Monday, May 12, 2008

Trolley Route Maps Now Available for New Fixed Route Service in Pierre and Fort Pierre

Now that a local transit company has started using trolley cars to transport local residents to their destination, maps have been placed around Pierre and Fort Pierre to give people a look at the route that the trolleys take each weekend.  Ron Baumgart with River Cities Transit says the company started using its recently refurbished trolley cars about two weeks ago as part of a new fixed route service.  Baumgart says maps were printed out and distributed to local businesses on Friday to start getting the word out about the new trolley routes. 

Baumgart says two of the company’s three trolleys are on the go during the evening hours Friday and Saturday nights.

River Cities Transit acquired the used trolleys over the past year from other parts of the country and took some time to fix up the units.  He says Pierre/Fort Pierre now join a small group of South Dakota communities that offer such a service.

Baumgart says he’s been quite pleased with the comments he has heard about the trolleys so far and that most have been positive.  The trolleys are helping free up the transit buses that transport residents and visitors to and from various destinations on an on-call basis.   Baumgart says trolley route maps should be available at several businesses around the two communities and more are going to be printed up soon.

Maps like the one shown above are available throughout Pierre and Fort Pierre and on River Cities Transit buses.

Faulk County Commissioners Change Reconsider Poll Locations Issue

Bureau of Reclamation Says Blunt Reservoir Land to be Appraised at Fair Value

The Bureau of Reclamation has decided that landowners who were forced to sell their land to the federal government more than 30 years ago will be able to repurchase that land based on its value in 2006.  Senator John Thune says the Blunt Reservoir and Pierre Canal Land Conveyance Act was passed and signed into law by President Bush, almost two years ago.  Thune says the passage of the act was a major victory for the state and the original landowners.  He says however, that due to delays on the transfer of the almost 14,000 acres of land to original landowners, that there was concern raised that the final purchase price would be based on the value of the land at the time of appraisal and not when the bill was signed into law in 2006.  He says the Bureau of Reclamation agreed with a request made by all three members of the state’s congressional delegation to ensure that landowners don’t have to pay a higher price for the land than what was mentioned in the legislation.   The repurchase of the acreage by original landowners has been delayed because of ongoing survey work that is required before the federal government can sell the land to the original landowners.  The decision by the Bureau of Reclamation will help to guarantee that the original landowners aren’t forced to pay a higher amount for the land while the surveying work is completed later this summer.  In 2007, Just over 5,500 acres of land from the defunct Blunt Reservoir and Pierre Canal Project were passed on to the state as a partial reimbursement for the thousands of acres that were lost during the construction of the Oahe Reservoir.  

Water Shut Off on Lakeside Lane Moved to Tuesday

Once again, changes have been made to today’s scheduled water main replacement work that was planned for Lakeside Lane in Pierre.  Water Superintendent Steve Diez says that the work that was planned for Lakeside Lane today has been moved to tomorrow, due to an emergency repair job that came up on Bushfield Drive.  He says the water main work on Lakeside Lane should begin tomorrow morning at eight and water service will be disrupted from that time until five-tomorrow afternoon.  Those with questions about the work can contact the Pierre Public Works Office at 773-7341.

Governor Rounds to Appear on Dakota News Network Stations TODAY

Governor Mike Rounds makes his monthly visit to the KGFX studios for the Dakota News Network program “A Conversation with Governor Rounds” TODAY.  On the second Monday of each month, the governor spends an hour answering your questions and talking about recent issues that impact South Dakota.  If you have questions for the governor, please e-mail them to governor@amfmradio.biz or call and speak with the governor during the program this afternoon.  It’s “A Conversation with Governor Rounds” TODAY starting at 2:05 p.m. on 1060-KGFX and 1300-KOLY!

Candidate Forum for Pierre City Commission and Mayor Candidates to be This Week

The Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce along with several other local service groups are sponsoring a City Commission and Mayoral Candidate Forum this week.  The forum is planned for May 15 at the Chamber’s Community Room.  Interested residents can submit questions for the candidates by e-mailing them before this week’s event at contactchamber@pierre.org.  Questions can also be dropped off at the Chamber.  The questions will be considered by a group of panelists and a moderator, Steve Willard of the South Dakota Broadcasters Association, will pose the questions to each candidate.  On the June 3 ballot for Mayor are Laurie Gill and Terry Hipple and running for a three-year-term as City Commissioner for Pierre are Steve Harding, Jamie Huizenga and Hal Rumpca.  Thursday’s forum will begin with questions for commission candidates and at 7:30 p.m., the focus will turn to mayoral candidates.  Join 1060-AM KGFX for complete coverage of the May 15 forum, with our broadcast to begin at 6:30 p.m.  Besides the Chamber, other organizations sponsoring the event include Democracy in Action, Zonta and AAUW.

(Copyright 2008 Dakota Radio Group.  All Rights Reserved.  This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.)

Your contributions are welcome in the Dakota Radio Group’s News and Sports Departments!   If you have news or sports tip or even a digital picture that Rod Fisher or Jeri Thomas could use-let us know.  Thousands of people listen for the latest information on the air and read it on our website feature “My Daily News”.  E-mail the information or picture to news@dakotaradiogroup.com, call 224-8686 or 1-800-658-5439 (after hours extension 32).  Include your name and phone number so we can contact you-because the person who sends the top contribution each month will receive a certificate for a large pizza, breadsticks and beverage from Pizza Hut in Pierre.

Local Newscasts can be heard on your favorite Dakota Radio Group station Monday through Friday at the following times:

KGFX 1060 AM -  6:09 a.m.; 7:09 a.m.; 8:09 a.m.; 12:16 p.m. and 5:05 p.m.

River 92.7 FM -  5:57 a.m.; 6:57 a.m.; 7:57 a.m. and 4:57 p.m.

KPLO 94.5 FM -  12:03 p.m. and 3:03 p.m.

KMLO 100.7 FM -  12:03 p.m. and 3:03 p.m.

KOLY 1300 AM -  6:10 a.m.; 7:10 a.m.; 8:10 a.m.; 12:10 p.m. and 5:06 p.m.

Star 99 99.5 FM -  6:00 a.m.; 7:00 a.m.;  8:00 a.m.; 9:00 a.m.; Noon and 5:00 p.m.

100.1 FM The Eagle - 6:18 a.m.; 6:54 a.m.; 7:18 a.m.; 7:54 a.m.; 8:18 a.m.; 8:54 a.m.; 5:18 p.m.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - A memorial service will be held Wednesday in Pierre to honor South Dakota law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The service at Church of Christ will be preceded by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Law Enforcement Memorial at Capitol Lake. A national memorial for fallen law officers will be Thursday in Washington. 

