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PIERRE, S.D. (AP) A split South Dakota Supreme Court says Dakota Prairie Bank of Presho and Draper can build a new bank in Fort Pierre for its main office.

The high court's 3-2 ruling upholds a decision by the state Banking Commission.

Dakota Prairie applied to relocate its main office to Fort Pierre to better serve current customers and attract new business.

First National Bank in Fort Pierre appealed the Banking Commission's decision, arguing that the population in the area could not support another bank.

The Supreme Court says the Banking Commission's decision will stand because it considered all required legal factors in approving the bank's relocation.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-16-09 1415CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list