Custer County Chronicle

Understanding our natural environment

Published by admin on Wed, 01/21/2026 - 1:39pm

Despite the Beetle Burn itself being postponed  last weekend, about 40 people  came to the Custer County Courthouse Annex Pine Room to an event titled, “Living in Community in our Natural Environment.” The Jan. 15 event was a learning presentation, with four sessions.
Hank Fridell, chair of the Burning Beetle committee, began the evening  saying, “these are interesting times,” tracing some notable environmental events including the pine beetle infestation, the Atlas blizzard, the French Creek flood and the most recent windstorm.

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.”

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.

Custer gears up for Beetle Burn

Published by admin on Wed, 01/07/2026 - 9:33am

It’s that time of year again, where the phrase “Burn, Beetle, Burn!” can be heard in the air. This year’s Burning Beetle will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, and is packed full of fun, art, education and community spirit.
Fourteen years ago, the Burning Beetle was created to help the Custer community and the Black Hills come to grips with a beetle pandemic. While this is the 14th year of celebrating the event, this is the 13th year the beetle effigy has been annually torched.

County seeks disaster declaration

Published by admin on Wed, 01/07/2026 - 9:33am

Both Custer County and the State of South Dakota may be able to obtain a disaster declaration for damage and the necessary cleanup from the Dec. 18 wind storm, it was learned at the Dec. 30 meeting of the Custer County Commission
County emergency management director Steve Esser told the commission at the meeting there are thresholds for each county to meet, with Custer County’s being $33,000, or roughly $4.72 per person in the county. Those figures represent the cost of cleaning up on public roadways and such areas that are not covered by private insurance.

They said it: The most quotable quotes of 2025 - Part 2

Published by admin on Wed, 01/07/2026 - 9:32am

As is always the case, Custer County had no lack of quotable quotes in 2025. Below is a list of some of the more memorable quotes that appeared on the pages of the Custer County Chronicle in 2025. These quotes are from the second half of the year.
“Treat your kids the best way you can and just always believe in the Lord.” - Gerldine Anderson, dispensing advice on her 100th birthday, which was June 27.