Gun Suit

Gun control advocates and law enforcement groups have asked a federal appeals court to back a lower court ruling saying state's can't replace federal gun laws with their own. At issue is the firearms freedom act, which claims states should decide rules controlling the sale and purchase of guns and paraphernalia made inside their borders. It suit involves South Dakota, Montana, Utah, Alabama, Idaho, South Carolina, Wyoming and West Virginia.

Rapid City Burglary Bust

Rapid City Police and the Pennington County Sheriff say they've busted 28-year old Jason Edwards for a series of business burglaries. KELO reports investigators say an anonymous tip led to the arrest. In addition to the burglaries, Edwards is also charged with possession of a controlled substance and on warrants for driving under suspension and no proof of insurance.

Romania Univ Trip

Five South Dakota State University geography faculty members and one geography master's student recently visited a university in Romania for 12 days. The trip last month was to strengthen the university's ties with the geography faculty of Dimitrie Cantemir Christian University in Sibiu, Transylvania. A set of goals created in fall 2010 links the two universities.

Announcement Coming from the Army Corps of Engineers

Officials with the Army Corps of Engineers will announce the schedule for dropping the levels on the flooded Missouri river at 9 a.m. They'll also talk about their preparations for 2012 spring runoff. The Oahe Downstream and Farm Island Recreation Areas in Pierre have been closed since Memorial Day weekend. They've been underwater ever since record releases started flowing out of the Oahe Dam

Two Arrested on Drug Charges

Two Watertown men were arrested Thursday morning on drug charges and firearms violations after a warrant was executed, according to a press release from the Watertown Police Department. Shortly before 8 a.m., the Watertown Police Department executed a drug search warrant at 1803 Westminister, No. 21. Thomas Drippon and John Bandilla were taken into custody on several drug related charges, according to the release.

No Estimate of Amount of Sewage released

How much untreated sewage was released Wednesday into the Big Sioux River remains a mystery, but one thing is certain- it will be "some time" before they can quantify the amount of waste water released. Public Works Director Mark Cotter says large amounts of rain water overwhelmed the system Wednesday morning causing the release of the sewage.

Peterson Being Returned to Iowa to Face Charges

Gov. Daugaard's signed extradition papers sending 38-year-old Thomas Petersen back to Iowa to face first-degree murder charges for his wife's murder last month. 36-year-old Judy Petersen, was stabbed to death. KELO reports Petersen faces charges here, including attempted murder and alternate counts of aggravated assault after running two county sheriff's off the road during a high-speed chase a day after his wife's body was discovered.

Cabbie Choking Trial Starts

LLoyd Wilson's trial started today. The 44-year old's charged with 2nd degree murder, manslaughter, and aggravated assault. KDLT reports prosecutors say police spotted Wilson choking 42-year old Bret Moe last October. Moe was a cab driver, and the government says the dispute between the men was over a $20 cab fare Wilson didn't want to pay. Wilson's attorney's say Moe started the fight. Moe died a month after the incident, when his family decided to take him off life support.

2012 Sioux Falls Budget Plan

Mayor Mike Huether's taken the wraps of his 2012 city budget proposal. It calls for spending $336 million, which KELO reports is about $30-million more than the current budget. Some of the big items in Heuther's plan include $50 million for the police and fire departments, and $21 million for the street department.

Floodwaters Receding

It will be late September or early October before the Missouri River returns to its banks. Upstream water releases at Gavins Point Dam near Yankton are scheduled to be cut starting Saturday, then again on Monday. The Army Corps of Engineers says it will take time for the floodwaters to recede.

Wicked Weather

Almost 6 inches of rain drenched the Sioux Falls area Wednesday morning causing the closure of parts of Interstate 29, floating of some vehicles, lightening that led to a house fire, power outages, and record rainfall levels. More than 5.75 inches of rain fell in some parts of the city, according to the National Weather Service.

Property Force Cleaned

A crew of four from Runge Enterprises set to work early today to cleanup a rural Minnehaha County property that’s been declared a public nuisance.
Milton Lathrop, the 76-year-old property owner, had no choice but to allow the crew to remove things from his 30 acres of land on 478th Avenue, near EROS Data Center.

New Hospital Insurance Program Legislation Announced

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Johnson (D-SD) joined Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) in introducing legislation to extend a rural hospital mortgage insurance program that has already helped hospitals in 10 states including South Dakota.
The bill would provide a five-year extension to a program that allows rural hospitals to apply for mortgage insurance from the Federal Housing Administration.

Big Sioux Discharge

You might want to stay out of the Big Sioux River for a few days. The heavy rain's stressed the wastewater collection system, and there've already been some unintentional releases of untreated wastewater into the river. The Sioux Falls Public Works Department says they will have to now intentionally release untreated wastewater intro the river. State officials have been notified.

16 Year Old Girl to Adult Court for Murder

The 16-year old girl charged with killing another 16-year old Mitchell student in 2009 will be tried as an adult. Jasmine Guevara's body was found in the trunk of a burning car almost two years ago. Among the charges against Maricela Diaz: first degree murder, felony murder arson, and felony murder kidnapping. KELO reports police say Guevara was lured to where she was stabbed, and left in the car. Alexander Salgado's already been sentenced to life without parole for Guevara's killing.

