Stzte May Hire Recruiter to Fill Jobs for Companies Here

South Dakota could be ready to take a big step on jobs. The state's jobless rate is low, and businesses are expanding regularly, so Gov. Daugaard's preparing to sign a bill letting the state to hire a recruitment agency to bring in 1,000 out-of-state workers to fill in-demand jobs for companies like Sioux Falls-based Raven Industries. Raven hopes to expand it's engineering units, but are worried about finding qualified engineers to fill the jobs.

State Senate Votes on Billboards Bill

The State Senate's passed an amended bill that says local authorities can't prohibit outdoor billboards, including digital advertising, but they can decide how bright the lights are and how big the signs are. According to KELO, Rapid City lawmakers aren't happy, saying their city's overrun by signs that don't fit the Black Hills landscape.

National Ag Week

Students from across the state will not only eat pizza next week - they'll also learn how farmers helped produce it. As part of National Ag Week, a local dairy farmer and pork producer will meet with fourth- and fifth-grade students at several schools to discuss the state's agricultural industry. They'll also provide a pizza party and discuss with students how the ingredients in the pizza are produced by farms and made into pizzas.

I-29 Closed

South Dakota officials closed Interstate 29 from Watertown to the North Dakota border at 8:00 Tuesday night, due to blizzard conditions. As of 11:00 PM Tuesday night, that closure has been extended north to Fargo, North Dakota. That stretch of roadway will be closed until conditions improve and crews are able to clear the roadway.

IRS Money

The Internal Revenue Service says taxpayers in the Dakotas who did not file a federal return for 2008 might have refunds coming, but the three-year window for them to claim the money is closing. The IRS estimates that refunds totaling more than $1.9 million might be waiting for about 2,000 North Dakotans. In South Dakota, about 2,300 residents might have about $2.2 million coming.

Fire Death Vic ID'd

Police have released more details of a fatal fire Monday afternoon in Sioux Falls, including the victim's name. Officials say the victim's daughter stopped at the apartment on the 400 block of South Holly Avenue around 3 p.m. to visit, and when she opened the door, she found heavy, black smoke inside. A person who went to the home with the daughter made the call to 911. He has been identified as 65-year-old Richard James Ryken. Police say Ryken lived in the upstairs apartment

Railyard Backlash

Over a hundred people showed up to an informational meeting regarding the proposed future location of downtown Sioux Falls switchyard. And some were outraged with the idea that a rail yard maybe moved into their community. Most were upset with proposals but officials from the city of Sioux Falls and the department of transportation were there to listen to criticism.

Travel Warning

South Dakota's Transportation and Public Safety officials are urging you to avoid traveling tonight and tomorrow morning if they can. They say the
National Weather Service forecast calls for heavy snow and strong winds leading to blizzard-like conditions in parts of the state overnight. State officials say you can probably expect road closures on major highways. They also say roads that remain open may become impassable at times during the storm.

Two Hurt in Rapid City Scaffodl Collapse

Two men were seriously injured yesterday after the scaffolding they were working on collapsed. It happened at the Grand Gateway Hotel in Rapid City, where authorities say the two men fell about 30-feet into an empty pool. A fire department spokesperson tells KDLT the rigging tipped over and the men had to ride it down.

Guv Gets Concealed Carry Law

The Legislature's passed and sent to Gov. Daugaard a bill letting people carry concealed weapons without a permit as long as they have a driver's license and otherwise meet state standards for owning guns. KDLT reports State law does not require permits to own guns, keep them in a home or business or carry them openly. However, state law has required that people have permits to carry concealed guns.

911 Surcharge Proposed

A bill moving its way through the Legislature would spike the surcharge on phone bills to fund the 9-1-1 network. Residents now paying a 75-cent surcharge on landline and cell phone bills would have to pay $1.25 through 2018. The increase would go toward paying for Next Generation 9-1-1, an advanced system that lets the public transmit text, images, video and data during emergency calls.

Brookings Cancels April Elections--No Challengers

April's elections in Brookings have been canceled. KELO reports none of the five candidates on the ballot has an opponent. Mayor Tim Reed and councilors John Kubal and Tom Bezdichek will get three more years, and Brookings School District board president Steve Bayer will be seated for another three-year term. And former superintendent Bob Jostad will get a three-year school board term by default after no one challenged him.

BNSF Switch Yard Info Meeting

Representatives of Sioux Falls Public Works, South Dakota's Transportation Department and the federal highway authority will be at an informational meeting tomorrow at the Brandon Municipal Golf Course. The topic of discussion is the relocation of the BNSF switch yard out of downtown Sioux Falls. One of the locations being considered is near the Brandon city limits, and that option's been formally opposed by the Brandon's City Council. That meeting starts at 6p.m.

Train Derails in Canton

Crews had to be called out late this morning to get a train back on the tracks in Canton. The Argus Leader reports it happened around 10:30 this morning and block traffic on Lincoln, Main and Cedar streets. One car left the tracks, and the cause of the derailment's under investigation.

Mountain Lions

South Dakota's mountain lion hunting season might soon be coming to a close. A Game, Fish and Parks Department report shows that lions were killed over the weekend in Lawrence and Custer counties, bringing the season total to 64. Forty of the lions killed were females. The lion season began Jan. 1 and ends March 31, or when 50 females or 70 total lions are killed.

Doug Hansen for City Commission

A Valley Springs man will have at least one challenger for his seat on the city commission.
Doug Hansen has filed for re-election to another five-year term, and Tami Jansma has filed also. City finance officer Sandy Severtson said she knows of no one else who is circulating a petition to run for the seat. The election will be held April 10.

Noi to Walmart

The international corporation that is often associated with stealing business from mom and pop stores may be opening a new store in Sioux Falls. And some Sioux Falls residents think two Walmarts are enough for the city. Concerned citizens signed a petition that some hope would help prevent a Walmart being built on the corner of Cliff Avenue and 69th street.

SDDA Meeting

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) and its partners are seeking public input to revise the Coordinated Plan for Natural Resources Conservation. A meeting at the VFW Hall in Faith will be an open-house format beginning with a short presentation. Attendees are welcome to arrive at any time during the meeting hours. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss a broad range of conservation topics that will be considered during the revision of the plan.

School Achievement Proposal

A State House committee's approved a bill changing how school achievement's rated and also creates a workgroup to grade how schools spend their dollars. KELO reports the proposal moves South Dakota away from No Child Left Behind, by setting multiple indicators that would measure student achievement instead of the 100% math and reading proficiencies expected by 2014 under the federal law.

Concealed Carry Bill

The State Senate committee's passed a bill allows drivers with a valid South Dakota driver's license to carry a concealed weapon without a permit anywhere in the state. KDLT reports the bill lets people skip the application process as long as they don't leave the state. Opponents say driver's license applications don't consider mental health records and argue that permits are denied for valid reasons. The bill goes to the full senate.

