Opinion

We must never forget Sept. 11

Published by admin on Wed, 09/16/2026 - 2:44pm

It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since the fateful day of Sept. 11, 2001. It was on that day, of course, the United States experienced the deadliest terrorist attack ever on American soil. Nineteen members of the extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airplanes. Two of the planes were flown into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, causing both buildings to collapse. A third plane struck the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., while the fourth crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pa., after passengers and crew attempted to regain control of the aircraft.

If they do their job, they can get a raise

Published by admin on Wed, 09/16/2026 - 2:41pm

According to a recent South Dakota Searchlight story, legislators could get a 4 percent raise when they gather in Pierre this January. Legislator pay is set at 20 percent of the state’s household median income as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The median household income is expected to go up this year, bumping annual legislative salaries from $15,970 to $16,608.

Patriots and unity

Published by admin on Wed, 09/16/2026 - 9:40am
Twenty-five years ago, the United States of America experienced one of our most horrific tragedies. Our nation was attacked by terrorists—enemies who hate us because of what we stand for. America is the only nation founded on the principle of freedom, and those terrorists despised that fact.
In their hatred, they sought to tear us apart. They failed. In fact, their attempt backfired.

Most seem to favor having one plate

Published by admin on Wed, 09/16/2026 - 9:39am
Greetings. Well, as promised, I’m reporting back regarding feedback from the license plate issue. The question asked was, “Would you prefer only one plate on the back of the vehicle or to stay with the current system of two license plates, front and back?”

Do readers still want court news?

Published by admin on Wed, 09/09/2026 - 10:16am

For more years than the current staff of the Custer County Chronicle has been employed at the paper, the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court News has been a feature of the paper. If you have read the paper, you know what it is. It is a record of every adjudicated Custer County case that takes place within the Seventh Circuit Court. It is sent to us every week by the Clerk of Courts office, which is located within the Custer County Courthouse.

Never the same again

Published by admin on Wed, 09/09/2026 - 10:15am

If you know cows, you likely are familiar with the rather bored expression a mother cow has while her 5-month-old calf is headbutting her udder. It is eloquent. In fact, it is an expression I’m pretty sure I’ve gotten good at myself. 

Say my name, say my name

Published by admin on Wed, 09/09/2026 - 10:07am
Just the other day, I asked a friend, if they could change their name, what they would change it to? He said he’d choose Theodore. I told him I would be Orianna Josephine, or Josie for short. The full name would give me my dad’s initials. When I was a kid, I wanted to be Bobbie Jo. It is interesting to me how I have chosen boys names, which is one of the reasons I never liked my name in the first place, since I have heard Leslie used for men as much as women.

Throw support behind Habitat

Published by admin on Wed, 09/02/2026 - 12:37pm

If you’ve been around Custer long enough, you know there are some immutable truths when it comes to this fine city. Someone will tell you the Farmer’s Almanac has predicted we are going to have a horrible winter, followed by one of the mildest winters ever. Locals will decry the gathering of the motorcycles during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. We’ll wake up in one of the most beauitful areas on earth. Groups will meet, studies will be done and the lack of workforce/affordable housing will have a fist shaken at it.

People who feel like sunshine and rain

Published by admin on Wed, 09/02/2026 - 12:36pm

Some people just feel like sunshine. Their mere presence sparks a smile. You can talk all day or simply enjoy the silence together. They understand what you’re thinking before your words can form, and they’re always ready to help you chase after a dream. After spending time with them, your heart feels lighter and your outlook brighter. We all need more people like that in our lives. 

WNBA air balled an opportunity

Published by admin on Wed, 09/02/2026 - 9:30am
Like many young girls, I used to dream of one day playing in the WNBA. 
It wasn’t a realistic goal for me, but the love and passion for the game was there. Getting to play your favorite sport and get paid to do it—does it really get any better than that?
To be honest, after my basketball career ended in high school, I didn’t give much more thought to the WNBA. I didn’t watch games, didn’t follow the wins and losses. On a good day, I probably could have named three players.
And I wasn’t alone.