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Somebody hit a South Dakota Lottery game jackpot on Saturday night. The state Lottery office reports that a single ticket matched all five numbers in the Dakota Cash drawing. The numbers were six, 14, 18, 27 and 31. The winning ticket is worth $350,652. It was sold in Sioux Falls. Lottery Director Norm Lingle says the ticket holder should sign the back of it immediately, put it in a safe place, and contact either the Sioux Falls or Pierre lottery office. Winning lottery tickets must be redeemed within 180 days. The Dakota Cash jackpot was last won on November 14th. 

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - A Pine Ridge man is scheduled to stand trial in July charges he caused a fatal accident that killed two people while driving drunk and speeding. Phillip Robideau was indicted in November 2006 by a federal grand jury for vehicular involuntary manslaughter for the August 2006 accident near Pine Ridge. According to the indictment, Robert Lee Good Crow and Jacqueline Renee Tail were killed. 

BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) - A Brookings woman has been ordered to spend 10 years in prison and pay medical costs for abusing an infant in her care. Twenty-two-year-old Jessica Hornby had pleaded guilty to abuse of or cruelty to a minor. As part of a plea agreement, a second charge of aggravated assault was dismissed. According to court documents, the 3-month-old boy suffered brain damage and fractured wrists. Medical bills so far total nearly $52,500. 

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - A 27-year-old Faith man is charged with physically abusing a 3-year-old child. Frank Iron Hawk pleaded not guilty in federal court in Pierre to child abuse and assault resulting in serious bodily injury of a child. According to the indictment, the reported abuse happened in September near Red Scaffold in Ziebach County. Iron Hawk is scheduled to stand trial June 24. 

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - A Cherry Creek man made his first court appearance Friday in federal court in Pierre on charges he started a fire that killed his two young siblings. Akeem Rooks pleaded not guilty to arson that endangered human life. The fire earlier this month at Cherry Creek on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation killed 4-year-old Keya Rooks and her 2-year-old brother, known both as Marvin Evenson and Marvin Rooks. 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The level of the three upper reservoirs on the Missouri River fell in April, but they're expected to gain up to 2 feet of water this month. The Army Corps of Engineers says there was little rain in April, and runoff from the mountain snowmelt is late. So Fort Peck, Garrison and Oahe reservoirs each lost about a half-foot of water. Even with more runoff this month, the corps says the three reservoirs will still be 20 to 30 feet below normal elevation. 

LILY, S.D. (AP) - Nearly 79 million walleye eggs have been collected this spring by fisheries workers in South Dakota for stocking in other lakes. That's one million eggs short of their goal, but officials say it's close enough. Fish collecting crews were hampered by cold weather last month that reduced water temperatures and put a temporary lid on the spawn. Half of the walleye eggs came from the Grand River, a major Missouri River tributary near Mobridge. The rest came from the Moreau River, which is another Lake Oahe tributary, and from Horseshoe Lake near Lily, in Day County. Fisheries crews had their best day on April 23rd, when they collected more than 8 million walleye eggs from the Grand River. 

HARROLD, S.D. (AP) - Three seniors -- making up the entire class of 2008 -- graduated Saturday from the Harrold School in central South Dakota. Susie Rodriguez, Tara Egly and Vernica Ravnaas are the last high school graduates who will get diplomas there. The Harrold District will merge with the Hyde School District on July first, and only grade-school students will be taught at Harrold. About 300 people attended Saturday's graduation ceremony. School Superintendent Ward Thelen says the school has been losing students for years, and consolidation was inevitable. Just 47 students attend grades K-12 at Harrold. The school first opened in 1921 and its graduating class the next year contained just one student. In 2002, there was just one senior, too. 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - There was a hay shortage a couple of years ago in South Dakota, but not anymore. The Agricultural Statistics Service says the May first inventory of hay in the state totaled 1.9 million tons -- up 68 percent from a year ago. 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Weekend rains helped much of eastern South Dakota catch up on moisture, but that doesn't mean the fire danger is gone. The National Weather Service says warm temperatures and wind have created extreme fire danger from Interstate 29 to the east, into Minnesota and Iowa. 

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota Secretary of State Chris Nelson reminds people who plan to vote in the June 3 primary election that May 19 is the last day to register to vote or change voter registration information. People may register at various state, county and city offices or by downloading registration forms from the Internet. In order to vote in the Republican or Democratic primary, voters must be registered in one of those parties. Independents and voters registered with other political parties may vote in nonpartisan races. Nelson says people can check their sample ballots by going to the Voter Information Portal at www.sdsos.gov.

HURON, S.D. (AP) - The State Fairgrounds in Huron will feature a new event this coming weekend. The first-ever South Dakota Outdoor Expo will be held Saturday and Sunday. A State Fair official says nearly 100 activities and booths will be set up for the show. Candi Hettinger says the activities are grouped into five areas - fishing and aquatic education, hunting and wildlife, camping and outdoor recreation, shooting sports, and wildlife management. The expo will be free. The hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. On the Net: www.sdoutdoorexpo.com

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - The Health Department is offering its annual reminder that warmer weather and outdoor activities brings an increased threat of illness from ticks. The state reported seven cases of tularemia last year and five of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Symptoms of tick-borne illness include sudden fever, stiff neck, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, chills, a rash on the arms and legs or around the site of the bite, and swollen lymph nodes. A tick bite is usually painless and appears as a small red bump with a bright red halo. 

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - During a campaign stop in Rapid City Saturday, former President Bill Clinton urged Democrats not to count his wife out of the fight for the Democratic presidential nomination. Clinton says the former first lady, Hillary Clinton, is -- quoting now -- "the best change maker I have ever known." More than 1,500 people packed into a high school gym to hear the former president. Much of Bill Clinton's speech dealt with details of his wife's plans for revitalizing the economy, improving education, reducing dependence on foreign oil and developing clean, renewable energy. He appeared to get the loudest cheers when he said his wife would get rid of the No Child Left Behind education law championed by President Bush. The visit came two days after Hillary Clinton campaigned in Sioux Falls. Clinton and Barack Obama are vying for South Dakota's delegates in the June 3rd primary. 

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - During a campaign stop in Rapid City, former President Clinton talked to some of South Dakota's superdelegates, including state party Chairman Jack Billion of Sioux Falls and national committeeman Nick Nemec of Holabird. After the meeting, Nemec said he did not change his mind about supporting Barack Obama but added he would be comfortable voting for Hillary Clinton if she wins the nomination. Nemec says the meeting with the former president was low key and that there was "no arm-twisting." He says it looks like it's mathematically impossible for Hillary Clinton to win the nomination. Billion says the superdelegates' job is to help select the strongest possible candidate. 