Vote Centers Now the Law in South Dakota

Gov. Daugaard's signed a bill creating vote centers as the go-to locations for casting ballots in the state. The Argus Leader reports those centers will have a database of registered voters, electronic poll books. A voter presents their drivers’ license, and gets a paper ballot. The system lets you vote anywhere it's convenient and not limit you to specific polling places. It took immediate effect, meaning Sioux Falls can use them in the April election.

Grain Elevator planned for Yankton Cy

Dakota Plains Ag Center is planning a multimillion-dollar elevator facility in Yankton County. The Parkston-based company says the loading point three miles northwest of the city of Yankton would load 110-car "shuttle" trains within 10 hours. Dakota Plains wants to begin construction of the $28 million first phase this year and have it complete by the 2013 harvest

Road Conditions Could Be Bad

State officials are cautioning travelers in South Dakota that precipitation and blowing snow today, sometimes with limited visibility, are making roads slippery and creating dangerous driving conditions in several areas of the state. Weather and road conditions throughout the state are changing rapidly. Some areas have received heavy amounts of snowfall. Strong winds were expected overnight and may continue to make travel conditions hazardous this morning. Roads may become icy and drifting may occur, particularly in sheltered areas and at the ends of bridges.

Movie Night

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. March 2nd: An American Tail

National Federation of Independent Business

Last Thursday, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) launched a nationwide grassroots campaign to raise awareness and garner support from Americans across the nation who believe that the individual mandate in the new health-care law violates the Constitution. In just one week, the pledge has earned more than 2,500 signatures by individuals who are throwing their full support behind NFIB in its efforts to see that the law is overturned and that Congress begins anew.

Switchyard Proposal

Project leaders looking for an alternate site for the downtown switchyard in Sioux Falls might get an earful from people in Brandon. There is a lot of concern that the city cannot sustain and support a busy switchyard. Vice President of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, John Small said project leaders need to consider overpasses. He cites the bridges in Sioux Falls on 57th and 69th that currently go over a single track as essential for the additional crossings. Thus far, he has not heard of plans or money for overpasses to ease congestion.

Take It Easy On the Raods

State officials are warning those on the roads that conditions are not great in parts of the state with today's snowfall. According to KDLT, Strong winds are expected overnight and may continue to make travel conditions hazardous. SDDOT crews will plow until early evening as they can, but winter maintenance will be suspended after that and crews won't hit the roads again until 5a.m., of course weather permitting.

USPS Shutting Huron Center, Ops Moving to Sioux Falls

The United States Postal Service says the mail processing center in Huron is closing, and its' operations will move to Sioux Falls. KDLT reports the USPS was also considering shutting down the Rapid City facility, but that one will remain open. Other processing facilities here and in Minnesota are also being considering for closure as part of a money saving drive.

Missing Dogs

Some dog owners in the Sioux Falls area believe thieves are targeting German shepherds.
The Sioux Falls Humane Society and Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office say they are aware of only a handful of missing dogs. Stacy Rostyne says after she put up notices about two of her dogs missing, she got calls from the owners of more than a dozen German shepherds that had disappeared in a span of 1 ½ months.

Drowning

A Pierre man drowned after falling through the ice on the Missouri River while apparently trying to rescue his dog near a campground area east of the city. A Pierre man drowned after falling through the ice on the Missouri River while apparently trying to rescue his dog near a campground area east of the city.

Steve Miller Band to Play Fair

South Dakota State Fair officials are happy to announce the addition of the Steve Miller Band to the 2012 South Dakota State Fair Grandstand lineup. The Steve Miller Band will perform on Saturday, Sept. 1. The Steve Miller Band is widely known as one of rock music’s all time greats. In 1973, after years of trying to make it in the music industry, they recorded the album “The Joker” in just 19 days. It exceeded all their expectations as it shot right to the top of the music charts.

Johnson Dakotas Berakhah House Visit

U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) visited the Volunteers of America (VOA), Dakotas Berakhah House in Sioux Falls and discussed efforts to end homelessness among veterans in the local community and across the nation. As Chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, Johnson has worked to secure funding for veterans housing and assistance to take our nations heroes off the street.

Sioux Empire Fair

The Sioux Empire Fair Association Board voted on one of the more fun topics they
discuss- fair theme. The 73 rd nnual Sioux Empire Fair’s theme is “It’s a Love a Fair!”
This play on words makes you think of why you love the fair. hat do you love about the fair? Whatever it is, we want to know! Submit a picture of your “love a fair” from one of the past 72 Sioux Empire Fairs. It could be a picture of a cow, carnival, horse race, concert, or anything that has happened here at the fair! To enter into the contest, please e-mail Jen at jen@siouxempirefair.com or stop by the Fair Office in the Armory for a submission form.

Pierre man drowns

A Pierre man drowned after falling through the ice on the Missouri River while apparently trying to rescue his dog near a campground area. The 66 year-old victim was pronounced dead around 7 p.m. Tuesday at a Pierre hospital. Authorities believe the man was underneath the water for about an hour before being pulled out by divers.

Scam Alkert

A Sioux Falls woman was using Craigslist to sell items to raise money to pay her bills when she nearly fell victim to a money order scam. She has a warning for other Craigslist users.
Patti Roberts hoped to sell an antique lamp on Craigslist for $75. She'd already had good luck selling other items. She got some interest in the lamp right away. Then I got the money orders and they're two money orders for $985 a piece," Roberts said. He asked Roberts to take out what he owed her and wire the rest back to him through Western Union because he was out of the country. As it turns out, when Roberts tried to cash the money orders at her bank, they told her the checks were no good. After Roberts told the buyer of the problem, she didn't hear from him again.

RSV Cases on the Rise

Sioux Falls has had an outbreak of a respiratory disease, known as RSV this winter. This disease is common with children and has a lot of causes, such as when infected kids touch areas after blowing their noses, sneezing and coughing. Director of Pediatrics Intensive Care Unit, Dr. Joe Segelon, said there’s been a steep number of RSV cases this years and offers parents some advice. "The biggest thing you can do is try to wash your hands and to keep your infant, particularity at a young age, away from other children who have colds."

Drunk Driving Plea

A Minnesota man has changed his plea and acknowledged driving drunk and killing a South Dakota teenager. 28-year-old James Harris of Anoka, Minn., entered guilty pleas Tuesday to charges of second-degree manslaughter and drunken driving. Prosecutors say Harris was driving drunk when he ran a stop sign in De Smet on Sept. 23, hitting two pedestrians. The Highway Patrol says 16-year-old Zachary Eichstadt of De Smet was killed. The second pedestrian was treated for minor injuries.

Thune Town Hall Meetings Today

Senator John Thune will hold a town hall in Belle Fourche and participate in a round table with community leaders from the Northern Hills tomorrow before giving the keynote address at the Spearfish Economic Development Corporation Annual Meeting. During the town hall, Senator Thune will make a brief presentation and then take questions from the audience.

