Evaporators for Walk-In Coolers Stolen in Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls Police say 5-evaporators for walk-in coolers were stolen late Tuesday or early Wednesday morning from Restaurant Equipment Repair near the 2200 block of East 39th Street North. KSFY reports each of the 4' x 2' evaporators are aluminum and cooper and are worth about $1,000 each. There's been no word if police believe this is the work of thieves stealing metal for scrap.

Argus Leader RibFest Underway

If ribs and music are your thing, the 15th Annual Argus Leader Rib Festival kicked off today. It's on until 11 tonight, 11 to 11 tomorrow and Saturday, and 11 to 5 Sunday at the Sioux Falls Arena parking lot. About 45,000 turned out for what some call “South Dakota’s Biggest Backyard BBQ.” Admission is $5 at the gate or $10 for a weekend pass.

Search for Teen Continues

Authorities are continuing to search for a South Dakota teenager who went missing while kayaking, but they are using fewer people to comb the area around Deerfield Lake in the Black Hills.
Officials with the Pennington County Search and Rescue Team say that searching is proving difficult because of the rugged terrain. Fifteen-year-old Justin Lewis went missing Monday afternoon. Searchers found his kayak filled with water the next morning.

Sanford health Breaks Ground

Dakotas-based Sanford Health has broken ground on a $60 million medical center in the Minnesota city of Thief River Falls. The 137,000-square-foot facility will centralize care for patients, with clinic and hospital services on one campus. It will include a 25-bed hospital with emergency rooms. Construction is expected to be finished by fall 2014.

Second Man Dies From Cycle Crash

A second person has died after a motorcycle crash in southwest Minnesota over the weekend. Officials say 35-year-old Brian Engelkes of Sheldon, Iowa died Wednesday morning at a Sioux Falls hospital from injuries he suffered during the accident Saturday morning. His wife, 39-year-old Michelle Engelkes, died Monday from injuries she sustained during the accident.

New Zoo Exhibit Breaks Ground

It was a rainy afternoon at the ground breaking for zoo's newest exhibit, but the excitement couldn't be washed away. Plans are to create a new entrance for the zoo, getting rid of the 45-year-old infrastructure, to create a more inviting, sustainable space.
As guests walk in, they will be greeted by the snow monkeys. They can also get a glimpse of the flamingos, from a new viewing area. But it's not just only about zoo visitors, said Elizabeth Whealy, CEO for the Great Plains Zoo.

Search For Missing Teen Resumes

The search for a South Dakota teenager who went missing while kayaking involves about 50 people. The Pennington County Sheriff's Office says the search for 15-year-old Justin Lewis so far has involved family, friends, and local, state and federal authorities, along with officials from organizations such as the Civil Air Patrol and the Red Cross.

Police Investigate Construction Theft

Sioux Falls police are investigating the theft of thousands of dollars worth of steel from the north side of the city. Officials say eight to 10 eye beams and 20 to 25 steel bar joists were taken from a construction site on the 3900 block of West 34th Street North.
Police are not sure when or how they were taken, although they say they think a blow torch would have been necessary because the missing items weighed several tons.

Primary Day's Next Tuesday

Next Tuesday's Primary Day in South Dakota. There are over 2-dozen GOP primaries involving state house and senate seats, as well as Democrats deciding whether Jeff Barth or Matt Varilek will challenge Republican Congresswoman Kristi Noem. KELO reports registered Independents will be allowed to vote in the Democratic primary. There are also democratic primaries for legislative seats in Sioux Falls, Huron and Mission.

SF PD Investigating Steel Theft

Sioux Falls Police are looking into the theft of several thousand dollars in steel from a construction site in the 3900 block of W. 34th Street North. Authorities tell KDLT there were 8 to 10 I-beams, and 20 to 25 steel bar joists taken. Investigators don't know when they were stolen, but they believe a blow torch may have been used. The stolen steel weighs several tons, and is worth $8-to-$9-thousand.

Spring Planting Wrapping Up

South Dakota farmers are wrapping up their spring planting, and ranchers in the state are almost done moving cattle to pasture. The Agriculture Department says in its weekly crop and weather report that the development of the state's winter wheat crop is well ahead of the average pace. Topsoil moisture in South Dakota is rated 78 percent adequate to surplus. Range and pasture conditions are rated 75 percent good to excellent.

Crazy Horse Memorial Programs

Crazy Horse Memorial is kicking off a series of free weekly programs next week featuring Native American groups or individuals. The lectures and performances begin at 6 p.m. every Thursday. The programs start June 7 and will last through Aug. 30.

Search for Missing SD Teen

The search for a South Dakota teenager who went missing while kayaking involves about 50 people. The Pennington County Sheriff's Office says the search for 15-year-old Justin Lewis has involved family, friends, and local, state and federal authorities, along with officials from organizations such as the Civil Air Patrol and the Red Cross. Lewis went missing at Deerfield Lake in the Black Hills on Monday afternoon. Searchers found his kayak filled with water Tuesday morning.

Anchor Recovered

Sioux Falls seafood restaurant has its anchor back. The 100-pound anchor belonging to Long John Silver's disappeared May 18. Sioux Falls police say a person found it near the 2nd hole of the Tuthill Park disc golf course last Thursday and returned it to the restaurant. The anchor had anchored its spot near the restaurant's front entrance since 1975 before it went missing. Highstrom plans to put it back in its spot - and point a surveillance camera at it.

Bedtime Puppet Show

Souixland Libraries is presenting Bedtime, a puppet show for children 3 and up. The show is scheduled for June 5-7 and then 12-15 by Souixland Libraries Youth Services staff. The puppet show starts at 10:30 and then again at 1 in the main library Tuesday June 5. It will be at the Oakview brand on the 6th and the Ronning Branch on Thursday. The show will be performed at the Crooks Branch at 2:#0 on the 12th, the Callie Branch on the 13th at 10:15 and 1 pm. On the 14th, the show comes to the Baltic branch at 10:30 and then at the Hartford West Central Branch at 3pm. On the 15th, the show comes to Brandon at 10:15 and 11 am with a stop at the Humbholt Branch at 3. Admission is free but space could be limited. Groups of ten or more need to call ahead at 367-8710.

SD Candidate Withdraws From Race

Sioux Falls woman cited for driving under the influence after allegedly hitting a 7-year-old girl on a bicycle has withdrawn her candidacy for the South Dakota House of Representatives. Sioux Falls police spokesman Sam Clemens says 32-year-old Carmen Toft was cited after the collision at an intersection a week ago. Clemens says the child was taken to a hospital to be checked for possible internal injuries.

Anchor Back at SF Long John Silver's

A Sioux Falls Long John Silver's got its anchor back. KDLT reports the 100-pound anchor disappeared May 18. Sioux Falls Police say someone reported finding it near the 2nd hole of the Tuthill Park disc golf course last Thursday and returned it to the restaurant. The anchor's been outside that restaurant since 1975. The store operator says they're putting back in the same spot it was in, but they're going to have a surveillance camera watching it.

State House Candidate Withdraws after DUI Arrest

Carmen Toft's dropped out of the State House District 10 election. Toft, a democrat, was arrested for DUI and hitting a 7-year old girl with her car. That happened May 22nd at 8th and Chicago. Police say the girl was hospitalized for possible internal injuries, and there's no word on her condition. Toft was one of two democrats in that race.

Father and Son Accused of Assaulting Neighbor at SF Apt. Complex

A father and son were been busted for assault and burglary charges over the weekend after Sioux Falls Police say they attacked one of their neighbors ion an apartment complex at 410 S. Summit. The Argus Leader reports it started with an argument, that ended when 59-year old James Johnson, Jr., allegedly kicked the neighbors door in and hit him with a baseball bat. Police say later 31-year old Jeremy Johnson pointed a loaded handgun at the neighbor.

MN Man wins Kayak Challenge

A Minnesota man won the South Dakota Kayak Challenge on the Missouri River over the holiday weekend. Joe Zellner of Grand Marais, finished the 72-mile course between Yankton and Sioux City, Iowa, in less than nine hours.

School grants awarded

Gov. Dennis Daugaard says three grants to support students outside of school have been awarded. The federal grants range from $50,000 to $150,000 a year. They are funded by the state Department of Education to fund 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which are intended to assist students from high-poverty and low-performing schools.

