Biker group works to empower abused children all over the world, including South Dakota

The Daily Republic

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During a man’s recent sentencing by a Davison County court to 20 years in prison for sexual contact with a child, the back row of the courtroom was lined with bikers in leather jackets with large, matching patches on the back.

Those were just a few of the members of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA), an international nonprofit that exists with the sole intention of welcoming abused children into their family to eliminate their fear, no matter how much time or how many people it takes.

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Vivian man gets 40 years for killing infant

The Daily Republic

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KENNEBEC — A Lyman County court sentenced Gerald Brink on Friday morning to spend 40 years in prison for killing his 7-week-old daughter in May 2017.

Brink, 38, was convicted of domestic abuse first-degree manslaughter, to which he pleaded guilty on Oct. 25. He was sentenced to 50 years in the state penitentiary with 10 years suspended, and he will be eligible for parole in 30 years.

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Thune: Farm bill will allow farmers more flexibility

The Daily Republic

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In an 87-to-13 vote on Tuesday, the U.S. Senate passed a bill that one of South Dakota’s senators said will provide farmers with certainty and flexibility. On Wednesday, the House passed the bill, sending it to President Trump’s desk.

This is the fourth farm bill to which Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., has contributed. After two years of work on this particular bill and with a House-Senate compromise worked out earlier this month, Thune hopes that the bill will soon be signed into law.

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A four-legged surprise: Women team up to find puppy for longtime customer

The Daily Republic

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When Brad Roop was asked what he wanted for Christmas, he said he wanted a chihuahua. And seconds later, he was handed one.

Roop said he was excited, but was generally quiet while in the Cubby’s convenience store on South Burr Street in Mitchell, where he and his chihuahua met for the first time on Monday night.

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Medically motivated: DWU senior works as Mitchell EMT, firefighter

The Daily Republic

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Maria Koenen likes to be busy.

She doesn’t have trouble staying that way, as a senior at Dakota Wesleyan University double majoring in athletic training and biochemistry, applying to medical school, working part-time as an EMT and firefighter and picking up the occasional shift at a hospital in her hometown.

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Delayed thanks: Vietnam veterans see decades-long change in public attitude

The Daily Republic

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Dennis Rucker and Steve Parsons served in Vietnam. But after that service, the veterans’ differing perspectives took them on two paths with little similarity.

Rucker went on to join the Army Reserves and later the National Guard, and he currently works as the veterans services officer for the Yankton Sioux Tribe. Parsons, meanwhile, came home with PTSD and has opted to close the military chapter of his life, for the most part.

What the two have in common is how they’re grateful to see the way public opinion and treatment of Vietnam veterans have transitioned over the years.

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Miner County sheriff challenged for first time in 18 years

The Daily Republic

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HOWARD – For the past 18 years, Lanny Klinkhammer has been the sheriff in Miner County, and no one has ever challenged him in an election.

But on Tuesday, Miner County voters will have three options for the position, as Sheriff’s Deputy Rob Eggert and retired truck driver James Stainbrook are also running for sheriff.

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