Sioux Falls, SD (KELO-AM) Earlier this past week a Sioux Falls child under ten was diagnosed as having the case of measles in South Dakota during the past 30 days. Reports say the child attended Holy Spirit Catholic Elementary School. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, the initial measles symptoms can first present as the common cold. CDC Dr. Melinda Wharton says a high fever, white spots in the mouth and ear infections can be part of the signs, but most cases are resolved and result mainly in childern. She says other cases can have very serious outcomes, with neurological impact, even death. On Saturday, State Health Department held a four hour long vaccination clinic in Sioux Falls. Over 100 people were screened for the virus, with approximately 85 receiving the vaccine. 

VERMILLION, S.D. (KELO AM) -- High school students interested in health care careers can apply now to attend the ninth annual Healthcare Careers Summer Camp at the University of South Dakota, June 14-19.

USD’s Healthcare Careers Summer Camp is open to students from South Dakota, northeast Nebraska, northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota. Students entering 10th through the 12th grades this fall are eligible to apply. All applications require a counselor nomination, a parent or guardian signature, an official school transcript and a personal statement. The application deadline is Wednesday, April 1. Tuition is $100 per student, which includes meals, lodging, and all educational and recreational activities.

Students selected will participate in information-gathering activities and receive hands-on learning, including a gross anatomy lab tour, certification in cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), field trips to area medical facilities, and group activities and discussions. Additionally, camp participants will interact with health care professionals, faculty and others relative to the pursuit of health care careers. Staff advisers from the Sanford School of Medicine and the USD School of Health Sciences will also be available during the camp to discuss everything from education requirements to future employment opportunities and salaries.

“It’s hard to believe that this summer will be the ninth year we’ve been able to hold the camp at USD. Over the past several years the application process has become increasingly more competitive. Based on the quality of the applications we receive each year, South Dakota’s future health care workforce will be in good hands,” said Kathy VanKley, INMED Program Coordinator, Sanford School of Medicine.

For more information about the camp or to download an application, please go to www.usd.edu/medical-school/health-careers-camp.cfm or contact Kathy Van Kley with the Sanford School of Medicine at (605) 658-6329 or e-mail kathy.vankley@usd.edu.

About the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine

For more than a century, the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine has set the standard for medical education of students, residents and professionals in the state. The school’s mission includes education, research and service. It emphasizes family practice to help create the next generation of doctors for all parts of the state. The school’s economic impact includes attracting $17 million annually in research funding as well as hosting two of the four 2010 Research Centers designated by the governor.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Police arrested two Milwaukee women on prostitution and pimping charges at a southwest Sioux Falls motel over the weekend.

Officer Sam Clemens says street crime investigators arranged a meeting with one of the women after answering her ad on the Internet.

Clemens says police arrested 35-year-old Latasha Eskridge and 27-year-old Sade Tatum.  Tatum walked into the room while police were on scene.  The ad was placed by using her phone and the room was in her name.             

Police also found a small amount of marijuana in the room.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - It’s Sioux Falls turn to pay tribute to South Dakota’s number one industry, agriculture, at the 62^nd Annual Sioux Empire Farm Show tomorrow through Saturday at the W-H Lyon Fairgrounds.

Cindy Christianson with the Chamber says livestock shows and sales, and commercial exhibits, are at the Expo Building.

Christianson says all events, shows and sales are free and open to the public, except the Mayor's Round-up on Friday and the Pony Pull and Draft Horse pull on Saturday

The opener tomorrow is reserved for the 4-H/F-F-A calf show.

Comercial exhibits will be on display in the north end of the Expo Building, the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, the Sioux Falls Convention Center and the Arena.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The House State Affairs Committee today forwarded resolutions to convene a convention to propose a federal balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.

Representative Isaac Latterell of Sioux Falls says an amendment term limiting the presidency was very effective.

 Testifying over the phone this morning constitutional scholar Robert Brown questioned the legislature’s ability to limit delegate’s actions at a convention.

It takes 34 states to reach the two-thirds needed for a convention with 38 state legislatures needed to ratify the proposed amendment.

SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO AM) - An administrative hearing judge has ruled in favor of the Request for Proposal (RFP) process used by the City of Sioux Falls to award a contract for a local ambulance service provider. This ruling allows City officials to continue a negotiation process that will culminate in a contract with Paramedics Plus to provide ground ambulance transport services to Sioux Falls. 

