Argus-Leader from Sioux Falls, South Dakota • Page 15

I Soil erosion damages 23,000 acres of South Dakota cropland this year By MEL ANTONEN Argus Leader Staff A lack of snow cover this winter has South the same months in 1982, 6,000 acres were damaged, he said. Soil is considered damaged if production capacity is hurt or if it is open to further erosion, Breyer said. Farmers performed emergency tillage on about 35,000 acres during the first two months of 1983 compared to 6,000 in 1982, he said. "Emergency tillage means the operator has to rough up the soil in some way to stop it from moving," Breyer said. "The degree of cropland damage could be anywhere from 5 percent to 95 percent." The lack of snow cover has meant more emergency tillage this winter, Breyer said.

He said the lack of snow cover was most prevalent in areas north and west of Huron. "There was just no snow in the Aberdeen area this winter," Breyer said. In the 10 Great Plains states, South Dakota wind-eroded land accounted for 27 percent of all the acreages damaged, the Soil Conservation Service said. There were 390,000 acres of land in the state damaged because of wind in the first two months of 1983 compared to 470,000 a year ago, Breyer said. The statistic includes anything from the slightest movement of soil to 10 tons an acre, he said.

The tolerable loss the most soil land can lose and still be productive is 5 tons an acre, and Breyer estimated that about half of the 390,000 acres were losing more than the tolerable level. South Dakota loses most of its soil to wind erosion during January, February and March, he said. When crops are planted this spring, erosion will slow, he said. The winter's freezing and thawing temperatures smoothed soil and made it easy for wind to blow the soil away with an avalanche-type effect, Breyer said. "One soil particle is picked up by the wind and it dislodges others," he said.

"It is like throwing a baseball into another bucket of baseballs. Usually three or four baseballs will pop out of the bucket when the first baseball hits." South Dakota has 12 million acres of cropland. Although wind damage in South Dakota was up, total wind damage in the Great Plains states dropped 30 percent during a four-month period from a year ago, the Soil Conservation Service said. The Great Plains states stretch from Texas to North Dakota with the Rocky Mountains as the western border. The service said wind damaged 1.4 million acres in the Great Plains.

Dakota blowing away faster than it was a year ago. "Because of the open winter, the soil erosion hazards have been magnified," Dwayne Breyer, state resource conservationist in Huron, S.D., said Tuesday. "If there would have been 6 inches of snow cover like last year, the wind wouldn't have been able to get to the soil." About 23,000 acres of cropland in South Da-; kota had some degree of wind damage during the first two months of 1983, Breyer said. For 11QQS2 Obituaries Argus Leader, Sioux Falls, S.D. Wednesday, March 23, 1983 Classifieds tup Dinriteirsttatie dan started Project will finish beltway around Sioux Falls Western Avenue The Empire rcy Mart vV Minnehaha County Lincoln County 1-229 Broken line shows Ihe proposed changes in the 1-29 and 1-229 interchange southwest of Sioux Fats.

The changes will allow southbound traffic on 1-29 to turn onto the northbound lanes of 1-229 and will allow southbound traffic on 1-229 to turn onto the northbound lanes of 1-29. 11 xu II 'rTT Ve it This is a map of the proposed changes in the intersection of Interstate 29 and Interstate 229 southwest of Sioux Falls. By JON HOLTEN Argus Leader Staff Construction to improve access at the intersection of Interstates 29 and 229 is scheduled to be completed Nov. Five bids on the $1.7 million project, all within $82,000, were opened Tuesday morning by state highway officials in Pierre. The long-awaited project will complete the freeway beltline surrounding Sioux Falls, making travel in the area easier and safer, Dean Nielson, executive director of the Southeastern Council of Government, said.

New ramps will allow traffic heading southwest on 1-229 to enter northbound lanes on 1-29, and traffic driving south on 1-29 can go northeast on 1-229. Those options are not available now at the Y-intersection in Lincoln County southwest of Sioux Falls. As read, Sweetman Construction Sioux Falls, was the low bidder at $1,664,985. Engineers with the South Dakota Department of Transportation had estimated the cost at $1,697,552. "That's a good bid for a much-needed project," Nielson said.

