4-H Cheating Scandal in Reaches Appeals Court

MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) - The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is weighing arguments in a lawsuit stemming from a 4-H cheating scandal in South Dakota.

The family of White Lake teenager Bayley Kroupa says she was humiliated and denied due process when she was banned from 4-H competition in 2011 for an alleged ethics violation. They're suing and seeking $850,000 in damages.

4-H officials have appealed a federal judge's ruling that Bayley can participate in 4-H competitions while the lawsuit proceeds. The Daily Republic reports appellate judges heard arguments in the case in St. Paul, Minn., on Thursday and will rule later.

The Kroupa family attorney says Bayley has been denied the opportunity to win future cash prizes. 4-H attorneys say Bayley can still participate in 4-H - just not in competitions.

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