State House Passes Plan to Have Longer Terms for Lawmakers

A Joint House Resolution passed in Pierre today would amend the South Dakota Constitution, to allow members of each house to serve a maximum 6 two year terms in office. KELO reports Republican Rep. Jim Bolin of Canton, says lawmakers need more than eight years to get the experience they need to be effective, but fellow republican Rep. Stace Nelson of R-Fulton says wrong citing a concern it would "establish power that is not meant to be."

SF Man Gets A Year for Funny Money

20-year-old Lance House will be spending a year in federal prison after he passed a counterfeit $20 a Shop `N' Cart in Sioux Falls last July. KDLT reports House pleaded guilty to a count of passing counterfeit U.S. currency in November, and he was sentenced in federal court last week.

Northwest Sioux Falls Getting Health Care Option

A $500,000 federal grant put a new public health clinic at Hayward Elementary School to help low-income families whose kids wouldn't otherwise get to see a doctor. The Argus Leader reports construction's scheduled to start at the school in June, and the doors will be open by February of next year. The clinic will be tied to the Maricar Community Center, which connects to Hayward to serve northwest Sioux Falls.

Berget Sentence

The family of a murdered South Dakota prison guard is in court this week to see his confessed killer sentenced. Rodney Berget, 49, could receive the death penalty for his role in the murder of prison guard Ronald Johnson. Berget pleaded guilty to Johnson's murder, which took place during a botched escape attempt last year. A Minnehaha county medical examiner testified Monday that Johnson, who was beaten with a pipe and suffocated, likely did not die right away.

Synthetic Pot Discussed

KDLT reports that the Sioux Falls City Council and Sioux Falls Police Department discussed synthetic marijuana and the effect the drug is having on the city Monday night.
Police told the council that they have been closely monitoring the problem and how it is affecting juveniles. Police say while the problem is not just happening among youth, issues with the synthetic drug have been on the rise in schools.

Rick Santorum Makes SD Apperance

Rick Santorum was scheduled to speak at the Pizza Ranch, but big crowds forced a last minute switch. Just a few hours before Rick Santorum was scheduled to speak, event organizers chose to move the meeting to a bigger space, the Palace Theatre. He's the first of the republican presidential hopefuls to make an appearance in the state. Dozens of people from around the area filled the Palace Theater to hear what Santorum had to say.

MTI Training

The South Dakota Board of Education has approved a new Welding and Manufacturing Technology program for Mitchell Technical Institute (MTI).
The new welding and manufacturing program is one of the components of Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s South Dakota WINS (Workforce Initiatives).
The new program, brought to the board by state Director of Career and Technical Education Mark Wilson, proposes to begin training new welders and advanced manufacturing employees in the fall of 2012. The first class will have capacity of 24 students, who can earn Associate of Applied Science degrees in welding or manufacturing technology within 18 months.

Teach the Bible in Public Schools

The South Dakota Legislature's approved a bill urging school districts to provide academic instruction on the bible. State Sen. Elizabeth Kraus of Rapid City says the Bible impacted western civilization's culture, laws and literature, but KDLT reports Sen. Tom Hansen of Huron says it's a bad idea and that the state and the church should each regulate their own issues.

Building Permits Point to More Growth

If last years' number's are a sign of things to come, cities in Minnehaha County can look forward to more growth this year. In Brandon, building permits were $26.6-million last year, up over $8-million from 2010. The Challenger reports Sioux Falls had a record year for building permits in 2011, issuing 100 more than the last best year. It is a sign the city’s growth is healthy and stable. In Brandon and Sioux Falls, a majority of permits issued were for property upgrades.

Hope Card considered

A South Dakota House committee is considering a proposal that would expedite the process of checking to see if a protective order is on file through the use of what's called a "hope card".
A hope card would measure about the size of a credit card and would include the respondent's identity and details like the order's issue and expiration dates, case number, issuing court and county.

Car Crashes into Home

A man is facing several charges, including DUI and hit-and-run, after crashing his vehicle into a Sioux Falls house near 30th and Crestwood early Sunday morning.
Police say they spotted 26-year-old David Paul Sanchez speeding in the area of 33rd and Cliff just after 1:00 a.m. Sunday. Police say Sanchez ran off after the crash, but officers caught him a short distance away.

Driving Miss Daisy

The Sioux Empire Community Theatre’s production of Driving Miss Daisy opens Friday, February 17 at 7:30 pm.
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. for three weeks, February 17 – March 4, at the Orpheum Theater. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the SECT Box Office located in the Orpheum Theater at 315 N. Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD, online at www.SiouxFallsTheater.com or by phone at 605-360-4800.

Beef Checkoff Program

Directors who manage the Beef Checkoff Program in South Dakota are anxious to hear from the state’s beef and dairy producers who pay the $1 checkoff. Producers are being encouraged to fill out a survey that asks for their input on the checkoff and its programs. The survey is reaching producers as part of the SDBIC’s regular Checkoff Café newsletter. They can also go to www.sdbeef.org and complete the survey online.

Inmate Walks Away from SF Penitentiary

South Dakota law enforcement's looking for 24-year old Clifton Desersa, who walked away from a minimum-security area of the state penitentiary in Sioux Falls. KELO reports Desersa disappeared this morning, walking away from a community transition program. Desersa's serving a five-year sentence for third-degree burglary in Pennington County.

SD Businessman Named to GFP

Gov. Daugaard's named Sioux Falls businessman Duane Sather to the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission. Sather a director of several privately held companies that build and operate ethanol plants. Daugaard says Sather's a hunter, and a former hunting lodge owner, who'll bring a sportsman’s perspective as well as a landowner’s perspective to the GFP Commission. Sather succeeds James McMahon on the Commission.

SD Nat'l Guard Anniversary

The South Dakota National Guard is celebrating 150 years of service. The organization was formed in January 1862, dating back to the Dakota Territory. Units have served in nearly every major war or conflict since the Civil War, as well as assisted with recovery efforts from natural disasters.

Sppeder Bill

If a new bill passes, drivers could get more than a ticket for speeding. A House panel endorsed a bill Thursday that would add speeding to the list of moving violations that add points to a person’s driver’s license. Currently, a South Dakotan’s license can be suspended if they get 15 points within a year or 22 points within two years. Points are added for eluding police, drunken driving, running a stop sign or driving on the wrong side of the road. House Bill 1170 would drop the suspension benchmarks to 12 and 18 points, respectively, and add between one and three points per speeding violation to an offending driver’s record.

New Flag Option

Legislators consider bills that could bring change for the future of South Dakota; but one proposed bill is stimulating conversation and some say even a little controversy.
Eighty-one of 105 state legislators have signed on to sponsor a bill that would give South Dakota a new flag to fly. It's a design that sponsors of the bill say, has been 20 years in the making.

BB Gun In School

Two Roosevelth High School students are in trouble after bringing a gun to school. A 15 and 16-year-old were arrested after pointing it at students in class.
Sioux Falls Police say only one student brought a BB gun to school Wednesday morning but he and another student were messing around with it. The BB gun most likely wouldn't have caused any major injuries, but police were concerned it looked like a real gun. The teens will be expelled from school for no less than 12 months, the Superintendent will then decide their fate in the classroom.

Road Work

Both eastbound lanes of Sixth Street between Phillips Avenue and Cherapa Place will be closed from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2012, to allow construction crews to continue work on a pedestrian entrance onto the River Greenway project. One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained on the westbound lanes.
Motorists are urged to use caution while driving through the area.

Job Fair for Downtown Lounge

There's a job fair Saturday and Monday at the soon to open Icon Lounge in downtown Sioux Falls. They're looking to fill 65-jobs. They're hiring restaurant and lounge managers, event coordinators and servers, bartenders, doormen and security. The job fair's from 1p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at the lounge, 400 N. Main Ave. Icon Lounge opens March 1st.