WHAT: Belle Fourche Chamber Town Hall
WHEN: 2:00 PM MT
WHERE: City Hall Council Chambers
Belle Fourche, SD

WHAT: Northern Hills Community Leaders Round Table
WHEN: 4:00 PM MT
WHERE: Holiday Inn 76 Room
Spearfish, SD

WHAT: Spearfish Economic Development Corporation Annual Meeting
WHEN: 5:30 PM MT
WHERE: Spearfish Convention Center
305 N 27th Street
Spearfish, SD

Taco John’s Funraising to Present Check

Taco John’s in Brandon will present a check to the Children’s Miracle Network tomorrow. The presentation will take place at 5pm at Taco John’s in Brandon. Taco John’s in Brandon raised funds for Children’s Miracle Network by donating a portion of each Nachos Navidad sold from December 1 – 24, 2011. Customers were also given the opportunity to purchase a paper ornament during this campaign.

Minnehaha County Commissioners Reverse 5% Pay Cut

Minnehaha County employees got some good news today. The County Commission's voted to reverse their plan to cut employee salaries by 5%. The County Auditor informed Commissioners today that they've saved enough money to reverse that decision. KELO reports County employees will be getting their five percent back started next month, but there will be no back pay.

Legislative Panel Passes Tougher DUI Bill

The State Senate Judiciary committee's passed a bill upping penalties on people arrested multiple times for DUI in a short period of time. Current law requires that a drunk driver be convicted of at least one DUI before being charged as a repeat offender. In practice, that allows some problem drivers in South Dakota to notch several arrests without facing prison time.

Levsen Doing Well

Aberdeen Mayor Mike Levsen is recovering after a heart procedure. Levsen underwent an angioplasty on Monday. He went to the emergency room after experiencing pain and shortness of breath following a Sunday workout, and doctors found a blockage in an artery in his heart.

Crash Kills SD Woman

The Montana Highway Patrol says a 49-year-old South Dakota woman died Saturday morning after the semi-tanker she was in crashed 10 miles east of Lewistown in central Montana. Trooper Scott Fox tells the Billings Gazette that the 52-year-old male driver from Mandan, N.D., swerved and braked to avoid a deer at about 2:30 a.m. on U.S. Highway 87. Fox says the woman was crushed in the impact and died at the scene.

Johnson on NCLB

U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) brought together educators from Rapid City, Spearfish, and Lead to hear their experiences with the No Child Left Behind law firsthand. Johnson has been reaching out to education leaders across the state for their input as Congress considers comprehensive reforms to the law. Johnson has said the waivers made available by the U.S. Department of Education provide schools relief from the more unworkable aspects of this law and should act as a bridge to more comprehensive reforms

SDDOT Meetings

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Engineering Division of Public Works will be holding public meetings to discuss alternatives for relocation of the rail switch yard in downtown Sioux Falls.

The public meetings will be held as follows:
Date: Monday, February 27, 2012
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: Orpheum Theater Center
315 North Phillips Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: Brandon Municipal Golf Course
2100 East Aspen Boulevard
Brandon, SD 57005

Sioux Falls Stallions Try Outs

The Sioux Falls Stallions Semi-Pro football team is announcing that it will host open tryouts for all positions on February 25th at 10am at Sanford Power Center Located at 6320 475th Avenue Sioux Falls, SD. Participants need to bring a $25 registration fee. All Stallions Veterans and those interested in joining the team are required to attend.
The official tryouts will take place on Saturday February 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. During the tryouts, players will be put through a number of skill testing elements in order to evaluate their football skills, speed and agility for all positions on the team roster.

Sen. Johnson Meeting with Regional Public tranit Officials

U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson's due here tomorrow for a meeting with public transportation officials in Sioux Falls. Johnson chair's the Senate Banking Committee, and has a say in the transit portion of the federal surface transportation program, which includes rural bus systems and public transportation in urban areas. The meeting's at 1 at the Sioux Falls Transit building, on E. Sixth St.

SF Leauge of Women Voters Has Legislative Coffee This Weekend

Legislators from Districts 11, 12 and 15 will be at this legislative coffee in the International Room at the Holiday Inn City Centre on W. Eighth St. The meeting starts at 10, and this year you can submit your questions in advance, using the Sioux Falls League of Women Voters Facebook page. The Argus leader reports you can also submit them via e-mail: siouxfallslwv@yahoo.com up until midnight Wednesday.

SDSU Students to Bolivia

A group of engineering students at South Dakota State University is traveling to South America next month. SDSU's student chapter of Engineers Without Borders will be heading to a university in Bolivia, during the school's spring break as part of a 5-year commitment to improve drinking water safety and sanitation in one village.

RC Man Sentenced for Fraud

A Rapid City man has sentenced to five years and three months in prison for writing bad checks using 11 different identities throughout the Dakotas. The Social Security Administration says 30-year-old Matt Kurtenbach was released from the Wyoming State Penitentiary in 2008 and within a month of his release , opened a fraudulent checking account in Rapid City and began writing bad checks.

South Dakota State Fair

The manager of the South Dakota State Fair says he expects the annual event to be able to boost some budget areas this year, particularly in entertainment, marketing and equipment rental. Jerome Hertel says that years of increasing attendance and upward revenue are giving the fair confidence as it prepares for this summer. He says the fair will be in the black as of the end of the fiscal year on June 30.

Sioux River South Sanitary Sewer Interceptor Work

City of Sioux Falls Public Works is lining the Sioux River South Sanitary Sewer Interceptor in the area between 41st Street and 57th Street along the bike trail. Construction activity will require the bike trail to be closed along the west side of the Big Sioux River for approximately five days beginning Monday, February 20, at 8 a.m. There will be no through pedestrian or bike traffic allowed on the bike trail between 41st Street and 57th Street on the west side of the river during the closure. Bike trail traffic will be routed to the east side of the river during closures. Route signage will be in place.

Thune Makes Local Visit

Senator John Thune will tour the Good Samaritan Society and speak to the Downtown Lions Club Luncheon in Sioux Falls on Tuesday before heading to Aberdeen to tour Hub City Inc. and hold a town hall. During the town hall, Senator Thune will make a brief presentation and then take questions from the audience.
WHAT: Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society
WHEN: 10:00 AM CT
WHERE: National Campus
4800 W 57th St
Sioux Falls, SD

WHAT: Sioux Falls Downtown Lions Club Luncheon
WHEN: Noon CT
WHERE: Holiday Inn City Centre
100 West 8th St
Sioux Falls, SD

Road Workj

The outside westbound lane on Sixth Street will be closed between Phillips Avenue and the Big Sioux River Bridge starting this morning. Traffic will be maintained in the remaining westbound lane. Henry Carlson will be working on the Raven York building.
The work is anticipated to be finished by the evening of Friday, March 16, 2012.
Motorists are urged to use caution when travelling in this area.

A Step Closer to 15% Ethanol At the Pump

The EPA's signed off on health testing data that opens the door on sales 15% ethanol blend gasolines nationwide. Right now the current limit is 10%. The testing data allowed the agency to identify emissions “that may pose an unreasonable risk to public health.” There's on last step, EPA must approve a misfueling mitigation plan, which the Renewable Fuels Association has submitted to the agency.

