Custer County Chronicle

School board announces RIFs

Published by admin on Wed, 04/15/2026 - 2:20pm

After a special meeting of the Custer School District (CSD) Board of Education April 7 in Custer, a reduction in force was announced. 
In total, the reduction in force will include nine classified positions of general education paraprofessionals, library aides and office assistants, three certified positions and three-and-a half custodial/maintenance positions. For the most part, this is being addressed through attrition. 

Commission hears of dwindling reserves

Published by admin on Wed, 04/15/2026 - 2:19pm

Custer County’s cash reserves are slowly dwindling, and if every department within the county spent the entirety of its budget, the county would be financially strapped.
That was the message given by county finance officer Dawn McLaughlin at the April 8 meeting of the Custer County Commission, as McLaughlin walked those in the crowd through the county’s past, present and future budget situation.

Turning Point USA Faith hub launching

Published by admin on Wed, 04/15/2026 - 2:18pm

A new Turning Point (TP) USA Faith hub is launching in the Southern Hills, including Hill City, Keystone, Custer County and Fall River County. The project is being undertaken by a group of community leaders and spearheaded by third-generation Custer resident Pat Baumann. 

Fire burns over 5,000 east county acres

Published by admin on Wed, 04/15/2026 - 2:18pm

A rapidly-spreading fire on the eastern side of Custer County torched 5,408 acres last weekend before forward progress on the fire was stopped.
The 79 Fire three miles north of Buffalo Gap was reported around 11:35 a.m. on Saturday, April 11.
According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, it started just east of Hwy. 79 along East French Creek Road in eastern Custer County.
State, federal and local resources along with air support were on initial attack of the fire, which burned primarily grass.

City council gets update on West Dam progress

Published by admin on Wed, 04/15/2026 - 2:15pm

The second phase of construction on West Dam is winding down and the third phase is in high gear, it was learned at the April 6 meeting of the Custer City Council.
Steve Bareis of RESPEC Engineering, one of the firms helping the city through the project, was present at the meeting via video conferencing and walked the council and those in attendance through a slide show of the work that has been completed and the work that is ongoing.
The second phase, which is removal of material from the reservoir and embankment excavation, is expected to be wrapped up by early May.

Off to the races for 2026 elections

Published by admin on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 10:11am

Petitions are in, and the results are out. While several town board and city council seats were open across the county, there will only be an election for the Hermosa and Buffalo Gap town boards. The rest did not receive enough petitions to warrant an election. 
However, the Custer and Elk Mountain School Districts will see an election. The Custer County Commissioner role has the most candidates, and there will be District 30 races this election as well.

County enacts hiring freeze

Published by admin on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 10:10am

Custer County is staring at a potential budget crisis down the road if it doesn’t act now to cut spending.
That is the position of at least two Custer County Commission members who have spent several weeks studying the issue, it was revealed at the March 25 meeting of the commission.

Water could be next on tap for city

Published by admin on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 10:09am

With its renovated/upgraded wastewater system set to go online in a couple of months, the City of Custer will likely now focus—at least sometime in the near future—on an upgrade to the entrance on the opposite side of the water system.

Commission OKs abatements

Published by admin on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 10:08am

A property tax/abatement issue that began last November came to a conclusion at the March 25 meeting of the Custer County Commission, as the commission agreed to a full abatement on a pair of Custer County lots while agreeing to split the difference on a requested abatement on six other lots. All told, the county abated $24,147.71 in property taxes for which it has sent out bills.

Legislators proud of property tax relief

Published by admin on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 10:01am
Like many years, the 101st South Dakota Legislative Session saw some successes, triggered some disappointment and inspired aspirations for the next session.
Overall, District 30 Rep. Trish Ladner said it was a highly successful session, with Rep. Tim Goodwin saying it was perhaps the most productive session he has ever participated in.
“The House and Senate worked together effectively to serve the people of South Dakota. Our shared focus remained clear throughout, and that was working for the people of our state,” said Ladner.