News

Tracy Park traffic concerning

Published by admin on Wed, 10/23/2024 - 9:21am
Some shocking news regarding traffic congestion, arguments over right-of-way and even the violent behavior of bicyclists around Tracy Park was presented by area residents to the Hill City Common Council during the meeting Oct. 15. 

City administrator talk continues

Published by admin on Wed, 10/23/2024 - 9:19am
Since September had five Mondays, Oct. 15 was the first time the Hill City Common Council met since mayor Tana Nichols announced that Brett McMacken would not be reappointed as city administrator Sept. 23.
At the end of the meeting Oct. 15, the council broke for an executive session per South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL) 1-25-2 (1) Personnel. Alderman Ethan Walker, alderman Justin Thiry and alderwoman Lori Miner were available to participate in the discussion in person, and alderman Dennis Siebert called in for the discussion remotely. 

Explanations released for proposed measure to limit property tax increases

Published by admin on Wed, 10/23/2024 - 9:18am

As required by state law, an explanation for a proposed initiated measure that would limit annual property tax assessment increases for non-agricultural property, which would be on the 2026 general election ballot if approved, has been submitted for public review by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office.

Recently-purchased acre going back to residential

Published by admin on Wed, 10/23/2024 - 9:07am
The Hill City School District Board of Education voted to vacate a zoning request for 403 Main St. The Oct. 14 decision means that the recently-purchased property will revert back to R2/residential zoning. 
Superintendent Blake Gardner said the school board that he was notified by the city that  “apparently it takes a year, you have a year-long window for the zoning and the previous owners had put in a zoning request change. We have no reason to request a commercial on that property. Our options are to either A. pursue; or B. let it revert back,” Gardner said.

Casino Night returns, foundation hopes to cash in on match opportunities

Published by admin on Wed, 10/23/2024 - 8:55am
The Hill City Area Community Foundation (HCACF) has two ongoing matching challenges.
In November 2023 the HCACF applied for a Challenge Grant from the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF). 
“The SDCF will give $37,500 to our foundation if we can raise $300,000 by Nov. 30, 2026,” said HCACF board president Melissa Rupert.

Mountain lion seen around Keystone

Published by admin on Wed, 10/23/2024 - 8:49am
Keystone has at least one mountain lion that is hanging around. That’s according to discussion from the most recent Oct. 16 Keystone Town Board meeting. 
Pennington County Sheriff’s Office deputy Chris Lindquist said a lion was reported by a resident and the information was passed on to  Game, Fish, and Parks. 
“If you get more reports on it let me know,” Lindquist told town trustees.

Chamber banquet Thursday

Published by admin on Wed, 10/16/2024 - 3:19pm

The Custer Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 annual Chamber Membership Awards Banquet will be held this Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Custer State Park Event Barn. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by  dinner at 6:30 p.m. and awards presentations.
Several awards will be handed out to local businesses, citizens and organizations at the banquet. The awards to be handed out are:
• Business of the Year
• Lifetime Achievement
• Extra Mile
• Individual of the Year
• Government Employee of the Year
• Community Team/Service

‘Absolutely reprehensible’

Published by admin on Wed, 10/16/2024 - 3:17pm

A handful of residents of Boot Hill Ranch Estates Subdivision were before the Custer City Council at the council’s Oct. 7 meeting to discuss what one called the “absolutely reprehensible” condition of the city property where the Submerged Attached Growth Reactor  and UV disinfection portion of the city’s wastewater upgrade project is being constructed.

County to raise liquor fees

Published by admin on Wed, 10/16/2024 - 3:16pm

Custer County may soon raise the price of its liquor license application and renewal fees to fall more in line with surrounding counties and municipalities, it was learned at the Oct. 8 meeting of the Custer County Commission.
City finance officer Dawn McLaughlin said sometime in 2022 the county switched the renewal fee from $1,200 to $500, although she cannot find any record of when or why the county did so. It is the opinion of the auditor’s office staff, she said, the price should return to $1,200, plus a clause stating the fee is nonrefundable.

TIF legalities questioned

Published by admin on Wed, 10/16/2024 - 3:16pm

By Laura Lindblom