News

Burn the beetle, crawl the streets Jan. 17

Published by admin on Wed, 01/14/2026 - 12:55pm

There’s more than one way to burn a beetle. And there’s more than one way to celebrate Custer’s 2026 Burning Beetle, a community celebration that focuses on our connection to the Black Hills and fosters an appreciation for our forests. 
Organized by the Bark Beetle Blues, a committee under the Custer Area Arts Council, the Burning Beetle is also a fundraiser to support the arts in the Custer community. 

City bans T-shirts on store facades

Published by admin on Wed, 01/14/2026 - 12:53pm

The first reading of a  revised sign ordinance that would prohibit the use of merchandise of signage—temporary or otherwise—had its first reading unanimously passed by the Custer City Council at the council’s Jan. 5 meeting.
If approved via second reading, the amended ordinance would require any merchandise that is on the exterior wall of a business to be taken down. City planner Tessah Behlings said merchandise can still be placed on windows and doors of a business, but cannot be affixed to the exterior walls.

County stands firm on landowner fines

Published by admin on Wed, 01/14/2026 - 12:52pm

A man with property in southern Custer County will have to pay fines relating to having a structure on his property that was not on the county’s tax rolls.
Bruce Flaig put a 20x8 tiny home on his property in 2022. The structure, which has two decks but no wastewater system, electricity or water, had not been moved since it was brought onto the land.

County meets disaster declaration criteria

Published by admin on Wed, 01/14/2026 - 12:51pm

Custer County is one of three Black Hills counties that will likely meet its requirements to be able to declare a disaster in the wake of the Dec. 18 windstorm that caused extension damage in the county. However, that does not mean any money is forthcoming.

Rhoden signs disaster declaration

Published by admin on Wed, 01/14/2026 - 12:51pm

Gov. Larry Rhoden has signed a disaster declaration seeking Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) Agency assistance for damages caused during the December windstorm.
“South Dakotans are strong—and I am proud of all those who stepped up and responded quickly to begin recovery,” Rhoden said. “Recovery is a team effort, and it is important that state, local, tribal and federal partners all do their part to help. Requesting FEMA assistance is the next step to ensure our communities have the support they need to fully rebuild.”

Keystone logistics, activities discussed for 250th

Published by admin on Wed, 01/14/2026 - 9:59am
About 20 people met at the Keystone Community Center to discuss Independence Day and the 250th celebrations for 2026. 
It was again confirmed that President Donald Trump will attend fireworks at Mount Rushmore July 3. The ticketing system will be made available on recre
tion.gov, although it is not yet available.
Three members of the Keystone Town Board were present at the meeting, but no vote was made and thus did not constitute a quorum. The meeting was advertised as one to present ideas, and many in the room shared exactly that.

Keytone gives thanks at first meeting of 2026

Published by admin on Wed, 01/14/2026 - 9:56am
There were many thank yous given at the Jan. 9 Keystone Town Board meeting. 
Trustee Nikki Ball recognized the Stars and Stripes Alliance for its work at the Keystone Senior Center and Social Club. 
“It brings people together,” said Ball. 
Paula Cottrell wants to break up the dates for the senior center monthly  lunch and brunch into other weekends. The group also wants to offer dinners during the winter.
Town board president Casey McNulty offered  personal funds for assistance with food. 

Library changes policies for county patrons

Published by admin on Wed, 01/14/2026 - 9:55am
Hill City and Keystone library patrons now have a different option for taking out books from the Rapid City Library, as what was formerly known as reciprocal borrowing has ended as of Jan. 10. Reciprocal borrowing allowed library patrons with the Hill City or Keystone library card to take out material from the Rapid City library using their Hill City or Keystone card. 
Rapid City Public  Library director Terri Davis said that program was “easy to trial with libraries since they all had shared funding from the county.” 

Marge McColley named 2025 Custer County Chronicle Citizen of the Year

Published by admin on Wed, 01/07/2026 - 11:50am

When Marge McColley was given the Custer Area Chamber of Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award, she received not one, not two, not three, but five letters of recommendation from from citizens in Custer County.
That was 20 years ago.
Since that time, and now at a spry 98 years old, McColley has continued to be a pillar of the community, a tireless volunteer and an inspiration to many.
It seems she has contributed enough to Custer for two lifetimes.
For these reasons and more, McColley has been named the Custer County Chronicle’s Citizen of the Year for 2025.

Bonfire lights up Beretta Road

Published by admin on Wed, 01/07/2026 - 9:52am
First responders in the area were busy New Year’s Eve as revelers held a bonfire in Johnson Gulch off of  Beretta Road just outside of Keystone and Hill City. The road itself was posted as closed, yet Pennington County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies were able to identify approximately 70 individuals who ignored the closure and attended the bonfire.