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Minn. AG sues wind power developer, alleging fraud
• ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- A lawsuit by Minnesota's attorney general alleges farmers were duped by a South Dakota-chartered wind energy developer who didn't deliver on promises of equipment and financing.
• The consumer protection case filed Friday in Hennepin County District Court contends Shawn Dooling and his company, Renewable Energy SD, misled the farmers. Some paid the company more than $500,000 for equipment that turned out to be defective and access to federal stimulus grants that didn't materialize.
• In a statement, the company says it is reviewing the allegations and will address any concerns customers may have.
• The lawsuit says Dooling personally enriched himself at farmers' expense, amassing a $1 million collection of exotic cars.
• Attorney General Lori Swanson's office says it knows of at least 15 Minnesotans affected. She seeks restitution and civil penalties.
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Daugaard opposes bill involving mixed martial arts
CHET BROKAW,Associated Press
• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard said Friday he opposes a bill that would create a state athletic commission because the legislation also would legitimize mixed martial arts fights, which he says are so violent they don't deserve to be called sport.
• "I'm offended that the state would legitimize cage fighting and the bloody violence these kinds of spectacles create," Daugaard said.
• The Republican governor spoke just after the Senate State Affairs Committee approved a bill that would create a South Dakota Athletic Commission to oversee boxing, kick boxing, mixed martial arts competitions and sparring exhibitions. The bill next goes to the full Senate.
• The bill's main sponsor, Sen. Mark Johnston, R-Sioux Falls, said many mixed martial arts already take place in South Dakota, and the Legislature needs to set up a regulatory system to protect the safety of athletes who take part in boxing and mixed martial arts.
• Johnston also noted mixed martial arts events are shown regularly on television. They feature highly trained athletes, including some former standout collegiate wrestlers, he said, adding, "This is a sport."
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