HS Students Threaten Classmates with BB Gun

Two Roosevelt High School students have been charged with aggravated assault, after police say they threatened classmates with a BB gun. Sioux Falls Police say a 16-year old boy had the gun in a backpack. The 16-year old and a 15-year old were pulled out of classes and taken to the juvenile detention center, where the Argus Leader reports the older boy was found to be in possession of a small quantity of synthetic marijuana.

Ohio Women Face Drug Charges

Two Ohio women are facing felony and misdemeanor charges after a South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper found 129 pounds of hydro marijuana - a form of the drug grown indoors - in bags they claimed held clothing. 44-year-old Deborah Donley, and 19-year-old Natasha Harrison, were driving near Box Elder on Sunday when police stopped them for speeding. When officers searched the vehicle, they uncovered the marijuana packed in several duffle bags.

Snowy Streets

So your street didn't get plowed Tuesday night with the small amount of anow we received and you're wondering why? Well, the one inch wasn't enough to get the plows out Wednesday. While it was smooth sailing on emergency routes, some neighborhoods had to put up with snow covered streets because the one inch didnt warrant plows clearing secondary roads. According to Sioux Falls Streets/Utilities Manager Galynn Huber, it takes at least two inches of snow before the city declares an emergency and plows residential areas.

Road Work

Work on Minnesota Avenue was postponed for one day. Work begins this morning. The outside northbound lane on Minnesota will be closed between Tenth Street and 11th Street. The City of Sioux Falls Public Works is repairing the street due to water main work that was done last week.
The lanes are expected to be opened back up in the midday, at which time work will move to 26th Street between Van Eps Avenue and Wayland Avenue where the street will also be repaired. Two-way traffic will be maintained on 26th Street by using the center turn lane for through traffic.

Old Courthouse Museum Movies

The Old Courthouse Museum and Downtown Sioux Falls are teaming up to bring you free family movies this winter! Bring a blanket or pillows for the family to sit on and settle in to the historic courtroom of the Old Courthouse Museum. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the movie begins at 6:45 p.m. Some chair seating is available; refreshments will be for sale during the movie.

State House Committee Rejects Making More Economic Development Data On Line

A State House committee's said no to a bill that would have required the state to put information on line about all state economic development programs.
The State Affairs Committee vote was along party lines. KELO reports Democrat Bernie Hunhoff says more information should be made available to taxpayers about what state is spending on economic development programs.

State Senate Panel Approves Crackdown on Synthetic Drugs

The State Senate Health and Human Services Committee's approved a bill making it a felony to possess synthetic marijuana. Current state law has marijuana possession as a misdemeanor. The proposal would also ban sales of any product that chemically resembles the active ingredients of smokeable bath salts, designed to resemble methamphetamine, and a dozen other commonly-used psychoactives.

5-Years in Prison for Cop Assault

A 32-year-old Sioux Falls man's been sent to prison for five years. The Argus Leader reports Lance Archambault plead guilty in November to assaulting a police officer last July. Sioux Falls Police say they spotted Archambault flashing gang signs on S. Prairie Avenue and he ran when they went after him. Archambault and the officer he hit were treated for minor injuries.

Funding Goal for School Districts

A South Dakota House committee is looking at a proposal to establish a funding goal for school districts. The bill would establish that goal based on average spending per student in South Dakota and in neighboring states. An annual report would indicate how much South Dakota is falling short of that spending goal.

Woman Kills Cat with Hammer

A Yankton woman is accused of killing a cat with a hammer in front of an apartment building manager who accused her of a rule violation. Police say the manager told them that when she confronted 52-year-old Mary Thompson about having too many cats in her apartment on Monday, Thompson picked up a hammer, grabbed a cat from a couch by the neck and began striking it on the head. Authorities say Thompson allegedly disposed of the dead cat in a Dumpster.

Assualt Sentence

A 52-year-old Eagle Butte man has been sentenced to nearly 11 years in prison for sexual abuse. Jerry Matthew Chasing Hawk was charged with the August 2009 sexual abuse of an Eagle Butte woman in Fort Thompson. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pierre in April and found guilty in October.

Rape Limits

Republican state Sen. Mark Johnston of Sioux Falls is proposing a bill that would eliminate the statute of limitations for rape cases in the state. KDLT reports that Johnston says rape is one of the most vile things a human being can do to another person and says there should be no limit for prosecuting the crime. Currently, South Dakota prosecutors can only charge a suspect in a rape case up to seven years after the crime was committed or until the victim is 25, whichever is longer.

Road Work

The outside northbound lane on Minnesota Avenue will be closed between Tenth Street and 11th Street. The City of Sioux Falls Public Works is repairing the street due to water main work that was done last week.
The lanes are expected to be opened back up in the midday, at which time work will move to 26th Street between Van Eps Avenue and Wayland Avenue where the street will also be repaired. Two-way traffic will be maintained on 26th Street by using the center turn lane for through traffic. Work is expected to be complete by this evening.

Johnson Reax to Obama Speech

U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) released this statement following President Obama’s State of the Union. Johnsons said, quote, "President Obama laid out a vision to bring more accountability and responsibility to our economic policy while strengthening our recovery at the same time. I agree with him when he called this a make or break moment. We need to put policies in place that grow the middle class and lead to more things being stamped ‘Made in America.’"

Searching Circuit Court Records Could Cost More

It may soon cost more to search circuit court records. KELO reports South Dakota House has passed and sent to the Senate a bill raising the search fee from $15 to $25. Supporters wanted the fee hike to put money into the fund that pays for upgrading the court systems computerized records management system.

Safe Home is Open

It's taken five years of work, but the ribbon was cut today to officially open Safe Home, a multi-million facility to house some of the city’s most chronically homeless. The 33-unit facility's at 320 W. 3rd Street. Four residents will move in tomorrow, four more Thursday, and four more on Friday. A Minnehaha County spokesperson tells the Argus Leader they have a waiting list of over 50.

TFC Financial Hiring in Sioux Falls

TCF Financial says it's adding 200-jobs as part of an expansion in Sioux Falls. According to the Argus Leader, 40-positions have already been filled and the rest will be added by the middle of this year. TCF's purchased a building at 4101 W. 38th St. to support the expansion.

Mrs Daugaard Discusses Infant Mortality

First Lady Linda Daugaard is meeting with South Dakota lawmakers to discuss a task force report on infant mortality in the state. The first lady chaired the task force, which studied South Dakota's infant mortality rate and recommended ways to reduce it.

Pierre WInter Fishing Weekend

Organizers of the Pierre Winter Fishing Weekend have extended the deadline to register online. A city official says that so far, 80 teams have registered. That's ahead of last year's pace, when 120 teams fished. Interested anglers can register online up until the two-day event begins Feb. 3.

Officials: Airman Died of Gunshot Wound

Officials at Ellsworth Air Force Base say an airman found dead over the weekend died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. They're still investigating whether it was intentional or accidental.
43 year-old Chief Master Sgt. Robert Hoyt died late Saturday morning. The native of Vero Beach, Florida, was superintendent of the 28th Security Forces Squadron.

Brandon Day at the Legislature

On Wednesday, more than 30 representatives of Brandon will venture to Pierre for the sixth annual Brandon Day at the Legislature. The annual trip is an endeavor of the Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce’s issues management committee. The day at South Dakota’s state capitol has become one both Chamber members and state leaders look forward to. Similar to past years, the Brandon group will meet with state leaders during their visit.