State House Gets Absentee Voting Bill

The South Dakota House has an absentee voting bill to consider. The plan from the Local Government Committee sets a uniform system for casting ballot, either getting it in the mail and filling it out at home, or stopping by the office of the person in charge during the 46 voting days before the election. The Argus Leader reports current practices have absentee voting at parent-teacher conferences, basketball games and the home of the person in charge of the election.

Ericsson Plea

The Watertown man accused of shooting and killing a man in Madison in late January was back in court again on Thursday. Seventy-three year old Carl Ericsson is charged with first-degree murder after police say he shot 72-year-old Norman Johnson twice in the face. Ericsson pled not guilty to first-degree murder charges and requested a jury trial.

High Speed Chase

Minnesota Highway Patrol is investigating a high speed chase on Interstate 90 that ended east of Sioux Falls early Thursday morning. The incident involved a woman driving west on I-90 shortly after midnight. Officers began the pursuit in Minnesota. There are reports of troopers using spikes to disable the car. The driver may have been under the influence of alcohol.

Railroad Switching Yard Meetings

There will be 2 public meetings coming up at the end of this month in regard to the Railroad Switching Yards. One meeting will be in SF and the other in Brandon. I have also been given some great information on who will be at these meetings which may not be something you were aware of. Below is all of the information I have been given and would love it if you could help in spreading the word of the importance of attending this meeting to the public.

Meetings:
Monday, February 27, 2012
6:00-8:00pm
Orpheum Theater in Sioux Falls

Tuesday, February 28, 2012
6:00-8:00pm
Brandon Municipal Golf Course

Road Work

Phillips Avenue will be closed between 26th Street and 28th Street this morning starting at 8. Traffic will be detoured using 26th Street, Main Avenue, and 28th Street.
Sioux Falls Public Works will be working on a waterline. The work is anticipated to be finished by this afternoon. Motorists are urged to use caution when travelling in this area.

Free Pancakes

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and IHOP restaurants will celebrate National Pancake Day on Tuesday, February 28 from 7 am to 10 pm. IHOP will be offering a free short stack of its famous buttermilk pancakes to each guest and, in return, diners will be asked to leave a little something behind for Sanford Health USD Medical Center.

SD House Has Plan for Congress to Get Working Again

The South Dakota House has endorsed a proposed U.S Constitution amendment to help Congress get moving. The bill asks for a change in federal law requiring every bill passed by the U.S. House and Senate to deal with only one subject. KELO reports Rep. Jon Hansen of Dell Rapids says it would let Congress focus on areas of agreement and not get stuck on bills with one issue where everyone's divided.

Suspect Charged in Overnight SF Shooting

Sioux Falls Police have a 21-year old in custody tied to an overnight drive-by shooting. Carlos Duran-Garcia's charged with aggravated assault and discharge of a firearm from a moving vehicle. According to KDLT, police think an argument between two groups of people escalated into gunfire. The man who was hit was treated and released from an area hospital after the incident, and investigators aren't releasing his name.

Voting Bill Debated

Some South Dakota lawmakers want to make voting easier for their busy constituents. A Senate bill that allows any school district or city county to conduct elections using voting centers instead of designated polling places is up for debate in a House committee. The measure allows citizens to cast ballots anywhere within their jurisdiction using electronic booths. Once a person votes, his or her name comes off a list, disabling a second vote.

Sen. Hundstad Health Issues

State Sen. Jim Hundstad says he likely will miss the rest of this year's legislative session with heart health issues. The 70-year-old Democrat from Bath says that he is undergoing a stress test Friday at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Sioux Falls.He says that could be followed by an angiogram that would help doctors determine if he needs some form of heart procedure such as a bypass surgery.

Murder Indictment

A federal grand jury has indicted a man for first-degree murder in the killing of a woman in Todd County. Lawrence Anthony Whipple is accused of cutting and stabbing the throat of Loretta Waugh on the Rosebud Indian Reservation on Feb. 7. According to federal court papers, a jury indicted Whipple on the felony murder charge Tuesday. He is now being held at the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Jail.

Multi Car Pileup

Ice was a factor in a multiple-vehicle pileup south of Sioux Falls on Interstate 29 on Wednesday morning. One person was injured, and traffic was delayed for more than two hours. Between five and seven vehicles, including an overturned boom truck, were involved in the pileup just north of the Worthing exit, said Harold Timmerman, Lincoln County emergency manager. The injury was minor , he said.

Child Rape Plea

A 57-year-old Sioux Falls man pleaded not guilty to three counts of child rape Tuesday in an abuse case that stretches back to 2005.
Russell Gray was indicted last week on one count of first-degree rape of a child younger than 10 and two counts of first-degree rape of a child younger than 13.
Each charge is a class C felony with mandatory minimum sentences of at least 10 years in prison if convicted.

Green Brandon

A new parks advisory committee in Brandon will help guide the future of the city’s green spaces. Mayor Larry Beesley has appointed Jon Jacobson, Al Kirkeby, Misti Becker, Paul VanDeBerg and Trevor Guthmiller to the committee with the council’s approval.

Helpline Center Award Nominations

The Helpline Center is currently seeking nominations for the 2012 Spirit of Volunteerism Awards. Winners will be selected in categories including Youth, Group, Adult and Corporate Humanitarian. Winners of the Youth, Adult and Group Spirit of Volunteerism Awards will each receive a $500 award made payable to the non-profit organization of his/her choice.Any person, non-profit organization, church, community group or business in the Sioux Empire can make a nomination and can receive the nomination form by visiting www.helplinecenter.org or dialing 2-1-1. All nominations must be returned to the Helpline Center by April 2.

Legislative Committee Approves Limits on Death Row Appeals

A South Dakota House committee's passed a plan to limit death-row inmates appeals to delay their executions. Attorney General Marty Jackley says two men sentenced to death nearly twenty years ago haven't been executed because they still have appeals in the courts. When convicted of a crime here, you can file a direct appeal to the Supreme Court, then file secondary appeals called habeus corpus petitions. The bill would allow only one habeus corpus petition, unless there's new evidence.

Lawmakers Consider Raising Max Casino Bet

Legislators are being urged to pass SB 108, which would raise the maximum casino bet from $100 to $1,000. Gambling supporters say that would help attract more high-rollers. The Argus Leader reports video lottery revenue fell to $95-million last year, the lowest since 1999. Slot and table game revenues in Deadwood were $100-million last year down from $106-million in 2010. The industry says the big problem is out of state competition.

More Passengers Using Sioux Falls Regional

The FAA says more people are using Sioux Falls Regional Airport. The Argus Leader reports passenger traffic was up 25% last month to 70,000, compared to January of 2011. United Airlines had 30% of the market share, Delta with 29%, Allegiant 21%, American 14% and Frontier with 6%.

Small-Business Optimism Index

Rising just one tenth of one percent in January, the Small-Business Optimism Index settled at 93.9, a slight increase from the December 2011 reading, according to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). While the increase marks five consecutive months of improvement, the readings from January and February 2011 were higher, indicated no net gain for the calendar year. Historically, optimism remains at recession levels. While owners appeared less pessimistic about the outlook for business conditions and real sales growth, that optimism did not materialize in hiring or increased inventories plans.

