News

Nate Anderson new city administrator

Published by admin on Wed, 10/30/2024 - 3:55pm

It’s official. Hill City resident Nate Anderson was appointed as the new city administrator at the Hill City Common Council Meeting Oct. 28.
The motion to appoint Anderson was unanimous, and he was sworn in by mayor Tana Nichols.

Election on Tuesday

Published by admin on Wed, 10/30/2024 - 3:55pm

Voters will head to the polls next Tuesday, Nov. 5, to cast their votes in the 2024 General Election.
Locally there are races for South Dakota Legislature District 30 House of Representatives and Senate.
On the state level, voters will cast a vote on a variety of proposed constitutional amendments, initiated measures and referred laws, as well as for the Public Utilities Commission. Whether or not to retain a current Supreme Court Justice is also on the ballot.

Ups and downs of tourism season

Published by admin on Wed, 10/30/2024 - 3:54pm

The 2024 tourism season is at an end, and results similar to 2019 were reported with a few ups and downs.
Overall in South Dakota, global public relations and content services senior director for Travel South Dakota Katlyn Svendsen said, “The season was steady and stronger than 2019, which was the last ‘normal’ year before Covid impacted the travel and tourism sector, though visitation in 2024 was a bit slower compared to previous years.

Commissioners hear $168M jail-expansion proposal; special meeting set

Published by admin on Wed, 10/30/2024 - 3:53pm

Pennington County Sheriff Brian Mueller and county director of building and grounds Davis Purcell gave a presentation on the proposed Pennington County Jail Tower to the Pennington County Commissioners at the Oct. 15 county commission meeting.
Mueller said the county has been working on the proposed jail expansion for about a decade.
“It’s a very complex process,” said Mueller, who was in front of commissioners to explain the costs and operational considerations.

McMacken stepped aside to avoid being an obstacle

Published by admin on Wed, 10/30/2024 - 3:52pm

It is said that every story has two sides.
On Sept. 23, Hill City Mayor Tana Nichols announced that “after many lengthy discussions and conversations with (city administrator) Brett (McMacken) and huge appreciation from the city for 16 years of loyal service” she would not be reappointing him for the position.
Nichols assured the community that the decision was mutual and the consensus was “In his (McMacken’s) words, ‘Maybe it’s time for a change.’”
At the time, McMacken was asked to comment on the matter, and he recently responded.

No resuscitation possible for Ranger Square

Published by admin on Wed, 10/30/2024 - 3:52pm

The Ranger Square project in Hill City is dead. That is according to Bob  Lowrey, one of the spearheaders of the project.
It was touted as a place for concerts or movies in the park. The plans included an amphitheater, a public grass area, public restrooms and free WiFi along with a lazy creek and a rock-climbing wall, all owned and managed by a non-profit board. New shops and long-term housing options were also part of the plans.

New crane will speed progress at Crazy Horse Memorial

Published by admin on Wed, 10/30/2024 - 3:19pm

Progress toward the completion of Crazy Horse Memorial is set to get a big boost thanks to an even bigger crane it’s just received—and we mean a very big crane. It required multiple semi trucks just to deliver the crane to the mountain, and will revolutionize the carving process at the memorial.

General Election is next Tuesday

Published by admin on Wed, 10/30/2024 - 3:18pm

Voters will head to the polls next Tuesday, Nov. 5, to cast their votes in the 2024 General Election.
Locally there are races for South Dakota Legislature District 30 House of Representatives and Senate, as well as Custer County Commission.
On the state level, voters will cast a vote on a variety of proposed constitutional amendents, initiated measures and referred laws, as well as for the Public Utilities Commission. Whether or not to retain a current Supreme Court Justice is also on the ballot.

Drawing crowds fit for a queen

Published by admin on Wed, 10/30/2024 - 3:16pm

“It’s a little chaotic. It feels like half the town is in here,” said Melissa Rush, a bartender at the Custer VFW Post No. 3442.
“Ridiculously busy,” said Eric Lewis, commander of the post.
“It’s been just nuts,” said Faith Lewis, a patron of the VFW.  

Residents protest lot rent hikes

Published by admin on Wed, 10/30/2024 - 3:15pm

A large group of residents of Woodland Meadows Manufactured Home Park were gathered at the Oct. 21 meeting of the Custer City Council to both protest what they said are unfair price increases of lot rents at the park, while asking for the city’s help to effect legislation that would cap the increases owners of such parks could enact annually.