Healthy Grant

The city of Sioux Falls is looking for ways to get fit. Thanks to a federal grant, Sioux Falls Health Officials are examining our diet, exercise and lifestyle to determine what we're doing well and not so well. The city hopes to chisle away at the number of tobacco and heart related deaths as well as the obesity rate by 5 percent. A grant in the sum of $158,000 a year would allow the city to look at ways to help us get in gear, such as providing better access to bike routes, better access to health food, and encouraging greater use of our community centers.

Gun Bill Fails Committee

A South Dakota legislative committee has killed a measure that would have allowed people to carry guns without a special permit. The House Judiciary Committee weighed the issue during a Friday morning hearing. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Don Kopp of Rapid City, would have abolished the requirement for a concealed weapons permit for people who comply with other laws dealing with the possession and use of handguns. Convicted felons still wouldn't have been allowed to have guns, and federally required background checks would still have been required buy guns.

Aberdeen Issues Snow Removal Alert

If you live in Aberdeen, you might want to get your car or truck off the street. The city's issued a snow removal alert. KELO reports the city plans to start plowing in the commercial or Zone 1 around midnight. Next will be the north/south streets in Zone 2 and all streets in Zone 3 at 8 tomorrow morning. Work will shit to the east west avenues in Zone 2 tomorrow afternoon at 1. You can be ticketed and towed if crews clearing snow are blocked by your wheels.

Sioux Falls Delaying Sale of Events Center Bonds

The City of Sioux Falls is waiting to start selling $120 million in bonds to build the new events center. KELO reports the city's finance director says one of the reasons for holding off on the sale is saving about a half million dollars in interest payments.

Wednesday is Brandon Day in Pierre

30 plus representatives of Brandon will be in Pierre Wednesday for the 6th annual Brandon Day at the Legislature. The Challenger reports the Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce makes the trip to talk to legislators about their concerns. Among the issues this year-a Veterans Home at the Bethany Meadows Campus in Brandon, and a hike in the phone line fee to pay for 911 call centers.

Increase in Search Fees Sought

The South Dakota judicial system is seeking an increase in search fees charged to people who want to see court records. A measure headed for a vote in the South Dakota House would raise the current $15 search fee to $25.

man pleads guilty to selling eagle parts

A Montana man has pleaded guilty to illegally selling parts from federally protected eagles in South Dakota. 33-year-old Ernie Stewart of Wyola, Mont., sold eagle feathers, wings and a tail to another person in June 2010 near Spearfish. His sentencing is set for March.

Arrests in vehicle, grass fire

A vehicle and grass fire in the town of Box Elder led authorities to arrest two men and ticket a third. Authorities say the three men fled the scene just after midnight Saturday when their car became stuck in a field and the grass underneath it caught fire. Police found the 19-year-old driver near the scene and arrested him for DUI. A second man who returned to the scene and resisted and became aggressive was arrested on a disorderly conduct charge. Officials with five area fire departments responded to put out the grass fire.

Chip Kits

With a growing number of missing children, there's a growing concern for parents.
A state-wide program allows them to have materials needed should their child ever go missing. It's called a chip-kit, which is what parents got theirs at a Sioux Falls event, Saturday. Once the child is signed up, basic information is noted as well as different ways to identify them. Everything from collecting fingerprints, teeth impressions and voice recordings.

Airman Death

Air Force officials say they're investigating the case of an Ellsworth Air Force Base airman who was found dead. The person hasn't been identified. The airman's body was discovered Saturday. The person was a member of the base's 28th Bomb Wing. The wing operates B-1B Lancer bombers. Base spokesman Maj. Matthew Reese says the airman's identity is being withheld until family members can be told of the death.

Snow at great Bear

Earlier this season, managers at Great Bear have been struggling trying to make snow.
Even though Great Bear managers had a tough time making snow, there was an advantage. "My first electric bill was only $6,000 this year instead of $10,000, so it does save on the utilities," said Great Bear manager Dan Grider.
Now the advantage is more natural snow. Great Bear managers said they have an additional five to six inches.

Idol Contestant

Sioux Falls area folks might have recognized Brandon native Creighton Fraker on TV’s “American Idol” on Thursday night. The "Idol" judges raved about Fraker’s performance, and had him sing portions of a couple more songs after he opened his audition with a song he wrote during the bus ride from New York to Pittsburg, the second city in the show auditions.

Burglars Get Hip and Knee Replacement Parts

Sioux Falls Police say someone stole $40-grand in surgical gear from a home on Vista Lane. There've been seven other burglaries in the same neighborhood. This latest burglary involved hip and knee replacement parts. The homes garage door was open. Witnesses tell KELO they saw a red car leaving the scene. Police are looking for suspects, but so far no one is in custody.

State Reps Claim Threat from Gun Rights Group

State Reps. Peggy Gibson and Gene Abdallah say they were threatened with smear campaigns if they voted no on a bill ending the need for a special permit to carry a concealed weapon. KDLT reports Gibson says the threat came from South Dakota Gun Owners. Gibson and Abdallah voted no on the bill. So far, no comment from the gun rights group.

Tribes Hail Obama Decision

Tribal officials in South Dakota are coming out in support of President Barack Obama's decision to temporarily halt the planned Keystone pipeline from Canada to the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Rosebud Sioux Tribe President Rodney Bordeaux has spoken against the $7 billion pipeline before, saying he fears damage to cultural sites and water resources. He calls Obama's move "a tremendous victory for tribal nations."

Goat Found Safe

A goat that escaped a Minnesota Nativity scene is safe after 25 days on the loose. The 3 year old Angora goat named Curly was found Wednesday afternoon on a farm southwest of Fergus Falls. Tony Loomer came out to feed the horses and goats on his farm and noticed the extra goat. Curly appeared hungry, wet and cold and had lost weight. But he's okay.

Sioux Falls Ceili Band

The Sioux Falls Ceili Band will host Irish music and dancing programs at the Old Courthouse Museum on Thursday, January 26th at 6:30 p.m. Ceili (pronounced KAY-lee) is an Irish social dance. The dances are done in lines or circles and are similar to a square or barn dance. All of the dances will be taught and the moves will be called out. Beginners are welcome. Dress in layers, ceili dancing is energetic!

Gov on President's Pipeline Rejection

In a statement from Gov. Dennis Daugaard, he blasts President Obama’s rejection of the Keystone XL Pipeline. The statement reads, quote,
"President Obama's decision to deny a presidential permit for the Keystone XL pipeline is disappointing on many levels, but most of all it is unfortunate for the thousands of welders and construction workers who would have been hired to build it. We still need to strengthen our country's energy security, we still have not recovered from one of the worst recessions in decades, and we still have too many people out of work. We still need this project."

Flags Half Staff

Gov. Dennis Daugaard requested that flags be flown at half-staff through the end of today in observance of the death of former Gov. Bill Janklow.

Road Work

The outside southbound lane on Louise Avenue will be closed between the Walmart entrance and 41st Street today. Traffic will be maintained in the remaining southbound lane. Xcel Energy will be working on utilities. The work is anticipated to be finished by this afternoon

Tax Deadbeats--The Shame Option

South Dakota's Revenue department's asking the legislature for a green light on a new tool to try and get the state's top 100 delinquent taxpayers to ante up. It 's shame! The department wants to list the top 100 deadbeats, who owe a combined $5.6-million, on its website. KSDLT reports the plan would give them 90-warning to pay up or expect to see their name on line. A committee's expected to schedule a hearing on the proposal.

SF PD Trying to ID Suspects in Burglaries

Sioux Falls Police are trying to identify suspects in a string of seven burglaries in the past three weeks. KELO reports all of them were in the southeast side of the city. In the latest incident $1200 in sports gear was stolen from an open garage yesterday. Several homeowners say they saw the suspects drive away in a red car.

