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Zonta Fest returns to Custer Beacon June 6

Published by admin on Wed, 05/27/2026 - 9:42am

Join the Southern Black Hills for a night of supporting women in music, dance and arts at The Custer Beacon June 6 from 4-8:15 p.m. for the 14th annual Zonta Fest, originally known as the Luna Fest. 
“We support women in the arts, dance and music not just to encourage them in their professions, but also because we believe being involved in creative art makes our lives fuller and more complete,” said Marianne Fridell with the Zonta Club. 
The Zonta Club’s mission is to build a better world for women and girls. 

Sheriff’s Log May 15-18

Published by admin on Wed, 05/27/2026 - 9:39am

Custer County Sheriff’s Log
Call of the Week
Friday, May 22
3:50 a.m.: A deputy on patrol noticed a vehicle parked by the side of Hwy. 79 near 7-11 Road with its lights on. The driver, a 23-year-old Chadron, Neb., female, appeared to be passed out, but was eventually roused and was not very cooperative with the deputy, attempting to lock herself in the vehicle. When the dust had settled, the deputy eventually arrested the driver for second offense DUI, possession of drugs and paraphernalia and obstruction.

A boy, a ball, a hoop and a dream

Published by admin on Wed, 05/27/2026 - 9:36am
He may be quiet in the halls of Hill City High School, but school counselor Chris Stoebner built a basketball career that was anything but quiet.
A versatile 6-4 guard, Stoebner was a four-year starter for the Harrisburg Tigers, making an impact from the moment he stepped on the court. 
“When you grow up in a small town, that’s what you want to do. You want to play varsity and represent your community,” said Stoebner. 
Starting as a freshman brought a new kind of pressure, “especially when your dad is the coach,” said Stoebner. 

Prospector Casino opens doors in Hill City

Published by admin on Wed, 05/27/2026 - 9:35am
The newly opened Prospector Casino, located at 451 E. Main St., plans to bring fun and entertainment to Hill City. 
Aaron Estes and his wife, Qingjioa Ma, knew they wanted to start a business together. With Estes’ experience in gaming from his family’s entrepreneurial business ventures in Deadwood, they thought, “well, let’s give it a shot,” said Estes. 
“Our vision was basically to build a place that we would like to hang out, that we think is fun,” he said.

Down Memory Lane May 20

Published by admin on Wed, 05/20/2026 - 11:46am

10 YEARS AGO, 2016

Sheriff’s Log May 11-15

Published by admin on Wed, 05/20/2026 - 11:37am

Custer County Sheriff’s Log
Call of the Week
Wednesday, May 13
9:23 a.m.: A lost international driver’s license was reported somewhere between Denver and Custer and no, we can’t narrow that down.

Down Memory Lane May 20, 2026

Published by admin on Wed, 05/20/2026 - 10:47am
5 YEARS AGO, 2021
— Hill City Prevailer News editor Gray Hughes was named the Outstanding Young Journalist for weekly newspapers in South Dakota from the South Dakota Newspaper Association ... The 100th commencement of the Hill City High School class took place at Mount Rushmore. The event celebrated 34 students, 12 of whom were Regents Diplomas Recipients. Superintendent of the Hill City School District Blake Gardner addressed the students. “Not only did you survive this crazy year, you thrived,” Gardner said. 
10 YEARS AGO, 2016

Black Hills Live May 20, 2026

Published by admin on Wed, 05/20/2026 - 9:37am

Wednesday 5-20

Men’s Breakfast Bible Study
The Little White Church
Hill City, SD 
7:30 AM

Driver’s License Exams 
Custer County Courthouse Annex Pine Room 
Custer, SD
8 AM - 5 PM

Seniors Fitness Class
Hill City Center 
Hill City, SD
8:30 AM

Excercise Class
Keystone Senior Center 
Keystone, SD
10-10:30 AM

Seniors Bridge Card Games
Hill City Center 
Hill City, SD
10 AM

Down Memory Lane May 13

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 2:53pm

10 YEARS AGO, 2016

Sheriff’s Log May 6-10

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 2:48pm

Custer County Sheriff’s Log
Call of the Week
Saturday, May 9
4:46 p.m.: A drone was reportedly flying over a Fairgrounds Place house in Hermosa. The reporting person asked if they could shoot it down. Umm…no.