Our Community

Step back in time in Keystone

Published by admin on Wed, 06/03/2026 - 9:32am
As the summer kicks off, so does another season of history at the Keystone Museum
The museum opened its doors in May, bringing back  the Living History program early in the month.
The schoolhouse and museum saw 385 students from 11 schools, including some students from Hill City. This year organizers reached out to public, private and home school students. New this year were some extras that schools could book, like  Victorian- era games or soap making classes.

State record lion harvested by Chace Larsen

Published by admin on Wed, 06/03/2026 - 9:31am
“Four weeks of getting flat-out, outplayed by a ghost.”
An avid hunter, Chace Larsen of Hill City knows the difficulty of hunting mountain lions in the Black Hills. It takes time, commitment, dedication and a little bit of luck doesn’t hurt either. 
“It is absolutely excruciatingly hard,” said Larsen. 
After discovering large tracks in an area he had never bothered hunting before, catching up with the big cat who laid them consumed Larsen’s thoughts and time. 

Unearth a story reading program

Published by admin on Wed, 06/03/2026 - 9:30am
Encouraging reading and learning throughout the summer break, the Hill City Public Library has an entertaining and educational line-up of events and activities planned. This year’s summer reading theme is “Unearth a Story.”
The Kids Summer Reading Contest kicks off June 1 and runs through July 12. Children can register at the library to receive a reading log and swag bag while supplies last. 

Down Memory Lane June 3, 2026

Published by admin on Wed, 06/03/2026 - 9:28am
5 YEARS AGO, 2021

Local visionary receives South Dakota honor

Published by admin on Wed, 06/03/2026 - 9:25am
Hill City’s very own Peter Larson is one of 10 individuals who is being honored this year with induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. The honor is bestowed on those whose “remarkable achievements have left a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.”
Larson was nominated in the professional category as the leader of the Black Hills Institute (BHI) of Geological Research for the last 50 years. 

Zonta Fest returns to The Custer Beacon June 6

Published by admin on Wed, 06/03/2026 - 9:23am
Join the Southern Black Hills for a night of supporting women in music, dance and arts at The Custer Beacon June 6 from 4-8:15 p.m. for the 14th annual Zonta Fest, originally known as the Luna Fest. 
“We support women in the arts, dance and music not just to encourage them in their professions, but also because we believe being involved in creative art makes our lives fuller and more complete,” said Marianne Fridell with the Zonta Club. 
The Zonta Club’s mission is to build a better world for women and girls. 

Black Hills Live June 3, 2026

Published by admin on Wed, 06/03/2026 - 8:55am

Wednesday 6-3

Men’s Breakfast Bible Study
The Little White Church
Hill City, SD 
7:30 AM

Driver’s License Exams 
Custer County Courthouse 
Annex Pine Room
Custer, SD
8 AM to 5 PM

Seniors Fitness Class
Hill City Center 
Hill City, SD
8:30 AM

Seniors Bridge Card Games
Hill City Center 
Hill City, SD
10 AM

YMCA Kidstop  
Community Garden
Custer, SD
10 AM

Down Memory Lane May 27

Published by admin on Wed, 05/27/2026 - 9:48am

10 YEARS AGO, 2016

Black Hills Live May 27, 2026

Published by admin on Wed, 05/27/2026 - 9:47am

Wednesday 5-27

Men’s Breakfast Bible Study
The Little White Church
Hill City, SD 
7:30 AM

Seniors Fitness Class
Hill City Center 
Hill City, SD
8:30 AM

Excercise Class
Keystone Senior Center 
Keystone, SD
10-10:30 AM

Seniors Bridge Card Games
Hill City Center 
Hill City, SD
10 AM

Womens Life Group
The Little White Church
Hill City, SD 
10 AM - 12 PM

Bingo at the Beacon  
Custer Beacon
Custer, SD
6:30 PM

Down Memory Lane May 27, 2026

Published by admin on Wed, 05/27/2026 - 9:47am
5 YEARS AGO, 2021
— Black Hills towns were figuring out what to do with the July 1 introduction of medical marijuana to the state. Passed in November 2020, initiated Measure (IM) 26 established a medical marijuana program in South Dakota for individuals who qualify. The measure would allow patients to possess up to three ounces of marijuana. However, the state has not implemented rules or guidelines for the new industry leaving municipalities all over the region scrambling on what to do. 
10 YEARS AGO, 2016