Johnson Warns Fed Railyard Money Could Go Away

Sen. Tim Johnson says the $35-million to move the rail switching yard out of downtown Sioux Falls could be going away. Johnson tells the Argus Leader that if there isn't more action on the project, that money could all revert back to the federal government. A city spokesperson says they're moving and hope to have some plans for the project in front of the community by the end of next month.

SD Sunflower Winner

For the first time in recorded history, South Dakota farmers can lay claim to the title of nation's top sunflower producers. That crown has been worn by North Dakota since record-keeping for both states began in 1977. But last year flooding and wet weather wiped out acres, and production fell to 766 million pounds. South Dakota farmers produced 777 million pounds.

Berget Hearing January 30th.

The inmate who admitted he helped murder a South Dakota Correctional Officer while trying to escape the state prison, was back in courtyesterday.
49 year old Rodney Berget pleaded guilty to 1st degree murder in the death of Ronald Johnson, actions that could potentially warrant the death penalty. Rather than go before a jury, he has requested to be sentenced by a judge. Berget’s pre-sentencing hearing is scheduled to begin on January 30th.

Rodeo Cowboy Killed in Crash

A rodeo cowboy from Rosebud died in a traffic accident in Colorado over the weekend.
Twenty-four-year-old bareback rider Austin Janis was killed early Sunday while returning to South Dakota, just hours after making his debut as a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association cardholder at a rodeo in Texas. Janis was a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. His funeral is scheduled Saturday at the Lower Brule Community Center.

Starlab Inflatable Planetarium

The Old Courthouse Museum will host Starlab Inflatable Planetarium on Sunday, January 22nd at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Starlab is a portable planetarium which allows indoor simulation of stars and constellations in the night sky. Program is for children over the age of 5only, children attending should be comfortable in the dark. Please register groups of 8 or more by calling 367-4210 ext.0. Starlab begins promptly at the beginning of the hour, please arrive 10-15 before the hour to purchase tickets. Please call for additional information.

Singer/Guitarist Boyd Bristow to Perform

Singer/Guitarist Boyd Bristow will perform at the Old Courthouse Museum Winter Concert Series on Friday, January 27th. The concert is free from noon to 1 p.m. in the historic courtroom of the Old Courthouse Museum. Bring your lunch or purchase one from Kaladi’s.
Since returning to South Dakota in 1985, Bristow has played with the Poker Alice Band, The Far Off Lonesome Train Whistle, The Bluejays, The Entry Band and The Blue Jean Band. He played with the South Dakota Acoustic Christmas show for sixteen years, from 1993 through 2008.

TransCanada Will Reapply For Keystone Pipeline

TransCanada says it'll reapply for a permit after the White House today rejected the permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline. The White says President Obama said no because the 60-days Congress allowed for reviewing the project wasn't enough for a thorough review. TransCanada says it's working Nebraska officials on a pipeline route that avoids environmentally sensitive areas.

Story Blogged at 01-18-12 16:17 by djennings

TransCanada Says We'll Reapply For Pipeline

TransCanada says it'll reapply for a permit after the White House today rejected the permit for the Keystone KL Pipeline. The White says President Obama said no because the 60-days Congress allowed for reviewing the project wasn't enough for a thorough review. TransCanada says it's working Nebraska officials on a pipeline route that avoids environmentally sensitive areas.

Get That Sidewalk Cleared--Or Else

If you live in Sioux Falls, and haven't taken a shovel to the snow on your sidewalk yet, time to get a move on. At 8:30 tomorrow morning, the city will start taking complaints about uncleared sidewalks, and they'll send a crew to clear it and then send you, the property owner, the bill. KELO reports Sioux Falls has an ordinance requiring sidewalks to be cleared within 48-hours after a snow or ice storm. You can call 367-8171 to make a report.

Dakotas get Disaster Funds

The Dakotas are getting small a chunk of about $307 million in disaster assistance being provided to 33 states from U.S. Department of Agriculture emergency funds. North Dakota's share is $100,000, and South Dakota's is $396,000. The money is aimed at helping the states recover from an unusually intense year of natural disasters.

SF Casino Robbed

Police are looking for two suspects who robbed a Sioux Falls Casino at gunpoint. It happened early this morning around 12:20 a.m. when two suspects entered the Deuces' Casino on 26th Street. They robbed the clerk with a black semi automatic gun and then took off on foot.

Deputy Resigns

A South Dakota deputy sheriff who pleaded guilty in an insurance fraud case has resigned. Douglas County Deputy Rob Hotchkiss had been on administrative leave since late October.
Hotchkiss, of Delmont, pleaded guilty to grand theft by deception. Authorities say he submitted fraudulent insurance applications to obtain commissions while working for a Sioux Falls agency in 2008.

Thune Town Hall

Senator John Thune today will hold a town hall meeting in Sioux Falls. During the town halls, Thune will make a brief presentation and then take questions from the audience.

WHEN: 5:30 PM CT
WHERE: University Center (Use student parking)
Avera Hall – UC Main Building
4801 N Career Avenue

AHEC

U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) brought together health care officials and students to discuss the impact South Dakota’s Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is having on the next generation of the state’s health care workforce. Health care reform, which Johnson strongly supported, increased investments in AHECs nationally, including efforts at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine.
The South Dakota AHEC has branches in Yankton and Aberdeen with a program office in Sioux Falls.

Street Closure

Both eastbound lanes of Sixth Street between Phillips Avenue and Cherapa Place will be closed from 12 noon to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2012. This will allow construction crews to construct a pedestrian entrance onto the River Greenway project.
One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained on the westbound lanes. Motorists are urged to use caution while driving through the area.

Sanford and Medcenter One Talking

Sanford Health and Bismarck's Medcenter One say they're in talks about a possible merger. KDLT reports Sanford and Medcenter don't have a lot of overlap in their operations, except in Jamestown, where both have clinics. A Sanford spokesperson says the two organizations have a "history of partnership and collaboration." If there's a merger, it would be the biggest for Sanford since they merged with Meritcare in 2009.

Accused Drug Dealer Makes a Deal

27-year old Charles Poppen's entered a plea deal that'll lock him up for four years. Poppen plead guilty to felony possession of over a pound of pot with intent, and misdemeanor possession. Poppen was arrested with $40-grand and several pounds of marijuana after doing a deal with a police informant. The Argus Leader reports he faced multiple felonies and could have been sentenced to 45-years.

Noodles and Co Scouting Sioux Falls

Noodles and Company is looking for a location in Sioux Falls. Prairie Pasta, the company that holds the franchise rights in North and South Dakota, is scouting for locations this week. Prairie operating partner Ted Horan tells the Argus Leader they'd love to find a location near the Empire Mall, but he says they're also interested in sites with unique architectural features. Horan says Noodles and Company wants to have a Sioux Falls Location open sooner than later.

Welfare Recipients Drug Bill

A proposal to allow South Dakota officials to require welfare recipients to be tested for illegal drugs is coming back to the Legislature. Rapid City Republican state Rep. Mark Kirkeby says his proposal is almost identical to a bill that lawmakers didn't approve last year. It would apply to a number of state assistance programs for low-income South Dakotans.

Clear Lake Man Missing

A Clear Lake man is missing and presumed drowned after driving an ATV into open water on Lake Poinsett in eastern South Dakota. Three men were ice fishing Monday night when one of them headed to shore and didn't make it. Members of a dive rescue team were called in but were hampered by snow and poor visibility. The man's name hasn't been released.

Deadwood Trolley

Deadwood's downtown trolley is hauling more people, but fewer of them are paying for the ride. Officials say the trolley gave almost 1,300 more rides last year than it did in 2010.
However, the trolley sold about 1,300 fewer tickets, and it gave away almost 2,600 rides last year. A trip usually costs $1.

