Opinion

Vandalizing Teslas is counterproductive

Published by admin on Wed, 04/09/2025 - 11:34am

In the latest installment of the Democrat saga “We haven’t grasped why we lost the election,” some Democrats have taken to burning and vandalizing Teslas or vandalizing Tesla dealerships all in the name of allegedly sticking it to Elon Musk. Why is it every time Democrats (again, not all, I think that goes without saying) get angry they immediately resort to violence? It accomplishes absolutely nothing, and if anything, is off-putting and extremely counterproductive.

Carries make Custer a great place

Published by admin on Wed, 04/09/2025 - 11:31am

It was last Friday when I wrapped up my Progress Edition interviews (finally!) when I went over the Petals and Pages, formerly known as Jenny’s Floral, to interview owner Carrie Moore about both moving her business as well as changing the name.
As I talked to her and looked around her new place (and if you haven’t checked it out, you definitely should) I couldn’t help but feel very proud of her. And she really should be very proud of herself.

You think the property tax issue is fixed?

Published by admin on Wed, 04/09/2025 - 10:28am
Some of us thought it might help, didn’t we? I know I did. And yet in this one measure, our new governor has come out of the starting gate with an immediate lack of transparency and trust. 
Upon reading an article on Keloland entitled, “Three percent value cap isn’t for individual homes in SD,” dated April 2, I learned what a sham our governor’s so-called “property tax relief” really is.
The article explains Gov. Larry Rhoden’s recently passed SB216. And if the story is correct, the bill doesn’t seem to help most of us at all.

Taking responsibility seems to be lost art

Published by admin on Wed, 04/02/2025 - 10:31am

If you don’t like this editorial, we feel compelled to let you know—it’s not our fault, it’s someone else’s.

Signs of spring showing in Death Valley

Published by admin on Wed, 04/02/2025 - 10:30am

Hello again from Death Valley! Things have begun heating up here, and even though spring has just begun, it’s already warmer than it usually is in a Black Hills summer–just last week the thermometer was pushing 100 degrees! As it continues to get warmer and warmer, I’ll be able to be outside less and less often, so I’m soaking it up as often as I can.

A look at my bills that passed and failed

Published by admin on Wed, 04/02/2025 - 10:23am

Greetings! As of this writing, I’m packed and ready to go back to Pierre for our final day of legislative session. We call it Veto Day because the break gives the governor a couple of weeks to sort through all the bills that passed and decide if he’s going to sign the bills, in effect making them law, or to veto the bills. If vetoed, we need to get  two-thirds (47 in House, 24 in Senate) of the legislators to vote to override his veto.

Council sides with developers on various variances

Published by admin on Wed, 04/02/2025 - 9:59am
Aldermen discussed and approved variances at the March 24 Hill City Common Council (HCCC) meeting.
A preliminary approval for a variance request for 272 Pine Ave. was approved along with approving a preliminary change of plat for the property.
The matter, pertaining to a private parking lot for the lofts at McGregor and Main, had been tabled by the city’s planning and zoning (P&Z).

It’s a great time to be a Ranger

Published by admin on Wed, 04/02/2025 - 9:54am
I remember in my high school days, we were playing at a volleyball tournament. As they announced the teams, it went like this. “The Rangers from… where in the hell is Hill City?”
I don’t think he meant to say it out loud, but the sentiment was the same. We weren’t exactly on the competitive map. Our reputation hadn’t preceded us. Nonetheless, I’ve always been proud to be a Ranger. We may not get the media coverage that the big Rapid City schools get, but the community support from this tiny little town more than makes up for that. 

Don’t let West Dam fade into background

Published by admin on Wed, 03/26/2025 - 9:39am

The digging is happening at West Dam. Because of that, the donating must continue.

A baby milk cow named Marigold

Published by admin on Wed, 03/26/2025 - 9:36am

“So, will your column be about a certain baby milk cow named Marigold?”
Brad has a way of poking fun through the most innocent of questions. And he knew the answer a week ago, when Marigold was born. Of course the column would feature the newest addition to Laura’s dairy operation. Silly question.