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - U-S Senator Tim Johnson has co-sponsored a bill that he says will help reduce gasoline prices. The measure would increase federal oversight of the oil and gas industry in an effort to prevent market speculation that Johnson says is helping drive up fuel costs. The legislation would ask the Energy Department to stop buying oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which is 97 percent full. The bill would allow the Justice Department to take action against foreign nations for illicit practices in setting oil prices and limiting oil production. It also would impose a windfall profits tax on large oil companies if they do not invest a certain amount of earnings into expanded production capacities. Johnson says oil companies have not put their record profits into more exploration and production but instead have purchased stocks and returned record dividends to stockholders. 

CHESTER, S.D. (AP) - A virtual school that offers online classes to residents of Hutterite colonies has received a $10,000 award from the American Association of Retired Persons. The Chester Area Cyber School uses the WebCT e-learning system to provide instruction to 260 students in 26 Hutterite colony schools in South Dakota. The three-year-old program provides students of any age an opportunity to earn a high school diploma. Most students graduating from eighth grade in a Hutterite colony do not have an opportunity to further their education. Superintendent Mark Greguson says the $10,000 will be used to send staff to conventions and workshops to enhance the distance learning program. AARP South Dakota volunteer state president Pat Gross says the school showed a creative use of technology to educate rural students in South Dakota. 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Governor Rounds has approved $1.1 million in State Arts Council funding for more than 250 artists, arts organizations, schools, and art projects across the state. Arts Council grants are provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the state and help to create $12 million in local matching funds and spending. Rounds says strengthening the arts is an excellent way to diversify the state economy. 

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - Some 75 higher education officials from 15 Western states will meet in Rapid City later this month. South Dakota is hosting a meeting of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education on May 19th and 20th. The commission works to expand educational access and quality in the region. Presentations at the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn will address such public policy issues as accountability, demographics, international competition and work force development. Sanford Lab Director Jose Alonso will speak at the meeting. Participants will also get to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial and hear a presentation from Superintendent Gerard Baker. 

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is sending a 12-member student team to compete in the National Steel Bridge Competition sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The event is set for May 23-24 in Gainesville, Fla. The competition involves designing, fabricating and constructing a 21-foot steel bridge that can support 2,500 pounds. The School of Mines team placed third at the Rocky Mountain competition early last month in Colorado. 

VERMILLION, S.D. (AP) - The University of South Dakota School of Law has received a $50,000 Internal Revenue Service grant for a clinic that helps low-income taxpayers. The law school's clinic is on the Vermillion campus, but it also works with legal services and other offices in the state. An official says the Black Hills State University Foundation has served West River taxpayers for years and that the law school clinic can serve East River residents. The clinics are organizations independent from the IRS that help low-income taxpayers with federal tax controversies, either free or for a small charge. On the Net: www.usd.edu/law/LITC.cfm

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - America's craving for healthier foods has prompted a stampede of sorts for a modern version of the traditional Lakota food made by a company on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Native American Natural Foods launched the all-natural buffalo-and-cranberry Tanka Bar in October. They were initially available online and a few outlets in western South Dakota. But the company says it has quadrupled its manufacturing capacity and signed distribution agreements with several regional retailers. And since a national food show in March, demand has increased from other parts of the country. The company plans to release its next product this fall. It's called Tanka Wild, a summer sausage made of buffalo, cranberries and wild rice. 

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - The state is taking applications for a program offering a $5,000 incentive to health professionals who agree to work in rural areas for at least two years. There are 60 slots open. The state pays half of the incentive in communities over 2,500 population and 75 percent in smaller towns. The community pays the rest. It covers professions such as dietitians, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, paramedics, pharmacists and respiratory therapists. Application forms with detailed instructions and program Frequently Asked Questions are available on the Department of Health web site at
www.RuralHealth.sd.gov. Questions can also be directed to the Office of Rural Health at 1-800-738-2301.

(Copyright 2008 Associated Press.  Used With Permission.  All Rights Reserved.  This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) 

MINOT, N.D. (AP) - Police say a man fleeing officers ran his car off the East Burdick Expressway viaduct in Minot last night. They say the 39-year-old man was thrown from the car, which came to rest on its roof. He was hospitalized, but his condition is not known. 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) - American Crystal Sugar officials are using a mat similar to one used to convert the Green Bay Packers football field to a hockey rink. They say it's made of a special fabric that holds in sugar beet odors. 

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) - Grand Forks police say a 20-year old transient is in custody after a robbery at a Domino's Pizza shop last night. They say the man walked into the shop shortly after 9 o'clock, with a note demanding money. The employee on duty did not see a weapon and was not hurt. 

WINDSOR, N.D. (AP) -The state Public Service Commission is allowing service stations with older gas pumps to temporarily display prices by the half gallon if the pumps cannot count past four-dollars. But they have to post a sign telling customers they owe twice the amount displayed -- and come up with a permanent solution by next April. 

BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP) - Bemidji is the honorary capital of Minnesota today. Two members of the Minnesota National Guard will serve as governor and lieutenant governor as a part of the festivities. Thief River Falls, Detroit Lakes, New Ulm and Winona will all have their turn throughout the week. 

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. (AP) - A Minnesota Korean War veteran is receiving a honor 57 years late. Sergeant Ron Gornick already has two Purple Hearts for injuries suffered during combat, but he never got the award showing he served in combat in the first place. Gornick will receive his Combat Infantry Badge today. 

ST. PAUL (AP) - You could see advertisements in a new place during the Republican National Convention. St. Paul officials are thinking about generating advertising revenue by putting large "shrink" wrap ads on the skyways. Those are the type of ads seen on Metro Transit buses and light rail trains. 

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Governor Tim Pawlenty has long been considered a possible vice presidential nominee, and now the Washington Post says he's number one. Pawlenty landed first on a list of five possible vice presidential nominees to run with GOP hopeful John McCain in November. 

(Copyright 2008 Associated Press. Used With Permission.  All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS
From the Associated Press

BEIJING (AP) - Chinese state news agency is reporting that a powerful magnitude-7.8 earthquake has killed more than 100 people. It says 900 schoolchildren are buried in the quake in central China. The report doesn't indicate if any of them are thought to be alive. 

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) - Myanmar's military government has welcomed a U.S. plane stocked with relief supplies for the victims of last week's cyclone. The delivery follows prolonged negotiations with Myanmar's government, which has restricted international aid. Two more shipments are expected to arrive tomorrow. 

BAGHDAD (AP) - The U.S. military says American soldiers have killed three Shiite extremists who attacked them in Baghdad's Sadr City district. The clashes yesterday afternoon came on the first day of a reported cease-fire between radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's political operation and the Iraqi government. 

WHITE HOUSE (AP) - The Bush administration is warning Israeli and Palestinian leaders that they need to show progress soon in peace talks aimed at a two-state solution. President Bush embarks this week on his second visit to the Middle East this year to pressure negotiations. 

