News

Rhoden proposes ‘limited budget’ to legislators

Published by admin on Wed, 12/10/2025 - 10:44am

Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden proposed a $7.44 billion state government budget Tuesday that would avoid big cuts but also hold South Dakota’s funding for schools, Medicaid providers and state employees flat next year.

Goodwin, Hulse, Ladner react to budget pitch

Published by admin on Wed, 12/10/2025 - 10:44am

Following Gov. Larry Rhoden addressing state legislators regarding his proposed $7.44 billion budget Dec. 2 at the State Capitol in Pierre, District 30 legislators agreed 2026 could be another year with a tight budget, although just how tight remains to be seen.

Legion Auxiliary on the hunt for sewing machines

Published by admin on Wed, 12/10/2025 - 10:43am

Last summer, Jim Welch and his wife, Lori, were invited to an informational luncheon at Laughing Water Restaurant to learn more about Boxelder Job Corps Center.

City holds hearing for phase two funding

Published by admin on Wed, 12/10/2025 - 9:56am
Jennifer Sietsema, executive director for the  Black Hills Council of Local Governments and Joe Noble of city engineering firm AE2S joined the Hill City Common Council at a special meeting held Dec. 4 at the Hill City Center. This was a required meeting to apply for the next round of funding for the water and sewer infrastructure projects. 

Town votes to hold elections in November

Published by admin on Wed, 12/10/2025 - 9:55am
The Town of Keystone has chosen to hold its municipal elections in November. The decision was made at the Dec. 3 Keystone Town Board meeting.
A new 2025 state statute requested the town either align with the primary or general election date. 
Some trustees, like Matt Fullilove and David Cofoid,  were already leaning toward that month, versus the other option of June. Cofoid thought November made more sense because “you have more elections.” He also brought up whether business owners would be present that late in the season. 

Commissioners continue to discuss libraries

Published by admin on Wed, 12/10/2025 - 9:54am
Pennington County has held meetings with the libraries in Wall, Keystone, Hill City and Rapid City. 
Jordan Neeb, director for the commission office, told commissioners at the Dec. 2 meeting the county meetings with the libraries have  been “very productive.” 
“There’s been a lot of misinformation out there,” Neeb said, adding there is now a “pretty good understanding” of the situation.
As a whole, there were no deal breakers with the draft contract language sent to each library, but there  were concerns.

County Christmas events kick off this week

Published by admin on Wed, 12/03/2025 - 1:20pm

It’s early December in Custer County, which means Christmas events are plentiful. A number of those events will take place this weekend, beginning Friday.
The fun begins at Custer Senior Center Dec. 5 from 8 a.m. to noon when the center hosts its annual cookie and candy walk.

Thune challenges students to be difference makers

Published by admin on Wed, 12/03/2025 - 1:18pm

Be difference makers—that was the challenge South Dakota U.S. Sen. and Senate Majority Leader John Thune gave to the students of the Custer School District (CSD) at the dedication ceremony for the new Career and Technical Education (CTE) building Nov. 24. 

City seeks Fifth Street funding

Published by admin on Wed, 12/03/2025 - 1:17pm

When the state of South Dakota digs into Fifth Street—whenever that may be—to widen, repave and make other improvements to the road, the City of Custer will take that opportunity to upgrade water and sewer utilities that need replaced along the route, whether it’s because they have reached the end of their useful life, or because it is required due the state Department of Transportation’s project.

Minnekahta Quilters show at courthouse

Published by admin on Wed, 12/03/2025 - 1:12pm

The Minnekahta Quilters Guild of Hot Springs, South Dakota will show their quilted creations at the Kim Horkey Memorial Art Gallery at the Custer County Courthouse through Jan. 9.
An artist reception is being held Friday, Dec. 12, from 3-5 p.m. at the Custer County Courthouse. This is an opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy free refreshments.
On June 4, 1991, an invitation to the Hot Springs Quilters Guild was issued by Barb Sharp, meeting at Brookside Apartments. By Oct. 10, 1991, the group was called the Minnekahta Quilters Guild.