1400</font></b><b></b></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td  colspan="2" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>(Zip Code)</font></b><b></b></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td  colspan="4" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>605.721.1700</font></b><b></b></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td  colspan="4" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>(Registrant&#146;s telephone number, including area code)</font></b><b></b></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td width="162" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b>&nbsp;</b></p> </td>
        <td  colspan="2" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b>&nbsp;</b></p> </td>
        <td width="186" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b>&nbsp;</b></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td  colspan="4" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>Not Applicable</font></b><b></b></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td  colspan="4" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:center;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)</font></b><b></b></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr>
        <td width="162" ></td>

        <td width="234" ></td>

        <td width="12" ></td>

        <td width="186" ></td> </tr> </table>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><b><font size=3>____________</font></b></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt; text-indent:0.5in;text-align:left;'><font size=2>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 (</font><i><font size=2>see</font></i><font size=2> General Instruction A.2. below):</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>


<table border="0" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="452" style='margin-left:.5in;border-collapse:collapse'>
    <tr >
        <td width="452" valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2><img src="ballot.jpg">&nbsp;&nbsp;Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</font></p> </td> </tr></table>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>


<table border="0" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="452" style='margin-left:.5in;border-collapse:collapse'>
    <tr >
        <td width="452" valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2><img src="ballot.jpg">&nbsp;&nbsp;Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</font></p> </td> </tr></table>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>


<table border="0" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="559" style='margin-left:.5in;border-collapse:collapse'>
    <tr >
        <td width="559" valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2><img src="ballot.jpg">&nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</font></p> </td> </tr></table>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>


<table border="0" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="556" style='margin-left:.5in;border-collapse:collapse'>
    <tr >
        <td width="556" valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2><img src="ballot.jpg">&nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</font></p> </td> </tr></table>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;border-bottom:solid 2.25pt;padding-bottom:1;padding-top:0;'><font size=5>&nbsp;</font></p>


<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style='page-break-before:always'></p>
<pAGE>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>


<table border="0" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="211" style='border-collapse:collapse'>
    <tr >
        <td width="96" valign=top style='padding:5.0pt 0in 5.0pt 0in'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>Item 8.01.</font></b></p> </td>
        <td width="115" valign=top style='padding:5.0pt 0in 5.0pt 0in'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>Other Events.</font></b></p> </td> </tr></table>

<p style=' margin-bottom:5pt; margin-top:5pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>On August 22, 2005, the Registrant issued a press release announcing that final project specifications are completed and that construction of the Wygen II power plant will begin in September 2005.</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>The press release is attached as Exhibit 99 to this Form 8-K.</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>


<table border="0" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="355" style='border-collapse:collapse'>
    <tr >
        <td width="96" valign=top style='padding:5.0pt 0in 5.0pt 0in'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>Item 9.01.</font></b></p> </td>
        <td width="259" valign=top style='padding:5.0pt 0in 5.0pt 0in'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>Financial Statements and Exhibits.</font></b></p> </td> </tr></table>

<table border="0" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" >
    <tr >
        <td width="19" valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:right;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>(c) </font></p> </td>
        <td width="19" valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>&nbsp; </font></p> </td>
        <td width="587" valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Exhibits </font></p> </td> </tr></table>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>


<table border="0" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" >
    <tr >
        <td width="56" valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:right;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>99 </font></p> </td>
        <td width="19" valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>&nbsp; </font></p> </td>
        <td width="549" valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:2.25pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Press Release dated August 22, 2005. </font></p> </td> </tr></table>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'>
</p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style='page-break-before:always'></p>
<pAGE>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><u><font SIZE=2>SIGNATURES</font></u></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt; text-indent:0.54in;text-align:left;'><font size=2>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>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>


<table border="0" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='border-collapse:collapse'>
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        <td width="319" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td>
        <td width="319" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font SIZE=2>BLACK HILLS CORPORATION</font></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td width="319" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td>
        <td width="319" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td width="319" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td>
        <td width="319" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td width="319" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td>
        <td width="319" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>By:&nbsp;&nbsp;</font><u><font size=2>/s/ Mark T. Thies</font></u>                                                                                                                   </p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td width="319" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td>
        <td width="319" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:21.0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Mark T. Thies</font></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td width="319" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td>
        <td width="319" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:21.75pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Executive Vice President</font></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td width="319" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td>
        <td width="319" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:26.25pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>and Chief Financial Officer</font></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td width="319" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td>
        <td width="319" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td width="319" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Date:&nbsp;&nbsp;August 22, 2005</font></p> </td>
        <td width="319" valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
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<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;line-height:90%;'><b><small>BLACK</small> <small>HILLS</small> <small>CORPORATION</small> <small>ANNOUNCES</small> <small>COMMENCEMENT</small> <small>OF</small> </b></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:8pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;line-height:90%;'><b><small>WYGEN</small> <small>II</small> <small>POWER</small> <small>PLANT</small> <small>CONSTRUCTION</small> </b></p>

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<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><b>&#149;</b></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=75%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><b>90
MW coal-fired plant to become a regulated asset of Cheyenne Light, Fuel &amp; Power</b> </FONT></TD>
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<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>RAPID CITY, SD&#151;August 22, 2005&#151;Black Hills Corporation (NYSE:BKH) announced today that final project specifications are completed and that construction of the Wygen II power plant will begin in September 2005.</font></p>

