Our Community

Blood donor becomes recipient

Published by admin on Wed, 06/03/2026 - 2:23pm

We all have heard the old adage that donating blood saves lives. Custer resident Rye Guischer has lived that adage. 
Rye is not only a life- saving blood recipient, she is also a donor.
As a young person Rye didn’t even consider donating blood. Then one day two years ago she found herself walking into the Masonic Lodge in Custer during a blood drive day. She donated soon after and two months later donated some more. This was in part due to the coordinator, Deb Streets.

New treatment plant up and running in Hermosa

Published by admin on Wed, 06/03/2026 - 2:15pm

By Jason Ferguson

Sheriff’s Log May 18-23

Published by admin on Wed, 06/03/2026 - 2:14pm

Custer County Sheriff’s Log
Call of the Week
Saturday, May 23
12:07 p.m.: An out-of-state traveler called to  report goats on Hwy. 89 south of Pringle that seemed to be panting. A deputy found the “panting goats” were actually bighorn sheep, and since they were actually wild animals are allowed to be pretty much anywhere they want.

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