SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) _ South Dakota corrections officials are appealing a federal judge's decision to reverse its policy banning the use of tobacco in Native American religious ceremonies.
Attorney James Moore filed the appeal with the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday.
Chief Judge Karen Schreier ruled in September that the prison system's ban on tobacco in religious ceremonies substantially burdens Native American inmates' religious rights. She ordered state officials and an organization of Native American inmates to submit suggested revisions.
Corrections officials agreed to allow tobacco at pipe ceremonies but wanted the right to prohibit its use in tobacco ties, in prayer flags and inside the prison's sweat lodge.
Schreier ruled Jan. 28 that tobacco should be permitted in all those circumstances, but she capped the tobacco mix at 1 percent.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press
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For the next couple days, firefighters' boots won't be filled with feet, but instead with donations. Rapid City firefighters are teaming up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association to raise money to support
For the next couple days, firefighters' boots won't be filled with feet, but instead with donations. Rapid City firefighters are teaming up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association to raise money to support those affected by the disease.
Obesity is at an epidemic level in the United States, and there are no signs that will change soon. However one rural KOTA Territory school district is taking action to buck the obesity trend. "When
One KOTA Territory school is promoting healthy living through walking.
For the past several days, Candidate Mark Kirkeby and Incumbent Sam Kooiker answered some of the big questions facing voters. Tonight we ask them about Councilman Bill Clayton, who allegedly made
Mayoral Candidates discuss Councilman Bill Clayton's alleged racial comments towards an African American KOTA reporter.
It's official, the Gold Dust casino in Deadwood that closed on New Years Day will soon be re-opening. Mayor Chuck Turbiville says first the existing property which covers half a city block, will undergo
It's official, the Gold Dust casino in Deadwood that closed on New Years Day will soon be re-opening. Mayor Chuck Turbiville says first the existing property which covers half a city block, will undergo
After nearly a year of drought, parts of KOTA Territory are now under water. The Northern Black Hills pick up half a foot of rain, causing rivers and creeks to swell. And in some cases, flood roadways.
After nearly a year of drought, parts of KOTA Territory are now under water. The Northern Black Hills pick up half a foot of rain, causing rivers and creeks to swell. And in some cases, flood roadways.
The head of South Dakota's Department of Social Services has asked a judge to toss out a lawsuit filed by two tribes alleging that the state routinely breaks federal law governing foster care and adoptions for...
The lawsuit alleges the state is violating the Indian Child Welfare Act by holding improper hearings after children are removed from homes.
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.
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.
By MATTHEW DALY, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) _ The White House says President Barack Obama opposes a House bill that would speed approval of the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada
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.
Rescue crews are working through the night after a monstrous tornado barreled through the Oklahoma City suburbs, demolishing an elementary school and reducing homes to piles of splintered wood.
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots down to bare red earth and claimed 24 lives,...
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.
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.
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.
Former state lawmaker Shawn Tornow (TOR'-noh) of Sioux Falls has told the South Dakota Supreme Court he should have acted differently in two instances that arose when he was an assistant city attorney for the...
Former state lawmaker Shawn Tornow (TOR'-noh) of Sioux Falls has told the South Dakota Supreme Court he should have acted differently in two instances that arose when he was an assistant city attorney for the city of...