Daugaard in SF Yesterday

Governor Dennis Daugaard recapped sections of his State of the State Address for rotary members in Sioux Falls Monday. He continues to remain focused on two main initiatives, improving the South Dakota workforce, and investing in teachers. KDLT reports that part of Daugaard’s plan includes eliminating tenure for new teachers, while providing bonuses for the top teachers in each district. Taht plan is getting mixed reactions.

Farm Bill Hearing

U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) brought together local agricultural leaders in Rapid City for the second in a series of farm bill listening sessions in the state to hear their priorities for the rewrite of the current Farm Bill. Johnson discussed his efforts to address consolidation in the meatpacking industry and strengthen Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) as the reauthorization process gets underway in Washington.

Janklow Public Viewing

Public viewing will be provided from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. today when former Gov. Bill Janklow lies in repose at the South Dakota Capitol.
Those wishing to pay their respects may enter the Capitol via the north doors (parking lot side), where they will be directed to the second-floor Rotunda for viewing of the flag-draped casket. Entrance at the north doors is expected to close about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday to ensure that people in the Capitol by that time have a sufficient period to move through the Rotunda and then exit by 11 a.m., when it’s necessary to begin preparations for a 1 p.m. memorial ceremony. Access for the ceremony will begin at 12:30 p.m., again via the north doors.

Lawmaker Brings Back Drug Testing for State Benefits Plan

GOP State Rep. Mark Kirkeby's bringing back a proposal lawmakers rejected last year, that'd allow the state to require low income residents getting state help to be tested for illegal drugs. A recipient testing positive would be kicked out of the program for a year, refusal to be tested would cut off benefits for 6-months. A state official tells KELO federal regulations don't let the state cut off benefits to people if they're using drugs.

GOP Lawmaker Wants to End Permir For Concealed Carry

A GOP State Rep. says you shouldn't have to get a state permit to carry a concealed weapon. KDLT reports Don Kopp's introduced a bill to eliminate the permit requirement. He says if you don't have a criminal record you should be able to carry a concealed weapon without having to spend $120 to get one. Kopp says the permit requirement violates your 2nd amendment right to bear arms.

Lamaker asking for Planning Committee

House Republican Leader David Lust of Rapid City says he will ask the South Dakota Legislature to set up a new long-term planning committee that would conduct studies on key issues.
Lust says the Legislature too often deals with education and other issues one year at a time. He says that puts the part-time Legislature at a disadvantage when dealing with full-time officials in the executive branch of government.

Woman Charged with Murder

A North Dakota woman has pleaded not guilty to federal charges that she killed her five month-old baby last summer in South Dakota. 24 year-old Kehuanna Poitra was arrested in North Dakota and brought back to Rapid City to face second-degree murder and child abuse charges. Authorities say Poitra's actions between July 2 and August 23 were responsible for her son's death.

Thune Town Hall Meetings Today

Senator John Thune will hold town hall meetings in Watertown and Brookings on Monday. During the town halls, Senator Thune will make a brief presentation and then take questions from the audience. All events are open to the public. Town Hall with Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce at 1:00 PM CT

Town Hall with Brookings Economic Development Corporation at 3:30 PM CT

Emergency Road Closure

On Eighth Street between Dakota Avenue and Main Avenue the eastbound lanes are closed. First Rate Construction is working on a water line. Due to complications and extra repairs the Eighth Street lanes are now expected to open back up on Tuesday January 17, 2012. Motorists are urged to find alternate routes.

Marty DeWitt to Perform

Folk Singer/Guitarist Marty DeWitt will perform at the Old Courthouse Museum Winter Concert Series on Friday, January 20th. The concert is free from noon to 1 p.m. in the historic courtroom of the Old Courthouse Museum. Bring your lunch or purchase one from The Pickle Barrel. Singer/songwriter Marty DeWitt will be sharing a program of popular folk tunes from the 70’s through today, along with several original numbers inspired by his nearly forty years of working in state parks.

Lanklow Memorial Service

Public viewing will be allowed from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. CST on Tuesday, Jan. 17, as former Gov. Bill Janklow lies in state at the South Dakota Capitol.
Those wishing to pay their respects may enter the Capitol via the north doors (parking lot side), where they will be directed to the second-floor Rotunda and then exit from the same north doors.
A memorial ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda is scheduled for 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.; access to the second-floor Rotunda will be closed at 11 a.m. to allow time to set up for the memorial ceremony. Access will begin at 12:30 p.m. for that ceremony, again via the north doors.
The Capitol will be closed to the public at 5 p.m. on Monday and not reopen until 7 a.m. Tuesday. Circle Drive in front of the Capitol will close at 5 p.m. Monday and remain closed to the public until after 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

Daugaard Not Pushing Health Exchange

Gov. Daugaard says he won't push legislation to create a health insurance exchange during this year's South Dakota's legislative session. KELO reports Daugaard says there is too much uncertainty right to recommend setting up the kind of exchange included in President Obama's health care overhaul. The governor says the U.S. Supreme Court might strike down the health care law, or Congress might repeal it.

Brandon Teen Charged with Vandalism

A Brandon teen's charged with a vandalism spree earlier this month that damaged several cars on Aspen Boulevard. A police spokesperson tells Brandoninfo.com the 15-year old boy's admitted firing a BB gun at cars in the 500 block of Aspen Boulevard. The teen faces three counts of intentional damage to property. A police spokesperson called it random acts of stupidity.

SD Getting Fed Money for Flooding

South Dakota is getting about $19.2 million from the federal government to help shore up roadways damaged by spring flooding last year. The money is through the Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief Program. About $1.6 billion is being doled out nationwide to help repair highways damaged by natural disasters.

Man Sentenced

A South Dakota man has been sentenced to five months for illegally selling parts from federally protected eagles. 35 year-old Stanley Littleboy of Porcupine pleaded guilty last September to selling parts of a bald eagle and a golden eagle in June 2009 and May 2010 in Shannon County.

Defending Coach Josh Nielsen

Wednesday night a concerned parent made an accusation about a high school coach at the Irene-Wakonda School Board Meeting. The parent accused the volunteer coach of attending a party where his basketball players were drinking underage.
The accusation has the community outraged. Now, one Irene man who knows Josh Nielsen and who was with him that night, is defending him.

Possible Synthetic Drug Ban

Legislators will alter their plan of attack in their annual effort to criminalize designer drugs as a response to a rapidly evolving market where chemists stay a step ahead of law enforcement. Instead of simply banning the individual mind-altering chemicals found in specific brands of herbal incense, spice or bath salts, Senate Bill 23 will seek to ban entire families of chemical compounds unless an exemption is granted for medical purposes.

S.D. Gov. Bill Janklow Dead at 72

Former S.D. Gov. Bill Janklow has died.
Gov. Dennis Daugaard said in a statement, “Our prayers go out to Mary Dean and to the Janklow family. Over the past few weeks, South Dakotans have taken time to recall Governor Janklow. He will always be remembered as a strong leader and one of our state’s most consequential governors.”
Gov. Daugaard requests that all flags in South Dakota fly at half-staff, effective immediately, until Governor Janklow’s internment. Janklow died Thursday of brain cancer after being moved to hospice care in Sioux Falls earlier in the week. Plans are pending for former Gov. Bill Janklow to lie in state at the Rotunda of the South Dakota Capitol on Tuesday morning, Jan. 17, with a memorial service to follow.

Former Gov and Cong. Bill Janklow Dies

Former South Dakota Gov. and GOP Congressman Bill Janklow died today. He was 72. His funeral will be 10:30a.m. next Wednesday at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. Janklow's body will lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda in Pierre next Tuesday from 7a.m. to noon. Janklow, was elected to Congress in 2002, but resigned the next year after causing a deadly traffic accident.

