Opinion

Our ongoing letters saga

Published by admin on Thu, 10/13/2022 - 9:48am

Let it never be said that our readers don’t read our letters to the editor. Boy, do they ever. And boy, do they have strong feelings about some of them.
And don’t get me wrong—that’s a good thing.
If you’ve picked up a paper over the last several months, you no doubt have read the back and forth taking place in our letters to the editor between Patrick Lickteig and a small army of Republicans who respond to his criticism of their political party.

To the top of Crazy Horse Memorial

Published by admin on Thu, 10/13/2022 - 9:01am
A I've always wanted to see Crazy Horse Memorial up close. Of course, I've been to the museum many times. I've peered through the scopes and zoomed in with my camera, but neither could capture the detail I wanted. Until moving to Custer, I didn't know that there actually were opportunities to hike to the top. 
 

We have a choice on Nov. 8 measure

Published by admin on Thu, 10/13/2022 - 8:57am
Dear Editor,
In looking at the South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws (SDBML) website, I wanted to understand what this group sees as positive in legalizing marijuana in South Dakota by passing Initiated Measure 27. They primarily state why it will not cause increased use by minors, will not negatively affect crime and will not cause an uptick of traffic accidents. The “facts” they present are intended to negate different statistics given by opponents. One positive given on the SDBML website was – more money for the state. Bingo! Follow the money.
 

What I learned from a man named Vern

Published by admin on Thu, 10/06/2022 - 9:12am
About two weeks ago my friend Cathe texted me an obituary she had read. 
 
“This may be the most inspiring obituary I’ve ever read,” she wrote in her text as she explained her envy of the deceased individual.
 
I replied that anybody can write their own obituary and left it at that. 
 
This past weekend I inadvertently ended up at a memorial of sorts for a man named Vern. I never met Vern and did not know anything about him until the memorial day.
 

Ending grocery sales tax a great idea

Published by admin on Thu, 10/06/2022 - 9:11am

Some good news was delivered to cash-strapped South Dakotans in the middle of last week when Gov. Kristi Noem announced she was joining the discussion on ending sales tax on groceries. The governor made the announcement at Dakota Butcher last Wednesday in Rapid City. Noem said that if elected in November, she will fight to repeal the tax to benefit South Dakotans struggling to buy food.
“What I’m hearing from families is they cannot believe how much groceries cost,” Noem said.

Enjoying our rural way of life

Published by admin on Thu, 10/06/2022 - 9:09am

When I first ran for Governor, South Dakota needed new opportunities. For years, our economic growth had not kept up with the nation. Young South Dakotans were too often leaving our state to pursue college or a career. Cities like Sioux Falls were growing, but our rural communities were slowly falling behind.
I grew up in rural South Dakota – I love what our rural communities stand for. I knew that we could turn that trend around, and that’s exactly what we’ve done in the last four years.

Regarding the primary election and possible food tax repeal

Published by admin on Thu, 10/06/2022 - 8:51am

Greetings! How was everyone’s summer? The temps finally feel like fall, along with the colorful foliage. How beautiful are the Black Hills, especially in the fall! We are very fortunate to live in this part of the country!  

Losing Hartmann is tough for the city

Published by admin on Thu, 09/29/2022 - 9:22am

As you’ll see in the Custer City Council story on page one of this week’s issue of the Custer County Chronicle, the City of Custer is about to lose its planning administrator, Tim Hartmann. Actually, as you’re reading this, Hartmann has already left city hall for all intents and purposes. His last day at city hall was last Friday. His official last day is this Oct. 7.

Making an effort to look at identity

Published by admin on Thu, 09/29/2022 - 9:20am

The most controversial thing I’ve written to date was a college essay for my humanities professor, Dr. Russell, in 2014. Our assignment was to watch a short movie and reply with what we learned. The movie interviewed several girls of black ethnicity and detailed their struggles with their hair; the girls described how they couldn’t receive societal acceptance unless they styled their hair in certain ways.

First signs of fall

Published by admin on Thu, 09/29/2022 - 9:16am
I have never loved fall as much as I do this year. With every sign of the season, I get a little more excited. However, I find it interesting that we each have our own signs. 
 
A friend told me it was fall because she started school and sports. According to my weather app, it was still in the 80s and would remain there for some time. Nevertheless, it was her sign.