WASHINGTON (AP) - It's going to cost more to mail a letter today. The price of a first-class stamp is rising a penny, to 42 cents. You still may want to stock up on Forever stamps, since prices are expected to rise again in a year. 

SENECA, Mo. (AP) - The cleanup will continue today in Oklahoma, Missouri and Georgia where 22 people were killed by tornadoes over the weekend. The storms moved on to the Carolinas yesterday where they caused damage, but no deaths. 

MALABAR, Fla. (AP) - Central Florida residents have been forced to flee more than 500 homes because of brush fires that have also closed a portion of Interstate 95. Fire crews are battling windy and dry conditions to get the blaze under control. 

CHESAPEAKE BEACH, Md. (AP) - Heavy rain is pounding the mid-Atlantic states. Emergency officials in Maryland report two feet of standing water in some areas. The deluge has combined with high tides in Delaware, where authorities say they're evacuating people in some coastal communities. 

ELEANOR, W.Va. (AP) - It may have been a Freudian slip for Hillary Rodham Clinton. Speaking to a crowd in West Virginia, Clinton referred to the next president as a "he" before correcting herself with a "she." West Virginia is expected to deliver the former first lady a badly needed win for her campaign when it votes tomorrow. 

GRAFTON, W.Va. (AP) - Hillary Rodham Clinton is remaining upbeat about her bid for the Democratic White House nomination even as Barack Obama has amassed a nearly insurmountable lead in pledged delegates. Clinton is expected to secure a much-needed win when West Virginia votes tomorrow. 

WASHINGTON (AP) - Some families head to federal court in Washington today, arguing that there is a connection between a mercury-based preservative used in childhood vaccines and autism. Two 10-year-old boys from Oregon will serve as test cases for whether thousands of families who've filed claims should be compensated. 

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - A New Jersey man who allegedly traveled to Thailand to have sex with underage boys will be back in court for a bail hearing today. Wayne Nelson Corliss was arrested last week after Interpol made a public appeal to find a man seen in photos sexually abusing boys who may have been as young as six. 

PHOENIX (AP) - More than 50 illegal immigrants have been rescued from a fortified house in Phoenix, where authorities say they were held against their will by smugglers demanding more cash. Five suspects are under arrest, charged with extortion, kidnapping and other counts. 

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Actor Dennis Farina is free on bail after his arrest at Los Angeles International Airport. The former police officer who appeared in TV's "Law & Order" series and in such movies as "Snatch" and "Get Shorty" faces a felony charge after a loaded gun was found in his carry-on luggage. Police say the weapon was not registered. 

WARSAW, Poland (AP) - A Polish social worker who became a hero during the Holocaust has died. Irena Sendler helped rescue 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto during the Nazi occupation in the early 1940s. Her daughter says Sendler died this morning at age 98. 

(Copyright 2008 Associated Press.  Used With Permission.  All Rights Reserved.  This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

WASHINGTON (AP) - There's no shortage of economic reports due this week. Later today, the government releases the Treasury budget statement. Tomorrow, the government reports on April retail sales as well as business inventories. Wednesday, the Labor Department releases the Consumer Price Index for April. Industrial production comes on Thursday, with building permits and consumer sentiment due on Friday. 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - LodgeNet, a provider of video, Internet and advertising to the hospitality industry, says it has signed a multi-year deal with Loews Hotels to install high-definition television and broadband Internet service at 18 Loews properties in the U.S. and Canada. The Sioux Falls-based LodgeNet will install an H-D-T-V system that includes movies, T-V, on-demand television and the DirecTV sports package, as well as an option for free H-D and standard network programming. The company also will provide broadband Internet access in guest and conference rooms. LodgeNet serves more than 1.9 million hotel rooms, representing 9,300 hotel properties around the world. It also serves the health care industry and other guest-based businesses. 

NEW YORK (AP) - A person with knowledge of the situation says cable TV provider Cablevision is close to buying the Long Island newspaper Newsday from Tribune Company for 650 million dollars. The news came a day after Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation withdrew its own 580 million dollar bid, despite assurances from Murdoch himself just days earlier that he would prevail. The person with knowledge of the matter asked to remain anonymous since the talks are confidential. Spokesmen for Tribune and Cablevision declined comment. 

NEW YORK (AP) - A spokeswoman for Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation says the media conglomerate has withdrawn its bid to purchase Newsday. The decision to revoke the offer Saturday comes just days after Murdoch confidently predicted he would clinch a deal to buy the Long Island newspaper within a week. News Corp. had offered about 580 million dollars for the paper. The company already owns two other New York newspapers, the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post. Cablevision and New York Daily News owner Mortimer Zuckerman were also reported to be in the running for Newsday, now owned by the Tribune Co. 

NEW YORK (AP) - Despite extensive efforts to educate workers about saving for retirement, many employees are not doing a good job of managing their company-sponsored 401(k) accounts. A new study of nearly 1 million retirement portfolios indicates that 69 percent have inappropriate risk or diversification of holdings and 36 percent have worrisome concentrations of company stock. In addition, one-third of savers aren't putting enough aside to qualify for the full company matching contribution. The problems are especially pronounced among young and low-paid workers, according to the study by Financial Engines, a California-based firm that provides investment advice and managed accounts for defined contribution plans like 401(k)s. Jeff Maggioncalda, Financial Engines' president and chief executive, says in an interview that some of the performance problems will dissipate as companies adopt automatic enrollment programs for workers, as authorized by the Pension Protection Act two years ago. Still, he said, the data should help plan sponsors and other industry professionals "figure out who needs help and how to get it to them." 

BEIJING (AP) - China is launching a brand new company to build passenger jumbo jets -- a step forward in its quest to become less dependent on Boeing and Airbus. The official news agency reports that the Commercial Aircraft Company is being established in Shanghai with about 2.7 billion dollars. The company will make planes with 150 seats or more. China's central government and the Shanghai government are among the major shareholders, along with China's two main aircraft manufacturing and servicing companies. Since China has limited experience making commercial airliners, manufacturing jumbo jets could mark a significant step. Its very first commercial jet -- an 85-seater -- was scheduled to make its maiden flight last month. That debut was postponed until later in the year because of delays in the delivery of key components. Europe's Airbus has forecast that China's domestic aircraft market will increase fivefold by 2026. Airbus and Chicago-based rival Boeing have been dominating the market for commercial airplanes carrying 100 or more people. 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Across the country, high gas prices are kicking bicycle sales into high gear. Bike dealers say they're seeing customers dusting off their old two-wheelers -- or buying new ones -- to cope with rising fuel prices. A spokesman for the Washington. D.C.-based League of American Bicyclists says there's a definite increase in people riding bikes. He says, "it's due to a mixture of things but escalating gas prices is one of them." About 18 million bicycles have been sold annually in the U.S. over the past few years. The National Bicycle Dealers Association says that adds up to about six billion dollars in annual sales. A spokesman says bike shops across the country are reporting strong sales so far this year. And more people are bringing in bikes that have been idling at home. A Bismarck, North Dakota, man who opened a shop in April says he sold more than 50 bikes in the first month -- double his projections. He says everyone who walks in the store is talking about gas prices. 

