Yankton Flooding

The effort to fill sandbags in Yankton will be getting a boost from the South Dakota National Guard and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The State's sending 100 Guard soldiers to assist with the effort starting tomorrow. A 2nd site to get sandbags opens Thursday on 12th Street, along the north side of the Yankton Federal Prison Camp, as inmates from the Camp will be filling bags there.

Low Cost of Living and Wages

South Dakota's been behind the rest of the nation in per capita personal income, but a new report says residents can stretch those dollars further because of the low cost of living. A Bureau of Economic Analysis report says South Dakota had the 5th highest per capita personal income in 2009 after adjustments for cost of living. But economics professor Reynold Nesiba at Augustana College says those gains are less relevant to low- to middle-income wage earners with wages for many in Sioux Falls and Rapid City not meetring their families needs.

Local woman to get wheelchair ramp at no cost

The Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire is building a wheelchair ramp for a Sioux Falls woman who cares for children who are differently abled. The woman fosters kids of all ages, and some have severe disabilities. The Sioux Empire Remodeling Council will build the ramp at no cost to her, and they'll do it while she's away visiting her husband who is in the military, stationed on the west coast.

State ranks in top 5 in per capita income

Do you feel financially comfortable? Even though South Dakota falls behind much of the nation in personal income, the dollars stretch farther here because of the low cost of living. In fact, South Dakota had the fifth highest per capita income after cost of living adjustments, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Housing a clothing cost less in South Dakota. Medical coverage costs more though.

Yankton Flooding May Not Be That Bad

Yankton flooding will not be as bad as what was expected. South Dakota officials now say based on newly released topographical maps for the Yankton area, only minimal flooding is expected. Homes in the Riverview Acres development, south of Pike Street, River Aspen Road, and Moonlight Drive are the only ones expected to be affected.

Dakota Dunes Residents Should Be Ready to Leave

Residents in Dakota Dunes are being asked to make plans to evacuate later this week if water from the Missouri River flows into town. Gov. Daugaard says every property owner in Dakota Dunes should assume the worst and act now to protect their possessions. People are being told they should expect to be away from their homes for as long as two months.
There will be a special meeting for residents only at 5:30 p.m. Monday at Dunes Country Club.

Police Want Suspect in Convenience Store Robbery

Sioux Falls police are investigating a convenience store robbery. Police tell the Argus Leader a man with a handgun walked into a Freedom Valu Center shortly before 9 a.m. this morning, grabbed cash and fled the store on foot. Officers searched the area but were unable to find the suspect.

Yankton Sandbags

The Yankton County Emergency Management Office needs volunteers to fill sandbags after receiving an additional 200,000 from Minnehaha County. The South Dakota Office of Emergency Management's sending another 500,000 sandbags. The Yankton Chamber of Commerce has a volunteer pool for homeowners who need help sandbagging or otherwise securing their home. Call 660-2033 or 660-8899 for more information..

Sioux Falls to decide how to spend $3.8 million

Sioux Falls budgeted $23.2 million in sales and use tax for streets this year. The city has an extra $3.8 million left over in last year's capital budget, and city councilors want to devote at least some of that to roadwork this summer. Another portion could go for a new scoreboard and lighting upgrade at the Arena. Or some could be saved for part of a cash down payment for an events center. City Council will decide how to spend the money in June.

Dept of Agriculture cautions farmers against flooding

South Dakota Department of Agriculture encourages farmers and ranchers to take some basic precautions because of imminent flooding along the Missouri River. That should include plans to move livestock to higher ground if necessary. Seeds and pesticides should be moved off the floor and away from drains. Also, empty storage tanks should be locked and valves protected.

Volunteers Needed

The Yankton County Office of Emergency Management is looking for volunteers to fill sandbags after receiving an additional 200,000 from Minnehaha County. Report to the County Highway Shop, located at 407 W. 11th Street at 8:00 a.m., 12 p.m., and 4 p.m. on . Wear gloves and hats.

Tip on Suspect Leads to Possible Meth House

A Crime Stoppers tip on the location of Dawn Seidschlaw led police to what they think was a meth house. Acting on the tip, Seidschlaw was staying at a home in the 4800 block of W 38th St. According to the Argus Leader, Sioux Falls Police and the Minnehaha County Sheriff didn't find her, they did find all the components needed to make methamphetamine. Seidschlaw's wanted in connection with a fire from another meth lab found May 13th on CLiff Avenue.

Verizoin Rolling Out 4G Here Next Month

Verizon Wireless says 4G coverage will start June 16th in the Sioux Falls area. The covered area runs north to Dell Rapids and south to Beresford on I-29 as well as east to Brandon and west to Hartford on I-90 for customers who have 4G LTE smartphones, laptop modems and hot spots. The company says 4G is up to 10 times faster than the current 3G network.

A Lot Riding on Sioux Falls School Election

Tomorrow's Sioux Falls School Board election will be watched carefully by a lot of people. It will be the first time in the state for the use of electronic poll books for voting. The poll books allow a voter to cast their ballot from any polling center place in the Sioux Falls School Board election. It also allows the use of elections centers, cutting down the number of polling places as a way of saving money.

