Here is the latest South Dakota news from The Associated Press

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) A judge has handed down a unique sentence for two women accused of throwing rocks and eggs and yelling racial slurs at American Indians in Rapid City. For the next five years, 21-year-olds Jenna Gitzke and Miranda Shelden will spend the weekend in jail near the anniversary of their crime.

Their sentence also includes doing at least 100 hours of culturally sensitive community service.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) A judge has sided with a landowner in a dispute over railroad right of way from Deadwood to Whitewood in western South Dakota. The Northern Hills Regional Railroad Authority had wanted to revive easements on the former rights of way. But the judge ruled in favor of Charles Brown, who argued that the right of way reverted to him when the rail line was abandoned in the 1970s.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) Brookings-based Daktronics Inc. is laying off 25 assembly line workers at its digital billboard factory in Sioux Falls, citing a drop in business. Daktronics says the two major billboard companies it supplies have cut back considerably since late last year.

HOWARD, S.D. (AP) Work is under way on an $8.1 million rural learning center in the small eastern South Dakota community of Howard. The Maroney Rural Learning Center will be a meeting, lodging and education center focused on things that can spur job growth in rural areas, such as renewable energy. Officials hope as many as 2,500 people will visit the center each year.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-04-09 0201CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list