Fishing on Reservoir to Improve

State and federal officials have teamed up to improve fishing on the Richland Dam reservoir on the Fort Pierre National Grassland in central South Dakota. The state Game, Fish and Parks Department and the U.S. Forest Service repaired the dam that was damaged during flooding last year and this spring launched a project to build fishing areas and improve the boat ramp at the reservoir.

Buildings in Peril List

A Rapid City man says his home doesn't deserve to be on the city's so-called buildings in peril list. James Giese says the home may have been in bad shape years ago but it isn't any longer. Giese says he and his wife, Pam, have spent hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars fixing up the 1930 home. Historic Preservation Commission Chairman Pat Roseland says the commission was not aware of the work the Gieses had done starting in 2007 to improve the home. Roseland says it will be removed from the list.

Bible In School

South Dakota lawmakers earlier this year urged public schools to provide academic instruction on the Bible, but they may need the patience of Job as they wait for schools to embrace the idea. The Legislature in January passed a non-binding resolution encouraging schools to teach - not preach - about the Bible so students gain an understanding of its influence on Western civilization's art, history and
culture. Only a few lawmakers questioned whether the measure could blur the line between government and religion.

Parks Mostly Booked for Summer

At Newton Hills, many of this weekend's campers made their reservations months ahead of time... and park officials say that's a good idea. The majority of state campsites have already been spoken for the rest of the weekends this summer. And it's not just park officials advising people to make their reservations ahead of time. Fellow campers say if you want the best spot to stay, call as soon as possible. Eric VanderStouwe, district park superviser says, "We take reservations up to 90 days in advance and right at that 90 day window reservations are strong. People are biting the bullet and getting their camping reservations done."

Memorial Day Clean Up in NW Iowa

Northwestern Iowa residents will be remembering this Memorial Day for the clean-up work they had to do after strong storms ripped through the area last night. Trees were knocked down and the roof of a store in Alvord and Rock Rapids. KSFY reports two grain bins were blown over in Rock Rapids as well.

Pioneer Day Camp Starting

The Siouxland Heritage Museums and South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks have their annual Pioneer Day Camp at the Beaver Creek Nature Area, east of Sioux Falls, Tuesdays in June. Kids can experience life as a frontier child in the Dakota Territory, and learn about the fur trade, fishing, making ice cream, and more! The camp is for kids 7 to 12 years. A $25 fee covers registration and food. To sign up, 605-367-4210 ext.0.

Tourism Info Requests Up

The South Dakota Department of Tourism says requests for information about the state have increased 11 percent during the first quarter of 2012 compared to last year. The Department's quarterly travel newsletter says there was a 32 percent jump in information requests from February 2011 to February 2012. Hotel occupancy also saw an increase throughout the first quarter of 2012 as did taxable sales.

Rodney Berget

Rodney Berget lives in a single cell on South Dakota's death row, rarely leaving the room where he awaits execution for killing a prison guard.
Berget isn't the first member of his family to be sentenced to death. In an unusual twist, his older brother was convicted in 1987 of killing a man for his car. Roger Berget spent 13 years on Oklahoma's death row until his execution in 2000 at age 39.

Tractor Accident Death

A man is dead after his tractor rolled on top of him. The Lyon County Sheriff's office says it happened at an Inwood intersection on Friday afternoon.
They say 68-year-old Gerald Van Beek was making a turn when the tractor's right tire left the ground and the tractor rolled.
iNVan Beek died on en route to a hospital.

House Fire

On Sayurday at approximately 2:10 a.m. Sioux Falls Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire at 4415 E 37th St. First arriving crews found smoke and flames coming from the deck, siding and attic towards the rear of the house. Crews entered the structure and had the fire under control in 11 minutes. The home sustained moderate fire and smoke damage.
All residents were out of the structure prior to the fire department arriving on scene. The
The residents were alerted by smoke detectors. The fire is under investigation.

Daugaaard Creates Rural Primary Health Provider Task Force

Gov. Daugaard's created a new task force to train more people to be primary health care providers in rural areas of the state. The Governor's office says most of the state's health professionals are in the most heavily populated areas, leaving rural areas with a continuing problem of recruiting and keeping health care providers. 59-of the state’s 66 counties are federally designated as health-professional shortage areas, either partially or completely.

SF PD After Get n Go Robbery Suspects

Sioux Falls Police are after 2-suspects in an armed robbery at a Get n Go near 10th Street and I-229 early this morning. One of the suspects was armed, and the pair got away with an undetermined amount of cash. KDLT reports both suspects are African-American, 5'11", and have slender builds. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

Minnehaha County Parolee Missing

Authorities are looking for 21-year old Daniel Brisbin. He's a parolee involved in the Community Transition Program. KDLT reports he got into his own car in the parking lot of the minimum security facility on the State Penitentiary campus and drove away. He's serving time for a Grand Theft and burglary conviction in Minnehaha County. Birsbin's white, 5'10" 140 pounds, brown hair and blue eyes.

Kayak Race is Back

A kayak race on the Missouri River in South Dakota is back after being canceled last year due to flooding. The 72-mile South Dakota Kayak Challenge on Saturday begins in Yankton and ends in Sioux City, Iowa. Co-founder Steven Dahlmeier said almost 200 people from more than a dozen states are signed up to compete. The first-place winner in the inaugural 2010 race completed the course in 10 hours. It took some kayakers more than a day to finish.

Free Admission to memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial is offering free admission and a dynamite blast on the mountain during the Memorial Day weekend to kick off its summer visitor season. The memorial in the southern Black Hills will waive admission fees Friday through Monday for residents of the Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska who contribute cash or canned food to a Rapid City, S.D. food drive.

Murder Suspect Details Mental Problems

A Texas woman charged with killing a South Dakota man a year and a half ago says she has mental problems and is a victim of a life of prostitution and drugs.
Thirty-four-year-old Letisha Morgan is jailed in Dallas in the death of her boyfriend in Texas and in the death of 52-year-old Howard Allen in his Sioux Falls apartment in October 2010. She says in a telephone interview she has been diagnosed with depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and that sometimes "I blank out and I can't remember anything."

Some Still Smoking in Local Bar

Since November of 2010, smoking has been banned from public places including restaurants and bars throughout the state of South Dakota. But just because smoking inside these places is against the law doesn't mean some aren't breaking the law. In one small town bar, people still smoke. Lennox Resident Blake Johnson says, "In the Beamers Pub, yes, they do smoke." Even though people continue to light up at Beamers Pub in Lennox, police say the law is hard to enforce and it's hard to get customers to put it out. If a patron or owner is found in violation of the law it's only a petty offense. The offense carries a fine of $25.

Noem Defends Herself

It was supposed to be a listening session about the Farm Bill but before Representative Kristi Noem could become all ears, she chose to address a different subject…recent allegations over her attendance in Washington. According to the South Dakota Democratic Chairman, Noem has only attended four out of 20 committee and subcommittee meetings. Thursday in front of a room full of farmers, Noem quickly got rid of the elephant in the room as she talked about her priorities. When it comes to the Farm Bill, Noem says she plans to focus on maintaining a strong crop insurance program, re-authorizing a livestock disaster program, and continued support for ethanol production.

Step Forward To Prevent Suicide

The Helpline Center is asking Sioux Falls residents to get involved and make a difference during National Prevention Week. This week marks the first-ever Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Prevention Week, and the events of the week serve as a celebration of community efforts to prevent substance abuse and promote mental and emotional well being. Step Forward To Prevent Suicide will take place at Falls Park in Sioux Falls starting at 8:30 am on June 23. To register for this event, go to www.helplinecenter.org. For more information on Step Forward To Prevent Suicide participation dial 2-1-1

Madison Flooding Forum

The Madison City Commission has scheduled a public forum next week to talk about flooding. The eastern South Dakota city of about 6,500 people was hit by heavy rains and flash flooding earlier this month. About 100 homes and businesses were damaged, and an Alabama man visiting family drowned in a creek.

Daugaard Attends Flood Meeting

It was a gathering of the governors Wednesday in Bismarck, North Dakota as representatives from states along the Missouri River hold a flood meeting. They spoke with officials from the Army Corps of Engineers about their concerns as well as hot to better predict and manage potential floods. Governor Daugaard says he was pleased to hear about the Oahe, Fort Randall, and Gavins Point Dam inspections. He also talked about the need for a more extensive snow plains monitoring system, which would provide vital and accurate information to states sooner.

