News

School board announces RIFs

Published by admin on Wed, 04/15/2026 - 2:20pm

After a special meeting of the Custer School District (CSD) Board of Education April 7 in Custer, a reduction in force was announced. 
In total, the reduction in force will include nine classified positions of general education paraprofessionals, library aides and office assistants, three certified positions and three-and-a half custodial/maintenance positions. For the most part, this is being addressed through attrition. 

Commission hears of dwindling reserves

Published by admin on Wed, 04/15/2026 - 2:19pm

Custer County’s cash reserves are slowly dwindling, and if every department within the county spent the entirety of its budget, the county would be financially strapped.
That was the message given by county finance officer Dawn McLaughlin at the April 8 meeting of the Custer County Commission, as McLaughlin walked those in the crowd through the county’s past, present and future budget situation.

Turning Point USA Faith hub launching

Published by admin on Wed, 04/15/2026 - 2:18pm

A new Turning Point (TP) USA Faith hub is launching in the Southern Hills, including Hill City, Keystone, Custer County and Fall River County. The project is being undertaken by a group of community leaders and spearheaded by third-generation Custer resident Pat Baumann. 

Fire burns over 5,000 east county acres

Published by admin on Wed, 04/15/2026 - 2:18pm

A rapidly-spreading fire on the eastern side of Custer County torched 5,408 acres last weekend before forward progress on the fire was stopped.
The 79 Fire three miles north of Buffalo Gap was reported around 11:35 a.m. on Saturday, April 11.
According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, it started just east of Hwy. 79 along East French Creek Road in eastern Custer County.
State, federal and local resources along with air support were on initial attack of the fire, which burned primarily grass.

City council gets update on West Dam progress

Published by admin on Wed, 04/15/2026 - 2:15pm

The second phase of construction on West Dam is winding down and the third phase is in high gear, it was learned at the April 6 meeting of the Custer City Council.
Steve Bareis of RESPEC Engineering, one of the firms helping the city through the project, was present at the meeting via video conferencing and walked the council and those in attendance through a slide show of the work that has been completed and the work that is ongoing.
The second phase, which is removal of material from the reservoir and embankment excavation, is expected to be wrapped up by early May.

87 Fire

Published by admin on Wed, 04/15/2026 - 9:29am

Firefighters responded to the five-acre 87 Fire located approximately four miles south of Hill City off of Hwy. 87 (Needles Highway) April 10. Aircraft, including helicopters, an air attack platform and two single engine air tankers worked the fire along with federal, state and local resources. Forward progress was stopped with dozer lines and hose lay around the fire. Firefighters staffed the fire overnight. 

Huge change for residential neighborhoods discussed

Published by admin on Wed, 04/15/2026 - 9:28am
Much of the April 7 Hill City Planning and Zoning (P&Z) meeting was centered around a discussion for a proposed 56-foot tall five-story building on Main Street. The plans allow for a retail space on the main level, a restaurant on the second floor, a three-story hotel and underground parking. The project includes several parcels including the old Hubcap Diner and would be adjacent to the Hill City Public Library.
City administrator Nate Anderson explained the project further. 

County suspends search for missing Hill City man

Published by admin on Wed, 04/15/2026 - 9:25am
A week after 86-year old Ronald Deloss Blachard went missing, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office announced it is suspending the full ground and air search. 
The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is actively working this case. No further details are being released at this time. 
Blachard arrived last Saturday to his summer home in Hill City from Arizona. He was last seen at his home  the evening of Monday, April 6, and was reported missing around 10 a.m. April 8. 

Former lodge facing tax deed action

Published by admin on Wed, 04/15/2026 - 9:23am
Movement on the property at 24075 Hwy. 16A in Keystone is taking place at the county level, after years of being vacant by the owner. 
The property, most recently known as the Lodge at Mt. Rushmore, was built in 2001 as a 50- unit motel. It was sold in 2006 for $2.5 million and then again in 2008 for $3.5 million and is currently owned by Winona Inn Limited Partnership out of St. Paul, Minn. The three-story structure has a 2026 assessed value of $890,000. Taxes for the 2025 year total $10,872.90.

Environmental, tribal concerns persist as fireworks bring ‘rock concert in phone booth’ to Mount Rushmore

Published by admin on Wed, 04/15/2026 - 9:17am
When Cheryl Schreier learned of plans for fireworks this summer at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, she thought about the behind-the-scenes planning it takes to host thousands of people at the national memorial she formerly oversaw.
“It’s like having a rock concert in a phone booth,” she said.