Car Registration Goes Up Tomorrow

South Dakota lawmakers didn't want to raise taxes or fees in the last session, but they did find something people were willing to pay more to get: smoother roads. So, tomorrow, the fee to register or renew a vehicle in the state is going up. KELO says that's about $13 more, on average for resident of Minnehaha County.

Sioux Falls Flood Settlement

The city of Sioux Falls has agreed to settle a class-action suit filed after the storm and sanitary sewer systems failed in 2004 and hundreds of homes flooded. The settlement creates a $2-million fund, and if approved by a court, will allow about 160 people to recoup some of their losses.

SDS and USD Get First Go For Athletics Projects

The South Dakota Board of Regents have given the South Dakota State and the University of South Dakota, permission to move ahead with plans for new athletic facilities. The Argus Leader reports the Jackrabbits and Coyotes can start viewing designs and financial models. They're going to have to pay for the projects with private money and need renderings to make pitches to donors.

Man Crashes SUV into Truck

A Sioux Falls man crashed his SUV into a truck with four people inside late Wednesday night, and police say it was intentional. 28-year-old Joseph Hines was traveling east on 12th street when he drove across traffic and collided with a pick up. Hines faces multiple charges including 4 counts of aggravated assault, felony intentional damage to property and his second DWI.

Gavins Point Dam Road Closures

Gavins Point Dam Road to be closed Monday through Fridays in July - except over the Fourth of July. KSFY reports ongoing rehab of the Gavins Point Powerhouse Intake Crane is taking longer than expected. The Gavins Point Dam road, will be closed Mondays at 7:00 a.m. to Fridays at 5:00 p.m. through July 29, 2011. The road will be open for the entire July 4 weekend, including Monday, July 4.

Store Clerk Caught Selling Booze to Minor

A Sioux Falls store clerk's going to court for selling alcohol to a minor as part of a liquor sting by the Sioux Falls Police. Authorities visited 22 off-sale alcohol establishments Tuesday night. KELO reports the Walmart on Louise Avenue failed when the clerk sold to a person under 21.

SD Regents Meeting

New athletic facilities at South Dakota's two largest universities are on the state Board of Regents' agenda. South Dakota State wants approval to develop plans for a new football stadium and an indoor multi-sports practice center, and the University of South Dakota wants to start planning for a basketball and volleyball arena. SDSU's in the NCAA Division I, and USD's joining Division I in the 2012-13 school year. The regents are meeting today and tomorrow.

More Slots Coming to Royal River

Gov. Daugaard signed off on doubling the number of slot machines at Royal River Casino to 500, ending a four-year legal battle with the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe. The tribe sued the state in 2007, saying the state had refused to negotiate in good faith on a new tribal gaming compact. A judge said the evidence seemed to favor the tribe. Pending a public hearing and approval from federal regulators, the deal will negate a planned July 11 trial.

New RC Mayor

Rapid City Councilman Sam Kooiker (KWAY'-kuhr) will be the city's next mayor. Unofficial returns show Kooiker beating two-term incumbent Mayor Alan Hanks in Tuesday's runoff election with 52% of the vote

Woman Pleas to Misprision

Felony charges have been dropped against a 35-year-old Stephanie Vargas of Sioux Falls. She's the woman who failed to report a homicide to police in the days following an alcohol-fueled beating death. Vargas pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of misprision of a felony Tuesday in a Minnehaha County courtroom in a plea deal that will keep her out of prison.

Road Project Costs Less Than Anticipated

A 4.5-mile asphalt overlay project on Highway 143 between Colton and Crooks near the $25 million grain terminal planned for Lyons Township went out for bids and the lowest by Myrl and Roy’s Paving of Sioux Falls came in well under the projected costs.

More People Looking at Small Wind Turbines

More people are investing in small wind turbines for residential use. In Brandon, Charlie Cross wants to add a small, 200-watt turbine to supplement his solar power system. Before that can happen, Cross needs to convince the city to issue permits for residential turbines. USA Today reports the owner of Cleaner, Greener Energies in Sioux Falls, says one of the biggest problems is that communities don't have zoning rules for small wind turbines.

Snowgates Come with Big Price

Equipping the Sioux Falls fleet of road graders with snowgates would cost almost $500,000 more a year for plowing and another $500,000 to buy and install. The Argus Leader reports that while snowgates avoid people getting their driveways plowed they're slower and citywide use could mean taking 36-hours to clear snow instead of the current 24 hour goal.

Judge With Two DUI's Resigns

A South Dakota magistrate judge with two DUI convictions has resigned. 56-year old Mark Marshall took a leave of absence after a DUI arrest last October. He was sentenced late last year for his second DUI in Minnehaha County. According to KDLT, he notified the Unified Judicial System last week that he was stepping down.

Judge Resigns in 7th District

After being sentenced for his second DUI in Minnehaha County last year, Magistrate Judge Mark Marshall has resigned. Marshall, who is 56 years old, has been a judge with the 7th Circuit Court system since March of 2009. His duties were suspended in Pennington County after the second conviction.