Assistant Attorney General DUI

An assistant attorney general in South Dakota is accused of drunken driving and having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle. Forty-year-old Douglas Barnett of Sioux Falls was arrested in Yankton on Sunday. A telephone listing for him could not immediately be found.
The attorney general's office confirmed the drunken driving arrest of an employee in Yankton but declined to name the person. Spokeswoman Sara Rabern says the employee will be suspended without pay for 30 days and required to get an alcohol evaluation.

Crash Kills Several

People from Florida and South Dakota have died in a Jeep rollover north of Jamestown in southeast North Dakota. Authorities say a 51-year-old man from Pensacola, Fla., was driving on U.S. Highway 52 about 7 p.m. Tuesday when the vehicle hit the ditch, struck a culvert, went airborne and rolled upon landing. He died along with a 41-year-old woman from Oacoma, S.D., who was a passenger.

Citibank of Sioux Falls

Citibank of Sioux Falls has been recognized by the Department of Defense as a finalist for the Freedom Award, the highest recognition given to employers for exceptional support of Guard and Reserve employees. In 2011, Citi was a founding member of Veterans on Wall Street, a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Veterans Employment Advisory Council and hired 686 service members, well above their original goal of 500. Citi’s nominator was overwhelmed by his warm homecoming and the seamless transition back into his job at Citi.

Officials Search for Cause of Barn Fire

Investigators continue looking into la suspicious fire last night at a barn in the 2000 block of North Bahnson Avenue in northeast Sioux Falls. Investigators say they want to rule out other possible causes before calling it arson. KDLT reports the 100-year old barn was being used by transients. Authorities were called to the same location about a week and a half ago for another fire.

Barn destroyed by fire

A Century-old barn has burned to the ground. It happened around 11:30 pm Tuesday night. Sioux Falls Fire Rescue called in extra crews to knock down the flames at the barn located on the 2000 block of North Bahnson Avenue. No one was injured, but the barn appears to be a total loss.

New Prison in RC

A $5.6 million minimum-security prison is opening in Rapid City. The Black Hills Correctional Transition Center is the result of more than eight years of planning and construction, and also a lawsuit that ended up before the state Supreme Court.

Search Called Off

Emergency crews called off a search of the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls after confirming there was never anyone inside a loose canoe found in the river. Shortly before 10 a.m. Tuesday, officials received a report of an empty green canoe found floating in the river. Crews with the fire department and police department began searching the river from Western Avenue to Falls Park, both by boat and with officers stationed at bridges along the waterway.

Sioux Falls Public Works

Sioux Falls Public Works would like to provide you with an inside look at several operations in honor of National Public Works Week on Thursday, May 24, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Farmers Market area east of Falls Park. Public Works serves you and your community every hour of every day with 360 full-time and temporary employees to provide a better quality of life for you. On Thursday, you will have an opportunity to meet Public Works
employees and see the various processes, projects, and equipment used by the Public Works team and learn some behind-the-scenes information.

Brandon native, Kim Ode

Brandon native, Kim Ode, will sign her new book, "Rhubarb Renaissance", Saturday, May 26, from 10:15-11:30 at the Brandon Branch Library, 305 S. Splitrock Blvd. The cookbook features the savory side of rhubarb rather than just a dessert. Ode, who still has family in the Brandon area, is a feature writer for the Minneapolis Star Tribune's variety section. To learn more, call 582-2390 or visit www.siouxland.lib.org

Texas Woman Charged in Brutal 2010 SF Murder

Sioux Falls Police say 34-year old Letisha Morgan's been charged with first degree murder for the 2010 stabbing death of 52-year old Howard Allen. He'd been stabbed 37-times. Police and the Minnehaha County State's Attorney's office say Morgan admitted the killing when she was arrested earlier this month by police in Dallas, looking into a different murder.

Officials Hiope Lakota Cultural Exposure Drives Pine Ridge Reservation Tourism

In an effort to drive tourists to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, the Pine Ridge Area Chamber of Commerce is bringing over 100-staff from several of the state's top attractions, including Badlands National Park, Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park together for two days of diversity training starting tomorrow. KELO reports South Dakota's summer tourist season starts this weekend.

American Indian Nursing Conference

A two-day conference on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation is focusing on the future of American Indian nursing. North Dakota State University is sponsoring the conference today and Wednesday in Fort Yates. Nursing professor Loretta Heuer says it's the first of its kind. She says it will start the dialogue on how to get more American Indian students into nursing.

Student Leaves Threatening Note

A student accused of making a terroristic threat at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has pleaded not guilty. 19-year-old Boyce Way of Mitchell is accused of leaving a note on a school employee's desk on April 17 saying there would be violence on the Rapid City campus and mentioning a shooting and the burning of a dean's house. Police say the note contained the letters BTK, the infamous signature of a Kansas serial killer.

Man Tries to Climb Rushmore

Authorities have arrested a man for climbing Mount Rushmore National Memorial in western South Dakota. Supervisory Park Ranger Darin Oestmann said that the climber was arrested about 3 p.m. Monday on numerous federal violations including trespassing.Oestmann did not identify the man but said he was not from the area.

Motor Vehicle Into Mobile Home

Sioux Falls police are looking for a man who ran his truck into a mobile home early Monday morning. Officers were called to a mobile home on the 6900 block of West 14th Place in Sioux Falls. Police said the driver ran a truck into the home, causing damage. The suspect then took off. Officials said the suspect does not live at the residence. If you have any information, you are asked to call the Sioux Falls Police Department or Crimestoppers.

Drunk Driver Injures Boys

A man is in custody after allegedly hitting three children on bicycles with his pickup truck while driving drunk near the southeast South Dakota city of Tea. The incident happened about 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Lincoln County prosecutor Tom Wollman says the boys are of middle school age. He says at least two were taken to a hospital. One was quickly released, and the other had broken bones. Wollman did not have information on the third. The 30-year-old driver was arrested on drunken driving and vehicular battery charges. He was expected to make his initial court appearance Monday afternoon.

Surplus Spending Plan

City councilors put together a wish list that would spend a $4 million surplus from capital funds. Some council members think the sooner they pass plans the better. Council Member Greg Jamison indicated he was ready to act on the issue.
The most expensive on the list, containing 11 projects would be enhancements to the River Greenway Project. It would be the only project totaling over a million dollars.
Kermit Staggers, who was sworn in earlier Monday, pitched an idea that would allow a sales tax holiday for the city and some relief on property taxes.

Staggers Bacxk on SF City Council

Former Sioux Falls City Councilor Kermit Staggers is back on the council, sworn in this afternoon. He won the at-large council seat in the April election. KDLT reports Stagger thinks the council should be more aggressive in stepping up as leaders and setting policy for the city.

Daugaard Says His Approval Isn't Needed to Start SF Casino Planning

Gov. Daugaard says there's nothing to stop the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe and Sioux Falls officials from moving ahead on a tribal proposal for a casino, with a revenue sharing deal with the city. Daugaard tells KELO there's a lot that has to happen before he'd get involved, including finding land, then the Interior Department taking it into trust, then regional approvals from communities within 25-miles of the proposed site.

New Playground Gear For Four City Parks

Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Department will start replacing the playground equipment tomorrow at Riverdale, Pioneer, Elmwood, and Kuehn Parks. A department spokesperson says the new equipment will have the latest play features and meet the latest safety and accessibility standards, including rubber tile surfacing. Riverdale and Kuehn are the first to see work crews. All the parks should be upgraded by September.

Augustana Players to Norway

Some football players and coaches from Augustana College in Sioux Falls are heading to Norway today to teach the game to another culture. Head Coach Mike Aldrich says players don't always have the chance to study in foreign countries because of the time commitment to practice and games. Aldrich says Norway was a logical choice considering Augustana's Norwegian heritage.

Weekend Shooting

Authorities are trying to identify suspects in a weekend shooting at an apartment complex in Rapid City. Police say witnesses saw people in two vehicles firing guns at one another about 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Bullet holes were later found in two unoccupied apartments. Officers recovered a 9 mm bullet and bullet casings in the area. No injuries were reported.

