News

Fifty-two seniors set to graduate May 16

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 3:02pm

School is out for the graduating class of 2026. For one last time, they will congregate in the Custer Armory for the 2026 Custer High School graduation ceremony Saturday, May 16, at 2 p.m. before dispersing into the world and beginning the next chapter of their lives.
This year, there are 52 graduates. Samuel Cochran is the valedictorian, and Kylee Ellerton is the salutatorian.

Chronicle wins multiple SDNA awards

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 2:59pm

The Custer County Chronicle won 19 awards—including seven first place awards—in its category at the 2025 South Dakota NewsMedia (SDNA) Better News Media Contest held as part of the annual SDNA convention held last week at The Lodge in Deadwood. The Chronicle competed in Division II of the competition, for cities 3,000 to 15,000.
Chronicle general manager Jason Ferguson brought home four first-place awards, including the award for Best Headline Writing.
“Excellent headline writing. Attention-catching, but also accurate. Great job,” the judges wrote.

CSP Open House Weekend starts Friday

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 2:55pm

This weekend, May 15-17, residents and visitors can enjoy free entrance into all South Dakota state parks and recreation areas as part of the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks’ annual open house weekend. In addition, a number of parks will be hosting special events. Camping fees still apply.

Guidance sought on sidewalks rules

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 2:54pm

Should property owners along Park Avenue in the Stone Hill Subdivision be required to install sidewalks as they develop their land?
That was the question debated at the May 4 meeting of the Custer City Council before the council ultimately decided to send the issue to a pair of committees for further investigation.
The issue was raised by city planner Tessah Behlings, who said she was seeking guidance on the issue because of mixed messaging within city documents.

Bringing back the procession of flags

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 2:54pm

“Remember when 50 horseback riders proudly carried the state flags down the streets of Custer during Gold Discovery Days? This unforgettable tradition was once a highlight of our parade, and in honor of America’s 250th Birthday, we want to bring it back in a big way for this year’s Gold Discovery Days Celebration—but we need your help,” said Custer Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Dawn Murray.

Four vie for school board seats

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 2:53pm

The Custer School District (CSD) Board of Education has three seats up for election for three-year terms in the June 2 primary. Currently, the seats are held by Travis Hartshorn, Larry Baker and Sara Barrick. Hartshorn, Baker and Barrick all filed petitions, as did Mark Perrenoud.
Hartshorn grew up in Custer County and currently lives near Hermosa. He is a farmer, rancher and a business owner. 

1880 Train sold to WCI

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 9:08am
Tennessee-based World Choice Investments (WCI) will now run the 1880 Train in Hill City. The announcement came May 8, just as the train was ready to start rolling for the season.
“For the past 36 years, this train has been far more than a business to our family—it has been part of our lives, our community and our legacy,” said Meg Warder in a released statement. “We are deeply grateful to the employees, passengers, local businesses and communities of the Black Hills who supported us through the years and helped preserve this incredible piece of South Dakota history.”

Officials emphasize preparedness

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 9:07am
Dustin Willett of the Rapid City/Pennington County Emergency Management Services delivered a presentation at the Hill City Center Wednesday, outlining the communication systems and strategies used during emergencies such as woodland fires.
Emergency management serves as the countywide agency responsible for planning, response, recovery and mitigation efforts of all major disasters and emergencies throughout Pennington County. 

Public urged to show patriotic pride

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 9:06am
Tourism director Emma Groninger encouraged  Keystone residents and businesses to sign up for the Independence Day decorating contest. Groninger made the suggestion at the May 6 Keystone Town Board meeting. 
“You guys, there’s money,” Groninger said. “We want to see the town look so patriotic.” 
She has printed out entry forms for people. She also encouraged people to submit any events they have going on this summer. 
“I don’t know what I don’t know so please send me everything you got,” she said.

Pe’ Sla protectors win, drilling plan withdrawn

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 9:01am
On May 8, NDN Collective was notified that Pete Lien & Sons sent a letter to the U.S. Forest Service, officially withdrawing their plan of operations for the Rochford Mineral Exploratory Drilling Project (RMEDP) at Pe’ Sla.