The other bidders by increasing amount were Arcon Construction Mora, Dave Gustafson and Sioux Falls; Irving F. Jensen Sioux City, Iowa; and Progressive Contractors Osseo, Minn, with a high bid of $1,746,254. The construction will create jobs from late April into October, a spokesman for Sweetman Construction said. Wally Larsen, director of administration in the state Department of Transportation, said the bids will be evaluated before the contract is awarded. Minor revisions for errors are possible, he said.

Highway director Charles Larson said the decision could be made as early as Thursday, contingent on Fed- AP photo A flock of Canada geese takes off from the SouthDakota Capitol groundsTuesday morning. On Pierre Used car, gasoline tax battle saved for last day eral Highway Administration approval. The federal government would pay for about 91 percent of the cost, with the state paying the remaining 9 percent, administration director Larsen said. Right of way on farmland adjacent to the intersection has been acquired, he said. Larsen said the project results from long-term efforts by state and local officials.

They pushed for the access when the intersection was being planned, but the federal government resisted the additional expense and doubted that traffic would warrant it, Larsen said. The state conducted studies in 1970 and 1977 that indicated the project was justified, Larsen said. And in 1979, 20 years after the intersection was completed, federal government agreed to contribute interstate highway construction money for the improvements. "I think everybody in the Sioux Falls area has been working to get this project since the late '50s," Niel-; son said. "This finally provides a true' beltline type of interstate." Nielson said the improved access' will permit trucks to bypass city streets and will relieve congestion on major city streets.

In 1977, the council of government predicted that 5,500 vehicles would, use the two ramps daily. Larsen said that figure probably is conservative because many more people will choose the speedy convenience of the highways even if it adds distance to their The start of the project was delayed by uncertainty about a Burlington Northern railroad line west of the in tersection. Abandonment of the line in 1982 allowed the state to cut expenses by almost one-half, Larsen said. Had the line not been abandoned, the project would have involved moving the track to the northeast and then building a bridge over the tracks. well as deals between customers and car dealers.

"I just think it's a monster to administer. We're asking for a ton of grief," House Speaker Jerome Lam-mers, R-Madison, said. Lammers was among the supporters of raising the gas tax and leaving used car sales exempt from tax. Senate Democratic Leader Roger McKellips, AJcester another supporter of the gas tax plan, said he thought the public would be more willing to accept the gas tax hike. Supporters of the used car tax plan said South Dakota is one of only three states that do not tax used car sales, and that most other used items are subject to sales tax when Lawmakers have been looking for ways to help raise about 15 million during the next three years to qualify for an additional $130 million in federal gasoline tax aid.

The Senate has favored the used car tax, which would raise an estimated $4.6 million a year. The House has favored the gas tax increase, which would raise about $3 million a year. The gas tax hike would come on top of a 5-cent-a-gallon federal tax increase scheduled to take effect April 1 and would push the state's gas tax rate to 14 cents a gallon. The car tax would take effect July 1 and cost used car buyers 3 percent of the price they pay for used vehicles. The tax, monitored through title registration changes, would take in deals between individuals as By ROB SWENSON Argus Leader Capitol Bureau Legislators failed Tuesday to agree on a way to raise extra money for roads, setting up a last-day battle about proposed gasoline and used car taxes.

Before they adjourn the 1983 session today, the South Dakota Legislature will renew debate over which way to get the money, i "We'll pass some funding bill," Assistant Senate Republican Leader George Shanard, Mitchell, predicted. "I feel it would be irresponsible not to." The Senate and House couldn agree whether to raise the state's gas tax 1 cent a gallon or put a 3 percent excise tax on used car sales. Farmers: We won't back down they are resold in South Dakota. Legislators overturn veto for college building Janklow gets computer purchasing bill The state Bureau of Administration could control the purchase of computers and other office equipment for all state agenciender a bill that won final legislative approval Tuesday. The bill, which now goes to Gov.

William Janklow, was passed 43-23 by the House and 18-11 by the Senate. Senators originally objected to giving an agency under the governor's control the power to veto equipment purchases by the Legislature, but the final version of the bill does just that. Supporters said the bill could reduce wasteful spending for unsuitable computer equipment, telephone systems and other office equipment. Senate Republican Leader Homer Harding of Pierre said the Legislature can change the law next year if the Bureau of Administration abuses its power to control equipment purchases. ble and wasn't about to bring them all down with Harvey Suhr, a Hendricks, farmer said eroding farm prices and high interest rates ate up his equity.