Verizon adds 4G Service in Sioux Falls

Your smart phone may have added capabilities in June. Verizon Wireless has announced that 4G coverage will start June 16 in Sioux Falls. The covered area stretches north to Dell Rapids and south to Beresford on Interstate 29 as well as east to Brandon and west to Hartford on Interstate 90.

Wine industry bringing successs to state Agriculture

South Dakota wineries have produced in excess of one million bottles of wine since 1997. That's with 19 active farm wineries in the state. The state Department of Agriculture says wineries will continue to draw tourists. The South Dakota State Fair will have wine samples in the Heartland Building.

Ag Summit to be held in Sioux Falls in June

You can register now for the Governor's Ag Development Summit on June 29th in Sioux Falls. The summit is open to anyone interested in ways agriculture impacts the state economy. There is no cost to attend, it's simply a way to exchange ideas and talk about topics like rural health and agriculture banking.

To register, visit, http://sdda.sd.gov/registration or call the South Dakota Department of Agriculture at (800) 228-5254 or (605) 773-5436.

1/3 of Babies in SD Born to Unwed Mothers

A state report shows more than a third of births in South Dakota are to unmarried women. Thirty-eight percent of the nearly 12-thousand in 2009 were to single women, up from 34 percent in 2000. Fifty-nine percent of all births were to women in their 20s. The youngest birth mother in 2009 was age 13. The oldest was 47.

2 Credit Unions Announce Plans To Merge

Bell Federal Credit Union and Midwest Partners Federal Credit Union have announced plans to merge. Company officials say the merger will allow the consolidated company to expand its services and increase efficiencies as well as ease the burden of complying with new federal regulations. The merger will leave 49 credit unions in the state, according to the National Credit Union Association.

Smoking Ban Costs State Money

State officials say video lottery revenue has dropped more than 17 percent in six months. They are blaming the smoking ban for the losses. Since smoking was banned in bars and casinos in South Dakota six months ago, reveneus have declined. .The state reported its net income from video lottery between Nov. 10 and May 14 to be $93 million, compared to about $112 million in that time period the previous year.

Severe Weather Causes Damages

Heavy rain pounded the area Saturday evening as lightening flashed and thunders rolled. Reports of one inch sized hail fell in some parts of the city. Heavy winds from the storms knocked down power lines, and parts of Brandon and Valley Springs. Strong winds up to 70 miles per hour caused some damage in the 3000 block of South Carter Place which is in the southeastern part of Sioux Falls.

Big Gift to SD Commuinity Foundation

Huron businessman Paul Christen and his wife, Muffy, have pledged $20 million to the South Dakota Community Foundation. KDLT reports the donation will provide the nonprofit agency with an estimated $562,000 per year in interest earnings to give to charities statewide. Paul Christen's a former bank owner and now owns an insurance group.

1 out of 24 businesses failed alcohol compliance check

On Thursday Sioux Falls Police went to local businesses and conducted a compliance check of 24 off-sale alcohol establishments. Of the 24 businesses, one business on West 11th Street failed and sold to a person under the age of 21, according to a news release. That clerk was cited and will have to appear in court.

Student group reflects on 55,000 hours of service

The student group called SALSA, Serve and Learn Student Association, set a goal to collect one pop tab for every hour of community service as a way to visualize their impact on the community. That's 55,000 tabs. They have actually surpassed their goal, and collected 70,000 tabs to donate to the Ronald McDonald House. SALSA's mission is to connect high school students with volunteer opportunities.

Lottery Winners

Two winners in two lotteries in just one night. Dakota Cash and Hot Lotto lottery drawings.
had winners Wednesday. The South Dakota Lottery said a Dakota Cash ticket worth $177,068 was sold in Mitchell.

Shooting Being Reviewed

Attorney General Marty Jackley confirms that the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, at the request of the Sioux Falls Police Department, is investigating the shooting.
The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation will issue a case report and shooting summation after the investigation. It will be reviewed by the Attorney General, Minnehaha County State’s Attorney and the Sioux Falls Police Department for a final determination on the officers’ actions.

50 Shots Fired in Wednesday's Shootout

The deadly shootout with Souix Falls police and one resident Wednesday night saw 50 rounds of ammunition fired off. 30-year-old Aaron Sivert Thompson was suicidal and walking down the sidewalk with a gun around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday. They tried to get him to put the gun down but he persisted and started firing at police.

Thompson Shooting Reviewed

The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation will be reviewing last night's police shooting of 30-year Aaron Thompson. Police were called about a suicidal man. They found Thompson outside the home holding a handgun. Officers tried to talk to Thompson but he continued walking toward them with the gun drawn. He opened fire on Sioux Falls officers who returned fire. Thompson died at a hospital.

