ACLU Sec of State At Odds Over Voting and Some Felons

The ACLU says the Secretary of state still, isn't complying with a deal worked out on voting rights for some felons. KDLT reports an agreement last year required then-Secretary of State Chris Nelson to propose rule changes to the state Election Board and to recommend the board propose a law change to the 2011 Legislature. ACLU says neither's been done. Current Secretary of State Jason Gant says he was never told about the need to propose rule changes covering voting rights for some felons.

Changes Coming for SF Schools and Technology

They are an innovation group, made up of teachers, administrators, and others whose job is to help the Sioux Falls School District make smarter choices about tech purchases. According to the Argus Leader, teachers will apply for money to test out new devices and software and at the end of the school year, the innovation group will evaluate the results and see if it can be used in other classrooms or district-wide.

Murder Trial to Start

The murder trial of 29-year old Heidi Waloke is set to start in Rapid City later this week. Waloke is accused of stabbing and killing her aunt, 38-year old Jada Jeunesse of Pine Ridge, in a Rapid City apartment in May. Waloke faces alternate counts of first degree murder, second degree murder and first degree manslaughter.

West 12th Work Starts Today

Beginning today concrete repairs will be made in the westbound lanes on West 12th Street between Marion Road and Valley View Road.
Beginning on Tuesday, November 1, 2011, concrete repairs will be made on Marion Road near Fifth Street and in the eastbound lanes of Russell Street near Westport Avenue. One lane at a time will be closed for the repairs, but traffic will be maintained in both directions at all times. Work in all three locations is expected to be completed in one week.

Project Complete

On Friday, October 28, 2011, after 47 days and an intense schedule, the contractor has completed the final phase of the asphalt overlay project on 41st Street between Minnesota Avenue and Western Avenue. This section of 41st Street is used by 23,000 vehicles per day. This coordinated effort between Asphalt Surfacing Company of Sioux Falls, the local businesses, and the City of Sioux Falls was completed on time and under budget on one of the City’s busiest streets. The City would like to thank the public for their patience during the construction period for this project and other projects along 41st Street. Enjoy the new driving surface!

Thune Newsletter on Flooding

South Dakotans along the Missouri River continue to make significant progress in the clean-up and recovery efforts following the historic flooding of 2011. While these recovery efforts continue in earnest, many questions still need to be answered regarding what went wrong and what action should be taken to help prevent similar flooding in the future.
Senator John Thune said in his weekly newsletter, quote, After leading the request for a Senate hearing earlier this summer to examine the decisions that were made in the lead-up to the flood, I was pleased that the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing on October 18th

Big SF Pot Bust

Sioux Falls Police seized 70 pounds of pot and arrested 28-year old Colin Neubauer-Keys and 26-year old Evan Cutler. Both are charged with possession with intent to distribute. Investigators also seized $100,000 in cash. Police got a tip about a pot shipment, intercepted it, and went from there. A police spokesperson tells KELO this two busts could lead to more people being taken into custody.

Woman Told She Was Dead

A Pierre resident says her recent attempt to renew her driver's license was going smoothly until the clerk told her she was dead. Eunice Cory tells KSFY that when the clerk entered her information in the computer, it showed that she was deceased. Cory was referred to the state's Vital Records office, which told her she had been dead for five years.
The department fixed the error, and Cory returned to get her driver's license. She says it took her about three hours in all to rise from the dead.

Candy Buy Back

If your kids get too much candy for the Holloween trick or treating session and you're worried about all that sugar wreaking havon on their teeth, not to worry, One local Dentist is buying the extra sweets. Scott and Jeff Wehrkamp of Wehrkamp Dental are holding a buyback for unopened Halloween candy from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at their office at 117 E. Holly Blvd. in Brandon. The aim is to prevent cavities and support the military. The office will pay $1 per pound of candy (up to 5 pounds). All candy collected will be shipped to Operation Gratitude,

Daugaard and First Lady Linda to Hand Out Holloween Treats at Mansion

Gov. Dennis Daugaard and First Lady Linda Daugaard will give Halloween treats to children who come to trick-or-treat at the Governor’s Mansion on Monday, Oct. 31, from 5:30-8 p.m. CDT. Handing out Halloween treats at the Governor’s Mansion is a long-standing custom in the capital city.
“Linda and I look forward to having trick-or-treaters and their families come to our front door on Halloween,” Gov. Daugaard said.
The Governor and First Lady plan to hand out 1,500 to 2,000 pieces of candy on Monday night, based on experience from past years.

Bitterroot Street Closure Slated for Monday

Monday morning will see work start on Bitterroot Street as it will be closed between Bitterroot Court and Auburn Hills Court. A signed detour will be provided that uses Louise Avenue, 85th Street, Courtyard Lane, Rose Crest Drive, and Redstone Avenue.
Kelly Nielson Construction will be installing water and sewer taps. Bitterroot Street is expected to reopen by 5 p.m. on October 31, 2011. Motorists are urged to use alternative routes in this area.

Johnson on Native Grasslands

U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) released the following statement on the U.S. Department of the Interior’s announcement that South Dakota’s native grasslands and the Blood Run National Historic Site will be included in the agency’s 50-state report as part of the America’s Great Outdoors initiative.
I applaud the Department of the Interior for highlighting these valuable conservation projects. I have long worked with state officials and local stakeholders on the Blood Run project and believe it offers a tremendous opportunity for outdoor recreation and historic preservation.

Pipeline Protest

Opponents of a proposed oil pipeline from Canada to the Texas Gulf Coast are riding horses and bicycles from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to the Rosebud Reservation in southern South Dakota. Opponents of the pipeline worry that it will harm the environment. Supporters say the pipeline could help reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil and create thousands of jobs.

Woman's Trial Date Set

A South Dakota woman accused of killing her husband is to stand trial nearly two years after the alleged shooting. Connie Hirsch is to stand trial beginning next April. . The 48-year-old Hirsch has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the May 2010, death of 65-year-old Jerold Hirsch at a home east of Pierre.

Killer Says He'd Kill Again

A South Dakota inmate who acknowledged killing a state penitentiary guard in a failed escape attempt asked a judge on Wednesday to sentence him to death, saying his one regret is that he did not kill another officer and that he will kill again. Eric Robert, 49, pleaded guilty in September to killing Ronald "R.J." Johnson on April 12

spent “just under $5 million” on the implementation of Obamacare’s failed Community Living Assistance Services and Supports

Senator John Thune today criticized the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) admission at a U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing that the Obama Administration has spent “just under $5 million” on the implementation of Obamacare’s failed Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act. The CLASS implementation figure cited today is more than twice the $2.2 million figure HHS claimed had been spent in a letter to Thune in August, just three months ago.

