Western North Dakota, Bismarck, Minot, Williston and Dickinson http://www.kxnet.com//en-usCopyright 2010 KXNet.com1800Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=622448http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=622448<p> The group supporting an expanded smoking ban that's on South Dakota's ballot says it would protect workers and reduce some health care costs. The Legislature in 2009 voted to ban smoking in bars, video lottery establishments and Deadwood casinos</p>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:36:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=622272http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=622272<p> The group supporting an expanded smoking ban that's on South Dakota's ballot says it would protect workers and reduce some health care costs. The Legislature in 2009 voted to ban smoking in bars, video lottery establishments and Deadwood casinos</p>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:41:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=622173http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=622173<p> Greece is set to impose a tough smoking ban starting Wednesday that will outlaw lighting up in all public indoor areas and prohibit most tobacco advertising. The country's health ministry says the measures are necessary after partial smoking ban</p>Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:46:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=618933http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=618933<p> Smoking in Bismarck bars will soon be illegal. The City Commission late Tuesday voted to enact the ban on Nov. 1. The 4-1 vote came after an hourlong public hearing during which supporters and opponents of the smoking ban were each given</p>Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:59:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=618804http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=618804<p><img align="left" border="1" width="125" src="http://www.kxnet.com/UserFiles/10/8/24/tbn_4_2010-8-24-news10-4041312501157426707.jpg"/>The city of Bismarck will soon be smoke free. The decision at the Bismarck City Commission meeting this evening, to adopt the ordinance banning smoking. Reporter Kate Schell was there when the decision was read and has more on residents' reactions. <br clear="all"/></p>Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:39:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=618739http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=618739<p><img align="left" border="1" width="125" src="http://www.kxnet.com/UserFiles/10/8/24/tbn_4_2010-8-24-news6-4041312501157435308.jpg"/>By the end of the night, Bismarck may be a smoke free city. Bismarck City Commissioners are listening to public input right now, on a proposed citywide ordiance, that if passed, would place a ban on smoking in public places and places of employment. Peo<br clear="all"/></p>Wed, 11 Aug 2010 20:13:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=615814http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=615814<p> North Dakota's former workers compensation director will ask a judge to revisit his felony conviction a month after the state [[kxtopic:supreme-court:t[Supreme Court]:t]] affirmed it. [[kxtopic:sandy-blunt:t[Sandy Blunt]:t]] was convicted in Dece</p>Wed, 11 Aug 2010 05:54:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=615371http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=615371<p> A proposed ordinance in Bismarck would ban smoking in bars. The City Commission has scheduled an Aug. 24 public hearing on the matter. City Attorney Charlie Whitman says bars, truck stops and smoke shops are exempt from the current smoking</p>Wed, 11 Aug 2010 04:51:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=615348http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=615348<p> The South Dakota Highway Patrol has released information on two more fatal motorcycle crashes related to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Authorities say 83-year-old Eugene Sowles Jr. of Round Lake, Minn., died on U.S. Highway 16A on Sunday, and 32</p>Thu, 22 Jul 2010 06:15:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=605751http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=605751<p> Two inmates are dead and six injured in a riot that broke out at a prison in Orsainville, north of Quebec City. Johanne Beausoleil, a spokeswoman with the provincial corrections service, said Thursday that the incident, involving 14 inmates, er</p>Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:22:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=604613http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=604613<p><img align="left" border="1" width="125" src="http://www.kxnet.com/UserFiles/10/7/19/tbn_7_2010-7-19-newsmin6-4037712502314829006.jpg"/>Should North Dakota ban smoking in all public places, including workplaces? An official with the American Lung Association's North Dakota office expects legislators to be asked to enact such a ban. Kimberlee Schneider was one of several people who discu<br clear="all"/></p>Sun, 11 Jul 2010 21:09:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=601771http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=601771<p> Investigators are trying to determine why a boat broke free from the truck pulling it and killed a woman north of Madison. The accident happened yesterday on U.S. Highway 81. Authorities say the boat detached from the truck pulling it and collided </p>Sun, 11 Jul 2010 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=601625http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=601625<p> South Dakota has given out about $50 million in tax breaks in the past four years to lure companies into building large projects in the state, but critics question whether the state is getting enough bang for its buck. House Democratic Leader Be</p>Sun, 11 Jul 2010 08:56:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=601585http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=601585<p> House Democratic Leader Bernie Hunhoff says South Dakota gives away too much tax revenue to projects that would be built anyway. The state has given out about $50 million in tax breaks the past four years to lure companies into building large project</p>Sun, 11 Jul 2010 06:43:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=601550http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=601550<p> Both sides in a ballot issue over an expanded smoking ban in South Dakota are preparing for the campaign. The Legislature in 2009 voted to ban smoking in bars, Deadwood casinos and video lottery establishments. Bars and gambling businesses obta</p>Sun, 04 Jul 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=598330http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=598330<p> Two