In The Moment ... February 19, 2019 Show 518 Hour 2

Kids In the Hall co-founder Kevin McDonald headlines the SnoJam Comedy Festival in Sioux Falls this weekend. On Saturday, he's holding a comedy writing workshop followed by his stand-up act at Icon Lounge.

SDPB's Steve Zwemke visited with McDonald about his career which spans stage, screen and film.

SnoJam Comedy Fest begins Thursday and runs through Saturday.

In The Moment ... February 19, 2019 Show 518 Hour 2

TAKUWE is an educational art exhibit about the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890. The Lakota word Takuwe translates to the English word "why." The exhibit includes work by Lakota artists and poets and musician, and it includes not only historical and cultural context, but also a call to action.

You can see the exhibit now through May 18 at the Dahl Arts Center in Rapid City. Craig Howe is curator of the exhibit. He leads the Center for American Indian Research and Native Studies.

In The Moment ... February 19, 2019 Show 518 Hour 2

According to stats from the Department of Education, 14 percent of SD students have disabilities, 1 point higher than the national average of 13 percent. The state already employs 900 special education teachers to serve its 156 school districts. But that may not be enough.

Many states, including SD, have what it's called a non-categorical certification, meaning the first level of licensure is aimed at preparing teachers to work with students who have mild-to-moderate disabilities.

The Black Hills Figure Skating Club held its 14th annual Gold Rush competition this weekend in Rapid City. And for the first time, the event brought in nationally qualified judges to conduct testing so skaters can advance to the next level. Skaters say that skating is a tough sport that requires muscular strength and years of constant training.

SDPB's Victoria Wicks has this story.

A Montana federal judge has loosened restrictions on preconstruction activities for the Keystone XL pipeline.

The federal court halted the pipeline in November until the U.S. State Department completes an accurate and updated environmental impact statement.

TransCanada appealed the injunction to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and asked the Montana federal court to lift restrictions pending appeal.

An environmental lawyer says once construction starts, opponents lose.

SDPB's Victoria Wicks has this story.

The Keystone XL pipeline has landed in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. That court has opened five cases stemming from a Montana federal court order issued in November and amended in December and again on Friday, Feb.15. Those orders stop pipeline construction until the U.S. State Department receives an environmental impact statement that conforms with the National Environmental Protection Act, or NEPA.

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission approves a permit for a wind farm in Grant and Roberts counties. 

Dakota Range Three will take root near the northeast South Dakota community of Summit. Commissioner Kristie Fiegen says travelers on Interstate 29 will see the towers. She says the PUC's agreement with project developer APEX has drivers in mind.