News

Johnson is district teacher of the year

Published by admin on Thu, 06/18/2020 - 10:52am

Astonished. That’s the word this year’s Hill City School District teacher of the year used to describe her reaction to learning about the award.

Kim Johnson found out she is the 2019-20 Teacher of the Year while watching superintendent Blake Gardner’s end of the year PowerPoint. She was drinking a cup of coffee at the time.

“I was not expecting a slide to be about me,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s childhood dream was to become a teacher. She began her teaching career as a library media specialist in Rapid City.

County commission debating wheel tax

Published by admin on Thu, 06/18/2020 - 10:52am

The Pennington County Commission is debating whether the county should have a wheel tax.

At a public information meeting at Hill City City Hall on June 11, four of the five commissioners were on hand to explain what the wheel tax might mean for the county.

District readying for new normal

Published by admin on Thu, 06/18/2020 - 10:51am

The Hill City School Board approved the 2020-21 student-parent handbooks, but not without much discussion.

The discussion, in its most recent meeting, centered mainly on whether an addendum on distance learning policies should be added to the handbook.

Board member Carmen Ronish wants to see clear expectations for attendance and participation if students may end up in another distance learning situation in the future.

“If they’re not in this handbook, where am I going to find them?” she asked.

Superintendent Blake Gardner agreed with the need for consistency.

Museum set to open

Published by admin on Thu, 06/18/2020 - 10:51am

The Keystone Museum will open for the season on June 23.

The decision to open came after much discussion about the COVID situation. Board members want to make sure patrons are safe and have instituted a strict mask required policy.

“We will require masks to enter,” said Keystone Area Historical president Jon Veltman. “We will have them for sale at the door. They’ll be reusable cloth masks for around $2.”

The museum will also be limiting the number of people allowed in at one time.

City extends restrictions to Sept. 1

Published by admin on Thu, 06/18/2020 - 9:36am
Custer’s ordinance and resolutions that declare a public health emergency due to COVID-19, limit public gatherings and modify how city business can be conducted will be extended by the Custer City Council, pending a second reading at the council’s next meeting. The first reading of a new ordinance to extend restrictions was passed by the council at its regular Monday evening meeting.
The council unanimously voted to extend the social distancing guidelines, etc., under a new ordinance that expires Sept. 1.

Park buffalo charges hiker

Published by admin on Thu, 06/18/2020 - 9:32am
A lone hiker in Custer State Park suffered minor injuries when he was charged by a buffalo during a June 4 hike in Custer State Park.
The out-of-state hiker was hiking on Centennial Trail near Badger Hole when he crested a hill and encountered a mature bull at the top of the hill. The hiker turned to go in the opposite direction, but the bull charged him and bumped him to the ground.

Prom (finally) set for Friday

Published by admin on Thu, 06/18/2020 - 9:32am
It’s pretty unusual to schedule a high school prom just one week before graduation, but then there have been a great many unusual things happening in 2020. 
Custer High School students will gather at Wheels West RV Park and Campground just east of Custer within sight of Calamity Peak on Friday for their long-delayed prom. Graduation is set for Saturday, June 27. 

Pechota wins dice roll for council seat

Published by admin on Thu, 06/18/2020 - 9:31am
Todd Pechota will join the Custer City Council as its newest alderman at the council’s July 6 meeting. He has the number 11 to thank.
While saying two people are really tied might be along the same lines as saying someone is a little pregnant, Carrie Moore and Pechota were really tied.

County reports second COVID-19 case

Published by admin on Thu, 06/18/2020 - 9:29am
Custer County recorded its second positive COVID-19 case last Friday.
Where in the county the person lives, their age and gender are not available. Derrick Haskins of the S.D. Department of Health said in order to maintain patient confidentiality, those specifics are not made public.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has walked back comments it made earlier regarding how people can spread the coronavirus when they do not have symptoms.

Rushmore July 3 fireworks plan detailed

Published by admin on Thu, 06/11/2020 - 10:28am

The July 3 fireworks event is beginning to take shape.

Specific plans for the July 3 fireworks in celebration of Independence Day at Mount Rushmore have been unveiled. President Donald Trump has announced his plans to attend the event as well.

“Following months of planning, I’m pleased to announce our specific plans for Mount Rushmore Fireworks July 3,” said Gov. Kristi Noem.

South Dakota has worked tirelessly with the Department of the Interior, including the National Park Service, to ensure this celebration is as safe and successful as possible.