Somebody doesn't know what they're talking about. In many markets, Dish no longer carries SD versions of HD local channels -- which only makes sense, since all the current receivers can convert HD to SD!
If you have a problem with your local channel, you need to get it fixed. First, you need to determine if the channel broadcasts that way, or if it's a Dish problem. If it's a Dish problem, email
dishquality@echostar.com. If it's your local channel's problem, complain to them, or to other local media such as newspapers if you don't get any response from them.