News

Tax forum ends in call for reform

Published by admin on Thu, 04/28/2022 - 9:12am

According to estimates by the organizers, over 200 local taxpayers gathered in the Custer High School Theatre last Tuesday night to discuss the subject of property tax reform. The informational program organized by members of the county’s new tax reform committee also drew numerous county, school and city officials as well as all three District 30 legislators. Also in attendance were two representatives of the state Department of Revenue (DOR) including deputy secretary David Wiest from Pierre.

Big Mick ride returns to June date

Published by admin on Thu, 04/28/2022 - 9:10am

Two years after its reboot in 2020, the one-day bike ride of the entire Mickelson Trail known as the Big Mick is returning to its original June date. Two years ago Ann Morrow, owner of Mickelson Trail Affiliates, announced she was restarting the event after about a seven year hiatus but then COVID hit and the date was pushed back to September. Last year’s Big Mick also took place in September, but Morrow says the 2022 edition will take place June 11.

Council OKs gold panning, kennel

Published by admin on Thu, 04/28/2022 - 9:10am

The list of activities available to residents and visitors in Custer during Gold Discovery Days this July got longer April 18 after a proposal to bring a demonstration of gold panning and sluicing techniques was approved by the Custer City Council. It’s gold discovery during Gold Discovery Days.

Visitors spent record amount in 2021

Published by admin on Thu, 04/28/2022 - 9:09am

 In 2021, visitor spending in South Dakota reached a record high of $4.4 billion. A recent analysis shows all areas of South Dakota rebounded significantly in 2021.
The detailed analysis, done by Tourism Economics, indicates a majority of visitor activity took place in Minnehaha, Pennington, Lawrence, Brown and Custer counties, making up 68 percent of all visitor spending.

National Legion commander to visit

Published by admin on Thu, 04/28/2022 - 9:09am

Paul E. Dillard, the National Commander of the American Legion, is making an official visit to Legion posts in the Black Hills this week.
Starting in Piedmont on Friday morning, Dillard will travel to Mt. Rushmore and then Crazy Horse Memorial where he will have lunch. From there, the commander will visit Operation Black Hills Cabin in Custer to meet with director Pat Baird, followed by a trip to Legion Lake where the original Post 46 post home was located.  
Later in the afternoon Dillard will travel back to Rapid City, finishing his day at the Box Elder Legion Post.

County turns over part of road

Published by admin on Thu, 04/21/2022 - 9:48am

A nearly three-quarter mile section of Sidney Park Road will come under the jurisdiction and maintenance of the city of Custer following action by the Custer County Commissioners on Wednesday. The stretch of road in question runs between Custer’s Park Avenue on the south and the intersection with Hwy 16 and provides access to Wildcat Lane and  the Stone Hill subdivision.

Hespen returns as hospital president

Published by admin on Thu, 04/21/2022 - 9:47am

Barb Hespen’s recent installation as the new president of Monument Health Custer Hospital and Market is a homecoming of sorts. Married to Custer native Phil Hespen, she also served as director of patient services at Custer Regional Hospital from 2003 to 2010. That’s part of the reason Hespen said she was excited when the opportunity arose to return to Custer to work at the new hospital and clinic.
“I very much like the community and just love healthcare because I’ve done it for a long time,” said Hespen. “I think we have really good physicians here. We’re lucky in that sense.”

City cleanup coming

Published by admin on Thu, 04/21/2022 - 9:45am

The City of Custer’s cleanup day will take place Monday, April 25. Unlike past years, however, participants will place the items they would like collected on their curbside anytime between April 20-25 for pickup April 25.
City residents who are residential water users will be able to participate at no cost. Commercial accounts will not be allowed to participate.

Custer seed library now open at library

Published by admin on Thu, 04/21/2022 - 9:41am

“Gardening in Custer is a very difficult thing because of the short growing season and the fact that we’re at a higher altitude,” says Jenny Behlings. As a result, many people may be intimidated by the prospect or not know how to get started. That is why the Mile High Garden Club partnered with the Custer County Library on a new project.
The garden club has always given a monetary donation to the library to be used for purchasing gardening books.
“They have a really great gardening library built up,” Behlings said.

Lunafest scheduled for early June

Published by admin on Thu, 04/21/2022 - 9:39am

Now is the time to begin to make plans for the Zonta Women’s Lunafest Film and Arts Festival, scheduled for June 4-6. The event includes films by and about women, art and artisan exhibits and musical performances.
Tickets for the festival are $15 or a “love offering” at the door the day of the event. You may pay at the door or purchase your ticket ahead time. A virtual viewing is also available for $10.
Lunafest is a fundraiser for the Zonta Club of the Southern Hills, which uses the money toward programs that empower women.