SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Sioux Falls Police say a couple of quick change artists made off with $750 by confusing a clerk at the eastside Walmart Wednesday night.

     Officer Sam Clemens says the male suspects bought separate, low priced items with fifty and  hundred dollar bills.

     Clemens says the men kept consfusing the clerk.  He says they asked for so many transactions by throwing money back and forth.  He says the clerk became confused and both men left with more money than they should have received.             

     Clemens says as one suspect was working the clerk, the second was acting as a lookout and switched roles for the next transaction.

     Clemens says Walmart's surveillance video did record the incident but the suspects remain at large.

Sioux Falls S.D. (KELO AM) - “The skydive over Madison, S.D. was an absolute thrill,” said Dennis Daugaard, Governor, South Dakota.  “We were on a small plane that took 30 minutes to climb up to 10-thousand feet.  The camera man went out first and my tandem jump partner Dan and I edged toward the door on our knees and 1-2-3 we were out.”

Daugaard said, they free-fell for 5,000 feet which lasted about 30-seconds.  The fall wasn’t really scary, because you don’t perceive the ground coming up and it feels like you are just floating in a windy environment.  It was at 5000 feet, Dan pulled the chute and it took a little for the cords to unravel.  Dan would pull one side and we would wheel around and pull on the other side and we would wheel around the other way. 

“I did this because the Madison, S.D. Dairy Queen sells the most Blizzards nation-wide for the Children’s Miracle Network,” said Daugaard.  “Madison is a small community for a Dairy Queen location and they really go after it on Children’s Miracle Treat Day.  I agreed to jump if they sold over 32-thousand Blizzards, and they blew past that and sold 38-thousand.” 

Daugaard said it was a lot of fun and he would jump again, but the First Lady (Linda) may not be so thrilled about it.  With the jump being a huge success, the Governor shifted to Medicaid expansion; another topic on his mind.

“The Medicaid report is being completed right now and there were a lot of comments with different members asking for amendments,” Said Daugaard.  “I have blocked out some time next week to look at the final report.  It doesn’t recommend to be for or against the expansion but lays out the pros and cons, and with that I will hopefully gain the insight of whether South Dakota should expand or not.”

Daugaard said he isn’t pre-disposed to expanding it, and would like to see the federal government subsidies starting on January first.  He pointed out that right now we do cover the adult population who are frail or unable, but the able-bodied adults aren’t covered.  After January, anyone working 30 hours at minimum wage will be qualified for these federal subsidies.  The workers will pay 2-percent of their income and the federal subsidies will pay for the rest. 

“I want to be open minded and not oblivious to facts of which I am unaware,” said Daugaard.  “With all if the facts, I will have to make a budget recommendation as part of my address in December.  Starting 1 October, people who want to comply with the individual mandate can apply.”

Daugaard said he is also concerned with the Canadian Pacific Railway and work they need to complete.  He is aware that many shippers and commodity groups rely on this railway and wants them to keep to their initial representations that they presented when they purchased the railway in 2008. 

“They said they would invest 300-million dollars in upgrades which are on top of what the Dakota Minnesota and Eastern Railroad were going to make anyway,” said Daugaard.   “There are Class One rails that allow a 10-mile per hour rate, Excepted Rail which is worse than Class One and they promised to upgrade everything to Class Three – the best.  I want to know if they fulfilled all those promises, and we are going to press the Surface Transportation Board to make sure they meet their commitments.” 

“We want to make sure Canadian Pacific meets their conditions of their sale, because after owning the railway for only six years, they want to sell,” said Daugaard. 

Daugaard said he is watching the draught map for the year and is thankful.  At the beginning of March, we were at 100-percent draught with 87-percent in severe draught.  Now at the end of August two-thirds of the state has no draught and less than 1-percent in severe draught – a dramatic turnaround!

Governor Dennis Daugaard was a guest on the Greg Belfrage Show August 30, 2013.  

CANTON, SD (KELO-AM) - A Sioux Falls man died last night in a single-vehicle crash at 285^th Street and 482^nd Avenue near Canton.

Delbert Dave Duncan, 82, was driving west in a 2005 Chrysler Town & Country van when the vehicle left the roadway near the intersection. The vehicle hit a guardrail and vaulted into the creek, where it caught fire. Duncan, who was not wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene from injuries received in the crash.

No further information is immediately available.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) -The 16^th annual LifeLight South Dakota Festival, featuring contemporary Christian music artists, begins today near Worthing.

