• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- State officials say drought conditions in western South Dakota have forced them to issue shut-off orders to 10 holders of junior water rights along Battle Creek near Hermosa.
• State Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Steve Pirner says state law seeks to ensure that water users with the most senior rights have the best chance of getting water. Seniority is determined by the date water rights are obtained. Water rights permits can be issued for uses such as irrigation, city water supply or commercial use.
• Pirner says the shut-off orders are intended to protect the domestic use of water, which has the highest priority under state law. Domestic use includes livestock watering and is not subject to shut-off orders.
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• MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- So you think you're funny? The Upper Midwest Sitcom Writing Competition is open for entries.
• The contest is looking for original television scripts or pilots from Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota.
• The top three finalists will win cash prizes totaling $1,000 and a DVD of their script at a full table read.
• The deadline for submissions is Oct. 15, 2013.
• Comedian, writer and producer Scott Hansen and writer and producer Bo Kaprall are heading up the contest. To help people with submissions, a sitcom writing workshop will be held in the Twin Cities on Sept. 14, 2013.
• Contest judges include comedian Louie Anderson, writer Leo Benvenuti of "The Santa Clause" and "Space Jam" and Budd Friedman, owner of The Improv comedy clubs.
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