News

Buffalo involved in CSP attack relocated

Published by admin on Wed, 06/17/2026 - 9:34am

The Custer State Park buffalo bull that was recently involved in the death of a Canadian tourist will live out the rest of its days in the custody of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, it was announced last week.
“The Rosebud Sioux Tribe has stepped forward to take possession of the bison, ensuring that the animal will not be euthanized,” Rosebud Sioux Tribe Game, Fish and Parks said in a press release. “Instead, he will be safely relocated where he will be able to live out the remainder of his natural life in a secure environment away from the public.”

School district contemplates drivers ed

Published by admin on Wed, 06/17/2026 - 9:34am

Custer School District eighth graders, don’t start your engines.
At least, not yet.
At the June 8 meeting of the Custer School District Board of Education in Hermosa, the board of education held a preliminary discussion of the pros and cons of a possible driver’s education course that, if implemented, would be offered to school district eighth graders.
Potential obstacles—such as the cost of instruction and when to schedule such a course—were discussed, along with the obvious benefits of children learning to drive safely and the ability to get licenses earlier.

Fire code confusion

Published by admin on Wed, 06/17/2026 - 8:28am
Aldermen approved the first reading amending Title 5 of the fire prevention code at the June 8 Hill City Common Council (HCCC) meeting.
“The Black Hills Fire Prevention District regulations technically do not apply within city limits,” said city administrator Nate Anderson, who added, “The reality is, we don’t really have any teeth in our ordinances.”
This ordinance is identical to Pennington County’s and would be tied to the Grassland Fire Danger Index.

Agency assessing water for PFAS

Published by admin on Wed, 06/17/2026 - 8:27am
New federal rules means both Hill City and Keystone are required to monitor PFAS in their municipal water systems.
PFAS are “forever chemicals” or widely used, long lasting chemicals that have components which break down over time. 
Studies show that exposure to these chemicals, which are found in air, water, soil and even fish, can be harmful to humans.   The concern over PFAS in drinking water and its risk to public health meant a change in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulation of these chemicals. 

School board finishes out fiscal year

Published by admin on Wed, 06/17/2026 - 8:26am
The Hill City School District Board of Education met for the last time of the fiscal year last Monday where they celebrated student athletic achievements, discussed changes in coaching staff and announced the upcoming budget hearing. 
Superintendent Blake Gardner congratulated the track and golf teams on their performances at their respective state competitions. 
The track team had 61 participants during this year’s track season with about 30 kids competing at the state meet.

Volksmarch celebrates 40 years

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 1:09pm

Forty years and thousands of miles later, the Crazy Horse Volksmarch is still going strong.
Last Saturday marked the 40th rendition of the Crazy Horse Spring Volksmarch, and two days prior to the march itself a group of Crazy Horse, American Volkssport Association (AVA) and its Black Hills Chapter celebrated the 40th anniversary with a press conference, reception and fellowship at  Laughing Water Restaurant at Crazy Horse Memorial.

Fine Artists Festival coming June 19-20

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 1:08pm

Join some of the finest artists in the Black Hills for a weekend festival on the lawn at Sixth and Washington Street in Custer. The Fine Artists Festival is returning for its second year June 19-20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature around 29 artists and their work. 
The festival is run and organized by Deeda Cordin, a photographer and owner of Deep Creek Gallery in Custer. 
Cordin grew up on cattle ranches in New Mexico and Wyoming and was homeschooled until her freshman year of high school. 

Council settles sidewalk issue

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 1:07pm

After a pair of council meetings and three committee meetings, a decision has been reached: sidewalks will not be required along Park Avenue as the lots there are developed.
That was the decision rendered by the Custer City Council at the council’s June 1 meeting, although the final decision didn’t come before plenty of discussion and changing of minds as the discussion unfolded.

Mining opponent files federal lawsuit

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 1:07pm

The status of a hearing on an exploratory uranium drilling permit was left uncertain after a state board adjourned until further notice, following a private session to discuss legal matters.
The permit application is from Clean Nuclear Energy Corporation, which is seeking to drill dozens of holes up to 700 feet deep on state land. The proposed site is near the rim of Craven Canyon in South Dakota’s southern Black Hills.

Forest Service debuts rec app

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 1:06pm

To kick off Great Outdoors Month the U.S. Forest Service is launching a new, single visitor-information mobile app, National Forests and Grasslands, now available for download as visitors plan their summer trips to recreation sites across the national forest system.
For the first time the app provides the most complete and accurate collection of Forest Service recreation sites that has ever been made available to the public, along with important planning tools like critical safety alerts, closures, amenity details and more.