ESTELLINE, S.D. (AP) A hearing is set for Thursday in Pierre in a battle that's brewing over water in Lake Poinsett (PAHN'-set), near Estelline.

Last month, the Lake Poinsett Water Project District Board voted 6-1 to get permission from the state water board to let it operate floodgates as it sees fit. The hearing on the request is scheduled for Thursday.

In March, a Hamlin County deputy sheriff was called in to disperse a dozen people from the floodgate after the board had voted to open it. The water district board has the keys to the gate's control box, but the authority over the gate is with the state Water Management Board.

Some landowners say they want to protect the glacial lake from Big Sioux River contamination.

Others want Big Sioux water to be added to the lake to keep it full and protect recreational opportunities and property values.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-05-09 1300CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list