News

Several honored by Custer chamber

Published by admin on Wed, 10/21/2026 - 1:20pm

Some of Custer’s best were honored last Thursday evening in Custer State Park, as the annual Custer Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet was held at the park’s event barn near the State Game Lodge.
Among the awards presented was the Lifetime Achievement Award, which went to Phil Lampert, who presenter Amanda Carlin noted had shaped the Southern Black Hills like few others over a lifetime of work.

U.S. capitol tree stopping in Custer

Published by admin on Wed, 10/21/2026 - 1:19pm

The Custer Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau invites residents and visitors to celebrate a special holiday occasion as the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree makes a stop in Custer Tuesday, Nov. 10, as part of its journey from Idaho to Washington, D.C., where it will be displayed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

State capitol rotunda restoration complete

Published by admin on Wed, 10/21/2026 - 1:09pm
Scaffolding stood in the center of South Dakota’s Capitol building for six months, but now the work is done and the reviews are coming in.
Pierre resident Mary Keeler, who works for the state Bureau of Finance and Management, stood looking up into the dome recently while admiring the restoration work.
“It has always been a beautiful building,” she said. “But this is pretty spectacular.”
Refreshed paint, brighter details and new lighting have made the interior dome more vibrant, she said.

Queen finally gives up jackpot

Published by admin on Wed, 10/21/2026 - 1:04pm

“I hope a local wins it.”
That was a common refrain heard around Custer as the Custer VFW’s Queen of Hearts fundraiser reached its climax last Friday evening, as the jackpot swelled to $252,000 and people came from near and far to buy tickets for the chance to win just over a quarter of a million dollars. Some were said to have been spending thousands of dollars each week on tickets.
Those who hoped someone local would win the prize got their wish.

Error on conservation district ballot

Published by admin on Wed, 10/21/2026 - 1:03pm

Custer County finance officer Dawn McLaughlin has announced the ballot for the upcoming General Election for the Conservation District Supervisor, Custer County race is in error.  
The race for election of conservation district supervisor states the following:  “You may vote for one or leave it blank.” 
The Custer County Conservation District Board of Supervisors has two open seats. Custer County received two valid petitions for the two open seats and those two candidates will be elected to fill the vacant seats without the necessity of an election.  

Council reviews maximum price for sewer

Published by admin on Wed, 10/21/2026 - 9:58am
Up until now, the cost of the Hill City wastewater treatment plant project was merely an estimate. Now, with a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) from Scull Construction, the Hill City Common Council has a firm number with which it can move forward. 
In total, the GMP was $14,504,449, and the AE2S design costs were $1,700,000, bringing the total project cost to $16,204,449, with an additional $946,049 in alternates. The GMP was discussed at the Oct. 12 council meeting. 

Four ballot measures for Nov. 3 election

Published by admin on Wed, 10/21/2026 - 9:56am
Four ballot measures referred by the Legislature have been approved for the Nov. 3 general election ballot. Voters will vote either yes or no on these measures. 
Constitutional Amendment I: Expanded Medicaid repeal
Constitutional Amendment I is an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, conditioning the requirement of expanded Medicaid on the level of federal medical assistance. It repeals expanded Medicaid coverage if federal funding for the program drops below 90 percent. 

Hladysz is commission candidate

Published by admin on Wed, 10/21/2026 - 9:51am
Keystone resident Leslie Hladysz is an Independent candidate for a four-year term on the Pennington County Commission, representing District One.
Hladysz, a former reporter for the Hill City Prevailer News, lives just outside of the Keystone town limits in the county and has been a county resident for nearly a decade. She said the number one reason she chose to run for office is to fix the property tax issue.

Five vie for seats on Keystone Town Board

Published by admin on Wed, 10/21/2026 - 9:46am
Five candidates are vying for two open seat on the Keystone Town Board, a decision that will be made by residents of Keystone  Nov. 3 on a separate ballot from the general election.
Tammy Hunsaker has resided in Keystone for the last 22 years. Hunsaker’s reason for running is that, “Keystone is my home, and I care too much about its future to sit on the sidelines.” 

CSP concessions going to out-of-state operator

Published by admin on Wed, 10/21/2026 - 9:45am
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission meets tomorrow and plans to finalize a contract between Custer State Park and Xanterra Travel Collection, a move that commissioners said will help the park keep up with growing visitor expectations.
Concessionaires are private companies that contract with the state to offer services that parks don’t provide, such as food, lodging and retail.