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This Hour: Latest South Dakota news, sports, business and entertainment

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GOVERNOR-SPECIAL SESSION

Special legislative session scheduled for June 22

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Governor Dennis Daugaard (DOO'-gahrd) says he will call the South Dakota Legislature into a special session on June 22nd to deal with cost overruns in the construction of a new State Veterans Home in Hot Springs.

The Legislature earlier this year approved a bill authorizing the spending of $41.3 million in state and federal money to build the new home. But Daugaard says when bids from contractors were opened recently, the lowest bid was considerably above projections. He says that will lead to a total project cost of $51.3 million.

Daugaard says the state can't wait until the next legislative session in January to deal with the issue.

Current estimates show there should be $14 million to $20 million in year-end funds available.

HURON WATER PARK

City of Huron opens $12.5M water park

HURON, S.D. (AP) - The city of Huron on Friday opened its new $12.5 million Splash Central Water Park on the former campus of Huron University.

Mayor Paul Aylward tells KOKK radio that the water park is a great facility to enhance the quality of life in the city, and it will be something that draws people to Huron.

The park features pools, slides, a water coaster, an obstacle course and a lazy river.

Former Huron Mayor Dave McGirr, who had the idea for Splash Central come to him in a dream, emceed Friday's ribbon cutting.

FORT PIERRE RIVERWALK

Fort Pierre development might go before voters

FORT PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Some people in Fort Pierre want residents to vote on breaks for a proposed $16 million riverfront development.

A group is circulating petitions to refer to a public vote actions taken by the Fort Pierre City Council as part of its approval of the Riverwalk Landing project. The plan is to include a marina, restaurant and retail shops on the Missouri River.

Referral effort leader Diane London says it's an issue of fairness. She says others who have bought lots and built businesses in the area aren't being given the same breaks by the city.

1 of the Riverwalk Landing developers, Glennis Zarecky, says she's disappointed by the referral effort. She says the project will benefit the city.

Mayor Sam Tidball says he thinks the project would survive a public vote.

SLUMBER PARTY RAPE

Rapid City mane gets 30 years for child rape

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - A 33-year-old Rapid City man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for raping a 9-year-old girl at a slumber party.

The Rapid City Journal reports that Jeremy Bauer was sentenced Friday. A jury found Bauer guilty of first-degree rape in March.

Authorities said Bauer raped the girl at his home in April 2012 when she was attending a sleepover at the home. Authorities say Bauer tried to convince her she was just having a nightmare. His defense unsuccessfully argued during trial that physical evidence of a crime was lacking.

SHARK MISSING

Shark disappears from miniature golf course

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - Police in the Black Hills tourist destination of Rapid City are on the lookout for a 12-foot shark.

The Rapid City Journal reports that the sculptured sea creature that typically hangs over Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf had been removed for repair last week. It was being stored behind the business when it disappeared.

It's valued at about $6,000.

Police are asking anyone with information on the shark to call the station.

GAS THEFT

DOT worker accused of stealing gas

MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) - A 60-year-old man is accused of taking more than $1,000 in gasoline while employed as a state highway maintenance worker.

The Daily Republic reports that Gary Lee Trabing was arrested Thursday on one count of grand theft.

Mitchell police say Trabing is accused of stealing more than $1,000 in gasoline for use in his personal vehicles from the South Dakota Department of Transportation office in Mitchell.

Police say that Trabing was arrested after officers received information that he allegedly acted suspiciously at his workplace.

Attorney information for Trabing was not provided and there was no answer Friday at a listed telephone number.

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