Regents Taking Over Dakota Corps

The Board of Regents is taking over a scholarship program for college students entering careers in what are considered critical need occupations in South Dakota. KELO reports The Dakota Corps Scholarship program was created in 2006 and is funded by donations from private business and nonprofits. Current occupations qualifying for a Dakota Corps Scholarship are certain areas of teaching, nursing and large-animal veterinarian.

Man killed by police identified

The Sioux Falls man shot and killed by police last night has been identified as 30-year old Aaron Sivert Thompson. Several calls came in reporting a suicidal man with a gun, and officers found him walking on a sidewalk. He walked toward officers and shot at them, they returned fire and he was killed. Police are conducting a thorough investigation, that includes several houses that were struck by stray gunfire.

Sioux Falls residents are good with money

Are you feeling fiscally fit? The midwest fares well when you consider financial stability of residents. Lincon, NE ranks number one, then Madison, WI, and Sioux Falls at number 3. Research was based on criterian including personal bankruptcy rates of residents, credit scores, foreclosures rates, and personal debt.

Man Who Hit Cyclist Indicted

The man who reportedly struck a cyclist with his car on May 8 was indicted today on manslaughter and vehicular homicide charges. The Argus Leader reports that David Allan Kinner was under the influence of drugs that had been prescribed to him at the time of the accident. A Minnehaha County grand jury yesterday indicted Kinner on two counts of driving under the influence, one count of second-degree manslaughter and one count of vehicular homicide.

Vandal Being Sought

Police are looking for an ATM thief. A person smashed a Wells Fargo ATM with a baseball bat at Madison and Sycamore Sunday morning. Authorities believe this person is also responsible for a string of car and business vandalisms that took place Saturday night and Sunday morning. If you have info, call police or crimestoppers.

SF Police Involved Shooting

Souix Falls police were involved in a fatal shooting last night. Police say they shot a man after he opened fire on them after responding to calls of a suicidal man on the 3100 block of East 19th Street last night at about 11:15. Police say they found a man outside on the sidewalk, armed with a gun. Police say they tried to get the man to surrender, but he walked towards officers and began shooting at them. His identity has not been released.

Police investigate purse snatching

Sioux Falls Police are investigating the report of a woman being pushed down a hill during a purse-snatching incident. The Argus Leader says the woman was leaving a grocery store on Tuesday morning when a man pushed her from behind and stole her purse. She rolled down a grassy hill while the suspect ran west. Police are looking at surveillance footage to identify the man.

Unemployment rate steady in South Dakota

South Dakota's unemployment rate is stable. It's steady at 4.9 percent, still well below the national average of 9 percent. The seasonally adjusted labor force has increased by 5500 people over the year, reflecting economic recovery.

Special Olympics torch will stop in Brandon

Law enforcement officers from around the state are helping move the Speical Olympics torch across the state this week. That's scheduled to be in Brandon at 10:45 tomorrow morning. They’ll begin their run at Brandon Valley High School and make their way west on Holly Boulevard to Sioux Boulevard. The public is encouraged to come out and cheer on the runners.

BV Board Election

Brandon Valley Board of Education will see an election for the firat time in 4 years. Two candidates have filed petitions for the lone vacancy on the board. Susan Hegland and Brett Bastian, both residents of Brandon, filed their nominating petitions by the May 13 deadline.

Home Buying Seminar

A two-part seminar will be held from 5 to 7:45 p.m. Monday, May 23, and Wednesday, May 25th at the Brandon Library to help home buyers. Homebuyer Express covers the entire home purchasing process, including setting goals, personal finances, down payments, mortgages and closing. The Seminar is Free. To register, call 582-2390 or use the online events calendar at www.siouxlandlib.org

Rapist Sentenced Plans Appeal

64-year-old South Dakota man's been sentenced to 20-years in prison for child rape. Leonard Toohey of Newell was convicted for having sex with a 6 year old girl during a fishing trip with her family. The incident wasn't reported for 3 years. Toohey's attorney's planning an appeal. KDLT reports the attorney says the state's own forensic interviewer, from the Child Advocacy Center of the Black Hills, couldn't tell whether the child was telling the truth.

Inmate Missing

Authorities are searching for a woman who walked away from the Minnehaha County jail. According to KDLT, 31-year-old Athanasia Comer didn't show up for a work-release job last night She's serving four years behind bars on a drug charge.

4 Day School Week

One in four South Dakota school districts will be taking Friday's off next year as state budget cuts speed up the move to 4 day school weeks. The Argus Leader reports that will make 398 of the state's 152 districts running 4 days a week. The Irene-
Wakonda district's losing an arts program, but the 4 day week will allow them to keep career and technical education. They expect to save $50,000/year by running school buses less often.

Zoo receives $6500 grant

Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History have received a $6500 grant from the Qwest Foundation. The money will suport the zoo's education efforts, building curriculum and buying materials like books and crafts for classes and camps.

More South Dakota schools going to 4-day weeks

About 25 percent of schools in South Dakota have moved to four day weeks, or will do so next year. It's largely due to funding cuts as lawmakers try to balance the state budget. In most districts who use 4-day weeks, the school day is about 30 minutes longer and the district can save money by running buses less often and reducing work time for hourly employees.

