News

Volksmarch celebrates 40 years

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 1:09pm

Forty years and thousands of miles later, the Crazy Horse Volksmarch is still going strong.
Last Saturday marked the 40th rendition of the Crazy Horse Spring Volksmarch, and two days prior to the march itself a group of Crazy Horse, American Volkssport Association (AVA) and its Black Hills Chapter celebrated the 40th anniversary with a press conference, reception and fellowship at  Laughing Water Restaurant at Crazy Horse Memorial.

Fine Artists Festival coming June 19-20

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 1:08pm

Join some of the finest artists in the Black Hills for a weekend festival on the lawn at Sixth and Washington Street in Custer. The Fine Artists Festival is returning for its second year June 19-20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature around 29 artists and their work. 
The festival is run and organized by Deeda Cordin, a photographer and owner of Deep Creek Gallery in Custer. 
Cordin grew up on cattle ranches in New Mexico and Wyoming and was homeschooled until her freshman year of high school. 

Council settles sidewalk issue

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 1:07pm

After a pair of council meetings and three committee meetings, a decision has been reached: sidewalks will not be required along Park Avenue as the lots there are developed.
That was the decision rendered by the Custer City Council at the council’s June 1 meeting, although the final decision didn’t come before plenty of discussion and changing of minds as the discussion unfolded.

Mining opponent files federal lawsuit

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 1:07pm

The status of a hearing on an exploratory uranium drilling permit was left uncertain after a state board adjourned until further notice, following a private session to discuss legal matters.
The permit application is from Clean Nuclear Energy Corporation, which is seeking to drill dozens of holes up to 700 feet deep on state land. The proposed site is near the rim of Craven Canyon in South Dakota’s southern Black Hills.

Forest Service debuts rec app

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 1:06pm

To kick off Great Outdoors Month the U.S. Forest Service is launching a new, single visitor-information mobile app, National Forests and Grasslands, now available for download as visitors plan their summer trips to recreation sites across the national forest system.
For the first time the app provides the most complete and accurate collection of Forest Service recreation sites that has ever been made available to the public, along with important planning tools like critical safety alerts, closures, amenity details and more.

Town firework plans

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 9:31am
Keystone Town Board president Casey McNulty met with Mount Rushmore National Memorial officials regarding the July 3 fireworks. The updated plans were explained at the June 3 Keystone Town Board meeting. 
There will be two checkpoints to enter, one at the Mount Rushmore sign by the Keystone Mall and the second by Iron Mountain Road. 
Iron Mountain Road itself  will be closed, but it is unclear how far that closure will extend.
A First Amendment area will be roped off for people exercising their rights.

Trail master plan takes shape

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 9:28am
Representatives from South Dakota State University (SDSU) came to the June 3 Hill City Park Board meeting to discuss community parks and a trails master plan. City administrator Nate Anderson said the city agreed to work with SDSU to give a fresh view of Hill City.

Mining opponent files federal lawsuit

Published by admin on Wed, 06/10/2026 - 9:17am
The status of a hearing on an exploratory uranium drilling permit was left uncertain after a state board adjourned until further notice, following a private session to discuss legal matters.
The permit application is from Clean Nuclear Energy Corporation, which is seeking to drill dozens of holes up to 700 feet deep on state land. The proposed site is near the rim of Craven Canyon in South Dakota’s southern Black Hills.

Mechaley, Hindle, Sorenson win commission seats

Published by admin on Wed, 06/03/2026 - 2:32pm

The Custer County Commission will have a new face, a relatively new face, and a familiar face come January.
Incumbent Craig Hindle retained his seat on the commission during yesterday’s Primary Election, and will be joined by current but soon-to-be-retired Custer County Sheriff Marty Mechaley on the commission, along with former commissioner Jesse Sorenson.
Mechaley was the top vote-getter, with 1,263 votes, while Hindle had 840 votes. Sorenson pulled in 823 votes. The three will serve a four-year term.

County to lay ground work for new tax

Published by admin on Wed, 06/03/2026 - 2:24pm

As soon as Jan. 1, Custer County could implement the new half cent sales tax counties are now able to charge thanks to Senate Bill 96, which was passed during the 2026 legislative session.
The Custer County Commission listened to an overview of how the implementation will work from commission legal counsel Aaron Davis at the commission’s May 27 meeting, after having asked Davis to research the issue at the commission’s previous meeting.