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changing, and Dahl has taken steps to keep abreast of those changes. Merriman says it takes a great deal of time and work just to qualify to take the testing for the accreditation.
• The International Association of Arson Investigators describes the CFI program as "a standard measure of an individual's competence in all phases of fire investigation."
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• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the South Dakota Capitol in Pierre is set for Tuesday evening.
• Gov. Dennis Daugaard and Pierre Mayor Laurie Gill will light the Capitol Christmas trees at 7 p.m. The Capitol Christmas display includes nearly 100 trees that are decorated by volunteers from communities, schools, churches, nonprofit organizations and government offices across the state. Music performance before the lighting ceremony will start at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
• Immediately after the ceremony, kids can pose for pictures with Santa Claus in front of the South Dakota Christmas tree. Parents should bring their own camera.
• The holiday display will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily from Wednesday through Dec. 26.
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• SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- South Dakota's winter wheat crop is more than half way emerged, but well behind last year's pace.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture says in its weekly crop and weather report that winter wheat is 53 percent emerged, behind last year's estimate of 100 percent and the five-year average of 99 percent.
• Cattle conditions are rated at 74 percent good to excellent, 23 percent fair and 3 percent poor.
• The state saw very little precipitation last week and moderate temperatures. Only five stations reported receiving precipitation. The most was at Roscoe and Clear Lake with 0.02 inches.
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• SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office and the Department of Social Services is investigating the death of a woman who was a patient at the county's detoxification center.

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