Morew Road Closures

Beginning on Friday, October 28, 2011, construction crews will close Plum Creek Road just north of the intersection of 56th Street.
Work will include the installation of new sanitary sewer line and a sanitary sewer manhole. This area of Plum Creek Road will be reopened Friday, November 4, 2011.
The prime contractor for this project is First Rate Excavate of Sioux Falls.

Street Closures

Sunday morning, Phillips Avenue will be closed to through traffic between Ninth and Tenth Streets. Phillips Avenue will still be accessible by vehicle at Tenth Street to get to the businesses on Phillips Avenue. A crane will be hoisting equipment on a roof in that block. Monday, Bitterroot Street will be closed between Bitterroot Court and Auburn Hills Court for water and sewer tap work.

Car Theft Arson Gets Madison Man Prison

A man who pleaded guilty to arson and accessory to grand theft, is going away for three years, and will have to pay $15-grand in restitution. Olson and two others were accused of stealing two vehicles in Madison, and setting them on fire in August. Olson was also convicted of burglary in December 2010.

Work's Started on New Grain Loading Terminal

Works started on a "shuttle train" grain-loading terminal west of Lyons. Central Farmers Cooperative CEO Steve Domm tells KDLT it'll be Minnehaha County's first terminal able to handle trains of up to 120-cars. Domm says they're already working on contracts with farmers for 2012 deliveries of corn wheat, and soybeans. The terminal should be up an running by next September.

Disaster Aid and Loans from FEMA

The amount of disaster aid and loans doled out to South Dakota flood victims is approaching $10 million. FEMA says 1,750 property and business owners in Hughes, Stanley, Charles Mix, Union and Yankton counties applied for disaster assistance by Monday's deadline. So far, $4.1 million in FEMA assistance and $5.4 million in Small Business Administration disaster loans have been approved.

George McGovern in the Hospital

Former South Dakota Senator and one-time Democratic presidential nominee George McGovern is in the hospital. The "Argus Leader" reports he's in a Sioux Falls facility for fatigue. He was finishing a lecture tour at the time. The 89-year-old is expected to make a full recovery.

Video From Victim's Home Catches Events Leading to Murder

Police say video surveillance a man set up to watch his Sioux Falls home recorded most of the argument with 29-year old Peter Mayen, who's been charged with his murder. 51-year old Bruce Walters was shot to death on his porch Sunday. The two men had a longstanding dispute that led to police being called to their addresses 17 times this year.

Sioux Empire Fair Profit

It was a great 2011 for the Sioux Empire Fair, getting it's 2nd highest attendance in 20-years. The Argus leader reports fair officials say they had over 275,000 people, up over 12% from 2010. The fair also posted a net profit of $225,000. The financial narrative marks a big turnaround for the fair that was rocked by an embezzlement scandal.

Man Sentenced for DUI

A Sioux City man has been given jail time and a suspended prison sentence for driving while drunk and under the influence of drugs while his stepson was in the vehicle. 41-year-old Bob Ray Schonrock was sentenced on Monday. His 9-year-old stepson was in the vehicle when Schonrock was stopped in June by an Iowa state trooper on Iowa Highway 60. Schonrock was given 90 days on each misdemeanor, to be served at the same time.

SMC Plant Closing

A longstanding manufacturing company in Sioux Falls is closing by early next year, putting nearly 80 people out of a job. Texas-based Alamo Group says in a statement that it will close the SMC plant. SMC makes agricultural equipment such as front-end loaders and backhoes. SMC General Manager Shawn Cleary says that the company has lost business it hasn't been able to recapture.

Yogi Bear Fright Nights

The Corn Maze at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park becomes a "Field of Screams’ where ghouls, goblins and dark spirits stalk the cornstalk labyrinth on the outskirts of Sioux Falls.
The Corn Maze at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Fright Nights run Friday, October 28th and Saturday, October 29th from 7:00-10:00 p.m.
In addition to the Fright Nights, the 2nd Annual Monster Mash for kids carnival will be held Saturday, October 29th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. In addition to the corn maze, the Monster Mash includes carnival games, wagon rides, jumping pillow and visits from Yogi Bear.
Admission for the Halloween events are $8 per person; $5 for ages 11 and under.

Harvest Safety

The end of the fall harvest season is in sight. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) wants to remind producers not to become complacent about safety during these last weeks of harvest.
The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety at Northeast Iowa Community College previously reported that one in every five United States farm families suffers a serious accident each year.
SDDA reminds producers to slow down and be cautious during harvest.

Legislature Approves Redistricting

South Dakota lawmakers have approved a plan to redraw the boundaries of the state's 35 legislative voting districts. The vote passed in both chambers largely along party lines. The Democratic minority said many districts appeared drawn to favor Republican candidates, while Republicans said the plan is fair.

SFPD ID's Murder Suspect

Sioux Falls Police say a neighborhood feud turned violent last night in the 1500 block of East Sage Place. When it was over, 51-year old Bruce Walters was dead. The suspect in the case is 29-year old Peter Mayen. He's been charged with first degree murder. Neighbors tell KSFY the two men had a long history of disputes, including threats of violence against each other.

Brandon Residents Not Thrilled with BNSF Switchyard Relocation Plan

Brandon residents are burning the phone lines to city, county, and state officials over plans to relocate the downtown Sioux Falls railroad switchyards closer to homes and businesses in Brandon. What's called Study Area 3, would move the BNSF Railway switching yard from the east bank in Sioux Falls, to an area north of Rice Street from Timberline Avenue on the west to Brandon city limits on the east.

Murder Arrest

A Sioux Falls man has been charged with murder in the Sunday night shooting death of a 51-year-old man. Police say it appears a confrontation occurred between two neighbors and the suspect shot the victim, whose name hasn't been released. 29 year-old Peter Mayen from Sioux Falls, was arrested and is being held in the Minnehaha County Jail.

Break In Arrests

19-year-old Mission man pleaded guilty in federal court to burglarizing a Subway restaurant. Anthony Wayne Kitteaux and a co-defendant allegedly broke into a Subway restaurant in Mission in May of this year and stole drinks, food and money. The two broke into the restaurant by breaking the drive-up window.

Murder Investigation

Sioux Falls police are investigating a homicide this morning. Police were called to the 15-hundred block East Sage Place around 8:30 Sunday night after people in the neighborhood reported hearing several shots. There police say they found a 51-year old man dead from gunshot wounds. Investigators arrested 29-year old Peter Deng Mayen and charged him with murder. The victims name has yet to be released.

DUI Arrest after Woman Hits Building

A Valley Springs woman faces charges of hit-and-run, failure to immediately report an accident and DUI-first offense. Brandon police arrested Teresa Lynn Shaffar, 43, of Valley Springs, about 2:30 a.m. at her home. Police say Shaffar drove into the south wall of Performance Press after leaving the Double D Saloon in Brandon. Police say Shaffar then drove away from the scene of the accident.

