M​ inutes, Not Miles, From Adventure

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CUSTER CONNECTIONS

We’re still working hard on our upcoming Fall Festival on September 25th. A big thank you to everyone who has already contacted us and signed up for the Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt and/or Scarecrow Decorating Contest. If you didn’t get a chance to check out Tuesday’s e-blast, below is the information about the Fall Festival and how you can participate:

In an effort to increase traffic to Custer on the Saturday after the Buffalo Roundup, the Custer Chamber is planning a Fall Festival for that day. We would like to invite Custer businesses, organizations, groups, committees, individuals, etc to join us in planning fall-themed events/activities.

The Chamber is working with the Farmer’s Market and has invited various arts and crafts vendors to come to Way Park that day for a small Arts & Crafts Festival. We’ll also have a booth there and have some fall games set up for the kiddos…like pumpkin bowling, pumpkin tic-tac-toe, etc.

The first few years of Custer Restaurant Week we had a Sip ‘n’ Paint class, and we’ve invited her to come to Custer the day of the Fall Festival this year. We haven’t chosen the specific picture yet, but we know it will be fall- themed.

We’re also in the early stages of organizing a Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt and a Scarecrow Decorating Contest. More information on each of those can be found below. We hope that your business will considering signing up for one or both of those activities. Some other ideas that we’ve thought of that could be done: Some other ideas that we’ve thought of that could be done: Pumpkin painting – could be real pumpkins or fake, plastic ones. Could even be some sort of pumpkin craft. 5K fun run – maybe a “Fall Five K” or something like that Hayrides Hay maze Restaurants could have fall specials like pumpkin and apple flavored foods and drinks (which we would help to promote) Other events that could possibly have a “fall twist” like a cornhole tournament, guided hikes, art walk Or any other great idea you might have! The sky is the limit! Show us your creativity!

If you have an idea of something that you would like to do for the Fall Festival on Saturday, September 25th please contact Dolsee or Dawn at 673-2244 or email one of us: [email protected] and [email protected]

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Chamber Staff

Dolsee Davenport Executive Director [email protected]

Dawn Murray Office & Events Assistant [email protected]

Fred Baumann Information Associate

[email protected] [email protected]

Amy Brazell Information Associate [email protected]

Darian Block Events Intern [email protected]

2021 Board Of Directors

Amy Bailey - President John Stahl - VP Michelle Fischer - Treasurer Amanda Allcock Jim Ashmore Diane Dennis Steve Engelbrecht Corey Virtue Bobbi Schmidt

Corbin Herman - City Liaison Mark Naugle - School Liaison Leah Scott - BID Liaison Kobee Stalder- CSP Liaison

WEEKLY INSPIRATION CHAMBER HAPPENINGS

Custer will be hosting the State Disc Golf Tournament, September 18-19. There will be 125 participants in attendance along with their families and friends.

This is an event that will bring many people to town, and it’s a great opportunity to bring attention to your business. Each participant will be given a swag bag that includes information about the area and free stuff from business. Each participant will be given a swag bag that includes information about the area and free stuff from local businesses. If you would like to include some “swag” please contact Dolsee at [email protected].

SOME swag ideas include: · Coupons/Gift Cards to your business · Snacks with your information attached · Sample of your product · Reusable water bottles · Branded notebooks/notepads

Each participant will also be given $10 in Custer Cash and they’re looking for a place to spend it – give them a reason to spend it at YOUR business!

DEADLINE - AUGUST 23

Click here for more scarecrow ideas

AREA EVENTS Click for printable copy

Homecoming will be coming up soon. Show off your Wildcat spirit by participating in some fun events!! Click for printable copy Click for printable copy

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The United Way of the will kick-off the 2021-2022 Campaign Season with Month of Caring on September 2nd at Noon!

Our community of leaders and Month of Caring volunteers are ready and excited to share the immensity of United Way’s impact throughout the Black Hills community. There will also be special performances from local artists.

The virtual event is FREE TO ATTEND! No registration required! You can watch the event via the following options: TV: KNBN - NC1 TV Channel Online: www.nc1.tv/monthofcaring Social Media: United Way of the Black Hills or NewsCenter1 Facebook page

P.S – We are still looking for volunteers and project sites! If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Rosellen Reese at [email protected] or (605)343-5872. Membership Spotlight

This could be you!! Send a short write up about your business along with a few photos to [email protected]

PRESS RELEASES PRESS RELEASES

Projects and Volunteers needed for Month of Caring

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: 8/16/2021 Contact: Audrea Amstutz Email: [email protected] Cell phone: (605) 343-5872

Rapid City, S.D. — As United Way of the Black Hills (UWBH) prepares for the upcoming Month of Caring in September, organizations and individuals still have time to organize projects and register as a volunteer.

