Proposed western SD uranium mine clears hurdle
• RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) -- The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued a license for a proposed uranium mine in western South Dakota's Black Hills, saying a review has concluded that the mine could operate safely. • Opponents of the proposed mine tell the Rapid City Journal that they'll take the matter to court. • Powertech Uranium Corp. still needs approval from the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the state of South Dakota before it can move forward with the Dewey-Burdock mine near Edgemont. • Project manager Mark Hollenbeck says the EPA has indicated it will issue a draft permit sometime this month and take public comment. • The state Board of Minerals and Environment and the state Water Management Board suspended hearings late last year until the federal agencies make decisions. •
First buffalo calf spotted at Custer State Park
• CUSTER STATE PARK, S.D. (AP) -- It's a sign of spring at Custer State Park. • The first buffalo calf of the year has been spotted. • Park staff saw the newborn bull this week and he appears to be about a week old. • The park has about 860 bison going into the spring and expects around 400 calves. The herd size should be around 1,275 at the annual buffalo roundup in September. •
Federal grant to help SD schools in math, science
• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- More than 100 teachers from across South Dakota will participate in a university and K-12 partnership program with the support of federal dollars. • University science, math and education faculty will work with teachers and administrators from high-need districts. Teachers will get help developing lesson plans in math and science at summer workshops. • Five projects will receive nearly $270,000 in grants from the federal Education Department. The funding is available from April 2014 through September 2015.
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