Thune Red Ribbon Support

In 1988, the “Red Ribbon Week” was formally recognized by President and Mrs. Reagan as a time for schools and communities across the country to raise awareness about drug prevention. This year’s celebration has been designated to take place during the week of October 22nd-30th. Senator John Thune says in a poress release that he is pleased to have signed on to a Senate resolution pledging his support to the ideals and values the Red Ribbon Week endorses and promotes.

Old Courthouse Museum haunt

Come haunt the Old Courthouse Museum! The annual Old Courthouse Museum Halloween Party will be held on Monday, October 31st from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. The free event is open to kids for trick or treating throughout the museum galleries, hear spooky stories, costume contests, kid’s crafts, and a scavenger hunt. Sponsored by the Siouxland Heritage Museums Alliance.

U.S Troops Out of Iraq by End of Year

President Obama says all U.S. troops will be withdrawn by year's end. The President says the last American troops will leave Iraq by January 1. 4400 soldiers were killed over the 9-years in Iraq, and it's cost the United States financially over $700-billion. Close to 100,000 troops have already left Iraq as part of the current draw-down.

Sewer Work on Cliff

After a week of delays, crews have finally started replacing old sewer pipes at the intersection of Cliff Avenue and I-229 in Sioux Falls. KELO reports Cliff will be closed northbound through the weekend, but drivers say they understand the delay.

Missing Teen Found With Fugitive in Texas

The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office says they've tracked down a 15-year old girl who's been missing from her home in Garretston since Wednesday. Roxanne Thooft was found with fugitive Michael Hagen near Austin, Texas. Hagen and Thooft will eventually be returned to South Dakota, where she will appear in Juvenile Court. KDLT reports on top of everything else, Hagen already has pending 4th degree rape cases here.

Pierre to Mpls Flight Considered

Great Lakes Airlines is expressing interest in taking over a Pierre-to-Minneapolis flight that Delta Airlines is discontinuing. Great Lakes currently provides service between South Dakota's capital city and Denver. CEO Chuck Howell says officials are still determining whether a Minneapolis flight would be feasible. Delta is ending the Pierre-Minneapolis flight on November 20.

Prostitution Sting

A prostitution sting in Sioux Falls THursday night put five people in jail. Through the use of the internet and other confidential sources of information, officers were able to identify several individuals believed to be involved in prostitution in the Sioux Falls area. Undercover officers posing as "Johns" were able to make 5 arrests for prostitution, one probation violation, and served one active warrant.

There's a Way To Pay Down That Law School Debt

You can apply until December 31st for a program that helps South Dakota prosecutors and public defenders repay school loans if they agree to continue in those jobs for a minimum three years. KELO reports the programs intended to keep qualified lawyers in their jobs as state prosecutors and state and federal public defenders. The loan repayment program encourages them to stay in public service, even though they could more money in private practice.

River Flooding Aid Pouring In

Aid from the federal and state governments to individuals and businesses impacted by this summers Missouri River floodings topped $9-million. KDLT reports over 1,700 households and businesses have registered for FEMA's individual assistance program since Aug. 23. Residents of Yankton, Charles Mix, Hughes, Stanley, and Union and counties may be eligible for assistance, and they can register at 1- 800-621-FEMA of online at disasterassistance.gov.

Aircraft Maintenance Co. Coming to SF

Good economic news this afternoon: A new aircraft maintenance company has announced plans to lease space at the Sioux Gateway Airport, creating as many as 50 jobs in the Sioux City area. The newly formed Iowa company plans to lease space in a hangar at the airport and hire aviation mechanics to serve regional and commuter passenger jets. Local leaders say the company, Aviation Consultant Expert Solutions, will offer good wages. The company expects to begin operations by December 1.

Film Festival

The second annual Reel Dakota film festival gets underway today. Twenty-nine films will be shown during the four-day event at Belbas Theater, Schulte Screening Room and Cinedome at the Washington Pavilion. The films scheduled to be shown are made up of shorts, features, documentaries and animations.

Pay Cut Controversy

The county commission in July voted to cut the base salaries of almost all county employees by 5 percent starting next year. The salary reduction allowed the county to help close an almost $3 million budget gap for 2012. Minnehaha County Deputies Association and the county commission Wednesday argued whether the county could legally impose a 5 percent reduction in deputies' salaries for next year. The deputies association has contested the wage cut, saying it is a breach of their contract, which expires at the end of next year.

Voter Registration Due Mnday

Voter registration for the Nov. 8 events center election closes at 5 p.m. Monday.
Registration forms may be completed at or mailed to the City Clerk's office, Carnegie Town Hall, 235 W. 10th St., Sioux Falls, 57117-7402; the Minnehaha County Auditor's office, 415 N. Dakota Ave., Sioux Falls, 57104; or the Lincoln County Auditor's office, 104 N. Main St., Canton, SD 57013. Visit www.sdsos.gov or call the Minnehaha County Auditor at 367-4220 or the Lincoln County Auditor at 764-2581 to verify registration.

Library Needs Name

Siouxland Library officials need your help with the name of the new Sioux Falls library. The 15,000-square foot, $5 million branch will be in Memorial Park near Discovery and Memorial schools. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 31. Mary Johns, director of Siouxland Libraries, said the new library can have any type of name and doesn't have to be named after a person

UFO or Something Else?

So what was that in the sky over SF the other night? At least two people called Metro Communications to report a flash of light and some law enforcement officers saw it, too, according to the emergency call center. The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls also got calls from people near Brandon who saw the unexplained object, said Tim Masters, a technician with the weather service. Masters says it was a meteor that lit up the sky, so not to worry, Martians are not invading.

Raven expanding

Raven Industries says its plans for a 15 million dollar renovation shows the company's faith in the future of downtown Sioux Falls. The project is expected to take 5 years. It includes a complete overhaul of Raven's headquarters - and moving the manufacturing operation to a different site.

Canton Getting Its Fourth Bank

Canton's getting its fourth bank. Security Savings Bank, based in Larchwood, plans to have a new branch open in Canton by December 1st. Security Savings follows First Bank and Trust, Farmers State Bank and Home Federal Bank. According to the Sioux Falls Business Journal, Security Savings is primarily an agricultural bank but does have a full range of retail banking services.

Romney to Appear

Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney is appearing tonight at the Sioux Area Chamber of Commerce's 105th annual meeting. The meeting is held in October to kick-off the new Chamber, or business year. Tickets are still available. For non-members, individual tickets are $150.

Author at SDSU

Eric Schlosser, the author of "Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal" will visit South Dakota State University today to discuss how Americans eat. The discussion, "Fast Food, Big Ag, and the Land," is part of the Harding Lecture Series. It is starts at 7 p.m.