Project sites and volunteers are needed in: Rapid City, Sturgis, Belle Fourche, Lead, Deadwood, Spearfish, Hill City, Custer, Hot Springs, and Edgemont.

Month of Caring is an opportunity to tackle large and small projects throughout the Black Hills. Month of Caring volunteers help at local senior centers; painting houses for the elderly and disabled; and doing lawn work for local nonprofit organizations.

Projects can also be outside of the box and completed individually or even virtually. Some ideas include: virtually reading a kids book for a daycare; assemble care bags for local women’s shelters; build a neighborhood library; pick up trash along neighborhood roads; check with nursing homes to see if residents could benefit from a virtual visit or artwork to brighten their windows/doors/social areas; and more!

Corporate organizations, small businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals are encouraged to join in volunteering. join in volunteering.

Nonprofit organizations and individual homeowners that are elderly, disabled, or a veteran can register a project by contacting Rosellen Reese, Month of Caring Coordinator at (605) 343-5872. Project sites must provide the materials and tools necessary to complete the project. Project registrations are due August 26th, 2021.

Interested volunteers may also contact Rosellen Reese, Month of Caring Coordinator, at (605) 343- 5872.

About United Way of the Black Hills United Way of the Black Hills unites people and resources to improve lives in the Black Hills by delivering measurable long-term solutions to community issues in education, financial stability, and health. Our initiatives include Black Hills Reads, an education initiative, and the Mental Health initiative. We collaborate with nonprofit organizations and programs that serve the greatest needs in our community. UWBH serves the areas of Rapid City, Sturgis, Northern Hills (Belle Fourche, Deadwood/Lead and Spearfish) and the Southern Hills (Custer, Edgemont, Hill City, Hot Springs and Keystone). ###

Forest Service News Release Media Contact: Scott Jacobson, Public Affairs Officer (605) 440-1409 [email protected] www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills/ Moon Walk to Host “Introduction to The Night Sky”

Sundance, WY, August 16, 2021 — The Black Hills National Forest will conduct its third Moon Walk of the year on Saturday, August 21 at 7:00 p.m. The activity will take place at the Sundance Horse Camp, located about five miles from Sundance, .

Participants will learn how to identify some common constellations and hear stories about various star clusters. Speakers will also share some of the science related to star brightness, distances, and other night sky observations. If you are looking for ways to engage your family on future campouts, especially after dark, this public event might inspire star gazing beginners.

To reach the Moon Walk from Sundance, travel northeast on East Cleveland Street for just over one mile, then turn north (left) onto Government Valley Road (Crook County Road Number 123). Follow Government Valley Road for about two miles, then turn west (left) into the Sundance Horse Camp. Event signs will be posted at major intersections to help guide participants to the parking area.

Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars, flashlights, water, and bug repellant and dress for cooler evening temperatures. Long pants and sturdy footwear (hiking boots or athletic shoes) are recommended for your comfort and safety while hiking on uneven terrain. Please arrive early to aid in parking vehicles, as over 120 visitors per walk have been attending the programs.

The program may be canceled unexpectedly due to unforeseen reasons such as lightning, high fire The program may be canceled unexpectedly due to unforeseen reasons such as lightning, high fire danger, wildfire, and other safety reasons beyond our control. The program will not be canceled due to rain unless lightning is spotted. If the Moon Walk is canceled in advance due to severe weather forecasted, the notice of cancelation will be placed on the Black Hills National Forest Facebook page, Twitter account, and the Black Hills National Forest website. The public is encouraged to check online before heading out to the event. The Black Hills National Forest, in partnership with Black Hills Parks & Forests Association, is selling ‘Black Hills Moon Walk’ collector pins. This year’s pin, 1.125-inches in diameter, features a Beaver swimming with a branch in its mouth. A different designed pin is anticipated each year. You can purchase the “2021 Black Hills

Moon Walk” pin, for $5.00 (cash only), at a Moon Walk program. Your purchase of this pin will directly support the Moon Walk and other educational programs.

For more information on the Black Hills National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills/

### USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Click for printable Copy

National Park Service National Memorial U.S. Department of the Interior 13000 HWY 244, Bldg. 31, Suite 1 Keystone, SD 57751-0268

605-574-2523 phone www.nps.gov/moru Mount Rushmore National Memorial News Release

Mount Rushmore National Memorial 13000 HWY 244, Bldg. 31, Suite 1 Keystone, SD 57751-0268

605-574-2523 phone www.nps.gov/moru Release Date: August 13, 2021 Contact: Blaine Kortemeyer, [email protected] 605-574-3170

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Fall opportunities at Mount Rushmore National Memorial KEYSTONE, SD – Beginning on August 15 operational hours throughout the park will change. The Evening Lighting Ceremony will start at 8:00 p.m. The Sculpture will be lit at 8:30 p.m. The final ceremony for the season is on September 30. The historic Sculptor's Studio will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through September 30, with talks held every half hour. The Visitor Center and Information Center will close at 9:00 p.m. The Gift Shop will open at 9:00 a.m. and close at 9:30 p.m. The Carver’s Café will open at 9:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m.