Carl Vernon Ericsson Conviction

The Watertown man accused of killing a Madison resident because of a grudge he held for 50 years was indicted for murder Tuesday. A Lake County Grand Jury indicted 73-year-old Carl Vernon Ericsson on one count of first degree murder. Prosecutors say he drove to Madison from Watertown on Jan. 31 and shot 72-year-old Norman Johnson twice, killing Johnson.

Rental Scams

A Sioux Falls couple recently avoided a rental scam. Danae Cordie of Sioux Falls says "We were looking for rental places, and started looking online, and found a couple that looked like they were in our range so we went ahead and emailed to get information," The scam hinged on sending money overseas. Fortunately, Danae didn't send any money but others may not have been so lucky. Officer Sam Clemens says "These people are really good about giving a good answer about why they're not available, why they're out of the country and what the circumstances are but if you have to wire money to somebody and you're not doing a face to face transactions I would steer clear of that,"

Soup Contest

A soup contest and lunch Feb. 18 in Brandon will benefit Brandon, Garretson, Splitrock and Valley Springs fire and rescue departments. The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Bethany Meadows, 3008 E. Aspen Blvd. A donation of $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 5 to 10 years is suggested.

Brandon Valley Optimist Club

The Brandon Valley Optimist Club invites area students to speak their minds about the topic “How my Optimism Helps me Overcome Obstacles” as part of the Optimist International Oratorical Contest for the 2011-12 year.

Burglary Suspect Back in Jail

A 26-year-old suspect in close to a dozen garage break-ins this winter is back in prison for violating his parole, even though he hasn't been charged yet with the burglaries. The suspect still had suspended prison time for a prior conviction for cocaine possession. The unidentified man's back in the South Dakota State Penitentiary while parole revocation proceedings move forward and Minnehaha and Lincoln county prosecutors prepare the burglary cases.

YWCA Wants Women Mentors

The YWCA Women’s Leadership Program's looking for successful women to mentor 24 up and female coming leaders. The Argus Leader reports the goal's to help with their personal and professional development. The application deadline for mentors for the WLP is Thursday. You can get an application at www.ywca-sf.org/leadership or by contacting Erin Bosch at the YWCA 336-3660.

SF Man Pleads Not Guilty to Child Rape

57-year-old Russell Gray of Sioux Falls pleaded not guilty to three counts of child rape today. The Argus Leader reports the charges date back to 2005. The alleged victim's was his girlfriend's granddaughter. Court papers say Gray allegedly blindfolded the child to play a game where he put his penis in her mouth and told her it was something else.

11 Year Old Starts Fire

Sioux Falls police say an 11-year-old girl was arrested for a fire at the 4200 Block of East Ronning Drive Saturday afternoon. Damage estimated at $10,000 according to police reports to KSFY. The girl was arrested for reckless burning after setting clothes in an apartment storage area on fire and was taken to Volunteers of America. Police say she lived in the apartment complex but not that building

River Ramp to be Removed

The River Ramp above the Big Sioux River will be removed beginning March 12. Monday night the Sioux Falls City Council voted seven to zero in favor of giving the mayor approval to sell the ramp for demolition. River Greenway Hospitality LLC will buy the ramp and tear it down to make way for phase 2 of the River Greenway Project. The phase includes building a Hilton Garden Inn on the site.

Event Center Naming Rights

City officials made several announcements on Monday as plans to build an event center continue to move forward. Included in the announcements was the mention of a plan to sell the naming rights. By the end of the month, the events center will officially have a name, at least that's the goal. By March 1, 50 percent of the design elements will be ready, this includes the layout, seating and overall how the building would look.

Betting Limits Raised

A bill hiking betting limits from $100 to $1,000 in Deadwood has passed the full Senate.
KDLT reports that Lawmakers voted Monday for the bill whose main sponsor is Sen. Tom Nelson, a Republican of Lead. Sen. Nelson says Deadwood has suffered from the gaming limit, from the smoking ban and from customers choosing other locations to gamble in over Deadwood

Nurse Killed in Ski Accident

A Sioux Falls nurse has died in a skiing accident at the Terry Peak resort in the Black Hills. 24-year-old Tina Heilman hit a ski lift tower Saturday as she was skiing down a beginner's slope at the resort. Authorities say Heilman was a novice skier and she wasn't wearing a helmet.

Open House at Wind Cave Park

There'll be an informal open house later this month at the Wind Cave National Park visitor center. The discussion next Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. will center on the park's plan to build a new airlock at the walk-in entrance. Comments on the project can also be submitted through a website or mailed to the park. The comment period runs through Thursday, March 8.

Grass Fire Started by Boys Playing with Matches

A small grassfire that scorched 2 1/2 acres near a Rapid City neighborhood was started by two boys, ages 9 and 11. Rapid City Police Sgt. Warren Poaches says the pair began playing with matches in their backyard. No charges have been filed against the children.
About 20 firefighters responded to the fire Saturday afternoon near the corner of Enchanted Pines Drive and Kiowa Lane, on a hill overlooking the south side of town.

Drunk Driving Sentence

A 20-year-old Fort Thompson man who authorities say was driving drunk when his vehicle struck a pedestrian will spend 18 months in federal custody. Austin P. Abernathy pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for the December 2010 incident that killed a man walking on Pomani Road in Fort Thompson.

South Dakota Lottery Commission Appointments

Gov. Dennis Daugaard has appointed two Fort Pierre men to the South Dakota Lottery Commission. Daugaard says Roger Novotny and Brent Dykstra will succeed Virginia Nelson of Rapid City and Duane Schmautz of Pierre. In a news release, Daugaard says both men bring an incredible amount of business and government experience to the state Lottery Commission.

Veteran's Home in Hot Springs

The State of South Dakota has been notified that federal grant funding will be made available to build a new state veterans’ home in Hot Springs. South Dakota’s application was selected for approval from a long list of projects submitted to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. South Dakota’s proposal calls for the construction of a new 100-bed facility in Hot Springs at an estimated total cost of about $34.6 million. Federal grant funding would pay for 65 percent of the project for a total of $22.5 million. The state would be responsible for 35 percent of the funding, or $12.5 million.

Dairy Processing

Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today a strong push to further develop the dairy industry in South Dakota. “We’ve got dairy processing facilities looking to expand in communities across the state, but they need more milk,” the Governor said. The Agricultural Development Division within the South Dakota Department of Agriculture will spearhead the effort, with assistance from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

Big Donation for Lead

A gold miner is giving $1 million to the town of Lead. The Wharf Resources USA donation will create an endowment fund for nonprofit organizations and charities in Lead and Deadwood. It will be managed by the South Dakota Community Foundation, which oversees dozens of charitable funds.