horses became spooked during a Fourth of July parade today in eastern Iowa and ran out-of-control along the parade route, trampling children and adults standing on the street. Police say at least 24 people were injured, five of them critically. I</p>Wed, 05 May 2010 20:13:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=566816http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=566816<p> Gov. John Hoeven wants state agencies to identify potential reductions when drafting plans for the two-year spending cycle that starts in 2011. Hoeven wants agency directors to suggest cuts of 3 percent to current spending in light of the ongoing nat</p>Wed, 05 May 2010 20:13:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=566814http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=566814<p> Gov. John Hoeven wants state agencies to identify potential reductions when drafting spending plans for the 2011-13 biennium. Hoeven told agency directors on Wednesday that they can use their current budgets as a template for the next two-year s</p>Wed, 05 May 2010 09:17:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=566513http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=566513<p> Voters in Grand Forks won't be asked to consider a measure to repeal the city's smoking ban. A group of bar owners was unable to get enough petition signatures to put the issue on the November ballot. Tony Kvasager and Mike McMenamy says the gro</p>Wed, 05 May 2010 05:12:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=566372http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=566372<p> A state audit says capital projects in the North Dakota University System are not adequately monitored. The state auditor's office reviewed building projects in the university system, including the president's houses at North Dakota State Univer</p>Wed, 05 May 2010 00:53:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=566248http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=566248<p> The Devils Lake City Commission has voted 3-2 to ask the public to weigh in on whether to extend the current smoking ban to bars. The results of the advisory vote will not be binding on the commission. The date of the vote has not been set. </p>Mon, 03 May 2010 13:22:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=565427http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=565427<p> Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed legislation that would have banned smoking at all California state parks and beaches. The cigar-smoking governor said Monday that such a ban would be an improper intrusion of government into people's lives. </p>Sun, 25 Apr 2010 20:13:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=561177http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=561177<p> A technical college in Bismarck wants to develop American Indian leaders, so it's created a fellowship program to seek out students who might fit that mold. United Tribes Technical College named the program for its president, David Gipp. MC</p>Sun, 25 Apr 2010 17:07:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=561141http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=561141<p><img align="left" border="1" width="125" src="http://www.kxnet.com/UserFiles/10/4/25/tbn_7_2010-4-25-newsmin10-4029212501157435320.jpg"/>The Devils Lake City Commission will come closer to deciding whether or not to ban smoking in bars early next month. Mayor Fred Bott says the controversial issue needs to be resolved, and the commission will decide whether to hold a public vote. A final <br clear="all"/></p>Sun, 25 Apr 2010 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=561039http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=561039<p> Members of a Northwood church are putting the finishing touches on their new building nearly three years after their old one was destroyed by a tornado. The Ebenezer Free Lutheran Church congregation has been meeting in available spaces around t</p>Sun, 25 Apr 2010 09:31:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=561014http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=561014<p> The Devils Lake City Commission has set a timeline for a decision on whether to extend the current smoking ban to bars. Mayor Fred Bott says the controversial issue needs to be resolved. He says the commission will decide early next month </p>Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:23:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=560420http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=560420<p>Eds: APNewsNow. Will be led. Moving on general news and financial services. AP Photo MICO101, MICO102, MICO103 By JEFF KAROUB AP Business Writer DEARBORN, Mich. The main thoroughfares of this Detroit suburb, like those of many Michigan cities, </p>Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:13:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=555769http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=555769<p> North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem (STEN'-juhm) says the state Board of Higher Education &quot;squandered&quot; an opportunity to get tribal approval for the University of North Dakota's Fighting Sioux nickname. Stenehjem had negotiated a settl</p>Wed, 14 Apr 2010 10:13:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=555504http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=555504<p> The investment director for North Dakota's pension funds has killed himself. A Burleigh County Sheriff's spokesman says Steve Cochrane shot himself in his home in rural north Bismarck last Saturday. Cochrane was 53 years old. GRAND FORKS, N</p>Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:31:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=555470http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=555470<p> A group of Grand Forks bar owners is circulating petitions to get a measure to repeal the city's smoking ban on ballots. Tony Kvasager, owner of Big Daddy's, says the business owners are hoping to get 6,000 signatures, although they only need 3,</p>Sun, 11 Apr 2010 21:03:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=553941http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=553941<p> School officials have temporarily disabled the Eden Prairie High School Web page after hackers broke into the site. The school's home page was replaced with a vulgarity and a picture of the Turkish flag and a handgun. School administrators say the si</p>Sun, 11 Apr 2010 19:45:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=553919http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=553919<p> School officials have temporarily disabled the Eden Prairie High School Web page after hackers broke into the site. The school's home page was replaced with a vulgarity and a picture