Custer County Chronicle

Rush of events for Gold Discovery Days

Published by admin on Wed, 07/15/2026 - 8:41am
One of the Black Hills’ favorite summer traditions returns as the 103rd Annual Gold Discovery Days comes to Custer July 17–19. This three-day celebration honors the discovery of gold in the Black Hills while offering a weekend packed with family-friendly entertainment, community traditions and activities for all ages.

Happy Scoops now open for business

Published by admin on Wed, 07/08/2026 - 10:17am

Maria Lyndoe is likely the newest self-taught barista in Custer.
One might say she began preparing for the job at a very young age, however.
Lyndoe, a naturalized American citizen from Mexico, recalls being on her mother’s back as her mother picked coffee beans  in her native Mexico. Later, she said, it was her that was picking the beans.
“Like I tell my customers, I grew up picking the beans,” she said with a laugh.
As a child, when the beans were at their ripest with a hint of sweetness, she would eat them.

‘1776’ opens at Playhouse

Published by admin on Wed, 07/08/2026 - 10:16am

It may not be “Hamilton,” but the patriotic musical about the American Revolution running through July 12 at the Theatre 605 Black Hills Playhouse will leave you equally awed by the flawed but phenomenal humans who birthed a new nation 250 years ago.

Down Memory Lane July 8

Published by admin on Wed, 07/08/2026 - 10:14am

10 YEARS AGO, 2016

Local sculptor creates piece for Fort Pierre

Published by admin on Wed, 07/08/2026 - 10:11am

With a small, hand-built studio located between Pringle and Wind Cave National Park, Matthew Lanz continues his self-taught craft of sculpting and painting as commissions come in. Most recently, this involved creating a sculpture of Pierre Chouteau, Jr., which will be displayed in Fort Pierre.
Lanz is a self-taught artist with no formal education or training in the industry. 
“I knew back even when I was 5 what I wanted to do. I was always drawing,” said Lanz. “I grew up always knowing that’s what I was going to do…I carve, paint, sculpt and do all kinds of things.” 

Sheriff's Log June 28 - July 2

Published by admin on Wed, 07/08/2026 - 10:09am

Custer County Sheriff’s Log
Call of the Week
Tuesday, June 30
11:59 a.m.: Bison were reportedly blocking Hwy. 87 in Wind Cave park. This is also known as “summertime.” 

Black Hills Live July 8, 2026

Published by admin on Wed, 07/08/2026 - 9:28am

Wednesday 7-8

Custer Area Economic Development Corp.
Black Hills Energy
Custer, SD
7 AM

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

Driver’s License Exams
Custer County Courthouse 
Annex Pine Room
Custer, SD
8 AM - 5 PM

Custer County Commission
Custer County Courthouse
Custer, SD
8 AM

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

Zonta honors Carrie Moore

Published by admin on Wed, 07/01/2026 - 12:53pm

The Zonta Club of the Southern Black Hills honors Carrie Moore as its Yellow Rose Recipient of 2026.
This lifetime achievement award is for a woman in the community who through her lifework has improved the lives of women and girls. Moore is the youngest honoree of the Yellow Rose Award in the club’s 31 year history.   

Down Memory Lane July 1

Published by admin on Wed, 07/01/2026 - 12:51pm

10 YEARS AGO, 2016

Entries sought for GDD flower show

Published by admin on Wed, 07/01/2026 - 12:50pm

Gold Discovery Days will once again include the Caroline Hatton Flower Show, and your entries are needed.
Hatton was a long-time Custerite, avid gardener, Custer County Master Gardener, and a founding member of the Custer Mile High Garden Club. The flower show is dedicated to her memory. Garden club members loved the guidance and enthusiasm she willingly shared with family and friends.
The free, no-fee show is held at the Custer Senior Center. The show is open to everyone, of any age, who wishes to submit an entry.