Flood Commemoration

Organizers of a ceremony in Rapid City marking the 40th anniversary of a devastating flood are hoping to raise $50,000 to covers the costs of the event. The event, scheduled for June 8-10, will commemorate the 1972 flood that killed 238 people in the Black Hills.

Oil Refinery Dispute Headed to Court

The fight over a Texas company's plan to build a $10 billion oil refinery in southeastern South Dakota is moving to court. The state Board of Minerals and Environment recently issued a revised air quality permit for Hyperion Resources that also extended the deadline for starting construction until March 2013. Opponents have asked a circuit judge to overturn the board's approval of the permit.

Kids Activity Day

The Old Courthouse Museum will host Kids Activity Day on Thursday, January 19th. The theme for January is Winter Wonderland! Children will be given the opportunity to make a craft while learning about history. The program has two sessions; the morning session is from 9 to 11:30 a.m., afternoon sessions from 1-2:30 p.m., and creative learning programs run every 15 minutes throughout the sessions.
Kids Activity Day is a make and take craft program offered year around on the third Thursday of every month at the Old Courthouse Museum. Children 3-12 are invited to participate. Please register by calling (605) 367-4210 ext. 0.

Senator John Thune Town hall

Senator John Thune will hold town hall meetings next week in Watertown, Brookings, Yankton, Mitchell, Madison, and Sioux Falls. Senator Thune will also hold a town hall in Rapid City at the end of the month. During the town halls, Senator Thune will make a brief presentation and then take questions from the audience. All events are open to the public.
Wednesday, January 18 at 5:30 PM CT University Center Avera Hall UC Main Building

Mystery Theater

Attention all you amateur detectives, there will be another mystery at the Pettigrew Home and Museum this January. Edward Channing, his wife, daughter, and son have come to Sioux Falls to attend the funeral of Edward’s mother. The shows will be held on January 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th. Shows begin at 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30 and 8:00 p.m. Tickets will be $10 per person and go on sale on Saturday, January 7th at the Old Courthouse Museum.

Faith Temple Potato Giveaway

Working hard to make ends meet and coming up short? There's hope. The Argus Leader reports Faith Temple Church's running a giveaway tomorrow morning at 11, at the Armory Building at the Fairgrounds. If you're coming, bring boxes, bags or tubs to carry away some of the 40,000 pounds of potatoes they're giving away. You can get more information buy calling 332-2303. The church has a regular food giveaway Friday at the fairgrounds at 4p.m.

Thune Meets with Bono

Senator John Thune is part of a small congressional delegation in Africa to check on activities by the Department of Defense and other agencies. Thune and the other delegates met with U2 singer and activist Bono during a stop in Ghana. Bono is one of the founders of 1, an advocacy organization that fights extreme poverty and preventable disease.

No Snack Lawsuit

A man serving 50 years in prison for robbing a Sioux Falls casino at gunpoint wants the Minnehaha County Jail and its medical care provider to pay more than $90,000 for failing to give him enough snacks. The Argus Leader Reports that Lapete Hicks, 35, claims the lack of snacks aggravated his hypoglycemic condition during the time he spent at the jail awaiting trial for the robbery of Deuces Casino in 2010.

largest Pot Bust

The South Dakota Highway Patrol says the seizure of 980 pounds of marijuana is believed to be the biggest pot bust from a traffic stop in state history. The nearly half ton of marijuana was confiscated during a speeding stop east of Rapid City on Friday. Authorities say a trooper's drug dog detected the bales of pot in the back of a pickup being driven by a Massachusetts man. The drugs had an estimated street value of $3.9 million.

Builders Choice manufacturing facility in Vermillion

U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today highlighted the continued economic growth in South Dakota during a tour of the new Builders Choice manufacturing facility in Vermillion. The business opened its doors in November and hired 30 workers, with plans to increase hiring throughout the year. Last month, Builders Choice held a ribbon cutting for its new 45,000 square-foot warehouse in Vermillion. The company has already brought 30 new jobs to the community and is expected to add as many as 30 new jobs over the next year.

Sewer Lining Project

A wastewater bypass pumping system will be placed from 41st Street to 57th Street between the bike trail and the Big Sioux River. The bypass pumping pipe will cross the bike trail at 41st Street, 49th Street, and 57th Street. Pedestrian/bike crossing ramps will be provided at all locations where the bypass pipe crosses the bike trail. Bypass pipe bike trail crossings will be installed the week of January 16, 2012.
Temporary day closures will be announced. Bike trail traffic will be detoured to the east side of the river during closures. Construction personnel may be working adjacent to or crossing the trail during periods when the trail is not closed.

SF Casino Robbed

A gunman got away with an undetermined amount of cash in a robbery this afternoon at the Crown II Casino at 4809 W. 12th St. The Argus Leader reports the suspect's believed to be in his 50's. None of the other people in the casino at the time were not hurt. Detectives think he ran south from the Casino on Ebenezer Avenue.

New Retail Planned for E 10th and Lowell

Peska Properties plans a new strip mall at East 10th and Lowell. The site was largely leveled by a fire last spring. The Argus Leader reports Peska's working on plans for a new retail center right now. A spokesperson says they haven't settled on how big the facility will be or who will be moving in. Project plans are going through the city's regulatory process.

Pot Bust

The South Dakota Highway Patrol says the seizure of 980 pounds of marijuana is believed to be the biggest pot bust from a traffic stop in state history. The nearly half ton of pot was confiscated during a speeding stop east of Rapid City on Friday. The drugs had an estimated street value of almost $4 million. Forty-year-old Donald McCormick of Ipswich, Mass., faces felony drug charges.

SF Explosion and Fire

An investigation into a house explosion is underway. A father and daughter were severely burned in the Monday afternoon explosion at a farmhouse on Austin Court in rural Sioux Falls. The names of the 49-year-old man and 21-year-old woman are not being released yet. Officials say propane gas might be related to the explosion and fire that burned the home to the ground.

Car Chase ends in Shooting

A 41-year-old Box Elder man was shot by officers following a car chase in the Rapid City area this morning. Police say James Baker took off from a traffic stop shortly before 1:30 a.m. The chase eventually reached I --90 and ended on an on-ramp when Baker emerged from the car with a handgun and started firing at officers. Police say two Rapid City police officers and a Highway Patrol trooper returned fire and shot Baker several times. Baker was taken to the hospital and arrested.

Burglar Caught

Newspaper carrier 29-year-old Patrick Michael VanWagner has been arrested for one of many for home burglaries over the holidays. They believe VanWagner targeted homeowners who suspended their newspaper subscriptions during vacations. So far, he is charged with taking jewelry and a coin collection worth $2,300. Police say he confessed to more burglaries and more charges could follow. Items found in pawn shops led to his arrest.

Explosion Injures Father, Daughter

A father and daughter have been burned after an explosion in the basement of their South Dakota home yesterday. Thick smoke and flames could be seen from quite a distance Monday afternoon when the farmhouse exploded. The home was located at 47322 Austin Court in rural Sioux Falls. Crews say the home is a total loss, mainly because that explosion caused the walls to shift. Some walls even collapsed causing the roof to come tumbling down. Fire crews from Sioux Falls, Harrisburg and Tea worked to fight the blaze.

Huron Couple Busted for Drugs

Huron Police have arrested 2 people on felony drug charges. Darwin and Delores Vanoverschelde face multiple felony drug charges including possession and intent to sell a controlled substance. KELO reports police found meth, drug paraphernalia, and a large amount of cash in the couple's home.

