Custer County Chronicle

Riley Scott third at Rapid City Invitational

Published by admin on Wed, 12/17/2025 - 2:42pm

Stacked up against some intense competition, the Custer High School boys wrestling team battled it out at the Rapid City Invitational Dec. 12-13. Most of the boys got caught in the blood round, but Riley Scott nearly made it to the finals, placing third in his weight class. 

City OKs West Dam construction bid

Published by admin on Wed, 12/10/2025 - 10:48am

By this time next year, West Dam will be full once more.
The Custer City Council, at its Dec. 1 meeting, unanimously approved accepting the low bid of $1,945,566.87 from RCS Construction of Rapid City for phase three of the West Dam project, which is the actual construction of the dam itself. Once the dam is reconstructed—work is expected to begin in the spring and be completed by the fall—the reservoir will fill again, completing an arduous journey that has spanned 14 years, four mayors and countless hours of work and headaches.

School board to review fundraising

Published by admin on Wed, 12/10/2025 - 10:46am

Why is the school district doing so much fundraising, and who is keeping track of everything?
These are questions community members are asking superintendent of schools Dr. Tim Frederick. Thus, at the board of education meeting Dec. 8 in Hermosa, he asked the board members to review the current policies by the Jan. 12 meeting. 
Frederick said the student fundraising activities and student activities fund management policies have not been revised since 2017. 

Rhoden proposes ‘limited budget’ to legislators

Published by admin on Wed, 12/10/2025 - 10:44am

Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden proposed a $7.44 billion state government budget Tuesday that would avoid big cuts but also hold South Dakota’s funding for schools, Medicaid providers and state employees flat next year.

Goodwin, Hulse, Ladner react to budget pitch

Published by admin on Wed, 12/10/2025 - 10:44am

Following Gov. Larry Rhoden addressing state legislators regarding his proposed $7.44 billion budget Dec. 2 at the State Capitol in Pierre, District 30 legislators agreed 2026 could be another year with a tight budget, although just how tight remains to be seen.

Legion Auxiliary on the hunt for sewing machines

Published by admin on Wed, 12/10/2025 - 10:43am

Last summer, Jim Welch and his wife, Lori, were invited to an informational luncheon at Laughing Water Restaurant to learn more about Boxelder Job Corps Center.

County Christmas events kick off this week

Published by admin on Wed, 12/03/2025 - 1:20pm

It’s early December in Custer County, which means Christmas events are plentiful. A number of those events will take place this weekend, beginning Friday.
The fun begins at Custer Senior Center Dec. 5 from 8 a.m. to noon when the center hosts its annual cookie and candy walk.

Thune challenges students to be difference makers

Published by admin on Wed, 12/03/2025 - 1:18pm

Be difference makers—that was the challenge South Dakota U.S. Sen. and Senate Majority Leader John Thune gave to the students of the Custer School District (CSD) at the dedication ceremony for the new Career and Technical Education (CTE) building Nov. 24. 

City seeks Fifth Street funding

Published by admin on Wed, 12/03/2025 - 1:17pm

When the state of South Dakota digs into Fifth Street—whenever that may be—to widen, repave and make other improvements to the road, the City of Custer will take that opportunity to upgrade water and sewer utilities that need replaced along the route, whether it’s because they have reached the end of their useful life, or because it is required due the state Department of Transportation’s project.

Minnekahta Quilters show at courthouse

Published by admin on Wed, 12/03/2025 - 1:12pm

The Minnekahta Quilters Guild of Hot Springs, South Dakota will show their quilted creations at the Kim Horkey Memorial Art Gallery at the Custer County Courthouse through Jan. 9.
An artist reception is being held Friday, Dec. 12, from 3-5 p.m. at the Custer County Courthouse. This is an opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy free refreshments.
On June 4, 1991, an invitation to the Hot Springs Quilters Guild was issued by Barb Sharp, meeting at Brookside Apartments. By Oct. 10, 1991, the group was called the Minnekahta Quilters Guild.