Latest news with #CusterCountySearchandRescue
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Fallen hiker rescued from Cathedral Spires trail
SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO)– A fallen hiker was rescued from Cathedral Spires trail in the Black Hills Thursday. Custer County Search and Rescue were called to the area, a challenge for the team, according to a Facebook post. 'The location of the patients are usually inaccurate because reporting parties must first get to a location where they have cell service and the GPS location we're given is not of the actual patient, but the person calling 911,' they wrote. A Life Flight was immediately dispatched to wait close by while they got the patient out. The rescue team then wheeled the patient down the trail in a wheeled litter. Custer Ambulance transported the patient to Life Flight that landed at the intersection of Sylvan Lake Rd and the Needles Highway, the post said. Rescue personnel also gave advice to hikers for the future, offering a shorter, potentially safer route. 'The distance to the Cathedral Spires is 1.27 miles if you travel from Little Devil's Tower parking lot. The distance to the Cathedral Spires from the Cathedral Spires trailhead is only .66 miles but much more treacherous due to the steeper grade and large rocks. If you're a seasoned hiker in good shape, take the shorter route,'. If you want something not as physically demanding or treacherous, consider going via Little Devil's Tower trail #4. Even though it's twice the distance, it's a much milder grade and your knees will thank you,'. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Yahoo
Take time to prepare before you hike in Custer State Park
CUSTER, S.D. (KELO) — Throughout the summer months, Custer State Park is a popular vacation spot for people looking for a good hike. With that, many of the trails in the park are difficult and could be dangerous if you aren't prepared. New Rock Valley housing developments 1 year after flood Rolled ankles, dehydration and getting lost are some of the things Custer County Search and Rescue respond to along these scenic trails. 'People are not being prepared. Not understanding the Black Hills, the weather that we have, not having the supplies or resources available. Again, no maps, not knowing where they are going, checking the trailheads and looking for the diamonds. Understanding what different agencies use for markers,' Visitors Services Supervisor Lydia Austin said. Custer State Park is home to more than 70 miles of trails for people to bike or hike on at a higher elevation than most expect. 'We're at a higher elevation than what most people are used to. We're dryer, so people get dehydrated more easily out here. The hikes are strenuous and long, so they don't want to carry a heavy pack so they don't take quite as much water,' Custer County Search & Rescue Director Sam Smolnisky said. 'Listen to your body, maybe don't finish the hike. If you're hiking, maybe Black Elk Peak and you realize you're getting tired, you can turn around, it's okay. Make that your high point and come back down and make the trip enjoyable for yourself and don't end up in a rescue because that's not fun for anybody,' Austin said. In addition to bringing more water, layers, and having your phone fully charged, downloading trail apps can help. 'There are apps on your phone, whether it's Avenza, onX, Gaia, CalTopo, that can run offline. So you don't need to have cell service in order to access those apps and figure out where you're at,' Smolnisky said. Wildlife at the park roam around freely and can end up on your trail. If a bison or other animal approaches you, try to get around them, and keep a decent distance as you continue your hike. Search and Rescue also says it is important for people who need help to make the call themselves if able so they can pinpoint your location as quickly as possible. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Yahoo
Hiker rescued in Custer State Park Sunday night
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A hiker was rescued Sunday night after he lost his bearings on the French Creek Trail, a Facebook post from Custer County Search and Rescue says. The hiker called 911 and rescue personnel were able to respond quickly, thanks to 2 Custer County Search and Rescue members also hiking at the other end of the trail. Search and Rescue responded to Fisherman's Flats, which was the closest access point to the hiker. They found him at the coordinates given, gave him some water, and drove him back to his vehicle. South Dakota minerals expert weighs in on Ukraine proposal 'Sometimes even with smartphone mapping app's, the directional compass can glitch or be hard to read when there are a lot of switchbacks or even being in a deep gully can block GPS signal,' the post said. While the hiker still had cell service and a mapping app, personnel said he did the right thing calling for help. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Yahoo
2 arrested following standoff at Black Hills horse barn
CUSTER, SD (KELO) — Authorities have arrested two Rapid City men following a weekend standoff at a horse barn in the southern Black Hills. It started Saturday morning when witnesses reported two men burglarizing storage units south of Custer. Custer County Search and Rescue used a drone to locate the men holed-up in a barn south of Pringle. Law enforcement believed the two were armed with weapons stolen from one of the storage units. Authorities say they tried for hours to talk the men into coming out, but there was no response. Then, the Special Response Team from Rapid City arrived with their armored Bearcat vehicle and the suspects surrendered. Charges are pending against 50-year-old Jonathon Chamley and 47-year-old Gabriel Garcia. Investigators say both men have lengthy criminal records in Pennington and Meade counties. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
