Custer County Chronicle

Rising internet crimes against children

Published by admin on Wed, 08/27/2025 - 4:44pm

One of the most difficult obstacles to navigate as a parent in today’s world is digital awareness. Many young people are struggling with the negative effects of internet access. 
Holly Strand, a forensic examiner for the Pennington County Sheriffs’ Office who is assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, discussed the dangers of internet exposure for children last Wednesday at the Hermosa School.

School starts next Monday

Published by admin on Wed, 08/20/2025 - 12:42pm

Just like that the summer is almost over and the Custer School District (CSD) is gearing up for the 2025-26 school year. 
District open houses are Aug. 20 from 3-5 p.m. at Custer Elementary School (CES) and Hermosa School (HS). The Custer Jr/Sr High School (CHS) open house is from 4-6 p.m. Aug. 20.

CTE building five to six weeks out

Published by admin on Wed, 08/20/2025 - 12:39pm

Five to six weeks away from completion. That was the estimate provided by Steve Burgess, vice president of Dean Kurtz Construction, for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) building at the Custer School District (CSD) Board of Education meeting held at the Hermosa School Aug. 11. 
Carter Stonecipher with Dean Kurtz Construction said things are going well on site. Interior finishing work is in progress, asphalt is being laid in the parking lot, kitchen supplies are arriving, security installations are underway and final details are coming together. 

Minnesota man arrested after pursuit

Published by admin on Wed, 08/20/2025 - 12:38pm

A 35-year-old Minnesota man is facing multiple charges after evading law enforcement in Custer State Park.
On August 14 at approximately 9:30 a.m., Shane Ryan Dwyer, 35, of St. Paul, was stopped by a Custer State Park law enforcement officer on the Wildlife Loop Road for a traffic violation. 
According to the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, Dwyer fled the traffic stop and continued along Wildlife Loop Road toward Hwy. 16A despite attempts to stop the vehicle.

Make a splash at Hermosa’s duck races Sunday

Published by admin on Wed, 08/20/2025 - 12:37pm

Grab a lawn chair, make a dish to share and get ready for Hermosa’s Annual Duck Races—promising a full afternoon of fun, food and entertainment for the whole family. 
The event will take place at the Lintz Ranch located at 13937 Hwy. 36 in Hermosa. 
At noon, things will kick off with a potluck, with hamburgers provided by Bishop Beef. Attendees are encouraged to bring a side or dessert to share. Beverages and paper products will be provided.

Hermosa man caught in Sturgis sting

Published by admin on Wed, 08/20/2025 - 12:34pm

A Hermosa resident was among the five men arrested during a child exploitation operation conducted by the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Joshua Michael Allen, 36, was charged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet during the course of the operation.

Capitol work looms as major expense

Published by admin on Wed, 08/20/2025 - 10:34am
As South Dakota lawmakers consider spending $650 million to build a prison, another major building expense is looming: the first full restoration of the state Capitol in nearly 40 years.
The state official in charge of planning the restoration is Darin Seeley, commissioner of the Bureau of Human Resources and Administration. When he briefed a committee of legislators during a public meeting Tuesday at the Capitol, one of them asked for a ballpark estimate of the cost.

Residents question legal expenses

Published by admin on Wed, 08/13/2025 - 1:41pm

Once again the legal budget was a top item of discussion at the Hermosa Board of Trustees Aug. 5 meeting, but this time, a shift from the norm, a full house was in attendance and with plenty to say. 
Ordinance 2.077A, the Supplemental Appropriations Ordinance, was given a first reading, and this supplemental budget increased the town’s legal budget by $10,000, and also provided a number of other budget adjustments. 

City council approves more WWTP costs

Published by admin on Wed, 08/13/2025 - 1:38pm

Just over $16,000 was added to the City of Custer’s wastewater treatment plant upgrade project via change order at the Aug. 4 meeting of the Custer City Council.
The council heard from Trent Bruce of DGR Engineering via teleconference at the meeting, with Bruce telling the council the increase is due to a pair of reasons—an privacy slats on a fence and the delay of implementation of the plant due to the ongoing federal court case regarding the plant.

County approves improvements for SAR

Published by admin on Wed, 08/13/2025 - 1:38pm

The Custer County Search and Rescue (SAR) building needs a few improvements and will get them soon, thanks to approval from the Custer County Commission at its Aug. 6 meeting. 
Building and grounds maintenance supervisor Joe Panza said the HVAC system at SAR was not functioning and had leaked all of its freon. Joe Merkle of JAM Heating and Cooling inspected it and said it is not worth repairing because it is over 25 years old.