Hill City Prevailer

Council talks water, trails, sewer

Published by admin on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 10:06am
Recent rainfall has helped, but it hasn’t solved the persistent problem of the Tracy Park well putting out fewer gallons per minute than usual. Thus, the Hill City Common Council approved a resolution enacting temporary watering restrictions and violation fees at the Sept. 28 meeting. 
At the Sept. 14 meeting, it was reported that the Tracy Park well was only putting out 40-60 gallons per minute instead of 110. After the rain preceding the Sept. 28 meeting, public works director Justin Asher said it was putting out 89-92 gallons per minute. 

Council discusses TIF funding for infrastructure

Published by admin on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 9:59am
Could Tax Increment Financing (TIF) help the City of Hill City offset water and sewer operation and maintenance expenses? The council discussed looking into the possibility at the Sept. 28 meeting of the Hill City Common Council. 

Council designates funds to light up town

Published by admin on Wed, 10/07/2026 - 9:55am
In order to bring the North Pole to Hill City this Christmas, the light poles on Main Street need some maintenance. However, a proposal to designate Business Improvement District (BID) Board funds toward the project should light up Hill City in time for the holiday season. 
The light poles on Main Street have various wiring and power issues. Some have neutral while others don’t, and there is not enough amperage or voltage to plug in the Christmas lights and wreaths. 

Keystone Wye project on track

Published by admin on Wed, 10/07/2026 - 9:41am

Another South Dakota Department of Transportation (DOT) project is underway on the Keystone Wye, with this project set to repair girder damage to the lower bridge as a result of the bridge being hit by a private party over-height load, as well as to place an additional waterproof membrane on the bridge decks to seal them from water infiltration. 

Fifth South Dakota DMV Now Kiosk open at Three Forks

Published by admin on Wed, 09/30/2026 - 10:23am
South Dakota residents now have another  option for completing eligible motor vehicle transactions with the addition of a new South Dakota DMV Now self-service kiosk at The Country Store at Three Forks, open seven days a week, 5 a.m.  to 8 p.m.
The new kiosk brings the total number of DMV Now kiosks in Pennington County to five and expands access to self-service motor vehicle transactions for residents and visitors in the Southern Hills, including the Hill City and Keystone areas. Other Kiosk locations throughout our area are: 

Proposed tax to ease water financial burden

Published by admin on Wed, 09/30/2026 - 10:04am
With Hill City facing significant infrastructure needs in both its water and wastewater systems, a proposed additional one percent sales tax would give the city a way to provide capital-funding for the projects, in majority, from local tourism dollars.

County update on July cybersecurity incident

Published by admin on Wed, 09/30/2026 - 9:58am
Pennington County is providing additional information regarding the cybersecurity incident first identified July 4 as the investigation, data review and recovery process continues.

Lawn watering restrictions pending

Published by admin on Wed, 09/23/2026 - 9:43am
It’s time to stop watering lawns. At least, that is what the Hill City Common Council is requesting after a discussion at the Sept. 14 meeting at city hall. 
Public works director Justin Asher reported that the Tracy Park well is only putting out 40-60 gallons per minute instead of 110. As a result, they are transferring water from the low side to the high side during the day to give the well a chance to recover. 

Residents asked to help find ‘news deserts’

Published by admin on Wed, 09/23/2026 - 9:38am
As a new foundation launches to help fund media organizations, two upcoming discussions will focus on how people get their news in order to ensure access to trusted information.
Eda Uzunlar spent part of this year traveling across the nation of Turkey to learn how people get their news, and now the Rapid City native plans to conduct similar research in the United States.

School board approves FY 2027 budget

Published by admin on Wed, 09/23/2026 - 9:37am
The Hill City School District Board of Education (HCSDBE) met Sept. 14 to review district achievements, departmental reports and approve the upcoming budget. 
In the good news portion of the agenda, superintendent Blake Gardner reported that U.S. News and World Report has ranked Hill City as the number three school in the state following Sioux Falls Lincoln and Brandon Valley. The ranking is supported by metrics including Advanced Placement (AP) participation, ACT scores and graduation rates.