Custer County Chronicle

Get out and vote in General Election

Published by admin on Wed, 10/28/2026 - 3:09pm

Make sure you know what’s on the ballot before you vote in the 2026 General Election Tuesday, Nov. 3. 
From the top, U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds’ seat is up for a six-year term. Rounds, a Republican, is opposed by Independent candidate Brian L. Bengs.
For U.S. Representative, Republican candidate Marty Jackley will face Democratic candidate Nicole “Nikki” Gronli for the two-year seat vacated by Dusty Johnson. 

Merchants Trick-or-Treat Friday

Published by admin on Wed, 10/28/2026 - 3:08pm

The annual Merchants’ Trick-or-Treat is taking place in downtown Custer from 4-6 p.m. this Friday, Oct. 30. Community members are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes and enjoy a night full of trick-or-treating fun, treats, community and Halloween cheers. 

City answers access questions

Published by admin on Wed, 10/28/2026 - 3:07pm

Custer County had questions. The City of Custer had answers.
Questions and concerns raised at the Oct. 7 meeting of the Custer County Commission regarding access to Granite Heights Road for future residents planned multi-family housing at the Bearded Buffalo Resort were assuaged at the commission’s Oct. 21 meeting, as Trent Bruce of DGR Engineering, acting on behalf of the city, told commissioners of solutions and preparations already made for the housing.

Power transfers back to original board

Published by admin on Wed, 10/28/2026 - 3:06pm

After changing the locks three times in 10 days, the Custer Senior Center is back under the direction of the originally elected board members as of Oct. 19. 
This board includes Betty Sowder (president), Roberta Duncan, Tony Gonsor, Shirley Lake, Vickie Hanson and Al Krienke and will be referred to as board one for this story’s purposes. 
Another board was appointed by members of the Custer Senior Center at an unofficial emergency meeting Oct. 9 when members called for the dismissal of board one by a 33-5 vote. This group will be referred to as board two. 

Housing project ready to launch

Published by admin on Wed, 10/28/2026 - 3:06pm

In order to attend the Homecoming Coronation ceremony Oct. 12, the Custer School District Board of Education moved its regularly scheduled meeting from Hermosa to Custer and breezed through a short agenda. 
The facilities and transportation committee met with the contractors who are going to be involved with the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Community Housing Project. 

'Watching bluebirds and fire' Oct. 27

Published by admin on Thu, 10/22/2026 - 3:20pm

JoAnn Stearns claims she has the best office view in the Midwest, and she’s probably right.
For the last three years Stearns as been the lookout at Bear Mountain, which is one of six active fire towers in the Black Hills. It’s a great job with a rich history and she gets many interesting visitors every summer. 

Several honored by Custer chamber

Published by admin on Wed, 10/21/2026 - 1:20pm

Some of Custer’s best were honored last Thursday evening in Custer State Park, as the annual Custer Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet was held at the park’s event barn near the State Game Lodge.
Among the awards presented was the Lifetime Achievement Award, which went to Phil Lampert, who presenter Amanda Carlin noted had shaped the Southern Black Hills like few others over a lifetime of work.

U.S. capitol tree stopping in Custer

Published by admin on Wed, 10/21/2026 - 1:19pm

The Custer Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau invites residents and visitors to celebrate a special holiday occasion as the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree makes a stop in Custer Tuesday, Nov. 10, as part of its journey from Idaho to Washington, D.C., where it will be displayed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

Queen finally gives up jackpot

Published by admin on Wed, 10/21/2026 - 1:04pm

“I hope a local wins it.”
That was a common refrain heard around Custer as the Custer VFW’s Queen of Hearts fundraiser reached its climax last Friday evening, as the jackpot swelled to $252,000 and people came from near and far to buy tickets for the chance to win just over a quarter of a million dollars. Some were said to have been spending thousands of dollars each week on tickets.
Those who hoped someone local would win the prize got their wish.

Error on conservation district ballot

Published by admin on Wed, 10/21/2026 - 1:03pm

Custer County finance officer Dawn McLaughlin has announced the ballot for the upcoming General Election for the Conservation District Supervisor, Custer County race is in error.  
The race for election of conservation district supervisor states the following:  “You may vote for one or leave it blank.” 
The Custer County Conservation District Board of Supervisors has two open seats. Custer County received two valid petitions for the two open seats and those two candidates will be elected to fill the vacant seats without the necessity of an election.