Opinion

If you ran for office, you won

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 1:04pm

The 2026 Primary Election is now in the rearview mirror. As with any elections, there were winners and there were losers. That’s the way it works when we vote for our representation. Whether it is for class president in junior high or the President of the United States, voters head to the polls, choose who they want representing them and the chips fall where they may.

When life gives you lemons

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 12:48pm

Life is a funny thing. One day everything seems to be going right. You have a vision for the future and can’t wait to chase it. Slowly but surely, pieces seem to fall into place. God’s hand of blessing appears to be over the whole thing. 
Then in a single moment, plans change. Unforeseen things beyond your control roll your way. Dreams are knocked over by a new reality. And like a switchback on a mountain, your path suddenly turns in a different direction than you were expecting. 

Boredom—the missing ingredient in childhood

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 9:24am
It’s time to bring boredom back.
That seems a little counter-intuitive in an age where digital technology is designed to keep us constantly entertained. Smartphones and tablets put endless entertainment and distraction at our fingertips. Unfortunately, that entertainment has become an all-too-convenient pacifier for children whenever boredom strikes.
Perhaps the goal shouldn’t be to keep children entertained every second of the day. A little boredom may be just what young minds need—even if it comes with a little whining at first.

Don’t like negative governor ads

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 9:23am
Whew! What a week! I think I’m still recovering from the primary election. In district 30, Sen. Hulse, Rep. Ladner and I all won our primaries. Rep. Ladner and I have opposition in the general election. I enjoy campaigning and try my best to just talk about what I’ve accomplished in the legislature and state what needs to be done next. I never run negative campaigns; my opposition can speak for themselves. Rep. Ladner and Sen. Hulse feel the same I believe.

Will new talks yield different results?

Published by admin on Wed, 06/03/2026 - 2:21pm

As we reported in last week’s issue of the Custer County Chronicle, both the Custer City Council and the Custer County Commission have expressed interest—or at least agreed to take part—in renewed talks regarding the city’s contract, or lack thereof, with the county to have the Custer County Sheriff’s Office provide law enforcement for the city. The two sides are working on setting a date and a place to have those talks.

The joy of a media-friendly sheriff

Published by admin on Wed, 06/03/2026 - 2:16pm

FYI—We had a fatal bison goring in CSP. It’s still currently being worked on and investigated. I should have some information for you tomorrow.
This was part of a text message I got from Custer County Sheriff Marty Mechaley May 18. The text came only a couple of hours after the tragic incident that has since reached every corner of the globe. Last Wednesday, future Custer County Sheriff Derrick Reifenrath told me People Magazine had called regarding the incident.

And the band played on

Published by admin on Wed, 06/03/2026 - 9:29am
“They already paid us.” That’s what came out of one of the band member’s  mouths as the rain was pouring down. There was thunder in the distance, and the radar looked dismal. I was ready to leave, figuring for sure the show would be canceled. My husband, a  musician in the Army Band for many years, said no way he’d play in those conditions. 

Service and sacrifice

Published by admin on Wed, 05/27/2026 - 9:49am
On Memorial Day, people across South Dakota and the nation will gather for parades, backyard barbeques and the unofficial start of summer. American flags will wave proudly in our communities, cemeteries will be decorated with flowers and families will plan for long weekends spent together.

It’s time to get out there and vote

Published by admin on Wed, 05/27/2026 - 9:46am

Next Tuesday is the first Tuesday in June, and in South Dakota, that means it’s time for the Primary Election. As Lampert Real Estate’s ad says on the front page of this very issue of the Chronicle, get out there and vote.

‘Principled’ stand almost cost taxpayers

Published by admin on Wed, 05/27/2026 - 9:45am

During the legislative session, we’re often witness to lawmakers taking a stand on principle. This can take many forms.
Some want to make one of the harshest abortion laws in the nation even tougher.
Some want to beat back South Dakota’s urge to find more ways to gamble.
Some want to clamp down on access to medical marijuana.
Some want to solve the national debt by returning $87 million to the federal government.
Wait, what?