Opinion

Throw support behind Habitat

Published by admin on Wed, 09/02/2026 - 12:37pm

If you’ve been around Custer long enough, you know there are some immutable truths when it comes to this fine city. Someone will tell you the Farmer’s Almanac has predicted we are going to have a horrible winter, followed by one of the mildest winters ever. Locals will decry the gathering of the motorcycles during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. We’ll wake up in one of the most beauitful areas on earth. Groups will meet, studies will be done and the lack of workforce/affordable housing will have a fist shaken at it.

People who feel like sunshine and rain

Published by admin on Wed, 09/02/2026 - 12:36pm

Some people just feel like sunshine. Their mere presence sparks a smile. You can talk all day or simply enjoy the silence together. They understand what you’re thinking before your words can form, and they’re always ready to help you chase after a dream. After spending time with them, your heart feels lighter and your outlook brighter. We all need more people like that in our lives. 

WNBA air balled an opportunity

Published by admin on Wed, 09/02/2026 - 9:30am
Like many young girls, I used to dream of one day playing in the WNBA. 
It wasn’t a realistic goal for me, but the love and passion for the game was there. Getting to play your favorite sport and get paid to do it—does it really get any better than that?
To be honest, after my basketball career ended in high school, I didn’t give much more thought to the WNBA. I didn’t watch games, didn’t follow the wins and losses. On a good day, I probably could have named three players.
And I wasn’t alone. 

And just like that

Published by admin on Wed, 08/26/2026 - 9:44am
And just like that, it’s as if someone turned off a faucet and most of the bikers and tourists have left for the season. 
The days are getting shorter (well they are still 24 hours). The nights are getting cooler. And the big yellow buses are starting to drive down our roads and highways. 

Kudos to the city and county

Published by admin on Wed, 08/26/2026 - 9:35am

Finally.
That was our thoughts last Monday evening when the Custer City Council unanimously approved the latest proposal from the Custer County Commission that will see the Custer County Sheriff’s Office once again provide law enforcement for the City of Custer. The agreement came after 13 months of negotiation that was on again, off again, and sometimes a little cantankerous. But the important part is neither the Custer City Council nor the Custer County Commission ever completely gave up on the negotiations. For that, we say thank you.

Weaning myself off social media

Published by admin on Wed, 08/26/2026 - 9:28am

I had an epiphany the other day when I was looking at Facebook. I really hate Facebook.
I don’t hate it in the sense that it has specifically done anything wrong to me—although I believe it kind of has. It has caused me to be inattentive, anxious, and even sometimes, depressed. I think I’ve had enough.
I was all-in on social media when it first started to gain traction. I was a huge fan of Myspace, and loved being on the site, even if setting my “Top 8” friends caused hard feelings. You kids can ask your parents what that means.

Go to one plate to fight Big Brother?

Published by admin on Wed, 08/26/2026 - 9:14am

Greetings. Here is an all inclusive list of all the election administration deadlines.
Poll worker names due to county auditor: Sept. 21. Absentee voting begins: Sept. 18
Voter registration deadline: Oct. 19.
Last day to request absentee ballot: Nov. 2.
In-person absentee voting ends: Nov. 2.
Logic and accuracy (tabulator) testing: Set by each county auditor
Nursing home/assisted living absentee voting: Set by each county auditor
General Election Day: Nov. 3, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

It’s easy to explain rise of ‘Democratic Socialism’

Published by admin on Wed, 08/19/2026 - 12:06pm

If you’re paying attention to politics lately, which we do, if only because we have to and not because we are in love with it, you’ve noticed that candidates who label themselves as ‘Democratic Socialists’ are winning elections around the country. Whether or not it’s enough for them to be considered a true national movement is up for debate. What isn’t up for debate is that younger people are gravitating toward them, and they are gaining momentum.

Lawmakers’ eyes bigger than stomachs

Published by admin on Wed, 08/19/2026 - 12:05pm

There are two times a year when you can count on South Dakota politicians getting a little pumped up about their performance and taking a victory lap. 
One is at the end of the legislative session when lawmakers pat themselves on the back about their ability to produce a balanced budget. They’re right to take pride in their work. There are currently 10 states that run budget deficits. Balancing a budget is something that continues to elude the U.S. Congress. 

Governor and grandpa

Published by admin on Wed, 08/19/2026 - 9:44am
Our family recently welcomed our 10th grandchild. There’s nothing like being surrounded by my children while watching their own children grow. But it all started 45 years ago on the first day of August, when my bride, Sandy, and I committed to a life together rooted in faith and love. James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” Looking back, I can see God’s favor in so many ways, and one of His greatest gifts has been my wife and the family we’ve built together.