Custer County Chronicle

Down Memory Lane May 25

Published by admin on Thu, 05/26/2022 - 10:19am

10 years ago, 2012 —Around a dozen people offered opinions on a proposed construction noise ordinance during an information-gathering session at the Custer County Courthouse Commissioners Room. Most of those who spoke were in favor of such an ordinance, many of whom are neighbors of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) compound southwest of Pringle.

Photography of Sierra Hopp on display at courthouse

Published by admin on Thu, 05/26/2022 - 10:09am

“Growing up, I have always been interested in being creative,” said Sierra Hopp.
This 17-year-old Black Hawk native may be an amateur for now. Still, her penchant for capturing the award-winning “creative shot” is catching notice. Hopp’s creative photography exhibition is at Custer County Courthouse Art Gallery, Custer, through July 29.   
Hopp, a Junior at Stevens High School in Rapid City, has been enamored with fine arts from an early age.
“I remember when I was very young, my mom would print me coloring sheets that I would work on all day,” she said.

Roosevelt-McGovern attendees hear from candidates

Published by admin on Thu, 05/26/2022 - 10:09am

It was a full house at the Custer County Democrats’ 32nd Roosevelt-McGovern Day Rally held at the Laughing Water Restaurant on May 13. Following a dinner, a silent auction and door prizes, the evening continued with special music by singer and guitarist Pegie Douglas from Hill City.
Dennis Olsen of Beadle County spoke as the national committeeman of the South Dakota Democratic party and urged everyone to vote no on Amendment C to preserve the voices of the people. Then came the main attractions:  addresses by the 2022 political candidates.  

Down Memory Lane May 18

Published by admin on Thu, 05/19/2022 - 9:18am

10 years ago, 2012 —Parents and middle school-aged students had the chance to voice concerns and ask questions about seventh and eighth grades merging with the high school during a tour of the Custer High School May 10. High school principal Paul Anderson conducted the tour and answered questions from parents and students ... LaVonne Horn received the Volunteer of the Year Award at the Custer Area Chamber of Commerce Spring Fling. Horn volunteered at the Custer Senior Center, VFW and 1881 Courthouse Museum. Other winners included Trinity Rapp of Mt.

Eight Days in Custer County

Published by admin on Thu, 05/19/2022 - 9:17am

Thursday, May 19
Hermosa/Fairburn Community Food Bank,
3-5 p.m., Heartland Hair, 300 E. Main St., Hermosa
Cricut T-Shirt Class, 4:30 p.m., Custer County Library
Civil Air Patrol, 6:30 p.m., Custer County Airport

Some farmers illegally converting wetlands to croplands

Published by admin on Thu, 05/19/2022 - 9:09am

Wildlife and water quality in South Dakota are sometimes put at unnecessary risk due to a lack of oversight and accountability of farmers who illegally drain their properties or convert protected wetlands into farmable acreage.
In addition, those who violate the law frequently avoid punishment when they are caught or are given “good-faith waivers” by local oversight groups often made up of fellow farmers and neighbors.

A spiritual pilgrimage

Published by admin on Thu, 05/12/2022 - 9:24am

The new owners of Rose Haven Senior Living south of Custer along Hwy. 385 have quite a story to tell about their two-year process of moving from western New Jersey to the Black Hills. In fact, Joseph and Amanda Merkle describe the transition as a spiritual journey, likening it to the travels of Old Testament Abraham to the Promised Land.
The Merkles purchased the expansive home and business from Tiffany Cuny several weeks ago and moved their young family of four girls into the lower level of the facility in late April.

Down Memory Lane May 11

Published by admin on Thu, 05/12/2022 - 9:23am

10 years ago, 2012 —Republican candidates gathered at a Republican forum to introduce themselves. Among them were District 30 Senate candidates George Ferebee and Bruce Rampelberg and House of Representative candidates Travis Bies, Florence Thompson, Lance Russell, Tim Behlings and Mike Verchio...Tyler Schultz improved his school record in the discus, with a throw of 184-10 at the Howard Wood Dakota Relays in Sioux Falls. At the same meet, Cody Herman broke the school record in the 1600, running a time of 4:26.78, beating the old record of 4:31.4, set in 1973 by Mitch Paulsen.

Eight Days in Custer County

Published by admin on Thu, 05/12/2022 - 9:22am

Thursday, May 12
Custer Area Chamber of Commerce Mixer, 5-7 p.m., Lewis Realty
ADD/ADHD Support Group, 6:30 p.m.,
Monument Health Custer Hospital Conference Room
Civil Air Patrol, 6:30 p.m., Custer County Airport

Stage Stop has new owners

Published by admin on Thu, 05/05/2022 - 9:22am

One of Custer's most unique tourism related businesses is under new ownership and will be undergoing some big changes in coming months to give shoppers an immersive experience into Native American culture and the Old West.
The rustic Stage Stop Trading Post at 640 West Mt. Rushmore Road was recently purchased by Winfried Alessi-Narr (co-owner of Custer's new Swan's organic food store) and a partner who plan to open it to the public  Memorial Day weekend and operate through Labor Day.