“This ruling recognizes the objective processes used by the City, as well as the hard work done by many people throughout our RFP process,” says Public Health Director Jill Franken. “We are excited to work with Paramedics Plus and look forward to the improvements in our Emergency Medical Services System that will result from the RFP process and these contract negotiations. Our goal continues to be a successful transition in ambulance service providers this spring.”

Paramedics Plus also operates systems in Texas; Oakland, California; St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Florida; and Fort Wayne, Indiana. The multiyear selection process involved a review of the current emergency medical system (EMS) design, stakeholder meetings, and issuing a Request for Proposal for a service provider. A selection committee recommended Paramedics Plus after reviewing proposals and hearing oral presentations from each of the four companies that responded to the City’s Request for Proposal. The RFP process began in 2013, and the current ambulance service provider contract expires in May of this year.

The Ming Wah Cafe opened in downtown Sioux Falls 45 yeara ago.  In an announcement on Facebook, Dak, Jan and Ken Louie said they are calling it quits and expressed their gratitude the faithful customers over the years.   

"We have taken great pride in serving people the exact same meal from the day we opened to today," said Dak.  "Sioux Falls has been part of our family and and we will miss being a part of everyone's lives."

The crew thought it would be easiest to announce their closing on Facebook.  They are going to be open on limited hours until they run out of stock.   

Dak said that after 45 years, they are going to take a few months off and decide what to do.  He said he may get a job somewhere else because he is still very good at making Chinese Food.

They encourage friends and customers to leave comments on their Facebook page.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Obamacare’s open enrollment period ends February 15^th and those without health insurance may face penalties.

Gloria Baca with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid says now is the time to act and avoid penalties.

People who do not have health insurance from other sources, and who do not enroll in the Marketplace by February 15, could find themselves shut out of the market for the rest of the year, and may face substantial penalties for being uninsured.

Baca says to get started go to healthcare.gov.

18,000 South Dakotans have enrolled in the Marketplace.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The Minnehaha County Commission, on a split vote this morning, approved letting bids to replace an 85-year-old bridge 4 miles north of Hartford.

Commissioner Gerald Beninga said given limited highway funds there are other, more highly traveled bridges that need repair or replacement.

County Road Manager D.J. Buthe advised the Commission to consider the load limit of a bridge and not the number of vehicles in determining which bridge needs priority attention.  Buthe says the county has identified seven bridges for repair this year.

The are almost 200 bridges the county is responsible for.              

Commissioners Heiberger, Barth and Bender voted to publish the bids moving the project along.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM)   Community policing takes another step in Sioux Falls tomorrow as the "Coffee With a Cop" event begins at Kaladi’s on South Minnesota Avenue.

Sergeant Candi Gearman says the setting is very informal.  Gearman says it's an opportunity to talk with officers about any concerns, ask questions and get to know the people serving their neighborhood.

Police Chief Doug Barthel says "Coffee With a Cop" is a chance for Sioux Falls residents to interact with officers in a relaxed, comfortable setting.  He says the majority of the contacts officers have with residents happen during emergencies, or emotional situations.  He says this event will break down barriers.

Gearman says coffee with a cop is from 8 to 10 tomorrow morning and Thursday at the McDonalds on East Tenth Street.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Police say a scam for Luke Bryan tickets at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center is the first of its kind in Sioux Falls.

Officer Sam Clemens says the victim answered an ad on craigslist and gave the scammer numbers for $450 in prepaid cards over the phone.  The tickets have not arrived and investigators believe the scam originated overseas.

Clemens advised doing your homework if you plan on buying tickets from a third party.  He says never give credit card or prepaid card information over the phone

Clemens says with more big-name concerts coming to Sioux Falls swindlers will try to take your money.  

Washington, DC (KELO-AM) South Dakota's congressional delegation went to the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Washington on Tuesday on behalf of Sioux Falls.

Senators John Thune (R) and Mike Rounds (R) and U.S Represenative Kristi Noem (R) urged FEMA to move faster on approving updated flood plain maps for Sioux Falls based on the city's flood prevention improvements. Thune talked about "unnecessary delays."

Because of delays in updating the flood maps, some city residents who don't need to,  are still paying flood insurance.

FEMA agreed to develop a timetable for updating the maps.

Sioux Falls,SD (KELO AM) Darlene Jones got to celebrate her 80th birthday with her children and grandchildren.  They went out to dinner and she was presented a dream gift, tickets to The Price Is Right. 

"That has always been on my bucket list, said Darlene.  "Me, my husband Chuck, our kids and grandkids were all going to the Price is Right.

