Deuel County Landowners to Rally in Gary Against Proposed 765 kV Power On Midwest Transmission Line

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A grassroots landowner group in Deuel County is organizing a public rally Sunday, Aug. 30, to discuss concerns surrounding a proposed 765‑kilovolt transmission line planned for the region. The event begins at 1 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Gary.

R.U.R.A.L. — Residents United for Rural and Ag Land — is hosting the gathering, which is open to residents from Grant, Deuel, and Brookings counties. The organization formed to oppose what members describe as over‑industrialization of agricultural land and to advocate for keeping farmland in production.

Former state legislator Frank Kloucek, now a candidate for the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, will serve as keynote speaker.

According to the release, the proposed Power On Midwest project would construct a 765 kV transmission line connecting the Big Stone Power Plant to a new 100‑acre substation in rural Brookings County. The line would run north–south along the eastern borders of Grant, Deuel, and Brookings counties before turning east toward the Twin Cities.

The group says no 765 kV transmission lines currently exist in South Dakota or neighboring states, and residents are raising concerns about setbacks, health impacts, and livestock safety. The release states the project is intended to serve Minnesota load centers and

“would be no actual benefit for South Dakota residents.”

Attendees will hear an overview of laws governing transmission projects and have an opportunity to ask questions of speakers and organizers. For more information, residents may contact organizer Mary Nosbush at 605‑520‑5641 or maryfromgary@itctel.com.