Future Unknown for South Dakota Ghost Town Bought by Church

SCENIC, S.D. -- A South Dakota ghost town's future is shrouded in new mystery.

A Philippines-based church recently bought the town of Scenic for less than $800,000. The Iglesia ni Cristo church bought the town and surrounding acreage just west of the badlands from a longtime resident and area rodeo legend who had gathered the land bit by bit over several decades.

The church isn't divulging its plans for the property. A person answering the phone at its offices in Daly City, Calif., said he couldn't share any information.

So far, there has been no church activity in Scenic to hint at what's to come. The lack of information surrounding the sale has some neighbors uneasy.

But some are hopeful the church will make a good neighbor and are excited about the possibilities.