Darlene and Chuck found themselves in the long line waiting to be seated for the show.  She had priority tickets and they got down with the contestants.  

Darlene and Chuck were enjoying the atmosphere of the show, and Drew Carrey uttered those unforgetable words ; "Darlene Jones - come on down!"

"I won woodworking tools, and I was up on the stage standing next to Drew Carrey," said Darlene.  "I got to spin the big wheel, but I didn't do very well and I didn't get a chance at the grand prize."  

"I couldn't see her very well," said Chuck.  "I will have to wait until it comes on TV to see what actually went on."

This Sunday, Chuck and Darlene will add to their bucket list as they will be attending the Super Bowl.

To watch the show this week, go to: http://www.cbs.com/shows/the_price_is_right/video/

SIOUX FALLS (KELO AM) - In April, the voters spoke, and they wanted to build and indoor aquatic center, replacing the outdoor pool at Spellerberg Park.  Sioux Falls City Councilors approved 19.8 -million dollars for the project.

Now, the add-ons are cropping up to the tune of 3.9 - million dollars.  A therapy pool to be used by veterans in the nearby VA Medical Center and others in the community with therapy needs.  The recreation pool will be enlarged to accommodate future growth.  The quality of construction materials and equipment will be enhanced after seeing problems with rust and other issues at the sites they visited.

Tracy Turbak, City Finance Director said. "This is an important project and we only get one chance to get it right."

The completion date is still anticipated to be fall 2016.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The Senate Transportation Committee today killed a bill to exempt trailers from the $4 wheel tax.

Corson County Commissioner and farmer Darrin Bauer says agriculture could use a break. Bauer says in much of the proposed legislation to increase funding for state roads and bridges, agriculture will take a large hit.          

Legal Counsel for the Department of Transportation Bill Nevin says all highway users should share in funding improvements.

Not all counties charge residents a wheel tax.  The wheel tax is set at $4 dollars a wheel and no more than $16 per vehicle.

The committee sent the bill to the 41st day of the 39 day session

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The head of the South Dakota Department of Transportation, Darin Bergquist, testified today before a U-S Senate committee working on federal highway funding.

Bergquist appealed to the panel to keep funding at current levels.

The committee working on a new federal surface transporation bill will an ever depleted Highway Trust Fund that gets money from federal fuel taxes of 18.3 cents on gasoline and 24.4 cents on diesel fuel. The Highway Account funds road construction. 

Bergquist was invited to testify on the Public Works Committee by Senator Mike Rounds.  

Rounds appointed Bergquist to head DOT when he was governor.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Security has been heightened at Augustana College in light of two incidents involving co-eds living in dorms.

Officer Sam Clemens says a 19-year-old female student told friends in an Augustana dorm room that she was going to the bathroom last night and didn’t return.  Clemens says the girls called police who tried tracking the woman through her cell phone and discovered she was in and around campus

Early this morning the girl called her friends and police found standing at the intersection of 28th and Covell.  She was unharmed and returned to her dorm room.  Clemens says she didn't offer much of an explanation on where she had been.       

Meanwhile… a Sioux Falls man got into the dorm of a female Augie student last Friday who recently ended their friendship on Facebook.  The woman found a note from the man under her dorm room door.  He followed some student into the dorm as they were walking in.             

Police have surveillance video of the suspect.

Sioux Falls, SD (KELO-AM) Mayor Mike Huether Wednesday announced what he considers to be the top 10 wins for Sioux Falls in 2014. The top 10 wins as ranked by Mayor Huether are:

