Category: Justice

Crime, Healthcare, JusticeLeave a comment
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Nursing home worker avoids probation revocation on sex charge

Gary Dickson

Martell Guider, a former nursing home employee, faced multiple sexual impropriety allegations across various Iowa care facilities. Convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor, he avoided probation revocation despite violations, including living in his car. Previous complaints included inappropriate behavior and a rape allegation at a facility in Correctionville, yet no criminal charges were filed. Continue reading Nursing home worker avoids probation revocation on sex charge

Government, Healthcare, JusticeLeave a comment
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Prison medical staff shortage worsens as security shortage eases

Gary Dickson

The South Dakota Department of Corrections faces a significant nursing shortage, with vacancy rates of 53% for licensed practice nurses and 40% for registered nurses. Secretary Kellie Wasko attributes these issues to unsafe working conditions and challenges competing with the private sector amid a nationwide nursing shortage. Efforts are underway to improve staff conditions. Continue reading Prison medical staff shortage worsens as security shortage eases

Government, Justice, PoliticsLeave a comment
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Iowa House panel advances bill limiting release of police mugshots

Gary Dickson

A subcommittee in the Iowa House passed a bill restricting public access to mugshots of arrested individuals until after conviction, with certain public safety exceptions. Lobbyists expressed concerns over potential issues in the bill’s language and recommended amendments. The bill aims to protect arrested individuals from judgment before legal proceedings. Continue reading Iowa House panel advances bill limiting release of police mugshots

Environment, Government, JusticeLeave a comment
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State receives notice of potential lawsuit over McCook Lake flood response

Gary Dickson

South Dakota faces potential lawsuits from McCook Lake property owners due to severe flood damage linked to state flood diversion efforts. Residents allege inadequate warning and communication about the risks as authorities diverted floodwaters, resulting in devastation. State officials defended their actions while acknowledging the gravity of the situation and ongoing legal concerns. Continue reading State receives notice of potential lawsuit over McCook Lake flood response

Education, Government, JusticeLeave a comment
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‘Big gray area’: SD authorities fear alternative instruction means ‘no-schooling’ for some students

Gary Dickson

In South Dakota, changes to education laws since 2021 have reduced oversight of alternative instruction, impacting truancy reporting and concerns about potential educational neglect. Critics argue these laws make it difficult to ensure quality education for students outside public schools, leading to fears of children remaining uneducated or falling victim to abuse. Continue reading ‘Big gray area’: SD authorities fear alternative instruction means ‘no-schooling’ for some students

Healthcare, JusticeLeave a comment
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Company seeks to block lawsuit over death, citing arbitration agreement

Gary Dickson

A wrongful death lawsuit against Fonda Specialty Care nursing home, stemming from Marvin Jacobs’ suffocation, may be dismissed due to an arbitration agreement signed by his family. The nurse involved, Becky Sue Manning, faced criminal charges for neglect. State inspections revealed failure to clear Jacobs’ airway prior to his death in February 2023. Continue reading Company seeks to block lawsuit over death, citing arbitration agreement

Crime, Justice, SiouxlandLeave a comment
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Troy Cooke, guilty of sexual contact with a child and bestiality, to be sentenced next week

Gary Dickson

Troy Cooke, convicted of sexual contact with a child under the age of 13, as well as bestiality, faces sentencing on Jan. 6. The former bounty hunter was convicted in a jury trial of a sexual contact charge and pleaded guilty to bestiality. Continue reading Troy Cooke, guilty of sexual contact with a child and bestiality, to be sentenced next week

JusticeLeave a comment
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Former South Dakota attorney general fights suspension of Iowa law license

Gary Dickson

Jason Ravnsborg, former South Dakota attorney general, faces a proposed six-month suspension of his Iowa law license following his impeachment after a traffic accident that killed pedestrian Joe Boever in 2020. He contests the suspension, arguing its severity and alleging government interference in the investigation. A hearing is scheduled for January 22, 2025. Continue reading Former South Dakota attorney general fights suspension of Iowa law license

Government, JusticeLeave a comment
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One of former state employees charged in string of criminal cases takes a plea deal

Gary Dickson

Lynne Hunsley, a former South Dakota state employee, accepted a plea deal for creating a fraudulent vehicle title, receiving three years of probation, a $1,000 fine, and $1,200 in restitution. Other former state employees also face charges for various crimes. Attorney General Marty Jackley aims to enhance fraud protections in state government. Continue reading One of former state employees charged in string of criminal cases takes a plea deal