News

Committee seeks three Habitat builds

Published by admin on Wed, 09/02/2026 - 12:42pm

When Gene Fennell discussed being on the new steering committee for Habitat for Humanity in Custer with local realtor  Andrea Ronning, she knew she wanted to help.
However, she also wanted to make sure something got done.
“I didn’t want to (just) be on another housing board. We’ve all sat on these boards, we’ve all had these conversations in town,” she said. “There’s not one thing that has been built. That’s why I’m so grateful for this steering committee. We all jumped in, working our tails off to get something done.”

Man arrested for fighting deputy

Published by admin on Wed, 09/02/2026 - 12:41pm

A 40-year-old Fort Morgan, Colo., man is facing a felony charge of Simple Assault against a Law Enforcement Officer, as well as four misdemeanor charges in relation to an incident with a Custer County Sheriff’s Office deputy Aug. 13.

More fire ban talk at county meeting

Published by admin on Wed, 09/02/2026 - 12:40pm

More county fire ban exemptions were granted at the Aug. 26 meeting of the Custer County Commission, while a question was raised as to whether or not incinerators are permitted under the ban as well.

Nonprofit strives to be PALS to veterans

Published by admin on Wed, 09/02/2026 - 12:40pm

A local nonprofit organization is endeavoring to be PALS to veterans at the Hot Springs VA Medical Center and the Michael J. Fitzmaurice South Dakota State Veterans Home. 
PALS’, or the Patriotic Alliance of Loyal Service’s, mission is to make a better community for veterans and their families by working to assist other veteran organizations in filling the gap for needs. 

BHE now seeks both rate increase, surcharge

Published by admin on Wed, 09/02/2026 - 9:35am
The average Black Hills Energy residential electric customer in South Dakota faces a monthly bill that will be $45 higher if state regulators approve a pending rate increase and surcharge.

Hill City takes the top spot West River

Published by admin on Wed, 09/02/2026 - 9:34am
Hill City once again is taking a top ranking in schools across the state, ranking third in this year’s U.S. News and World Report. The rankings, which were reported Aug. 18, shows Hill City was the highest-ranked high school in West River. It ranked behind Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls and Brandon Valley High School in Brandon. 

More discussion on subsidizing rates

Published by admin on Wed, 09/02/2026 - 9:32am
Aldermen once again discussed subsidizing water and sewer rates at the Aug. 24 Hill City Common Council (HCCC) meeting. No action was taken on the matter, but the item was on the agenda as a discussion. 
Alderwoman Lori Miner said she was in favor of subsidizing the sewer rates due to seeing a need in increased operations and expenses (O&M). Miner suggested using an expiring government (GO) bond for approximately $200,000 to help subsidize rates. 
“The end result to the user would be lessened,” Miner said. 

SD postal problems largely unchanged as Congress weighs legislation

Published by admin on Wed, 09/02/2026 - 9:28am
The slight improvements are limited to mail sent from elsewhere to some parts of the state, and most outbound mail delivery has gotten worse or not changed at all, according to USPS data.
Rounds, a South Dakota Republican who's up for re-election this year, has largely led the charge to reform USPS operations in the state.
Beyond the data, he has shared anecdotal evidence indicating the problem is far from solved, even as USPS begins investigating its own performance in South Dakota.

Citizen demands transparency in Keystone

Published by admin on Wed, 08/26/2026 - 9:47am
“State Constitutional Advocate” Shawn Waggoner, who handed out a business card that listed him also as a “veteran advocate” referred to an email he sent Aug. 14 to the Town of Keystone, District 30 representation and Sen. Taffy Howard regarding open meeting laws and a request for formal public records  regarding “the town’s current municipal water capacity limits, the KBarS Lodge tax increment finance  (TIF) district allocations and local infrastructure strains.”

District welcomes new teachers

Published by admin on Wed, 08/26/2026 - 9:44am

School is back in session, and three new teachers are at the helm, along with a paraprofessional who achieved her teacher certification. 
Nora Smolnisky is the seventh and eighth grade English Language Arts teacher at Custer Jr./Sr. High School (CHS). 
“What I enjoy most is helping students learn how clear and effective communication and strong thinking relate to their lives both now and after formal schooling,” said Smolnisky.
Originally from Worthington, Minn., Smolnisky lived in Sioux Falls and Izmir, Turkey before settling in Custer almost 10 years ago.