Here is the latest South Dakota news from The Associated Press

FAITH, S.D. (AP) Among the 20 South Dakota school districts that will hold classes four days a week in the next school year is the huge Faith district in western South Dakota. The superintendent says the change should lessen the wear-and-tear on trailers used for classrooms and save about $20,000 a year.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) The number of Black Hills mountain lions has remained steady over the past year at about 250. That according to the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department. The estimate comes from studies done in conjunction with South Dakota State University.

BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) South Dakota State University plans to build a $6.5 million Seed Technology Laboratory in Brookings. It will be constructed at a university-affiliated research park called the Innovation Campus and should be ready by a year from this summer.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) Wind Cave National Park plans to burn 617 acres west of the park's visitor center this spring if weather and other conditions are favorable. Officials say the fire will reduce dead fuels to lessen the chance of a wildfire around the park's administration area.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 04-29-09 0615CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list