Kids Hurt by Drunk Driver

A man is in custody after allegedly hitting three children on bikes with his truck near Tea. It happened about 9:30 last night. The three children were taken to a hospital with unknown
injuries. Police did not immediately identify the driver who was arrested after being given a sobriety test.

Fire Knocks Out Power for Some

SFPD and SFFR were dispatched to the area of W. 24th St and S. 9th Ave last night for a
possible structure fire. Upon arrival a transformer on a power pole was arcing. It was
discovered that there had been a possible transformer fire or electrical issue in the area.
The cause is unknown at this time but a thunder storm was moving through the area at
the time. The extent of the power outage encompassed an area between 20th St and 49th
St and Cliff to Southeastern Ave. Excel Energy did not know how long it would take to
restore power to the area.

Costco Coming to Sioux Falls

Costco's coming to Sioux Falls. KDLT reports the company will build a 155,000 square foot store at 41st Street and Grange Avenue, next to the Hobby Lobby store, with a ground breaking sometime this fall. A spokesperson says the company still needs permit applications approved by the city. The company will also be asking the city for tax incremented financing to help with site remediation.

Crews Working S. Spencer Boulevard Starting Monday

Beginning Monday, crews will start work on South Spencer Boulevard between Slaten Park Drive and Slaten Park Circle. They'll be doing work on manhole cover adjustments along the centerline of Spencer Boulevard. the work should be done in three days. Through traffic will be allowed around the work areas with minimal disturbance, but if you're driving through the area you're asked to slow down when passing through the work zone.

Man Pleads Not Guilty to Murder

A man accused of beating another man to death at a tribal housing facility in the South Dakota city of Winner has pleaded not guilty to murder. 19-year-old Taylor White Buffalo of Winner was indicted by a federal grand jury earlier this month in the April 13 death of Ernest White Buffalo Chief. The case is scheduled for trial in July.

Main Bike Trail Loop Complete

The long-awaited trail connection for west Sioux Falls residents to the main bike trail loop has been completed. With the levy raising project wrapping up late last year, multiple City departments started working to pave the west side of the Big Sioux River levy from Marion Road to 57th Street in front of Sertoma Park. The two and one-half-mile stretch provides access to the main loop at 41st Street, 49th Street, and the railroad bridge near 57th Street. The City worked with the Army Corps of Engineers to widen the top of the levy to accommodate a 10-foot wide asphalt path with gravel shoulders.

Bike to Work Summer Challenge

A kickoff event for the Bike to Work Summer Challenge is today at the Museum of Visual Materials, 500 North Main Avenue. This event is from 6 to 9 a.m. and includes a pancake breakfast for a suggested donation of $5. People are encouraged to bike to work, but it is not required. For people who want to learn about bicycle commuting, a short educational session will be held every one-half hour during the event. Bike to Work Summer Challenge is a contest for all current or new bike commuters that will begin with sign-up and riding on May 18 and conclude on Friday, August 17. During these months you’ll keep a log of the days you’ve biked to work. Top bike commuters will win prizes.

Flags Half Staff

Gov. Dennis Daugaard requests that all flags in the state be flown at half-staff on Saturday, May 19, 2012, from 8 a.m. until sunset in honor of former U.S. Sen. Jim Abdnor.
Abdnor, who died Wednesday, was 89.
A World War II veteran, Abdnor was a four-term congressman before serving one term in the U.S. Senate and later heading the U.S. Small Business Administration for two years. He had earlier served six terms in the South Dakota Legislature and was Lieutenant Governor from 1968-1971.

Teen Gets Out of Plane Ride the Hard Way

A 17-year old girl who didn't want to taker a trip with her parents found a way to stay off the plane. KSFY reports she hit a security officer at Sioux Falls Regional Airport. Police say the teen has juvenile delinquency issues and the officer had been called to get her and her parents to the plane. We're told intoxication was involved. She's in the Juvenile Detention Center for assault.

SD Losing Two Mail Processing Centers

Two South Dakota cities are losing mail processing centers. KELO reports the U.S. Postal Service is shutting down Aberdeen and Pierre. All of the mail processed in those facilities now, will be shifted to Huron when the doors close. Employees will begin receiving notifications next week and cost-cutting changes will begin taking effect this summer. There may be more closings added to the list later this year.

Tribe Wants SF Officials to Join in Pushing Guv on Casino Plan

An official of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe says maybe they and Sioux Falls officials should go to Gov. Daugaard together with their proposal to build a $120 million casino in Sioux Falls, in exchange for a revenue-sharing with the city. The deal was proposed last year and has gone nowhere. Sioux Falls officials want the Governor to sign off on it. The deal could lower taxpayer expense for the city's events center.

SF Bike Trail Extension Completed

An extension to the Sioux Falls bike trail has been completed. A new two-and-one-half-mile stretch provides access for residents of the city's west side to the main loop at 41st Street, 49th Street and the railroad bridge near 57th Street. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for this afternoon.

SDSU Student Wins Award

A South Dakota State University pre-med student has won an award for his research examining development of premature lungs. Brian Wynia, of Sioux Falls, is one of 10 students from across the nation to receive the Bruce Award from the American Physiological Society.

Guilty Plea In Shooting

A South Dakota man charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting at his fiancée has pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of aggravated assault. Attorney General Marty Jackley says 39-year-old Ronald Berens Jr. of Fort Pierre faces up to 25 years in prison because he is considered a habitual offender. He is to be sentenced June 26.

Brandon Edge Sandbox ReFill

Brandon Edge will hold its sandbox re-fill at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 19. Brandon Edge is providing four wheelbarrows of sand and labor for $15; additional wheelbarrow is $5.
Delivery is anywhere within the Brandon Valley School District. There is a $5 surcharge for delivery outside of Brandon. To sign up, call Clark or Suzie Meyer at 351-4336.

Fire Investigations

The Minnehaha County sheriff is investigating at least 3 reports of arson at the Big Sioux recreation area in Brandon. A few acres of land and trees have been scorched as well as a few archery targets. The fires were set on the back trail area where there are typically less campers. The split rock volunteer fire department has responded to the fires and says they have been popping up at the park for the past couple of weeks.

Former Sen. Jim Abdnor Dead at 89

Former South Dakota Sen. Jim Abdnor died this morning at age 89. Abdnor served one term in the U.S. Senate, from 1981 to 1987, .and 4-terms in the house, from 1973-1981. Visitation's 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. The funeral is Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at the Lutheran Memorial Church in Pierre. Sen. John Thune will give the eulogy.

Sanford Health Breaks Ground for Pentagon

Sanford Health broke ground today for its Pentagon complex in northwest Sioux Falls. The new building's near Sanford's power training center and sports medicine projects. Also coming are new indoor ice and tennis facilities that nonprofits will own, and city fields for youth football. The Pentagon will have nine basketball courts, one will be the new home for the Sioux Falls Skyforce starting wity the 2013-14 season.

Bizzare Semi-Naked Arrest in NE Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls Police say they don't know if it was drugs or mental illness, but they arrested a semi-naked man beating on cars near Sixth and Cleveland late this morning. The Argus Leader reports when officers arrived, the young man, with pants around his ankles and no shirt, got down on hands and knees and crawled toward them. Once they got him standing, he hit one of the officers. He's in the Minnehaha County Jail.

Five Teens Caught

Five teenagers are in custody after running away from a treatment center, stealing guns and a vehicle and holding up a gas station in the town of Selby. Authorities say the teens ran away from a Corson County treatment center on Monday, rummaged through cars and found guns in Mobridge then broke into an auto shop east of the town and stole a van. The robbery in Selby occurred about 3:30 a.m. Tuesday. Authorities say the teens pointed a shotgun and a rifle at the clerk and fled with cash and tobacco. An officer in Potter County later pulled them over. Authorities say the teens tried to flee on foot. Three were caught immediately and the other two after a search by land and air.

Plea Deal for SD Man

A South Dakota man charged with attempted murder after shooting at his fiancée has pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of aggravated assault. 39-year-old Ronald Berens Jr. of Fort Pierre faces up to 25 years in prison. Authorities say the April 29 shooting began as a domestic violence incident. Berens was accused of firing one shot inside and two more outside. One of the shots hit a home. No one was hurt.

