Custer County Chronicle

County Christmas events kick off this week

Published by admin on Wed, 12/03/2025 - 1:20pm

It’s early December in Custer County, which means Christmas events are plentiful. A number of those events will take place this weekend, beginning Friday.
The fun begins at Custer Senior Center Dec. 5 from 8 a.m. to noon when the center hosts its annual cookie and candy walk.

Thune challenges students to be difference makers

Published by admin on Wed, 12/03/2025 - 1:18pm

Be difference makers—that was the challenge South Dakota U.S. Sen. and Senate Majority Leader John Thune gave to the students of the Custer School District (CSD) at the dedication ceremony for the new Career and Technical Education (CTE) building Nov. 24. 

City seeks Fifth Street funding

Published by admin on Wed, 12/03/2025 - 1:17pm

When the state of South Dakota digs into Fifth Street—whenever that may be—to widen, repave and make other improvements to the road, the City of Custer will take that opportunity to upgrade water and sewer utilities that need replaced along the route, whether it’s because they have reached the end of their useful life, or because it is required due the state Department of Transportation’s project.

Minnekahta Quilters show at courthouse

Published by admin on Wed, 12/03/2025 - 1:12pm

The Minnekahta Quilters Guild of Hot Springs, South Dakota will show their quilted creations at the Kim Horkey Memorial Art Gallery at the Custer County Courthouse through Jan. 9.
An artist reception is being held Friday, Dec. 12, from 3-5 p.m. at the Custer County Courthouse. This is an opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy free refreshments.
On June 4, 1991, an invitation to the Hot Springs Quilters Guild was issued by Barb Sharp, meeting at Brookside Apartments. By Oct. 10, 1991, the group was called the Minnekahta Quilters Guild.

Legislators emphasize collaboration in upcoming session

Published by admin on Tue, 11/25/2025 - 12:30pm

Maintaining adequate funding for public schools in rural areas across the state as property tax bills are presented in the 2026 South Dakota Legislative Session was the primary concern of school leaders who met in Custer Nov. 19 for a special board meeting with District 30 Rep. Trish Ladner and Sen. Amber Hulse. 

Clock ticking on WWTF warranty

Published by admin on Tue, 11/25/2025 - 12:29pm

As the introduction of the City of Custer’s upgraded wastewater treatment facility is held off due to a federal lawsuit, the clock on the warranty for the upgrades is already ticking away, even though the system isn’t running.
At the Nov. 17 meeting of the Custer City Council, the council—somewhat reluctantly and after an executive session—approved accepting the certificate of substantial completion and final acceptance of the wastewater treatment plan’s phase two that essentially wraps up the project.

Occupancy achieved at CTE building

Published by admin on Tue, 11/25/2025 - 12:29pm

A Substantial Completion Certificate from Dean Kurtz Construction and a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy from the City of Custer were transferred to the Custer School District (CSD) Nov. 10 for the new Career and Technical Education (CTE) building. The Custer School District Board of Education discussed it at its regular meeting in the Custer board room that evening. 
Dean Kurtz is working through a final punch list of items, and Architecture Incorporated will complete a final walk-through to ensure all items have been completed. 

Resident seeks property tax leniency

Published by admin on Tue, 11/25/2025 - 12:27pm

Around $44,000.
That’s the price difference a rural Custer County man will have to pay next year as compared to this year in property taxes if something cannot be worked out with the county.
That’s the situation facing Dennys Warren, who came before the Custer County Commission at the commission’s Nov. 19 meeting at the Custer County Courthouse to tell the commission of his plight.

Sanford plans to build Rapid City medical center

Published by admin on Tue, 11/25/2025 - 9:33am
Sanford Health announced Monday that it will use a $300 million gift from its namesake philanthropist, Denny Sanford, to build a medical center in Rapid City.
Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health, announced the gift during a Rapid City event that drew numerous local and state dignitaries.
“This philanthropic investment will strengthen health care in this community and across the entire region,” Gassen said.

Legislators emphasize collaboration in upcoming session

Published by admin on Tue, 11/25/2025 - 9:15am
Maintaining adequate funding for public schools in rural areas across the state as property tax bills are presented in the 2026 South Dakota Legislative Session was the primary concern of school leaders who met in Custer Nov. 19 for a special board meeting with District 30 Rep. Trish Ladner and Sen. Amber Hulse.