New Judges

Gov. Dennis Daugaard today announced the appointment of Robert A. Mandel and Craig A. Pfeifle, both of Rapid City, to serve as circuit court judges in South Dakota’s Seventh Circuit Court. Mandel and Pfeifle will fill vacancies caused by the recent retirements of Judge John J. Delaney and Judge A.P. “Pete” Fuller. The Seventh Circuit includes Custer, Fall River, Pennington, and Shannon counties. Both Pfeifle and Mandel will assume their positions as circuit court judges no later than January of 2012.

Scouting for Food

Scouting for food is a community service provided by Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts to gather food donations for their local food pantry. This year the Brandon pack 117, pack 582 and troop 582 will be putting out bags in Brandon and in Valley Springs. We will be leaving bags on your front door on Wednesday October 19 and Thursday October 20th. We ask that you leave any donations in those bags by your mailbox or on your front step, where they can easily be seen, before 9:00 am on Saturday October 22nd. All donations collected will go to the local Brandon food pantry.

Brandon Breast Cancer Walk

The Brandon Area Breast Cancer Walk's this Saturday. Brandoninfo.com reports it starts at 9a.m. at Brandon Valley High School. You can get a Registration form at Tryon Gym or Tailgator’s in Brandon. The $20 registration fee must be paid by Oct. 20 to guarantee a T-shirt. Proceeds from the Walk go to a fund at Avera McGreevy Clinic in Brandon to help pay for breast exams for women unable to pay.

SF Unlucky

Sioux Falls has been ranked the 5th unluckiest city in the nation by Men's Health Magazine. According to KDLT, the rankings were based on several "lucky" areas, including most winners of Powerball, Mega Millions, and Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes; most hole-in-ones; fewest lightening strikes and deaths from falling objects; and least amount of money lost on lottery tickets and race betting. The luckiest city-San Diego.

Brandon Breast Cancer Walk

The Brandon Area Breast Cancer Walk's this Saturday. Brandoninfo.com reports it starts at 9a.m. at Brandon Valley High School. You can get a Registration form at Tryon Gym or Tailgator’s in Brandon. The $20 registration fee must be paid by Oct. 20 to guarantee a T-shirt. Proceeds from the Walk go to a fund at Avera McGreevy Clinic in Brandon to help pay for breast exams for women unable to pay.

Memorial for Fallen Officers

Officials and community members have broken ground for a memorial that will honor two fallen Rapid City police officers. The memorial will be built in North Rapid city at the site of the August 2 shootout. Officers J. Ryan McCandless and Nick Armstrong died of injuries after being shot while performing a routine stop. Office Tim Doyle was injured, but has since returned to duty.

Sentencing for SF Man

Sentencing has been delayed for a Sioux Falls man who strangled another man in an argument over a taxicab ride. That's because 45-year-old Lloyd Wilson wants a trial by judge on the allegation that he's a habitual criminal. Prosecutors say Wilson has a 2006 drug conviction in Florida. That could increase the maximum punishment on an aggravated assault conviction from 15 years to 25 years.

Statue In Valley Today

A piece of World War Two history is coming to the Central Valley today. A statue immortalizing a famous V-J Day kiss between a nurse and a sailor will be on display at the World War Two mural on South Mooney Boulevard at noon. The kiss that was captured in a photograph took place on August 14th, 1945 in Times Square. It became a symbol to represent the end of the war.

Residents Outraged Over Switching Yard Relocation Proposal

The Brandon city council chambers were over filled with concerned citizens Monday night at an informational hearing about the proposed new location of a switching yard for the railroad. The proposal is to use federal funds to move the switching yard from downtown Sioux Falls to one of two sites located on the west edge of Brandon. An extremely large group of citizens overcrowded the meeting as Josh Peterson, an engineer with the City of Sioux Falls, addressed concerns and answered many questions.

Woman Killed in Train Car Crash ID'd

Authorities have identified a woman who died when her car collided with a train in the Spink County town of Mellette. The South Dakota Highway Patrol says 67-year-old Rita Vollmer of Mellette died at the scene Friday in the crash on state Highway 20. Authorities say Vollmer failed to stop at the crossing. Neither of the two people on the BNSF Railway train was injured.

Another Trial for Wilson

A Sioux Falls man who killed a man over cab fare will go through another trial after being convicted of first degree manslaughter and aggravated assault. 44 year old Lloyd Wilson may be considered a habitual offender. Wilson choked 42 year old Bret Moe following an argument over a cab. In 2006, the state of Florida found Wilson guilty of felony drug possession.

Missouri River Governors Meet

A meeting of Missouri River governors revealed significant disagreement with Montana over flood control, even as federal officials said this year's high water damage might make their states more vulnerable next year. Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer fought against a developing notion that flood control for states downstream should dominate how reservoirs are managed upstream. Omaha conference in which governors from Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota and South Dakota took part.

More Fires

The number of of suspicious fires the past two months grew to 15 with two more during the weekend, frustrating residents and prompting police to plead for information.
All 15 fires have been started within a 10-block radius north of Fifth Street and east of Minnesota Avenue in north-central Sioux Falls, mostly on weekends and late at night or early in the morning. The targets have been unlocked cars and garages. Police ask that if you see anything suspicious, please call them.

Gas prices dropping slowly

Triple-A says bigger states generally see a bigger drop in gas prices after the summer driving season is over. The current average for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline in South Dakota is still approaching three dollars, 50 cents. That's 60 cents more than at this time last year. Prices in Sioux Falls are a little lower, with 3-29 reported by gasbuddy-dot-com at two locations and about a dozen locations under 3-40.

Dell Rapids Autumn Adventure

The Sioux River Red Rock Trail committee in Dell Rapids is hosting An Autumn Adventure, to celebrate the completion of the scenic river section of the new recreational trail. The Argus leader reports the events October 30th, from , from 1 to 3 p.m. in the park at Rickeman Field. The celebration will include free refreshments, kids activities and drawings. If Mother Nature's not cooperating that day, they'll hold the event next spring.

Deadline to Register for Events Center Election Next Week

If you want to vote in the November 7th Events Center election, the last day you can register is October 24th. You can sign up or mail a registration form to the Sioux Falls City Clerk's office, the Minnehaha County Auditor's office, or the Lincoln County Auditor's office. You can visit www.sdsos.gov or call the Minnehaha County Auditor at (605) 367-4220 or the Lincoln County Auditor at (605) 764-2581 to find out if you're already registered.

Suspicious Fires

Authorities are investigating three more suspicious fires in a Sioux Falls neighborhood that has been plagued by vehicle and garage fires over the past month and a half. Fire crews responded to two vehicles burning in an alley early Sunday, and spotted smoke and flames coming from a detached garage a block away as they were leaving the scene. No one was hurt in any of the fires. Before the weekend, there were car and garage fires in the same neighborhood at least seven times in six weeks.

