Custer County Chronicle

Several honored by Custer chamber

Published by admin on Wed, 10/21/2026 - 1:20pm

Some of Custer’s best were honored last Thursday evening in Custer State Park, as the annual Custer Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet was held at the park’s event barn near the State Game Lodge.
Among the awards presented was the Lifetime Achievement Award, which went to Phil Lampert, who presenter Amanda Carlin noted had shaped the Southern Black Hills like few others over a lifetime of work.

U.S. capitol tree stopping in Custer

Published by admin on Wed, 10/21/2026 - 1:19pm

The Custer Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau invites residents and visitors to celebrate a special holiday occasion as the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree makes a stop in Custer Tuesday, Nov. 10, as part of its journey from Idaho to Washington, D.C., where it will be displayed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

Queen finally gives up jackpot

Published by admin on Wed, 10/21/2026 - 1:04pm

“I hope a local wins it.”
That was a common refrain heard around Custer as the Custer VFW’s Queen of Hearts fundraiser reached its climax last Friday evening, as the jackpot swelled to $252,000 and people came from near and far to buy tickets for the chance to win just over a quarter of a million dollars. Some were said to have been spending thousands of dollars each week on tickets.
Those who hoped someone local would win the prize got their wish.

Error on conservation district ballot

Published by admin on Wed, 10/21/2026 - 1:03pm

Custer County finance officer Dawn McLaughlin has announced the ballot for the upcoming General Election for the Conservation District Supervisor, Custer County race is in error.  
The race for election of conservation district supervisor states the following:  “You may vote for one or leave it blank.” 
The Custer County Conservation District Board of Supervisors has two open seats. Custer County received two valid petitions for the two open seats and those two candidates will be elected to fill the vacant seats without the necessity of an election.  

Four ballot measures for Nov. 3 election

Published by admin on Wed, 10/21/2026 - 9:56am
Four ballot measures referred by the Legislature have been approved for the Nov. 3 general election ballot. Voters will vote either yes or no on these measures. 
Constitutional Amendment I: Expanded Medicaid repeal
Constitutional Amendment I is an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, conditioning the requirement of expanded Medicaid on the level of federal medical assistance. It repeals expanded Medicaid coverage if federal funding for the program drops below 90 percent. 

CSP concessions going to out-of-state operator

Published by admin on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 1:18pm

The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission meets tomorrow and plans to finalize a contract between Custer State Park and Xanterra Travel Collection, a move that commissioners said will help the park keep up with growing visitor expectations.
Concessionaires are private companies that contract with the state to offer services that parks don’t provide, such as food, lodging and retail.

County has access concerns

Published by admin on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 1:16pm

Proposed access from planned multi-family housing on the property of the Bearded Buffalo Resort to Granite Heights Road has raised concerns from the Custer County Highway Department, Custer County Emergency Management and Custer County Sheriff’s Office.

Council breezes through light agenda

Published by admin on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 1:15pm

It was the quickest of meetings for the Custer City Council at its Oct. 5 meeting, as the council breezed through a short agenda in roughly 10 minutes.
Among the agenda items addressed by the council was approval of the Custer Cemetery caretaker contract for 2027 with J&M Lawn Care.
The terms of the contract call for the city to pay $49,500 for spring and fall clean up of pine needles, cones and branches, along with mowing and trimming the cemetery grounds. Noxious weed spraying as needed is also a part of the contract.

Meeting leads to senior board dismissal

Published by admin on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 1:15pm

In a 33-5 vote, members of the Custer Senior Center called for the dismissal of the current board of directors effective immediately at an unofficial emergency membership meeting Friday, Oct. 9.
There is no established protocol for such a meeting in the Custer Senior Center bylaws. Tim Swanson was asked to run the meeting as the former board president, having willingly resigned Aug. 31. 

Custer Chamber banquet Oct. 15

Published by admin on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 1:13pm

The Custer Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Annual Chamber Membership Banquet will be held this Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Custer State Park Event Barn. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and awards presentations. Several awards will be handed out to local businesses, citizens and organizations at the banquet. The awards to be handed out are: 
• Heart of Custer
•Community Team/Service 
• Individual of the Year
• Lifetime Achievement
• New Business of the Year
• Business of the Year
• Custer’s Rising Star