South Dakota News

New Markets

The following markets were selected from the MyNewMarkets database of 25,000 coverages and programs. To find additional markets, or to submit markets, go to www.MyNewMarkets.com. Canine Security Nuts & Bolts: MarketScout is offering coverage for bomb and drug sniffing dogs. …

S.D. Schools Have 26,000 Pounds of Beef Recalled by Government

Officials say South Dakota schools may have up to 26,000 pounds of ground beef that has been recalled by the government. The U.S. Department of Agriculture ordered the recall of 143 million pounds of beef from a California slaughterhouse that …

S.D. Court Rules Against Former Agent Who Held Insurance Executive Hostage

A federal appeals court has upheld a judge’s ruling against the Sioux Falls man who held an insurance executive hostage in 1991. Eric Castaneira, who served 10 years for kidnapping, filed a lawsuit against the executive director and members of …

Caremark to Pay $41 Million in Settlement to Washington, Other States

Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna announced that Washington will receive nearly $1.7 million as part of a $41 million settlement between 29 states and Caremark Rx, LLC, one of the nation’s largest pharmacy benefits management companies. As part of …

Western National Adds Senior Vice President, General Manager

Minneapolis-based Western National Insurance Group recently announced that effective as of Feb. 11, 2008, Jeffrey J. Couchman will join the Western National Insurance Group’s management team, serving as both senior vice president & general manager of the Group’s west coast …

Business Moves

Berkshire Hathaway, Swiss Re Berkshire Hathaway has acquired a 3 percent stake in Swiss Re. Swiss Re has also entered into a reinsurance contract with Berkshire Hathaway which will give it a share of Swiss Re’s property/casualty business. Swiss Re …

My New Markets

The following markets were selected from the MyNewMarkets database of 25,000 coverages and programs. To find additional markets, or to submit markets, go to www.MyNewMarkets.com. Nutritional & Dietary Supplements Nuts & Bolts: Travis-Pedersen and Associates Inc. is offering a new …

S.D. Man Accused of Arson Scheduled for Court Appearance

A Sioux Falls man wanted on charges he and a business partner burned their business to collect the insurance money has been arrested in Arizona and scheduled for his first court appearance. Dai Thanh Ong, 27, and Chad Michael Blair, …

Donegal Mutual and Subsidiary Atlantic States to Change Pooling Agreement

Donegal Group Inc., based in Marietta, Pa., is moving to amend the intercompany pooling agreement between Donegal Mutual and Atlantic States Insurance Co., its largest insurance subsidiary. Subject to approval by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, the proposed amendment will increase …

Sen. Sununu Exits Banking Committee

One of the U.S. senators who has sponsored legislation to give insurance companies the option of being regulated by the federal government instead of by states is leaving the Senate Banking Committee that deals with many property/casualty insurance issues. Sen. …