• WASHINGTON (AP) -- A Senate Democrat says he believes "odds are better than people think" that a deal can be reached to avoid automatic tax increases and spending cuts next week.
• New York's Chuck Schumer tells NBC's "Today" show he's encouraged that Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is getting "actively engaged" in talks to resolve the problem.
• Appearing on the same show Friday, Republican Sen. John Thune noted a meeting later Friday among President Barack Obama and congressional leaders, saying, "It's encouraging that people are talking."
• The South Dakota senator said, "I think in the end we will get a deal, but the question is the timing of that."
• He also said the two sides are at stalemate because, quote, "Democrats haven't been willing to discuss the issue of spending."
•

• SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- The South Dakota Game Fish and Parks is asking the Forest Service to hold off on opening a road that is close to a bat cave in the Black Hills
• South Dakota Public Radio reports (http://bit.ly/RVYezd ) that the forest road is currently closed to motorized traffic in the wintertime to support wildlife habitat in the area. But adjacent private landowners are asking for a year round easement.
• The road passes next to Erskine Cave, which is home to several species of sensitive bats that hibernate there.
• The state agency says other roads in the area could be used to allow private landowners access without using the road adjacent to Erskine Cave.

• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- The South Dakota Department of Agriculture is holding meetings across the state for commercial pesticide applicators.
• Pesticide applicators must take a test to become certified, but they can get recertified by attending one of the meetings held in January and February. After being

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