Custer County Chronicle

Buffalo Gap Blowout set for July 12-13

Published by admin on Wed, 07/10/2024 - 9:58am

The annual Buffalo Gap Blowout makes its return to Custer County this weekend, July 12-13.
The fun starts on Friday evening. At 6 p.m. at the rodeo arena a quarter mile east of town, there will be a barrel racing jackpot event (exhibitions, peewee, youth 3D and open 4D series) presented by Crushin’ Cans. For more information call 605-890-0959 or go to the Crushin’ Cans and Ropin’ Calves Facebook Page.
The rest of the fun takes place Saturday starting with a parade through town at 11 a.m.

Council members take oaths

Published by admin on Wed, 07/10/2024 - 9:56am

Incumbent city council members  Julie Jenniges, Todd Pechota and Dixie Whitaker  were sworn in for their next terms on the council after taking the oath of office at the Custer City Council meeting last Monday evening, July 1.
Following the oath of office, the council elected its president and vice president. Alderwoman Nina Nielsen made a motion to nominate Peg Ryan for council president, and with no other nominations, it was carried unanimously. Ryan’s motion to nominate Nielsen for vice president was also passed unanimously.

Buffalo Gap tax issue still in flux

Published by admin on Wed, 07/10/2024 - 9:55am

There is no new news—and a little additional confusion—regarding the missing tax payments owed to the federal government by the Town of Buffalo Gap.
The issue was discussed briefly at the town’s July 1 meeting, with town chief financial officer Shelley Harris telling the 30 or so people gathered at the Buffalo Gap Community Center for the meeting that the town recently received a letter from the IRS saying all taxes were paid for the first quarter of the year, while another letter was received saying back taxes of $6,000 were still owed.

First responders busy with accidents

Published by admin on Wed, 07/10/2024 - 9:55am

The Custer County Sheriff’s Office responded to a couple vehicle accidents Monday, June 29.

Vissia resigns as county DOE

Published by admin on Tue, 07/02/2024 - 12:07pm

Custer County is in search of a new director of equalization after Leah Vissia resigned following an executive session at the Custer County Commission’s June 20 meeting. Her final day in the role is July 5.
Vissia started as the head of the county’s equalization office Oct. 21, 2019. Since that time property valuations and subsequently property taxes have skyrocketed as Vissia’s office struggled to get the county in line with state-mandated valuations in regards to full and true value of county property sales.

Debate over land subdivision riles some at meeting

Published by admin on Tue, 07/02/2024 - 12:07pm

The Custer County Commission wants the Town of Hermosa to deal with a variance/subdividing request within its one-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction before it delves into the issue, it was learned at the June 20 meeting of the Custer County Commission.

Board discusses reimbursements

Published by admin on Tue, 07/02/2024 - 12:06pm

Mileage reimbursment payments for families in Hermosa were discussed at the Custer School District Board of Education meeting held last week in Hermosa. It was brought up that some parents who choose to drive their children to school and get reimmbursed for the mileage may not be truthfully reporting that to the school by not taking as many trips to the school as they report.
“People understand the system and screw the system to get an extra buck,” said board member Larry Baker.

Cyclist severely injured

Published by admin on Tue, 07/02/2024 - 12:05pm

The Custer County Sheriff’s Office and other local agencies assisted the South Dakota Highway Patrol in responding to a crash involving a cyclist and a vehicle in Pringle last Thursday.
The cyclist was lifeflighted by helicopter to  Monument Health Hospital - Rapid City following the collision with a 2006 Chevy Impala. Custer County Sheriff’s Lt. Jeff McGraw reported the cyclist was northbound on Hwy. 89 and failed to stop at a stop sign, continuing in front of the driver of the Chevy, who was driving at highway speeds.

Court silences copter arguments, upholds ban

Published by admin on Tue, 07/02/2024 - 12:04pm

“It was completely expected.”
This from Mark Schlaefli, Black Hills Aerial Adventures, in response to the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruling on helicopter flights over Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Badlands National Park.

July 4 events planned

Published by admin on Wed, 06/26/2024 - 11:50am

Custer’s Old Time Fourth of July celebration will start bright and early the morning of July 4 and will last into the evening hours. The celebration includes events for people of all ages.
The festivities begin at 10 a.m. with a B-1 flyover which will kick off the Kids’ & Patriots’ Parade. The parade route is between 8th and 4th streets on Mt. Rushmore Road. The Patriots Alley will open on 6th Street at 10:30 a.m.