Mayor To Announce Library Director Thursday

Mayor Mike Huether will hold a press conference Thursday with the plan to announce his appointment of the next Director of Siouxland Libraries.
Library Board Chair Joel Rosenthal and County Commissioner Cindy Heiberger will join Mayor Huether for this press conference.

Matching Grants Awarded for Historical Preservation

The Hans J. Hilmoe Barn in rural Baltic has been awarded a matching grant from the South Dakota State Historical Society. Jay D. Vogt, director of the society made that announcement yesterday. The grants are awarded through the South Dakota State Historical Society’s Deadwood Fund grant program. Funding for the program is from Deadwood gaming revenue earmarked by state law for historic preservation projects throughout the state.

New Bank EVP

Great Western Bank is pleased to announce that Ted Parker has accepted the position of Executive Vice President of Sales and Service. Mr. Parker will be responsible for the oversight of branch management, sales and distribution for the bank.

Events center forum tonight

Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Heuther hosts a forum on the city’s new events center tonight. The session will be broadcast live. The question and answer session will be open to the public at the Orpheum Theater starting at 6 p.m. All questions about plans to build the new center on the site of the current arena will be answered at the forum.

Crash Kils One

A motorcyclist has died following a collision with an antelope on a state high way west of La Barge, in Sublette County.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol reports that 60-year-old Darcy Q. Sprague of Big Piney hit an antelope Tuesday afternoon while riding on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle west of La Barge.
Sprague died Wednesday at the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls.

More Rape Charges

There may be more victims in a Minnehaha County molestation case according to the Sheriff's Department. 56-year-old Kevin Edward Buchholtz was arrested on charges of first-degree rape in relation to a 6-year-old victim June 15, and further investigations revealed two other young victims. Buchholtz was charged with two more counts of first-degree rape.

Brandon Bus Fees

The city of Brandon sdays it will cost more for students to ride Brandon Valley school buses this fall. The school district will recoup $55,000 by increasing and expanding bus fees, offsetting some of the 6.6 percent reduction in per-student state aid, Superintendent Dave Pappone said. Bus pass fees (per student, per semester) are being increased from $70 to $75, with a family maximum of $175 per semester.

Valley Springs Man Charged with Rapes

56-year old Kevin Buchholtz's of Valley Springs is behind bars, charged with 4 counts of rape. The Minnehaha County Sheriff says he's accused or raping 3 girls now, but they say there could be more victims. Investigators believe the abuse started in 2006. The girls involved were between 6 and 10-years old, and all of them are from the neighborhood where Buccholtz lives. He's being held on $350,000 bond.

State Water Project Loans

Gov. Daugaard announced grants and loans from the state Board of Water and Natural Resources for drinking water, wastewater, storm water, watershed improvement, landfill, and recycling projects. Loans were awarded to Bridgewater, $261,000 loan for Main Street sanitary sewer improvements , Sioux Falls, $14.71 million loan for Sioux River sanitary sewer and miscellaneous water quality improvement projects, and Viborg, $883,000 loan for sanitary sewer improvements

Free Concert

There's a free outdoor concert tomorrow to thank the thousands of people who have volunteered to help fight flooding in the Sioux City area. The concert featuring Toby McBrooks and Bush Hawg is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Sioux City Center parking lot.

Company Expanding

A South Dakota-based company is expanding its facility in Mitchell and adding workers. Innovative Systems which provides hardware and software systems for the telecommunications industry, is breaking ground this summer on adding 30,000 square feet and 30 positions in Mitchell.

Damage Assessments

Teams of federal, state and local officials will begin assessing flood damage to private homes and businesses in 10 South Dakota counties on Monday. They will be done in Charles Mix, Clay, Day, Hamlin, Hand, Hughes, Kingsbury, Stanley, Union and Yankton counties.

DWI Crash This Morning

Sioux Falls Police say a man was driving drunk early Friday morning when he crashed his car into a parked car in a residential neighborhood.
Sioux Falls Police say the driver was speeding on North Spring Avenue when he hit a parked car, spun around, and flipped over. Chad A. Garner of Sioux Falls was charged with hit and run damage to property, his 4th DWI , and a few other charges

Man Arrested

A man has been arrested by Souix Falls police whom they say was involved in a robbery yesterday. 18 year old Alonzo Young was arrested at a home on South Garfield Avenue.
He has been charged with robbery and a parole violation. Police believe he's the man who walked into the Taco Johns on West 12th Street and pointed a gun at workers.

AG Investigates Flooding

South Dakota's Attorney General says he has not made a decision about possibly suing the Army Corps of Enginners because of the Missouri River flooding.
He's investigating, but says it's too early to place blame.

Siouxland Library Director

Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Huether's named Mary Johns as the next director of Siouxland Libraries. She's expected to start in mid-August. The Argus Leader reports Siouxland Libraries serve the city of Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County residents who live outside of the city limits of Dell Rapids.

SUV Into House

Chad Garner's facing his fourth DUI plus drug possession and property damage charges after Sioux Falls Police say he missed a turn with his SUV, and ended up inside a home in the 900 block of South Jessica Avenue early this morning. KELO reports the 24 year old ran from the scene, but was quickly tracked down. Investigators say his blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit. Garner has three DUI convictions.

