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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>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=3>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=3>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>Date of Report (Date
of earliest event reported) May 26, 2005 </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>BLACK HILLS CORPORATION <BR>
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</FONT></H1>



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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">
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     <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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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>1 </FONT></P>


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<H1 ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Item 1.01 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Entry into a
Material Definitive Agreement </FONT></H1>

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<H1 ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Compensation of
Non-Employee Directors </FONT></H1>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>On May 26, 2005, the Board of
Directors of Black Hills Corporation approved revised compensation arrangements for
non-employee directors. Director compensation is established by the Board of Directors and
periodically reviewed. The Board of Directors believes the revised compensation
arrangements are commensurate with those of similar companies and better align director
and shareholder interests. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Effective June 1, 2005 each
non-employee director will receive an annual cash retainer of $28,000, payable on a
monthly basis and will receive common stock equivalents equal to $28,000 per year pursuant
to the Third Amendment to the Outside Directors Stock Based Compensation Plan which is
filed as an exhibit to this filing and incorporated herein by reference. The common stock
equivalents are payable in stock or cash at retirement or can be deferred at the election
of the Director. It is the Board of Directors&#146; intention that, in the future, all
Directors&#146; compensation will be divided equally between cash and equity. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>The Directors also approved a meeting
fee of $1,250 per meeting. The Lead Director and Committee Chairpersons will continue to
receive an additional annual retainer fee of $8,000 and $4,000, respectively. </FONT></P>

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


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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT WIDTH=3%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(c)  </FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=LEFT WIDTH=3%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=94%><P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Exhibits.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
The following exhibits are filed herewith:  </FONT></P></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT WIDTH=9%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Exhibit Number</U>  </FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=LEFT WIDTH=91%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Title of Document</U> </FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT WIDTH=9%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>   10.1  </FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=LEFT WIDTH=91%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Third
Amendment to the Outside Directors Stock Based Compensation Plan </FONT></TD>
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</TABLE>
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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>
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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>
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<P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Date: June 2, 2005 </FONT></P>


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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Exhibit Index </FONT></H1>


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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT WIDTH=9%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><U>Exhibit Number</U>  </FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=LEFT WIDTH=91%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<U>Title of Document</U> </FONT></TD>
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<BR>


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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT WIDTH=9%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>   10.1  </FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=LEFT WIDTH=91%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Third
Amendment to the Outside Directors Stock Based Compensation Plan </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "BLACK HILLS CORP /SD/", "cik": "0001130464", "assigned-sic": "4911", "irs-number": "460458824", "state-of-incorporation": "SD", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "001-31303", "film-number": "05874987"}, "business-address": {"street1": "625 9TH STREET", "street2": "PO BOX 1400", "city": "RAPID CITY", "state": "SD", "zip": "57709", "phone": "6057212343"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "625 9TH STREET", "street2": "PO BOX 1400", "city": "RAPID", "state": "SD", "zip": "57709"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "BLACK HILLS HOLDING CORP", "date-changed": "20001222"}}
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_________________
FORM 8-K
_________________
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date
of earliest event reported) May 26, 2005
_________________
BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_________________
South Dakota
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
001-31303
(Commission File Number)
625 Ninth Street, PO Box 1400
Rapid City, South Dakota
(Address of principal executive offices)
46-0458824
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
57709-1400
(Zip Code)
605.721.1700
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
_________________
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 (
see
General Instruction A.2. below):
Written
communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting
material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement
communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications
pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
1
Item 1.01    Entry into a
Material Definitive Agreement
Compensation of
Non-Employee Directors
On May 26, 2005, the Board of
Directors of Black Hills Corporation approved revised compensation arrangements for
non-employee directors. Director compensation is established by the Board of Directors and
periodically reviewed. The Board of Directors believes the revised compensation
arrangements are commensurate with those of similar companies and better align director
and shareholder interests.
Effective June 1, 2005 each
non-employee director will receive an annual cash retainer of $28,000, payable on a
monthly basis and will receive common stock equivalents equal to $28,000 per year pursuant
to the Third Amendment to the Outside Directors Stock Based Compensation Plan which is
filed as an exhibit to this filing and incorporated herein by reference. The common stock
equivalents are payable in stock or cash at retirement or can be deferred at the election
of the Director. It is the Board of Directors' intention that, in the future, all
Directors' compensation will be divided equally between cash and equity.
The Directors also approved a meeting
fee of $1,250 per meeting. The Lead Director and Committee Chairpersons will continue to
receive an additional annual retainer fee of $8,000 and $4,000, respectively.
Item 9.01    Financial
Statements and Exhibits
(c)
Exhibits.     
The following exhibits are filed herewith:
Exhibit Number
Title of Document
10.1
Third
Amendment to the Outside Directors Stock Based Compensation Plan
SIGNATURES
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.
BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
By:
/s/ Mark T. Thies
Mark T. Thies
Executive
Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
Date: June 2, 2005
Exhibit Index
Exhibit Number
Title of Document
10.1
Third
Amendment to the Outside Directors Stock Based Compensation Plan