16-year old Being Tried As Adult for Murder

The 16-year old girl charged with killing another 16-year old Mitchell student in 2009 will be tried as an adult. Jasmine Guevara's body was found in the trunk of a burning car almost two years ago. Among the charges against Maricela Diaz: first degree murder, felony murder arson, and felony murder kidnapping. KELO reports police say Guevara was lured to where she was stabbed, and left in the car. Alexander Salgado's already been sentenced to life without parole for Guevara's killing.

Mountain Lion

A mountain lion killed on a Connecticut highway last month had apparently walked halfway across the country from South Dakota, according to environmental officials who say the journey of roughly 2,000 miles was one of the longest ever recorded for a land mammal. The mountain lion originated in the Black Hills region and was tracked by DNA from its hair and droppings as it passed through Minnesota and Wisconsin in 2009 and 2010.

McVay in Court

James Vernon McVay stood in a Minehaha County courtroom yesterday as he was read his rights. He's the convicted felon who admitted to killing 75-year-old Maybelle Schein of Sioux Falls in her bed two days after his release on parole. Minnehaha County State's Attorney Aaron McGowan filed additional paperwork to charge McVay as a habitual criminal

State Won't Challenge Injunction on Abortion Law

Attorney General Marty Jackley says the state won't appeal a federal judge's ruling blocking South Dakota's abortion law from taking effect. KSFY reports the state will move ahead with litigating the ultimate case merits. Planned Parenthood asked for and got an injunction block the law which requires women seeking abortions to face a three-day waiting period and undergo counseling at pregnancy help centers that discourage abortion.

Lathrop Property Gets Cleaned Up

Runge Enterprises workers yesterday started moving 7-foot tall grass and weeds yesterday as the first step to cleaning up Milton Lathrop's property, which has been declared a public nuisance by Minnehaha County. Workers have found old tires, rotten carpet, and long deceased appliances on the land. Last year, a judge ordered Lathrop to clean up the property, and when he didn't the county declared it a public nuisance and hired a contractor to clean it up.

State Approves Native American History Curriculum

The South Dakota Board of Education's approved basic concepts and standards for teaching Native American history and culture. The Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and Standards will lead to changes in the way all South Dakota schools teach about the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people. They include grade-level standards, corresponding activities and suggested resources for use in instruction, such as films, books and tribal organizations.

Ctash Hurts Two

An early morning crash has sent two men from Sioux Falls to the hospital after a station wagon collided with a semi-truck in rural Minnehaha County. Crews continuw to investigate the crash that happened shortly before 8 a.m. at the intersection of 258th Street and 471st Avenue. A deputy sheriff says the driver of the station wagon drove into the intersection without stopping at the stop sign

Flood Frustration

Homeowners in the Pierre area who have fought off the rising river for two months, say there are getting frustrated with the flooding. The Missouri River has swallowed up 22 homes on Frontier Road and almost three feet of water remains in many of the houses. The most frustrating part is that all the homeowners in the development thought the water would be down by now, but Army Corps of Engineers hasn't given any clear schedule for ending this flood.

Woman Charged in Stabbing

A Sioux Falls woman's been charged with aggravated assault after she stabbed a man with a broken beer bottle. 21-year-old Natasha Big Eagle was in a fight with another woman at the Delux Motel before the stabbing. Police say Big Eagle was still upset after the fight and smashed a beer bottle, then stabbed a male acquaintance in the back and around the base of his neck.

School Based Clinics for Rapid City and Sioux Falls

Rapid City and Sioux Falls are getting federal funds to pay for health and dental clinics. The clinic at the General Beadle School in Rapid City is getting a $113,000 grant to fund two new exam rooms. KDLT reports the clinic does general dental care for students and community residents. Sioux Falls Health Department's getting $500,000 for a school-based clinic at Hayward Elementary.

Oahe Dam Water Flow Heading Down

Homeowners in Pierre and Fort Pierre are noticing water levels coming down a little. While the Missouri River's still at flood stage, releases at Oahe Dam are dropping and the water is beginning to noticeably recede. KELO reports water's still high and people are still taking precautions. The Army Corps of Engineers says right now, waters coming out of the dam @ 140,000 cubic feet per second and they plan to drop that to 135,000 CFS by August 1.

SF City Contracts

The Sioux Falls City Council may begin approving many contracts after the council's fiscal committee recommended the council approve all contracts worth $25,000 or more. But department heads don't like the idea, saying it will cause delays in awarding contracts and could delay projects by weeks.

No Good News on Student Test Scores

Iowa's Department of Education says test scores show students struggling in reading and math. It's a sign the state, which used top be an education leader, is falling behind. According to KSFY, Director Jason Glass says the backward slide's not only affecting disadvantaged and minority students but also the states white and relatively affluent students." Gov. Branstad plans on introducing a reform packing linking teacher raises to student achievement.

