A judge has ruled that legal action is necessary to revoke Wholestone’s licenses

SIOUX FALLS, SD (Dakota News Now) – The next chapter in the fight over a proposed hog processing plant in Sioux Falls will likely take place at the ballot box.

On Wednesday, a judge ruled that a hearing was necessary to revoke the permits already issued by the city of Sioux Falls.

The hearing stems from plans by Wholestone Farms to build a $500 million processing plant near I-229 and Benson Road. The company has already received several permits to build a butcher shop on the land, which it plans to expand.

Wednesday’s decision came a week after the project was suspended, saying the city may have violated state law by issuing the permits ahead of next month’s election.

Sioux Falls voters will decide on an ordinance that would ban future slaughterhouses within city limits.

It is not yet known when the possible license revocation hearing will take place, but it will be sometime after the election. If voters decide against the ordinance change, no hearings will be necessary and the project will proceed as planned.

According to the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce website, the city will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for Wholestone Farms Butcher Shop on Tuesday.

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