Here is the latest South Dakota news from The Associated Press

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) The Army Corps of Engineers has a list of options to control predators that threaten two endangered birds when they nest along the Missouri River. The least tern and piping plover nest on sandbars or on a sandy shore each summer. That leaves the eggs and young chicks vulnerable to coyotes, raccoons, mink and owls. The corps has written a plan that includes trapping, fencing, hazing, or putting cages over the nests.

BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) A 21-year-old South Dakota State University Student will be leaving for Las Vegas later this month to take part in an international karaoke (kair-ee-OH'-kee) competition. Nikki Reiff of Parkston won the International Bowling Karaoke Superstar Contest at Prairie Lanes in Brookings and qualified for the international semifinals June 25th her birthday.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) A state loan will help the city of Sioux Falls expand a gas well field at its landfill. Methane gas that's produced underground from decomposing garbage will be piped 10 miles to an ethanol plant where it will be burned as fuel. The state Board of Water and Natural Resources approved a $1.97 million loan so the city can add 40 wells this year and 40 in 2010.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) Black Hills Nanosystems, a new employer in western South Dakota, says it will make explosive controller devices for the Defense Department. Company officials say the microscopic device is designed to improve the reliability of military ordnance, such as cluster bombs.



(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-08-09 0200CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list