South Dakota News Digest

Here's a look at AP's general news coverage in South Dakota. Questions about coverage plans go to News Editor Doug Glass at 612-332-2727 or [email protected]. Jeff Baenen is on the desk.

This information is not for publication or broadcast, and these plans are subject to change. Expected stories may not develop, or late-breaking and more newsworthy events may take precedence. Advisories, digests and digest advisories will keep you up to date.

For up-to-the minute information on AP's coverage, visit Coverage Plan at newsroom.ap.org.

Some TV and radio stations will receive broadcast versions of the stories below, along with all updates.

TOP STORY:

SESSION PREVIEW

PIERRE, S.D. — Lawmakers say things will be fast and furious when South Dakota's Republican-dominated Legislature convenes. Working on a tight deadline, many lawmakers have put issues familiar from last year at the top of their to-do lists. That includes stretching a tight budget, legalizing industrial hemp, and preparing for potential protests of the Keystone XL pipeline. By Stephan Groves. SENT: 1,050 words. For use in weekend editions or anytime before Tuesday session start.

With:

SESSION PREVIEW-KEY PLAYERS.

AROUND THE STATE:

TV COMPETITORS MERGE

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Two of Sioux Falls' largest network affiliates have joined forces to operate as one brand. SENT: 420 words.

EXCHANGE-SHARING THE DREAM

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — When Vermillion native Diane Nesselhuf adopted two children from Guatemala more than two decades ago, she was disturbed by the stories of the other children in their orphanage. “Many of the children were there because their parents couldn’t afford them," Nesselhuf said. “It bothered me.” So much so that Nesselhuf traveled to Guatemala and spent a month talking with different groups, asking how she could help. The answer was clear: Buy their homemade products, and women would be able to keep their children. In 1996, Nesselhuf started Sharing the Dream in Guatemala, a nonprofit organization that works to reduce poverty in Guatemala by partnering with local artisans and other small businesses. By Katie Nelson, Argus Leader. SENT IN ADVANCE: 741 words, photos.

EXCHANGE-KNITTING FOR A CAUSE

DEADWOOD, S.D. — Each and every wrap and stitch Robin Carmody put in to 24, 5-foot by 8-inch hand-knit scarves over the last eight months turned into a Christmas “purl” to be opened and enjoyed by veterans in Oregon. “Besides the fact that I joined my friend (Jean Allen) in thanking veterans by adding to their holiday gift bags, my dad was a Marine and in the Air Force,” Carmody said. “Tipping the scale, I suppose, is that my birthday is on Veterans Day.” In addition to this connection, Definitely willing to share her wares, in the past Carmody has knitted baby blankets and baby booties and given them to local churches for young children. By Jaci Conrad Pearson, Black Hills Pioneer. SENT IN ADVANCE: 1,266 words, photos.

SPORTS:

BROWNS-STEFANSKI HIRED

CLEVELAND — The Browns didn't pass on Kevin Stefanski a second time. Cleveland is hiring the Vikings' offensive coordinator to be their new coach, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. Stefanski agreed to accept the position Sunday, a day after Minnesota was beaten 27-10 by the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC playoffs, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team has not announced the decision. By Tom Withers. SENT: 570 words, photos. Will be updated.

49ers-ANALYSIS

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers were back in early season form in a dominant 27-10 playoff win over Minnesota that put them in the NFC title game By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow.

T25-MICHIGAN-MINNESOTA

MINNEAPOLIS — No. 19 Michigan visits Minnesota at Williams Arena in a Big Ten game. By Patrick Donnelly. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos. Game starts at noon. CST.

CANUCKS-WILD

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Vancouver Canucks visit the Minnesota Wild. By Andres Ybarra. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos. Game starts at 3 p.m. CST.

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