Hill City Prevailer

Want to see a magical magician perform, hear from experts at the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research or watch the Black Hills in Motion Clog Dancers? All these opportunities and more are available this summer thanks to the Hill City Public Library summer programs. 

These programs were started by the previous library director, and current library director Tammy Alexander later expanded it to six programs to correspond with the summer reading contest at the library. Their goal is to encourage children to continue learning through the summer. 

Last summer, property owners near Pringle began to notice the disappearance of needles from surrounding pine trees, making the ridge along Beaver Creek appear gray and bare.  The cause of the defoliation was a recent outbreak of pine loopers, a moth that feeds exclusively on pine needles during its larval caterpillar stage. Pine loopers are native to the Black Hills, but usually appear in fewer numbers, affecting only small pockets of forest. Sometimes, however, the population explodes into an outbreak, lasting one or two years, typically. 

Visitors to Keystone have no off-season dining options unless someone steps in to fill the void left by the closing of BarLee’s restaurant. The establishment, located right next to the Comfort Inn, was a staple for over a decade, although to mixed reviews. Some online reviews called the staff rude, others raved about the great food and fun. For locals the venue was a place to hang out and grab a drink or meal. For people on vacation, it had become the only restaurant in town during the winter months.

The Keystone Town Board held a special meeting to address citizen concerns. The May 24 meeting beganwith addressing eight points outlined in a letter by resident  Bernard Cordes.  Helicopter noise was one of those issues.

John Wells from Black Hills Aerial Adventures(BHAA) came to the meeting describing  the importance his company puts on being better neighbors.