Gov. Approves Flood Loans

Gov. Daugaard's approved $5 million flood loans to Fort Pierre and Dakota Dunes. State Budget Director Jason Dilges, says the two communities need to pay for bills tied to flood protection involving the Missouri River. KSFY reports the loans carry no interest for 18 months and must be repaid in five years.

SUV into House

A dog is injured after a man drove his SUV into a house. The 8-year-old Jack Russell terrier was sleeping on a couch at the time of the crash about 2 this morning. 24-year-old Chad Garner was arrested on several charges, including driving under the influence, drug possession and hit-and-run damage to property. The dog is being treated for head injuries.

Lake Yankton

Thhe rising Missouri River pushing up the level of Lake Yankton has officials worried about the effects on the fishery. The river has risen higher than the lake and has started backfilling into the lake, and they say that could threaten access.

Man Falls into Augur

A man suffered only minor injuries after falling into a grain sweep augur in LaBolt this morning. 66- year-old Maurie Sime was cleaning out the bottom of the grain bin when he slipped and fell into the auger. He's in stable condition at Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls.

New Meters Take Plastic

Pretty soon you wont ned to dig for change to feed those hungry little parking meters when you stop in downtown SF. The city yesterday installed thirty parking meters on Phillips Avenue that accept bank debit cards and credit cards as well as coins.

Dam Water

About 1.2 million gallons flow through Gavin’s Point Dam every second and today that increases to 160,000cfs. Officials expect Dakota Dunes to see rises in water levels Thursday and Friday. And Yankton to see the effects from the 160,000cfs rise Thursday.

Boat Ramps Closed

Some boat ramps and campgrounds on Lake Francis Case are closed because of the rising water level. Lake Francis Case is a Missouri River impoundment between Pickstown and Fort Thompson.

Sewer Back Ups

The excessive rain has caused some sewer backups in some local homes. 14 Riverside basements were in it knee deep Monday night when the area was hit with torrential rains, but Sioux City Fire Chief Tom Everett said Tuesday the backup had nothing to do with the flooded Big Sioux River.

@ Dead After Heavy Rain

Two people have died as a result of the heavy rain that's fallen in the past 24 hours. Around 10 a.m. Tuesday morning Council Creek between Reliance and Lower Brule cut a massive hole in BIA Road 10. The Highway Patrol says two women drove separately into the hole, were washed away, and died. Names of the women have not been released.

Chamber losing members

Some members of the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce are dropping their membership in a disagreement over the Grand Falls Casino in Iowa. The Argus Leader reports 2 Sioux Falls bars have withdrawn. One bar owner says the casino is a drain on the local economy and is costing him business. The chamber says local jobs and development will be helped by the casino.

Evacuations Encouraged Along Bad River in Ft. Pierre

Officials in Fort Pierre are urging residents living along the Bad River to get out. Mayor Sam Tidball tells KELO it's not a mandatory evacuation, but is strongly encouraged because the river's been rising after a night of very heavy rainfall. There are about 80 homes in the affected area. The Bad River empties into the Missouri River at Fort Pierre.

Rapoid City Man Gets Life-Plus for Rape and Child Porn

A Rapid City Man's been sentenced to three life terms in prison without parole, plus another 120-years. 60-year old John Rolfe was convicted in April on 3 counts of rape, and 12 counts of possessing child porn. Prosecutors tell KDLT Rolfe started sexually abusing a girl when she was 9.

Child Porn Gets Sioux Falls Senior 8-Years

A 62-year-old Sioux Falls man who once kept child porn in his nursing home room, has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison. Mark Glammeier's kiddie porn stash was found last June. Investigators found thousands more child porn images on Glammeier's home computer. After the 8-years, he'll have 5 years supervised release, and have to register as a sex offender.

Oahe Dam release

Even with 2 inches of rain yesterday and more expected today, the Army Corps of Engineers says there are no plans to increase water releases from Oahe Dam. The corps over the weekend increased releases by 10,000 cubic feet per second in anticipation of the rains.

Gavins Point Releases Could Go Up

The top Army officer ion charge of managing the Missouri River says more rain could force the release of even larger amounts of water from an upstream dam. The Army Corps of Engineers is releasing a record 150,000 cubic feet of water per second from Gavin's Point dam in South Dakota now. Brig. Gen. John McMahon says if a storm system in the upper Missouri River basin dumps a lot of rain, they may have to let even more water out of Gavin's Point.

Brookings Beer Bash Getting Heat

A big beer bash in Brookings is under fire. The St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl's an annual tradition, with South Dakota State University students and others "crawling" from bar to bar downtown. City Manager Jeff Weldon says complaints about offensive behavior have gone up, and City Council plans a discussion June 28.

Sioux City Mail Operations Going to Sioux Falls

Mail processing operations in Sioux City are heading to Sioux Falls. The United STates Postal Service says it's because of a big drop in mail volume over the last 4 years. KDLT reports the move should be done by October, and then the Sioux City Processing and Distribution Facility will close. Sioux City employees will be reassigned to Sioux Falls or other vacant positions.

