Custer County Chronicle

Hundreds of lithium claims filed

Published by admin on Thu, 06/16/2022 - 9:47am

It was the lure of gold that first brought thousands of miners to the Black Hills nearly 150 years ago, but with the rising popularity of electric cars and calls for more “green energy” alternatives it appears the hope of finding rich deposits of the mineral lithium is bringing 21st Century prospectors to the Hills. The filing of hundreds of mining claims for lithium in Custer County in the last two months is a matter of serious concern for many local residents who fear lithium mining may impact tourism, harm the ground water and destroy the natural beauty of the Black Hills.

School board discusses safety

Published by admin on Thu, 06/16/2022 - 9:42am

In light of the recent school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, the Custer School District Board of Education discussed the safety of its schools at its June 13 meeting at the school administration building.
Superintendent Mark Naugle said he has discussed school safety with both Custer County Sheriff Marty Mechaley, and discussion has been held regarding reviewing safety plans, practicing active shooter training and other safety protocols.

Primary voter turnout low

Published by admin on Thu, 06/16/2022 - 9:41am

For a much-publicized election in which all three statewide GOP candidates faced serious primary challenges and there was also a controversial constitutional amendment on the ballot, voter turnout was low in South Dakota last Tuesday. Here in Custer County, turnout was even lower than the state average but those primary challengers fared better than the rest of the state.

Emotions run high over vacation rental vote

Published by admin on Thu, 06/09/2022 - 9:59am

By a 3-2 vote at Monday evening’s meeting, the Custer City Council approved the second reading of an amendment to its ordinance that deals with permitted conditional uses and prohibited uses and structures within a residential district by making boarding houses and short term rentals a prohibited use in said residential areas. The ordinance change does not affect areas zoned commercial, nor does it eliminate already-established short-term rentals. Those that already exist will be grandfathered in with the existing conditional use permit.

Lintz, Linde, Hindle retain county seats

Published by admin on Thu, 06/09/2022 - 9:50am

All three incumbents will advance to this fall’s General Election for a four-year term on the Custer County Commission after receiving the most votes in last night’s primary election.
Jim Lintz received the most votes of the seven Republican primary candidates, with 1,013. He was followed by Mike Linde at 989 and Craig Hindle at 854.
Others who ran included former commissioner Jesse Sorenson, who tied with Jeff Johnson for fourth with 687 votes, followed by Uly Johnson at 572 votes and Nicholaus Benton 297 votes.

Haul route remains the same for CSP work

Published by admin on Thu, 06/09/2022 - 9:49am

While potential alternative routes were discussed, it appears the haul route already set forth for the reconstruction of Playhouse Road in Custer State Park will remain intact after the Custer County Commission declined to pursue an alternative haul route following discussion on the issue at a special June 1 meeting of the commission.

Recalling a soggy shopping adventure

Published by admin on Thu, 06/09/2022 - 9:45am

One certainly didn’t have to be living in or around Rapid City to have vivid memories of the devastating flood 50 years ago that changed the face of the city forever. Five decades later lifetime Custer resident Margie Lipp Hutton remembers events of that evening with near photographic recall even though she was only in town to shop that night.

Flood sent Culberson on path to service

Published by admin on Thu, 06/09/2022 - 9:44am

By Jason Ferguson

Remembering the Flood of 1972

Published by admin on Thu, 06/02/2022 - 10:16am

Although the deadly Rapid City flash flood of June 9, 1972 had little physical effect on Custer County itself, many county residents have vivid memories of the event and some, who were either directly impacted by the deluge or helped with the cleanup, remember it well.

Lunafest starts this Saturday

Published by admin on Thu, 06/02/2022 - 10:15am

Zonta Women’s Lunafest Film and Arts Festival is this Saturday, June 4, at the Custer Beacon from 1-10 p.m. Doors will open at 12:50 p.m. for the first showing of the Lunafest films. The event includes films and local programs by and about women, art and artisan exhibits and musical performances.
There is no set cost to attend the festival, but its purpose is dependent on the gracious donations of attendees. You may pay at the door or purchase your ticket ahead time. A virtual viewing is also available for $10.