Our Community

Sheriff's Log May 24-June 5

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 12:48pm

Sunday, May 24
6:40 a.m.: A deputy was out bright and early shooing cows off Hwy. 79 in the usual place south of Fairburn. 
Deputies conducting traffic enforcement on Hwy. 79 stopped several vehicles that were going 90 mph (or faster) and administered some hefty citations. Some of the motorists appeared to be unused to the idea that the highway was actually being patrolled, including one that nearly passed a marked patrol car going the same direction. 

Black Hills Live June 10, 2026

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 9:42am

Wednesday 6-10

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

Seniors Bridge Card Games
Hill City Center 
Hill City, SD
10 AM

Jon Crane celebrates 50 years of artistry

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 9:29am
One of the most noted artists of the Black Hills, Jon Crane is marking a major milestone this year, his golden anniversary as a watercolor artist. 
After 50 years of painting, Crane has no intentions of slowing down. 
Crane is best known for his meticulously detailed watercolor paintings depicting rural America, historical farmsteads, old buildings, wildlife and landscapes of the Black Hills and Great Plains. More than creating paintings, he creates a window into the heart and soul of South Dakota’s natural beauty through every brush stroke. 

Shirley’s brings healthy options to Keystone

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 9:26am
A new breakfast spot has opened in Keystone with some familiar faces at the helm. Shirley’s Keystone Cafe is taking over the Battle Creek Basecamp Building, which is also home to Battle Creek Vacations office.
Paula Cottrell, the spokesperson for the new restaurant, said the new cafe is filling a need in town, serving up “first ingredient foods,” she said, with options to sit down or grab and go.
“We wanted to do simple ingredients,” said Cottrell, emphasizing fresh and homemade where possible. 

Reserve Hat Co. has you covered

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 9:25am
The newest business to grace Main Street, taking over the Oak and Key Realty building, has its customers covered—literally. 
The Reserve Hat Co. officially opened its doors last Thursday, specializing in customized western hats, accessories and professional shaping. 
From classic cowboy felt, everyday straw or something with a little more personality, Reserve Hat Co. has options for men, women and children in a variety of styles, colors and shapes. 

Down Memory Lane June 10, 2026

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 9:23am
5 YEARS AGO, 2021

Fine Artists Festival June 19-20

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 9:21am
Join some of the finest artists in the Black Hills for a weekend festival on the lawn at Sixth and Washington Street in Custer. The Fine Artists Festival is returning for its second year June 19-20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature around 29 artists and their work. 
The festival is run and organized by Deeda Cordin, a photographer and owner of Deep Creek Gallery in Custer. 
Cordin grew up on cattle ranches in New Mexico and Wyoming and was homeschooled until her freshman year of high school. 

Blood donor becomes recipient

Published by admin on Wed, 06/03/2026 - 2:23pm

We all have heard the old adage that donating blood saves lives. Custer resident Rye Guischer has lived that adage. 
Rye is not only a life- saving blood recipient, she is also a donor.
As a young person Rye didn’t even consider donating blood. Then one day two years ago she found herself walking into the Masonic Lodge in Custer during a blood drive day. She donated soon after and two months later donated some more. This was in part due to the coordinator, Deb Streets.

New treatment plant up and running in Hermosa

Published by admin on Wed, 06/03/2026 - 2:15pm

By Jason Ferguson

Sheriff’s Log May 18-23

Published by admin on Wed, 06/03/2026 - 2:14pm

Custer County Sheriff’s Log
Call of the Week
Saturday, May 23
12:07 p.m.: An out-of-state traveler called to  report goats on Hwy. 89 south of Pringle that seemed to be panting. A deputy found the “panting goats” were actually bighorn sheep, and since they were actually wild animals are allowed to be pretty much anywhere they want.