• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice David Gilbertson will give the keynote address next week when the Northern Hills Drug Court holds its 14th graduation ceremony.
• The ceremony will be held Tuesday in Sturgis to recognize the latest graduates to complete the program that keeps offenders out of prison if they complete rehabilitation treatment.
• The Northern Hills Drug Court was created in 2007 as South Dakota's first specialty court. It operates in Butte, Lawrence, Meade and Pennington counties. The state also has set up drug and alcohol courts in Pierre, Sioux Falls, Aberdeen and Yankton.
• The specialty courts allow non-violent offenders with drug or alcohol problems to avoid prison if they complete extensive treatment, pass frequent tests and undergo intensive supervision.
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• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- Attorney General Marty Jackley has assembled a workgroup to discuss consumer protection laws.
• The workgroup is comprised of legislators, state and local government agencies, law enforcement, private business owners and various associations with a stake in strengthening the consumer protection laws.
• Jackley says the group has been tasked to use the diverse experience to better protect and serve both South Dakota consumers and businesses.
• Current South Dakota consumer protection laws were enacted in 1971 with some revisions throughout the years.
• Jackley said his office's consumer protection division last year assisted more than 20,000 consumers in recovering more than $11 million.
• The group's first meeting is scheduled for Thursday in Pierre.
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• SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- A ceremony celebrating Flag Day will take place in South Dakota's largest city on Friday.

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