Teen Pregnancy Research Grant

The University of South Dakota and the nonprofit Sanford Research have been awarded a $1.5 million grant to address teen pregnancy rates among American Indians. Teen pregnancy rates among Native Americans are four times higher than those for the rest of the state's population. The money will be used to research the reasons why and develop a prevention program.

Union Pay Cut

Minnehaha County highway union members will take a 5 percent pay cut next year, just like other county employees. In a two-year contract that starts next year, the 21 highway union members also agreed to be part of the county pay plan "as it may change from time to time."

Brandon City Councilman Roger Brooks Triple Bypass

Brandon City Councilman Roger Brooks, Ward III hopes to return to city council meetings in November after recovering at home after triple bypass surgery Sept. 22. Brooks had none of the classic symptoms of blocked arteries – shortness of breath, numbness or dizziness. But in retrospect, there were clues that he might need help. His wife, Mary Brooks, said occasional tightness in his chest he thought was indigestion possibly was the heart.

Brandon Area Breast Cancer Walk

The Brandon Area Breast Cancer Walk will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Brandon Valley High School. Proceeds from the walk will be directed to a special fund at Avera McGreevy Clinic in Brandon to help pay for breast exams for women who are unable to pay. Registration forms are available at Tryon Gym or Tailgator's in Brandon. The $20 registration fee must be paid by Oct. 20 to guarantee a T-shirt.

Northern Beef Plant Opening Now December

The opening of the Northern Beef Packers plant near Aberdeen's been pushed back from next month to December 9th. KELO reports state lawmakers heard about the change yesterday during a meeting with Agriculture Secretary Walt Bones. The new plant's expected to handle 1500 head of cattle a day and have 600 full-time employees when it's fully operational.

Casino Rob Bust

Police have made an arrest last night in a robbery at the Liebrary Bar and Little Las Vegas Casino yesterday afternoon. 32-year old Richard Madetzke of Sioux Falls is charged with second degree robbery and it in the Minnehaha County Jail. Police say the suspect displayed a note demanding money and got away with an undetermined amount of cash.

Canton Cop Cleared in Excessive Force Case

A jury's cleared a Canton Police officer in a civil suit claiming he used excessive force when he used a taser and pepper spray on 56-year old David Twedt in 2009 over a possible drinking violation. KELO reports Twedt's attorney says Dupic's use of the taser over a petty offense was excessive. Dupic's attorney says Twedt could have avoided this by following his client's commands to stop. Dupic wasn't reprimanded and is still a Canton Police officer.

John Morrell Fined

The John Morrell Co. has agreed pay a $206,000 fine to the federal government and improve how it manages the ammonia refrigeration system at its meatpacking plant in Sioux Falls.
The settlement agreement obligates the company to correct violations uncovered during a federal inspection. The 2009 inspection and a follow-up visit found multiple violations of federal laws governing the handling of large quantities of toxic chemicals.

No Cliff Ave. Closure

The City of Sioux Falls says that due to unexpected conditions, the planned closure of Cliff Avenue near I-229 has been postponed. The project was due to get underway Friday morning.
The closure is delayed for at least a week. We'll let you know when the new closure date is announced, or go to the city's website sioux falls dot org.

Tea Man Convicted for Harboring a Fugitive

56-year old William Stegmeier of Tea's been convicted by a federal jury for harboring a fugitive and providing that fugitive with a weapon. The fugitive's Thomas Kelley of Salem, who didn't show up for a federal sentencing on tax and other charges in August of last year. For harboring, Stegmeier faces up to 5-years and a $250-thousand fine, and up to 10-years and a $250,000 fine for providing the weapon.

More Students In SF Schools From Poor Families

South Dakota's largest school district has added 515 students during the past year, and more of them are from low-income families. KELO reports that when the school year ended in May, 47% of the Sioux Falls School District's elementary school students were eligible for free or subsidized meals, up from 44% the year before. Officials say students getting to school hungry don't focus well on studies.

Woodlawn Cemetery Tours

Experience Woodlawn Cemetery as you never have before! Stroll through a local cemetery by lantern light and meet some of Sioux Falls’ most interesting characters. Learn some of the famous and infamous tales from Sioux Falls history as local actors bring the stories to life. Join us October 20th through 22nd to tour Woodlawn Cemetery in Sioux Falls.
Tours will be October 20th-22nd with several tours each night. Tours begin every 20 minutes starting at 6:30, 6:50, 7:10, 7:30, 7:50, (and 8:10 p.m. Friday and Saturday Only) and will last approximately one hour.

Tan and Blaze Christmas

The big weekend is just three days away and hunters are already making their way to South Dakota. The pheasant opener is an event many retailers spend a lot of time preparing for as hunters converge to take advantage of great deals. "We call it the tan and blaze Christmas,” said Cabela’s General Manager Mike Fox. New this year, Cabela's will be giving away prizes for the longest tail feather, along with a banded bird contest. Prizes include a Cabela's shopping spree and up to five thousand dollars.

Thune Asks About Missouri River

Sen. John Thune said Wednesday that he wants answers about how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to manage the Missouri River next year. The Argus Leader reports that Thune will participate in a Senate hearing next week in which officials from the corps are expected to defend their management of the nation's river systems. The hearing comes after widespread flooding affected communities throughout the country, including South Dakota.

SF Students In Poverty Study

When the Sioux Falls School District's year ended in May, 46.8 percent of its elementary students were eligible for free or reduced-price meals, up from 43.7 percent the year before. Districtwide, the number of students in the program increased by about 900 in one year. The state's largest school district has added 515 students since this time last year, but the number of students from low-income families is growing even faster.

Lawmaker May Propose Drug Testing to Get Unemployment Benefits

State Labor Secretary Pam Roberts says a lawmaker's considering requiring people to submit to a drug test before being able to collect unemployment benefits. According to KDLT, federal law bars drug tests to determine whether people qualify for benefits from federal programs. Roberts says if the bill is filed in the 2012 Legislature, she'll probably testify that such testing would be illegal.

State Looking into Using Only One Drug for Lethal Injections

South Dakota's considering a change to a one drug injection to deal with executions, now that the DEA advised the state against using its' current supply of a new drug over import issues. On top of that, the Argus Leader reports there's a shortage of lethal injection drugs nationwide brought on by companies stopping their manufacture or refusing to sell the drugs to states that use them in executions.

Mt Rushmore Gets a Facelift

Mount Rushmore is getting its annual facelift. Crews are working to repair cracks in the national memorial in western South Dakota. The preservation work is done each fall on the granite faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. The work of finding and filling cracks will stretch through next week.

