Custer County Chronicle

Testy topics at Hermosa meeting

Published by admin on Wed, 05/28/2025 - 12:13pm

The Hermosa Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting May 20, chaired by Trustee Kel Koontz in President Linda Kramer’s absence, though she attended via phone.
Engineer Anthony Theodorou is pursuing a Federal Railway Association grant for the railroad pedestrian bridge on Vilas Street, through the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program. These projects are high on the priority list and he is optimistic that a grant would be given to the town of Hermosa.
“What they’re trying to do,” Theodorou said, “throughout the country is to eliminate at-grade crossings.”

Road specs spur discussion

Published by admin on Wed, 05/28/2025 - 12:11pm

Whether or not some roads within Custer County should be brought up to county specifications—and if so, who is responsible to do so was discussed at the May 21 meeting of the Custer County Commission, with county highway superintendent Jess Doyle saying the current platting process can end up putting him “in a horrible position” in that he must determine not only the classification of a road (low, medium or high volume) any time a new plat is filed by a landowner on the road, but also potentially stop a project because the road involved does not meet county specifications.

New entrance station at CSP

Published by admin on Wed, 05/28/2025 - 12:10pm

Locals and visitors will notice a new seasonal entrance station to Custer State Park this season. The building is already visible on Playhouse Road about a mile after the junction with Hwy. 16A.
“While the park has previously operated a temporary stop during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, staff have observed a noticeable increase in traffic along this route beyond the rally period,” said Nick Harrington with Game, Fish and Parks. “The new entrance station will allow park staff to assist guests with passes, provide maps and answer questions as they enter the park.”

Reindl presented CYAF scholarship

Published by admin on Wed, 05/28/2025 - 12:10pm

Kristy Reindl was presented a scholarship by the Custer Youth and Alumni Foundation (CYAF) to continue her education. CYAF is a non-profit started in 1996 to provide financial resources to increase opportunities for Custer youth and alumni in the county. This is done through teacher grants and scholarship opportunities.

New entrance station comes to state park

Published by admin on Wed, 05/28/2025 - 9:19am
Locals and visitors will notice a new seasonal entrance station to Custer State Park this season. The building is already visible on Playhouse Road about a mile after the junction with Hwy. 16A.
“While the park has previously operated a temporary stop during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, staff have observed a noticeable increase in traffic along this route beyond the rally period,” said Nick Harrington with Game, Fish and Parks. “The new entrance station will allow park staff to assist guests with passes, provide maps and answer questions as they enter the park.”

CHS says goodbye to 71 graduates

Published by admin on Wed, 05/21/2025 - 9:48am

The Custer High School graduating class of 2025 is one to remember. Out of 71 seniors, 34 received Regent Scholar Awards, 13 are part of the National Honor Society, 20 had a GPA of 4.0 or better and seven were recognized as academic award winners. Together, the class received $1,840,232 in scholarships and awards.

School budget set to increase

Published by admin on Wed, 05/21/2025 - 9:47am

For the 2026 fiscal year (FY), the Custer School District (CSD) is looking at a 7.7 percent increase across all funds in the proposed budget, excluding the cost of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) building. In FY25, the budget was $17,940,935, and in FY26, the proposed budget is $19,332,820. This number is subject to change and includes rough estimates, as some costs are not yet finalized.

Open meeting violation alleged

Published by admin on Wed, 05/21/2025 - 9:46am

After its regular meeting Tuesday, May 6, the Town of Hermosa Board of Trustees once again finds itself the subject of scrutiny in response to some actions that have been catching the attention of Hermosa area residents.
The Hermosa Township Forum, a Facebook page, has been lively with concerned and frustrated individuals expressing disapproval over two main issues: open meetings violations and conflicts of interest on the town board, both of which are longstanding matters of concern for Hermosa residents.

Fire consumes barn, vehicle west of town

Published by admin on Wed, 05/21/2025 - 9:45am

A barn, its contents and a vehicle next to the barn are all a total loss after a structure fire last week down Pleasant Valley Road, four miles west of Custer.
At 11:46 a.m. last Tuesday, May 13, fire departments were paged to the Pleasant Valley Road residence, where Custer Volunteer Fire Department first assistant chief Matt Spring said the barn was already fully involved upon firefighters’ arrival.
Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the footprint of the barn and the car adjcent to the barn. Also burned inside the barn was a tractor.

Memorial Day ceremonies planned for May 26

Published by admin on Wed, 05/21/2025 - 9:45am

On Friday, May 23, at 5 p.m., the Custer American Legion Post 46 will place flags on the graves of all veterans in Custer City cemetery.
The public is welcome to attend and assist with the placing of over 400 flags on veterans’ graves.
On Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, the Custer Veterans Honor Guard will pay tribute to veterans with ceremonies at 9 a.m. at Cold Springs Cemetery, 10 a.m. at Pringle Cemetery and 11 a.m. at Custer Cemetery.
The public is encouraged to attend and pay tribute to veterans.