Hill City Prevailer

Legislators emphasize collaboration in upcoming session

Published by admin on Tue, 11/25/2025 - 9:15am
Maintaining adequate funding for public schools in rural areas across the state as property tax bills are presented in the 2026 South Dakota Legislative Session was the primary concern of school leaders who met in Custer Nov. 19 for a special board meeting with District 30 Rep. Trish Ladner and Sen. Amber Hulse. 

School board talks student success

Published by admin on Wed, 11/19/2025 - 10:03am
The Hill City School District Board of Education (HCSDBE) held its November meeting last Monday, spotlighting student accomplishments, reviewing district policies and outlining board goals for the upcoming year.
As has become tradition, the meeting opened with celebration of students who recently excelled at the state level.
“Any time our students and staff represent our school at the state level, we like to recognize them in front of the school board,” said superintendent Blake Gardner.

Infrastructure plans moving forward

Published by admin on Wed, 11/19/2025 - 10:00am
Aldermen approved an $8,600 proposal for geotechnical engineering from American Engineering Testing (AET) at the Nov. 10 Hill City Common Council meeting. The bid was about $13,000 below the other bid. Both proposals are to determine the subsurface soil and groundwater conditions at the proposed new water tank site, which is where the current big blue tank is located. 
“Is $8,600 gonna turn into $25,000 because they missed something?” asked  alderman Justin Thiry.

Hill City man drowns near Gettysburg

Published by admin on Wed, 11/19/2025 - 9:55am
Rescue crews from the Potter County Sheriff’s Office, Gettysburg Fire and Rescue, Gettysburg Ambulance, Hoven Ambulance, Game, Fish and Parks, conservation officers, South Dakota Highway Patrol and South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) responded to a call of two men in the water.

Poll: Support for Trump tariffs uneven in South Dakota

Published by admin on Wed, 11/19/2025 - 9:47am
If there is one part of the policy agenda of President Donald Trump that is affecting South Dakota the most, it is likely his trade war with China and his aggressive approach to implementing tariffs on international trading partners.
Trump’s battle with China has led to retaliation by the Asian nation that included a freeze on purchases of soybeans from the U.S., including from South Dakota. Tariffs placed on imports from other nations also have affected the costs of goods purchased by a wide range of South Dakota businesses, industries and consumers.

Keystone trustees approve surcharge rates

Published by admin on Wed, 11/12/2025 - 8:30am
Surcharge rates for the new sewer plant upgrade project have been established by Keystone city officials. The rates were approved at the Nov. 5 Keystone Town Board meeting. 

Council discusses property classification

Published by admin on Wed, 11/05/2025 - 9:48am
The Oct. 27 Hill City Common Council (HCCC) meeting focused on discussion items including how various properties would be categorized for water bills.
City administrator Nate Anderson said he was looking for guidance on how to balance large seasonal users with the relief aldermen wanted to give to small year-round users. 
“We wouldn’t have to double our sewer plant” if it wasn’t for large seasonal users, Anderson said. 
He recommended continuing with a step and tier system, which was implemented this year. 

Hill City school earns respectable report card

Published by admin on Wed, 11/05/2025 - 9:47am
The South Dakota Department of Education (DOE) recently released its official 2024-25 report card, showing yearly progress in academic achievements for schools throughout the state. This year showed “meaningful, though modest, improvements,” throughout the state according to the press release.
While the percent of students in South Dakota preforming at grade level rose slightly, Hill City was at the top of the list for area schools. 
“We’ve always done well,” said high school principal Todd Satter. “We’re always on top or near the top.”

Trustee questions vote after matter tabled

Published by admin on Wed, 10/29/2025 - 9:35am
Keystone trustee Matt Fullilove raised concerns about an affirmative museum painting bid vote taking place while two board members were absent despite a vote rejecting the bids when the full board was present. He aired his opinions at the Oct. 22 Keystone Town Board meeting.

School district, club collaborate for children

Published by admin on Wed, 10/29/2025 - 9:34am
Representatives from the Hill City School District and Hill City Boys and Girls Club (HCBGC) got together Oct. 21 to discuss setting goals for collaborative efforts. 
Nicole Burdick, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of the Black Hills, said Hill City School District superintendent Blake Gardner initiated the meeting. 
“Basically, Blake reached out to me when he found out I was the new CEO,” Burdick said.