     Founder Alan Greene says the Festival is a family-friendly event with activities for kids and adults.

     Greene says seven stages cover a variety of music.  He says Newsboys are always a huge favorite among families and youth.  Other groups include Flyleaf, Building 429, Audio Adrenaline, Plumb and the Rhett Walker Band.  Green says those are a handful of the 100 bands playiing at LifeLight this weekend.              

     LifeLight is a free Christian music festival that runs through Sunday.

     Greene says you can take Minnesota Avenue south out of Sioux Falls and you’ll drive right to the Festival.

On Tuesday morning, September 3, 2013, 40th Street will be closed to through traffic between Minnesota Avenue and Phillips Avenue. Access will be provided for local traffic at all times.

Sunkota Construction will be performing utility work. The work is anticipated to be finished by the evening of September 10, 2013.

Motorists are urged to use caution and reduced speeds while travelling through the construction area

The thunderstorms that brought relief to the heat Saturday night left car and store damage in its wake.

Damage was reported at the Empire and Empire East malls.  Target had damage to the roof, while a retaining wall at J.C. Penny was partially knocked down.  Vehicles in the parking lot at Target had windows broken by hail.

Damage was also reported at the Outdoor Campus.  

SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO-AM) President Obama's remarks regarding the Syrian use of chemical weapons on Saturday and the fact that Congress will be consulted for a vote on any impending action has brought protesters out to voice their concerns. In Minneapolis-St. Paul, the Associated Press is reporting a small protest held on the University of Minnesota campus, with a larger event planned for Tuesday. Locally, several protesters were out in downtown Sioux Falls with signs stating their opposition to any U.S. intervention. No word yet on whether any further protests are planned in Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls, S.D. (KELO AM) - On Saturday night at around 10:15 rain, hail and very high winds blew through Sioux Falls.  Many homes, businesses and many trees suffered damage.

"My family and I were watching TV when it hit," said Christina Brown, Sioux Falls Resident.  I thought someone was trying to open my front door.  The storm was furious but it over in about 10 minutes"

Browm said, in the morning, reflections of the Sioux Falls Ice Storm had come back.  A lot of trees were down, houses had lost shingles and a business under construction near 62nd and Western had blown down. 

"I hope the city has a little money left over from the Ice Storm and will take these branches away," said Jim Daniels, Sioux Falls Resident.  "KELO TV said this was more direct wind, not a tornado, but the two feel quite similar."

Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) - Beginning Monday, September 2, 2013, various lanes will be closed to allow for routine inspection of City bridges. On Monday, lanes will be reduced on the 49th Street Bridge near Sertoma Park. On Monday and Tuesday, lanes will be reduced on the downtown Eighth Street Bridge. On Tuesday, lanes will be reduced on the Minnesota Avenue Bridge near Interstate 229. On Wednesday, lanes will be reduced on the 26th Street Bridge at Southeastern Avenue. On Wednesday and Thursday, lanes will be reduced on the River Boulevard Bridge near Southeastern Avenue. On Thursday, lanes will be reduced on the North Drive Bridge near North Fourth Avenue. On Friday, lanes will be reduced on the Cliff Avenue Bridge near Chambers Street. On Friday and Saturday, lanes will be reduced on the 12th Street Bridge near Lyons Ave. On Saturday, lanes will be reduced on the 12th Street Bridge over Skunk Creek.

Lanes will be closed for the inspections from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but traffic will be maintained in both directions at all times.

Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) - Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation has just released the fall 2013 Activities Guide. The guide lists 20 pages of fall recreational activities for all ages. Programs include health and fitness, sports, recreation and leisure, and adaptive activities. Information from the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum, Great Bear Recreation Park, Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum, and the Washington Pavilion is also included.

The guide will arrive in mailboxes August 31. The guides will also be available at all five community centers, the Park Office, Park Shop, Siouxland Libraries, Great Bear Recreation Park, Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum, The Outdoor Campus, City Hall, Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Falls Park Visitor Information Center.

More information, including a downloadable copy of the guide, can be found atwww.siouxfalls.org/parks. To receive updates on Parks and Recreation activities, subscribe to the weekly newsletter at my.siouxfalls.org or visit www.facebook.com/siouxfallsparks orwww.twitter.com/siouxfallsparks.