Synth Drug Charges

Two Codington County men face both possession and distribution charges for synthetic drugs like K2 and bath salts. Phillip Plunkett, a 50-year-old Goodwin man, faces several felony charges, including: four counts of unauthorized possession of a controlled substance, unauthorized distribution or possession of a controlled substance, maintaining a place for use of sale of controlled substance, possession of a controlled weapon.

Schirado Wont Resign

The chairwoman of the school board in Harrisburg says she will not step down in the wake of a party bust at her home. Michelle Schirado says she has no intention of vacating her board position in the city south of Sioux Falls. Schirado has not been charged in the weekend party at her home in which authorities say 25 teenagers were cited for underage drinking. Schirado says she didn't know the 17- and 18-year-olds were consuming alcohol at the backyard bonfire. She also says she doesn't condone underage drinking.

Siouxland Libraries App

Siouxland Libraries now offers a mobile app that will allow people easy access to the library anytime, anywhere. The free app is compatible with all web-enabled phones and tablets, including Android, iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, and Windows Mobile.App users can check their account, renew items, search the catalog and place holds, get directions to branch libraries, and learn about library events. The app also features access to downloadable eBooks and audiobooks and mobile versions of Mango Languages, World Book Encyclopedia, and other research services. With just a click, app users can call or email the library to ask a question or check the library’s Facebook, Twitter, and blogs. To download the app, go to your preferred app store and search for Siouxland Libraries.

Tours

Parents and kids can participate in this tour of two dairy farms near Sioux Falls Tues., June 19. Children must be 8 years or older to participate and must be accompanied by an adult. For safety reasons, we are limiting registration to two children per adult. Wed., July 11 – Aberdeen Moms Day Out on the Farm. Tour will feature stops at the Wheat Growers Agronomy Center, area hog, beef and dairy farms. Farm women and other agriculture professionals will ride along on the bus to answer questions. Lunch will be provided.

To Register
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KnowYourMilk2012
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MomsDayAberdeen

Ericsson Pleads to Johnson Murder

Carl Ericsson's pleaded guilty but mentally ill for the January 31st murder of retired Madison High School teacher and track coach Norman Johnson. Johnson was shot twice in the face after answering his door. KDLT reports officials think the shooting may be tied to a grudge between the two men that dates back to their high school days.

School Board Chair Not Stepping Down

The chairwoman of the school board in Harrisburg says she will not step down in the wake of a party bust at her home. Michelle Schirado has not been charged in the weekend party at her home in which authorities say 25 teenagers were cited for underage drinking. Schirado says she didn't know the 17- and 18-year-olds were consuming alcohol at the backyard bonfire.
The school board met Monday night but did not take up the matter during its public session.

Seed Report

The seeding of corn and soybeans in South Dakota remains well ahead of the average pace after another week of good planting conditions. The Agr Department says in its weekly crop and weather report that 28 percent of the soybean crop is in the ground, compared with 7 percent on average. Seventy-nine percent of the corn crop is seeded, compared with the long-term average of 43 percent.

Teens Caught Drinking At Official's Home

The chairwoman of a South Dakota school board says she didn't know more than two dozen teenagers were drinking in her back yard last weekend. Lincoln County authorities say they cited 25 young people Sunday night at the home of Michelle Schirado. Schirado is head of the school board in Harrisburg, south of Sioux Falls. Police say the teens were 17 and 18 years old.

Eighth Street between Cherapa Place and the Country Inn and Suites

Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce that the trail access on the north side of Eighth Street between Cherapa Place and the Country Inn and Suites to the main bike trail in downtown Sioux Falls is now open for public use. Landscaping and minor aesthetic work will continue adjacent to the trail and will be completed later this month to close out phase one of the Big Sioux River Greenway project.

Flags Half Staff

President Barack Obama has proclaimed Tuesday, May 15, 2012, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the period of May 13 through May 19, 2012, as Police Week.
The President calls on Governors of the United States to request flags at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day from 8 a.m. until sunset Tuesday in honor of peace officers’ contributions and sacrifices. Gov. Dennis Daugaard encourages all South Dakotans to display flags at half-staff from their homes, offices and businesses Tuesday.

Fill The Boot

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), in conjunction with the Sioux Falls Professional Fire Fighters, Local 814 and the Sioux Falls Fire Department, will be conducting its annual “Fill the Boot” event May 16th- May 18th benefiting research and local services for the South Dakota Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. You will find Firefighters at all Hy-
Vee locations. Sioux Falls Fire Fighters will be collecting for MDA from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Tickerts Issued for Underage Drinking at School Board Members Home

Michelle Schirado may be feeling some heat. The Argus Leader reports 25 people were ticketed at a party outside her home for underage drinking. The Lincoln County State's Attorney's Office says Schirado and her husband were in the house at the time. 18-people over 18 and 7-minors were ticketed. State law says a parent can provide alcohol to their own children as long as they're in your immediate presence.

Veterans Jobless Benefits

South Dakota Labor Secretary Pam Roberts says unemployed veterans may qualify for additional education, vocational rehabilitation and other benefits under a federal law passed last year.
Roberts says the federal law expands education and training opportunities for veterans and provides tax credits to employers who hire veterans with service-connected disabilities. She says one program offers some jobless veterans 12 months of training for occupations in high demand.

Body Found after Fire

Authorities are investigating the death of a person whose body was found in a burned home north of Aberdeen. The victim has not been identified, and it is not known if the death was the result of the Sunday night fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Spring Parade of Homes

The Spring Parade of Homes kicked off this weekend in the Sioux Empire and attendance for the event is already high. The Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire is showcasing this season's hottest trends in 75 newly constructed homes across the Sioux Falls area. Realtors say they saw nearly 400 people come through the homes on the first day alone.

Science Scores

South Dakota eighth-grade students are staying ahead of their peers when it comes to the latest science scores. South Dakota Secretary of Education Melody Schopp says the scores as measured by the 2011 National Assessment of Educational Progress are good, but virtually unchanged since 2009. Just one state - North Dakota - scored statistically higher than South Dakota's average scale score of 162. Eight states scored statistically the same as South Dakota.

Bike Trail Closure

The City of Sioux Falls Public Works department 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, May 14, 2012, 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 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.

Tour de Water Saturday

Sioux Falls celebrates National Public Works Week tomorrow with a bicycle tour of the new river greenway project and municipal drinking water facilities. The Argus Leader reports the Tour de Water trail ride starts at 8a.m., rain or shine, at Elmen Trailhead on the north side of West 12th Street, on the east bank of the river. The north tour will visit a drinking water well and a pumping station, about a 10-mile ride. The south tour will visit the west reservoir and the Kuehn Park water tower.

Man Lucky to Be Alive After Pulling Gun on SF Police Officer

Sioux Falls Police have charged a 25-year old man with possession of a concealed weapon. KELO reports officers spotted the man stumbling at the corner of 57th and Marion Road early Friday morning. When an officer approached, the man pulled a gun. The officer immediately drew his own weapon, and they day the suspect dropped his. Investigators believe the man had been drinking.

Janklow Portrait Discussed

Family members of late former Gov. Bill Janklow are meeting with officials to discuss hanging a portrait of the four-term governor in the State Capitol. Janklow, who resisted efforts for a Capitol portrait of himself, is the only former South Dakota governor without one.

Sorghum Seed Supply Tight

The sorghum seed supply is tight in South Dakota this spring. Millborn Seeds in Brookings says more than 90 percent of sorghum seed is grown in the Texas Panhandle, and drought last year cut this year's seed supplies by about 60 percent. The Brookings company says demand for sorghum has increased in recent years

Missing Teen

Law enforcement officials are looking for a teenage girl in central South Dakota who has been missing for almost a week. Officials say 15-year-old Shauntae Hope Marks was last seen at the Mary Manor apartment complex in Ft. Thompson 5 p.m. Friday. Officials describe Marks as a Native American who stands 5'7" tall and weighs about 170 pounds. She has black shoulder length hair and brown eyes and wears glasses. She was last seen wearing blue jeans, a white shirt with stripes, a black and gray hooded sweatshirt, and blue Etnies brand tennis shoes. Anyone with information is asked to call the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Ft. Thompson office at 605-245-2351 immediately.

