Custer County Chronicle

So long, Charley and Norma

Published by admin on Thu, 10/14/2021 - 9:21am

It is a bit of an oxymoron when you think about it, but there is one constant in life, one thing that can always be depended on.
Things change.
Seasons change. Situations change. Fortunes change. Weather changes—sometimes multiple times a day here in South Dakota—and people change and grow and move on.
As you learned from the front page of this issue, we are undergoing big changes here at the Custer County Chronicle. Charley and Norma Najacht, a couple with nearly a century of combined experience in the newspaper business, have sold the Chronicle and are retiring.

Was Noem’s meeting nepotism?

Published by admin on Thu, 10/07/2021 - 9:28am

Greetings. Let’s talk about our governor, Kristi Noem. When “Fox & Friends” was at Peggy’s Place in Keystone this summer, Lawrence Jones, the Fox News Commentator, remarked that Gov. Noem was so liked and appreciated by the citizens that were there that morning, that many just referred to her as “Kristi.” Gov. Noem, encouraged that, showing she is truly one of us. She just happens to be governor.  

Grinch wants to steal Christmas

Published by admin on Thu, 10/07/2021 - 9:27am

Trump and Biden’s COVID-19 virus czar just needs to retire and go away before he is forced to resign. His advice has worn thin long ago and his most recent statement is beyond comprehension. Now the Grinch says he doesn’t rule out cancelling Christmas this December. “It’s just one of the things you’re going to have to accept,” said the good doctor. We beg to differ and so do most Americans.

When a vacation isn’t really vacation

Published by admin on Thu, 10/07/2021 - 9:27am

As I write this on Monday, it’s my first day in the office since Sept. 24. I took some vacation, although I really didn’t take a vacation.
Since I’ve been at the Chronicle a billion years now, I earn a nice chunk of vacation each year. I never use it all up, but about three years ago I started taking a “staycation” each year in the fall after all of the chaos of the summer has died down. Even in the fall we are pretty busy, which is to say there really is no good time for me to go on vacation. So, I just go. Everyone needs a break from work. You gotta recharge the batteries.

Roundup is one-of-a-kind experience

Published by admin on Thu, 09/30/2021 - 10:31am
The Buffalo Roundup is one of my favorite events to host as the governor. Once a year, tens of thousands of spectators gather on a hillside at Custer State Park to watch 60 cowboys and cowgirls (along with a dozen 4WD vehicles) round up almost 1,500 American Bison. It’s an amazing scene that brings our history and culture to life, and all for a good cause. 

Dems lie about use of 'whips'

Published by admin on Thu, 09/30/2021 - 10:28am
It’s becoming painfully apparent that this Democrat administration is purposely out to ruin our United States of America any way it can. The situation at the Southern border is beyond comprehension with the influx of tens of thousands of illegal Haitian people setting up small towns with makeshift shelters. They have greatly outnumbered our border patrol agents on the ground and are flowing across the border unimpeded and transported into cities across America where they will be treated to free everything. Our homeless veterans should be treated so well.

Upcoming session will be busy

Published by admin on Thu, 09/23/2021 - 9:10am

I get asked a question all the time. “Hey Tim!  What’s going on in the legislature?”  
Well, I pause and think to the previous five years I’ve served, when my answer was something like, “Not much. We are working on some bills that will make South Dakota a better place to live and session doesn’t start until the second Tuesday in January.”

Manipulation and control apparent in Gabby Petito case

Published by admin on Thu, 09/23/2021 - 9:08am

A missing person report seldom receives the kind of national media attention that the Gabby Petito case has the past few weeks. The 22-year-old embarked on a cross-country trip in June with her longtime boyfriend and fiancé Brian Laundrie. She planned to travel in her white van and share her journey with her family and others on social media.

Is there a right way to form an opinion?

Published by admin on Thu, 09/23/2021 - 9:07am

How should we base our opinions? Off our religious views, our political standings, or our parents’ views? What truly is the right basis for our opinions? And at what line does it stop being an opinion and just becomes a biased judgment?

My thoughts on Afghanistan

Published by admin on Thu, 09/16/2021 - 9:11am

Greetings! Well, I’m not sure where to begin. This past week marked the 20th anniversary of our country being attacked on 9-11-2001. Anyone from school age on can remember that day vividly. The other day that sticks in my memory was when John Kennedy was assassinated. Both events so tragic they stay with us for a lifetime. Another image seared into my brain is the news clip of two-star Maj. Gen. Chris Donahue walking up the ramp of an aircraft, being the last man to leave Afghanistan.