Feds Helping Some Premier Bankcard Workers

The U.S. Labor Department says it'll be able to help people losing their jobs because of the shutdown of the Premier Bankcard call center in Spearfish. The Department's got a grant of almost $400,000 for training and employment services to about 200 people. KDLT reports the center's closing at the end of the month. It has 330-full and part-time workers.

Mold in Some Sioux Falls Elementary Schools

The unusually high heat and humidity are getting the blame for mold found in six Sioux Falls elementary schools. The Argus Leader report Discovery Pettigrew had the worst problem with mold found in five classroom at both schools. Mold was also found at Harris,Twain, Hayward and Dunn. Some elementary schools, including Discovery, have had no air conditioning almost all summer because of cost cutting.

Shelter is Closing

A shelter for homeless and endangered animals is closing its doors. Second Chance Rescue is shutting down Sunday at 4:00 p.m. Officials say despite efforts to save the shelter the challenges the center faced could not be overcome.

Faith Temple Food Giveaway

The next Faith Temple Food Giveaway will be on Monday, July 25th at 4 p.m. at the Armory Building at the Sioux Empire Fairgrounds for those who are struggling. We will not have a Food Giveaway on Friday, July 22nd. For more info, please call 332-2303.
Today from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., the Sanford Mammogram Truck will be at the Faith Temple Parking Lot at 2121 W. 33rd St. in Sioux Falls. Free mammograms will be given to those who are struggling in our economy! Spread the word! For more information, please call 332-2303!

Help for Cattle Losses Due to Heat

Farmers and ranchers lost livestock to the heat could be eligible for financial help. The SDSU and elected officials tell KDLT farmers who lost large parts of their herd should contact their local Farm Service Agency office as soon as possible to see if they qualify for assistance through the Livestock Indemnity Program. Farmers should also hold off on burying dead livestock, because agents will have to verify the number of dead cattle.

McVay Probably in Court Next Week

41-year old James McVay will probably appear in a Minnehaha COunty court next week. He's been indicted by a grand jury on multiple counts of burglary and first degree murder. McVay's accused of killing 75-year old Maybelle Schein and stealing her car July 2nd. McVay claims it was part of his plan to kill President Obama. McVay had just been paroled. He was returned to South Dakota from Wisconsin yesterday.

Sales Tax Measure

A group of advocates for health care providers and public schools is moving forward with plans to initiate a ballot measure that would raise South Dakota's sales tax by 1 cent. Association of Health Care Organizations President Dave Hewett says that people want the opportunity to vote on the issue. He says proposed language for the measure will be submitted to the Legislative Research Council for review by early next week.

McVay Extradited Here

James McVay was indicted by a Minnehaha County Grand Jury Wednesday afternoon on two counts of First Degree Murder. McVay waived his right to an extradition hearing Tuesday . He was transported from Madison, Wisconsin to the South Dakota State Penitentiary by the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office Warrant Task force and one member of the Sioux Falls Police Department SWAT team Wednesday.

SF in Top 100 Places to Live

A list compiled by RelocateAmerica has tabbed Sioux Falls as one of 100 best places to move to in the nation, with an opportunity for residents to move the city even higher on the list through online voting. The list focuses on relocating factors for businesses and homeowners such as employment, education, community leadership, economic stability and overall quality of life according to the Argus Leader.

Family Mourns

A watercraft accident late Monday afternoon on Lake Okabena in Worthington, Minn. has a local family mourning their loss. Ashley Ann Engel was pronounced dead at the scene after the four-person jet boat crash. The middle child of Joel and Jolene Engel, Ashley Engel leaves behind an older brother, Joel, and a younger sister, Allison, for whom she tried to be a role model, friends said.

Royal River Casino will Double Slot Machine Count

Royal River Casino will be doubling it's slot count. A public hearing was held Friday morning on a new gaming compact between South Dakota and the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe. The deal would double the amount of slot machines in the casino according to KELO. Tribal leaders hope the new gaming compact will show their commitment to Flandreau.

Tree Seminar

A seminar will be held in Flandreau today to talk to homeowners about dealing with tree damage caused by a violent windstorm earlier this month that toppled hundreds of trees in the area. Dr. John Ball, a forest health specialist with the Extension Service, and Richard Mayko, a community forester with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, will discuss pruning, and planting and replacement.

Drunk Driver Sentenced in Killing

The Sioux Falls woman who was driving when a deadly car crash happened last summer has been sentenced to 60 years behind bars. Tammy Kvasnicka who is 29 years old was driving drunk heading down the wrong way on I-229, when she hit an oncoming car, killing 27 year old Michael Xayavong and seriously injuring another.

Mega Winner

South Dakota Lottery officials say Robert Fayette of Hot Springs bought a winning Mega Millions lottery ticket Friday to the tune of 30 thousand dollars. Fayette bought the winning ticket at a Hot Springs store that will receive a $3,000 bonus for selling it.

SF Woman Killed, One More Injured in Minn Boating Accident

One Sioux Falls woman is dead and another is injured after a jet boat accident Monday night in Minnesota. The Nobles County Sheriff Department says 20 year old Ashley Ann Engel was killed when the jet boat she was a passenger on crashed with a jet ski on the lake. 20 year old Tessa Rae Reit, also from Sioux Falls, was a passenger on the same jet boat. She was airlifted to Sioux Falls with unknown injuries.

