Hill City Prevailer

Keystone trustees approve surcharge rates

Published by admin on Wed, 11/12/2025 - 8:30am
Surcharge rates for the new sewer plant upgrade project have been established by Keystone city officials. The rates were approved at the Nov. 5 Keystone Town Board meeting. 

Council discusses property classification

Published by admin on Wed, 11/05/2025 - 9:48am
The Oct. 27 Hill City Common Council (HCCC) meeting focused on discussion items including how various properties would be categorized for water bills.
City administrator Nate Anderson said he was looking for guidance on how to balance large seasonal users with the relief aldermen wanted to give to small year-round users. 
“We wouldn’t have to double our sewer plant” if it wasn’t for large seasonal users, Anderson said. 
He recommended continuing with a step and tier system, which was implemented this year. 

Hill City school earns respectable report card

Published by admin on Wed, 11/05/2025 - 9:47am
The South Dakota Department of Education (DOE) recently released its official 2024-25 report card, showing yearly progress in academic achievements for schools throughout the state. This year showed “meaningful, though modest, improvements,” throughout the state according to the press release.
While the percent of students in South Dakota preforming at grade level rose slightly, Hill City was at the top of the list for area schools. 
“We’ve always done well,” said high school principal Todd Satter. “We’re always on top or near the top.”

Trustee questions vote after matter tabled

Published by admin on Wed, 10/29/2025 - 9:35am
Keystone trustee Matt Fullilove raised concerns about an affirmative museum painting bid vote taking place while two board members were absent despite a vote rejecting the bids when the full board was present. He aired his opinions at the Oct. 22 Keystone Town Board meeting.

School district, club collaborate for children

Published by admin on Wed, 10/29/2025 - 9:34am
Representatives from the Hill City School District and Hill City Boys and Girls Club (HCBGC) got together Oct. 21 to discuss setting goals for collaborative efforts. 
Nicole Burdick, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of the Black Hills, said Hill City School District superintendent Blake Gardner initiated the meeting. 
“Basically, Blake reached out to me when he found out I was the new CEO,” Burdick said. 

CTE program receives ‘game-changing’ grant

Published by admin on Wed, 10/29/2025 - 9:33am
With a renewed surge nationwide in promoting trade careers to students, Hill City is stepping up its trade and industry education. With help from a South Dakota-based architecture firm, the program is on its way to securing innovative technology that will encourage student interest, learning and creativity in the trades for years to come.

Seniors, city squabble over fees

Published by admin on Wed, 10/22/2025 - 9:53am
The Hill City seniors came out in full force, waiting until the end of the Hill City Common Council   meeting Oct. 14 to request a waiver of Hill City Center fees and the purchase of three standing mats. 
The action items appeared last on the agenda and both were approved by aldermen after discussion on both sides. 
Hill City mayor Tana Nichols began the conversation by saying she had attended the seniors’ last meeting. 
“Hopefully, we’ll get the kinks worked out,” Nichols began.

Golf ball to replace big blue water tower

Published by admin on Wed, 10/22/2025 - 9:52am
Hill City has chosen a site for its new water tank. The decision was announced at the Oct. 14 Hill City Common Council (HCCC) meeting. 
Joe Noble, operations manager with city engineer AE2S, said the city looked at three different potential water tower locations. He said the decision was a  “key driver for all other components” of the project. The sites include the current “big blue” water tank site and the south side of Memorial Park at two different elevations. The Memorial Park sites have the greatest risk of cost increases due to rock and  land procurement.

School board celebrates gold level status

Published by admin on Wed, 10/22/2025 - 9:51am
The Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD) executive director Heath Larsen presented the Hill City School District Board of Education (HCSDBE) with a plaque and a $1,000 check for earning the ASBSD School Board Award of Excellence for 2025 at the most recent board meeting.
“I want to thank all of you for your work, and congratulations,” said Larsen. “Better than a plaque is you get a $1,000 check from one of our partners at Associated School Boards, Bank West.” 
The check will be used toward the school board’s mission.

Keystone meeting times change with daylight

Published by admin on Wed, 10/15/2025 - 4:02pm
Keystone Town Board meetings will begin at 5 p.m. when daylight saving  time ends and revert to 6 p.m. when daylight saving time begins. The move was agreed upon at the Oct. 8 Keystone Town Board meeting.
The board approved a request from K Bar S Lodge to use a shared trench for its water and sewer pipe expansion project if Rapid City specs are followed where necessary. Dion Lowe requested the shared trench versus getting an  easement from an adjacent property owner to have room between the property line and the edge of the road.