SAR watch party is Saturday

 Following two weeks of nationwide voting, Friends of Custer County Search and Rescue (CCSAR) has officially advanced to the Final Two in the 2026 Land Rover Defender Service Awards.
Out of hundreds of non-profit nominees nationwide, CCSAR is now one step away from winning a customized Land Rover Defender 130 rescue vehicle and a financial grant package valued at over $130,000 to serve the Black Hills region.
The final winner will be announced live on stage during the Destination Defender Gala in California Saturday, Sept. 12. To mark the milestone, CCSAR and Mt. Rushmore Brewing Co. are hosting a public community watch party in Custer. The event will feature a live, two-way broadcast feed with the national awards ceremony, allowing the local crowd in Custer to be featured live on screen during the event.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the program begins at 7 p.m., with the live awards broadcast starting at 7:45 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public (first-come, first-served up to 300 capacity).
There will be a complimentary appetizer buffet provided by owner Janet Boyer and Mt. Rushmore Brewing Co. Beverages will be available for purchase.
“We are humbled by the overwhelming support from our community over the last two weeks,” said Sam Smolnisky, director of Custer County Search and Rescue. “Daily voting came down to the dedication of our neighbors, friends and supporters across South Dakota. Whether we take home first or second place, standing in the top two in the nation is a huge honor for our all volunteer responder team.”
CCSAR’s second longest-serving volunteer member, Jim “Buzz” Laverick, will represent the team in person at the gala in California, while the local team and supporters gather at Mt. Rushmore Brewing Co.