Cattle Dieing Due to Heat

The heat is taking it's toll on farm animals. “We've lost into the hundreds of cattle,” said farmer, Roland Rust. “Cattle like that would be close to $1,500 a head,” he said, refering to a pile of cow corpses in the filed waiting to be buried. The cattle cant cool off at night becuse of the warmer temperatures, and that is causding the most problems.

MDOT Work to Start

The Michigan Department of Transportation issued three notices this afternoon about planned road work on portions of U.S. 12 and M-62.
There will be single-lane closures on eastbound U.S.12 from Elm Street beyond the village of Galien, Berrien County, from Wednesday, July 20, through Friday, Aug. 5, for crack sealing. There will be single-lane closures on eastbound U.S.12 between Edwardsburg and Union, Cass County, from Wednesday, July 20, through Friday, Aug. 5, for crack sealing.
There will be single-lane closures on northbound M-62 between Cassopolis and Dowagiac, Cass County, from Wednesday, July 20, through Friday, Aug. 5, for crack sealing.

New CoA Buliding

A vacant building on South Front Street will soon be full of activity as it's transformed into a state-of-the-art facility, complete with exercise and fitness rooms, a cafe and an education center. The Cass County Council on Aging’s plans to open up a satellite facility in the old Daylight Donuts. So far, 78 percent of the capital campaign is completed, or about $280,000 of the $350,000 goal. Once the remaining $75,000 is collected, organizers will finalize floor plans and seek bids for construction. The facility will primarily serve the eastern portion of Cass County, including Dowagiac, the Sister Lakes area and the areas east of Niles

Brandywine Summer Food Program

Brandywine Community School district is serving up food for the summer. Debbie Modlin, the head cook at Brandywine Middle/High School during the school year, says "We still need people up the street to come in, We had 19 regulars last week during our first week and since summer school started this week, it’s been better," Modlin the head cook at Brandywine Middle/High School during the school year. The summer food program for children 18 and younger continues until Aug. 11 with meals served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday at Merritt Elementary School, 1620 LaSalle Ave., Niles.

eReader Seminar

Siouxland Libraries will offer a free lunchtime seminar on how to download library eBooks and transfer them to an eReader. This class will be offered Wednesday, July 20 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Main Library in Sioux Falls. That's located at 200 N. Dakota Ave.

Missing Boy Safew

A missing 2 and a half year old boy is safe after being lost for a spell. Authorities in Aurora country said early yesterday morning the mother of Taydon Faulhaber was given a loudspeaker/public address system to call his name and shortly after he came out of the cornfield on his own. that boy had been missing since 9 the night berfore.

Crash

A man was taken to the hospital Monday morning after his truck was hit by a car in central Sioux Falls just after 8:30. The driver of the pickup was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Heat Affecting Hospital Patient

The recent heat is taking it's toll on hospital patients. So much so that one patient at the Veteran’s Medical Center in Sioux Falls was moved to another hospital in Sioux Falls. Generators are working overtime to help keep the hospital cool. The center's new director, Patrick Kelly, says it is a little warmer than usual, but they are at a safe level for their patients.

The Museum of Visual Materials Exhibit

The Museum of Visual Materials, artists Jess Elofson and visiting
Japanese artist Masahiro Wadayama present, “The Character Assassination of a Potter” Sunday, July 24 4-8pm at the Museum of Visual Materials, downtown Sioux Falls.
The show will feature work from the most recent wood fire kiln, which Elofson hand built.

Girl Scouts Recruitment

The Brandon Valley Garretson Girls Scouts will host a Bring a Friend Event as their annual Girl Scout Recruitment! All Girl Scouts are welcome to attend, and may bring a friend. All GIRLS INTERESTED IN JOINING GIRL SCOUTS SHOULD ATTEND. This is a great opportunity to join Girl Scouts as well as celebrate a great summer and back to school!
The girls will swim at the Brandon Pool and then enjoy ‘Inflatables,’ snacks and games at Aspen Park!

I-29 Inspections Still to Come

Some overpasses and ramps along I-29 in western Iowa will have to be inspected for flood damage before they're judged safe.
The Iowa Transportation Department says the damage could take months to fix and delay travel along the interstate and on the approaches to bridges across the Missouri River to Nebraska.

Integra Plastics Coming to Brandon

Integra Plastics is expanding, with pans to build a new facility in Brandon. The company broke ground on the new facility recently, and it should be up and at full production in January. The facility in Corson Development Park will include manufacturing, storage and office space.

School Accountability Future

A group of South Dakota educators will soon get to work on a new school accountability system to replace No Child Left Behind. State officials say No Child Left Behind held schools accountable for student performance for the first time, but now that the state's gotten a comfort level school accountability, they say, local communities should design a new system that fits the rural state's needs. 40-other states are heading in the same direction.

Flood Clean Up

The state Department of Health is holding free cleanup training sessions this week for homeowners and business impacted by flooding. The first session is at 6:30 this evening at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel in Aberdeen. Sessions are also being held Tuesday evening in Pierre at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel and Wednesday evening in North Sioux City at Dakota Valley High School.