"I was worth $600,000 three years ago, but now I have to sell," Suhr said. Another Tyler farmer, Alfred Jensen, said dropping land prices continue to squeeze farmers. Jensen said some farmers are holding out longer than others because they have more equity to go on. All farmers are slid ing backward, he said. "Land prices dropped 18 percent last year, and farmers were squeezed," Jensen said.

"If they drop more this; year, more farmers will be hurting." Farmers have been borrowing against their land to stay in business. That collateral is eroding, Lake Benton farmer Jack Delaney said. Eric De Rycke, a Lake Benton lawyer for the protesting farmers, said the group may appeal the sale of Nor-gaard's farm. The group made noise throughout the 20-mi-nute sale and says that the sale was illegal because Thompson couldn't have heard the association's bid above all the yelling. Thompson said he knew what the credit association was going to bid before the sale.

De Rycke said at least 10 members of his organization called him Tuesday and said they didn't think Thompson heard the bid. "There's a good possibility that we will appeal because the sheriff had the bid before the auction," De Rycke said. By MEL ANTONEN Argus Leader Staff Farmers who tried to stop a sheriff's farm sale in Ivanhoe, said there are going to be more foreclosures and more demonstrations. Monday, a Lake Benton, farmer, Don Norgaard, watched as Sheriff Albert Thompson of Lincoln County sold his farm at public auction on the courthouse steps. Norgaard had to sell his farm to pay a $60,000 debt to the Production Credit Association.

Many of the 200 farmers said they were in the same financial boat as Norgaard. Dave Duus, a 39-year-old Tyler, farmer owes the association $62,000, and his farm will be sold from the same courthouse steps Monday. "We are planning to stop the sale," Duus said. "How we are going to do it is our secret. There won't be violence, but farmers have to quit backing down." Duus is the county president for Citizens Organization Act Together.

The group calls itself COACT and is a Minnesota organization of farmers who want all farm foreclosures stopped until minimum grain prices can be established by law. Dennis Utoft, a Tyler farmer, said the battle is just getting started. He said a bigger crowd of protesters will be on hand when Duus' farm is auctioned. Pat O'Reilly, a Canby, farmer, said a lending institution sold out his farm last week. "I sold because I had an obligation to the businessmen in the town," O'Reilly said.

"I was in financial trou By The Associated Press Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to overturn Gov. William Janklow's veto of a bill that could give Black Hills State College a new physical education building. The Legislature accepted Janklow's vetoes on 11 other measures, and the Senate was still considering whether to override the governor's veto of a bill classifying certain crimes. The House voted 60-7 and senators voted 33-1 to pass the Black Hills State College bill despite Janklow's opposition. The Legislature originally passed the bill as part of a package setting out a plan to build six buildings on college and university campuses across the state, but only when money is available.

Janklow told lawmakers he vetoed the Black Hills State College build- iversities as a compromise package, and they didn't think the package should be broken up. None of the six college and university buildings could be built unless the governor and the Legislature's Appropriations Committee agree that money is available. ing because enrollment at the school had dropped 18 percent since 1970, and the school had no plans to let outside community groups from around Spearfish share the facility. Lawmakers said they passed the six building bills for colleges and un 4 Sioux Falls men accused of robbery Lawmakers face last-minute funding bill today their way into the house, court records said. One of the men was carrying a knife and the other a pistol.

Oetting was knocked down and handcuffed, while Tilson was knocked down and tied up with a rope, the records said. Oetting told police he had met one of the men a few months ago and recognized another man. The four suspects were arrested a half hour after the robbery when Officer Herb Roe stopped their light station wagon at 15th Street and Summit Avenue. Police recovered some of Oetting's and Tilson's stolen property in the car, Edman said. The men will appear Thursday in Magistrate Court for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to continue the case in Circuit Court.

At least three men ransacked a Sioux Falls home early Tuesday, taking money, cameras and jewelry, after handcuffing and binding the residents. Four Sioux Falls men arrested for the robbery remain in the Minnehaha County Jail with bonds of $10,000 each. Martin L. Bennning, 20, of 211 E. 14th his roommate, Tim B.

Engebret-son, 26, Bruce Edmon Bolan, 24, of 612 S. Willow and Donald L. Bolan, 23, of 632 S. Summit were charged with first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary. James A.

