Our Community

Noem honored at conference

Published by admin on Wed, 02/11/2026 - 5:19pm

Gov. Larry Rhoden and secretary of the Department of Tourism, James Hagen, presented 12 awards to business and individuals for outstanding achievements and contributions to the tourism industry at the 2026 South Dakota Governor’s Conference on Tourism Jan. 22 in Pierre. 
Hill City’s Rollie Noem received the prestigious Ben Black Elk Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the state’s visitor industry in which he helped move South Dakota beyond roadside attractions into destination tourism.

Down Memory Lane Feb. 11

Published by admin on Wed, 02/11/2026 - 5:18pm

10 YEARS AGO, 2016

Black Hills Live Feb. 11, 2026

Published by admin on Wed, 02/11/2026 - 9:57am

Wednesday 2-11

Custer Area Economic Development Corp.
Black Hills Energy
Custer, SD
7 AM

Men’s Breakfast
Bible Study
The Little White Church
Hill City, SD 
7:30 AM

Driver’s License Exams 
Custer County Courthouse 
Annex Pine Room
Custer, SD
8 AM to 5 PM

Seniors Fitness Class
Hill City Center 
Hill City, SD
8:30 AM

Friends of the
Hill City Library
Super 8 Conference Room
Hill City, SD
10 AM

A sweet way to sample the Hills

Published by admin on Wed, 02/11/2026 - 9:52am
Twenty-eight businesses in Hill City are participating in this year’s Tour de Chocolate, which falls on Valentine’s Day this year. The annual event is in its 14th year and features some of the best free chocolate tastings as well as lots of sweet drink specials.  

A lifelong love story

Published by admin on Wed, 02/11/2026 - 9:52am
It began in the hallways of Hill City High School, where a teenage romance blossomed into something lasting and rare. Sixty years after saying, “I do,” Owen and Carol Wiederhold marked their diamond anniversary in December—a milestone as steady and enduring as the life they’ve built together.
“We started dating as freshmen,” said Owen.
The couple dated throughout high school and together were crowned Homecoming king and queen their senior year in 1964.
The year after graduation they were married in the Little White Church. 

Bring the heat this Valentine’s Day

Published by admin on Wed, 02/11/2026 - 9:50am
Cupid may bring the romance, but the chili will be bringing the heat at the 14th annual Polar Bear Chili Cook-Off in Hill City this Valentine’s Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The popular event pairs bold recipes with bold personalities in a friendly rivalry that also doubles as a community fundraiser for the Tin City Masons.
Competitors may enter any or all of the three chili categories—red, green or white. Prizes are awarded for people’s choice in each category, an overall winner and the best decorated booth.

Support needed for one of Keystone’s own

Published by admin on Wed, 02/11/2026 - 9:39am
The Keystone Senior Center and Social Club is hosting a fundraiser for Keystone resident Sarah Digmann to help with her medical bills, which total upwards of $140,000.
“I knew something was up,” Digmann said. 
In early November things got bad. Digmann said, “I got where I couldn’t eat. I could eat like four bites, and I could feel pressure like I was full. It started to affect my breathing. I was shallow breathing.”
Digmann did not have health insurance and knew it would begin Jan. 1. 
“I was trying to hold out,” she said.

Noem receives award at governors conference

Published by admin on Wed, 02/11/2026 - 9:38am
Gov. Larry Rhoden and secretary of the Department of Tourism, James Hagen, presented 12 awards to business and individuals for outstanding achievements and contributions to the tourism industry at the 2026 South Dakota Governor’s Conference on Tourism Jan. 22 in Pierre. 
Hill City’s Rollie Noem received the prestigious Ben Black Elk Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the state’s visitor industry in which he helped move South Dakota beyond roadside attractions into destination tourism.

Down Memory Lane Feb. 11, 2026

Published by admin on Wed, 02/11/2026 - 9:29am
5 YEARS AGO, 2021

From punk to the pulpit

Published by admin on Wed, 02/04/2026 - 9:42am

Pastor. Painter. Drywaller. Police officer. Meat cutter. Truck driver. Marine.
At 90 years old Clark Struebing has done a lot. To listen to his story, however, it’s something of a shock he made it to 90.
To appreciate where Clark—pastor for Abundant Life Fellowship in Custer—is at now, you have to first  understand where he came from. 
For much of his life, he was up to no good. Or, as he describes, he was “rotten.”
“I’m just thankful I’m not like I was,” Clark said. “I feel very blessed. I still get around pretty good. It’s been wonderful.”