Custer County Chronicle

Bike trails proposed

Published by admin on Thu, 07/23/2020 - 8:57am
If a group of local mountain bike enthusiasts have their way, a new recreational use will soon come to the Big Rock Park area: biking trails.
At the July 20 meeting of the Custer City Council, Charley Neff Umbarger and Matt Fridell, flanked by members of the city’s parks and recreation committee, gave a presentation on the possibility of bringing a modern bike park to Big Rock Park/Pageant Hill, which they said could offer a myriad of positives and opportunities to Custer.

SPR project is on schedule

Published by admin on Thu, 07/23/2020 - 8:56am
 
Construction on Sidney Park Road is going well and on schedule, Custer County Highway Department superintendent Jesse Doyle told the Custer County Commission at its July 15 meeting. However, Doyle said, some people are still under the impression the paved part of the road is being returned to gravel.
It’s not.

COVID-19 mandates debated

Published by admin on Thu, 07/23/2020 - 8:56am
Debates on whether masks should be mandated and whether children should return to school in person this fall are heating up as COVID-19 flares up in parts of the county.

Man dies in crash

Published by admin on Thu, 07/23/2020 - 8:47am
One person died Tuesday morning in a truck-motorcycle crash south of Custer.
Names of the two drivers are not yet being released pending notification of family members. They were the only people involved.
A 2008 Harley Davidson FLHTCU motorcycle and a 2008 Freightliner truck hauling gravel were both northbound on U.S. Highway 385. As the truck tried to pass the motorcycle, the motorcycle began a left-hand turn into an approach. The two vehicles collided.

Gold Discovery Days starts Thursday

Published by admin on Thu, 07/16/2020 - 9:23am
It’s Gold Discovery Days (GDD) week and, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a full slate of activities scheduled, although some familiar activities have been cancelled or revamped in an effort to keep visitors safe.
Things get started Thursday with the opening of the carnival from 5-10 p.m.
Friday morning starts with the arts and crafts festival from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Washington Street between 4th and 5th streets. An hour later the carnival gets under way, with its setup again on the eastern part of Washington Street, just like last year.

Carjacked car is recovered

Published by admin on Thu, 07/16/2020 - 9:19am
The car stolen in a July 5 carjacking and kidnapping incident in Hermosa has been recovered, according to Custer County sheriff’s deputy Lt. Steve McMillin who is investigating the crime. 
The car, a black 2006 Ford Taurus SE, was allegedly stolen by a young Native American woman who had asked for a ride from Hermosa to Rapid City. After traveling to Rapid City and then back to Hart Ranch and Hermosa, the suspect allegedly assaulted and overpowered the car’s owner, took control of the vehicle and headed for the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. 

County adds 11th positive case

Published by admin on Thu, 07/16/2020 - 9:19am
Custer County had its 11th positive test for the virus Monday. However, of the 11 positive cases the county has tallied, only two are active. Nine of the people who tested positive have made a full recovery.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) last week announced state gross domestic product (GDP) decreases for all 50 states. The South Dakota economy contracted by 2.2 percent, the second smallest amount in the country, for the first quarter of 2020, which covers January to March.

Schools open Aug. 24, with conditions

Published by admin on Thu, 07/16/2020 - 9:19am
Custer district schools are scheduled to reopen Aug. 24 to provide in-person learning at all schools, according to a plan approved by the board of education on Monday. 
Supt. Mark Naugle outlined the reopening plan crafted by a team of teachers and administrators emphasizing that the plan is still a “living document” that will need to be amended as the situation develops. 
“We know we’ll have some folks who aren’t comfortable in sending their kids back into the school buildings,” said Naugle. 

Flood meeting results in another meeting

Published by admin on Thu, 07/16/2020 - 9:12am
Representatives of county and city government and one homeowner from the Harbach Lane/Granite Heights area east of Custer met last Wednesday to discuss mitigation of flooding along French Creek. However, beyond simply outlining the scope of the problem, little was accomplished other than to schedule a second meeting in hopes of getting a better representation from all the parties involved. 

Les Animaux artists sought

Published by admin on Thu, 07/16/2020 - 9:08am
Artists are sought for the Les Animaux Art Show This animal-themed charity show hosted by Art Expressions Gallery to support Battle Mountain Humane Society (BMHS). People’s Choice balloting will be cash donations to BMHS. However, artists may donate a piece to be sold during the show with all proceeds going to BMHS. Half of each entry fee will be donated to BMHS, as well.
Artists are invited to submit works in any medium. They must be the original work of the artist and represent the animal theme.