Music Group One Way Quartet at Swedona Covenant Church’s annual Harvest Festival

One Way Quartet, a musical group from George, Iowa, will be the featured entertainment at Swedona Covenant Church’s annual Harvest Festival beginning at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 16. The church is located at 25843 479th Ave, rural Brandon. Fellowship and refreshments will be served and a free will offering will be taken.

Thune Introduces Legislation

Senator John Thune today introduced legislation that would add teeth to the budget process by requiring Congress to pass a biennial binding joint budget resolution, and the president to sign the budget resolution into law. Thune’s legislation, The Budget Reform Act of 2011, was included in a larger budget reform bill, first introduced in 2009. The Senate Budget Committee is expected to consider Thune’s proposal in a hearing titled “Improving the Congressional Budget Process” today at 9:30 a.m. ET

Events Center Voter Could Be Record Breaker

There's a lot of interest in the events center special election. Over a thousand people have already voted, with only 10-days since early voting started. Sioux Falls Interim City Clerk Sue Roust tells KELO the proposed $115-million center could turn into a record breaker for votes cast.

Home Prices Down, Sales Up in Sioux Falls

The average sales price of a home in Sioux Falls dropped 9% from September 2010 to September this year, to $170,363. The Argus leader cites numbers from the Realtors Association of the Sioux Empire Inc. They also say the average sales price in the 4-county metro dropped 2.5% to just over $107,000. However, sales were up in Sioux Falls by 66% year over year, and up 53% in the metro.

Brandon Says Yes to McHardy Ice Rink

Brandon City Council's given its' blessing to an ice hockey rink at McHardy Park. The Brandon Valley Ice and Inline Hockey Association had asked for the rink at Aspen Park, but City Council had other ideas, especially since it invested $0,000 two years ago to move the ice rink from the high school to McHardy. Brandoninfo.com reports The council’s offer includes a garage for equipment storage. BVHA would have by buy a zamboni.

SDSU Board of Regents Meeting

The South Dakota Board of Regents begins meeting on the University of South Dakota campus this evening with closed executive sessions. The regents' business meeting convenes at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday with an agenda that includes a proposed policy setting the standard number of credits needed to graduate with a bachelor's degree at 120.The regents will also hear reports on off-campus education and mobile computing and consider a request to approve a new master's degree in computer science at SDSU.

Candle Blamed for Fire

A candle is being blamed for a destructive house fire in Souix Falls. Around 2 a.m. Monday, firefighters responded to a fire on the 5300 block of E. Lake Placid Circle. When crews arrived on the scene, smoke and flames were coming from a corner bedroom. They had the fire under control in about 15 minutes. Officials say no one was injured in the fire, but the house sustained moderate fire and heavy smoke damage. SFFR officials remind citizens to check smoke detectors and never leave candles unattended.

Yankton Man Killed in Accident in Nebraska

A South Dakota man has died after an accident while fishing on a bank of
the Missouri River near Gavins Point Dam in northwestern Cedar County, Nebraska. The Sheriff's Office said 65-year-old Edward Metter, of Yankton, was fishing when an unoccupied pickup that had been parked nearby rolled down the embankment toward the river. Metter was struck by the truck as it rolled into the river.

Pork Exports To S. Korea Could Be Boon for SD

Prices for pork have soared in recent months, and many U.S. producers have been expanding production, partly because South Korea temporarily has lifted its duty on U.S. imports. The agreements would add $52 million a year to South Dakota's $6.8 billion farm economy, with the biggest jolt coming from higher beef and pork sales, the American Farm Bureau Federation said. South Dakota would gain $22 million a year from higher beef exports and $5 million from increased pork shipments,

Boating Allowed Again on MIssouri

The Missouri River in Iowa's reopened to boaters. The rivder's been off-limits to boats all summer because of flooding. KELO reports the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says today the Missouri as well as the Big Sioux River in northwest Iowa are now open to boating again.

More People Taking the Bus in SF

A jump in riders of Sioux Area Metro transit buses could be tied to the agency's effort to cut the travel time on some of the used routes. The Argus Leader reports transit ridership's been heading up steadily in the past decade. Ridership in August of this year was up almost 14%, or 10,500 riders from August of last year. In July, ridership this year was 9% or 5600 riders higher than July of 2010.

Plant Agrees to Penalties

The John Morrell meatpacking plant in Sioux Falls has agreed to pay a $44,000 fine for polluting the Big Sioux River. The company agreed to the civil penalty settlement on Friday. The sanctions cover dozens of effluent violations since 2008. In early 2010, the plant was discharging three times the permitted amount of ammonia into the river.

Woman Sentenced

A Pine Ridge woman has been sentenced to 17 ½ years in federal prison for beating a man to death with a baseball bat. 41-year-old Sharon McMillan pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder for the May 2010 death of Garland Morrison at her home near Long Valley. McMillan's 19-year-old daughter, Jamie McMillan, was sentenced in July to 18 months in prison for assaulting the 32-year-old Morrison at her mother's home.

Family Uses Plan to Escape Fire

A Sioux Falls family used their fire safety plan to escape a fire safely early this morning. Two parents and their five children from 4 to 13 years old lived in the home on East Lake Placid Circle in Sioux Falls. The family was out of the building before the fire department arrived on the scene. Investigators say the fire was caused by a candle in the bedroom. This week is Fire Prevention Week residents are urged to check smoke detectors this week and change the batteries.

he South Dakota Board of Regents

Thursday, Oct. 13, Yankton, 7 p.m. CDT - The South Dakota Board of Regents will hold a Town Meeting on South Dakota public higher education in the Amphitheater of the Avera Sacred Heart Professional Office Pavilion, located at 409 Summit in Yankton. The meeting, hosted by legislators in District 18, is open to the public. For more information, contact Janelle Toman, 773-3455.

Department of Labor and Regulation

The Department of Labor and Regulation will be holding a Job Search Assistance Program (JSAP) at 811 East 10th St. Wednesday, Oct. 12, Sioux Falls, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. The JSAP is designed to assist and train job seekers on how to find and secure employment. Some of the topics included are job search and retention skills, networking, the hidden job market, resumes, applications and proper interview techniques. It is provided at no charge and open to the public. Parties interested in attending should register by calling 605-367-5300. For more information, visit www.sdjobs.org

South Dakota Board of Regents

The South Dakota Board of Regents will meet on the campus of The University of South Dakota for its regular business meeting. Executive sessions begin Tuesday at 6 p.m. and continue from 8 a.m. through 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. The regents’ business meeting convenes at 1:30 p.m. (CDT) Wednesday, October 12, in the ballroom (Room 225) of the Muenster University Center on the USD campus. The agenda includes a proposed policy setting the standard number of credits needed to graduate with a bachelor’s degree at 120; the board will also hear reports on off-campus education and mobile computing and consider a request to approve a new master’s degree in computer science at SDSU. The board’s agenda and supporting documents may be accessed online at http://www.sdbor.edu/theboard/agenda/index.htm. For more information, contact Janelle Toman or Tracy Mercer, 605-773-3455.

