• SOIUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- South Dakota State University researchers say hot, dry weather in June worsened drought conditions in the state.
• The U.S. Drought Monitor map shows nearly all of South Dakota as being abnormally dry or in moderate to severe drought. KSFY-TV reports that much of southeast South Dakota reported less than an inch of rain in June -- of the region's driest months in history.
• The SDSU College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences says the dry weather has affected the growth of corn and soybean crops across the state. The conditions

also have reduced grass and alfalfa hay yields.
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• SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- Dry conditions are taking a toll on crop development in South Dakota.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture says in its weekly crop and weather report that topsoil moisture is rated 41 percent short and 32 percent very short, and subsoil moisture is 44 percent short and 27 percent very short.
• Another hot and dry early part of the week gave way to some cooler temperatures later in the week, but rain was still isolated.
• The report says small grain harvest continued with both winter wheat and oats. Corn had an average height of 55 inches, ahead of the five-year average of 37 inches. Soybeans were at 45 percent blooming.
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• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- Attorney General Marty Jackley says crime statistics for 2011 show that South Dakota remains a relatively safe place to live.
• There were 16 homicide and negligent manslaughter arrests last year, about average for the state. Sex offense arrests were up slightly, as were assaults. Drug arrests jumped 18 percent. Burglary arrests were down, along with fraud and robbery arrests.
• The report says 5,775 South Dakotans were arrested for driving under the influence in 2011, almost equal to 2010 but a big drop from the average of 6,556 the previous three years.
• South Dakota law enforcement agencies made a total of 33,340 arrests last year.
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