Pregnancy Help Centers Allowed into S.D. Abortion Waiting Period Case

A federal judge's said yes to two pregnancy help centers joining a legal battle over a requirement in South Dakota that women who want an abortion, have to wait 72 hours. Planned Parenthood's sued to block the law. The Argus Leader reports U.S. District Chief Judge Karen Schreier's decided the Alpha Center in Sioux Falls and the Black Hills Crisis Pregnancy Center in Rapid City have an interest in helping defend the law, which is on hold.

Mountain Lion Season

South Dakota wildlife officials say the lack of snow this year is making mountain lion hunting more difficult. A week into the season, 14 lions have been killed, including nine females. Half of the lions have been taken in Custer County. The season ends March 31, or when 50 females or 70 total lions are killed.

BHSU Campus Chiller project

A South Dakota Board of Regents building committee today is scheduled to approve the schematic design for the Black Hills State University campus chiller upgrade project. The project will replace chiller units in Jonas Hall and the library with water cooled condensers that will increase efficiency. About $3 million is budgeted for the project.

Masaba Equipment Expanding

A 5 year-old bulk-handling equipment manufacturer in Vermillion is expanding for the third time. Masaba Mining Equipment is adding a 50,000 square foot building adjacent to its current facility.

Beetle Problem

More than 30,000 trees have been recently cut down in South Dakota's Custer State Park in a fight against the mountain pine beetle. State Forester Ray Sowers says workers want to cut down 142,000 infested trees, then cut them into two-foot sections before the beetles leave the trees in late spring. The process is called "chunking." It kills the beetles and prevents them from infesting new trees when they take flight during the summer.

Synth Pot Use On the Rise

K2, Posh, Spice, are all names given to a growing problem susbstance in South Dakota.
Merely labeled as incense, Sioux Falls police say this synthetic pot is dangerous because it is legal to sell but can cause serious health problems with users.
“The last few months we've really seen it take of in Sioux Falls,” said Officer Sam Clemens.
“Our big concern is that people are using this and they don’t know what’s in it,” said Clemens. “These products are manufactured over seas. They're basically inert stuff that’s sprayed with a chemical and people don’t know what that chemical is.”

Road Work

Beginning at 7 a.m. , construction crews will be working in the center of West 50th Street between the intersections of South Elmwood Avenue and South Western Avenue. Traffic through the area and access for local businesses will be maintained.
The work will include repairing two sanitary sewer manholes within the street. During construction, traffic cones will be removed between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m., and access to the entire roadway will be allowed. This work is anticipated to be completed by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2012.

Fatal ATV Accident

A Cape Girardeau man died following an all-terrain vehicle crash near Marble Hill on Saturday night.



28-year-old Derick Bramlett was riding an ATV around 11 p.m. westbound on County Road 310 when it ran off the left side of the road and overturned, throwing him from the vehicle, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Bramlett was airlifted to Saint Francis Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Authorities say Bramlett was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

SF Man Charged With Sexually Assaulting Teen

Sioux Falls Police have arrested 32-year old Mark Christians for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old Sioux Falls girl. Investigators allege Christians met the girl on a social networking site, by pretending to be another 15-year old girl. KDLT reports Christian allegedly showed up at the victim's home December 30th, took her to what they think was his home, gave her liquor, sexually assaulted her, and took her home the next day. The victim told a counselor January 3rd, and they reported it to police. Authorities are worried Christian may have done this before, and they want to hear from possible victims.

SF Dumping Reservoir Plan

Sioux Falls is pulling the plug on building a man made reservoir in the Slip Up Creek watershed northeast of the city. The Argus leader reports the city's planning to sell the land, pending approval from the City Council. Public Works Director Mark Cotter and Mayor Mike Huether says the city's water needs are covered with the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System, that kicks in this year, along with and water rights that haven't been touched yet.

Doctor Heads to Afghanistan

A longtime Sturgis physician is heading to Afghanistan with the South Dakota National Guard. Major David Lauer is a family practice physician at Fort Meade. Lauer enlisted in the Guard in 2010 at the age of 57 after going along on an Honor Flight trip with his father. Lauer is set for a 120 day deployment at an air base in Afghanistan.

New School Districts

Hundreds of students in the Sioux Falls School District could be going to new schools this fall. Finding more space for students in the Sioux Falls School District is continuing to be a priority as they see more and more students, and school officials said it is time to realign the existing boundaries. School officials with Laura Wilder said they already have a good amount of students, but next fall, around 70 students from Garfield will be reassigned to the school.

Thune Responds to Obama Power Grab

Senator John Thune issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s unprecedented “recess” appointment of Richard Cordray as director of the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) without the Senate being adjourned:
“President Obama’s decision to appoint an unaccountable czar to oversee the controversial CFPB created by the flawed Dodd-Frank law represents an extreme power grab and raises Constitutional issues because of the president’s unilateral actions. 45 Senate Republicans sent a letter to President Obama stating their intentions to oppose any nominee

BBQ Championships

The Original SD BBQ Championships Committee made a $3,600 donation to the SD State Fair Foundation during December’s SD State Fair Commission meeting.
2012 will mark the sixth year for the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned event that is held on the first weekend in June in conjunction with Wheel Jam, an event that hosts cars, motorcycles and semis. Events include a four meat competition in accordance with KCBS rules and regulations, People’s Choice Backyard BBQ and F.A.T. Friday Chili Challenge.

No Pay Ciut for Minnehaha County Deputies

Minnehaha County employees, with the exception of sheriff's deputies, will be getting a new year's gift-a 5% pay cut. The county wanted all 520-employees to take the cut to help close a $3-million budget gap, but an administrative judge ruled the county would be violating the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with the Minnehaha County Deputies Association. The county does have the option of appealing the decision.

SFPD Have Both Suspects in Weekend Meth Lab Fire

Sioux Falls Police now have both suspects in custody from Sunday night's apartment fire, which police say was started by a meth lab. The Argus Leader reports 50-year old Ricky German was captured this afternoon at the Players Casino on E. 10th Street. 51-year old Ted Witte was arrested around 11:30 this morning near 11th Street and Duluth. Warrants were issued for distribution and possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance in a drug-free area.

Science Camp

The South Dakota Department of Education is accepting applications for high school students to attend a national science camp in West Virginia this summer.
Applications are available at www.nysc.org and must be submitted to South Dakota's state selection coordinator by Feb. 17.

Building Boom in SF

Building is booming in Sioux Falls. A record 7,823 building permits were issued in Sioux Falls in 2010, about 100 more than in the previous record year of 2002. Chief building official Ron Bell says that about 80 percent of the permits were for residential work - projects such as home additions and remodels rather than large-scale commercial projects.

Loose Bull in Yankton

An exciting morning in Yankton, where a bull got away and ran amok until authorities caught him a couple of hours later. The bull was being hauled in a semitrailer when it bolted Wednesday morning and made a mad dash down the city's busiest street and part of U.S. Highway 81. Police Chief Brian Paulsen says no one was hurt, and the bull was fine.

Rape Charges

The South Dakota woman whose baby daughter died in a case authorities say involved a teenage boy shaking the child is now charged with raping a boy. 28-year-old April Solles made her first court appearance Tuesday. She is accused of raping a 14-year-old boy last year. A 14-year-old boy is charged with second-degree murder in the December death of Solles' 1-year-old daughter.

Medicinal Music

Members of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra performed at both Sanford Health and Avera McKennan facilities throughout the day. The 12 hours of music kicked off a new program between the symphony and the hospitals called "Music as Medicine".
Creators say music creates a positive impact on healing.