2012 Spirit of Volunteerism Award

Over 545 area community leaders, non-profit agency representatives and business people turned out Tuesday to honor the 2012 Spirit of Volunteerism Award winners. The Helpline Center hosted the event at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. 81 honorees and nominees were celebrated at the event. Citi also gave out the Citi Youth Leadership Awards at the event. These scholarships recognize high school students for his/her community involvement. Receiving the scholarships were:
¨ Austin Hogie, Brandon Valley High School
¨ Mara Klecker, Lincoln High School
¨ Kristin Pollema, Brandon Valley High School
¨ Sarah Friedel, Roosevelt High School
¨ Briana Roegiers, Brandon Valley High School
¨ Robert Peacock, Sioux Falls

City and BNSF May Talk Bridge Again

BNSF, in a letter to Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Heuther, says a new bridge over the Big Sioux getting trains through town and relocating the downtown switchyard isn't dead, but the city's plan won't work. The Argus Leader reports BNSF's had problems with a bridge where the city wants it, Falls Park, since 2001 saying it would exceed curvature limits. City officials say they'll talk with BNSF about what bridge option might work.

First Lady's Reading Tour

South Dakota's first lady is reading to third, fourth and fifth graders today at Howard Elementary School. The governor's office says it's the 150th elementary school Linda Daugaard has visited as part of her initiative to encourage students to read. She began the campaign on May 8, 2011 to stress the importance of reading as a lifelong learning tool.

NAIA World Series

Two South Dakota teams are hoping to qualify for the NAIA World Series later this month. Mount Marty College and Dakota State University both are in action today as the double-elimination National Championship Opening Round gets under way. Both teams are No. 5 seeds. The opening round runs through Monday. The winners of each of the nine brackets will join host Lewis-Clark State at the 56th annual NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho, May 25-June 1.

Gavins Point Dam Repairs

A year ago, a record amount of water was flowing through Gavins Point Dam on the Missouri River in southeast South Dakota. On Wednesday, the tap was turned off. The Army Corps of Engineers shut down releases for several hours so officials could inspect damage to the dam's spillway caused by the high releases during last summer's flooding. Corps officials say repairs
likely will be done this summer.

Sheriff Warning

The Minnehaha County Sheriff is warning concert goers about threats made to the events held at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds Wednesday night. Sheriff Mike Milstead said two anonymous calls were made to the fairgrounds office Wednesday. He said the first warned that someone would be shot at KRRO Fest; the second warned that a lot of people would be hurt and there would be a lot of shooting.

No Walmart

There will not be a third Walmart coming to Sioux Falls, at least not at the 69th and Cliff location. KDLT reports that Wednesday night, Walmart announced the company will no longer be moving forward with plans to build at the site. Last week, a proposal to change zoning restrictions on the land was voted down by the Sioux Fall City Council, however Walmart had the option to apply for a conditional use permit. Residents of a nearby neighborhood weren’t shy about voicing their concerns about the potential project. Wednesday night officials with Walmart said they would not be looking to build at the site, but did not rule out the possibility of a third store at a different location.

Helpline Center Symposium

The Helpline Center answers South Dakota’s suicide and crisis line, and provides a variety of aftercare services for survivors. Linn-Gust’s appearance marks the first time the Helpline Center has brought an international speaker to South Dakota as part of the aftercare services the agency provides. Survivors of suicide are invited to hear Linn-Gust talk about the loss of her sister to suicide and her healing journey. This event will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 tonight at Our Savior's Lutheran Church at 909 W. 33rd St., Sioux Falls, SD. The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Minnehaha County Authorities After Meth Lab Suspect

Minnehaha County law enforcement are looking for a parolee, Bobby Hendrix. KDLT reports they want to talk to him about a meth lab found yesterday in an apartment building in the 800 block of East 6th Street. They say they don't know how long the lab had been there, but its' size and number of ingredients found indicate the suspects were selling the drug. One man was arrested at that apartment yesterday.

Events Center Construction Could Start in July

Construction and groundbreaking work is set to start the third week of July for the city's new events center. The Argus Leader reports design development drawings are done, and Mortenson Construction's started assembling the cost estimate for the project. Officials expect the construction to be finished in the fall of 2014.

Gavins Point Dam Water Halted

Water releases from Gavins Point Dam on the Missouri River are being halted for about eight hours so officials can inspect spillway damage caused by high water releases during last summer's flooding. The river level is forecast to drop eight feet at Yankton and by a similar amount downstream, and officials say flow levels could change without notice. Officials also say cultural artifacts might surface, and they're reminding the public that federal law prohibits collecting them.

Teen Escapes Custody

Rapid City area authorities are searching for a 17-year-old boy who escaped custody after being taken to a hospital for an evaluation. The hospital notified the Pennington County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday that the teenager had fled on foot with some cash taken from two rooms. The boy had been held at the Western South Dakota Juvenile Services Center on a probation hold for a nonviolent offense.

House Fire in Pierre

An early morning house fire in Pierre sent a man to the hospital and killed two cats. The man suffered burns on his hands and face and also smoke inhalation. The fire started shortly after 3:30 this morning in the home's living room. The cause was not immediately determined.

Bed Bugs

The Sioux Falls Health Department and Planning and Building Services will partner in a panel to provide information and resources regarding bedbugs. The panel will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 10, 2012, in the Commission Room at City Hall. The panel will discuss trends, characteristics of bedbugs and how to identify them, best practices to prevent and control infestations, and resources for residents affected by bedbugs.
Also represented on the panel will be Tricia Swenson, president of the South
Dakota Multi-Unit Housing Association, and Buyung Hadi, Pesticide Educator and
Urban Entomology Coordinator for SDSU

Blood Pressure Testing

Just a friendly reminder and recommendation to know your numbers. The numbers I am referring to are your blood pressure numbers. As has been mentioned before, May is focused on blood pressure awareness. As one of the proud partners in this important communitywide initiative, we would like to encourage everyone to take a few moments and stop by a screening event. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a serious health concern and you have to know your numbers in order to act. Sioux Falls Fire Rescue is conducting screenings every Saturday at every fire station from 1 to 5 p.m. during the month of May. So this Saturday consider taking a short trip to your local station to meet the crews and have your blood pressure checked. In fact, bring the family and take a look at the fire trucks while you’re there.

Kid's Activity Day

The Old Courthouse Museum will host Kid's Activity Day on Thursday, May 17th. The theme for May is May Flowers! 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.
Kid's 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.

Book Fair of Death Murder Mystery

Middle school and high school students are invited to use their detective skills to follow the clues, interview suspects, and solve the Book Fair of Death Murder Mystery at the Main Branch of Siouxland Libraries on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at 2:30 p.m. Best-selling author Emily Thornton has been found dead at the book fair, and participants will have one hour to identify her killer. Prizes will be awarded and refreshments will be served.Register to attend by calling 367-8710 or register online at www.siouxlandlib.org/teens. For more information about library programs and services for teens, contact the Youth Services Division of Siouxland Libraries at 367-8710.

SF City Council Considering Bringing Bsck CIP Advisory Committee

Sioux Falls City Council's considering creating an outside group to offer recommendations on how to best spend the $4-million the city still has in capital improvement project funds. The city used to have such a committee, which was disbanded in 2009. Councilor Sue Aguilar says the full council should vote on an ordinance to bring that committee back as quickly as possible.

Advanced Drainage Opening New Plant in Watertown

Advanced Drainage Systems is opening a new manufacturing plan in Watertown. According to the Argus Leader, they expect to have it up and running by late summer. Advance Drainage Systems makes agricultural pipe, storm drain pipe, storm chambers, sanitary chambers and other products. Watertown is the third facility they've opened in the region, and it's part of a $10-million capital investment they unveiled last year.

Tourism Week Rally Day Events

The South Dakota Department of Tourism is hosting two Travel Rally Day events to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week. The events today in Mitchell at the Corn Palace and Wednesday at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City are aimed at generating excitement in the visitor industry and highlighting the importance of travel and tourism on the state's economy. National Travel and Tourism Week runs through Sunday.

Stabbing Plea

A Rapid City man accused in a weekend stabbing says he was defending himself. 29-year-old Alton Clifford is accused of stabbing 26-year-old James Lawrence on Saturday. Lawrence was found in a car in a Rapid Valley convenience store parking lot with multiple stab wounds. He's hospitalized in critical condition.

