Custer County Chronicle

COVID-19 challenges hospital

Published by admin on Thu, 11/12/2020 - 9:43am
With increasing COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in western South Dakota, coupled with a continued nursing shortage across the nation, Monument Health hospitals are experiencing stressed capacity.

Select A Gift needs donations

Published by admin on Thu, 11/12/2020 - 9:36am
Now that the Halloween decorations are down and Christmas draws ever closer Custer residents are asked to contribute toward a happier Christmas for the families in Custer County who may not otherwise receive Christmas gifts.
The challenge of the Select A Gift committee is to raise at least $9,000 by Dec. 1, purchase all gifts by Dec. 15, then sort, wrap (with the help of dedicated volunteers) and organize prior to the gift giving Dec. 19.

All students now must mask

Published by admin on Thu, 11/05/2020 - 10:06am
While several board members acknowledged they would make people angry no matter what path they chose, the Custer School District Board of Education voted to mandate the wearing of masks in all three district schools for two weeks in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 among the students and staff. The decision came at the end of a two-hour special meeting Thursday evening at the Custer High School Theater before a vocal audience of over 35 parents and teachers. 

Frye-Mueller is Senate winner

Published by admin on Thu, 11/05/2020 - 10:05am
As of press time it appears former District 30 Rep. Julie Frye-Mueller (R) will be the next District 30 Senator, as she led Libertarian challenger Gideon Oakes by a 70 percent to 30 percent margin.
In the statewide ballot contests, Constitutional Amendment A, an amendment to the South Dakota Constitution to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana; and to require the legislature to pass laws regarding hemp as well as laws ensuring access to marijuana for medical use was being approved 52 percent to 48 percent.

Vets Day event moved outdoors

Published by admin on Thu, 11/05/2020 - 10:03am
As with many events in this unusual year, the observance of Veterans Day will look quite different next Wednesday due to concerns about spreading COVID-19. The veterans organizations and Custer School District are still planning their annual Veterans Day program, but the event will be moved outdoors and the number of participants will be limited. The forecast for that day is a high of 33°.

Residents voice plant concerns

Published by admin on Thu, 11/05/2020 - 10:01am
Renovations to the City of Custer’s wastewater treatment plant may be a few years out, but residents potentially impacted by any construction are already airing their concerns to the Custer City Council.
At Monday evening’s regular meeting of the council, one area resident expressed her concern via phone, while another couple came to the meeting in person to do the same.

Monument: no visitors

Published by admin on Thu, 11/05/2020 - 10:01am
Due to increasing community transmission of COVID-19 in western South Dakota, Monument Health has returned to its no-visitor policy at all hospitals and emergency departments.
This does not apply to its clinics or outpatient surgeries and outpatient procedures at hospitals. In those cases, patients can be accompanied by one support person.

Want to buy some bison?

Published by admin on Thu, 11/05/2020 - 9:59am
If you’ve ever thought about buying a buffalo from Custer State Park, this might be the year to do it. Park officials believe the market may be a bit softer  this year for the 55th annual Fall Classic Custer State Park Bison Auction this Saturday at the park visitor center. The combination live and internet auction is set to take place at 10 a.m. in the visitor center theater where it has been held the last four years. 

Taxing local people out of their homes?

Published by admin on Thu, 10/29/2020 - 9:58am
B  By Jason Ferguson
 
On Sept. 18, 11.7 acres of Custer County land sold  to a couple from Corona Del Mar, Calif., for $189,905. That property had been assessed by the Custer County Department of Equalization at $46,800.

Merchants’ Trick or Treat is Friday

Published by admin on Thu, 10/29/2020 - 9:58am
The annual Custer Area Chamber of Commerce Merchants’ Trick or Treat is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30, from 4-6 p.m.
The event allows children to dress in costume and visit participating downtown businesses to receive a treat.
Children who do not have bags to put their candy in may obtain one at Western Skies Realty downtown, where the event will start. A list of participating businesses may also be obtained there.