BRANDON, S.D. (KELO AM) -- Beaver Creek Nature Area near Brandon will host the 35th Annual Homesteader Day Harvest Festival on Sunday, Sept. 8 from 1 - 4 p.m. CDT to showcase what life in the prairies was like for the early Dakota Territory settlers.

The event attracts thousands of visitors of all ages each year who want a taste of homestead life and pioneer living history.

"At the Homestead Day Harvest Festival, we give people a chance to experience first-hand the sights, sounds and smells of days gone by," said District Park Supervisor Travis Theilen. "It's gratifying to watch young kids stare in amazement while they listen to their grandparents reminisce about life when they were children.

"Visitors can watch teams of horses go about the tasks of plowing, cultivating, seeding and harvesting the old-fashioned way. Visitors can also take part in homestead crafts like candle and rope making, Dutch oven cooking and butter making. Other demonstrations will include rosemaling, wood carving, chair caning, blacksmithing and pioneer games.

The historic 1870s Samuelson homestead cabin will be open for viewing where there will be a display of farming tools and cabin furnishings. All the while, the air will be filled with the sounds of the South Dakota Old Time Fiddlers, who have been a part of the event for its entire 35-year run.

Admission to the Homesteader Day Harvest Festival is free. The event is made possible by the support of Siouxland Heritage Museums, Mary Chilton DAR Foundation, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, and many dedicated volunteers.

Beaver Creek Nature Area is located southeast of Brandon, one-half mile west of the intersection of 484th Avenue and 264th Street. For more information, contact Palisades State Park at 605-594-3824. For more information on South Dakota State Parks, visit www.gfp.sd.gov.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - No one spoke during today’s public hearing on the Minnehaha County budget.

     The County’s proposed budget is over 68-million dollars, a four percent increase from this year.

     Chairman Gerald Beninga says the only time the Commission hears from people is after the budget is adopted.  Beninga says it's disappointing to him that the Commission doesn't get any input from the public about how the body spends taxpayer dollars.  He says the Commission will get some critique later in the process.              

     The Commission’s vote on final adoption is September 24^th.

 SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Authorities wrote 184 citations during last week’s school zone enforcement patrol.

     Sioux Falls Police Lieutenant Jerry Miller says 144 cites were for speeding.  Miller says there were 45 no insurance and 35 seat belt citations.

     Miller says that just because the school zone enforcement  patrol is over, doesn't mean there aren't officers working Sioux Falls school zones.  He reminds drivers to pay attention to their speed and driving habits around schools            

     Miller says Sioux Falls Police, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the South Dakota Highway Patrol were part of the effort.

     A sobriety checkpoint on I-229 at Minesota Avenue resulted in 25 DUI arrests late Friday night into Saturday morning.  

     Miller says the Highway Patrol, Sioux Falls Police and the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office conducted the checkpoint.  He says it was part of the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" National campaign.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - A Sioux Falls man is charged with raping the six-year-old daughter of his live-in girlfriend.

     Officer Sam Clemens says 23-year-old Emmanuel Francis Pio is accused of having sexual contact with the child.

     Clemens says the victim’s mother woke up early Sunday morning and heard her boyfriend go to her daughter’s bedroom.  He says she went to the girl's bedroom and found Pio in his underwear and the girl naked from the waist down. 

     Clemens says the mother called police and Pio was arrested for first degre rape.  Pio was in the home when authorities arrived.

VERMILLION, S.D. (KELO AM) -- The University of South Dakota Foundation announced today that Orrin Estebo, a Redwood Falls, Minn. attorney, has committed $1 million to support construction and renovation of the University of South Dakota School of Law.

A 1971 USD Law School graduate, Estebo said the gift was motivated by his experiences there. It’s the largest single contribution in Estebo’s expanding portfolio of philanthropy.

“Education opens doors,” he said. “I don’t care what you’re pursuing. The more I learned, the more I was subjected to opportunities that worked out.”

Estebo came to the USD in 1968, leaving his job in chemical sales, to pursue a law degree. He went on to write for the South Dakota Law Review, serve as Student Bar Association president and graduated with honors. His significant gift will be used to renovate and enhance the 32-year-old law school building, including expansion of the common space where students, alumni and the public gather.

“We’re honored and excited that Orrin has offered his generosity and leadership,” stated Thomas Geu, dean of the Law School, who added that Estebo’s gift demonstrates his understanding of the importance of community. “This gift will provide the physical space for dialogue to take place and the necessary human connections for community to emerge.”

The now mostly retired lawyer and businessman said giving also benefits the donor. “When people say you’re making a lasting difference and you can see it, that’s a good feeling.”

