Here is the latest South Dakota news from The Associated Press

ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) Northern State president Jim Smith has announced a $27 million capital campaign. Smith says the school has raised $18 million so far and hopes to raise $8 million more during the public phase of the campaign. The funds will go toward scholarships and an expansion of the Barnett Center.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) Federal prosecutors say a former executive at a beef processing plant has been fined $15,000 and sentenced to probation for his part in the employment of 15 illegal immigrants. Steven McCullough was former chief financial officer of Dakota Beef LLC of Howard.

MADISON, S.D. (AP) A coroner's inquest has determined a 20-year-old inmate's death at the Lake County jail was a suicide. A three-person jury deliberated less than 15 minutes Friday before deciding Christopher Alberty died of asphyxiation caused by hanging. Alberty, who was in jail on burglary and aggravated assault charges, was found dead in his cell on Oct. 18.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) The Sioux Falls Catholic Diocese is urging its 128,000 members to oppose an effort to legalize embryonic stem cell research in South Dakota. Bishop Paul Swain said in a statement that research involving adult stem cells holds promise and does not destroy human life like embryonic stem cell research does.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-01-09 0203CST | save this article / add to your favorites list