Town Meeting

The South Dakota Board of Regents will hold a Town Meeting on South Dakota public higher education at the Fire Station, located at 820 N. Dakota St. in Vermillion. The meeting, hosted by legislators in District 17, is open to the public. For more information, contact Janelle Toman, 773-3455.

Traditional Ammunition and Tackle Ban Lawsuit

Earlier this year, environmental groups filed a lawsuit to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban all traditional lead ammunition and fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976.
According to industry experts, metallic non-traditional ammunition makes up only one percent of the market share. Banning traditional lead shot would likely increase the cost of ammunition and price some sportsmen and women out of the market.
In an effort to combat this extreme action, I introduced a bill in April to prohibit the federal government from banning traditional lead ammunition and fishing tackle and a companion bill was also introduced in the House of Representatives.

Two Men Arrested for Assaulting Same Man in Bar

The manager of a Mitchell bar's being charged with one of two assaults on the same man who is in a hospital with life threatening brain injuries. Police say 37-year old Thomas Somerville assaulted the 36-year old man in Thirsty's bar September 30th. 34-year old William Watkins has been arrested for the second assault, in which the unidentified victim was kicked in the head.

Crews Pushing to Meet Red Rock Trial Completion Date

Weather delays and equipment availability have slowed progress on finishing the Sioux River Red Rock Trail, but crews are pushing to complete get it done by the Oct. 15 deadline. Pavers have been in high demand after this summers flooding. The Argus Leader reports a lot of the work, specifically paving, is being done by hand. The recreational trail loops around the Dell Rapids City Park and runs by the Dells of the Big Sioux River.

Man Released from Jail

27-year-old Seth Welder has been released from jail. Welder was ruled legally insane after a June incident, in which he jumped through an ex-girlfriend's window in Sioux Falls and then led police on a foot chase through a nearby apartment complex, smashing a glass door and trying to hide in the sewers. On Thursday, he told the judge he hopes to reconnect with his daughter in North Dakota and get his life back on track.

Daugaard Declares Emergency

Governor Dennis Daugaard is already declaring the wildfire in the central part of the state a disaster. He's also putting out the plea for more volunteer firefighters to get this grassfire under control before it starts burning homes and other structures. The wildfire north of the Rosebud Indian Reservation has grown dramatically in the last day. Strong winds continue to give firefighters problems getting the flames under control.

Breast Cancer Treatment Different in SD

South Dakota women choose mastectomy as their surgical option more commonly than other American women with breast cancer, and often for reasons that have little to do with medicine. The Argus Leader cites Long-distance travel for treatment, harsh climate and insurance all are concerns that weigh on a woman's choice in how to confront breast cancer. South Dakota women also tend to see removing their breasts through mastectomy as the courageous step to bring an immediate conclusion to their problem.

SD Incomes Up

South Dakota's per capita personal income grew by 3.5 percent from 2009 to 2010, according to data recently released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. South Dakota's per capita personal income grew by 3.5 percent from 2009 to 2010, according to data recently released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Personal income data counts income derived from every source, including wages and salaries; supplements to wages and salaries such as health care benefits; funds generated from renting property; dividends; and personal current transfer receipts that include Medicaid and Medicare, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

harvest Fire Prevention

The South Dakota Division of Wildland Fire Suppression is asking everyone to take extra precautions to prevent wildfires over the next few days. The warm and windy weather the state is currently experiencing makes conditions ripe for extremely fast moving prairie fires.State Wildland Fire Coordinator Joe Lowe is asking farmers to take precautions when they are in the field harvesting. Precautions such as having a disk in the field, locating water tanks nearby, and blowing chaff off combines to minimize the potential for fires are all measures farmers should highly consider.

Daugaard Declares Disaster for Wildfire

Gov. Daugaard's declared the wildfire in the central part of the state a disaster. He's also asked for more volunteer firefighters to help control the blaze. The wildfire's north of the Rosebud Indian Reservation has grown dramatically. It's already burned through 20,000 acres covering 30 miles, and strong winds are continuing to provide it energy.

Deadline Coming for FEMA Flood Aid

October 24th is the last date for South Dakota flood victims to file claims for disaster aid from FEMA. KELO reports October 24th's also the day to return applications for disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. A FEMA spokesperson says you should register for aid now, but some damages, like sinkholes or frost heaves, may not show until winter.

Wildfires Burning

Crews in the Dakotas continue to battle wildfires as hot, dry and windy conditions persist this week. A fire burned about 650 acres of cropland in South Dakota's Sully County on Wednesday. Onida Fire Chief Alan Birney estimates damage to a sunflower field and two corn fields in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The National Weather Service says a "red flag" fire danger warning remains in effect for much of the Dakotas.

Area Fires Prompt Safety Plea

Fire stations across the area have been working around the clock fighting blazes and it's not hard to see why. Lynn DeYoung is the director of Minnehaha County Emergency Management. He says conditions are just so dry and windy, fires are starting fast and can be tough to control, saying, "any little spark that starts something on fire has the potential to grow and to grow to extreme size very quickly."
DeYoung says many recent fires, like this one, have been harvest-related. So he's asking farmers to be especially cautious right now.

Assualt Charges

A Flandreau man faces assault and attempted murder charges in U.S. District Court for three attacks spanning nine months. A federal grand jury Tuesday indicted Darwin Crow on a charge of assault with intent to murder for a May 31 attack on Deborah Thornton. It also accuses Crow of assaulting Fred Redwing with a baseball bat July 8 and assaulting Brian Drapeau with a knife Oct. 29, 2010.

Johnson Media Call Brief

On the SD media call Senator Johnson indicated that the President’s jobs bill would be taken up by the Senate in about 2 weeks after the free trade agreements were considered. Senator Johnson has since been informed by Senate leadership that the President’s jobs bill will have a vote next Tuesday on a motion to proceed to bring the bill to the floor. It a 60 vote threshold on the motion to proceed.

Events Center Promotion Questions

Attorney General Marty Jackley says for the moment, he'll let Sioux Falls officials decide if Mayor Mike Huether and other city employees are within the law in presenting information about the much discussed proposed events center. According to the Argus Leader, state law bars public money from being used to influencing the vote on a ballot question. The events center goes to a vote November 8th. Some have questioned the legality of a presentation by Huether supporting the events center Monday, which included a handout paid for with city funds.

