Pennington County Commissioner Reprimanded for Bullying

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Four Pennington County commissioners have publicly reprimanded a fellow board member for allegedly bullying and harassing Planning Department staff.

The commission also suspended George Ferebee from the Planning Commission.

The decisions were made Tuesday in a session closed to the public and Ferebee. Commissioners said Ferebee had a conflict of interest. The Rapid City Journal reports Ferebee's attorney objected, calling it "unconstitutional."

Commissioners say Ferebee created a hostile work environment and violated the county's code of ethics.

Ferebee is accused in court of violating county ordinance by failing to obtain a permit for his septic system. The county's planning director says Ferebee used his position to pursue information for his court case.

Ferebee's attorney says Ferebee never had a chance to respond to complaints. Commission Chairman Lyndell Petersen disagrees.

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