Dell Rapids Bus Service

Dell Rapids city officials are trying to find ways to avoid cutting city bus services after federal funding was reduced by 30 percent for 2012. The city has $10,000 of local dollars budgeted in 2012 for the service but would need an additional $15,000 to $20,000 to keep service the same, City Administrator Justin Weiland said. At their Dec. 19 meeting, councilors looked at options for making up the shortfall by either reducing expenses or increasing revenue. But the council made no decisions and likely won't until the Jan. 17 meeting

Internship at NASA

Two South Dakota students are going to work for NASA. The South Dakota Space Grant Consortium has selected Daniel Nehlich and Ryan Brown for a 15-week internship during the spring semester at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. They each received a $10,000 scholarship from the Space Grant Consortium for the internship, which starts January 17.

No Bullying in School

It's zero-tolerance for bullying for Sioux Falls students. The district has launched a bully-prevention program, lessons from which will be taught throughout this semester. Former NFL punter Brian Hansen, the director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, shared some of his own experiences with bullying and how others stood up for him when he was a rookie in the NFL.

Man Tased

A Rapid City man had to be tased because police say he refused to stop running out into traffic in the 200 block of East St. Joseph Street at about 7 p.m. Friday. Forty-five-year-old Myron Warrior of Rapid City is charged with disorderly conduct. He was taken down by a Taser, and then cleared by medical staff. Warrior was running into traffic and jumping in front of passing vehicles.

2012 Budget

The Minnehaha County Commission is looking to trim half a million dollars from the 2012 budget. The commission voted to cut county employee pay last summer to balance the budget, but a later ruling said the planned 5 percent cut for county sheriff's deputies violated a contract. Payroll checks go out Jan. 12, but the anticipated five percent pay cut for the county's deputies won't be part of the savings for the county.

Inmate Autopsy

An autopsy is being conducted on South Dakota prison inmate 42-year-old Lyle Furney to determine how he died. The Department of Corrections says Furney died at a Sioux Falls hospital Monday. Furney was serving a total of seven years behind bars for indecent exposure convictions in Minnehaha County.

Fire Destrys Auto Dealership

The blaze at Springs Auto on Main Street in Wessington Springs destroyed the building. The fire started around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. Fire Chief Keith Wetzel says firefighters were able to get vehicles off the parking lot but those inside the dealership showroom were destroyed as well. Springs Auto was one of two South Dakota dealerships set to lose the General Motors line of vehicles in 2009, but GM changed its mind. Springs Auto also sells Ford vehicles. The cause of the fire wasn't immediately determined.

Man Killed in Haying Accident

A man was killed in a haying accident when he got tangled in a piece of equipment. Police say Thirty-one-year-old Anthony Siquieros of Rapid City was pronounced dead at the scene about 3 p.m. Monday. Meade County Sheriff Ron Merwin says workers were converting round hay bales into square bales when Siquieros' clothing got caught in a power takeoff shaft.

Lawmakers Wants Speeding Back on List that Adds Points to Licenses

Minnehaha County State Rep. Steve Hickey says he wants speeding tickets added to the list of things that can add points to your drivers license. If you get enough points, your license is suspended. KELO reports DUIs and running a stop sign add points, but a 1986 state law removed speeding from that list. Hickey's proposing that speeding return to the points system based on actual speed and road where you're caught.

New Owner at Empire Mall

There's a new owner and management company at Empire Mall in Sioux Falls. Simon Property Group's now full owner of the property. The Argus Leader reports Simon Property Group owns or has an interest in hundreds of properties in North America, Europe and Asia. Empire opened in 1975, and currently has 47-stores.

Suspect Held in Brewster Bank Rob

Nobles County officials say they are questioning a suspect in this mornings' robbery of a Brewster, Minnesota bank. KELO reports it happened a little after 11:30 this morning at Rolling Hills Bank. Three employees inside say the suspect was carrying a gun when he walked in, handed them a bag and asked for cash. No one was injured, and there were no customers inside at the time.

Rec Park Makes its own Snow

If you make it they will come. That's why the Great Bear Recreation Park just outside of Sioux Falls is open for skiing, snowboarding and tubing despite a lack of natural snowfall this winter.
General Manager Dan Grider said that the ski park has had to make its own snow. Grider says snowmaking is expensive, but the park budgets it in and crowds have been good over the holiday break.

Man Dies in Haying Accident

A Rapid City man working as a hired hand on a haying operation in the Piedmont area was killed after becoming entangled in a piece of equipment. 31-year-old Anthony Siquieros was pronounced dead at the scene about 3 p.m. Monday. Authorities say workers were converting round hay bales into square bales when Siquieros' clothing got caught in a power takeoff shaft.

Fire at Auto Dealership

Fire consumed an auto dealership in the southeastern South Dakota city of Wessington Springs early this morning. The blaze at Springs Auto on the city's Main Street began about 1:30 a.m. Firefighters were still battling flames five hours later. The business is considered a complete loss.

Fewer Juvies

A series of sweeping reforms designed to cut the number of teens detained at the county’s juvenile detention center will take effect Jan. 30 after almost two years of testing, tweaking and debate. After that day, fewer than one in five kids arrested for a criminal offense are likely to see the inside of the JDC. Minnehaha and Pennington county officials hammered out the changes using the framework of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative.

State Budget

Legislators will flock to the capitol from all corners of the state and both democrats and republicans from both the house and senate agree, approving the states budget is high on their priority list. State Representative Bernie Hunhoff says “The budget, how we fund schools how we dig out of a whole that we dug last legislative session, that's going to be the big thing". Among a balanced budget, one republican state senator says some older laws will be repealed.

Fire Destroys Home

Flames engulfed a home on Lake Mitchell early Monday morning. Officials say the call for a structure fire came in at about 6:20 a.m. when neighbors reported seeing flames coming from the house. Responders say the house is used as a vacation home so no one was there when the fire started. According to fire crews, the home is a total loss. But responders say they are thankful that no one, including crewmembers, was hurt.

Ndew Mentoring Program for Minnehaha and Lincoln Counties

The United Way's working with Lutheran Social Services to bring USucceed to kids in Minnehaha and Lincoln Counties. It partners underprivileged kids with a mentor who can help them succeed in graduating high school as well as get them set for success in college. University Center and Avera, provide the students with scholarships. To be a mentor or recommend a student for USucceed, visit the Lutheran Social Services' website.

Bar Owner Fire Victims Overwhelmed by Support

The owners of a Dudley's Valley Tap in Fort Pierre, say they plan to rebuild after a Christmas Eve fire leveled the bar as well as the home of the owners, Sam Williamson and Jill Pfeiffer. Donations for Williamson and Pfeiffer have been coming into to First National Bank locations in Pierre and Fort Pierre. Williamson tells KSFY the showing of community support's been overwhelming.

Chronic Sppeders may Lose License

Get caught speeding too many times and rick losing your license. Republican Rep. Steve Hickey of Sioux Falls says he has prepared a bill to add speeding tickets to the system that gives drivers points on their records for moving violations. Too many points result in a suspended license. The current point system covers reckless driving, running a stop sign or stop light and just about every other moving violation. But it does not cover speeding.

Meth Lab Fire

A meth lab may be the cause of a fire Sunday. It happened at 2:30 p.m. at 233 S. Duluth Avenue #2. South Duluth Avenue.
The small fire was quickly extinguished, but once the blaze was out investigators found meth making components inside the apartment. The Sioux Falls Police Department says it appears the fire was a result of the methamphetamine manufacturing process.

Road Work

Beginning at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2012, construction crews will be working in the center of East Plum Creek Road between the intersections of East 56th Street and East 57th Street. Traffic through the area will be maintained. Access for local residents will be maintained.
The work will include repairing one sanitary sewer manhole within the street. During construction, traffic cones will be removed between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. and access to the entire roadway will be allowed. This work is anticipated to be completed by 5 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2012.