COURT

Judges set to swap responsibilities soon

Two local judges will be trading duties in 2011. As of Jan. 2, Judge Sean O’Brien will preside over all felony criminal cases in Davison County. Those cases are currently handled by Judge Tim Bjorkman. Bjorkman will switch to handling civil cases. O’Brien will continue to handle juvenile and abuse and neglect cases, as well as all protection orders and drug and alcohol committals. Bjorkman will handle other civil filings and domestic relations actions. The switch will only affect Davison County.

By Austin Kaus , December 28, 2010

Local judge mixes commentary in with sentencings

Judge Tim Bjorkman is not afraid to speak his mind.
In the four years he’s served as a circuit court judge, he’s presided over wide-ranging cases including drug abuse, rape, drunken driving, stalking and theft. More often than not, Bjorkman will send criminals away with words of advice, admonishment or both.
“I’m often left to figure out whether they need a boost up or a boot in the rear end, frankly,” Bjorkman said in a recent interview with The Daily Republic.

By Austin Kaus , December 28, 2010

Trial date set for embattled leader of area tribe

FORT THOMPSON — The Crow Creek tribal chairman accused of federal bribery and conspiracy charges faces a March 1 trial after a federal judge granted his lawyer a continuance.
Duane Big Eagle, who has not surrendered his chairman post, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit bribery of a tribal official and two counts of bribery involving a tribal government official.
His lawyer, Michael “Mick” Strain, of White River, asked for a 90-day continuance on Oct. 25 because he had just been retained and had not received discovery materials, according to court documents.

By Melanie Brandert , December 15, 2010

More court work done through Interactive TV

Amid the stately stained-wood walls and paintings of past circuit court judges at the Davison County Courthouse in Mitchell is a large television.
With a camera mounted on top, the Interactive TV — or ITV — allows Davison County Clerk of Courts Barb McKean and other court personnel to connect with courts and suspects at other locations and hold initial appearances, hearings and other proceedings.
“It saves a lot of time and money,” McKean said.

By Austin Kaus , December 15, 2010

Police say Davis intended to pull trigger

A Mitchell police lieutenant said the 21-year-old Mitchell Technical Institute student charged with first-degree manslaughter in the death of his friend and fellow student intentionally pulled the trigger of the weapon at the time of the shooting.

By Austin Kaus , December 10, 2010

Lifetime, 10-year driver’s license suspensions issued in local court

One man had his driver’s license suspended for life while another’s was suspended for 10 years Tuesday during alcohol-related court appearances in Mitchell.
A Mitchell man had his driver’s license revoked for life after receiving his 10th drunken driving conviction.

By Austin Kaus , December 08, 2010

Man pleads guilty to selling medicine

A Mitchell man pleaded guilty this month to selling his prescription medication.

November 30, 2010

Man pleads guilty to sexual contact with child charge

A Mitchell man has pleaded guilty to sexual contact with a child younger than 16.

November 30, 2010

Woman pleads guilty in theft case

A Mitchell woman pleaded guilty to felony theft by deception on Nov. 23 in Mitchell.

November 30, 2010

Man arrested for DUI after accident

OACOMA — An Oacoma man was arrested last weekend for driving under the influence after rolling his vehicle on Interstate 90 near Oacoma.

November 30, 2010

Local family's drywall complaint goes to federal court

A local couple who claimed publicly in May that their drywall made them sick has taken their complaint to federal court. Court documents show that a case filed locally by Brandon and Renae Gades against United States Gypsum, UBC/Pro Build and the Doe Company was removed Thursday to federal court.

By Austin Kaus , October 02, 2010

Church arsonists headed to prison

WOONSOCKET — Two men who admitted burning down an Artesian church in November were each sentenced to four years in the state penitentiary Wednesday.
John Bothwell, 20, of Artesian, and Joey Johnson, 19, of Clara City, Minn., and formerly of Fedora, were each sentenced to an eight-year penitentiary sentence, half of which was suspended by Judge David Gienapp.
The pair is required to pay back $35,000 in restitution. They are both jointly and severally liable for the amount, meaning each person is responsible for determining their respective portions of liability and payment.

By Austin Kaus , September 23, 2010

Pharmaceutical company Allergan to pay $600 million for off label marketing of botox

PIERRE, S.D.- Attorney General Marty Jackley announced on September 1, 2010, that the State of South Dakota joined the federal government and other states to reach an agreement in principle with pharmaceutical manufacturer, Allergan, Inc., and Allergan USA, Inc. to settle allegations of improper off-label marketing of the drug Botox. As a result, Allergan will pay the states and the federal government $225 million dollars, of which $33 million dollars is for Medicaid nationwide.

By Press Release , September 02, 2010

Huron man pleads guilty in meth case

A Huron man pleaded guilty to felony methamphetamine possession Tuesday in Davison County Circuit Court.

August 18, 2010

Road signs honoring slain deputy sheriff put on hold

PIERRE — The state Transportation Commission approved the design Thursday but delayed installation of highway signs along S.D. 44 honoring the memory of slain Turner County deputy sheriff Chad Mechels.

By Bob Mercer , September 25, 2009