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PIERRE, S.D. (AP) Sully County State's Attorney Emily Sovell has been appointed to the state Open Meetings Commission.

Sovell also serves as deputy state's attorney for Hyde County and the city attorney for Onida, Gettysburg, Faulkton, Harrold and Highmore.

The Open Meetings Commission is made up of five state's attorneys and has no disciplinary authority beyond issuing a public reprimand if it determines the open meetings law was violated.

Sovell replaces Vaughn Beck of Edmunds County, who has been part of the commission since it began in 2004.

Attorney General Larry Long said he's delighted that Sovell has agreed to take on such an important responsibility.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 05-10-09 0830CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list