Custer County Chronicle

Now is the time for fire opt-out

Published by admin on Wed, 02/18/2026 - 12:49pm

For the past few years, the Custer County Commission and our local volunteer fire departments have struggled with funding or how to fund the departments in the county that are not already funded through fire districts. Some money that was given to the county from the federal government during the Covid-19 pandemic helped shore up some of the departments for a while, but the fact remains they simply do not bring in enough money through the current fire fund mil levy to keep up with the cost of the equipment, training, etc., needed to truly have optimal departments in place.

Stronger when we stand together

Published by admin on Wed, 02/18/2026 - 12:48pm

As I drove to Keystone the other day, I was struck by how many trees were snapped or down along Hwy. 244. I hadn’t traveled that way since the record-breaking Dec. 18 windstorm that swept across the Black Hills, bringing down trees and taking out power lines along the way. 
Even months later, you don’t expect to see signs of such a storm. For some reason, we expect storms to blow themselves out and life to continue as usual. However, the damage storms leave in their wake takes time to manage and mend. 

Bestowing on honor on Lt. Williams

Published by admin on Wed, 02/18/2026 - 8:34am
Greetings. On behalf of Sen. Larry Zikmund, chairman of the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee of South Dakota and myself, Rep. Tim Goodwin, Chairman Of the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee of South Dakota.
Whereas, Royce Williams was raised on a farm near Wilmot, South Dakota, during the Great Depression, and he grew up embodying the values of hard work, courage, and leadership; and

At the halfway point of the session

Published by admin on Wed, 02/18/2026 - 8:33am
Halfway through the 2026 Legislative Session, I wanted to share a quick update on what I’ve been working on for the Southern Hills.
I ran to be your senator because our district deserved a serious, effective voice in Pierre—someone who would show up, serve on committees, do the work and fight for results with professionalism and credibility. That’s still my mission every day.

Had a couple of belly flops last week

Published by admin on Wed, 02/11/2026 - 5:17pm

Greetings. We just finished week four, and as mentioned, it was a five-day week which is too long to be in session. It was a dark week. I can’t see when I go in at 6:30 a.m. and I can’t see when I leave coming out because it’s dark then, too.

HB 1153 another sad sign of the times

Published by admin on Wed, 02/11/2026 - 5:15pm

We’ve spent the last two weeks praising potential legislation coming out of Pierre during this year’s legislative session, so it was probably only a matter of time before we saw one that caught our eye in the other direction. In other words, one that says, “what is this dumb idea?”

Recalling the terror of testifying in Pierre

Published by admin on Wed, 02/11/2026 - 5:15pm

Last Wednesday afternoon I headed off to Pierre for the annual News Media Day at the state legislative session. For the uninitiated (and why would you be?) this is the day that the board of the South Dakota NewsMedia Association (SDNA) and some other news media folks from around the state gather in Pierre talk to legislators and lobby them regarding things that could affect our profession.

Open meetings laws need more help

Published by admin on Wed, 02/04/2026 - 9:37am

There are a few different tactics for passing legislation. One is to pick a change in the law that’s not likely to draw too many detractors. Another is to take a big swing at a change in the law that’s certain to be opposed and will likely need to be offered to legislators during a few sessions so they can learn more about the issue.
With open meetings laws, South Dakota attorney general Marty Jackley has chosen the first course of action. He has offered three bills that will make slight, but needed, changes.

A dog-gone bill we can get behind

Published by admin on Wed, 02/04/2026 - 9:36am

Last week in this space we wrote about how we are behind a proposed law that would allow school districts to remove unruly students from schools. Not even a week later, the legislature pitched another bill that we think is common sense gold.
Senate Bill 82 would make it a Class 2 misdemeanor to misrepresent an animal as a service animal. That means up to 30 days in jail, up to a $500 fine, or both. Senate Bill 81 clarifies protections against injuring or harassing legitimate service animals.

Still seeking property tax reform

Published by admin on Wed, 02/04/2026 - 9:23am

As we enter February and begin our fourth week of session in Pierre, it’s remarkable how quickly the first three weeks have passed. This year has brought an overwhelming number of bills, and each time I review one, I start with a few basic questions: Is this bill addressing a real problem? Will it actually solve that problem? What unintended consequences might follow? And could this be handled locally instead of through state law? Call me old fashioned, but I thought we believed in less government, not more.