Our Community

Sheriff’s Log Sept. 18-21

Published by admin on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 1:03pm

Custer County Sheriff’s Log
Call of the Week
Thursday, Sept. 24
6:04 a.m.: An unknown female in a white Mustang was reportedly parked by the side of Hwy. 79 near Fairburn and telling passers-by that “angels and demons” were leaving her body. The possibly-posessed person vanished and wasn’t heard from again.      Friday, Sept. 18
7:01 a.m.: Wandering cows were reported south of Pringle along Hwy. 89. A deputy helped shoo them back into their pasture. 
8:17 a.m.: Deputies pushed more cows back behind barbed wire on Hwy. 16 west of Custer. 

Swenson named to USD Hall of Fame

Published by admin on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 12:57pm

Custer resident Courtland “Skip” Swenson was recently inducted into the University of South Dakota College of Fine Arts Class of 2026 Hall of Fame. He was recognized for his distinguished service to teaching music at USD for 33 years.

Veteran gifts deadline Friday

Published by admin on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 10:07am
The Hill City Seniors are once again in search of donations for the Veterans Gift Shop to benefit those living in the veterans facilities in Hot Springs. The deadline of Friday, Oct. 16, is fast approaching, and organizers are encouraging local participation.
The donations will be placed into a pop-up shop for veterans to choose gifts to send to their loved ones at Christmas time.
“They take each vet shopping, and they pick out gifts for their family or friends,” said organizer Pat Forrer.

Lions Club seeks members to serve

Published by admin on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 10:05am
The Hill City Lions Club is actively seeking new members in hopes of keeping the club alive. 
“We serve,” is the club’s motto, but with fewer members, the club is struggling to do so. With fewer hands on deck, the club has had to begin trimming back on its service opportunities. 
New president Julie Block and husband and Lions member, Doug Block, are hoping to change that.
“We’re trying to rebuild the club and get new members,” said Julie. 
“Then we could do more,” added Doug. 

Hill City Public Library boasts banned books

Published by admin on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 10:01am
Banned Books Week is an annual nationwide observance that highlights the harms of censorship and defends free access to information while encouraging readers to dive into banned and challenged books. 
This year’s theme is “Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read,” and Hill City Public librarian Tammy Alexander couldn’t agree more. 
“I don’t need to be censoring anyone’s choices,” said Alexander. 
Instead, she encourages people to read the books and initiate a conversation about them. 

Down Memory Lane Oct. 14, 2026

Published by admin on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 9:57am
5 YEARS AGO, 2021

Black Hills Live Oct. 14, 2026

Published by admin on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 9:48am

Wednesday 10-14

Custer Area Economic Development Corp.
Black Hills Energy
Custer, SD
7 AM

Men’s Breakfast Bible Study
The Little White Church
Hill City, SD 
7:30 AM

Driver’s License Exams 
Custer County Courthouse 
Annex Pine Room
Custer, SD
8 AM to 4 PM

Seniors Fitness Class
Hill City Center 
Hill City, SD
8:30 AM

Seniors Bridge Card Games
Hill City Center 
Hill City, SD
10 AM

Tricks, treats and chili

Published by admin on Wed, 10/07/2026 - 10:03am
Dress up, bring your appetite and head to Keystone for an afternoon of Halloween fun, food, community and plenty of treats this Saturday from 1-5 p.m.
The Keystone Town Library is once again hosting a Halloween trunk-or-treat, rollerskating and a little friendly competition with the addition of the chili cook-off hosted by the Keystone Senior Center.
Participants are welcome and encouraged to join in the trunk-or-treat. Just bring your creativity, your car and of course, some candy.

Bet on a good time for a great cause

Published by admin on Wed, 10/07/2026 - 10:01am
Whether you’re a high roller or a social butterfly, put on your finest duds and head out to Eras Event Center Oct. 10 for the Hill City Area Community Foundation (HCACF) adults-only Casino Night—an evening of games, music, food and fun for a good cause.
Attendees are given a pack of “funny money,” to try their luck at casino-style games such as Blackjack, Craps and Roulette provided by the Rapid City Knights of Columbus.

Smoke, Spirits and Suds BBQ Festival

Published by admin on Wed, 10/07/2026 - 9:56am
Serving as the successor to the Wine, Brew and Barbecue, the inaugural Hill City Smoke, Spirits and Suds event is happening Oct. 11, and it’s sure to be a smoke show. 
“We’re really focusing more on exactly what people want, which is a chance to come and eat good barbecue,” said organizer Chad Ronish. 
The day kicks off at 8 a.m. with BBQ yoga.
“We invite everyone to come down and get their yoga on. Get good and stretched out to warm themselves up to eat a whole bunch of really good brisket,” said Ronish.