Missing Child Found

A happy ending to a missing child case near Plankinton. Three year-old Taydon Faulhaber, the child who was lost after running into a cornfield last evening, has been found and is OK.

Power Outage

Hundreds of Xcel Energy customers were without power last night as temperatures were still in the 90's. Workers expected to have the problem fixed by 10:00 p.m. 312 customers are without power west of Minnesota Avenue.

Jazzfest Numbers Down

JazzFest organizers say the recent heat kept revelers from comning out to see the shows. The attendance numbers seem to be down from years past. But even with the hot weather there were no reports of heat related illness during the festival.

Improvments Coming to Keep Major Employer

Sioux Falls officials hope to keep a major employer in town by upgrading a northeast industrial area also designed to attract other businesses. The employer remains unnamed, but city officials say they think can secure state and federal money to help pay for a new roadway to accelerate improvements in the area.
Darrin Smith, city director of community development says it's a major organization city officials want to keep in the area.

No Wing Power in SD?

Windpower may be losing the wind in its sails in South Dakote. The argus leader reports that Developers point to the usual culprit - a longstanding lack of adequate transmission - but also to a prolonged slump in electricity demand, sluggish growth in the broader economy and rock-bottom prices for natural gas, which competes with wind.

A Step Closer for New Gaming Machines at Royal River

The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe's a step closer to 100 new gaming machines at the Royal River Casino. After a public hearing this morning, a deal with the state allowing new machines, goes to the Secretary of the Interior for approval. He has 45-days to act. If approved, a tribal spokesperson tells KELO they'll buy 100 machines in October at a price of $20,000 each.

SD Trailing in Number and Growth of Green Jobs

Despite its wind energy and biofuels, South Dakota's dead last in the nation when it comes to the number of and growth in green jobs. A Brookings Institution report: put the state dead lase with only 6600 of the 2..7-million jobs in the green economy. The Argus Leader reports part of it's the state's small population and economy. But the report says green jobs here are growing at 2.9% annually here, nationwide, the average growth rate's 3.4%, putting South Dakota 32nd in the nation.

Jazz Fest

Jazz Fest is underway at Yankton Trail Park in Sioux Falls. This is the event's 20th year. Gates open at 6:00 this evening, with everything wrapping up around midnight. A fireworks show will is at 11:30 Saturday night. For information on all the festivities, go to sioux falls jazz fest dot com.

Body Confirmed to be Hannemen

The Minnehaha County Coroner positively identified the body of 17-year-old Andrew Hanneman as the body pulled from the Big Sioux River this week.
Andrew's body was located in the river south of Baltic River Park Wednesday, shortly before 10:00 a.m. He and some friends were floating the Big Souix when they stopped to contemplate the saftey of going over the spillway at Baltic River Park on Monday evening.
Hanneman decided to go on over the spillway alone.

Casino Robbed

Martini's Casino and Lounge on South Louise Avenue was robbed at gunpoint yesterday afternoon. A man entered the casino and started to play the machines. The suspect reportedly showed a black handgun to an employee and demanded cash. Police say the suspect left with an undetermined amount of money. The suspect is described as a white male in his 40's or 50's, 5'7'' tall and 160-165 pounds. He was wearing a white t-shirt, white shorts, white baseball cap and glasses.

Parole Policy Changes Coming

The Department of Corrections plans to alter its parole policies in response to the brutal slaying of Maybelle Schein by James Vernon McVay which took place less than two days after his release on parole June 30. The inmate has a history of severe mental illness. The department says they will Take steps to ensure all inmates with a history of severe mental illness are screened before their release, among other things.

Wireless Provider Going Out of Business

A Sioux Falls wireless service provider is going out of business this fall. KELO reports Redwood Wireless will shut down operations in Sioux Falls on September 2. The company has been offering wireless service for less than $20 per month for life.
It's also the company that the city of Sioux Falls partnered with in 2007 to provide wireless service in police cars and fire trucks.

Inmate Releases Getting Review

A former inmate who's admitted killing a 75-year-old Sioux Falls woman days after his parole, had a documented history of mental health issue. The Argus Leader reports that came up in an internal review by the Department of Corrections. D.O.C. plans a list of “system improvements” in the wake of 41-year old Vernon McVay's release. The D.O.C. also will review its policies on transferring inmates directly from disciplinary segregation to parole.

Ice Arena Donations Top 1 Mil

Supporters of a new indoor ice rink in Sioux Falls have reached an important milestone. KDLT reports that The Ice Sports Association announced it has surpassed a million dollars in its' fundraising campaign. So, far the donations for the new ice center have come from private individuals.

SD Housing to Receive More Than 1 Mil for Improving HUD Homes

Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) announced that twenty-six housing and redevelopment commissions in South Dakota will receive a total of $1,761,740 in federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funding is provided through the 2011 Capital Fund formula. The Capital Fund provides funding to maintain and improve public housing sites and buildings.