Brandon school board election set

The Brandon Valley Board of Education will have an election for the first time since 2007. Two candidates have filed petitions for the lone vacancy on the board -- Susan Hegland and Brett Bastian. This is to fill the vacancy created by Todd Egge when he decided not to seek re-election. The school board election is Tuesday, June 21.

40 Years in Morales Death Case

Curtis Weddell, pleaded guilty last week to second-degree manslaughter, second-degree arson and grand theft in the events surrounding the death of 28-year-old Rafael Morales in his Sioux Falls home last August. The judge in the case handed down a 40 year sentence. Judge Joseph Neiles said Weddell probably will need to serve 70 percent of any sentence before being eligible for parole.

Electronic Voting Coming to SF

Souix Falls will soon see technology enter the polling booth. The Sioux Falls School District will be the first in the state to try out electronic poll books, but it probably won't be the last. Election officials say these e-poll books will save voters time and taxpayers money. Opponants say the systems are not secure and are easy to manipulate and hack.

Tattoo You!

Sunny Radio currently has 92 people wearing their logo as a real tattoo... Mac in the Midday was number 92 yesterday afternoon at 1:00! Mac said "I said I would be number 92 back in November when this whole tattoo thing started, I didn't realize it would be this soon, but I'm looking forward to joining the Sunny Tattoo Crew". Pictures can be found on our website.

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Johnson Speaks Out About Debt Ceiling

In response to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner’s announcement that the government reached the debt ceiling today, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Johnson (D-SD) issued the following statement calling on Congress to act quickly to raise the debt ceiling to avoid unnecessary economic damage.

SD Infant Mortality Task Force

Gov. Daugaard's named his wife Linda to chair a group of health professionals to find ways to lower Iowa's study the state’s infant mortality rate. The Governor’s Task on Infant Mortality will meet throughout the summer and fall and will report its recommendations to the Governor by Dec. 15, 2011. For 2000-2009, South Dakota’s infant mortality rate was 7.3 per 1,000 births, 29th highest in the nation. Native Americans in South Dakota, have the highest rate in the nation at 12.4/1000 births.

VaN Buskirk's Park Work

Van Buskirk Park, on Brandon's West Side, is getting new playground gear a year ahead of schedule. Myron and Joan Van Buskirk are buying it, and the city will reimburse them next year. The city had planned to spend $30,000. The Buskirk's are also donating $10,000 for extras the city hadn't planned for the park. The Buskirk's opened a business in Brandon almost 40-years ago, and a spokesperson tells the Argus Leader they liked the idea of giving back.

Task force to look at the road to Iowa's new casino

The new Grand Falls Casino Resort near Larchwood, Iowa opens in June, and Minnehaha County has created a task force to outline a plan for future land use along the route to the casino. Red Rock Corridor is an area of South Dakota Highway 42 from Six Mile Road on the east edge of Sioux Falls to the Iowa border. The area includes Split Rock Township and Valley Springs Township. Leaders want to make sure the stretch keeps its rural characteristcs, while determining what development makes sense.

Sunny Radio tattoos number 92

The Sunny Radio tattoo movement is approaching 100 people. Charles McNamara, known as Mac in the Midday on radio, will be number 92 this afternoon. The number 92 is a milestone for owners John and Heidi Small, who broadcast in the Sioux Empire on 92.1 FM. Tattoos of the Sunny Radio logo began last November.

Minnehaha County May Need Cuts

Minnehaha County auditor Bob Litz says the county might need to cut back by at least 7 percent in 2012, based on early income and cash flow numbers. Litz says cash on hand in March was $1.35 million, when it is typically about $4 million at that time of year. He says expenses are running nearly $6 million over income each month.

Bicyclist Receives Serious Injuries After Crash Into Tree

A motorcyclist sustained life-threatening injuries in an accident yesterday in southern Sioux Falls. It happened near Sunflower Trail and Ralph Rogers Road in Sioux Falls around 6:30 p.m.
Sioux Falls police say the man missed the curb and hit a tree, landing in front of a house.

Truly Greedy Bank Robber

Sioux Falls Police and the FBI are trying to identify 2 men who held up the Service First Federal Credit Union at 3600 South Kiwanis Avenue in January. KDLT reports authorities believe one of the pair went back and robbed the same bank branch last month. There's a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Chatroom Action Puts Man in Jail

44-year old Jeffrey Schuenke's behind bars in the Dakota County Jail, accused of soliciting a teenage girl on line for sex. Schuenke faces 7-counts of solicitation of a child to engage in sexual conduct. Prosecutors say Schuenke allegedly asked an undercover Minnehaha County Sheriff's detective, posing as a 14-year old girl, in an online chat room, to perform various sex acts on multiple occasions.

Sioux Falls Council Talks Money

Sioux Falls has an extra $3.8 million in its capital improvement budget, which pays for roads, maintenance and the like. The Argus Leader reports Mayor Mike Huether wants to use some of it as a down payment for an events center. Some city council members think it should for other things, like street paving, a new scoreboard and better lighting at The Sioux Falls Arena, or upgrading City Hall's Heating and cooling system. Council will have a work session in the next few weeks to talk about the events center and the money.

