News

Vote for Elk Mountain School expansion Nov. 4

Published by admin on Wed, 10/29/2025 - 4:52pm

For the Elk Mountain School District, polls will be open Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the school. On the ballot is the board of education’s proposal to issue a bond for around $4 million to expand and remodel the school. This will require an increase in property taxes to repay the bond. 

City will continue flower program

Published by admin on Wed, 10/29/2025 - 4:49pm

The City of Custer will spend $1,750 in 2026 to continue to have the nodes on north and south 6th Street planted with flowers by a local floral shop.

Chamber launches Small Business Season

Published by admin on Wed, 10/29/2025 - 4:48pm

The Custer Chamber has announced the launch of its 2025 Small Business Season, a community-wide initiative celebrating the businesses that keep the local economy thriving. Running from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, this year’s campaign carries the message “Every Purchase Has a Purpose.”

Trustee questions vote after matter tabled

Published by admin on Wed, 10/29/2025 - 9:35am
Keystone trustee Matt Fullilove raised concerns about an affirmative museum painting bid vote taking place while two board members were absent despite a vote rejecting the bids when the full board was present. He aired his opinions at the Oct. 22 Keystone Town Board meeting.

School district, club collaborate for children

Published by admin on Wed, 10/29/2025 - 9:34am
Representatives from the Hill City School District and Hill City Boys and Girls Club (HCBGC) got together Oct. 21 to discuss setting goals for collaborative efforts. 
Nicole Burdick, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of the Black Hills, said Hill City School District superintendent Blake Gardner initiated the meeting. 
“Basically, Blake reached out to me when he found out I was the new CEO,” Burdick said. 

CTE program receives ‘game-changing’ grant

Published by admin on Wed, 10/29/2025 - 9:33am
With a renewed surge nationwide in promoting trade careers to students, Hill City is stepping up its trade and industry education. With help from a South Dakota-based architecture firm, the program is on its way to securing innovative technology that will encourage student interest, learning and creativity in the trades for years to come.

Honoring the best of Custer

Published by admin on Wed, 10/22/2025 - 10:21am

Some stars in Custer are older than others. But they all shine brightly.
From 16 to 98, the best of Custer were honored at the annual Custer Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet held last Thursday evening at the Events Barn in Custer State Park.

School CTE building nears completion

Published by admin on Wed, 10/22/2025 - 10:18am

The Custer County School District Board of Education  Oct. 13 at the Hermosa School was the first of their meetings to be live-streamed, a new option for those wishing to stay informed but unable to attend meetings in person. 

County gets French Creek flood mitigation update

Published by admin on Wed, 10/22/2025 - 10:17am

Nick Marnach, civil engineer with RESPEC Engineering, appeared before the Custer County Commission at the Oct. 8 meeting to present an update regarding the French Creek Flood Mitigation Scoping project. 
“This work that we’re doing is a result of work that RESPEC has done in the past with Headwater Economics, and we’re partnering with DGR Engineering,” Marnach said. “Subsequent work was advanced from work we completed in 2023 and 2024 in the French Creek Flood Mitigation study.” 

Hermosa says Alias allegations unfounded

Published by admin on Wed, 10/22/2025 - 10:17am

The Hermosa Board of Trustees opened its Oct. 7 regular meeting with an executive session, which resulted in one motion, made by trustee Kel Koontz, and unanimously voted on by the rest of the board.
“The board has seen direct evidence that demonstrates that the allegations against the town marshal from the last meeting are not valid. We are using this motion as a vehicle for the board to make an official statement that we’ve seen evidence to that end.”