SIOUX FALLS - A circuit judge has refused to dismiss a libel lawsuit against the Argus Leader newspaper of Sioux Falls.

Circuit Judge Kathleen Caldwell's written decision opens the way for future court proceedings, which could include settlement or trial.

The lawsuit was filed by Sioux Falls Development Foundation President Dan Scott, who says he was defamed by a column written by Argus Leader Executive Editor Randell Beck.

Beck says his column was satirical in nature, but Scott argues that his reputation was tarnished because many people were fooled by Beck into thinking that a letter of apology he wrote in Scott's name was for real.