Woman Sentenced for Fraud

- A secretary at the Gregory school who forged insurance paperwork to make false insurance claims for her son was ordered to pay $8,000 in fines and restitution. A prosecutor says Bernadette Soesbe altered chiropractic claim forms that had been filled out by a school custodian. She wrote her son's name on documents to collect money from the AFLAC insurance company.

Nordman Plea

The third inmate involved in the killing of Officer Ronald Johnson will spend the rest of his life behind bars. Michael Nordman changed his plea to guilty, to escape the death penalty for his role in helping Eric Robert and Rodney Berget commit murder. Nordman told the court he was the one who gave Rodney Berget the pipe and saran wrap used to kill RJ Johnson. While he was not the one who delivered the blows, the judge said he's still responsible for his death.

Pedestrian Accident Sentencing

A South Dakota man accused of killing a pedestrian while driving drunk has been sentenced to 1 ½ years in prison. Twenty-year-old Austin Abernathy of Fort Thompson pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter last November. U.S. Attorney Brendan Johnson says Abernathy will be on supervised release for three years following his prison term.

Lewis and Clark Regional Water System Getting Grant Money

The U.S. Department of Interior announced they'll be allocating $30 million more in funding to rural water construction projects in the West. The Lewis and Clark Regional Water system will be getting some of that money. KDLT reports that the pipeline will get an additional $5 million on top of the $487,000 they've already received for this year. It's a small victory for the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System. A very small victory.

Optimist Club

The Optimist Club of BV Optimist is encouraging area students to speak their minds about the topic “How my Optimism Helps me Overcome Obstacles” as part of the Optimist International Oratorical Contest for the 2011-2012 year. The Optimist Club will judge the local students’ speeches based on content and presentation to determine the top winners. Winners will be ranked and receive Bronze, Silver or Gold medals as well as certificates of achievement. Students under the age of 18 as of December 31, 2011, who have not yet graduated from high school or the equivalent, are eligible to participate.

Synthetic Drugs Landing More in SF Emergency Rooms

A recent report says the number of people hitting Sioux Falls ER's because of synthetic drugs has almost doubled in a year. Avera McKennan ER Doctor Luke VanOeveren tells KSFY he has definitely seen an increase in synthetic drug related cases, here in Sioux Falls, and most he says most them involve K2 and spice because those are the easiest to get a hold of. VanOeveren says there've been cases of synthetic drug use leading to teen heart attacks.

New Water and Sewerr Lines for Spearfish ande Crystal in Brandon

Residents of Spearfish Drive and Crystal Place will get new water and sewer lines this summer, but the it won't come without some disruption. The Bran don Challenger reports this second phase is an extension of the 2010 project, and includes replacement of 3,000 feet of curb and gutter, driveway approaches, asphalt surfacing and replacement of all sewer and water services up to the property.

Fraker Moves On

Brandon native Creighton Fraker made it through to the next round of auditions after wowing the judges on TV’s “American Idol” on Wednesday night. The “Idol” judges trimmed the ranks of dozens of hopefuls during the first night of Hollywood singers. Fraker performed in Sioux Falls in April 2008 at the Washington Pavilion as one of five cast members for Nickelodeon TV’s “The Backyardigans.”

Lewis and Clark Rural Water System Funding

U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) released a statement regarding Lewis and Clark Rural Water System receiving an additional $5 million this year.
The additional $5 million is good for Lewis and Clark. I wish it would have been more, but it does represent a more than tenfold increase in funding for the project compared with the Bureau of Reclamation’s original proposal.

HB1014

The first legislative bill signed this year by Gov. Dennis Daugaard was HB1014, which prohibits false statements when applying for certain business or agricultural loans and grants from state government. The new law, which was drafted by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and is effective July 1, makes it a Class 6 felony to fabricate or to overvalue land, property or other securities on applications for state financial assistance. Maximum punishment for a violator is two years in prison and a $4,000 fine.

Flags Ordered Half Staff

Gov. Dennis Daugaard requests that all flags in the state be flown at half-staff on Friday, Feb. 10, from 8 a.m. until sunset, in honor of former state Sen. Leonard E. Andera of Chamberlain, who died Tuesday.
“Senator Andera was a respected legislator who represented his district with pride for six years,” Gov. Daugaard said. “I extend my condolences to his family.”
Leonard Andera was a member of the South Dakota Senate from 1985-1990.

Legislature Committee Debates Daugaard Teacher Pay Plan

The House Education Committee plans to vote today on Gov. Daugaard's proposal to give math and science teacher an $8,000 annual bonus after five years in the classroom. KDLT reports the Governor also wants to give $5,000 annual bonuses to the top 20% of teachers in each school district. The new plan allows school districts to follow the governor's plan, create their own system or not take part.

House Committee Kills Union Bill

The House Commerce and Energy committee today voted to kill House Bill 1261, which would've ended collective bargaining with state and public school districts or branches of public service. The Argus Leader reports the bills main sponsor says union negotiations are a zero-sum game and won't improve minimum wages. Opponents say the bill is a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist in a state where strikes are illegal.

Blast at SF Apartment

Frayed nerves but no serious injuries in a Sioux Falls apartment explosion last night. The blast that produced heavy smoke prompted the evacuation of the downtown apartment building. Police say a tenant in the third-floor apartment where the blast occurred told authorities he was cooking french fries at the time. He suffered minor injuries.

Man Pleads Guilty to Child Abuse

A Mitchell man accused of hitting his teenage daughter with a piece of wood after she tried to sneak out of the house has pleaded guilty to a child abuse charge. 45-year-old Dennis Theunissen struck his 17-year-old daughter with a piece of scrap oak last August after catching her trying to sneak out through her bedroom window. She suffered bruises and a cut on her hand.

Plea in Dorm Room Burglaries

A second Dakota Wesleyan University student has pleaded guilty in dormitory room burglaries on the Mitchell campus over last year's Thanksgiving break.19 year-old Darius Lawson pleaded guilty to one burglary count, and prosecutors dropped four other counts. Three other students were arrested in the burglaries. 18 year-old Vincent Piercefield pleaded guilty in January.

Tanning Salon Closed without Notice

A Sioux Falls tanning salon closed its doors with no notice or warning.
The salon is called iBeach Tan which is a 24-7 tanning salon. It's located at the Bridges at 57th in Sioux Falls. It a salon where you pay by the month but you also have to pay for the 24-7 access card. Customers are asking what happened, but are being met with silence.

Explosion

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue responded to a report of an explosion at an apartment building Tuesday evening. The explosion happened in an apartment on the third floor of the River Tower Apartments at 111 East 7th St. in Sioux Falls. Crews were able to get flames knocked down within a few minutes, but water from the sprinkler system caused some damage. Residents of the building were evacuated while crews were on scene.

Brandon Valley Hockey Association Ribbon Cutting

The above average temperatures have been good for many, but NOT so good for the new hockey rink in Brandon. The Brandon Valley Hockey Association is STILL planning on holding their grand opening this Saturday with many expected to be there to try out the new ice. The BVHA would like to invite you to the Grand Opening Celebrations of the McHardy Park Hockey Rink Saturday for a day of fun. Ribbon Cutting takes place at 9am.

