News

Property values still skyrocketing

Published by admin on Thu, 02/17/2022 - 9:45am

Custer County will let the State of South Dakota inflict the rest of the damage when it comes to upcoming property assessments, as in some cases a “tremendous increase” in land valuation in the county already planned by the county’s equalization department will be met with a blanket increase in valuations from the state after it ensures the county is taxing its property at 85 percent of market value as required by state statute.

Most students to be unmasked

Published by admin on Thu, 02/17/2022 - 9:38am

“Who’s burning masks tomorrow?” asked Custer Board of Education member Jeff Prior following a unanimous vote revising the district’s COVID-19 Operational Plan at Monday’s meeting. Teachers in the audience who had testified earlier of their frustrations with the mask mandates removed their own masks as well following the vote.

West Dam bill passes committee

Published by admin on Thu, 02/17/2022 - 9:37am

State funding to aid in the restoration of Custer’s West Dam moved one step closer to becoming reality last week. The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee voted eight to three on Thursday to send the bill on to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration. It is scheduled to be heard there on Tuesday.

Custer High School Hall of Fame Class of 2002 - Sandra McFarland

Published by admin on Thu, 02/17/2022 - 9:35am

Students.
For Sandra McFarland, that’s what it was all about. The students.
In the 33 years McFarland spent in education—17 of which were spent in Custer—she experienced many highs, a few lows
and saw on a daily basis a microcosm of the world.
But it always came back to the students.
“My students are definitely my favorite part and what I remember most about teaching,” she said. “Individual students, groups of students, outstanding students, struggling students, funny students, challenging students—students. That’s what it was all about.”

Custer High School Hall of Fame Class of 2002 - Lance Luitjens

Published by admin on Thu, 02/17/2022 - 9:34am

I don’t know if he’s in a class by himself, but I do know that when that class gets together, it sure don’t take long to call the roll.
That quote, uttered by former football coach Bum Phillips, not only fits for the man Phillips was talking about, former running back Earl Campbell, but it also applies to former Custer High School basketball player Lance Luitjens.

Citizens say dog attack report was inadequate

Published by admin on Thu, 02/17/2022 - 9:32am

Complaints about an alleged vicious dog, an investigation into said dog and Custer City Council perceived inaction regarding the dog spilled into a third council meeting Feb. 7 when a pair of people once again spoke on the issue regarding a dog-on-dog attack on Pine Street.
The attack, which happened late last year, was investigated by Battle Mountain Humane Society (BMHS), which is contracted to do the city’s animal control.

YMCA to Cowboy Up for Kids

Published by admin on Thu, 02/17/2022 - 9:17am

Folks in the Custer area are being invited to “Cowboy Up For Kids” on Saturday, March 12, when the YMCA Child Development Center holds its second annual fundraiser. As the name implies, the theme of this year’s event is a western one. The event hosted by the Custer Beacon will feature mechanical bull rides, a Texas Holdem tournament and a silent auction.
The day will begin with the Texas Holdem tournament from 12 to 4 p.m. with a $25 buy-in. From 4 to 6 p.m. open riding will be offered and kids are welcome to ride the tamed down mechanical bull.

COVID-19 cases continue decline

Published by admin on Thu, 02/17/2022 - 9:16am

COVID-19 cases in the United States continue their steep decline, and several U.S. states including Nevada, New York and Illinois ended mask mandates recently for indoor settings, while others lifted requirements at schools. The Associated Press has reported The White House says talks are underway about how and when to move the country out of the emergency phase of the pandemic, but in the meantime people are advised to keep following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommending mask use in indoor settings in places with high transmission rates.

Crackerbarrel rolls out lively discussions

Published by admin on Thu, 02/17/2022 - 9:16am

The defeated Custer State Park (CSP) campground proposals, Convention of States legislation and Rep. Trish Ladner’s grassland tax relief bill dominated discussions at the legislative crackerbarrel session at the Custer Senior Center on Saturday afternoon. The forum, sponsored by the Custer County Chronicle, was attended by about 40 local residents who came to ask questions and share their opinions with the three District 30 legislators.

Chili, chocolate, crackerbarrel and cueballs

Published by admin on Thu, 02/10/2022 - 9:54am
Feb 12 is the day to celebrate the season in Hill City.
“At the Chamber we’ve dubbed this month as ‘Fantastic February’ because of all of the fantastic events, activities and fun we have,” said Janet Wetovick-Bily, executive director of the  Hill City Chamber of Commerce.  
Visitors and locals can start their day by sampling chili for a great cause.  The 10th annual Polar Bear Chili Cook-off  is hosted by the Tin City Masonic Lodge No. 112.