South Dakota businesses in the midst of a vigorous post-pandemic economic recovery are scrambling to attract new employees from what has become a limited pool of potential workers.
The vast number of open positions and reduced available workforce are the latest wrinkles in the state economy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and have led to a number of unexpected outcomes.
Some experts say the labor shortage could ultimately lead to better pay and benefits for South Dakota workers, who on average make some of the lowest wages in the nation.
Officials at The Storehouse in Custer are frequently overwhelmed with the generosity of the people of Custer County.
Unfortunately, right now they are also overwhelmed with junk.
The Storehouse has been inundated with donations the past year and Storehouse officials are always happy to get good, used items. More and more frequently, however, that is not the case.
“We are getting somewhat abused,” said Kim Canete, The Storehouse director. “People bring in trash.”
10 years ago, 2011 — The school board delayed a decision on a $300,000 opt-out from a grassroots group working to ensure adequate funding for Custer County schools ... Four months after initial funds were raised for the project, a new playground at Gates Park was given the green light by Custer City Council ... A drive-in movie theater was planned just outside of Hermosa by Roy Reitenbaugh, developer.
Thursday, June 17
Civil Air Patrol, 7 p.m., Custer County Airport
Friday, June 18
North Star Boys Choir, 7 p.m., Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
Saturday, June 19
Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Way Park
Free Pool Day, 1-5 p.m., City Pool
Small Pieces Art Show Reception and Awards, 4-7 p.m., Art Expressions Gallery
Buffalo Gap Community Dance, 7 p.m., Buffalo Gap Community Center
Sunday, May 23
6:32 p.m.: A deputy gave advice in a civil child custody case.
6:33 p.m.: Someone dialed 911 to report several pieces of wood laying in the middle of Hwy. 16 north of Crazy Horse. A deputy dragged the debris from the roadway.
7:08 p.m.: A deputy helped the power company with a downed line blocking America Center Road.
7:53 p.m.: A deputy and a Department of Transportation worker moved a large boulder from Hwy. 36 west of Hermosa.
Tuesday, May 25
Several economic outcomes from the COVID-19 pandemic have coalesced to create a booming used auto sales market in South Dakota, resulting in low vehicle inventories, strong consumer competition for cars and skyrocketing prices.
Good used cars at affordable prices are hard to come by and they don’t last long, creating a fast-moving, high-priced market rarely seen in the state, according to some South Dakota auto dealers.
“It’s been mind-blowing,” said Dusty Johnson, general manager at CarSwap auto sales in Sioux Falls.
10 years ago, 2011 — Since 75.9 percent of the 220 people who took an online survey supported an opt-out, members of Supporting Custer County Schools recommended the school board pass an opt-out. However, they made clear their purpose was to keep rural schools open and to maintain staff in order to keep class sizes reasonable ... Dave Ressler, executive director of the Custer Area Chamber of Commerce, and Mitch McLain, familiar to many as Gen. George Custer, were showing up in local restaurants with an improvised comedic routine: Two guys with no musical talent ...
Fiona Willis devoted six years of her life to making a film that highlights the plight of the LGBTQ+ community in rural America, particularly South Dakota.
That doesn’t mean she made the film for the LGBTQ+ community.
No, the film, entitled “Out in Rural America,” is aimed at people who don’t understand the struggles the LGBTQ+ community faces, or people who may even direct anger or bigotry toward the community.
Willis hopes by watching the film, people will understand the LGBTQ+ community is just like them.
Thursday, June 10
Lions Club, noon, Pizza Works
ADD/ADHD Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Monument Health Custer Hospital
Civil Air Patrol, 7 p.m., Custer County Airport
Sushi may not be the first thing you think about when shopping at Lynn’s, but now you can safely add it to your list. Thanks to the work of store manager, Barry Bowar, and Family Fresh Sushi, the dynamic duo of Freddy and Tony are preparing fresh sushi daily for locals and tourists alike.
According to Tony Bik, the sous chef who works under owner, Freddy Hlang, sales so far have been very good and the word is spreading rapidly. The small sushi kitchen is set up near the deli and bakery offerings and the display case is packed full of delicious creations.