Bill Cerny Appointed to the South Dakota GameFish and Parks Commission

Gov. Dennis Daugaard has appointed Burke farmer Bill Cerny to the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission. Cerny is a former South Dakota legislator who served in the state House of Representatives from 1979-2000. “I’m pleased that Bill is willing to serve on the commission,” Gov. Daugaard said.Cerny succeeds Mike Authier of Vivian, who has been a GFP commissioner since 2003.

Education Reform Bill

Legislative leaders and Gov. Dennis Daugaard have agreed to a package of amendments to HB 1234, the education reform bill that the Governor proposed earlier this year.
“This proposal maintains the Governor’s goal to focus on student achievement by investing in teaching,” said Senate Majority Leader Russell Olson. “The Legislature is offering its ideas to reach that goal.” Gov. Daugaard applauded the Legislature’s efforts.

Legis Committee Rejects Drug Tests for Welfare and Medicaid

A state house committee's rejected two bills that would have required those on welfare or Medicaid to submit to drug testing. KDLT reports opponents of the proposals say the testing would be a drain on state finances and not do anything to cut illegal drug use. Supporters say the testing would've help people overcome drug addictions and stop giving state funds to people who are using narcotics.

SFPD Needs Your Help on Muth Electric Burglary

Sioux Falls Police need your help in finding who's responsible for a burglary at Muth Electric on E.. 48th St. North last month. The Argus Leader reports someone got away with $30-to-$40-thousand in tools and wires. If you have any information about this case, or any other crimes and wish to remain anonymous, go online to www.crimestopperssiouxempire.com, call Crime Stoppers at 367-7007, or Text "CRIMES" and start your message with "TIP635".

Flood Preparedness Meetings

Local, state and federal officials are holding meetings in six South Dakota communities next week to discuss flood preparedness. The public town halls are designed to teach residents and businesses about the spring weather outlook, flood insurance and the best steps to take ahead of the start of the spring storm season. Meetings will be held in North Sioux City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, Aberdeen, Pierre and Rapid City.

Flag Fallourt

The discussion over a new flag for South Dakota appeared to be tabled for now and now South Dakota residents like Megan McAreavey said there are more pressing issues for the Legislature. "I feel that our flag has been the way that its been for a long time and it should stay that way so maybe we should be talking about different issues such as how we're going to change education and stuff like that," said McAreavey.

State Fair

The theme for the 2012 South Dakota State Fair is “Taste the Fun!” Make plans now to attend the State Fair in Huron, Aug. 30 – Sept. 3, 2012.
“We are excited for this year’s theme,” said State Fair Manager Jerome Hertel. “We have many special activities planned and look forward to sharing them with everyone in coming months. We especially look forward to planning some fun food promotions!”
Fairgoers will be treated with everything the 2012 State Fair theme promises – plenty of fun and all of the traditional fair foods.
An updated logo has also been designed and can be viewed at www.sdstatefair.com .

Road Work

The I-229 southbound off-ramp at Minnesota Avenue will be narrowed today. Traffic will be maintained on the off-ramp. Sioux Falls Public Works will be dredging the drainage ditch at this location. The work is anticipated to be finished by the Thursday evening.

Kids Activity Day

The Old Courthouse Museum will host Kids Activity Day on Thursday, February 16th. The theme for February is Masquerade! 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.

2nd Inmate Gets Death for Prison Guard Killing

Rodney Berget's joined his co-defendant Eric Robert on South Dakota's death row. Both men are there for the murder of Senior Corrections Officer Ronald “R.J.” Johnson last April during an escape attempt from the state prison in Sioux Falls.

Lawmakers Stop Plans to Change Civil Action in Child Sex Abuse Cases

A State House committee's voted not to proceed with a bill ending time limits on a sex abuse victims right to open a civil suit against an individual or institution involved in child abuse. KELO reports a 2010 law barred people over 40 from suing anyone or institution other than the sexual abuser; and allowed civil action up until three years from when the abuse took place or three years from the time the victim discovered the injuries caused by the abuse.

Legislative Panel Says No to More School Spending

South Dakota's State Affairs Committee's voted down a bill that would have raised state funding for public education. The plan, from democrats, would have set funding here based on the average spent by South Dakota and six surrounding states. That would have raised state spending by $1700/student. Opponents say more spending doesn't mean improved student performance.

Tours Halted at Jewel Cave

Tours at Jewel Cave National Monument are being halted for a week while elevator maintenance is done. Two 28-story elevators carry staff and visitors into the cave. Officials say the tours will be closed tomorrow through Monday, Feb. 13. The Visitor Center at the park will remain open.

Minimum Wage Debate

The lowest paid workers in South Dakota could get a raise if a bill is successful this legislative session. Monday morning lawmakers will discuss raising the minimum wage to $8 an hour. At this weekend's Legislative Coffee in Sioux Falls, local lawmakers answered questions about plenty of issues facing South Dakotans. That includes Representative Patrick Kirshman's bill to raise the state's minimum wage from $7.25. "This will help a lot of people," Kirshman said.

Special Ed On The Rise

While fewer students are enrolled in the Yankton School District now than 40 years ago, the number of certified teachers has risen by 15 percent. The increase is due to special education. There are 24 more certified staff employed by the school district this school year than there were in 1970-1971, and 21 of those are special education teachers.

South Dakota Libertarian Party

South Dakota Secretary of State Jason Gant announced today that a representative of the South Dakota Libertarian Party filed petitions today in support of the party’s bid to be a recognized political party in South Dakota.
Gant noted, “Samuel Saunders of Martin, South Dakota delivered petitions with roughly twelve thousand signatures to my office this morning in support of state recognition of the Libertarian party on the ballot. Should a sufficient number of signatures be validated, South Dakota would recognize the Libertarian Party as an organized political body in time for the 2012 primary and general elections.”
According to Secretary of State Gant, 7,928 signatures are required by law to organize a political party in South Dakota.

Noem May Get Challenger

46-year old Stephanie Strong's collecting petition signatures to challenge Cong. Kristi Noem in the GOP primary for South Dakota's only house seat. KDLT reports Strong's owned several businesses with her husband, and believes government should reduce business regulations. The two dems in the race so far are Matt Varilek, a former member of U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson's staff, and Minnehaha County Commissioner Jeff Barth.

Mom Gets 20-years For Newborn Death

23-year old Tera Gilger of Martin's been sentenced to 20-years in prison for manslaughter and desertion of a child. According to the Argus Leader, Attorney General Marty Jackley says Gilger knew she was pregnant in December of 2009, but denied it to everyone, didn't seek prenatal care or help- with the delivery. She gave birth at home in July 2010, wrapped and hid the child in a laundry basket where he was found later, dead.

Possible Wolf Killing

Federal wildlife officials are investigating the killing of a wolf near Custer. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says samples have been sent to a lab in Washington state to determine if the animal is "pure wolf." The gray wolf is on the state list of rare, threatened or endangered species, and sightings are rare. The last confirmed wolf in western South Dakota was hit by a vehicle in March 2006.

