• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- Two new state-supported research centers will launch this year on the campus of South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.
• The effort is in addition to a new South Dakota Research & Innovation Center, which was recently created to link university-based research and National Science Foundation research priorities.
• The new Governor Research Centers each will receive $2 million in state funding over the next five years. The Advanced Manufacturing Process Technology Transition & Training and the Composite & Nanocomposite Advanced Manufacturing centers will be under the direction of School of Mines faculty members. The centers will collaborate with researchers at other public universities.
• Paul Turman of the Board of Regents says the centers were chosen based on strong industry relations with and out-of-state and South Dakota companies.
•

• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- An independent film shot in South Dakota is set to make its premiere at San Diego's Comic-Con this month.
• "Dust of War" tells the story of a lone soldier who fends off a warmonger to rescue a girl fated to be the savior of mankind. The film was shot in South Dakota and many of the film's crew hail from the Mount Rushmore State.
• "Dust of War" will premiere July 18 at Comic-Con in San Diego.
• The film's director, Andrew Kightlinger, says the story caters directly to Comic-Con's audience. He says it's a "smashing place" for the film's debut.
• Department of Tourism Secretary Jim Hagen says he is excited that the film's debut at Comic-Con will showcase the state of South Dakota.
•

• SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- Dry conditions and above normal temperatures across most of the state are helping to advance crop development in South Dakota
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture says in its weekly crop report that farmers and ranchers had on average 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork.
• Winter wheat is jointed at 99 percent and headed at 93 percent. Turning color

(Continued on page 18)