PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Department of Transportation is reminding landowners that any hay remaining in highway ditches after Oct. 1 is illegal.

The department says it will remove any illegal hay bales remaining in the public right of way starting in October.

Anybody wishing to claim illegal bales must get a permit from the department. Permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis and allow permit holders to claim any illegal hay bale.

Permits are available at Department of Transportation offices in Aberdeen, Belle Fourche, Custer, Huron, Mitchell, Mobridge, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, Winner, and Yankton.

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