Michael Poppens News Today

The state of South Dakota wants to dramatically change a rural tract of agricultural land between Harrisburg and Canton by building a new men's prison at the site, and on Tuesday the Lincoln County Commission took up the question of whether or not to urge the state to build it in a different spot: one intended for industry.

Commissioner Joel Arends introduced a resolution urging that the state re-site the prison to an area intended for future industrial growth

CANTON — Lincoln County officials want a judge to decide if the state has the right to build a prison in the county without public input or local review.

Ahead of a visit with concerned neighbors, DOC Secretary Kellie Wasko penned a letter to the Lincoln County Commission providing new details on the prison’s site selection

The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Canton Barn in Canton.

Ahead of a visit with concerned neighbors, DOC Secretary Kellie Wasko penned a letter to the Lincoln County Commission providing new details on the prison’s site selection

“I think you just need to cowboy up and say we’re gonna do it," Commissioner Joel Arends said. The rest of the commission did not agree.

A Lincoln County, South Dakota, commissioner said that Summit Carbon Solutions made a series of concessions that he believes are beneficial to residents near the planned CO2 pipeline.

The state of South Dakota will need water, power, sewer and other utilities at the chosen site for a new men's prison in Dayton Township in Lincoln County but apparently hasn't communicated with at least some of the would-be providers.

County Commissioner Jim Schmidt said he learned of the potential location between Harrisburg and Canton during a closed-door meeting six weeks ago.