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Apple is settling a pair of class-action lawsuits over the early versions of its iPod. The company has agreed to offer credits of close to $45 dollars to people who live in Canada and bought some of the company's early versions of the iPod. The lawsuit claims Apple misled customers about the battery life of the first two generations of the iPod. To be eligible, the battery life of an iPod needs to have dropped to five hours or less for first and second generation iPods and to four hours or less for third-gen iPods. In 2005, the company settled a separate class-action lawsuit in the U.S. over similar claims about iPod battery life. 

(Copyright 2008 Associated Press.  Used With Permission.  All Rights Reserved.  This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

LOS ANGELES (AP) - "Iron Man" is lapping "Speed Racer." The race-car movie debuted in second place at the box office this weekend. It earned more than 20 million dollars, but ticket sales for "Iron Man" were more than double that. The Marvel Studios comic-book hero film starring Robert Downey Junior brought in more than 50 million. Executives at Warner Brothers say "Speed Racer" didn't meet the studio's expectations and would likely have difficulty recouping its 120 million dollar budget. The comedy "What Happens in Vegas" starring Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher debuted just behind "Speed Racer" in third place. It earned 20 million dollars, but only cost 35 million to make. Two other comedies, "Made of Honor" and "Baby Mama," rounded out the top five. 

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Looks like Neverland will remain in Michael Jackson's hands -- at least for now. In a statement, the pop star says a foreclosure sale of the ranch set for this week won't come off. He says an equity firm has purchased the existing loan on the ranch. Neverland used to be Jackson's home, but he hasn't lived there since he was acquitted of child molestation charges in 1995. 

CHICAGO (AP) - Attorneys in R. Kelly's child pornography trial are expected to begin questioning 150 potential jurors today. Prosecutors and defense attorneys are likely to ask the Chicago-area residents how they feel about the singer and what they know about allegations against one of urban music's biggest stars. 
The 41-year-old Kelly has pleaded not guilty to charges that he videotaped himself having sex with a girl as young as 13. Sixteen jurors will be selected, including four alternates. Although Kelly won a Grammy in 1997 for the gospel-like song "I Believe I Can Fly," his biggest hits are bawdy ballads like "Ignition" and his current single, "Hair Braider." He is due to release a new album in July. 

NEW YORK (AP) - Ex-Talking Heads front man David Byrne plans to turn a landmark building in Manhattan into a giant musical instrument. State officials say Byrne will create a temporary installation in the Great Hall of the Battery Maritime Building, which is next to the Whitehall Ferry Terminal. The "Playing the Building" installation will include devices attached to ceiling beams, plumbing, electrical conduits and other parts of the structure. Sound will be produced through vibration, making the building function as an instrument. The installation and a new waiting room for ferry passengers are set to open in late May. Byrne has forged a solo career as a musician and visual artist since the new wave band Talking Heads stopped making records in the 1980s. 

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) - Hulk Hogan's 17-year-old son is in jail. Nick Bollea was sentenced to eight months behind bars after he pleaded no contest to causing a crash that critically injured his friend. He will also serve five years of probation and not be able to drive for three years. The injured friend's family has filed a civil suit against Bollea's parents, saying they're liable for their son's actions. The friend's mother says "speeding to Nick was a badge of honor. I'm not seeking revenge, only justice." Bollea's mom says her family is dealing with a void that can't be filled. 

MOUNT VERNON, Missouri (AP) - Gospel singer and songwriter Dottie Rambo has been killed in a Mothers Day highway accident. She was 74. The Missouri Highway Patrol says Rambo's tour bus ran off Interstate 44 and struck an embankment. Seven other people on the bus were hospitalized in Springfield with moderate to severe injuries. Joyce "Dottie" Rambo was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame last year. Some of her more than 2,500 published songs were recorded by Dolly Parton. 

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Actor Dennis Farina is apologizing for his arrest at Los Angeles International Airport. A loaded gun was found in his carry-on luggage. The one-time "Law and Order" star, who's in the new Ashton Kutcher-Cameron Diaz comedy "What Happens in Vegas," says in a statement his own "stupidity" put him in "this embarrassing situation." He says he forgot the .22 caliber handgun was in his luggage. Farina is free on bail, facing a felony charge because the weapon wasn't registered. He's a former Chicago police officer. 

UNDATED (AP) - John Michael Montgomery has checked into rehab. A statement on his Web site says he voluntarily checked himself into treatment for substance abuse due to severe anxiety attacks and sleep disorder. Montgomery has canceled all concert dates and personal appearances for the next 30 days. Montgomery says he's trying to defeat -- quote -- "the demons that have stripped me of my energy of life and good health for so many years now." He adds, "I'm gonna fight to the end and come out stronger." 

TEANECK, N.J. (AP) - Like mother, like son. At least in the case of a pair of GIs headed to Iraq. Sergeant Carmen Villegas is a 46-year-old combat medic, who was transferred two weeks ago into a Teaneck, New Jersey-based National Guard unit. She was introduced to her new comrades-in-arms by her son, 29-year-old Sergeant Felipe Diaz. He tells The Record of Bergen County that he laughed as he told his fellow soldiers, "This is my mom." She joined the Guard in 1979, when her son was just a baby. Villegas also plans to be married to a fellow guardsman this week. He's scheduled for deployment to Iraq in January. 

VIENNA, Austria (AP) - The man behind the camera had three requests for his models: no sunglasses, no smiling, and no underwear. More than 1,800 people posed in the buff yesterday, in a stadium in Austria. New York photographer Spencer Tunick has made a career of posing masses of naked bodies. The latest shoot was in the arena that will host the Euro 2008 soccer championship. In some of the shots, Tunick had his nude volunteer models posing with soccer balls. 

ALTA, Iowa (AP) - The 78-year-old Dale Davis maybe legally blind, but he's still "The Hammer." Saturday night he showed why. Davis bowled a perfect game -- 12 consecutive strikes. His final strikes brought people out of the bar to cheer him on. The Alta, Iowa, man says for a few minutes he felt like a pro, despite his age and handicap. He adds it was quite a thrill. Davis says his sister encouraged him to start bowling again after his vision began failing more than a decade ago. The only time he can see the ball now is when he picks it up. But the perfect bowler says he can tell how he's doing by the sound. 

