<SUBMISSION>
<ACCESSION-NUMBER>0001130464-07-000284
<TYPE>8-K
<PUBLIC-DOCUMENT-COUNT>2
<PERIOD>20071018
<ITEMS>8.01
<ITEMS>9.01
<FILING-DATE>20071018
<DATE-OF-FILING-DATE-CHANGE>20071018
<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>071178874
</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>bhcform8k101807.htm
<TEXT>
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<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;border-bottom:solid 2.25pt;padding-bottom:1;'>&nbsp;</p>

<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) October 17, 2007</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>


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<table border="0" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="594" style='margin-left:23.4pt;border-collapse:collapse'>
    <tr >
        <td  colspan="5" 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></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td  colspan="5" 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></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>001-31303</font></b></p> </td>
        <td width="216" 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'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></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></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>(Commission File Number)</font></b></p> </td>
        <td width="216" 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'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></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></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'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td>
        <td width="216" 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'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></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'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td  colspan="3" 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></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></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></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td  colspan="5" 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></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td  colspan="5" 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></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'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td>
        <td  colspan="3" 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'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></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'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td  colspan="5" 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></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td  colspan="5" 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></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr>
        <td width="162" ></td>

        <td width="18" ></td>

        <td width="216" ></td>

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

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

<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-indent:0.5in;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>


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        <td width="18" 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>&#144;</font></b></p> </td>
        <td width="620" 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>Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</font></p>
<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="18" 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>&#144;</font></b></p> </td>
        <td width="620" 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>Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</font></p>
<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="18" 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>&#144;</font></b></p> </td>
        <td width="620" 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>Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</font></p>
<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="18" 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>&#144;</font></b></p> </td>
        <td width="620" 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>Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</font></p>
<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></table>
</div>

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

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=2>1</font></p>

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


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        <td width="96" nowrap valign=top >
            <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="111" nowrap valign=top >
            <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>
</div>

<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:0.51in;text-align:left;'><font size=2>On October 17, 2007, the Registrant issued a press release jointly with Aquila, Inc. announcing that the Nebraska Public Service Commission approved the proposed acquisition by the Registrant of Aquila&#146;s natural gas utility assets and operations in the State of Nebraska. </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-indent:0.5in;text-align:left;'><font size=2>The Iowa Utilities Board previously gave its approval for the transfer of utility assets in the State of Iowa.  Similar approval applications are pending before state regulatory authorities in Colorado and Kansas.  </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-indent:0.5in;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>


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        <td width="96" nowrap 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="253" nowrap 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>
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        <td width="48" nowrap 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'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td>
        <td width="48" nowrap 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'><font size=2>(d)</font></p> </td>
        <td width="72" nowrap 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'><font size=2>Exhibits</font></p> </td> </tr></table>
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        <td width="96" nowrap 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'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td>
        <td width="48" nowrap 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'><font size=2>99</font></p> </td>
        <td width="259" nowrap 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'><font size=2>Press release dated October 17, 2007.</font></p> </td> </tr></table>
</div>

<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;'><font size=2>2</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>
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<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-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:0.51in;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>


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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>
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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=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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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=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td> </tr>
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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>By:&nbsp;</font><u><font size=2>/s/ Mark T. Thies</font></u>                                                                                                                                           </p> </td> </tr>
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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td>
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            <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>
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            <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>
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            <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>
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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td>
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            <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>
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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Date:&nbsp;October 18, 2007</font></p> </td>
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            <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></table>
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<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>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=2>3</font></p>

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

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:5pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:5pt; margin-top:5pt;text-align:left;'><u><font size=2>Exhibit #</font></u></p>


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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>99</font></p> </td>
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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Press release dated October 17, 2007.</font></p> </td> </tr></table>
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<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>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=2>4</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>
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<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><i><b><font size=5>News Release</font></b></i></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;'><b><font size=2>Media Contacts:</font></b></p>

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


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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Al Butkus</font></p> </td>
        <td width="111" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>(816) 467-3616</font></p> </td> </tr></table>
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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Media Relations</font></p> </td>
        <td width="111" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>(816) 467-3000</font></p> </td> </tr></table>
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<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><b><font size=2>Black Hills Corporation</font></b></p>


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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Barbara Zar</font></p> </td>
        <td width="111" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>(605) 721-2366</font></p> </td> </tr></table>
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<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>


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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>Investor Relations:</font></b></p> </td> </tr></table>
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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><b><font size=2>Aquila</font></b></p> </td> </tr></table>
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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Jason Ketchum</font></p> </td>
        <td width="111" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>(816) 467-3274</font></p> </td> </tr></table>
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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Toll-free</font></p> </td>
        <td width="111" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>(800) 487-6661</font></p> </td> </tr></table>
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<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><b><font size=2>Black Hills Corporation</font></b></p>


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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Dale Jahr</font></p> </td>
        <td width="111" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>(605) 721-2326</font></p> </td> </tr></table>
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<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;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:12pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><b><font size=2>NEBRASKA REGULATORS APPROVE BLACK HILLS CORPORATION&#146;S PURCHASE OF AQUILA&#146;S NEBRASKA PROPERTIES</font></b></p>

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

<p style=' margin-bottom:6pt; margin-top:0pt; text-indent:0.54in;text-align:left;line-height: 150%;'><font size=2>RAPID CITY, SD AND KANSAS CITY, MO, Oct. 17, 2007&#151;Black Hills Corporation (NYSE: BKH) and Aquila, Inc. (NYSE: ILA) today announced that the Nebraska Public Service Commission gave its approval to the proposed acquisition by Black Hills of Aquila natural gas utility assets and operations in the state of Nebraska. </font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:6pt; margin-top:0pt; text-indent:0.64in;text-align:left;line-height: 150%;'><font size=2>On Oct.16 the Nebraska Public Service Commission entered its order approving the Joint Application of Aquila, Inc. and Black Hills Corporation regarding the sale and transfer to Black Hills of the gas utility assets and operations of Aquila in the state of Nebraska. In Nebraska, Aquila serves approximately 195,000 customers in 110 communities.</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:6pt; margin-top:0pt; text-indent:0.65in;text-align:left;line-height: 150%;'><font size=2>The approval order followed a hearing held before the Commission on Sept.10.  The joint application was filed in conjunction with the proposed sale by Aquila to Black Hills of gas utility assets located in Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas, together with gas and electric utility assets in Colorado. The Iowa Utilities Board previously gave its approval for the transfer of utility assets in that state. Similar approval applications are pending before state utility regulatory authorities in Kansas and Colorado.    </font></p>

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

<p style=' margin-bottom:6pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;line-height: 150%;'><font size=2>- more-</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>
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<p style=' margin-bottom:6pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;line-height: 150%;'><font size=2>Add Page 2, Aquila and Black Hills</font></p>

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

<p style=' margin-bottom:6pt; margin-top:0pt; text-indent:0.44in;text-align:left;line-height: 150%;'><font size=2>Black Hills Corporation is an integrated energy company. 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. Black Hills Energy, the wholesale energy business unit, generates electricity, produces natural gas, oil and coal, and markets energy. More information on Black Hills is available at www.blackhillscorp.com.</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:6pt; margin-top:0pt; text-indent:0.52in;text-align:left;line-height: 150%;'><font size=2>Based in Kansas City, Mo., Aquila owns electric power generation and operates electric and natural gas transmission and distribution networks serving approximately 900,000 customers in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. More information on Aquila is available at www.aquila.com.</font></p>

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

<p style=' margin-bottom:6pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;line-height: 150%;'><font size=2># # #</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>
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