of the Turkish flag and a handgun. The hacker's message said </p>Sun, 11 Apr 2010 09:17:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=553741http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=553741<p> A Duluth woman is under arrest after allegedly assaulting a police officer who was trying to enforce a [[kxtopic:smoking-ban:t[smoking ban]:t]] at a bus stop. Police say the 37-year-old suspect was smoking near the bus shelter Saturday when she </p>Tue, 06 Apr 2010 02:45:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=550837http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=550837<p> The director of the State Gaming Division says North Dakota's charitable gambling industry has dropped to its lowest level in more than a decade. Keith Lauer says it's due largely to a declining economy and smoking bans that have driven bettors </p>Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:43:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=540825http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=540825<p> An attempt to impose what is believed to be the nation's most far-reaching smoking ban in state parks has stalled in the California Legislature. On Thursday, lawmakers supporting the bill in the 80-member Assembly fell five votes short of the si</p>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:55:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=540567http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=540567<p> California lawmakers are considering what is believed to be the nation's most far-reaching smoking ban in state parks. Under a bill being considered Thursday, smoking would be prohibited at state beaches and all other state parks. Maine ba</p>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:16:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=540064http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=540064<p> North Dakota's congressional delegation says the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency plans a visit to Fargo. Sens. Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan and Rep. Earl Pomeroy say FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate is scheduled to get a </p>Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:57:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=539945http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=539945<p> Grand Forks is a step closer to ending a smoking ban exemption for bars, casinos and truck stops. The City Council has given initial approval and is to vote on final approval April 5. The ban would take effect Nov. 1 if it is passed. </p>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:33:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=532728http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=532728<p> Libby residents are being advised not to clean up large chunks of ash that fell around town during a fire that destroyed a huge plywood plant, because some of the chunks have tested positive for asbestos. Lincoln County Commissioner Tony Berget </p>Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:12:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=526597http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=526597<p> A provocative anti-smoking advertisement featuring teens in a subservient sexual position has sparked a storm of controversy in France, with family associations voicing concern over the association between tobacco and sex. The ad, sponsored by t</p>Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=523598http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=523598<p> Seattle's parks superintendent has relaxed a ban on smoking in city parks just a day after he announced it would take effect April 1. The revised rule that Superintendent Timothy Gallagher announced late Thursday prohibits &quot;smoking, chewing or o</p>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:45:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=522581http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=522581<p> Nearly 50 of the 88 bison that have been held in a quarantine compound outside Yellowstone National Park have been loaded in large stock trailers for the two-hour ride to their new home on Ted Turner's ranch. Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokesman R</p>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:51:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=522402http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=522402<p> The owner of a bar in Turah says she's had to resort to breaking the law to keep her business afloat. Peggy Bjornberg says business declined 70 percent in the first three weeks after she implemented the smoking ban required when the Montana Clea</p>Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:06:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=521953http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=521953<p> Both men shot in a Deadwood home late last week have now been released from the hospital. The suspect is due back in court on Friday after his initial appearance on Tuesday was continued. Forty-eight-year-old Terry Willis is charged with tw</p>Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:22:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=521842http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=521842<p> Only one proposed smoking ban will be put to a public vote in South Dakota's general election this fall. A state legislative committee on Tuesday rejected a measure that would have put a second, less complete smoking ban on the ballot. The </p>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:46:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=518506http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=518506<p> North Dakota State University will become a smoke-free campus on March 1. Interim President Dick Hanson has signed a smoking policy that was approved by the University Senate. It prohibits smoking for all university property, including outdoor a</p>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:53:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=506588http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=506588<p> Gov. Brian Schweitzer has ordered that the U.S. and state flags be flown at half staff on Thursday and Friday in honor of two Montana members of the armed services who died recently. Marine Cpl. Nicholas K. Uzenski of Bozeman died Jan. 11 in co</p>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:24:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=506410http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=506410<p> State video gambling tax receipts fell by nearly 18 percent in the final three months of 2009, with the continuing effect of the recession and the addition of the indoor smoking ban. State Gambling Control Division officials say the gross video </p>Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=501619http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=501619<p> Gov. Mike Rounds says more money from the federal government for Medicaid could help South Dakota balance its budget. Rounds has delivered his state of the state address to kick off the Legislature's 2010 session. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) So</p>Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:43:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=494740http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=494740<p> From texting to smoking to trans-fats and toy guns, a host of new laws taking effect today clamp down on impolite, unhealthy and sometimes dangerous behaviors. Among the most surprising new laws is a smoking ban for bars and restaurants in North</p>Wed, 30 Dec 2009 07:25:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=493743http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=493743<p> Texting while driving, smoking in public and cooking with artery-clogging trans fats will be that much harder under a bevy of new state laws set to take effect Friday. Faced with huge budget shortfalls and little extra money, state lawmakers exe</p>Sun, 20 Dec 2009 07:25:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=489165http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=489165<p> The battle over a statewide smoking ban ranks as the top South Dakota story of 2009 as selected by Associated Press member newspaper editors and broadcast news directors in the state. The Legislature earlier in 2009 passed a law to ban smoking i</p>Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:14:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=488458http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=488458<p> North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says he's pleased with a judge's ruling on the University of North Dakota's Fighting Sioux nickname. The ruling says the Board of Higher Education has authority under the North Dakota Constitution to</p>Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:13:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=488237http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=488237<p> A district judge has thrown out a lawsuit by a group of Spirit Lake tribal members who want the University of North Dakota to keep its Fighting Sioux nickname. The state Board of Higher Education has voted to abolish the nickname. Northeast District </p>Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:05:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=488057http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=488057<p> The lawyer for a Gilby bank teller who was robbed at gunpoint says the state workers compensation agency should not have denied his client's claim for an anxiety disorder. Bank officials filed the claim for 56-year-old Edith Johnson after she wa</p>Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:45:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=487990http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=487990<p> North Dakota State University's new president says he supports a outdoor smoking ban on campus. Richard Hanson says he'll be consulting other administrators on campus to discuss possible enforcement. NDSU's university Senate has voted to support</p>Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:51:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=486708http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=486708<p>Eds: EDITORS, NEWS DIRECTORS LAST CHANCE. The deadline to cast your ballots for South Dakota's top 2009 news stories is the end of business today!!!!!!!!!! E-mail to apsiouxfalls(at)ap.org or fax them to (605) 332-3931. It's tim</p>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:32:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=486200http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=486200<p> The Colorado Supreme Court has upheld a state ban on smoking on stage, ruling that public health trumps actors' freedom of expression. The court ruled 6-1 Monday that the statewide smoking ban can legally apply to theaters. Theater product</p>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 04:23:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=482550http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=482550<p>Eds: EDITORS, NEWS DIRECTORS It's time for members of The Associated Press to vote on the top South Dakota news stories of 2009. The AP's suggestions follow in random order, but feel free to add other stories for consideration. We're asking you</p>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 06:43:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=481156http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=481156<p> R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., maker of Camel cigarettes, is offering buyouts to about 1,800 workers at its North Carolina factories to cut costs. The company says it does not have a specific number of jobs it hopes to cut. Spokeswoman Jan Smi</p>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 06:43:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=479951http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=479951<p> Cigarette maker Reynolds American says it is buying a Swedish company whose nicotine gum, pouches and spray help people stop smoking. The maker of Camel cigarettes and Grizzly smokeless tobacco says Niconovum AB's products could meet consumer de</p>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:31:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=478838http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=478838<p> Leaders in Great Falls are rethinking the city's ban on smoking within 20 feet of buildings. They say the biggest factor in repealing the rule is the impact on tavern owners already reeling from an Oct. 1 statewide ban on smoking ban. A mo</p>Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:51:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=477205http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=477205<p> The space shuttle is heading home. The seven Atlantis astronauts hope to wrap up their 11-day flight this morning. Good weather is forecast for the 9:44 a.m. EST landing in Florida. The crew spent a week at the International Space Station deliverin</p>Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:04:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=477199http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=477199<p> Space shuttle Atlantis is headed for a landing, weather permitting. The shuttle's seven astronauts hope to wrap up their 11-day flight Friday. Good weather is forecast for the 9:44 a.m. EST landing in Florida. Atlantis and its crew spent