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• Officials say practice scenarios likely will include searching for missing people and missing aircraft.
• Other agencies such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army and National Guard also are taking part.
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• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the Black Hills Electric Cooperative will get $13.1 million in loan guarantees to help improve its South Dakota system.
• Vilsack says the money will be used to serve nearly 700 customers, build 348 miles of distribution and 16 miles of transmission line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes money for service to Native Americans and smart grid improvements that will increase efficiency and reliability of the rural electric system.
• The Lacreek Electric Association, serving South Dakota and Nebraska, will get $14.5 million in loan guarantees to serve about 500 customers, build 248 miles of distribution and 24 miles of transmission line. The loan includes money for service to Native Americans and smart grid projects.
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• WAGNER, S.D. (AP) -- State transportation officials are holding a public meeting in Wagner Thursday to discuss highway signs recognizing the Yankton Sioux Tribe's presence in Charles Mix County.
• The South Dakota Department of Transportation earlier this year installed signs in southern Charles Mix County reading "Entering Yankton Sioux Nation."
• The state and Charles Mix County had argued through lengthy legal battles that the reservation was eliminated in the late 1800s. A federal judge ruled that the reservation covers more than 30,000 acres.
• Transportation Secretary Darin Bergquist says the signs aren't meant to carry a legal or political statement.
• Charles Mix County deputy state's attorney Scott Podhradsky says county officials aren't opposed to signs honoring the tribe, but they disagree with their indication of reservation boundaries, given past court cases and remaining unresolved issues.
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