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<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt; text-indent:0.25in;text-align:left;'><font size=2>On August 17, 2005, the Wyoming Public Service Commission issued a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the 90-megawatt baseload coal-fired power plant. That permit was the final regulatory approval required before construction could commence. The Company previously obtained from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality an air quality permit and an industrial siting permit. </font></p>

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<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt; text-indent:0.25in;text-align:left;'><font size=2>Wygen II is expected to be a regulated asset of the Company&#146;s subsidiary, Cheyenne Light, Fuel &amp; Power. It will be sited at the Company&#146;s Wyodak coal mine and energy complex near Gillette, Wyoming. The facility is expected to cost approximately $169 million, including interim financing costs during construction. Wygen II would be the fifth coal-fired power plant located at Wyodak. Two natural gas-fired combustion turbine peaking power plants also reside at the Wyodak site.</font></p>

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<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt; text-indent:0.25in;text-align:left;'><font size=2>David R. Emery, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Black Hills Corporation, said, &#147;We are excited to proceed with this power plant project. Wygen II is the third power plant of its size and configuration at Wyodak. Its design is proven to be both efficient and reliable. This power plant is expected to be in commercial operation in early 2008 to serve power to our customers at Cheyenne Light.&#148; Presently, power is provided by Public Service Company of Colorado, a subsidiary of Xcel Energy Inc. (NYSE:XEL) under an all-requirements contract, which expires December 31, 2007. </font></p>

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<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt; text-indent:0.25in;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&#147;This project&nbsp; also extends our Company&#146;s long history of adding value to the Wyoming economy,&#148; Emery said. &#147;Since the 1940s, we have converted Wyoming mineral resources into electricity for Wyoming customers and beyond. The construction phase will employ several hundred workers, many of whom will be Wyoming residents. When in operation, Wygen II will provide permanent staff positions and also support a host of other energy-related jobs.&#148; Emery added, &#147;Wygen II will utilize the latest available emissions control technology, assuring that this power plant, like its replicate, Wygen, will be among the cleanest coal-fired plants in the world. Moreover, it will be one of the first applications of mercury abatement processes in the United States.&#148;</font></p>

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<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font SIZE=2>ABOUT BLACK HILLS CORPORATION</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt; text-indent:0.59in;text-align:left;'><font size=2>Black Hills Corporation is a diversified energy company. Black Hills Energy, our wholesale energy business unit, generates electricity, produces natural gas, oil and coal, and markets energy. Our retail businesses
are Black Hills Power, an electric utility serving western South Dakota, northeastern Wyoming and southeastern Montana; and Cheyenne Light, Fuel &amp; Power, an electric and gas distribution utility serving the Cheyenne, Wyoming vicinity. More information is available at our Internet web site: www.blackhillscorp.com.</font></p>

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<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;line-height:125%;'><font SIZE=2>CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS</font></p>

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<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt; text-indent:0.58in;text-align:left;'><font size=2>Some of the statements in this release include &#147;forward-looking statements&#148; as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC.  We make these forward-looking statements 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 Form 10-Q that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions which we believe are reasonable based on current expectations and projections about future events and industry conditions and trends affecting our business.  However, whether actual results and developments will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties
that, among other things, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including the risk factors described in Items 1 and 2 of our 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in Item 2 of Part I of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, and the following:</font></p>

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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The amount and timing of capital deployment in new investment opportunities or for the repurchase of debt or stock;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The volumes of our production from oil and gas development properties, which may be dependent upon issuance by federal, state, and tribal governments, or agencies thereof, of drilling, environmental and other permits, and the availability of specialized contractors, work force, and equipment;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The extent of our success in connecting natural gas supplies to gathering, processing and pipeline systems;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our ability to successfully integrate CLF&amp;P into our operations;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfavorable rulings in the rate cases filed by CLF&amp;P with the WPSC and in the periodic applications to recover costs for fuel and purchased power;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in business and financial reporting practices arising from the repeal of the Public Utilities Holding Company Act and other provisions of the recently enacted Energy Policy Act of 2005;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our ability to remedy any deficiencies that may be identified in the periodic review of our internal controls;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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 can affect our earnings, liquidity position and the underlying value of our assets;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The timing and extent of scheduled and unscheduled outages of power generation facilities;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;General economic and political conditions, including tax rates or policies and inflation rates;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our use of derivative financial instruments to hedge commodity, currency exchange rate and interest rate risks;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The creditworthiness of counterparties to trading and other transactions, and defaults on amounts due from counterparties;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The amount of collateral required to be posted from time to time in our transactions;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in or compliance with laws and regulations, particularly those relating to taxation, safety and protection of the environment;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in state laws or regulations that could cause us to curtail our independent power production;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Weather and other natural phenomena;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Industry and market changes, including the impact of consolidations and changes in competition;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The effect of accounting policies issued periodically by accounting standard-setting bodies;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The cost and effects on our business, including insurance, resulting from terrorist actions or responses to such actions;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Capital market conditions, which may affect our ability to raise capital on favorable terms;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Price risk due to marketable securities held as investments in benefit plans;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Obtaining adequate cost recovery for our retail operations through regulatory proceedings; and</font></p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=4><b>&#149;</b></font><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other factors discussed from time to time in our other filings with the SEC.</font></p> </td> </tr></table>

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<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt; text-indent:0.58in;text-align:left;'><font size=2>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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