Tuesday,  June 25, 2013 • Vol. 14--No. 339 • 27 of 38

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inside, toward the prison gate. But the inmates were caught before leaving the prison.
• Robert pleaded guilty to the killing and was executed in October.
• A third inmate was sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in the escape attempt.
• The prison made more than a dozen procedural changes after Johnson's death to improve security and safety. Johnson's widow, Lynette Johnson, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the state, the Department of Corrections and several DOC officials.

Drug offenses, sex crimes up in SD in 2012

• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- Arrests for drug offenses, sex crimes and assaults all increased in South Dakota last year, according to a report released Monday.
• Attorney General Marty Jackley said the annual crime report for 2012 shows a 2.5 percent increase in assaults over the year, a 9 percent rise in sex offenses and a 17 percent jump in drug arrests. Total criminal offenses rose 11 percent from 2011, to more than 62,000.
• There were 17 arrests for homicide or negligent manslaughter last year, and thefts totaled more than $20 million worth of property loss.
• "Our criminal statistics reflect that over all South Dakota remains a relatively safe place to live as a result of law enforcement efforts, strong community involvement, and a supportive legislature," Jackley said in a statement. "However, experiencing an increase in criminal activity justifies the need to examine further strengthening crime prevention and enforcement efforts especially in the sex offense and violent crime areas."

2003 tornado pressure drop the largest recorded

• MANCHESTER, S.D. (AP) -- The pressure drop ahead of a tornado that destroyed the tiny South Dakota town of Manchester 10 years ago remains the largest ever recorded.
• As the half-mile-wide twister approached the prairie community on June 24, 2003, the air pressure dropped 100 millibars in just 12 seconds.
• The measurement was documented by storm researcher Tim Samaras, who was killed last month chasing a powerful tornado near El Reno, Okla. The record is noted by the National Weather Service and Guinness World Records.

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