FLDS Compound Neighbor Upset
 
By Matthew Holsen
KELOLAND TV - Sioux Falls, SD
 
A prison-like guard tower and constant construction is a cause for concern for a man who lives near the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints compound in Custer County. The neighbor has even gone to a lawyer to see what can be done.

It's a structure that sticks out in the countryside.

"Its very ominous. It has the slanted in prison tower windows and supposedly there is people in it 24 hours a day with binoculars. I'm not sure if its meant to keep people out or keep people in," says Attorney Michael Hickey.

Hickey represents Jim Farmer, who lives near the Fundamental Latter Day Saints compound in Custer County. Hickey says his client bought his 400 acres of land to have a place to escape.

"He went out there for a reason, not to be bombarded with blasting and construction activities twenty-four-hours a day seven days a week and not to have a guard tower overlooking his property," Hickey replies.

Hickey has sent a letter to the compound, threatening to file a lawsuit against the FLDS company United Land Management.

"We're suggesting that their activity constitutes a nuisance. We're asking them to abate their nuisance and we're asking them to meet with us to see if we can't reach an agreement or some kind of understanding," says Hickey.

An understanding that Hickey's client hopes will bring the quiet he had hoped to find in the wilderness.

The FLDS United Land Management has ten days to respond to the letter. But Hickey isn't sure he will hear anything from them, so he is getting ready to go to court.
 
keloland.com
Originally broadcast March 15, 2007
 
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