Hill City Prevailer

Fatal crash near Hill City

Published by admin on Wed, 08/12/2026 - 9:58am

The South Dakota Highway Patrol has officially identified the two people who died in a three-vehicle crash Thursday near Hill City.
Authorities say Kurt D. Klokkenga and Regina Klokkenga, both of Emden, Ill., were killed in the crash on Hwy. 385 near mile marker 89.
According to preliminary information, Kurt Klokkenga and Kendall D. Klokkenga were traveling northbound on separate Harley-Davidson motorcycles when they approached a Toyota 4Runner that was stopped in the roadway, waiting to turn onto Wrinkle Valley Road.

Honoring educational perseverance

Published by admin on Wed, 08/12/2026 - 9:50am

A new memorial scholarship has been established in loving memory of a local Hill City man honoring his extraordinary perseverance throughout his educational journey and inspiring others to find an educational pathway that leads to success.
The Go Far Foundation announced the launch of the Spencer Coy Sandven Memorial Perseverance Scholarship July 10 on its Facebook page, stating, “This scholarship isn’t just about grades—it’s about recognizing young people who have overcome challenges, kept moving forward and continue to make a positive impact.”

Time ticking down to run for trustee

Published by admin on Wed, 08/12/2026 - 9:48am

Those hoping to run for the Keystone Town Board of Trustees have until Aug. 18 at 5 p.m. to file a petition with the finance officer. The deadline is a week earlier than originally explained, due to an error with the election calendar put out by the Secretary of State. There are two seats open on the board. 
Trustees approved a not to exceed $9,000 survey task order at the Aug. 5 meeting. The projects will determine the location of the water and sewer mains relative to property boundaries, rights of way and easements for the  Presidential Hospitality property. 

Work session shows state of projects

Published by admin on Wed, 08/12/2026 - 9:47am

The Hill City Common Council (HCCC) held a work session Aug. 6 at city hall to discuss water and sewer infrastructure projects. Mayor Tana Nichols  began the evening by telling the audience how hard officials have been working on the projects. This was evident as all city officials were present including city administrator Nate Anderson joining the meeting via phone and the city finance officer and director of public works in attendance.
HCCC president Ethan Walker led the meeting with a slide show and packet that illustrated the predicaments before the council. 

Open house shares vision of Hwy. 16 corridor

Published by admin on Wed, 08/12/2026 - 9:46am

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) hosted an open house explaining its plans for the Hwy. 16 corridor. 
The meeting Aug. 4 was held in two rooms, one in which a looped video explained the project and another where some SDDOT engineers were on hand explaining the project.

New Keystone event to bring people together

Published by admin on Wed, 08/12/2026 - 9:41am

A new event is being held Aug. 21-22 in Keystone featuring a parade, street dance and an old fashioned community picnic. Rushmore Heritage Days is the brainchild of Sandi Mclain who together with a host of volunteers has been hard at work since March to create a celebration for the nation’s 250th birthday.
The Rushmore Heritage Days is a celebration of heritage, mining, agriculture and Native Americans. The event kicks off Aug. 21 at 11 a.m. with a parade starting at the Keystone Mall and ending at the Keystone Community Center. 

Citizens hear ideas on potential additional tax

Published by admin on Wed, 08/05/2026 - 10:06am
The first public meeting of Hill City Capital Improvement Board (CIB) to discuss potential community area projects was held  July 28 at city hall. 
About 20 people came to listen to the five-person board and its list of potential projects for a proposed 1 percent sales tax voters will be able to decide upon in November. 

Tragedy strikes at Hippie Hole

Published by admin on Wed, 08/05/2026 - 10:05am
A fatality occurred July 28 at the popular and remote swimming and cliff diving area known locally as Hippie Hole. 
According to the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), its office was alerted about a possible drowning at the site at 10:30 a.m. The victim’s body was recovered at about 11:10 a.m. 

County budget passes for now

Published by admin on Wed, 08/05/2026 - 10:04am
Pennington County commissioners approved the county’s provisional budget at a July 29 special meeting.
The provisional budget totals $135.6 million, a 2.8 percent increase over the 2026 budget. The county  has 92 vacant positions across Pennington County currently but is paying 777 employees on average during each pay period. Salaries make up $73,151,016 of the budget for 2026.

Miner airs concerns about surcharges

Published by admin on Wed, 08/05/2026 - 10:02am
Hill City aldermen spent a majority of the Hill City Common Council (HCCC) meeting July 27 discussing the wastewater treatment plant cost and overall potential surcharge to residents.
Alderwoman Lori Miner minced no words saying, “We’re all going to be ridden out of town on the rails,” citing a potential $320/month surcharge on bills for the completed project.
“We’re talking about $320/month for 5,000 gallons a month for water and sewer,” she said.