Tim Johnson Sends Letter to FEM

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Johnson (D-SD) late yesterday sent the following letter to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, requesting an extension to the 60-day “proof of loss” filing deadline for South Dakotans affected by the ongoing flooding. The deadline extension would accommodate those families whose homes may remain under water for a long period of time, and who would thus be unable to produce required information such as repair estimates.

30 scholarship awarded

Thirty students are getting scholarships from the Dakota Corps. Those high school graduates get the scholarships in areas with critical needs around South Dakota. Governor Daugaard says this scholarship program provides those students with an education - and also keeps them in the state after they graduate college.

Casino Hearing Friday in Flandreau

There's a public hearing Friday in Flandreau on a proposed gaming contract between the state of South Dakota and the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe. The state says the deal would let the tribe double the slot machines at Royal River Casino to 500. Native Times reports that's expected to help the tribe compete with the new Grand Falls Casino Resort east of Sioux Falls.

Auithorities Find Body in Big Sioux near Baltic River Park

Authorities believe they've recovered the body of 17-year old Andrew Hanneman, He was with friends tubing down the Big Sioux River Monday night, when he went under near Baltic. The group had stopped at the dam at Baltic River Park to decide whether or not going over was safe. KELO reports Hanneman got into the water, tubed over the dam and disappeared.

Brandon Books Sale

The Brandon Historical Society will hold its summer used book sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at the Brandon Area Museum, on the south side of the Brandon Elementary. All proceeds go to the Brandon Area Museum.

Brother Shot

A Fort Pierre (peer) man is in the hospital after beiung shot during an arguement with his brother. Stanley County Sheriff Brad Rathbun says a 23-year-old man drove himself to the hospital after he was shot with a 22-caliber rifle. The 20-year-old brother was taken into custody and questioned. Investigators haven't filed charges or released any names at this time.

Willow Lake Fire

Investigators believe a branch from a tree that was on fire Sunday fell onto power lines caused a short circuit in the Willow Lake locker building. Crews responded to the fire at early in the morning and at around four o’clock, in the afternoon, they were still putting out hot spots.

Tea School Board Kindergarten

The Tea School District is expecting to bring in 125 new kindergarteners this fall. To help deal with that, the district had considered adding a seventh section to the kindergarten class. KELO reports last night, the school board decided not to, and they turned away 11 open enrollments.

Smoking Ban Not a Hassle

Authorities in the Black Hills say there hasn't been a single ticket issued in the region to smokers ignoring the ban on lighting up in bars and casinos. Rapid City Police Cpt. Karl Jegeris tells KELO the law's been self-enforcing, with businesses addressed any issues themselves and there's been no need for police intervention. The same is true for Deadwood., Voters approved the expanded smoking ban in November.

Search Continues for Missing Teen

Crews are continuing the search for 17-year old Andrew Hanneman of Colton. He disappeared while tubing on the Big Sioux River last night. The Minnehaha County Sheriff Office, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, Minnehaha County Emergency Management, SD Game Fish and Parks and local rural fire departments are searching an area at Baltic River Park.

Man Charged with Stalking

A Sioux Falls man is charged with stalking and threatening a woman and reckless driving. When police responded to a report of 28-year-old Rory Watson threatening a woman Monday afternoon, he took off running into the field where he hid for several hours. A SWAT team and a national guard helicopter were brought in and Watson was nabbed and taken to jail.

Standoff Ends Peacefully

One man in under arrest after a standoff yesterday afternoon. Just after 2:00 p.m. Police received a call that 28 year old Rory David Watson of Sioux Falls was stalking and threatening a woman. He led police on a chase and later ran into a cornfield near the intersection of 26th Street and Ellis Road. Watson was sending threatening text messages to family members and police believed he was armed with a shotgun. Watson was found just after 7 and arrested without further incident.

Boy Missing in Spillway

A dive team and fast water rescue team from Sioux falls are currently searching the area around the spillway a mile north of Baltic after a group of 8 tubed down the Big Sioux River from Dell Rapids last night. The group stopped to comtemplate options when a 17 year old boy from Colton decided to go down the spillway and continue floating down. The group last saw him going over the spillway and his inner tube was recovered further down stream but as of now the boy has not been found. Rescue teams with the Minnehaha County Sheriff, Baltic Volunteer Fire and Rescue, and Dell Rapids Volunteer Fire Department are helping in the search.

Dell Rapids Growing

Dell Rapids is growing. With a 2000 to 2010 growth in population of 2,980 to 3,633, Dell Rapids is on an expanding trend. With mid-year 2011 passed, city administrator Justin Weiland said that the number of single-family building permits has increased slightly over 2010. The city issued a total of four single-family permits in 2010, and Dell Rapids has issued six such permits in the first six months of 2011.

TransCanada Using Rose Colored Glasses

A new report says TransCanada's downplayed the potential for spills along the pipeline it wants to build to carry tar sands oil across the Plains to refineries near the Gulf of Mexico/ The University of Nebraska-Lincoln report came up with much higher estimates for the possible impact pf spills along the Keystone pipeline. A TransCanda spokesperson says they're still reviewing the report.