Camp PRT Youth Theater Workshops in Brandon

South Dakota State University's Prairie Repertory Theatre will host CAMP PRT Youth Theatre Workshops from July 18-30 in Brandon. The series of sessions for aspiring actors will be at the Brandon Valley Performing Arts Center. Registration deadline is July 9, and space is limited. Workshops are designed to teach young actors theater skills and enhance their natural talents and abilities.

CAMP PRT

South Dakota State University's Prairie Repertory Theatre will host CAMP PRT Youth Theatre Workshops from July 18-30 in Brandon. The series of sessions for aspiring actors will be held at the Brandon Valley Performing Arts Center.

Picture of Casino Robber Released

The Sioux Falls Police Department is asking for the public's help in finding the man suspected of robbing the Dollar Bill's Casino Wednesday morning.
Police have released a still photo from surveillance video inside the casino on North Cliff Avenue during the robbery. Visit siouxfalls.org/police for the picture.

Teapot Days

Teapot days continue this week with plenty planned for tomorrow...Jenny White talked to us earlier about the festivities






A complete scghedule can be forund at t- e- a- s- d dot com

The 15th annual Festival of Cultures

The 15th annual Festival of Cultures is tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 6 pm. A dazzling array of traditional costumes, rhythms of music and dance from cultures throughout the area, and a beautiful parade of flags begin the day’s festivities.
Falls Park comes alive on June 18th with the scents of food from Africa, Afghanistan, America, Asia, and more. Community non-profits that represent numerous ethnic peoples will have educational materials for the youngsters and entertainment opportunities are waiting for the whole family.

Library in Brandoin Reducing Services During Construction

The summer construction project at Brandon Elementary is said to be going well according to Sandy Cummings, administrative assistant at the Library. When everyone returns in August, a new commons area will be in place at the site of the old library. There will also be a lunchroom with 2 serving lines, and a new conference room. Due to the construction project, the summer library time will have to end. There's no internet access, and in July the air conditioning in that part of the building needs to be shut off.

Festival of Cultures This Weekend

The 15th annual Festival of Cultures is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 pm. It'll be a dazzling array of traditional costumes, rhythms of music and dance from cultures throughout the area, and a beautiful parade of flags begin the day’s festivities! Falls Park comes alive on June 18th with the scents of food from Africa, Afghanistan, America, Asia, and more. The day starts at 9 with a Naturalization Ceremony for new citizens.

Dakota Dunes Residents Warned

Gov. Daugaard says Dakota Dunes residents should use caution when they're allowed back to their homes to check on property after part of the southern levee collapsed this morning. Officials tell KDLT that section of the levee's been repaired and crews are working to prevent further erosion. Still, Daugaard says the breach is a good reminder of the current flooding danger.

Teens in Court for Vandalism

Two Brandon teens made their initial court appearance Tuesday in Sioux Falls on charges stemming from a weekend vandalism spree in Brandon. Police say the boys, ages 13 and 16, spray-painted homes, vehicles and campers, smashed vehicle windows and slashed tires in a north-central neighborhood June 12.

Fire Results in Major Damages

Major damages are the result of a home fire in SF last night as fire crews battled the blaze for more than 2 hours. Crews recued a dog from the home on Saratoga Place. No one was home at the time. The roof collapsed forcing crews to fight the blaze from outside the building, according to the press release.

Report on Officer Involved Shooting In May Released

Attorney General Marty Jackley and the Division of Criminal Investigation today released the summary into the shooting of Aaron Sivert Thompson on May 18 in Sioux Falls. Several officers responded to a female reporting that her male roommate was threatening to kill himself; if she called law enforcement he would kill more people; and that he had a gun. It is the conclusion of this report and the Attorney General that the Officers were justified in firing their weapons and using lethal force.

Brandon Vandalism Arrests

Brandon Police say two children have been taken into custody for some weekend vandalism. The two are accused of spray painting profanity on cars and homes, breaking windows and slashing tires. Police are investigating 29 reports of vandalism. All of the incidents occurred in the same part of town.

No Swimming Oahe Dam

Gov. Daugaard's adding a "no swimming zone" order to the "no boating zone" put in place along the face of Oahe Dam. The order takes effect at 8a.m. Friday. KDLT reports fishermen, boaters, divers and swimmers will be barred from using the area due to the high water flows through the outlet works to the stilling basin below the dam.

Minnehaha County Building Permits

Building permit rates for residential and agricultural structures in Minnehaha County will climb 3.2% starting July 1. Planning director Scott Anderson tells the Argus Leader that's a $34.90 hike on a permit for a new, 2,000-square-foot home with a finished basement and attached garage and deck. The last time the Minnehaha County Commission raised permit fees was July of 2008.

Drug arrest

A woman wanted in connection with a suspected meth fire in Sioux Falls has been arrested in Florida. Police say 46-year-old Dawn Seidschlaw mixed chemicals that led to an explosion and fire in the bathroom of a home on May 10. No one was hurt and the couple who lived in the home were arrested at the scene on drug charges. Seidschlaw was arrested without incident Monday in Florida's Pinellas County on drug charges,

Car versus Deer accident

A car and deer crash on I-90 just north of Brandon sent two people to the hospital. The driver of a Ford Taurus was air lifted to a Sioux Falls hospital shortly after 10 a.m. Tuesday. Troopers say the deer jumped as it was crossing the interstate and went through the windshield of the car. One other person in the car was transported by ambulance.