Details on park hours, fees and passes are available on the park’s website www.nps.gov/moru and the Details on park hours, fees and passes are available on the park’s website www.nps.gov/moru and the new NPS app.

Consistent with CDC recommendations, masks must be worn indoors regardless of vaccination status. Additional details are available at www.nps.gov/coronavirus. As conditions are subject to change, visitors should check the park’s website and social media channels for details on operations before they visit. About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 423 national park sites and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to- home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov

Black Hills National Forest Forest Service News Release Media Contact: Scott Jacobson, Public Affairs Officer (605) 440-1409 [email protected] www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills/ Moon Walk to Host “Introduction to The Night Sky”

Sundance, WY, August 11, 2021 — The Black Hills National Forest will conduct its third Moon Walk of the year on Saturday, August 21 at 7:00 p.m. The activity will take place at the Sundance Horse Camp, located about five miles from Sundance, Wyoming.

Participants will learn how to identify some common constellations and hear stories about various star clusters. Speakers will also share some of the science related to star brightness, distances, and other night sky observations. If you are looking for ways to engage your family on future campouts, especially after dark, this public event might inspire star gazing beginners.

To reach the Moon Walk from Sundance, travel northeast on East Cleveland Street for just over one mile, then turn north (left) onto Government Valley Road (Crook County Road Number 123). Follow Government Valley Road for about two miles, then turn west (left) into the Sundance Horse Camp. Event signs will be posted at major intersections to help guide participants to the parking area.

Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars, flashlights, water, and bug repellant and dress for cooler evening temperatures. Long pants and sturdy footwear (hiking boots or athletic shoes) are recommended for your comfort and safety while hiking on uneven terrain. Please arrive early to aid in parking vehicles, as over 120 visitors per walk have been attending the programs.

The program may be canceled unexpectedly due to unforeseen reasons such as lightning, high fire danger, wildfire, and other safety reasons beyond our control. The program will not be canceled due to rain unless lightning is spotted. If the Moon Walk is canceled in advance due to severe weather forecasted, the notice of cancelation will be placed on the Black Hills National Forest Facebook page, Twitter account, and the Black Hills National Forest website. The public is encouraged to check online Twitter account, and the Black Hills National Forest website. The public is encouraged to check online before heading out to the event. The Black Hills National Forest, in partnership with Black Hills Parks & Forests Association, is selling ‘Black Hills Moon Walk’ collector pins. This year’s pin, 1.125-inches in diameter, features a Beaver swimming with a branch in its mouth. A different designed pin is anticipated each year. You can purchase the “2021 Black Hills

Moon Walk” pin, for $5.00 (cash only), at a Moon Walk program. Your purchase of this pin will directly support the Moon Walk and other educational programs.

For more information on the Black Hills National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation Amanda Allcock 605-673-4681 [email protected]

CRAZYKorczak Ziolkowski with model ®: A SPECIAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE - CRAZY HORSE and KORCZAK CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL - Monday, September 6th

August 3rd, 2021 – CUSTER, SD

This September, Crazy Horse Memorial will hold a special day of remembrance for two great men - the Oglala Lakota leader and legend Crazy Horse (Tasunke Witco) and one of our founders, Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski. On Monday, September 6th please join us for a day of special events, activities and surprise programming. The normally scheduled fall pyrotechnic display - our Night Blast on the Mountain event - will not take place this year.

The day will feature unique museum tours, craft activities and performances including day-long appearances by the world-renown Tau Dance Theatre performing from their INDIGENUNITY production. Tau Dance Theatre is Hawaii's only critically acclaimed professional dance/theater company based in Honolulu, and directed by a Native Hawaiian.

**Laughing Water Restaurant will be open at 11:00 am but will closed at 4:00 pm for a private reception. The Snack Shop will open at 9:00 am and close at 8:30 pm.