SD Tourists Looking for the Best

South Dakota's tourism chief says the typical visitor to the state is less budget conscious and is looking for a more high-end experience than in years past. Jim Hagen tells KDLT in 2006, half of South Dakota's visitors were from households making $50,000 or less. Now, 75 percent of those households are making more than $50,000. Although much of the state's tourism base is West River, Hagen says Sioux Falls fits in well with the demographic change.

Police Look for Casino Robber

Sioux Falls Police are looking for a gunman who robbed the Full House Casino on W 12th Street last night. Police tell KDLT the man walked in and demanded money from one of the casino's workers. The suspect's described as a black man in his mid 20's, about 5 foot 8 inches tall and 150 pounds, wearing all black clothing.

Brandon Considering Water Rate Hike

Brandon raised water and sewer rates, and city officials are considering another hike this year. The proposal will be up for public comment at city council's May 16th meeting. If approved, Brandoninfo.com reports the typical monthly residential water bill would go from $23.25 to $27.50 and the typical residential sewer bill would go from $18.75 to $27.50. Officials say they're getting the city ready to handle paying for a new water treatment plant

Police find meth lab

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue responded to a fire at a home near Cliff Avenue and 4th Street Tuesday afternoon and ended up dismantling a meth lab. Officials say that's where the fire started. Two people are in custody and police are still looking for others inside the home at the time of the fire. No one was injured.

Vigil held for McInnes

Family, friends, and about 25 people from the bicycling community held a vigil last night for James McInnes - known as Tommy McInnes. He did yesterday from injuries sustained Sunday evening when he was riding his bicycle and was hit by a car. You may still see the flowers at 10th and Fairfax in Sioux Falls. David Allan Kinner was the driver, and faces multiple charges, including DUI.

Inmate Captures

The state Corrections Department says an inmate who walked away from a minimum security unit in Sioux Falls last week is back in custody. Lincoln Williams was picked up in Lyman County Monday. The Lyman County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a burglary in progress south of Reliance on May 8. A resident confronted the suspect, but the suspect left the scene in a vehicle reported stolen in Minnehaha County.
the car was spotted near White River and Williams was arrested.

Bicyclist Dead

The 23 year old bicyclist hit by a car Sunday has died. James McInnis died early this morning from his injuries. Police say 55-year old David Kinner's charged with driving under the influence of a prescription drug and vehicular battery. Authorities say it will be up to the State's Attorney to decide if more charges will be filed.

Penitentiary Inmate Dies

South Dakota Corrections officials are investigating the death of an inmate at the State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls. 49-year old James James died yesterday at Sioux Falls Hospital. He was serving a 2-year sentence for robbery in Minnehaha County. Officials haven't released any information on how James died.

Move More Outdoors

South Dakota leaders want you to get more exercise and keep a record of it online. They are issuing a challenge they call "Move More Outdoors" to run from Saturday to June 30. Participants registering at www.healthysd.gov will log on to enter their minutes of daily activity. They can join as individuals and teams. A state Health Department spokesperson says the idea behind the program is that by keeping a record adds incentive to participate in outdoor exercise.

Driver charged after hitting bicyclist

55-year old David Allan Kinner has been charged with driving under the influence of a prescription drug and vehicular battery after hitting a bicyclist Sunday evening. 23-year old James McInnis of Sioux Falls was hosptialized with head injuries and remains in critical condition.

Security scrutinized at state prison

Security upgrades could be coming to the state prison in Sioux Falls after an officer was killed there last month. Changes could include more staff, more video cameras, and personal alarms that all employees would wear on their belts. Senior corrections officer Ronald RJ Johnson was killed April 12, and two inmates who had been trying to escape face murder charges in his death.

New Citizen Board Appointments

Mayor Mike Huether has announced new citizen board appointments to the following board as approved by the Mayor and City Council:

Andi Anderson - Planning Commission
Denny Pierson - Planning Commission
Ken Dunlap - Planning Commission
If you are interested in serving on a citizen board, please log on to www.siouxfalls.org/Mayor/boards_commissions for an application

No Decision Yet in Death Penalty Pursuit

It will be decided soon if the two South Dakota inmates will face the death penalty for the murder of prison guard Ronald Johnson. Attorney General Marty Jackley says he's waiting on autopsy results before making the determination on the punishment that will be sought in the case. Rodney Berget and Eric Robert face charges in Johnson’s death April 12 at the state penitentiary in Sioux Falls.

Entaman Land in Conflict Accusation

One of the organizers of the Build It Downtown group wants the Sioux Falls Board of Ethics to look into land city council member Jim Entenman owns. The parcel is next to the events center site recommended by the mayor. Entaman doesn't think his land poses a conflict of interest for any future votes because he has no plans to sell or develop the property.

