News

Wells, Jensen face off in Buffalo Gap

Published by admin on Wed, 05/20/2026 - 11:32am

Herman Wells is facing Steve Jensen in the race for a seat on the Buffalo Gap Town Board in the June 2 election.
Wells has been a resident of Buffalo Gap for just over three and a half years. His military career and subsequent service with the Department of Defense have taken him across the country and the world, and he says that has given him a “unique perspective into working with and becoming involved in new communities and the different perspectives of the people residing in those communities.” 

Town discusses proposed project

Published by admin on Wed, 05/20/2026 - 11:04am
A packed house once again filled city hall as the Hill City Common Council (HCCC) discussed the future development of multiple parcels along Pine Avenue and Main Street. The May 11 discussion resulted in no action and mayor Tana Nichols stressed early on the proposed five story hotel is still in the “conceptual” stage.

Bridge getting replaced after long wait

Published by admin on Wed, 05/20/2026 - 11:00am
South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) representatives held an open house preconstruction meeting for Keystone residents to learn more about the U.S. Hwy. 16A project at the intersection of Hwy 40 in Keystone. This project has been delayed for several years, partially due to other projects in the area and the inability to get Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) permits needed to do some of the work originally planned east on Hwy. 40. That work has now been eliminated from the project. 

Mueller, Bush vie for District 1 commission

Published by admin on Wed, 05/20/2026 - 10:52am
Two Republican candidates are vying for a four-year seat on the Pennington County (PC) Commission for District 1—Mike Mueller and Zachary Bush. The winner of the June 2 primary election will face Independent Leslie Hladysz in the general election.

Candidate forum gives glimpse of those running

Published by admin on Wed, 05/20/2026 - 10:50am
About 40 people came to listen to five of the candidates running for office in Hill City at a May 12 candidate forum held at the Hill City Center.
John Johnson, who is running for alderman in Ward II, was not present, but his opponent, incumbent Dennis Siebert, was. Siebert, who is retiring from his position as a pastor at the Little White Church, also serves on the Hill City Ambulance Service and said he decided to run for his first term to have a voice. 

Fifty-two seniors set to graduate May 16

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 3:02pm

School is out for the graduating class of 2026. For one last time, they will congregate in the Custer Armory for the 2026 Custer High School graduation ceremony Saturday, May 16, at 2 p.m. before dispersing into the world and beginning the next chapter of their lives.
This year, there are 52 graduates. Samuel Cochran is the valedictorian, and Kylee Ellerton is the salutatorian.

Chronicle wins multiple SDNA awards

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 2:59pm

The Custer County Chronicle won 19 awards—including seven first place awards—in its category at the 2025 South Dakota NewsMedia (SDNA) Better News Media Contest held as part of the annual SDNA convention held last week at The Lodge in Deadwood. The Chronicle competed in Division II of the competition, for cities 3,000 to 15,000.
Chronicle general manager Jason Ferguson brought home four first-place awards, including the award for Best Headline Writing.
“Excellent headline writing. Attention-catching, but also accurate. Great job,” the judges wrote.

CSP Open House Weekend starts Friday

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 2:55pm

This weekend, May 15-17, residents and visitors can enjoy free entrance into all South Dakota state parks and recreation areas as part of the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks’ annual open house weekend. In addition, a number of parks will be hosting special events. Camping fees still apply.

Guidance sought on sidewalks rules

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 2:54pm

Should property owners along Park Avenue in the Stone Hill Subdivision be required to install sidewalks as they develop their land?
That was the question debated at the May 4 meeting of the Custer City Council before the council ultimately decided to send the issue to a pair of committees for further investigation.
The issue was raised by city planner Tessah Behlings, who said she was seeking guidance on the issue because of mixed messaging within city documents.

Bringing back the procession of flags

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 2:54pm

“Remember when 50 horseback riders proudly carried the state flags down the streets of Custer during Gold Discovery Days? This unforgettable tradition was once a highlight of our parade, and in honor of America’s 250th Birthday, we want to bring it back in a big way for this year’s Gold Discovery Days Celebration—but we need your help,” said Custer Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Dawn Murray.