Custer County Chronicle

Long-held rural values at odds in South Dakota gun range debate

Published by admin on Wed, 05/10/2023 - 10:26am
An effort to build a huge gun range and shooting complex north of Rapid City has created divisiveness and hard feelings between two of South Dakota’s most iconic populations. 
The values run deep and histories stretch long among people in the two groups – those devoted to hunting and shooting, and rugged ranchers who have run cattle on the same rangelands for generations – but they are at odds on the gun range issue.

County talks right-of-way-occupancy cleanup issues

Published by admin on Wed, 05/03/2023 - 12:31pm

Cleanup—or the lack thereof—by a contractor on county right of way following the installation of utilities in the Custer Highlands area has led Custer County Highway Department superintendent to request a modification to the county’s right of way occupancy application.

City to celebrate Arbor Day May 8

Published by admin on Wed, 05/03/2023 - 12:30pm

The City of Custer’s Arbor Day Celebration is part of a statewide effort to increase the awareness of community forestry.
The City of Custer will plant four trees at the Veteran’s Memorial (500 Washington Street) as part of the statewide celebration of Arbor Day, the largest organized celebration of community forestry in South Dakota. Everyone is invited to help with the celebration of Arbor Day. The platning will take place at 4 p.m. Monday, May 8.

Herman sentenced for fatal NYE crash

Published by admin on Wed, 05/03/2023 - 12:28pm

Forgiveness was the overriding theme Monday, April 24, at the sentencing of Nicholas Herman of Custer, as he faced the consequences for a New Year’s Eve drunk driving accident that claimed the life of a Custer teenager.
Carter Bader, 17, died in the single-car rollover crash that took place on East North Street in Rapid City. Herman was driving the vehicle and two other occupants of the vehicle were severely injured.

Fair board seeks plowing at fairgrounds

Published by admin on Wed, 05/03/2023 - 12:28pm

Whether or not the county highway department should be responsible for plowing the main artery through the Custer County Fairgrounds was the main focus of discussion between representatives of the Custer County Fair Board and the Custer County Commission at the commission’s April 26 meeting.
The discussion was part of a large discussion regarding the renewal of the contract between the county, which owns the fairgrounds, and the fair board, which operates the fair and maintains the fairgrounds outside of major construction.

Final wastewater plant phase awarded

Published by admin on Wed, 05/03/2023 - 12:27pm

Five years after plans were first put into motion, the final phase of the City of Custer’s wastewater treatment renovation has been awarded to a contractor.
At the May 1 meeting of the Custer City Council the council awarded the final phase, construction of the Submerged Attached Growth Reactor (SAGR) and UV disinfection component. The award was given to RCS Construction of Rapid City, which submitted the lone bid for the project.

Mills honored with preservation award

Published by admin on Wed, 05/03/2023 - 9:14am
The South Dakota State Historical Society honored Rick Mills, curator of the South Dakota State Railroad Museum for his contributions to historical preservation.
Mills received his award at a luncheon in Pierre on April 22. Mills says he is appreciative of the many friends and family “ took time out of their schedule to come to the event.”

Auction will benefit charities

Published by admin on Wed, 04/26/2023 - 10:52am

Bradeen Real Estate and Auctions is celebrating 100 years of doing business in Custer by doing two things it has done all 100 years of operation: conducting an auction and giving back to the community.
This Saturday, April 29, beginning at 11 a.m. Bradeen Auctions will conduct a 100th anniversary celebration and auction, from which 100 percent of the proceeds will be given to charities throughout the Black Hills.

Community grapples with childcare crisis

Published by admin on Wed, 04/26/2023 - 10:50am

The Custer School District Board of Education hosted a childcare collaborative last Wednesday, April 19, to identify problems regarding childcare in the community and to make a start at solving those problems. The collaborative was hosted by Kayla Klein, the president of Early Learner South Dakota, who gave a presentation on the state of childcare in the state and in the Custer community. The meeting was attended by several in the childcare and education industry, area business people, elected officials and other community leaders.

Former teacher faces child porn charges

Published by admin on Wed, 04/26/2023 - 10:49am

A former Custer Elementary School math and science teacher has been charged with receipt and possession of child pornography.
United States attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced last Friday a federal grand jury indicted Nathan Frisch, 42, in March on charges of Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate judge Daneta L. Wollmann April 3 and pleaded not guilty to the indictment.