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Farmers Told To Plant Farther From Dakota Southern Railway

MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) — Some farmers along the Dakota Southern Railway are being asked to plant their crops a bit farther from the railroad tracks.

The Daily Republic in Mitchell reports ( ) that state and local officials and members of the Mitchell-Rapid City Regional Railroad Authority discussed the issue during a conference call.

Dakota Southern Railway roadmaster Lester Thompson says the rules need to be enforced. He pointed out eight spots along the railway in Davison, Aurora and Brule counties where encroachment is a problem.

Thompson says Dakota Southern has notified the landowners but will need to pursue trespassing charges if they don’t cooperate.

Misty Siedschlaw with the state Transportation Department rail office says the problem is getting worse and needs to stop.

Dakota Southern operates 190 miles of track between Mitchell and Kadoka.

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Information from: The Daily Republic,