1. Our new Events Center rocks! The Denny Sanford PREMIER Center opened on time, under budget, pumps out cash, and (yes) has plenty of parking.
2. Sioux Falls citizens want progress, and the April 8 election proved it! Sioux Falls residents overwhelmingly supported the indoor aquatic center at Spellerberg Park, the Shape Places Zoning Ordinance, commercial zoning at 85th Street and Minnesota Avenue, snow gates, and public servants who get things done.
3. It’s the economy, and oh my, ours is booming! In Sioux Falls, good jobs are everywhere, there is record-breaking construction again, our piggybank is fatter, sales tax revenues are sky-high, and in the north, south, east, west, and downtown, our residents are living, working, playing, and thriving.
4. City government is being run like a business, including implementing innovative and long-overdue technology systems like the EnerGov land management system, the Munis payroll system, and a new public computer reservation and printing system at Siouxland Libraries.
5. One of the best community health providers in the nation is in Sioux Falls, and America knows it. Falls Community Health is now directed in-house by City employee caregivers and leadership and has received Patient-Centered Medical Home Level 3 recognition. The Health Department also provided strong leadership and due diligence in our search for an ambulance service provider.
6. The City of Sioux Falls streamlined our approach to Code Enforcement. Being a good and responsible neighbor is a big deal here!
7. More needs to be done, but Public Transportation is more sustainable due to tough decisions being made. Demand has never been higher, but reality is that it is extremely expensive. This city is not shying away from the challenge.
8. Railyard relocation in Downtown Sioux Falls moves one major step forward. The independent appraisal is done so negotiations between BNSF and the City of Sioux Falls can begin to capture almost ten acres of land in the heart of our city.
9. The City’s Legal Team has never been stronger. These public servants are defenders of progress and liberty and are saving Sioux Falls taxpayers millions.
10. Sioux Falls homes and businesses are now protected from a 100-year flood event. The flood control system is complete and accredited and long-awaited development opportunities are on the horizon.

SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO AM) - A Sioux Falls man suffered non-life-threatening injuries in a two car accident involving a police cruiser on North Minnesota Avenue early this morning.

Police say 51-year-old Russell Mouton did not stop at a flashing red light on West 8^th Street and was hit by the marked police car.

Damage to the squad car was 12-thousand dollars and damage to Moulton’s car was estimate at a thousand dollars

Moulton was cited for failure to stop and no insurance.

Alcohol was not a factor.

HURON, SD, (KELO AM) –  The U.S. Department of Agriculture will make available $100 million this year through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and although applications are accepted all year, farmers, ranchers and forest landowners should submit applications by Feb. 27, 2015 to ensure they are considered for this year’s funding (applications received after that date will be considered for future funding).   This year’s investment may result in the enrollment of up to 7.7 million acres in the program by private landowners.

“CSP is a way of incentivizing farmers, ranchers, and private forest managers who maintain a high level of conservation on their land and agree to adopt higher levels of stewardship,” said Jeff Zimprich, state conservationist of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. “By focusing on multiple resource concerns, landowners are able to achieve a sustainable landscape and maintain or increase the productivity of their operations.”

Through CSP, participants take additional conservation steps to improve the resource conditions on their land, including soil, air and habitat quality, water quality and quantity, and energy conservation.

Zimprich said CSP producers are conservation leaders, showing how science-based conservation and technological advancements can improve the environment and farming operations at the same time. For example, David Kruger of Twin Brooks, SD has converted to almost exclusively no-till farming practices with three basic crop rotations, one year each of spring wheat, corn and soybeans.  However, through the CSP Program, Kruger has added a fourth year to his rotation to include winter wheat to increase his soil health and help with water infiltration.

The 2014 Farm Bill brought changes to CSP including an expanded conservation activity list that will offer participants greater options to meet their conservation needs and protect the natural resources on their land. These conservation activities, called enhancements, include cover crops, intensive rotational grazing and wildlife friendly fencing.

CSP will also help broaden the impacts of NRCS’ Landscape Conservation Initiatives through a new pilot effort, which accelerates private lands conservation activities to address particular goals, such as creating habitat for at-risk species and conserving and cleaning water. They include:

• ·       Sage-Grouse Initiative - Applicable states: California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
• ·       Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative – Applicable states: Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
• ·       Ogallala Aquifer Initiative - Applicable states: Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming.
• ·       Longleaf Pine Initiative - Applicable states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

 “CSP is a great addition to our conservation toolbox for our Landscape Conservation Initiatives, which rally together landowners at the broader level to make conservation improvements that help us tackle our nation’s resource issues,” Zimprich said. “Historically, other conservation programs have driven these initiatives, but now with CSP, we’ll be bringing more farmers, ranchers and forest landowners to these efforts.”

Applications should be submitted to local NRCS offices.  As part of the CSP application process, applicants will work with NRCS field personnel to complete a resource inventory of their land, which will help determine the conservation performance for existing and new conservation activities. The applicant's conservation performance will be used to determine eligibility, ranking and payments.

A CSP self-screening checklist is available to help producers determine if the program is suitable for their operation. The checklist highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, stewardship threshold requirements and payment types.

For more on technical and financial assistance available through conservation programs, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted or a local USDA service center.

Today's announcement was made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill. The 2014 Farm Bill builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past five years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers. Since enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life.