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study would consider the social and financial impacts of gambling on the state.
• The commission unanimously agreed to move forward with the plan, meaning Lingle can now seek third-party proposals for conducting the study. Lingle said he wants to draw together state officials and lottery opponents to help with the study.
• Still, Commissioner Chuck Turbiville expressed some reservations. He said a study likely wouldn't change opponents' minds, noting that promising a study during the legislative session didn't lead to the passage of pro-gaming bills. And he estimated the study would be costly, between about $500,000 or $750,000.
• "I think we're embarking on a very extensive, very expensive study," Turbiville said.
• Commissioner Bob Hartford agreed with Turbiville, but added: "I think it's too late not to do this. The only thing we can do is to make this as transparent as possible."
• The commissioners worried that if the study results demonstrate favorable results for gaming, opponents would try to discredit it. Several expressed confidence that the study would show gaming in a positive light.
• Turbiville said the fact that the state is not using all the money put aside for gambling problems indicates the problems are well managed.
• A few at the meeting agreed that the study could reassure gaming supporters.
• Commissioner Jim Putnam said conducting the study is a good business decision that may change some minds.
• "They're hear the evidence, rather than the rhetoric," he said.
• Lingle said the commission will review the study proposals and consider cost as the process progresses. He said they will look to other funding sources to supplement the price. The South Dakota Lottery is within the state's Department of Revenue. If a study is finally approved, part of it will be funded by the lottery's yearly operating budget.
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• SPEARFISH, S.D. (AP) -- A western South Dakota man has been sentenced to one year in prison for transporting stolen property.
• U.S. Attorney Brendan Johnson says 38-year-old Brent Hall was also ordered to two years of supervised release.
• Authorities say the Spearfish man stole funds from Husker Properties LLC and Rimrock Properties when he was a manager between January 2009 and September 2012. Authorities say Hall took the funds from an office in Wyoming to Spearfish.
• Authorities have estimated Hall stole more than $153,000 from the two compa

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