Fill the Boot

Sioux Falls Professional Fire Fighter Local 814, Sioux Falls Fire Department and the Muscular Dystrophy Association are once again asking you to Fill the Boot Tuesday May 15th, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Fire Station # 3 on S. Minnesota Ave. The Fill-the-Boot campaign is a 59 year tradition for MDA and fire fighters across the country. In 2011, Sioux Falls Fire Fighters raised nearly $16,500 through their Fill the Boot campaign for MDA nationwide.

Siouxland Libraries Board of Trustees Vacancies

Mayor Mike Huether has announced two vacancies to the Siouxland Libraries Board of Trustees. Siouxland Libraries serves residents of Sioux Falls and greater Minnehaha County via an intergovernmental agreement. The Library Board of Trustees is a Mayor- and Minnehaha County-appointed board that consists of four members appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council and one member appointed by Minnehaha County. Application forms may be obtained by logging on to www.siouxfalls.org/boardscommissions or you may fill out an application online. For more information, please contact Julie Wilson in the Mayor’s Office at 367-8800.

Dunham Park Flood Control

Runge Enterprises will start the construction of a flood control closure structure today at the
entrance to Dunham Park. The entrance will be closed until Friday, May 18, for pavement removals, construction of closure structure, and replacement of pavement. During the major part of the construction, all access to the park will be through the Christopher Avenue entrance. The detour route will utilize Dardanella Road from Marion Road.

Ronning Branch Library parking lot

The Ronning Branch Library parking lot, 3100 East 49th Street, will be replaced May 7 to June 1. The library will be open, but the book drop will be closed. Parking is available on 49th Street and at the Laurel Oak Family Aquatic Center. Library customers are encouraged to return materials to the Main Library at 200 North Dakota Avenue, the Caille Branch Library at 4100 South Carnegie Circle, the Oak View Branch Library at 3700 East Third Street, or any of the Siouxland Libraries’ branches in Minnehaha County.

SF City Council Gets Texting Ban Plan Tomorrow

A group that wants to ban texting while driving in Sioux Falls says just getting a law on the books would cut the number of people doing it. Citizens for Cell Phone Safety While Driving plan to hand a plan to City COuncil tomorrow that would bar texting while driving anywhere in city limits, with no exceptions, and no handheld electronic devices while driving in a school zone when kids are present except for first responders on government business.

TCF Op Center Opens in Sioux Falls

TCF Bank cut the ribbon to officially open its' new Operations Center in Sioux Falls today. TCF provides retail and commercial banking services . Gov. Daugaard says "It's just another indication that the financial services industry finds Sioux Falls, South Dakota a great place to locate and the banking industry in general 22 knows South Dakota is a good state in which to do business.” The center means 200-new jobs.

400-plus Cited in Weekend Police Traffic Safety Effort

Sioux Falls area law enforcement agencies were busy over the weekend, handing out over 450-citations during a saturation patrol and sobriety checkpoint. The stepped up effort involved Sioux Falls Police, the Minnehaha Sheriff, and the State Highway patrol. KSFY reports 23 people were cited for DUI, 45 for seatbelt violations, 54 for no insurance, and one for possession of a loaded firearm while intoxicated.

RC Bar Fire

Authorities are investigating the cause of a weekend fire that damaged a Rapid City bar. Firefighters quickly extinguished the small blaze Sunday afternoon at Teddy's Sports Grill, but the building was filled with smoke. Manager Doug Roth says he expects to reopen on Wednesday. No one was injured.

Hail Damages

About 300 cars at a Mitchell car dealership have been damaged after severe weather pelted the area. Strong winds, rain and golf-ball-sized hail blew out windows and caused dents in hundreds of cars at the Iverson Chrysler Center in Mitchell early Saturday morning.
General Manager Tim Hurll says employees were able to save 15 cars. He estimates the damage could be more than $1 million.

Storm Aftermath

Saturday’s storm brought more than just heavy rains for parts of South Dakota; it also brought damaging winds for Flandreau. The Big Sioux Baptist Church lost a section of their roof. But, the roof didn't just land in the next yard over. The metal roof collapsed part of the neighboring house's kitchen and also damaged the garage. Over 20 people fled their homes due to the high water and a number of other businesses were left waterlogged in Madison. Even with all the homes and business damaged by the flood, county officials say things could have been a lot worse.

Body Found

A body was discovered near Memorial Creek in Madison just after noon on Sunday. Authorities say it was discovered in the 600 hundred block of SE 1st Street.
The Madison Police Department says it was discovered by residents checking flood damage in the area as flood waters were receding. The body was of a 29-year-old male who authorities believe died of an apparent accidental drowning. The case is still under investigation pending autopsy results.

Corps of Engineers Assess Gavins Point Damage Next Week

The Army Corps of Engineers will be out at Gavins Point Dam next Wednesday to assess damage to the spillway slabs. KDLT reports releases from the dam will be stopped for no more than eight hours to uppermost portion of the spillway so they can confirm preliminary findings of minor damage done to the several areas on the slab by last years flooding.

Booze Filled Argument Leads to Sioux Falls Murder

Sioux Falls Police say their first murder of the year was the end of an argument fueled by booze between three homeless men. 45-year old Eugene Martin's charged with first degree murder for beating his friend 43-year old Robert Thunder Hawk to death with a shovel. A third man, 52-year old Clint Cottonwood, has been charged with assault.

Murder Arrest

Two men are behind bars after a man was found beaten to death in northeast Sioux Falls. The body was found last night in a wooded area near East 1st Street and Blauvelt Avenue that neighbors say was being used as a homeless camp. 43-year-old Eugene Martin is charged with first degree murder. 52-year-old Clint Cottonwood is charged with simple assault. Police say both men are transients.

Trees Removed

State crews have finished a four-month project to remove trees infested with mountain pine beetles along the George S. Mickelson hiking and biking trail in South Dakota's Black Hills. Crews have been removing infested trees in an effort to slow the beetle's impact on scenery along the 109-mile trail that runs from Deadwood in the northern Black Hills to Edgemont in the south.

Vehicular Homocide Charges

A 63 year old South Dakota man is charged with vehicular homicide. The head on collision killed 28 year old Heather Unser of Pierre last month. Walt Taton of Faith was charged after turning himself in at the Haakon County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday. Taton was also charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. The charges stem from an April 28 crash along Highway 34 near Hayes. Another person in the crash, 21 year old Sadie Clark of Yankton received serious but non-life threatening injuries.

Marion Road Closure

At 7:00 a.m. Monday, May 7, Marion Road will be closed to traffic north of the Benson Road intersection for a water main installation. Traffic using Marion Road should use Career Avenue via Benson Road and 60th Street North as an alternate route. Marion Road is anticipated to be completed and reopened by May 11, 2012.

Construction is anticipated to be completed along Benson Road west of Marion Road and reopened by May 19, 2012.

Ronning Branch Library parking lot

The Ronning Branch Library parking lot, 3100 East 49th Street, will be replaced May 7 to June 1. The library will be open, but the book drop will be closed. Parking is available on 49th Street and at the Laurel Oak Family Aquatic Center. Library customers are encouraged to return materials to the Main Library at 200 North Dakota Avenue, the Caille Branch Library at 4100 South Carnegie Circle, the Oak View Branch Library at 3700 East Third Street, or any of the Siouxland Libraries’ branches in Minnehaha County.

Huether Says State of the City Good

In his State of the City address today, Mayor Mike Huether says the Sioux Falls is financially strong, with higher consumer spending and companies investing in the community. According to the Argus Leader, Huether says the city has $43-million in general fund reserves in case there's an unexpected problem. He also says the city's been busy fixing and replacing streets, highways, the water treatment plant, sewers and parks.

No Boating Zone on Big SIoux Starting Monday

The Sioux River South Sanitary Interceptor Sewer Replacement Phase 1B Project's led Gov. Daugaard to declare a No-Boating Zone on the river starting Monday morning at 8, between the Minnesota Avenue bridge to the Cliff Avenue bridge within the city of Sioux Falls. The order will be in effect until rescinded by the Governor.

Fire Ban Lifted

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has lifted the open fire ban on the OaheWildlife Management Area. The area covers more than 16,000 acres along Lake Oahe south of Bismarck-Mandan, in portions of Burleigh, Emmons and Morton counties.

