PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — The Postal Service in Pierre is readying itself for potential civil events by making security preparations.
Among other security measures, some Post offices will close early and three USPS blue collection boxes will be temporarily removed as a precaution to protect postal property, employees and the public.
The boxes that will be temporarily removed are located at:
101 S Pierre St
222 E Capital Ave
711 E Wells Ave
Customers may find nearest collection boxes in service or post office location on the USPS website.
These precautionary measures come on the heels of a warning to states from the FBI about potentially violent demonstrations, as governors in many states are calling up National Guard troops, declaring emergencies and closing their capitols.
Nathaniel Wilt, owner of the St. Charles Lounge near the state capitol in Pierre, says they are not concerned about the possibility of unrest in the area.
Wilt says that ahead of previous demonstrations at the capitol, they had taken precautions such as removing out-door tables from the front of the building, but that the actions proved unnecessary.
Wilt says that this time around, they do not expect any violence.
A partially redacted copy of the application, obtained by KELOLAND News states that on Jan. 17, from noon to 1 p.m. an estimated 50 people will be marching 7 times around the perimeter of the state capitol building, praying “just like Jericho did.”
KELOLAND News has reached out to the contact person for Jericho March via email, but has not received a response.
