Here is the latest South Dakota news from The Associated Press

BELVIDERE, S.D. (AP) Authorities in southwestern South Dakota believe a van parked between a house and garage caught fire yesterday and spread, killing a couple inside the home. The victims were 80-year-old Thomas Carrico and his 79-year-old wife, Helen.

The blaze in Belvidere destroyed four vehicles, a camper and a garage as well as the house.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) Foul play is not suspected in the death of a Pierre man whose body was found floating in the Missouri River north of Pierre and Fort Pierre yesterday. Sixty-five-year-old Ronald Wham had been missing since Nov. 7.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) State lawmakers are having legislative staff prepare a summary that explains a committee's recommendation for substantial increases in taxes used for roads. Last month, a study committee recommended a 10-cent-a-gallon increase in the state gas tax, a 1 percent increase in the excise tax on vehicle sales, and a boost in the annual vehicle registration fee.

VERMILLION, S.D. (AP) A Mount Rushmore National Memorial spokesman says Superintendent Gerard Baker is on medical leave and an acting superintendent has taken over for the next several weeks.

John Scott was brought in from ArKansas, where he's superintendent at Pea Ridge National Military Park. Scott could be in the temporary Mount Rushmore job until mid-December.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-17-09 0201CST | save this article / add to your favorites list