News

Legislators proud of property tax relief

Published by admin on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 10:01am
Like many years, the 101st South Dakota Legislative Session saw some successes, triggered some disappointment and inspired aspirations for the next session.
Overall, District 30 Rep. Trish Ladner said it was a highly successful session, with Rep. Tim Goodwin saying it was perhaps the most productive session he has ever participated in.
“The House and Senate worked together effectively to serve the people of South Dakota. Our shared focus remained clear throughout, and that was working for the people of our state,” said Ladner.

Petition results for 2026 election

Published by admin on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 9:59am
Hill City will see contested races in each ward and for mayor. According to the Pennington County Auditor’s Office, Tana Nichols, the incumbent mayor of Hill City, will  run against a familiar name, Kathy Skorzewski, who was previously mayor of the town until 2023.
Ward I will see incumbent Justin Thiry face off against Cheryl Honour. In Ward II incumbent Dennis Siebert will oppose John Johnson.

Towns tests over the limit on forever chemicals

Published by admin on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 9:40am
Keystone Public Works has conducted three PFAs (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) tests and will have to test quarterly in 2027. 
“One well tested a little over the limits, so we’re looking at getting a pilot program in here to remove the PFAS,” said public works supervisor Jerry Przybylski at the April 1 Keystone Town Board meeting. He also indicated that overall the town well levels were inconsistent with the state offering no explanation.

Black Hills Energy seeks rate increase

Published by admin on Wed, 04/01/2026 - 2:55pm

By Jason Ferguson

Custer County churches celebrate Holy Week

Published by admin on Wed, 04/01/2026 - 2:52pm

Custer County churches are celebrating Holy Week with a number of special services. This year, Maundy Thursday is April 2, Good Friday is April 3 and Easter Sunday is April 5.
Custer Lutheran Fellowship ELCA is having a Maundy Thursday service at 6:30 p.m and a Good Friday Crosswalk at 6:30 p.m. Then, an Easter Sunrise Worship service will take place at 6:30 a.m., followed by a worship service at 9:30 a.m.

Ad hoc group says ‘more T-shirts needed’ in Custer

Published by admin on Wed, 04/01/2026 - 2:49pm

By Jason Ferguson

Community response to Qury Fire ‘impressive’

Published by admin on Wed, 04/01/2026 - 2:48pm

In the aftermath of the Qury Fire, which began March 12, many are marveling at the community’s response to the incident, from providing meals and lodging for evacuees to volunteering hours of time to help emergency services. 
“Having people and organizations step up like that, it makes the job very rewarding,” said Custer County Emergency Management director Steve Esser. “I can’t say enough about how great it was to have so many people that were a part of how successful it was.” 

Sheriff’s office talks patrol changes

Published by admin on Wed, 04/01/2026 - 2:48pm

When the City of Custer opted not to enter into a law enforcement contract with   Custer County for law enforcement services within the city, it not only trimmed the county’s law enforcement budget by over $300,000, but it also changed the way the sheriff’s office patrolled the county, county officials say.
The results of that change were discussed at the March 11 meeting of the Custer County Commission.

Drainfields a hot topic at county meeting

Published by admin on Wed, 04/01/2026 - 2:47pm

Under the road or over the section line? That was the dilemma facing the Custer County Commission at its March 11 meeting.
The issue came when Alex Heim told the commission he had a failing drainfield at his VIP Road home. To install a new drainfield he will either need to put a new wastewater pipe under VIP road—to property he owns on the other side of the road for a spot to build a new drainfield—or cross a section line and run onto his neighbors’ property to build the drainfield.

Noe promoted, Ferguson demoted

Published by admin on Wed, 04/01/2026 - 2:45pm

Southern Hills Publishing general manager Jason Ferguson has announced the promotion of Esther Noe to general manager, while subsequently announcing he has demoted himself to “door- opening associate,” which he described as being similar to a Wal-Mart greeter only less cheerful and sans a blue vest. Perhaps a toga, he said.