Oetting and Mary Jane Tilson told police that they were in the apartment at 716j W. 11th St. at about 12:15 a.m. when they heard a knock at the door. Oetting answered the door and at least three men forced hour sentence on the second offense.

Another $225 million in bonding for the state Housing Development Authority to fund home loans next year. The bill, which also removes income limits on people who could receive the loans, passed the Senate 35-0 Tuesday. The House votes -today. A bill allowing closed hearings in cases involving sexual abuse of children. Higher park user fees.

The House approved an increase from $6 to $8 on the yearly permit, but the Senate objected to the price hike. awaiting action on the final day: An attempt to overturn a recent state Supreme Court ruling that says bars and liquor stores can be sued if they serve liquor to an intoxicated person who later harms someone. The Senate voted 21-14 to pass the bill protecting bars and liquor stores from liability. The House votes today. One of Janklow's proposals to crack down on drunken drivers that would require mandatory jail sentences for DWI convictions.

The House voted 55-10 Tuesday to put first offenders in jail for 24 hours. The Senate prefers a mandatory 48- By The Associated Press Lawmakers said Tuesday that it appeared there would be only one last-minute bill introduced as the Legislature wraps up its final day of the 1983 session. The measure deals with funding an intervention into a natural gas refund case. The Public Utilities Commission has suggested that lawmakers allow them to pass at least some the costs of the intervention onto its utility companies. Some lawmakers, however, think the cost of the intervention should come from the refund.

Here are some other bills still Corbly arrested on traffic warrant A Colton, S.D., woman arrested for ndt paving a speeding ticket said she refused to pay because the ticket was not valid. Shyrl Corbly, who believes the U.S. Constitution supercedes local laws, was arrested Tuesday afternoon on an $85 warrant and taken to the Minnehaha County Jail. Sgt. Jerry Westre said Corbly was arrested because she had failed to pav the speeding ticket or set a date for a court trial.

Corbly said the ticket was invalid because it had not been signed by a notary public, as specified on the ticket. On March 15, the last day she could come to court for the ticket, she said she called a city hall clerk and said she wouldn't appear. Westre said of the arrest: "No problems. She read the arrest, and said she'd go with us." Corbly said the warrant also was incorrect because it said she would be taken to court. Instead, she was.

taken to jail, where she paid the bond. "This has got to quit," she said. "They're handing out things that aren't right. I don't mean the officer is doing wrong he's right in the middle. I mean the court system." Corbly plans to tell her story in Magistrate Court today.

Candidates discuss school taxes, curriculum, Washington By JON WALKER Argus Leader Staff Sioux Falls schools should be partially financed by business donations and a 1-cent city sales tax, Elaine Ja-cobson, a school board candidate, said Tuesday. Jacobson was one of eight candidates who spoke to about 75 people in a public forum at Axtell Park Junior High School. She said businesses should have the option of donating Pam Nelson and Nancy Waxdahl said they would like to see the program become a ninth-grade option only. "I think it's important kids have a uniform curriculum and scientific background," Nelson said. Sue Brown said that the issue is how much flexibility a curriculum should have and that Patrick Henry took a risk in starting the program in 1970.

"It was well worth the risk they took," she said. Martha Baker said she prefers building a new Washington High School, but that she would consider remodeling the old school downtown. "If we renovate, we must be sure the facilities are adequate to avert the possible need for a third high school in the future Baker said. Robert Portice said a new Hawthorne Elementary should be the district's priority. He supports a new Washington: Let's build a new high school.

We spend more time worrying about potholes in the streets than we do about kids getting an education." adopt a budget process that breaks down costs by school instead of by activity. "Good education costs money. It always has," but it's impossible to make smart decisions until the budget is studied differently, Floyd said. The candidates were divided on what to do with the self-paced science program that's used in grades 7 through 9 at Patrick Henry Junior High School, a program that's different from what is used at the other three junior highs. "I'd like to sit down with business and banking leaders, a legislator and a tax lawyer, and find a way to share the wealth," she said.

Randall G. Hansen, another candidate, agreed that schools should rely less on property taxes. He said that the state should give more money to school districts, and that today's system based on property taxes hurts retired people on fixed incomes. "I'm working right now. Let me pay the tax now," Hansen said.

Joe H. Floyd said the district should money to schools and getting an income-tax break in return..