Police Still Investigating Student Death, No Details Released

Brandon police continue their investiagation of the death of a Brandon Valley High School senior. Kendall Cressman was found dead by a family member about 3 a.m. Monday on the grounds of Brandon Elementary. Not much information is being released in the case, but the school released a statement yesterday acknowledgeing the death of the student and saying that counsellors were on hand to help in the grieving process. Brandon police said Cressman was alone at the time of his death.

Red Rock Land Use

Minnehaha County's Planning and Zoning Commission's having a community meeting from 5 to 7 tonight at the Split Rock Township Fire Hall. It's to get public comment on plans for future land use in the Red Rock Corridor. You can stop by anytime during those 2 hours to tell the commission what you think. Planners have drawn up 3 different scenarios for what the corridor could look like, and they're on the County's website.

Brandon Valley HS Student Dies

Counselors have been available to students at Brandon Valley High School today, after school officials say a student at the school died this morning. The Brandon Valley School District says the circumstances surrounding the death are still under investigation.

Driver Charged After Hitting Bicyclist

55-year old David Kinner's been charged with vehicular battery and DWI after police say his car hit a bicyclist last night at 10th and Fairfax in Sioux Falls. 23-year old James McInnes is hospitalized in critical condition. Police tell KELO they charged Kinner because they believe he was intoxicated from taking too large a dose of a prescription medication.

Crews make emergency repairs on water main

You may still find delays on parts of 11th street in downtown Sioux Falls. Crews are making emergency water main repairs, and two lanes are closed on 11th just east of Phillips Avenue. The work is expected to be done this afternoon.

Vehicle registration gets another option

Wouldn't it be great to avoid the line renewing your vehicle registration? State officials plan to install a self-service terminal in Sioux Falls, similar to an ATM, where you can walk up and renew your registration anytime. There is already one of these machines in Rapid City. There's a $2 fee to use the machine. Officials just have to decide where exactly to put it, and it should be installed by the end of the summer.

New Voting for School Districts SIoux Falls, Yankton

the Sioux Falls and Yankton School District's will be the first local elections in the state to use the State Election Reporting Systems for their local races. elections for both are May 24th. The key is the electronic poll books, which are interlinked. Secretary of State Jason Gant says once a person is recorded as having voted in one location, they are marked as having voted in all of them, preventing anyone from voting more than once.

Egan Road Work Meeting

The South Dakota Department of Transportation's scheduled a public meeting Tuesday May 10th in Egan to fill area residents in on their plans for the asphalt resurfacing project on state Highway 34 from I-29 to the Minnesota state line. The meeting's at 5:30 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Center on Main Street in Egan.

Sioux Falls Man Gets 50 Years for Rape

35 year old Leon Birdhorse of Sioux Falls will spend the next 50 years behind bars. Birdhorse was sentenced in a Minnehaha COunty Courtroom today for his guilty plea to plea to rape and aggravated assault. According to KDLT, prosecutors say Birdhorse forced his way into a Sioux Falls apartment last summer, raped a woman at knife-point and then attacked her roommate.

Library offers job help

Siouxland Libraries will offer a free class from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday on completing online job applications. The class will offer tips and will highlight pitfalls to avoid. It's at the Oak View Library, 3700 East Third Street.

Call 367-8060 to register, or register at www.siouxlandlib.org.

Man sentenced for rape

Attorney Aaron McGowan called it one of the most violent and horrific rape cases in recent memory, and the man behind it has been sentenced to 50 years on prison. 35-year old Leon Wesley Birdhorse pleaded guilty to second degree rape and aggravated assault in a plea deal. Birdhorse told the judge he'd been haunted by the ghost of a dead relative and didn't remember committing the crime. Due to prior felony convictions, he won't be eligible for parole until he's 72 years old.

240 in Rummage this Year

There are about 240 participating sales in the 11th annual Brandon Rummages this year. Organizer Wendy Kessler is registering sales around town as she prepares her own sale. Not only do sellers travel to Brandon for the annual rummages, but shoppers do as well. “I know they come from Minnesota and Iowa,” Kessler said. .

Theft at ioux Empire Fairgrounds Office

Some guns and other items were stolen from the Sioux Empire Fairgrounds Office. The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office is investigating the burglary. Two .22 caliber rifles, ammunition, 40 toy cars, tools, and a maroon 2000 Ford Expedition were all reportedly taken. Authorities say the vehicle matches the description of another theft that is being investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department.

SIOUX FALLS SCHOOL ELECTION WILL USE STATE ELECTION SYSTEM ON MAY 24

Secretary of State Jason Gant announced today that the Sioux Falls School District will join the Yankton School District on Tuesday, May 24th to be the first two local elections in the state to utilize the State Election Reporting Systems for their local races. And, for the Sioux Falls School District, the election will also represent the implementation of a measure sponsored by Gant during his last year in the State Senate to allow a school district to conduct an election using voting centers and electronic records.

