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AG Warns Residents About Group Seeking Funds To Rename Peak

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Attorney General Marty Jackley is warning residents about a group that is seeking donations to rename Harney Peak in Pennington County.

Jackley says Black Elk Development of Porcupine is billing itself as the “official and authorized” group for the renaming of the peak, but the group isn’t listed as a charitable organization with the IRS and hasn’t filed key documents with the state.

Moreover, Jackley says, the group has no affiliation with the state board responsible for changing the names of geographic features.

The South Dakota Board on Geographic Names is currently seeking the public’s input on the proposed name change to Harney Peak. The new suggested name is Black Elk Peak.

The peak was named for Army Gen. William S. Harney, who in 1855 led a command of soldiers that killed 86 Sioux in Nebraska.