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) - A New York woman helped nab some Mac-nappers, by programming her computer to take their picture. Police in White Plains report about $5,000 worth of electronics had been ripped-off from her apartment last month. Police say the victim got a call from a friend asking if she was online. That's because the suspects had used the stolen MacBook to surf the Net. Officers say the woman was to able to remotely activate the laptop's built-in camera. She turned the digital snapshots over to police, who report busting two suspects. Police say they've also recovered most of the stolen electronic gear. 

PLAINFIELD, Ind. (AP) - It takes a real man to wear high-heels. More than of 30 them. The guys in heels walked through an outdoor mall in Plainfield, Indiana, to raise money for charity over the weekend. Mary Williams says the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event brought in nearly $7,000 for a domestic abuse shelter. Sheriff's Sergeant Brett Clark was the big man in heels. He wins the first-place sash for collecting nearly $2,400 in sponsorships and pledges. 

WASHINGTON (AP) - The president and the first lady are back in Washington after seeing their daughter Jenna get married Saturday night at the family's Texas ranch. Before they boarded their return flight, the president, standing alongside the first lady, had good things to say about their new son-in-law, Henry Hager. Bush said, "Our little girl, Jenna, married a really good guy" and that the wedding was "all we could have hoped for." A reporter asked the president if he had been up late partying. Bush winked, then turned toward the plane, ignoring a second question about whether the wedding had given the slumping U.S. economy a boost. The White House has now released 11 photos of the affair at Bush's Prairie Chapel Ranch. 

(Copyright 2008 Associated Press.  Used With Permission.  All Rights Reserved.  This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Today in History 

Today is Monday, May 12th, the 133rd day of 2008. There are 233 days left in the year. 

Today's Highlight in History: 
On May 12th, 1958, the United States and Canada signed an agreement to create the North American Air Defense Command (later the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD for short). 

On this date: 
In 1870, an act creating the Canadian province of Manitoba was given royal assent, to take effect in July. 
In 1907, actress Katharine Hepburn was born in Hartford, Connecticut. 
In 1932, the body of Charles Lindbergh Junior, the kidnapped son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh, was found in a wooded area near Hopewell, New Jersey. 
In 1937, Britain's King George VI was crowned at Westminster Abbey. 
In 1943, during World War II, Axis forces in North Africa surrendered. 
In 1949, the Soviet Union lifted the Berlin Blockade. 
In 1970, the Senate voted unanimously to confirm Harry A. Blackmun as a Supreme Court justice. 
In 1975, the White House announced the new Cambodian government had seized an American merchant ship, the Mayaguez, in international waters. 
In 1978, the Commerce Department said hurricanes would no longer be given only female names. 
In 1982, in Fatima, Portugal, security guards overpowered a Spanish priest armed with a bayonet who was trying to reach Pope John Paul II. 

Ten years ago: A day after India's first atomic test blasts in 24 years, neighboring Pakistan said it was ready to test a nuclear device itself. Indonesian President Suharto's security forces killed at least six student demonstrators. 
Five years ago: Suicide bombers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, killed nine U.S. citizens and 26 people overall. A suicide truck-bomb attack killed at least 60 at a government compound in northern Chechnya. L. Paul Bremer, the new American civilian administrator of Iraq, arrived in Baghdad; coalition forces announced they had taken custody of Dr. Rihab Rashid Taha, the Iraqi scientist known as "Dr. Germ." (Taha was later released after no charges were brought.) Fifty-nine Democratic lawmakers brought the Texas House to a standstill by going into hiding in a dispute over a Republican congressional redistricting plan. 
One year ago: Virginia Tech held its first commencement ceremonies since the April 16th shooting rampage that claimed 32 victims and the shooter. Voters in the Dallas suburb of Farmers Branch became the first in the nation to back an ordinance prohibiting landlords from renting to most illegal immigrants. A U.S. patrol was attacked south of Baghdad; four Americans and an Iraqi interpreter were killed, three soldiers were captured (the body of one abducted soldier was later found in the Euphrates River). A U.S.-led coalition operation supported by NATO troops killed the Taliban's most prominent military commander, Mullah Dadullah. 

Today's Birthdays: Baseball Hall-of-Famer Yogi Berra is 83. Critic John Simon is 83. Composer Burt Bacharach is 80. Comedian George Carlin is 71. Actress Millie Perkins is 70. Rhythm-and-blues singer Jayotis Washington is 67. Country singer Billy Swan is 66. Actress Linda Dano is 65. Musician Ian McLagan is 63. Actress Lindsay Crouse is 60. Singer-musician Steve Winwood is 60. Actor Gabriel Byrne is 58. Actor Bruce Boxleitner is 58. Singer Billy Squier is 58. Country singer Kix Brooks is 53. Actress Kim Greist is 50. Actor Ving Rhames is 49. Rock musician Billy Duffy is 47. Actor Emilio Estevez is 46. Actress April Grace is 46. Actress Vanessa A. Williams ("Soul Food") is 45. Country musician Eddie Kilgallon is 43. Actor Stephen Baldwin is 42. Actor Scott Schwartz is 40. Actress Kim Fields is 39. Actress Samantha Mathis is 38. Actress Jamie Luner is 37. Actor Christian Campbell is 36. Actor Mackenzie Astin is 35. Actress Malin Akerman is 30. Actor Jason Biggs is 30. Actress Emily VanCamp is 22. Actor Malcolm David Kelley is 16. Actors Sullivan and Sawyer Sweeten ("Everybody Loves Raymond") are 13. 

Thought for Today: "Act well at the moment, and you have performed a good action to all eternity." -- Johann Kaspar Lavater, Swiss theologian (1741-1801). 

(Copyright 2008 Associated Press.  Used With Permission.  All Rights Reserved.  This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

      AMERICAN LEAGUE

Tampa Bay Devil Rays  8  Los Angeles Angels 5

Kansas City Royals    4  Baltimore Orioles  0

Oakland Athletics    12  Texas Rangers      6

Seattle Mariners      6  Chicago White Sox  3

Minnesota Twins       9  Boston Red Sox     8

N.Y. Yankees          at Detroit Tigers,    ppd., rain

Toronto Blue Jays     at Cleveland Indians, ppd., rain 

      NATIONAL LEAGUE

N.Y. Mets            8  Cincinnati Reds       3

Florida Marlins      5  Washington Nationals  4

Milwaukee Brewers    5  St. Louis Cardinals   3

Chicago Cubs         6  Arizona Diamondbacks  4

San Diego Padres     6  Colorado Rockies      1

San Francisco Giants 4  Philadelphia Phillies 3

Houston Astros       8  Los Angeles Dodgers   5

Atlanta Braves       at Pittsburgh Pirates    ppd., rain

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PROBABLE PITCHERS (All Times EDT)

    AMERICAN LEAGUE

Utah Jazz          123  Los Angeles Lakers 115

      Series tied 2-2

San Antonio Spurs  100  New Orleans Hornets 80

      Series tied 2-2 Toronto Blue Jays (Shaun Marcum 3-2 and A.J. Burnett 3-3) at Cleveland Indians (Cliff Lee 5-0 and Fausto Carmona 3-1), 2, 4:05 p.m.