Pregnancy Health Center Registration

Not a single pregnancy help centers registered with the state for the new law effective July 1st, requiring women to consult with one and wait 3-days before getting an abortion. The Argus Leader reports some centers are waiting to see if a lawsuit's filed challenging the law's constitutionality. Some haven't decided whether they want to participate - including the Alpha Center, which heavily lobbied for passage of the new law. Their president says the decision to register or not is a big one.

Arrest made in liquor store breakin

Two men have been arrested in connection with a break-in at Bake's Liquor in southwest Sioux Falls. The store was broken into Tuesday morning and again Wednesday, and police think they have the men responsible for both crimes. One of the men is also being charged with kidnapping because police say he was keeping a woman and her daughter from leaving an apartment.

Special Olympics expands

Special Olympics South Dakota is getting a new office building at Interstate 90 and North Cliff Avenue, and officials hope to move into the new space this fall. This is part of an overall plan for Special Olymics South Dakota to expand and add staff.

Sioux Falls gets new hotel

Work will begin this summer on a new hotel near 69th and Louise. The City Planning Commission just approved a 92-unit Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites. Construction should start on the $5 million hotel in July, and it should be open by next spring. It will be the first hotel development in Sioux Falls since the Hilton Garden Inn opened in September 2009.

UPS Uniform Purchase

There has been a huge purchase, $32,000 worth, of United Parcel Service (UPS) uniforms
on eBay over the last 30 days. This could represent a serious threat as bogus drivers (terrorists) can drop off anything to anyone with deadly consequences! If you have ANY questions when a UPS driver appears at your door they should be able to furnish VALID I.D.

Released

A man charged with murder and manslaughter in the death of a 14-month-old boy until prosecutors dismissed the case Monday has been released from the Minnehaha County Jail. Dustin Two Bulls Sr., 22, still faces one count of fourth-degree rape for allegedly impregnating a 15-year-old girl three years ago. His bond was reduced from $10,000 cash to $2,000 cash or surety on the charge on Monday. He bonded out yesterday.

2 Fires Yesterday

Two fires yesterday, one was a grass fire east of Souix Falls that was a contained burn. The burn ignited a nearby old cornstalk field east of Sioux Falls that took firefighters almost two hours to extinguish. The other fire was a half-mile south of Highway 42 near Rowena. The Splitrock Fire Department put out a grass fire there.

Sioux Falls Banker to Federal Prison

A Sioux Falls banker's going to spend 3 months in federal prison and 3 more on probation. 63-year old Wayne Wassink was also fined $2500. KDLT reports authorities say Wassink worked with a car salesman on a series of questionable loan deals
that turned a $2.5-million profit over 20-years. Car salesman Doug Larsen's already been sentenced to eight months of home confinement and $270,000 in restitution for bank fraud.

County Hearing on Nursery Road Sign Request

The county's holding a public hearing May 23rd, on a request by Oak Ridge Nursery, to put a sign on Red Rock Corridor, while waiting for results of a study that will shape the future of the route. The Brandon Nursery wants to put a directional sign for their business at the intersection of highways 42 and 11. Red Rock Corridor runs along State Highway 42 from Six Mile Road to the Iowa border. The county expects growth there because the Grand Falls Casino's opening next month near Larchwood.

Gavins Point Dam Road Work

Starting Monday, the road that crosses Gavins Point Dam, Crest Road, will be closed for extended periods during May and June to allow workers to complete rehabilitation on the power plant intake crane. The Argus Leader reports road will be closed Monday morning at 7 a.m. through Friday afternoon at 5 p.m; and reopen each weekend, Friday afternoon until Monday morning. This will continue May 9 through the 27th. Work will stop for the Memorial Day weekend and resume May 31st until June 24th.

Sioux Falls liquor store robbed for second time

Someone has broken into Bake's Liquor for the second time in two days. The front entrance was smashed in yesterday morning, and again today. Nothing much was taken the first time, but $100 in cigareets and $50 in liquor was taken today. The cost to replace the doors has been $350 each time, and the owner plans to add bars now. Anyone with information should call police.

Man sentenced for sex crimes

A South Dakota man accused of distributing child pornography has been sentenced to serve about four months in jail and pay a $1,000 fine. But if 25-year old Travis Herrick violates his probation, the judge said it's zero tolerance, and he could go to prison for a very long time. Herrick also is accused in another case of illegally recording sexual contact with two women while they were sleeping in a Sioux Falls hotel room and putting the videos on a porn website. That case is ongoing.

Inmate Apprehended

A state prison inmate that failed to return following a job search in Sioux Falls three months ago is back in custody. Inmate Janel Hill left the Minnehaha County Correction Center on February 2nd to search for a work release job, but failed to return to the unit at the appointed time. She was apprehended in Sioux Falls yesterday.

