Attorney Says Polygamist’s Faith Relevant to Water Hearing

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The attorney for a western South Dakota woman attempting to stop a polygamous sect from using more water at its compound says evidence about the group's faith and background is relevant to whether regulators should grant the request.

Attorney Michael Hickey says the group's practices are relevant to see whether it's in the public's interest to grant the permit for more water. Hickey represents Linda Van Dyke Kilcoin, whose property is near the compound.

The sect wants to double the amount of water available at the compound and has asked a state board to block discussion of its faith. The South Dakota Water Management Board will consider the group's request for more water Thursday.

Jeffrey Connolly, an attorney for the sect, argues the group's faith isn't relevant to the application.

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