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• West Nile virus detected in mosquito pools
• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- The South Dakota Department of Health is reporting the season's first West Nile virus detections in mosquito pools in Brookings and Hughes counties.
• In 2012, the first positive mosquito pool was detected July 2 and the first human case was reported July 13.
• State epidemiologist Lon Kightlinger says it might be tempting to be complacent about West Nile, but he warns that it can be a serious, even fatal illness. He says residents should protect themselves by using repellents, limiting exposure and getting rid of mosquito breeding spots.
• Those at high risk for complications include people over 50, pregnant women, transplant patients and those with diabetes, high blood pressure or a history of alcohol abuse.
• South Dakota since 2002 has reported more than 2,000 West Nile cases, including 29 deaths.
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• SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- Two South Dakota men have recently pleaded guilty in separate cases dealing with the illegal killing of birds.
• Fifty-one-year-old Jeffery Jessop, of Presho, pleaded guilty to killing at least three federally protected bald and golden eagles and at least 15 hawks on his Lyman County ranch over a period of three years.
• U.S. Attorney Brendan Johnson says Jessop was sentenced to a year of unsupervised probation and ordered to pay more than $56,000 in restitution.
• Twenty-two-year-old Jaron Anderson, of Brookings, pleaded guilty to illegally killing 65 geese in Miner County last year. He faces up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine when he is sentenced on Aug. 19.
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• BRANDON, S.D. (AP) -- The Big Sioux Recreation Area next weekend will teach people how to survive without the comforts of home.
• The South Dakota Survival School Weekend programs will include fire making, edible plants, shelter building and knot tying.

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