Wanted Woman Caught

A wanted woman in SF has be caught in Florida. 46 year old Dawn Seidschlaw was caught with 34 year old Michael Wood by the U.S. Marshal Service in Pinellas County, Fla. Monday. Seidschlaw is wanted in Minnehaha County for felony distribution of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Gavins Point Dam At Capacity

The Gavins Point Dam is being pushed to it's limits according to the Army Corps of Engineers. The dam is releasing 150,000 cubic feet per second of water through its spillways which is all it can do, and the waters are running into the swollen Missouri River and dumping a record amount of water on riverside communities downstream.

Siedschlaw Finally Captured

46-year old Dawn Siedschlaw's run from the law is over. She's been arrested in Florida. Minnehaha County issued a warrant for her arrest after a meth lab bust in Sioux Falls last month. Police say they believe she was making meth when a small fire started in the bathroom of a home. 2-other people have already been arrested in that investigation.

SF Police Say Teen Raped by Two Relatives

Police say a 13-year old Sioux Falls teen was raped by two relatives, her sisters 25-year old husband, and the husbands 20-year old brother. KDLT reports the brother, Eli Kraayenbring, is in custody, and they're still looking for the husband. According to investigators, the girl was assaulted while baby-sitting her three nieces and nephews.

Sioux Falls Regional Runway Work

One of the runways at Sioux Falls Regional Airport will close in July, so touchdown zone lights can be replaced and some concrete sections can be fixed. KDLT reports an airport spokesperson says the project should be finished by the end of August. The closed runway's not expected to interfere with air traffic.

Prescription Refills

Flooding in both South Dakota and Iowa has an insurance company temporarily changing some policies to help accommodate those living in impacted areas. Officials with Wellmark say members can receive early prescription refills for drugs that have been lost, damaged, or destroyed

Events Center

A decision was finally reached early this morning on where to put the events center. The majority of council members want the center built at the arena location. There was a tie vote between council members and the mayor made the deciding vote.

Convention Center Is New Site FOr Events Center

By a vote of 4 in favor and 4 opposed by the Sioux Falls City Council, Mayor Mike Heuther was the deciding vote for the proposed events center to be built at the Convention Center site after more than two hours of discussion Monday evening. While downtown supporters had the majority of speakers, there were others who supported the convention center site

Robbery Invvestigation Involves 2 Men

The Shop N' Cart on the 1000 block of North Minnesota was robbed early yestewrday morning. Polivce say they are looking for the two men responsible. Around 2 a.m., the suspects entered the store and demanded cash. Police say both suspects are around 5'9'' tall, wore dark clothing, and one man was carrying a gun.
call Crimestoppers at 367-7007 with any information.

Inmate Missing

An inmate walked away from the minimum-security unit at the State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls yesterday morning. Thirty-seven-year-old Tony Ivory went missing. He is black, 6 feet tall and about 300 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Ivory is serving a six-year-sentence on a drug conviction out of Brown County.
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Flooding Areas Still Under Voluntary Evac, But People Asked to Stay Away

Residents in the flooded areas of Pierre and Fort Pierre are being asdked to stay away for now. City officials have been discouraging residents from returning to their homes until potential risks from the record-high levels of water being released from the Oahe Dam can abate. Evacuations in Pierre and Fort Pierre remain voluntary, which means residents can return home at any time. Officials say anyone who does return to their property should notify authorities and be ready to leave again quickly.

Divers warned about fast water

With the season for underwater fish spearing opening up Wednesday, officials are warning divers to be careful in the Missouri River. The Department of Game, Fish and Parks says areas near dams on the Missouri should be avoided while was is being discharged at record rates. It creates suction above the dams and turbulent water below. You also need to watch for debris in the water.

Sturgis City Government Change

Residents of Sturgis may soon have the option to vote on whether its government is led by a city manager or city administrator.
Becky Israelson tells KDLT she's going to start a petition to get rid of the city manager's job. She an administrator would be better for Sturgis, and give the city council a larger role in the community. The Mayor says that the petition would eliminate the city manager, but a separate ballot question would be needed to create a city administrator form of government.

Red Rock Corridor Ideas

The Red Rock Corridor Task Force's come up with some ideas for future development of land along S.D. 42 between Sioux Falls and the new Grand Falls Casino Resort across the Iowa border. KDLT reports the plan suggests more commercial, single-family housing and light industrial land uses in the heavily agricultural area. The task force meets again next month to talk about standards, including requirements for billboards

Big Sioux Falls City Council Meeting Tonight

Sioux Falls city council's got a long meeting tonight. It's expected to include votes on the events center site and what to do with a $4-million budget surplus. The public will have a chance to speak before each vote. There are two events center site proposals: one is in downtown and the other is the arena site.

Event Center Debate

The location for the SF event center will be debated today. The city council is expected to decide between the Arena site and downtown on Monday. Mayor Mike Huether says he hopes the vote brings some closure and keeps the momentum moving forward.