“It’s a gift,” he added. “I feel like I’m getting a gift.”

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Police say the woman who said she was raped in downtown Sioux Falls early Sunday has changed her story.

     Officer Sam Clemens says the 30 year old woman says she was assaulted but at a different location and she knows her assailant.

     Clemens says rape by a stranger is rare.  He says the vast majority of sexual assaults the victim knows the suspect.  For whatever reason, Clemens says, she didn't give that information to police when she first reported the incident.

     Clemens says invstigators believe the assault occured early Sunday morning when she reported it to authorities at the Law Enforcement Center.             

     Clemens says the investigation still considers the woman a victim of sexual assault.

     He says there’s a lot of work remaining in the investigation.    

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - A Sioux Falls man suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries when he was hit by a truck driven by a man he had been arguing with.

     Officer Sam Clemens says 35-year-old Scott Denys O’Brion allegedly hit the man with his pickup after the victim used a two-by-four to damage the truck.

     Clemens says O’Brion drove away but turned around and drove at the victim.  Clemens says police have a witness who saw O'Brion drive purposely at the 20 year old Sioux Falls man and accelerate as he got closer.  He says the victim was hit by the truck and the drive fled the scene.               

     Clemens says O’Brion drove to the Law Enforcement Center where he surrendered to police.

     O’Brion is charged with D-W-I and aggravated assault.

Brookings, S.D. (KELO AM) - Farmers, crop insurance and the weather are intricately related and those interested in learning more about protecting themselves from loss are encouraged to come to South Dakota State University to hear a visiting scholar who is researching the subject.

Dmitry Vedenov, associate professor of agricultural economics at Texas A&M University, will come to campus tomorrow to present a seminar on "Approaches to Design of Weather Insurance Contracts Under Data Limitations."

The seminar will be held at the Avera Health and Science Center in room 0041 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The seminar is free and open to the public.

"When you are dealing with data limitations, how do you actually design a contract and what sort of measurement tools are out there that will help you design a contract for insurance?" asks Eluned Jones, professor and head of the department of economics at SDSU. "Dr. Vedenov is an expert on this subject.

Specifically, Vedenov will discuss weather derivatives, which are essentially insurance contracts that protect farmers from losses due to unfavorable weather.

He said weather derivatives have the potential of providing an additional safety net for producers. However, practical design of the contracts is often hampered due to the lack of reliable yield data.

Vedenov is currently researching how to combine agronomic information on crops with economic theory in order to circumvent any data limitations.

"I'm looking forward to sharing my research with faculty and students," he said. "The results seem to be promising in that the designed contracts still retain most of the useful features of the weather derivatives."I

n the morning, Vedenov will meet with graduate students in economics to discuss a mathematical modeling structure for addressing risk management issues. 

He will hold an open discussion in Scobey Hall, room 133, with faculty and area stakeholders such as Raven Industries, South Dakota Wheat Growers Association, banks, crop insurance agencies and farm credit companies following the seminar.

For more information, contact the SDSU Department of Economics at (605) 688-4880.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - While construction continues around the new Denny Sanford PREMIER Center and on Russell Street, both on-site and off-site parking is available during Howard Wood Field events.

     President’s Bowl is this Saturday, Dakota Bowl is a week from Saturday and the Festival of Bands is October 5^th.

     President’s Bowl Co-Chair Ann Nachtigal says there are plenty of parking lots around Howard Wood and there is on-street parking mostly south and east of the complex.  She encourages fans to try and stay away from residential streets but she realizes people do park there.  She asks that you park on those as a last resort.       Nachtigal say there will be many volunteers wearing bright orange to guide traffic to parking spots in the lots.

     Nachtigal says parking is also available at parks including McCart Fields, Terrace and Veterans’ Memorial.     

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Sioux Falls is on pace to have a record-breaking year for building permits.   

     Director of Planning and Building Services Mike Cooper says valuation to date has reached nearly 447 million dollars.

     Cooper says residential construction values have skyrocketed.  He says the city is just under a total of 1,600 news housing units including single family homes and apartments.  Cooper says going back 20 years, from January through August, it's the highest number the city has ever seen.              

     Cooper says the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, the Hilton Garden, Costco and Glanbia Nutritionals are investing millions in Sioux Falls.

     Of the current building projects valued at $10 million, or more, four are projects supported or recruited by Sioux Falls Community Development.