Opinion

Let’s help out our chamber

Published by admin on Wed, 04/01/2026 - 2:44pm

The Custer Area Chamber of Commerce needs our help.
The chamber has had a bit of a rough time lately, having to deal with budget cuts, and now dealing with the loss of some longtime volunteers who have for years helped out during summer activities. As those activities near this summer, the chamber is in desperate need of volunteers. That’s where you come in. Do you have some free time to spare during these wonderful weekends? The chamber wants to hear from you.

Property tax relief creates a burden

Published by admin on Wed, 04/01/2026 - 2:43pm

That slurping sound you heard in early March was coming from Pierre. It was lawmakers drinking the Kool-Aid of property tax relief, trying as hard as they could to convince themselves that the best way to provide tax relief for homeowners was through higher sales taxes for everyone.

Delivering results for South Dakota

Published by admin on Wed, 04/01/2026 - 9:45am
Just last week, we wrapped up another legislative session—and what a session it was.
At the beginning of the year, I outlined my Opportunity Agenda, focused on keeping South Dakota strong, safe and free. I called on the legislature to take action on several key priorities. When all was said and done, we accomplished everything we set out to do. Every single one of those priorities made it across the finish line.
That kind of success doesn’t happen everywhere—but it does here in South Dakota.

Exciting news at Ellsworth Air Force Base

Published by admin on Wed, 04/01/2026 - 9:43am
Greetings. Let’s talk about the biggest thing happening in the Black Hills, shall we? No, it’s not the July 3 fireworks at Mt. Rushmore. No, it’s not President Trump attending the fireworks ceremony. So, what is it? How about Ellsworth Air Force Base? 
Specifically, the anticipated arrival of the B21 Raider Bomber coming to the base in 2027. Currently Ellsworth AFB is scheduled to be the first base to receive the B21s. They are/were scheduled to have two squadrons, or 40 B21 bombers.

This too shall pass

Published by admin on Wed, 03/25/2026 - 9:44am
Is it just me, or are we all on edge? Everytime the wind picks up I think, “Will a fire start?” or “Will my power get shut off?” I look around and see dust and  brown. I feel the air, heavy and dry.
I try not to watch the news or read the headlines, but when I do I see or hear about things like bombs, war, prices rising, this side or that complaining about the other.

Promises made, promises kept

Published by admin on Wed, 03/25/2026 - 9:43am
Greetings. “Promises made, promises kept.” The 101st legislative session is officially over. We need to go back to Pierre March 30 for what is called Veto Day. This is designed to override any vetoes the governor gave, and we have one bill, funding Richmond Lake Dam, to vote on. Session starts at 1 p.m.
I left last week with SB245 still hanging. Well, SB245 passed the House with 42 yea votes. We needed 36. Then, in the Senate, they had to concur and we got 20 yea votes out of 34 and needed 17 or 18.

Some information on SB 36

Published by admin on Wed, 03/25/2026 - 8:43am

Greetings. We all need to pray for rain or snow or any kind of moisture. Well, maybe not hail.
During the 2026 session, Sen. Steve Kolbeck and I prime-sponsored SB36 “Authorize certain utilities to establish wildfire mitigation plans and associated liability limitations for wildfire damages.” I know, a super long title for a super long bill, but it needed to be done. I had 30 House members sign it and Sen. Kolbeck had 17 senate members sign on.

Thank you to all of our heroes

Published by admin on Wed, 03/25/2026 - 8:41am

Where do we start?
Elsewhere in the pages of this issue of the Chronicle, you will read the stories of some of those involved in fighting and dealing with the Qury Fire, which, thankfully, is now just some smoldering fuel southeast of town. Included in those stories are the thoughts of some firefighters who battled the blaze. And of course, you will also see the large thank you for each and every entity that fought the fire. For you, we are truly grateful.

The cute factor

Published by admin on Wed, 03/25/2026 - 8:39am

The calving season is well underway and we have an official Cutest Calf of 2026 nomination, and so far I haven’t seen anything that comes close to rivaling him for looks. His mama is a pretty little black baldy heifer, with a delicate white face, not blocky like some can be, and cute black eye patches.

Promises made, promises kept

Published by admin on Wed, 03/18/2026 - 2:42pm

Greetings. “Promises made, promises kept.” The 101st legislative session is officially over. We need to go back to Pierre March 30 for what is called Veto Day. This is designed to override any vetoes the governor gave, and we have one bill, funding Richmond Lake Dam, to vote on. Session starts at 1 p.m.
I left last week with SB245 still hanging. Well, SB245 passed the House with 42 yea votes. We needed 36. Then, in the Senate, they had to concur and we got 20 yea votes out of 34 and needed 17 or 18.