PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - A South Dakota panel responsible for getting rid of offensive place names has recommended that Negro Creek in Meade County be renamed Howes Creek.
The state Board of Geographic Names is using the western South Dakota creek as a test case for a new process aimed at increasing public involvement in changing offensive names of places, most of which use the terms "Negro" or "Squaw."
The panel decided the small waterway should be renamed Howes Creek because it's near Howes, a small settlement at the intersection of state highways 34 and 73.
If anyone objects to the proposed name, the board will hold a public hearing in the area. Otherwise, the name will be submitted to a federal board that has the final say in place names.
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