Roadwork Underway

Get ready for construction season. Several Souix Falls Area projects get underway and that means possible delays. The first phase of the Tenth Street and Cliff Avenue reconstruction project is underway. Cliff Avenue between Tenth Street and 11th Street will be closed to all traffic from May 2nd until approximately mid-July. Northbound Cliff Avenue traffic will be detoured via 12th Street, Blauvelt Avenue, and Eighth Street. Southbound Cliff Avenue traffic will be detoured via Eighth Street and Fairfax Avenue

Rosebud Man Pleads Guilty to Assault

A Rosebud man accused of stabbing someone in the head four times with a knife, plead guilty in federal court today to assault with a dangerous weapon. The U.S. Attorney's Office says 18-year-old Victor Clairmont will be sentenced July 21st. KELO reports he faces a maximum 10-years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Soliders returning to Sioux Falls today

Soldiers who had been stationed in Afghanistan return to Sioux Falls today. The 200 soldiers in the unit have been back in the US for about a week for demobilization in Wisconsin. Governor Daugaard is scheduled to speak at the homecoming celebration.

Two Bulls Won't Face Murder Charges

A man accused of killing his 14-month-old stepson will not stand trial for murder or manslaughter charges after a judge's ruling this week that questioned the science behind the accusations. "This is still a homicide," Deputy State's Attorney Randy Sample said. "I just can't prove who did it." Dustin Samuel Two Bulls, Sr faces 15 years in prison on an unrelated fourth-degree rape charge.

Beef Month

Fire up the grill for those steaks, hamburgers and kabobs. The summer grilling season is almost upon us. Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed May as “Beef Month” in South Dakota.
"May is the traditional beginning of the summer grilling season and beef is healthy, nutritious, and it tastes great when grilled,” the governor noted.
It is important that the citizens of South Dakota recognize the valuable contributions the beef cattle industry makes to the health and well-being of our state, Gov. Daugaard stated in the proclamation.

Noxious Weed Month

Governor Dennis Daugaard declared May as Noxious Weed Control Awareness Month to highlight the importance of managing noxious weeds, which negatively affect agriculture, water quality, recreational opportunities, and wildlife.

Seven weeds are currently listed as state noxious weeds in South Dakota, including Canada thistle, Leafy spurge, Perennial sow thistle, Hoary cress, Russian knapweed, Purple loosestrife, and Saltcedar. In addition, counties can list up to eight locally noxious weeds such as Field bindweed, Musk and Plumeless thistle, and Wormwood sage.

Things to Start Booming at Pierre Hotel Site

Construction is about to ramp up on an $8 million hotel and conference center in Pierre. KDLT reports bids for the project are being awarded and a spokesperson for the developer says things will be booming over the next few months. The ClubHouse Inn and Suites will include 80 hotel rooms, 4,500 square feet of meeting space, a restaurant and several hundred parking spaces.

Mom of Solider Killed in Iraq on bin laden Killing

The mother of a Souix Falls soldier killed in Iraq in 2007, says she's glad U.S. forces were able to find and kill Osama Bin Laden, but Margie Rolfing also tells KSFY that her son, Staff Sgt. Robb Rolfing, joined the army because he was outraged by the 911 attacks, and says if they hadn't happened, he'd still be alive.

Apps being accepted

Applications for an open spot on the State Investment Council will be accepted until a week from this Friday. KSFY reports that council oversees the office that invests state money and the assets of the South Dakota Retirement System. The Legislature’s Executive Board will appoint a new member when all applications are in. South Dakota law requires no more than 4 members of the council can be from the same political party, meaning this year’s appointee must be a Democrat.

Events Center recommendation to come today

Mayor Mike Heuther is expected to share his recommendation for a site for the proposed events center this afternoon before City Council. The mayor will take questions from the public from 6 to 7pm tomorrow.

Spots where you may find traffic delays

Road projects that may affect you this week...you may find delays at 10th street and Cliff Avenue in central Sioux Falls. Beginning today, there is also asphalt repair work on Rice Street between Cleveland and Timberline. That should be finished by May 13. Also as of today, 10th Street is closed to through traffic near Williams while crews relocate underground electrical services. That will take two weeks.

Gourmet Guys Event A Success

It was a tasty success as The Gourmet Guys feast Sunday night saw delectible delights from 35 chefs. About 800 people filed through the Active Generations center in Sioux Falls. They paid $30 to $35 for the honor of carrying a tray around the center to sample, all-you-can-eat style, the best work of Sioux Falls amateur chefs. Ticket sales plus gifts from sponsors brought in about $45,000 to support the center.

Parade for Loyalty Day a Success

Brandon residents lined the streets Sunday for a windy parade that served as this year's tribute to their community. It was Loyalty Day, and it was a success. George Lloyd, wearing a cap for VFW 4726, rode along the curb in a motorized wheelchair handing out small American flags. It was a fitting task.

Bin Laden Killed In US Forces Attack

Osama Bin Laden is Dead.
The President made the announcement late last nigh that US Special Forces kill Bin Laden in Pakistan in a firefight.







The body was taken into custody by the US and was reportedly burned at sea so as not to create a shrine for his followers. People in several cities across the United States took to the streets shouting USA and waving American FLags. At ground zero, a crowd gathered just aftert the announcement, and singing broke out...






Officials are warning travelers that retalliation could come from the Bin Laden faithful.