• BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) -- A South Dakota State University climate specialist says the blizzard that hit western South Dakota two weeks ago and subsequent rains have erased drought conditions in the state.
• Laura Edwards says the drought monitor map shows only lingering abnormally dry conditions in some areas.
• Edwards say that since the beginning of October, rainfall totals have exceeded 2 inches in nearly every corner of South Dakota.
• Parts of the Black Hills and Meade County have received more than 10 inches of water from the blizzard and rains.
• Edwards says soil in some areas is saturated to a depth of 40 inches or more.
• State Climatologist Dennis Todey (TAH'-dee) says the snow and rain also came at a cost, killing livestock in western South Dakota and delaying corn and soybean harvesting.
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• RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) -- Several organizations are hosting gatherings for western South Dakota ranch families who have to rebuild from the loss of livestock from the early fall blizzard.
• They'll be held in Union Center, Faith and New Underwood and will include a free meal and information about resources available.
• Groups that plans to be on hand include the South Dakota Animal Industry Board, South Dakota Department of Agriculture, South Dakota State University Extension, other federal and state agencies, bank and loan officers, insurance agents, agricultural industry organizations, and mental health professionals.
• The gatherings are Oct. 25 in Union Center, Oct. 26 in Faith and Oct. 28 in New Underwood.
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• VERMILLION, S.D. (AP) -- People wanting to chat with physicists a mile underground at the Sanford Lab in Lead (LEED) can do so Tuesday via videoconference from Vermillion.

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