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New law revamps SD criminal justice system
• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- A new law taking effect Monday seeks to cut South Dakota's prison costs by treating more nonviolent offenders through intensive probation, parole and other programs outside prison walls.
• Officials say that without the sweeping changes, the state would have to build a new men's prison and a new women's prison within the next decade or so.
• Most of the new law takes effect Monday, but some provisions will be phased in over the next year.
• The measure will feature intensive probation and parole, along with expanded special courts and other programs that treat drug and alcohol offenders. Those programs are intended to divert offenders from prison and prevent them from committing future crimes.
• Attorney General Marty Jackley says the law will continue to provide severe punishment to dangerous criminals.
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Former Farm Bureau official honored for ag work
• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- The former chief executive officer of the South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation has been honored for his agricultural work in the state.
• Michael Held was honored for his work in the industry during the Governor's Ag Development Summit last week in Pierre. Gov. Dennis Daugaard presented the award to Held.
• Daugaard says Held has strong ties to agriculture and deep roots in the industry.
• Held retired from the South Dakota Farm Bureau last year but plans to continue as their lobbyist.
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SD schools slow to use law allowing armed teachers
CHET BROKAW,Associated Press
• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- South Dakota school districts can arm teachers, other staff or volunteers with guns under a new state law taking effect Monday, but officials say they know of no school that has taken formal steps to designate so-called sentinels to beef up security in school buildings.
• The two top sponsors of the law passed this year said they have heard a few dis (Continued on page 17)
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