Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe SALEM, S.D., Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Plans are afoot in South Dakota to create a new town designed for, and geared to, the deaf, the Sioux Falls Argus reported Monday. M.E. Barwacz and her son-in-law, Marvin Miller, both deaf, told McCook County commissioners professional planners will visit the site in March for the town they intend to call Laurent. Advertisement The pair from Sioux Falls have been planning the 640-acre town since autumn 2003. They propose gas stations, a hotel with two restaurants, a convenience store and manufacturing businesses, and possibly a public school that incorporates American Sign Language. Barwacz said 87 families are on the reservation list, with 60 school-age children as of September. County officials have asked to pair to also address the cost of law enforcement and firefighting. Barwacz said several deaf people have shown interest in becoming police officers for the new town. She said the deaf residents also would need a better public safety warning system.