Spray Paint Vandals Hit Brandon

A rash of vandalism has hit Brandon after residents awoke to spray painted cars and garages. Brandon's police chief says there's been up to about 28 victims and they expect more reports to come in.
It happened sometime between midnight and five in the morning Sunday.
Anyone who has damage police want it reported and if you see any evidence like paint cans they say don't pick them up and call police

Sioux Empire Fair CEO Leaving

Sioux Empire Fair Association CEO Tryg Fredrickson is resigning after two years working to turn the fair around. Fredrickson tells the Argus Leader he's going back to the financial industry but doesn't have a date for when he will leave. Fredrickson says planning for this year's 72nd annual Sioux Empire Fair Aug. 9-14 is in good shape and includes new events and attractions.

Boating Restrictions Lews and Clark Lake

Boaters on Lewis and Clark Lake are now barred from coming closer than a 1,000 feet of the Gavins Point powerplant intake and spillway. The restriction's a safety measure due to record outflows from the Lake into the Missouri River. The outflows are creating strong currents in the southeast corner of the Lake near the powerplant intake and spillway.

Sioux Falls Watching Missouri Level

As the flow from Gavins Point dam goes up, so is the level of the Missouri River here. KELO reports a hotel on the riverfront's already surrounded by sandbags to try and protect it from floodwater. They're also using rocks and plastic in an attempt to keep the water away. An exit off of I-29 been closed because Hamilton Boulevard, where it ends, is under water.

Grant Announced for Tribal Communities

U.S. Senator Tim Johnson announced that tribal communities in South Dakota will receive a total of $563,361 in federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funding is part of the Indian Housing Block Grant Program and will be used for housing activities in these Indian communities

Cameras In the Courtroom Rules Review

South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice David Gilbertson's holding an informational session for reporters and attorneys on new rules for technology in the courtroom. The rules allow cameras in a courtroom if a judge and all parties to a case agree. If cameras aren’t allowed in a proceeding, a judge can allow audio recording. The rules take effect July 1. The information session is 2:30 mountain time, Monday afternoon at the Pennington County Courthouse in Rapid City.

Goodwill Trailer Cancelled in Brandonl

The Goodwill Trailer won't be in Brandon next week. Due to flooding in the Sioux City, region, the Goodwill Ambassador program's been temporarily suspended. Jenny Linden, Goodwill Ambassador coordinator, tells Brandoninfo.com, they shooting for getting the program up and running again by fall. If you need more information, call 1-877-608-7775, ext. 1310.

Golf Assn Matches Relocated

The flooding on the Missouri River has caused the South Dakota Golf Association to relocate two of its tournaments this summer. The Men's Match Play Championship scheduled for July 6-10 at Dakota Dunes Country Club now will be held at Moccasin Creek Country Club in Aberdeen. The Women's Match Play Championship scheduled for July 8-11 at Hillsview Golf Course in Pierre now will be held at the Brandon Golf Course.

People Stay in Face of Flooding

Most residents have left potential flood zones in the state's southeast corner, but some families are staying. Five homes remain occupied at Dakota Dunes as crews build levees to surround the development. A few more residents are marooning themselves a few miles upstream desptie pleas for them to leave.

New Child Care Center Open

Building Blocks Child Care and Learning Center has opend it's doors for the little ones. Beth Hanna opened the place Monday. With a capacity of up to 150, the Center opened with about 70 children enrolled. Approximately 25 of those were retained from the previous childcare center that operated there, Brandon Mini Lynx, Hanna said.

Acting Workshops Taking Registrants

South Dakota State University’s Prairie Repertory Theatre will host CAMP PRT Youth Theatre Workshops in Brandon from July 18-30. Registration deadline is July 9, and space is limited. Workshops are led by Sioux Falls teacher and actress Jacqueline Pierce-Humke, director of PRT educational outreach.

Yankton Says It's Still Open For Business

Yankton's Convention and Visitors Bureau says the city is open for business, despite record releases from Gavins Point Dam and continued flooding on the Missouri River. KSFY reports a Yankton's CVB spokesperson says people should keep their summer reservations for the Yankton area, noting that only one of the areas 16 campgrounds is closed by flooding, and Lewis and Clark laker is still open for boat traffic.

Dakota Dunes Levees

With levees in Pierre and Fort Pierre so far holding back the Missouri River, crews co tinued working today to build up the dikes along the river around Dakota Dunes. The Army Corps of Engineers is pushing record amounts of water through Missouri River dams to get rid of unexpectedly heavy rains that fell last month upstream. Gov. Daugaard says the Dunes levees won't be fully tested for about a week.

First Sioux Falls Events Center Vote Could come Monday

The location for a Sioux Falls events center could be decided as early as Monday. Right now, there are 2 proposals on the table, one for a downtown site, and one for the Arena site; The Argus Leader reports that if there's no majority vote, Mayor Mike Huether, who's endorsed the Arena site, will break the tie. Huether wants a public to vote on the proposed events center in a special election this November.