a</p>Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:13:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=477186http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=477186<p> Starting Dec. 1, a new Virginia law bans most smoking in restaurants. It's a major shift for a state where tobacco has been king since Jamestown was settled 400 years ago. Virginia's neighbor and the nation's top tobacco producer, North Ca</p>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:13:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=474058http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=474058<p> Bogus burglar and robbery alarms are becoming such a nuisance for the Sioux Falls Police Department that city officials are considering charging a fee to cover the cost of responding to repeated unfounded reports. Police say about 1,900 burglar </p>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:13:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=474055http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=474055<p> The state won't appeal a judge's decision that allows South Dakota's new smoking ban law to be referred to a public vote in the 2010 election. A judge ruled last week that opponents had collected enough signatures to force a public vote. The law wo</p>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:24:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=473773http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=473773<p> The state has decided not to appeal a judge's decision that allows South Dakota's new smoking ban law to be referred to a public vote in the 2010 election. The decision was announced Friday by Attorney General Marty Jackley and Secretary of Stat</p>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=473297http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=473297<p> The American Cancer Society says it will not appeal a judge's decision that clears the way for South Dakota's new smoking ban to be referred to a statewide public vote. Jennifer Stalley, the group's government relations director, says the societ</p>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:13:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=473283http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=473283<p> The American Cancer Society won't appeal a judge's decision that clears the way for South Dakota's smoking ban to be put to a statewide vote. The group's government relations director says it will instead concentrate its effort on supporting the smok</p>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:37:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=473053http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=473053<p> The American Cancer Society says it will not appeal a judge's decision that clears the way for South Dakota's new smoking ban to be referred to a statewide public vote. Jennifer Stalley, the group's government relations director, says the societ</p>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:37:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=473050http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=473050<p> The American Cancer Society says it will not appeal a judge's decision that clears the way for South Dakota's new smoking ban to be referred to a statewide public vote. Jennifer Stalley, the group's government relations director, says the societ</p>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:41:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=470993http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=470993<p> A 24-year-old Missoula man was arrested for felony drunken driving, his fifth such arrest, after he drove his car off a steep embankment along Deer Creek Road. Officials say Brandon M. Darrah plunged about 300 feet down the embankment Friday, to</p>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:22:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=470683http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=470683<p> Smoking in Montana's bars, casinos and restaurants was forbidden Oct. 1, but some Great Falls residents are complaining the prohibition isn't being enforced. That's prompted the Great Falls City Commission at a meeting Tuesday to again take up a</p>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:13:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=470022http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=470022<p> A circuit judge has ruled that opponents of South Dakota's smoking ban have gathered enough petition signatures to put the measure to a statewide public vote in next year's general election. After testimony ended in a two-day trial, Circuit Judg</p>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=469523http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=469523<p> A circuit judge has ruled that opponents of South Dakota's smoking ban have gathered enough petition signatures to put the measure to a statewide public vote in next year's general election. Circuit Judge Kathleen Trandahl found that opponents of the</p>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:31:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=469489http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=469489<p> A circuit judge has ruled that opponents of South Dakota's smoking ban have gathered enough petition signatures to put the measure to a statewide public vote in next year's general election. After testimony ended in a two-day trial, Circuit Judg</p>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:22:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=469394http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=469394<p> A circuit judge plans to rule later Friday in a trial to determine whether the smoking ban that passed the 2009 Legislature is referred to South Dakota voters in the next general election. After testimony ended in a two-day trial, Circuit Judge </p>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:12:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=469359http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=469359<p> A former Sioux Falls school bus aide has pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor. Curtis Wegner was arrested in July in an online sex sting. Authorities said the 25-year-old Wegner arranged to meet a 14-year-old girl for sex, then learned the &quot;gi</p>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:36:00 GMThttp://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=469252http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?s=rss&ArticleId=469252<p> Testimony continues Friday in a trial to determine whether the smoking ban that passed the 2009 Legislature is referred to South Dakota voters in the next general election. Circuit Judge Kathleen Trandahl said Thursday she wants to look at all t</p>