USDA Farm Service Settlement Plan

The U.S.D.A.'s Farm Service Agency is encouraging Hispanic and female farmers who think they improperly have been denied farm loans to apply for claims from a $1.3 billion compensation fund. The voluntary settlement plan, offers settlements up to$50,000 for Hispanic and women farmers who can prove they were improperly denied loans or had them modified unfairly between 1981 to 2000. A series of lawsuits allege a systemic, decades-long pattern of discrimination.

Flood Relief T Shirts

South Dakota State University will sell T-shirts to raise money for flood relief in the state. The T-shirts that read "Together: We Stand. We Fight. We Win." cost $20, with all proceeds going to support flood relief statewide. The shirts go on sale Wednesday at the university bookstore and online.

Not Guilty

A South Dakota man accused in the death of another entered a plea of not guilty on the charges of manslaughter. Thirty-one-year-old Terrence Gardner of Henry faces alternate counts of first- and second-degree manslaughter in the death of 46-year-old Asaf Sorum of Hudson. Authorities have not released details in the case.

Ex Bus Drivers Sue Mitchell

Three former bus drivers for the city of Mitchell are suing the city in federal court. All of them are in their 50's and they say they were canned in 2009 over physical problems. The suit claims the city saw them as disabled, which could be a violation of federal law. The city's mayor tells KELO the three were fired with cause because they couldn't meet the commercial driver's license standards.

Appeal Fed Order Blocking Abortion Law?

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says there's been no decision yet on whether or there'll be an appeal of a federal judge's order keeping South Dakota's new abortion law from taking effect. The law passed earlier this year requires women who want an abortion to wait three days and undergo counseling to discourage them from the procedure. The court ruled the law violated women's constitutional rights to free speech.

Flandreau Still Cleaning Up

Residents in Flandreau are still picking up the pieces from high winds that damaged hundreds of trees and homes last week. According to KDLT, winds topped out at over 70 miles per hour, and many in the community were without electricity for four days. Residents have left much of the debris at a large tree pile west of town.

Fatal Wreck

Two people died and another was injured in a crash on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. Deputies say an SUV and a car collided head-on about four miles south of Rosebud on Wednesday night. The lone survivor was flown to a Sioux Falls hospital. The identities of the victims were not immediately released.

Minnehaha County residents could see a tax increase next year

Minnehaha County residents could see a tax increase next year. County commissioners today announced plans to hold a special meeting on Wednesday to consider an opt-out of the Property Tax Limitation Statutes for the 20-12 budget.

Wanted Man Arrested in Iowa

Northwest Iowa deputies have arrested a South Dakota man, they say, is a suspect in a 2010 death.
The Lincoln County state's attorney Tom Wollman calls 31-year-old Terrance Gardner a suspect in the death of 46-year-old Asaf "Ace" Sorum. Sorum died at a Mercy Medical Center, in Sioux City, back in December just two days after an incident inside his Hudson, South Dakota home.

Yankton Cuts

KELOLAND Reports that With the Yankton School District facing budget cuts, a committee is trying to make sure Middle School extracurricular activities are not dropped.

Minnehaha County Property Tax Meeting

Property taxes could go up next year for Minnehaha County residents. County commissioners plan to host a special meeting July 12 at 9 a.m. to consider an opt-out of the Property Tax Limitation Statutes for the FY2012 budget. KDLT reports the commission has hosted hearings for the past several weeks to figure out how to cut $3 million in spending for next year. State law says commissioners must decide on an opt-out by July 15.

McVay's Wisconsin Stay Extended

The South Dakota man who claims the murder of a 75-year-old nurse was part of a plot to kill President Barack Obama will remain in Madison for two weeks while he gets a mental examination.

Probation for Deadly DUI/Drug Crash

David Bendt plead guilty in Minnehaha County Court to second degree manslaughter in last August's death of Kevin Rogers. Rogers was riding a bicycle when Bendt's truck hit him. At the time of the crash, Bendt has passed out under the influence of alcohol and controlled substances. His plea carries a maximum 10-years, but the sentence was suspended as long as he sticks to the terms of his probation.

McVay Confession

James McVay is being held in Wisconsin, accused of killing 75-year-old Maybelle Schein in her Sioux Falls home. McVay confessed to the killing in a chilling jailhouse interview where he blames Conservatives for his plan to kill president Obama. "I was going to get him on the golf range," says McVay. If convicted of the charges he faces in South Dakota, McVay could face the death penalty

Events Center Push is On

A group calling itself Build It Now Sioux Falls, has launched a campaign to bring a new events center to Sioux Falls. Mike Sullivan, executive director of the Sioux Falls Sports Authority, is one of the people behind the drive. The Argus Leader reports city residents could vote on the issue of an events center this November.

Sioux Falls Man Gets 25 Years on Sex Charges

Vern Hennings has been sentenced to 25-years in the state penitentiary. KDLT reports Hennings, who's from Sioux Falls, plead guilty earlier this year to three counts of sexual contact with a child under sixteen.

Schein's Accused Killer Had Bigger Plans

James McVay, the man charged with killing Maybelle Schein over the weekend, had a much bigger plan. According to the Argus Leader McVay's told police in Wisconsin he planned to keep killing and dumping cars as he crossed the country to get to Washington so he could kill President Obama. McVay's charged with 1st degree murder and burglary in Schein's death.