Boston Red Sox (Clay Buchholz 2-2) at Minnesota Twins (Livan Hernandez 5-1), 7:05 p.m.

N.Y. Yankees (Andy Pettitte 3-3) at Tampa Bay Devil Rays (Matt Garza 1-1), 7:10 p.m.

Seattle Mariners (Erik Bedard 2-2) at Texas Rangers (Vicente Padilla 5-2), 8:05 p.m.

Chicago White Sox (Mark Buehrle 1-4) at Los Angeles Angels (Nick Adenhart 0-0), 10:05 p.m. 

      NATIONAL LEAGUE

Atlanta Braves (Tim Hudson 5-2 and Jair Jurrjens 4-2) at Pittsburgh Pirates (John Van Benschoten 0-1 and Zach Duke 1-2),  2, 12:35 p.m.

Washington Nationals (Odalis Perez 0-3) at N.Y. Mets (Nelson Figueroa 2-2), 7:10 p.m.

Florida Marlins (Burke Badenhop 1-2) at Cincinnati Reds (Aaron Harang 1-5), 7:10 p.m.

San Diego Padres (Randy Wolf 2-2) at Chicago Cubs (Carlos Zambrano 5-1), 8:05 p.m.

St. Louis Cardinals (Adam Wainwright 3-1) at Milwaukee Brewers (Dave Bush 0-4), 8:05 p.m.

Houston Astros (Roy Oswalt 3-3) at San Francisco Giants (Barry Zito 0-7), 10:15 p.m.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION

St. Paul 5, Grand Prairie 4, 1st game

St. Paul 6, Grand Prairie 5, 12 innings, 2nd game

Sioux City 2, Wichita 1, 1st game

Wichita 10, Sioux City 6, 2nd game

Sioux Falls 11, Fort Worth 4

Pensacola 5, Lincoln 2

El Paso 5, Shreveport 3

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION SCHEDULE

Lincoln at Fort Worth 

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

Utah Jazz          123  Los Angeles Lakers 115                             Series tied 2-2

San Antonio Spurs  100  New Orleans Hornets 80                      Series tied 2-2

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFF SCHEDULE (All Times EDT)

Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers, 8 p.m.                              Celtics lead series 2-1

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

Pittsburgh Penguins  4 Philadelphia Flyers 2                               Penguins lead series 2-0 

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE (All Times EDT)

Detroit Red Wings at Dallas Stars, 8 p.m.                                    Red Wings lead series 2-0

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

New England 2  CD Chivas USA 1

SOUTH DAKOTA SCOREBOARD

American Association

Sioux Falls Canaries 11, Fort Worth Cats 4

High School Baseball

Class "B" Playoffs: First Round

Dakota Valley 8, Beresford 3

Garretson 2, Tri-Valley/SF Christian 1

Northwestern 11, Groton 4

Bennett Co. 13, Lead/Deadwood 4

Vermillion 7, Bon Homme 1

Platte/Geddes/DC 7, Chamberlain 0

Regular Season

Rapid City South 5-6, Pine Ridge 1-11

Yankton 7, Sioux Falls Lincoln 1

American Legion Baseball

Rapid City Post 22  11, Spearfish 1

LOCAL AND REGIONAL SPORTS
From Dakota Radio Group Sports

 Follow the Minnesota Twins during the 2008 season on 1060 KGFX

   Day                         Game                                                    First Pitch              Pregame Start

Today:            Boston Red Sox at Minnesota Twins                  6:05 p.m.                        5:25 p.m.

Tomorrow:      Toronto Blue Jays at Minnesota Twins               7:10 p.m.                        6:40 p.m. 

Wednesday:   Toronto Blue Jays at Minnesota Twins               7:10 p.m.                        6:40 p.m.

Thursday:       Toronto Blue Jays at Minnesota Twins             12:10 p.m.                        None    

Friday:            Minnesota Twins at Colorado Rockies               8:05 p.m.                         7:35 p.m.

Saturday:       Minnesota Twins at Colorado Rockies               7:05 p.m.                         6:35 p.m.

Sunday:          Minnesota Twins at Colorado Rockies              2:05 p.m.                         1:35 p.m.

And be sure to listen to 1060 KGFX Sunday Mornings at 9:30 a.m. for the “Ron Gardenhire Show” with the Twins Manager.  And Sunday’s also feature “The GM Show” with Twins General Manager Bill Smith heard just over 35 minutes before the beginning of the Twins Pre Game Show.

In Sports today:  

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Craig Monroe went 2-for-4 and hit two of light-hitting Minnesota's three home runs and drove in four as the Twins hung on for a 9-8 victory over the Boston Red Sox. Adam Everett also went deep for the Twins, who own a one-game lead in the AL Central.  Joe Nathan gave up two runs in the ninth. But he ended the game by inducing pinch-hitter Manny Ramirez to ground out to shortstop with the tying run on second base to pick up his 12th save in as many chances.  Monroe had his third career multihomer game. Nick Blackburn is 3-and-2 with the win.  Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield fell to 3-and-2 for the Red Sox, whose lead in the AL East is down to a gamd and a-half over Tampa Bay.

FORT WORTH, Texas - The Sioux Falls Canaries pounded out 11 runs on 18 hits in an 11-4 win over the Fort Worth Cats in American Association baseball yesterday. Kennard Bibbs went three-for-three with a double, an RBI, three runs scored, and three walks, to lead the Birds in the victory.  Ben Moore (1-0) pitched five innings allowing three runs on four hits to get the win. Ryan Riddle (0-1) suffered the loss for Fort Worth.  The Canaries split the opening series of the weekend with the Cats going 2-2.  Sioux Falls entertains Pensacola in their home opener tomorrow night at Sioux Falls Stadium.

FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- The final game of the four-game baseball series between South Dakota State and IPFW was rained out Sunday afternoon.  The Jackrabbits, 21-24 overall and 8-8 in The Summit League, closes out the season with a four-game series Thursday through Saturday at North Dakota State.

PLATTE, S.D. – Chamberlain’s high school baseball season ended yesterday with a first round Region playoff loss to Platte-Geddes-Dakota Christian.  Platte-Geddes-DC banged out 13 hits enroute to a 7-0 shutout of Chamberlain.  Cody Schreiber took the loss for Chamberlain while Joe Millar gave up 5 hits in going the distance for Platte-Geddes-DC.  Mike Johnson’s double was the only extra base hit for Chamberlain which ends their season with the a 9-4 record.

