Opinion

In need of novelty

Published by admin on Wed, 01/22/2025 - 10:53am

Can someone please tell me how it’s already Jan. 22? Seriously, where did the time go?
As children, time always seems to drag on. Those special days and events can never come soon enough. Most of all, we can’t wait to grow up. Then, we do and realize it wasn’t all we thought it would be. Oh, time moves faster for sure. It just sometimes flies by without us.

Week one is now behind us

Published by admin on Wed, 01/22/2025 - 10:07am

Greetings! Week one of the 100th legislative session is in the books. The legislature is made up of two bodies. The House of Representatives has 70 members and the Senate has 35 members. This year there are 14 new senators and 28 new House members for a total of 42 newbies of the 105 total legislators. That has to be a record!

Thank you Biden, welcome Trump

Published by admin on Wed, 01/22/2025 - 10:04am

By the time you read this, Donald Trump will have been inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, having won his second election in three tries at securing the highest office in the land.

It’s been my honor to be your governor

Published by admin on Wed, 01/22/2025 - 10:02am

You probably know that President-elect Trump has called on me to serve, if confirmed, as the next secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. It’s a tremendous honor and a great responsibility. The mission is to keep the American people safe from threats to the homeland.
That leaves me in a position where I may say “farewell” to all of you in the very near future. But South Dakota will be in good hands.

Projects abound in Custer County

Published by admin on Wed, 01/15/2025 - 3:16pm

Here at the Custer County Chronicle, we try not to be prisoner of the moment. What does that mean? Basically, it means to be so heavily influenced by the current situation or emotions happening right now that you can’t think clearly about the bigger picture or potential future consequences, essentially being captive to the present moment without considering what came before or what might come after. Being a prisoner of the moment implies a lack of perspective or foresight.

In for an exciting hoops season

Published by admin on Wed, 01/15/2025 - 3:14pm

I can remember three years ago, when this current group of Custer High School boys basketball seniors were freshman, thinking to myself, “these guys could be really good in a few years.”
Fast forward to this year, and the Wildcats are just that—really good.

The Super Bowl of our state

Published by admin on Wed, 01/15/2025 - 2:51pm

Well, hello January and the 2025 Legislative session. Let’s go Bills!
I am excited to see a bill about property taxes. Rep. Tony Venhuizen, R-Sioux Falls, is the prime sponsor of the bill with both of our local representatives listed as sponsors as well. I do not think it is perfect, by any means, but I support it because I think it is doable and I think it will bring us all much-needed property tax relief.

The legislative session has gotten underway

Published by admin on Wed, 01/15/2025 - 2:49pm

Greetings! It is finally upon us. The South Dakota legislative session started Jan. 14. It sure seemed like forever to get here, with a six-way contested Primary Election in June and a contested General Election in November. It’s finally time to go to Pierre and do the job you elected us to do.
My platform in both elections was property tax reform and that is my focus this session. We have a bill right out of the chute and a couple more to follow. I’ll write specifically again about that in future articles.

New year, new opportunities

Published by admin on Wed, 01/08/2025 - 9:49am

With a title like this, some of you may be expecting to read a column about New Year’s resolutions and goals. After all, that’s what I usually write about for my first column in January. In a way, I guess this is my New Year’s goal. It just wasn’t one I was expecting.
Around Thanksgiving, my manager offered me a job at the Custer County Chronicle, which is owned by the same company as the Hill City Prevailer News. Many of you have already heard, but I accepted the position, which sadly means I’ll be leaving Hill City.

Assessing our ideas and goals for 2025

Published by admin on Wed, 01/08/2025 - 9:49am

Happy New Year, friends! As we see 2024 behind us, my prayer is that 2025 brings everyone happiness, promise and faith to see our way through a new year. It can be difficult to tackle the holidays when there are so many that are hurting, in mourning or in bad health.  Many times, the emotional part of the holidays takes a toll on people.  Personally, the past year turned out to be a pretty good one for me.  Now that I’m into my 70s, I’m just grateful for every day that God allows.