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Texting And Driving Ban Becomes Law

A law making texting wile driving illegal in South Dakota takes effect on Tuesday. Motorists are prohibited from using a handheld device to write, send or read text messages except to contact emergency services.

Violators of the new law are subject to a $100 fine. "Texting behind the wheel is a triple whammy--it takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel and your mind off of driving," says AAA South Dakota spokeswoman Marilyn Buskohl.

AAA South Dakota also predicts 130 thousand South Dakotans will travel 50 miles or more over the long Independence Day holiday. Marilyn Buskohl joined Dakota Midday to discuss the new texting and driving ban as well as the long travel weekend.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.
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