Former Teacher Sentenced to 45 Years in sex Case

Former Patrick Henry Middle School special education teacher Nicolas Lee Jastorff was sentenced Tuesday to 45 years for charges of rape in the fourth degree and solicitation of a minor involving two 13-year-old girls. Other charges were dropped in the plea deal. He could be eligible for parole after serving 40 percent to 65 percent of his sentence

Sheriff Patrols Will be Stepped Up For Casino Opening

The new Grand Falls Casino Resort in Iowa opens Thursday, and it's expected to draw in a big crowd, meaning busy roads. Because of that traffic, the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Department is stepping up patrols. The casino's a few miles outside of Sioux Falls on Highway 42. No new deputies will be hired to work the area. Instead, existing deputies will have their responsibilities increased.

Lake Oahe

The water flowing into Lake Oahe is less than the amount of water going through the Oahe Dam. That means officials now expect the reservoir's levels to start dropping. The Army Corps of Engineers plans to release water at a rate of 150,000 cubic feet per second through July 15, but a corps spokesperson in Omaha says it could continue into August.

Thousands Forced by Flood Threat to Relocate

State officials say the threat of flooding from the Missouri River's forced close to 7,000 people from their homes in South Dakota. A Department of Transportation spokesperson tells KDLT most of those who've been displaced are in Pierre, Fort Pierre and Dakota Dunes. All three communities have built levees to protect them from a rising Missouri River that's rising because of record discharges from reservoirs.

Man Pleads Guilty to Rape

A Sioux Falls man accused of raping a child pleaded guilty Monday to first-degree rape. 31-year-old Ruben Garcia fled to Omaha, Nebraska, after his daughter caught him in bed with her 9-year-old stepsister. Sentencing is set for Aug. 15.

Sangerfest Concert

The Sioux Valley Singers Chorus will present their 47th Biennial Sangerfest Concert at 5:30 this Saturday, at the Brandon Lutheran Church. Tickets are $5 and will be available at the door.

Levees Holding in Pierre/Fort Pierre

Officials say emergency earthen levees built in Pierre and Fort Pierre are working as intended as water from the Missouri River nears its expected crest. Record amounts of water are being released from Missouri River dams to get rid of water from heavy rains upstream in the basin. Eris Stasch of the Army Corps of Engineers says he expects the water level to rise only a few inches when the final increase in water flow is made tomorrow.

Sioux Falls Gets New Fire Chief

Sioux Falls' next Fire Chief will be Jim Sideras, who's been a department member since 1983. Mayor Mike Huether picked Sideras this afternoon to replace Donn Hill, who retired last week. Until city council approves the appointment, Sideras will serve as the department's acting Chief.

Sioux Falls Man Pleads Guilty to Child Rape

31-year old Ruben Garcia plead guilty to a count of 1st degree rape in a Minnehaha County court this morning. Garcia left Sioux Falls for Omaha in February, after his daughter caught him in bed with her 9-year old stepsister. The Argus Leader reports Garcia's prison time will be capped at 40-years under a plea bargain, and after that he'll probably be deported.

ID Needed to Get Back Into Fort Pierre Neighborhoods

People who live in evacuated neighborhoods in Pierre and Fort Pierre now have to have identification cards to get back to their homes. Officials say it's a matter of security.
People living in those evacuated neighborhoods can pick up ID cards at the Georgia Morse Middle School from noon to 8 pm Monday and Tuesday.

Photos Will Chronicle A Day In Souix Falls

On June 21, a group of eight photographers will be taking pictures of people and places all over Sioux Falls in order to capture the events of a single ordinary day in the city.
Shooting will begin at 12:00am on June 21st an end at 11:59pm.
The project will be proposed to the Washington Pavilion as a display or will be able to be seen on the Flickr.Com website as a group.

High Water Impacts Rec Areas

High discharges from dams along the Missouri River have forced the shutdown of boat ramps and recreation areas in South Dakota. State officials tell KDLT the Farm Island Rec Area and Oahe Downstream Recreation Area in the Pierre area are closed, as is Springfield Recreation Area on Lewis and Clark Lake. There also are some restrictions on boating in stretches below the dams, which are releasing more water to handle runoff into the reservoir system.

State Seeks Death Penalty in Corrections Officer Killing

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says the state will seek the death penalty against Eric Robert and Rodney Berget.
They're the prison inmates accused of killing corrections officer Ronald Johnson during an penitentiary escape attempt. KDLT reports Jackley says the crime fits five of the 10 conditions set in law that qualify for the death penalty, including death of a corrections officer, manner of death, and the defendants' criminal background.

Site of Sioux Empire Fair could charge a tax

A change in Sioux Falls city ordinance could help cover a budget shortfall for the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. The county commission suggests that the city charge a city sales tax at the fairgrounds, which could help make up a $100,000 cut in county funding for the fairgrounds.

Those dealing with gravel roads near Brandon want help

Some residents who deal with gravel roads outside Brandon say their roads are hazardous to both motorists and pedestrians. Homeowners on portions of East Redwood and North Chestnut boulevards want hard-surfaced roads, but city, county and township officials say that isn't likely unless the properties come into the city limits. The landowners would have to request the annexation.

