Custer County Chronicle

Mayor Brown honored by CAEDC

Published by admin on Wed, 01/22/2025 - 10:16am

It was a celebration of economic development and community last Thursday evening at Laughing Water Restaurant at Crazy Horse Memorial, as the Custer Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) hosted its annual meeting that included an update on the CAEDC’s recent activity as well as the presentation of a pair of awards.
City of Custer mayor Bob Brown was honored as CAEDC’s Individual of the Year, with CAEDC treasurer Phil Abernathy, who presented the award, saying Brown is a person in the city who makes things happen.

Forest health talk kicks off burn

Published by admin on Wed, 01/22/2025 - 10:15am

“Living in Community with Our Forested Environment,” an educational event prior to  Burning Beetle, drew a large crowd Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Custer County Courthouse Annex for presentations by local, state and federal experts regarding forest health, land management and wildfire risk mitigation.

School board talks facility updates

Published by admin on Wed, 01/22/2025 - 10:12am

Fencing, concrete and security camera projects at Custer School District (CSD) facilities were all discussed at the Board of education meeting Jan. 13 at the School Administration Building in Custer.
Among these, bid options for the Hermosa campus fencing project were presented.

Annual family resource fair is March 8

Published by admin on Wed, 01/22/2025 - 10:12am

Early Learner Custer is has announced the second annual Southern Hills Family Resource Fair, a cornerstone event for families with young children in the Custer and Southern Hills area. The fair will be held Saturday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Custer Elementary School.
A fun-filled day of
learning and connection
This engaging event provides an opportunity for families with children aged 0-8 to connect with a wide range of local businesses, organizations and resources dedicated to supporting the growth and development of young learners.

Commission seeks funds transparency

Published by admin on Wed, 01/15/2025 - 3:19pm

In an effort to have more transparency and accountability as to how entities are spending county taxpayer dollars, the Custer County Commission plans to pass a resolution aimed at requiring entities that receive county funding to provide an account of how those dollars are being spent.
The proposed ordinance was discussed at the commisson’s Jan. 8 meeting, with commission legal counsel Aaron Davis saying the ordinance would show where the funds the county disperses to first responder entities, nonprofits, etc., are being sent.

Hermosa talks abatements, keeping the peace

Published by admin on Wed, 01/15/2025 - 3:18pm

The Hermosa Town Board of Trustees meeting Jan. 7 was lightly attended, with one board member absent and another calling in.
Town elections are approaching, so mark your calendars for June 3 to participate in your civic duty. Nominations are being accepted for the Hermosa Volunteer of the Year 2024. More information is in the Hermosa Newsletter. Those intersted in nominating someone can visit the town hall office to pick up a form, which can be emailed, mailed or delivered to the town office by Feb. 14.

City hears plight of county library

Published by admin on Wed, 01/15/2025 - 3:18pm

The Custer City Council heard the plight of the Custer County Library in the face of possible state funding cuts at its Jan. 6 meeting.
The meeting was a quick one, lasting around 15 minutes, but during the time the council was in session it heard from Custer County Library director Sarah Myers, who, like she had at a previous meeting of the Custer County Commission, told how cuts proposed by Gov. Kristi Noem could affect libraries both locally and statewide.

Annual Burning Beetle set for Saturday

Published by admin on Wed, 01/15/2025 - 2:47pm

It’s that time of year again, where the phrase “Burn, Beetle, Burn!” can be heard in the air — Burning Beetle. This year’s Burning Beetle will be held Saturday, Jan. 18, and is packed full of fun, art, education and community spirit.
Thirteen years ago Burning Beetle was created to help the Custer community and the Black Hills come to grips with a beetle pandemic. While this is the 13th year of celebrating the event, this is the 12th year the beetle effigy has been annually torched.

Charges against state employees growing

Published by admin on Wed, 01/15/2025 - 2:46pm

A wave of criminal prosecutions against former South Dakota state employees continued Thursday with a new charge against a woman accused of using grocery vouchers intended for foster families.
The case is at least the fifth brought against a former state employee by attorney general Marty Jackley since last summer, all for fraud-related allegations.
“The Attorney General’s Office intends to continue to prosecute these cases to regain the public’s trust in state government,” Jackley said Thursday in a press release.
New case details

Third wing set to open at nursing home

Published by admin on Wed, 01/08/2025 - 9:29am

Just over a year after it opened, Custer Care and Rehab Center is set to have a third wing opened to welcome new residents.
The facility’s second wing, which opened in April, is full and has been full a  couple of times, but the third wing wasn’t quite ready for opening.
“Now, we’re ready,” Custer Care and Rehab Center administrator Madison Barta said. Barta said some remodeling had to be finished in the third wing as well as making sure there was enough staff in place.