DD Country Club Back Open

The Dakota Dunes Country Club is back open. The club was closed for four months because of Missouri River flooding. Cleaning and renovating have kept staff busy for the last two weeks as they got ready for the return of nearly 300 members. The golf course needs some work and will reopen next spring.

Standoff Ends

A nearly 14-hour long standoff ended peacefully in Sioux Falls around 3:30 this morning. After hours of talking with police negotiators, 35 year-old Charles Ohman walked out the front door of the home and surrendered to police. Ohman did not have a weapon when he emerged from the house. He was arrested and taken to the Minnehaha County Jail. Ohman was on Minnehaha County's Most Wanted Listed for allegedly assaulting a woman and holding her against her will on August 12.

Training Grants

Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that South Dakota’s four technical institutes will receive $2.7 million this year as part of a U.S. Department of Labor initiative that will provide $2 billion nationwide over four years to support local hiring and re-employment service efforts.
Called Community College and Career Training grants, the funds will focus on reaching more students through online technology and apprenticeship opportunities that provide pathways to good jobs through targeted-skills training in high-wage, high-skill occupations.

Johnson Flooding

U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) put his support behind a plan that will provide tax relief to South Dakotans affected by this year’s historic flooding. Johnson cosponsored of the Tax Relief for Victims of Disasters Act, which aims to help individuals across the country recover from this year’s natural disasters. The provisions in the bill are similar to those enacted following major disasters in the past like Hurricane Katrina.

“Through no fault of their own, many South Dakotans were devastated by Missouri River flooding this year,” Johnson said. “When I traveled to the Dakota Dunes, Yankton and the Pierre/Fort Pierre areas, I saw firsthand the damage to homes and businesses caused by the sustained high water levels. The Tax Relief for Victims of Disasters Act will help South Dakotans trying to rebuild after 2011’s historic flooding.”

SF Neighborhood Shutdown by Police Activity

Several streets have been shut down while police try to get Charles Ohman to surrender. He was spotted in a house near 10th and Wayland. Ohman's one of Minnehaha County's most wanted. KDLT reports police stepped up their search foir him when he was reportedly seen earlier today in Sioux Falls. He's wanted for aggravated kidnapping. Police believe he is armed.

SD Woman Sentenced for Manslaughter

A South Dakota woman who pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the stabbing death of a Mobridge man has been sentenced to serve 15 years in prison. 43-year-old Donise Red Water pleaded guilty in August in the death of 41-year-old Vincent Village Center, whose body was found in his apartment in late January. Prosecutors dropped a murder charge in exchange for her plea.

Red Flag Warning

Dry conditions and gusty winds have created a high fire danger in much of South Dakota and a portion of southwestern North Dakota. The National Weather Service has issued a "red flag" warning, in effect through Wednesday evening.

Gov. Dennis Daugaard Taking Apps for Interns

Gov. Dennis Daugaard is currently accepting applications for a spring 2012 Governor’s Office Internship in Pierre. The position will be paid and run from January to May of 2012.
Interns will aid the Governor’s general counsel and be responsible for other miscellaneous daily tasks within the Governor’s Office, such as staffing the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and First Lady, preparing briefings and conducting research.
The position is open to all undergraduate and graduate-level students. Preference will be given to South Dakota residents attending South Dakota colleges or universities.
Submit a resume, cover letter and references by Nov. 1, via email, to kelsey.webb@state.sd.us .

Harvesting With the Ag Stars

There will be some fresh faces in combines this fall across South Dakota when the state Department of Agriculture spearheads Harvesting With the Ag Stars.
The program invites state legislators to climb aboard a combine for a few hours this fall.
Eighteen willing state legislators have been paired up in their districts with farmers to ride along during harvest and hear directly from constituents about the challenges and opportunities in agriculture.

Minnehaha County Commission Regular Meeting

at 9 a.m. the Minnehaha County Commission Regular Meeting takes place at 415 N. Dakota Ave.
Issue Proclamation declaring the month of October, 2011 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Minnehaha County.
Authorize Chairman to sign FY 2012 State and Local Emergency Management Agreement between Minnehaha County and the State of South Dakota.

Outdoor Hockey In Brandon?

Brandon's City Council votes tonight on whether or not there's outdoor hockey. The Brandon Valley Ice and Inline Hockey Association's asked the city to build an outdoor rink north of the Aspen Park swimming pool, and provide electricity and water. BHVA would do site prep and build the rink. The rink would be open to the public for adult recreational hockey, youth hockey, figure skating, public skating and community and special events. The city's utility costs would be about $8,000.

Fed Transit Money for SF Not Guaranteed for Next Year

Federal money subsidizes the city bus system and Sioux Falls' overall transportation planning is not a sure thing for next year with members of congress at odds over reauthorization of the transportation bill. There are many lawmakers pushing for aggressive cuts to lower the deficit. Some of the money that would come to Sioux Falls pays for running the Sioux Falls Area Metro and Paratransit bus services.

Prescribed Burn in Custer Park

The South Dakota Wildland Fire Suppression Division plans to conduct a prescribed burn in Custer State Park today. The agency plans to burn 99 acres between French Creek and Barnes Canyon Road. The burn will improve wildlife habitat and reduce hazardous fuels.

City Clerk Vote

The Sioux Falls City Council will vote tonight on whether to name Former Minnehaha County Auditor Sue Roust as interim city clerk. The Council last month fired veteran clerk and elections officer Debra Owen, without publicly giving a reason. City Budget Analyst David Bixler has been temporarily filling the position in the meantime.

Fall Harvest Underway

The fall harvest is underway in Rock County. According to the USDA Minnesota Ag News, 2 percent of corn has been harvested this year and 9 percent of the soybeans have been harvested. On-going dry weather should keep farmers in the field.

bathroom Fire at Baltic School

Firefighters and the Minnehaha County sheriff's office responded to a fire near the Baltic school's football field about 5 p.m. Saturday. It appeared that someone started the fire by lighting toilet paper, said Mike Koopman, Baltic fire chief. Firefighters extinguished the fire, which had melted through the blue plastic.

Vets Can Add Names to Memorial

Veterans who wish to have their name added to the Brandon Veterans Memorial may do so by calling Don Branson at 582-3866 or 940-2500. The cost is $50 per veteran name. The deadline is Oct. 17. Forms also are available at Home Federal Bank, 1305 Cedar St., Brandon, and payment also may be made there.

Native American Day

At the urging of the late Governor George Mickelson, the South Dakota legislature voted in 1989 to establish Native American Day. Since 1990, officially designated the “Year of Reconciliation,” Native American Day has been celebrated in South Dakota on the second Monday of October each year. The traditions of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people are continually seen throughout our state’s culture. Through music, food, art, design, and language, South Dakota’s nine tribes continue to contribute to the vibrancy and culture of our state.