PIERRE, S.D. (AP) _ State lawmakers are ready to start South Dakota's annual legislative session. The session opens at noon (CST) Tuesday with the election of top officers in the House and Senate. Gov. Dennis Daugaard then will give his annual state of the state speech, which is expected to start at 1 p.m. CST. The governor's speech is expected to focus on a plan to make sweeping changes in South Dakota's criminal justice system. A plan submitted by a panel appointed by the governor, Supreme Court Chief Justice David Gilbertson and legislative leaders would emphasize locking up dangerous offenders while treating those convicted of nonviolent crimes outside prison walls. Officials say the proposal would slow the growth in prison inmates, allowing the state to avoid building two new prisons in the next few years.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
AP-WF-01-08-13 1030GMT
Local News - KOTA TerritoryLocal News KOTA TerritoryMore>>
A death investigation is underway in Rapid City after a body was found lying in a drainage ditch. The body was discovered Monday night by employees at Kopren Motors around 5:20 p.m.Employees were locking
The body was discovered Monday night by employees at Kopren Motors around 5:20 p.m.
The recall petition deadline approaching many people have been speaking out against Councilman Bill Clayton At this week's city council meeting, a few people of Rapid City took the opportunity to
People of Rapid City stepped up to defend Councilman Bill CLayton at City Hall.
FEDERAL SEQUESTER CUTS COULD SOON TAKE A TOLL ON KOTA TERRITORY ANTI HUNGER PROGRAMS, BUT JUST HOW SOON IS A WAITING GAME. LEGISLATION APPROVED BY THE HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE WOULD CUT ABOUT 2.5
Federal sequester cuts could soon take a toll on KOTA Territory anti hunger programs, but just how soon?
It's a program aimed to combat drinking and driving in South Dakota. But is it working? The ignition interlock devices were added to the 24/7 Sobriety Program in October. More than 100 people have used
It's a program aimed to combat drinking and driving in South Dakota. But is it working? The ignition interlock devices were added to the 24/7 Sobriety Program in October.
For the next several days, Candidate Mark Kirkeby and Incumbent Sam Kooiker will continue to answer some of the big questions facing voters. Tonight we ask them about city government and how they plan to
We asked them about city government and how they plan to get more citizen participation.
The Oglala Sioux Tribe has revoked the building lease for the only grocery store on Pine Ridge because of continued complaints about spoiled food. Highway 20 has operated the store for more than a quarter century,
Highway 20 has operated the store for more than a quarter century, but the company has been given until August 4th to vacate the tribally owned building.
The inside of the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center will be a little more colorful, thanks to a new mural that's going up. lt also will serve as a memorial and honor those that served our country. Two art
The inside of the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center will be a little more colorful, thanks to a new mural that's going up. It also will serve as a memorial and honor those that served our country. Two art
The Oglala Sioux Tribe has revoked the building lease for the only grocery store on Pine Ridge because of continued complaints about spoiled food. Highway 20 has operated the store for more than a quarter century,
Highway 20 has operated the store for more than a quarter century, but the company has been given until August 4th to vacate the tribally owned building.
Law enforcement is increasing its presence in Whiteclay after activists attacked two beer trucks and threatened one driver with a knife. Nebraska State Patrol Col. David Sankey says more officers are patrolling
Nebraska State Patrol officers are patrolling the tiny town, which has seen an uptick in violence from protesters who oppose its beer sales.
FEDERAL SEQUESTER CUTS COULD SOON TAKE A TOLL ON KOTA TERRITORY ANTI HUNGER PROGRAMS, BUT JUST HOW SOON IS A WAITING GAME. LEGISLATION APPROVED BY THE HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE WOULD CUT ABOUT 2.5
Federal sequester cuts could soon take a toll on KOTA Territory anti hunger programs, but just how soon?
The Hand County Sheriff's Office needs the public's help finding an elderly man ... who has been missing since around one a.m. Sunday morning. 82 year old LeRoy Nye was last seen in Saint Lawrence at 10:30
82 year old LeRoy Nye was last seen in Saint Lawrence at 10:30 on Saturday night wearing a white t–shirt and underpants.
The recall petition deadline approaching many people have been speaking out against Councilman Bill Clayton At this week's city council meeting, a few people of Rapid City took the opportunity to
People of Rapid City stepped up to defend Councilman Bill CLayton at City Hall.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:00 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:00:47 GMT
A Box Elder teen went missing Wednesday, and now police are asking for your help. Wednesday evening, Alissa Ducheny , 17, left the Sams Club parking lot with close friends, leaving behind her keys, wallet
Wednesday evening, Alissa Ducheny , 17, left the Sams Club parking lot with close friends, leaving behind her keys, wallet and cell phone.
It's a family favorite pizzeria throughout KOTA Territory. Now owners are expanding the operation. Pizza Ranch broke ground Thursday on a second Rapid City location on Stumer Road ... Near the new Walmart
Pizza Ranch broke ground Thursday on a second Rapid City location on Stumer Road ... Near the new Walmart off Catron Boulevard.
The body of a missing Wisconsin woman, originally from Rapid City, was discovered. Anita Bucki was found not too far from her home and police say her husband killed her. Bucki, 48, was initially reported
The body of a missing Wisconsin woman, originally from Rapid City, was discovered. Anita Bucki was found not too far from her home and police say her husband killed her.