Parking for Events Center

The Sioux Falls City Council gave a green light to a parking plan for the proposed events center. Council members passed a resolution that would create 300 parking spaces. The plan calls for the demolition of one baseball field at McCart Park, instead of the five that would have originally been torn down.

Fireworks Ticket

More than 200 calls related to fireworks being shot off within city limits over the holiday weekend came in to Souix Falls police according to police spokesman Sam Clemens. One person was ticketed.

Day Care Being Watched

Sioux Falls officials say they are closely monitoring the home of a day care provider where a 4-month-old girl died last week, and more needs to be done to get information about providers out to parents, a city department head said Tuesday. Franken said the city has suspended Connie Edwards' registration to operate the day care while an investigation is conducted into baby Meredith Ulmer's death. That suspension can last up to 90 days.

Skate Park Wants to Be More Family Friendly

Brandon officials want to see more families at the skate park. They say they have plans to make the park more fmaily friendly. "Basically, we're trying to clean up the reputation there. It's gotten a bad rap because it draws the younger teens more than the younger kids," said Jerry Gillespie, the park's director. Skate park staff have started scheduling family time at the park on the north side of the Brandon Valley High School parking lot for two hours - 5 to 7 p.m. - on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

FEMA On Flood Insurance

Residents along the Missouri River should buy flood insurance now even though new policies probably won't cover losses from the floods that began in June. According to KELO, a FEMA spokesperson says coverage now could protect residents if the current flooding causes problems like a levee breach or the swelling of a tributary after the policy becomes effective. FEMA says it might consider such events to be "separate and independent" of the ongoing disaster.

Huron Mayor Recall Fails

The effort to recall Huron Mayor Dave McGirr's over. City Finance Officer Paullyn Carey tells KSFY 344 signatures were declared invalid, dropping the number of valid ones to 1,128 - 139 short of the number needed to prompt a recall election. McGirr's opponents think former Police Chief Doug Schmitt's rights were violated when he was put on administrative leave after comments he made to a Legislature committee studying an illegal immigration bill.

Accused Sioux Falls Killer Just Paroled

The South Dakota Department of Corrections says the suspect in the weekend murder of 75-year old May Schein in Sioux Falls, was paroled last Thursday. James McVay had been serving time for grand theft and an escape two years ago., McVay was arrested by authorities in Madison, Wisconsin, after police here used OnStar to find Shein's car, which was missing.

Piper Hearing Today

Court officials are beginning the process of selecting a jury for the resentencing trial of an Alaska man who helped murder a South Dakota man 11 years ago. Briley Piper pleaded guilty to killing 19-year-old Chester Poage near Spearfish in March 2000 and was sentenced to death. The state Supreme Court later ruled that a jury and not a judge should have decided Piper's fate and ordered that he be resentenced.

Minnehaha County Highway Work

Despite some differing opinion's on the county commission, Minnehaha County's spending some money to straighten two rural intersections ahead of a planned $25 million grain terminal in Lyons Township. The first intersection is Minnehaha County highways 118 and 143. The second is the intersection of county highways 126 and 137 north of Crooks. The Argus Leader reports curves at both will be removed and the gravel section of Highway 118 from 143 to the curve will be paved.

Frontier Air Starts Flights

Frontier Airlines begins service at Sioux Falls Regional Airport this evening. he first flight is scheduled leave Sioux Falls around 6:30 p.m. Monday. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony held at the airport Tuesday.

SD Good for Jobs

A recent study has ranked South Dakota as the fourth best state in the nation for its efforts to create favorable conditions for business growth and job creation. The Praxis Strategy Group conducted the study in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Missouri River Debris

The high water on the Missouri River in South Dakota's having consequences..debris' been freed up nd its moving downriver and turning into a problem at dams. KDLT reports at Gavins Point Dam the debris is keeping the power plant from running all three turbines. The Army Corps of Engineers is using a barge mounted crane to get some of that stuff out of the river.

River Boulevard Speed Limit Up

Sioux Falls has changed the speed limit on River Boulevard from 30 mph to 35 mph. According to the Argus Leader, Reconstruction of the three-quarter mile stretch of divided roadway improved the driving geometrics of the street. A city study found the average speed of traffic's 34 mph.

Abortion Law Blocked

A federal judge blocked today's scheduled start of a new abortion law, calling its three-day waiting period and mandatory counseling requirements a violation of woman's right to free speech and that the law would be a "substantial obstacle" for women seeking an abortion in the state. The Argus Leader says the ruling came in a case against HB1217 brought by Planned Parenthood. Gov. Daugaard wasn't surprised, and says the state will continue fighting for the law.

Sentenced for Not Reporting Homocide

The argus leader reports that the women who failed to report a homicide to police last year has been given a one-year sentence at the county jail. 35 year old Stephanie Dawn Vargas pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony on Tuesday in Minnehaha County in a deal with prosecutors that saw charges of accessory to the murder of 28-year-old Rafael Morales dropped.