New Frozen Yougurt Store Opens Today

Summer is almost here, and with summer comes frozen treats. Souix Falls will see a new frozen delkight shop open today, Peachwave Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt opens at 11 at The Bridges at 57th in the former location of Ballroom at the Bridges. Peachwave is an Oklahoma-based chain with 30 stores in the U.S., according to the company website..

man Arrested in Wednesday Shooting

Sioux Falls Police have arrested a person of interest in a shooting incident Wednesday night. The shooting reportedly took place at an apartment building on North Spring Avenue just before 10 p.m. Kenneth Durrah, who police say is a person of interest in the case, is in custody. The victim is still being treated for injuries.

Pierre Flooding

Flood waters around Pierre are rising and they're about to get much higher. The dams along the Missouri River can't hold back a massive surge of water spurred by record rains in Montana. The Army Corps of Engineers is about to open those dams to record flows. Residents are hoping that temporary levees will keep them from loosing their homes and businesses. A voluntary evacuation order has been issued.

Ex Hardee's Trainer Pleads to Rape

A former Hardee's restaurant trainer from Wisconsin, has plead guilty to rape. 36-year old Shannon Manninger was accused of having sex with a 15-year old trainee here. Prosecutors claim Manninger once posed as the girl's father so she could get out of school and they could go to a hotel room to have sex. The Argus Leader reports Manninger faces up to 15 years in prison, but if a judge agrees to a plea deal, his time will be capped at 5-years.

County Cmmissioners Talking City Sales Tax at Lyons

Minnehaha County commissioners hope changing a city ordinance will help them close the gap in budget shortfalls at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. Commissioners want the city to charge sales tax at the fairgrounds and, in return, give them back about $50,000 a year. According to the Argus Leader, the fairgrounds collects state sales and tourism taxes, but not the city sales tax because of a Sioux Falls law that says "city ordinances don't apply to fairgrounds property."

Missing Sioux Falls Man found

A man reported missing yesterday has been found. 52-year old Richard Arland Edwards is just fine, according to police. He has a diagnosed mental illness and was considered endangered.

Softball, biking, and more this weekend in Brandon

It's a big weekend in Brandon. The Brandon Invitational softball tournament happens at Aspen Park. Kim Cerwick, Executive Director of the Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce tells us about other events too.






Also this weekend, the Tour de Kota starts in Sioux Falls and runs through Brandon, with hundreds of bikers involved.

www.brandonvalleychamber.com

former Hardee's Trainer Pleads Guilty to One Count Of Rape

A former Hardee's restaurant trainer from Wisconsin pleaded guilty to one count of fourth-degree rape on Wednesday after allegations he had sex with a 15-year-old trainee in Sioux Falls last year. Shannon Manninger had been charged with two counts of fourth-degree rape for the incidents with each count carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Police Need Help Finding Missing Man

Souix Falls police are asking the public for help in locating a missing person. 52 year old Richard Arland Edwards was last seen on Wednesday at about 1:30 p.m. wearing a green sweatshirt and khaki pants. He has grey/brown hair, is 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighs about 160 pounds and should be wearing glasses.
Edwards has a diagnosed mental illness and is considered endangered. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should call 367-7000

New Health Insurance for Those Under 19

South Dakota residents under the age of 19 will be eligible to sign up for health insurance regardless of their health condition.
KELO reports the state insurance department says the open enrollment period runs from July 1 through Aug. 14. The new program requires companies who offer individual health insurance to provide the option. Officials say people who have individual health insurance plans with an exclusionary rider will be offered a policy without a rider or exclusion during this period.

No Going to Dakota Dunes

The entrance to Dakota Dunes has been closed to all traffic to speed the delivery of sand and dirt needed to construct the levee.KSFY reports Dakota Dunes Boulevard will be closed at the residential entrance until 7 tonight when residents will be allowed back in. They're preparing to evacuate their community tomorrow. Dakota Valley High School, in McCook Lake, will be available as a shelter.

Residents Just Outside Brandon Still Want Raod Help

A year after asking the city of Brandon for help, some residents with gravel roads just outside city limits the problem is the same: their roads are dangerous for drivers and pedestrians. The Argus Leader says the homeowners on portions of East Redwood and North Chestnut boulevards want hard-surfaced roads, but city, county and township officials say that's unlikely unless the properties come into the city limits.

Death row inmate issues challenge over lethal drug

Donald Moeller has been convicted of killing 9-year-old Becky O'Connell of Sioux Falls in 1990. An appeal filed from death row questions the quality of the sodium thiopental the South Dakota intends to use as part of a three-drug mixture in his execution. The same sort of appeal over the drug from India, has also ruffled up a scheduled execution in Nebraska that had been set for June 14th.

Stolen Car Ends Up In pond

A stolen car was left in a pond about a mile east and a mile south of the Beaver Valley Lutheran Church and police are asking the public for information. It was a 2004 Mazda Miata. The windows were broken out and the body panels damaged.
Anyone with information on the crime is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 367-7007.

Tornadoe Warning Issued Last Night

A thunderstorm warning last night was issued for southwestern Lake County, eastern McCook County and northwestern Minnehaha County. Severe weather passed through the area without much ado.