For more information, please visit www.crazyhorse.org and follow The Crazy Horse Memorial® on all social media and/or or contact Amanda Allcock at 605-673-4681 or email [email protected]. About Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation’s mission is to honor, protect, and preserve the culture, traditions, and living heritage of the Indians of North America. The Memorial fulfills its mission by continuing the progress on the world’s largest mountain sculpture, acting as a repository for Native American artifacts, arts and crafts through THE INDIAN MUSEUM OF NORTH AMERICA® and THE NATIVE AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL & CULTURAL CENTER®; by establishing and operating THE INDIAN UNIVERSITY OF NORTH AMERICA®, and when practical, a medical training center for American Indians. 1880 Train Harney Peak Chapter, NSDAR 1881 Courthouse Museum Hidden Lake Campground Abundant Life Fellowship of Custer, SD Highmark Credit Union Acupuncture 4 Health Hills Inn Aflac & Blue Cross/ Blue Shield Horatio’s Homemade Ice Cream AJ’s Ore Car Saloon Kitchens by Karla Allen and Jill Western Music Lampert Properties Alpha Builders Laurie Arthur, Inc. American Legion Post #46 Lee, Jim & Patti Ameriprise Financial LFC Veterinary Services, LLC Aspen & Pine Realty Lynn’s Dakotamart Barmore Enterprises, Inc McGas Propane Bavarian Inn, Black Hills Mickelson Trail Bear Country USA Mickelson Trail Affiliates, LLC Begging Burro Monument Health- Custer Hospital/Clinic Black Hills Area Community Foundation Mount Rushmore National Memorial Black Hills Balloons Mountainview Baptist Church Black Hills Electric Cooperative Mt Rushmore Brewing Co Black Hills Federal Credit Union Mt. Rushmore Resort & Lodge at Palmer Black Hills Playhouse Gulch Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort Nelson’s Oil & Gas Buglin’ Bull Restaurant and Sports Bar New Trails Ministry Carson Drug Nielsen Enterprises, LLC Chamberlain McColley funeral Home NXTLAW PC Operation Black Hills Cabins Christy Chamberlin & Robert Reich Our Place Claw Antler and Hide Outlaw Ranch Colleen Hennessy & Jim Frank P & C Custom Interiors, LLC Custer Ambulance Service Payfurther Custer Car & Pet Wash Pleasant Valley Farm & Cabins Custer Chiropractic Pounding Fathers Custer Community Church Prairie Hills Transit Custer County Airport Premier Family Eyecare Custer County Airport Premier Family Eyecare Custer County Chronicle Custer County Library Foundation Road Runner, Inc Custer County Republican Central Rocket Motel Committee Ronald McDonald Charities Custer Crazy Horse Campground Rush Mountain Adventure Park Custer Dental Studio Sentinel Federal Credit Union Custer Heating and Air Conditioning Serval Uniforms and Linens Custer Hospitality (Best Western, Econolodge, Shanklins of Super 8, Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn) Shepherd of the Hills Custer Mt Rushmore KOA Simon Contractors of SD, Inc Custer Rotary Club Skogen Kitchen Custer Senior Citizen Center Southern Hills Animal Clinic Custer Seventh Day Adventist Church Southern Hills Title Dacotah Bank Star Ridge Advertisments David Thom Starr Insurance Days Inn Stockade Lake Cabin Denial South Dakota & the Peanut Gallery Subway Diana & John Carson Sunshine Storage Diane’s Custer Vacation Rental Tallgrass Landscape Architecture Do It Best Hardware Tennyson Investments Edward Jones- Kris Zerbe The Hills Self-Storage Elk Ridge Park of Hot Springs Faith Lewis Realty/ Keller Williams Under Canvas First Interstate United Way of the Black Hills Freeman’s Electric VFW Post #3442 French Creek RV Park Western Skies Gold Pan Saloon Wicked Espresso/ Little Wicked Inn Green Owl Media Grizzly Gulch Adventure Park Travel Custer Black Hills Power Bikes First Choice Lock and Key B​ uffalo Boys P​ rairie Berry Winery & Miner Brewing Company T​ ommy's Detailing

Mark Your Calendar

August 20 Ribbon Cutting Black Hills Power Bikes 1029 Mt Rushmore Rd, Ste A 4pm August 21 City Wide Rummage Sale downtown Custer August 23 Ribbon Cutting Custer YMCA 644 Crook St, Custer 5pm 5pm September 5 Studebaker Car Show 6th Street September 16-18 Mickelson Trail Trek Mickelson Trail September 24 Buffalo Round-up September 25 Fall Festival downtown Custer September 26 Fall Volksmarch Crazy Horse Memorial Custer Senior Center

Click Here for August Calendar

​Click here to Check out the Custer School District Calendar for upcoming school events!

HUMOR HELP WANTED

Outlaw Ranch is seeking help with cleaning this fall, September through November. Generally 20-30 hours per week at $10 per hour. Please contact Matt at [email protected] or via cell at 605- 673-1014 if interested.

Our Address: 615 Washington Street Send Us An Email Custer, SD 57730

Phone Numbers: Connect With Us 605-673-2244 800-992-9818 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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