BROOKINGS, S.D. – With the start of the tournament delayed some 3 hours by rain on Friday, the Pierre Governor tennis team came in third best at the ESD Conference tennis tournament in Brookings.  Aberdeen Central won the Conference title winning 6 different championships.  Defending champion Watertown was second.  The Governors scored 156 points and 1 ESD title as the number 2 doubles team of Stephen Bollinger and Ryan Lauseng won the championship in that flight.  They defeated Aberdeen Central’s Dane Rasmussen and Joey Jangula 10-8 in the finals.  Senior Alex Lauseng won the consolation title at number 1 singles and he and his doubles partner Connor Forney finished 3^rd at number 1 doubles. Next up for the Governor netters is the state tournament that begins Thursday in Rapid City. 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of South Dakota women's track and field team rolled up a league record 255 points and won its fifth consecutive North Central Conference outdoor title on Saturday at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls. In the final NCC meet, the Coyotes broke the NCC record for team points held by North Dakota State which scored 239.33 in 2002. 

PIERRE, S.D. – It is region qualifying day for Class A girls golf across the state.  Hillsview Golf Course in Pierre is hosting the Region 3A tournament today.  Meanwhile, the Pierre Lady Governor golf team will be competing with their fellow ESD Conference squads for the Conference championship today at the Lakeview Golf Course in Mitchell.  The Great 8 Invitational  / ESD Conference tournaments were combined after the ESD tournament originally scheduled to be played last Monday was postponed due to weather on May 3^rd.

PIERRE, S.D. – The Pierre Governor and Lady Governor track and field team’s are in Huron today to compete in the ESD Conference Track and Field meet.  The meet was postponed from Saturday due to weather.  Events begin at 10 a.m.  The Pierre boys are the two time defending conference champions and are picked to repeat again this year.  In addition, the Pierre Middle School track teams’ meet scheduled for today in Huron has been moved back a day and will be held tomorrow at 4 p.m.

PIERRE, S.D. – Registrations for the 2008 Hershey Track Meet are currently being accepted by the Pierre Recreation Department.  The Meet will be held on Monday, May 19th, 2008 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at the Hollister Field track at Phil Trautner Stadium.  Registration forms can be found in the back of the 2008 summer activities guide and can be turned in to the Recreation Superintendents office located at the Oahe YMCA/Pierre Aquatic Center, Mailed to 222 E Dakota Ave or you can bring them to the event on the 19th.  Registration forms will be available the day of event for anyone who still wishes to participate in the Meet. Registrations will be taken until 4:55pm on May 19th, 2008. For any questions about the Hershey Track Meet contact Andy Lueth at 773-7445.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Sioux Falls Storm had a record setting night on Saturday in their 60-13 win over River City Rage in United Indoor Football.  The 60 points set a team record for points scored and the 37 point margin of victory is the largest every by the Storm.  Quarterback Terrence Bryant had a huge night throwing for 198 yards and 6 touchdowns. 

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP) - Minnesota Wild center Mikko Koivu scored with less than four minutes left in Finland's 3-2 win over the U.S. at the World Hockey Championships.  Koivu is one of five Minnesota players representing their home countries there. His go-ahead goal ensured that the United States can finish no better than third in its group.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) - The Minnesota Lynx closed out the pre-season with a 106-105 double-overtime loss to the Los Angeles Sparks in Grand Forks. Navonda Moore scored 21 points for the Lynx, who open the regular season next Sunday when they host the Detroit Shock.

PIERRE, S.D. – Oahe Speedway north of Pierre was forced to postpone their scheduled weekend of racing for a second straight week due to weather.  There were no races on Saturday and a limited number of Gamblers races yesterday.  The Mayors Challenge Race that was set to be run on Saturday had to be postponed for a second straight week.  That has now been rescheduled for June 8^th at the speedway.  Saturday’s shootout races were cancelled so the next scheduled shootout races sponsored by Butler Machinery and Eddies Truck Sales will now have double payout on Saturday, May 24th.  On Sunday May 25^th, the first Budweiser / Coca Cola points series races will be held with the 2^nd and 3^rd points series races to be run on Memorial Day Monday.  The Dales A1 Transmission / Midwest Construction Super Series race, cancelled on Saturday will be run on Memorial day as well.  For more information on the changes check on the Oahe Speedway website www.oahespeedway.com. 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Tickets are now available for the NCC Celebration Dinner. The gala event planned for June 21 at the Ramkota Hotel in Sioux Falls, S.D. is being designed to give individuals the opportunity to reunite and remember the 86 years of competition in one of the nation's top NCAA Division II conferences. A historical video will premiere at the event. Tickets are $50 per person and are available until June 11 online at www.northcentralconference.org, by calling the NCC office at 605-338-0907 between the hours of 8-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or by mailing your request to North Central Conference, 3200 W. Maple St., Sioux Falls, S.D. 57107.

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota golfers can now find and enjoy golf courses all over South Dakota.  The South Dakota golf guide, is a collaborative effort between the Office of Tourism and the South Dakota Golf Association that provides information on courses all across South Dakota.  The South Dakota Golf Guides will be available at information centers throughout the state or by contacting the Office of Tourism.  For more information, call 1-800-732-5682 or visit www.TravelSD.com for a downloadable PDF version.  Promoting golf and the great outdoors of South Dakota is an integral part of Goal 1 of the 2010 Initiative to double visitor spending in South Dakota.

PIERRE, S.D. – Kelly Klemm of Wheaton, Minn., along with his partner, Darrell Rosemore of Jamestown, N.D., caught five walleyes weighing 6 pounds, 11 ounces to win the Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour event on Lake Sharpe in Pierre that wrapped up on Saturday.  Klemm had a four-day total of 20 walleyes weighing 35-7 to net him the win and $80,000.  Rounding out the top five pros are Ted Takasaki of East Gull Lake, Minn. (20 walleyes, 33 pounds, 5 ounces, $17,674); Scott Fairbairn of Hager City, Wis. (20 walleyes, 32 pounds, 13 ounces, $23,837); Troy Walwood of Grand Haven, Mich. (20 walleyes, 31 pounds, 9 ounces, $13,954); and Chris Gilman of Chisago City, Minn. (20 walleyes, 31 pounds, 5 ounces, $10,070).  Rosemore wins the co-angler division and $10,000 with a four-day total catch of 19 walleyes weighing 34-1 beating the closest competitor by less than a pound. Pros and co-anglers fish for a combined boat weight. Rounding out the top five co-anglers are Terry Etzkorn of Pierre (20 walleyes, 33-3, $7,026), Edward Piekutowski of Moorhead, Minn. (20 walleyes, 32-10, $2,715), Jim Feller of Blunt, S.D. (20 walleyes, 31-8, $3,26