An ethanol blend in the gas tank is a popular option when filling up and local people are supportive of the industry that has fallen on hard times.

"I just hope that more people start using the ethanol therefore the farmers benefit. When the farmers benefit, all of us in South Dakota benefit," said

One-third of corn grown in South Dakota goes for ethanol production, so if the ethanol industry is in trouble, farmers may be in a bind also.

"I think we'll maybe see some real shifts in that industry. Yesterday I heard there was an ethanol plant that had filed bankruptcy down in Kansas and unless things get straightened out I think we would see more of that," said

The President of the South Dakota Ethanol Producers, Bill Paulsen, admits ethanol has stumbled on rocky times. He says "As an industry, margins are tight today."

People are hoping the industry so closely tied to the local economy gets back on solid ground.

A bioproducts specialist says the industry is at a standstill but change is predicted.