NE Couple to Stand Trial for Arson

A Nebraska couple is to stand trial in South Dakota later this year for starting a fire that destroyed two businesses and damaged a third. Charles and Kimberly Johnson are accused of starting the fire in Springfield to collect insurance. The Johnsons owned Libby's Steakhouse, one of the buildings destroyed in the October 2010 fire.

Trial Reset for Accused Killer

Trial has been delayed until later this year for a South Dakota man accused of killing his infant son. Chris Miller, of Scotland, was to stand trial for murder beginning May 14. Miller is accused of killing 4-month-old Jacob in March 2011 by shaking and beating the child. His trial is now set for October 29th.

SF Woman Turns 100

For one Sioux Falls woman, Wednesday isn’t just any day. It’s her 100th birthday, and friends and family members made sure it was a day she would not soon forget. Lorraine Brakke is treated like a queen for a day. Not only did she walk into her very own surprise party thrown by family and friends at the Good Samaritan Society, but everyone wore red….that was Lorraine’s one wish for the day. Even though she’s 100 years old, Lorraine has held onto her fun loving personality and her sense of humor.

Third Wal Mart Still has a Chance

The rejection of a third Wal Mart by the city council may not stop the store from being built. The super store chain expresses interest in building a third store at the corner of 69th and Cliff Avenue. Tuesday night, the council voted 7-1 against re-zoning a portion of the land at that location that would potentially give Walmart more parking lot space. Walmart could still submit a conditional use permit to the city planning department. But even if the permit was approved, residents could appeal the decision and it would go in front of the council.

Falls Park Market Starts 100th Anniversary Season Saturday

Dozens of vendors are expected t Saturday for the 100th anniversary of the Falls Park Farmers Market. KSFY reports the 2012 season runs through October, with the market open from 8a.m. to 1p.m. The anniversary celebration's set for August, but you can buy tickets starting on Saturday. The celebration includes food sampling from 16 chef and farmer teams, and music from the Sioux Falls Symphony.

OSHA Calls Ames Thermal 'Severe Violator'

OSHA's pinned the label 'severe violator' on Adams Thermal Systems of Canton, after employee Larry Kinzer was killed in a machine last year. The company's had 2 other serious worker injuries since 2004. The Argus Leader reports OSHA wants more unannounced inspections, an ongoing investigation of how Kinzer died, as well as penalties of $210,000. The company disputes the claim and will contest the 'severe violator' designation.

SF Ribbon Cutting for New Capital One Credit Card Operation

There was a ribbon cutting in Sioux Falls today, to mark Capital One's 400-new jobs with the completion of their acquisition of HSBC's domestic credit card business. The Argus Leader reports Capital One's also keeping the 400-ex-HSBC personnel, bringing the number of people working in Sioux Falls to 800 by the end of the year. The Capital One's already hired 225 new associates.

Fire Investigation Conclusion

Investigators have concluded that erratic fire behavior and human nature contributed to the death of a forest firefighter in South Dakota. 23-year-old Trampus Haskvitz of Buffalo Gap died in the Coal Canyon Fire last August. The lightning-sparked blaze in the Black Hills injured four other firefighters.

E Voting

Minnehaha County is looking at using voting centers and electronic polling books for this year's general election. Minor problems arose at a few of the polling places, but the county auditor says those problems are being addressed. Some are concerned that the electronic devices can be hacked by nefarious evil doers looking to get their candidate elected, and there are several incidents of electronic vote tampering across the nation where when a candidate is selected by a voter, the vote is cast for a different candidate altogether.

No Third Wal Mart

The Sioux Falls City Council rejected zoning changes requested by discount retailer Walmart Tuesday night. In a 1-7 vote, the city council turned down a proposal at 69th Street and Cliff Avenue in Sioux Falls. Walmart wants to build it's third Sioux Falls store at the intersection near Sioux Falls Christian School. It requested a zoning change on 3.6 acres at the intersection.

Moss Signs with GB Packers

Dale Moss on Saturday evening received an offer to catch passes from the reigning NFL MVP. That helped soothe the sting of not being drafted. Just minutes after the seven-round draft wrapped, the South Dakota State wideout from Brandon agreed to a three-year free-agent contract with the Green Bay Packers. Moss played four years of basketball for the Jackrabbits before deciding to try college football with his fifth year of eligibility.

More Road Work

Beginning today, 32nd Street just west of Marion Road will be closed to install a new gas main crossing. Work is expected to be completed and open to traffic on Thursday, May 3. On Friday, May 4, 31st Street just west of Marion Road will be closed as they continue their gas line installation. 31st Street is expected to be open to traffic on Friday. Through traffic is encouraged to seek an alternate route.

Road Work

Beginning Thursday, May 3, 2012, construction crews will be working on 26th Street between Sertoma Avenue and Discovery Avenue. Work will consist of miscellaneous manhole adjustments along the centerline of 26th Street and is expected to be completed within a week.

Ex Tea FD Bookkeeper Pleads Not Guilty

The Tea Fire Department's former bookkeeper's pleaded not guilty today to embezzlement. KSFY report 46-year old Denae Baustian's accused of embezzling $170,000 from the Department. She charged with grand theft which carries up to 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine. Her jury trial is set for August 9.

SF Food Pantry and Feeding SD COllecting Non Perishable Goods

Items on the shelves of local food pantries are in high demand in the summer, which is why local insurance companies are coming together to help the Sioux Falls Food Pantry and Feeding South Dakota. KELO reports Progressive Insurance is collecting non-perishable food item's at several locations, including tomorrow at Boen and Associates, 307 W 41st Street; and Thursday at Fischer Rounds, 434 South Kiwanis Avenue; from, 10:30a.m. to 2:00p.m.

Guilty but Mentally Ill Plea Expected in Madison Grudge Shooting Case

The man authorities believe shot 72-year old Norman Johnson in January will plead guilty but mentally ill to 2nd degree murder later this month. That's what the attorney for 73-year old Carl Ericsson told a Lake County judge this morning. The plea carries mandatory life in prison without parole. The Argus Leader reports the two were high school classmates and the killing may have been over to a longstanding grudge.

SD Veterinarian Shortage Addressed

A state legislative panel is looking into a shortage of veterinarians in South Dakota. The State Veterinarian is meeting today with the Legislature's Government Operations and Audit Committee to discuss which areas of the state have shortages of large-animal veterinarians.

Corps Starts Work on Causeway

Crews this week have started rebuilding a flood-damaged causeway that connects Pierre to LaFromboise Island on the Missouri River. Eric Stasch with the Army Corps of Engineers says cleanup work is the first step. He says broken concrete, trees and other debris need to be removed from the causeway that is a popular place for people to walk and fish.

Third Wal Mart

A third Wal-Mart for Sioux Falls continues to meet resistance. City council members get one more night before they vote on re-zoning for the proposed site at 69th and Cliff. But before council members vote Tuesday evening, the volunteer group, Saving Our Neighborhoods, says they will be armed with reasons as to why they are still against bringing the super center to the area. Council members say tonight they want to look at the zoning change as simply a plan, not the Wal-Mart plan.

Candle Light Vigil Held for Slain Expectant Mother

Hundreds of people gathered in the Walmart parking lot in Rapid City for a candlelight vigil to remember a woman who was slain there. Friends, family members and acquaintances of 30-year-old Morgan Myers gathered Sunday night to pray and sing Amazing Grace after a Facebook campaign organized by two local women. Family members thanked those in the crowd for their support. Police say Myers was stabbed to death last Thursday. An autopsy showed she was pregnant with her fifth child.

Civil Rights Conference

The U.S. Attorney's Office hosted a civil rights conference in Sioux Falls on Monday.
Speakers for the afternoon event included assistant attorney general Tom Perez of the U.S. Justice Department's civil rights division and Judy Shepard, the president and co-founder of the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Topics included the rights of persons with disabilities, human trafficking and child exploitation, bullying and discrimination in schools and police and the community.

Shooting Suspect in Custody

Police in Fort Pierre have taken a man into custody after a weekend shooting.
Stanley County Chief Deputy Greg Swanson says that no one was hurt late Sunday afternoon. He says two or three shots were fired in the incident that apparently began as a domestic violence case. Police did not immediately identify the suspect.