Farm Rescue Accepting Apps

The nonprofit Farm Rescue organization is accepting requests for spring planting help from farmers in the Dakotas, Minnesota and eastern Montana. The North Dakota-based operation provides planting and harvesting aid to farm families who have gone through a major illness, injury or disaster. It helps with the actual farm work rather than doling out money. Each family can receive help on up to 1,000 acres.

South Dakota Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations for the South Dakota Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award.
Nominees should be those who have continually worked to promote agriculture in South Dakota. The individual or organization nominated must possess Strong ties to agriculture in South Dakota, Leadership skills in agriculture, An emphasis on education through campaigns or programs, and Focus on proactive agriculture policies and practices. Nominations are due to SDDA by April 1 and can be found at http://sdda.sd.gov. The award will be presented during the Governor’s Ag Development Summit in Pierre on June 27.

.Old Courthouse Museum will hold a Behind the Scenes Tour

On Thursday, February 9th, the Old Courthouse Museum will hold a Behind the Scenes Tour at 6:30 p.m. Behind the Scenes Tours allow the general public to take a guided tour behind the closed doors of the Old Courthouse Museum. The tour will include the opportunity to view artifacts in the collections storage areas in the attic and basement of the museum as well as a look at the work areas and exhibit preparation shops and other hidden areas. The tours are limited in size, call 367-4210 ext.0 to register.

5-Decade Fued at Heart of Madison Shooting?

This weeks murder of a Madison man may go back 50-years. KDLT reports an affidavit suggests a 50-year grudge between 73-year old Carl Ericsson and retired Madison High School teacher and track coach Norman Johnson. Detectives say Johnson was shot twice in the face when he opened the door of his home Tuesday night.

Elk Killed in National Park

State and federal authorities are investigating the killing of two bull elk in Wind Cave National Park. A park spokesman says that it appears the elk were shot and left to die along a road late Monday or early Tuesday. Because of the size of the animals, a Wind Cave crew had to use a bucket loader and trailer to remove and transport the animals for further examination.

Cremation Bill

A South Dakota House panel is weighing a measure that specifies cremation as an option for handling remains of South Dakota residents who can't afford funeral costs. Its sponsor says switching from casket to cremation could save money for cash-strapped counties in South Dakota.

Memorial for Johnson

A memorial service for shooting victim Norman Johnson will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison. Authorities announced Wednesday evening that they arrested 73-year-old Carl Ericsson of Watertown in connection with the shooting. 72-year-old Johnson had been a teacher and track coach at Madison High School before retiring.

Murder Arrest

Authorities have made an arrest in a fatal shooting in Madison. KDLT reports that 73-year-old Carl Ericsson of Watertown has been arrested on one count of first-degree murder in the shooting death of Norman Johnson Tuesday night. Police believe this was an isolated incident. Agents from the Division of Criminal Investigation are assisting the Madison Police Department with the investigation.

Grode Appointed to South Dakota Board of Pardons and Paroles

Gov. Dennis Daugaard has appointed Bill Grode of Rapid City to the South Dakota Board of Pardons and Paroles. Grode is a retired FBI special agent. He served with the bureau from 1983-2006. Previously, he was a police officer for a decade, including 1979-1983 with the Sioux Falls Police Department. His investigative specialties include serial crimes, child sexual predators, domestic terrorism and foreign counterintelligence.

Starlab Inflatable Planetarium

The Old Courthouse Museum will host Starlab Inflatable Planetarium on Sunday, February 5th 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.

Minnesota Man Gets Life for Meth Dsitribution in SD

51-year old Viengxay Chantharath of Minnesota's been sentenced to life in prison for distribution of meth in South Dakota. He was convicted on conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of meth. The U.S. Attorney's office says Chantharath traveled from Worthington to Sioux Falls on several occasions and distributed meth from local motels.

400 New Jobs in Cheese for Brookings

Cheese maker Bel brand USA plans to invest over $100-million in Brookings to expand the plant that makes Mini Babybel. The company's going to build a 170,000 square foot facility north of the Swiftel Center, along 32nd Avenue near I-29 that will be up and running by 2014 with 200-new employees, and a second facility's expected to start after 2016 that will mean another 200-jobs.

UTTC Gets Grant

United Tribes Technical College is getting a $750,000 matching grant to help complete a science and technology building on the Bismarck campus. The money is coming from the Shakopee Sioux Community, which operates a Minnesota casino and other enterprises and runs a charitable giving program. United Tribes Technical College serves about 1,200 students annually who come from more than 50 tribal nations around the country.

Child Porn Sentence Cut

A 100-year prison sentence handed down to a Pierre man convicted of possessing child pornography has been cut about in half. The South Dakota Supreme Court last year ruled that the initial sentence for 48-year-old Troy Bruce was excessive and ordered a new sentencing. Judge Mark Barnett on Tuesday sentenced Bruce to a total of 55 years in prison.

Search for Armed Suspect

Police continue to search for the man that shot and killed a man in Madison last night, saying the suspect should be considered "armed and dangerous." The suspect is a white man in his 50s, between 5'8" and 6" tall and could be wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses. He was last seen in a maroon 4-door sedan. If you have any information on the suspect, you are asked to contact the Madison police or call 911 immediately.

Shooter at Large

A gunman remains at large this morning after a shooting in Madison. Officers from a number of different agencies patrolled the city, as they searched for a suspect who allegedly shot a man near 5th Street an Egan Avenue just south of Dakota State University.
The shooting happened just after 7:30pm Tuesday night, leaving one person injured.
Police asked Madison residents not to answer if anyone knocks on their door.

South Dakota Department of Transportation Open House

The South Dakota Department of Transportation and the Engineering Division of Public Works will be hosting the third and final public open house to discuss the 60th Street North Corridor Planning and Feasibility Study. The limits of the study are from Interstate 29 to Timberline Road (future SD 100). The 60th Street North Corridor Study will review future roadway geometrics, future land uses, safety needs, and the feasibility of grade separated structures. The open house will be heldtomorrow at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. The open house will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m., with a short presentation at 5:15 p.m.

Jay Esperance Named as Director of Wildland Fire Suppression

Jay Esperance has been named as the new Director of Wildland Fire Suppression for the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA). He will begin his duties on Feb. 13.

“Jay is a great addition to the department,” said South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Walt Bones. “His experiences in fire management will be an asset to residents of the Black Hills and the forestry industry.”

Esperance, who has a bachelor of science degree in Resource Management from the University of California-Sacramento, has spent the past 11 years as a fire-management officer for the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Prior to that, he spent 23 years with the U.S. Forest Service in the Pacific Northwest working primarily in reforestation and timber stand improvement and later in forest genetics.

CFPB Report

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Johnson (D-SD) held an oversight hearing on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The Committee heard from Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray, and discussed the CFPB’s semi-annual report to Congress. The hearing was Mr. Cordray’s first appearance as CFPB director at a Senate hearing.