Custer County Chronicle

South Dakota T. rex fetches $50 million at auction

Published by admin on Wed, 07/29/2026 - 12:08pm

A Tyrannosaurus rex fossil discovered on a ranch in western South Dakota has sold for more than $50 million in an auction held Tuesday morning in New York.
According to the Sotheby’s website, the auction is closed and the dinosaur fossil nicknamed “Gus” was sold for $50.13 million after starting at $19 million, one of the highest sales ever for such a fossil. The sale price is well above the $30 million price estimated by Sotheby’s prior to the sale.
No information was provided about the buyer.

Sheriff’s Log July 13-16

Published by admin on Wed, 07/29/2026 - 12:07pm

Custer County Sheriff’s Log
Call of the Week
Monday, July 13
11:33 p.m.: Two female campers were tussling over a too-bright lantern at Center Lake Campground  on state-managed land in Custer State Park. When all was said and done, deputies awarded one of the participants, a 44-year-old Rapid City female, a citation for disorderly conduct and an admonition to stay out of other people’s campsites.

Black Hills Live July 29, 2026

Published by admin on Wed, 07/29/2026 - 9:58am

Wednesday 7-29

Men’s Breakfast Bible Study
The Little White Church
Hill City, SD 
7:30 AM

Seniors Fitness Class
Hill City Center 
Hill City, SD
8:30 AM

Seniors Bridge Card Games
Hill City Center 
Hill City, SD
10 AM

YMCA Kidstop
Custer County Library
Custer, SD
11 AM

Summer Youth Group
The Little White Church
Hill City, SD 
6:30 PM

Bingo at the Beacon
Custer Beacon
Custer, SD
6:30 PM

Down Memory Lane July 22

Published by admin on Wed, 07/22/2026 - 12:23pm

10 YEARS AGO, 2016

Avis Hespen Memorial Garden Tour this weekend

Published by admin on Wed, 07/22/2026 - 12:20pm

Custer Mile High Garden Club (GC) will host the 20th Annual Avis Hespen Memorial Garden Tour Sunday, July 26, from 2-5:30 p.m.
Hespen and her sister, Caroline Hatton, were founding members of the local GC in January 1996. The two shared garden witticisms, sound gardening practices, seeds, bulbs and cuttings quite liberally. GC members, sporting Hatten’s favorite color red, welcome visitors to each garden and are happy to answer any questions they might have. The tour starts with refreshments at 221 S. 9th Street in Custer.

Sheriff’s Log July 5-12

Published by admin on Wed, 07/22/2026 - 12:07pm

Custer County Sheriff’s Log
Call of the Week
Sunday, July 5
3:26 p.m.: A passing motorist reported a deer standing by Hwy. 36 west of Custer that “looked miserable” and “might have ‘that’ disease.” A deputy cruised the area, finding no deer, diseased or otherwise.

Black Hills Live July 22, 2026

Published by admin on Wed, 07/22/2026 - 9:55am

Wednesday 7-22

Men’s Breakfast Bible Study
The Little White Church
Hill City, SD 
7:30 AM

Custer County Commission
Custer County Courthouse
Custer, SD
8 AM

Seniors Fitness Class
Hill City Center 
Hill City, SD
8:30 AM

Seniors Bridge Card Games
Hill City Center 
Hill City, SD
10 AM

YMCA Kidstop at the Community Garden
Custer Community Garden
Custer, SD
10 AM

Longtime resident siblings are marshals

Published by admin on Wed, 07/15/2026 - 9:39am

The gold nugget doesn’t fall far from the wheelbarrow in Custer.
Thirty years after their parents were honored, siblings Gary Lipp, Margie Hutton and Mary Sires are being honored as Gold Discovery Days Parade Marshals for their many years of putting time, talent and labor into the festivities. 
All three siblings graduated from Custer High School in 1970, 1972 and 1974, respectively, and their oldest brother Jerry, a 1968 graduate, passed away in 1998. 

Down Memory Lane July 15

Published by admin on Wed, 07/15/2026 - 9:36am

10 YEARS AGO, 2016

Sheriff's Log July 2-5

Published by admin on Wed, 07/15/2026 - 9:19am

Custer County Sheriff’s Log
Call of the Week
Saturday, July 5
6:53 p.m.: Tempers flared between tourists traveling on a state highway near the State Game Lodge in Custer State Park near state-managed land. Allegations of middle-finger-waving, yelling, face-punching and door-slamming followed. The matter is under investigation and may result in charges.