Category: Justice

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DOC faulted for confusion that led to jails’ illegal seizure of inmate funds

Gary Dickson

The Iowa Department of Corrections has declined to amend its rules to prevent county jails from unlawfully seizing inmates’ funds for medical expenses prior to conviction, according to the state ombudsman. This longstanding issue arises from discrepancies between state law and administrative procedures, prompting ongoing recommendations for rule changes. Continue reading DOC faulted for confusion that led to jails’ illegal seizure of inmate funds

Crime, Iowa, JusticeLeave a comment
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Iowa AG pushes for constitutional amendment on child testimony

Gary Dickson

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced support for a constitutional amendment enabling child victims to testify via closed-circuit video to avoid facing their alleged abusers in court. Following a recent Iowa Supreme Court ruling reversing such protections, Bird emphasized the importance of this amendment for child safety and encouraging testimony in criminal cases. Continue reading Iowa AG pushes for constitutional amendment on child testimony

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Police commission: Complaints against cops rising, but fewer than 1% of SD officers disciplined

Gary Dickson

In 2024, complaints about police misconduct in South Dakota rose by 24% over the previous year, with 142 complaints filed. Despite this, less than 1% of certified officers faced discipline. The state Law Enforcement Commission discussed reforming protocols for notifying victims about misconduct hearings, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. Continue reading Police commission: Complaints against cops rising, but fewer than 1% of SD officers disciplined

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Legal battle escalates over $4 million worth of contaminated cheese

Gary Dickson

A lawsuit in Sanborn, Iowa, alleges $4 million in damages due to water contamination linked to a negligent cleaning of the municipal water tower by Maguire Iron. The Minnesota dairy cooperative AMPI claims that toxic materials infiltrated its facility during water tower maintenance. Each party blames the others for the damages. Continue reading Legal battle escalates over $4 million worth of contaminated cheese

Iowa, Justice7 Comments

State librarian accused of sending obscene material to a minor

Gary Dickson

Iowa’s state librarian has been arrested on a charge of disseminating obscene material to a person he believed was a 14-year-old boy. Clive police announced Friday that as part of an ongoing investigation, they arrested 53-year-old Michael Lynn Scott of Clive, the state librarian, on a misdemeanor charge of dissemination of obscene material to a minor. Continue reading State librarian accused of sending obscene material to a minor

Agriculture, Environment, JusticeLeave a comment

Iowa environmental groups seek to intervene in ‘swampbuster’ lawsuit

Gary Dickson

An Iowa company is challenging federal law that prevents farming on designated wetlands, claiming it imposes unconstitutional conditions for accessing USDA benefits without compensation. Sustainable agriculture groups intervene, arguing losing the law would threaten environmental preservation and exacerbate flooding and erosion issues. The case highlights critical discussions on land use and conservation. Continue reading Iowa environmental groups seek to intervene in ‘swampbuster’ lawsuit

Government, Justice, South Dakota2 Comments

$42,000 lawsuit settlement adds to costs of Noem-ordered border deployments

Gary Dickson

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s troop deployments to the southern border have incurred an additional $42,000 cost to settle a lawsuit by the watchdog group CREW, which sought documents regarding deployment funding. The state spent nearly $500,000 beyond an initial $1 million donation to fund the operations, raising ethical concerns. Continue reading $42,000 lawsuit settlement adds to costs of Noem-ordered border deployments

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Iowa’s election officials are among those targeted with ‘suspicious’ parcels

Gary Dickson

Election offices in Iowa and at least four other states were evacuated due to suspicious parcels containing a white powder, prompting a response from authorities. While tests revealed these substances were nonhazardous, the incidents reflect an ongoing issue of intimidation towards election officials, echoing similar threats from the previous year. Continue reading Iowa’s election officials are among those targeted with ‘suspicious’ parcels

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THC seltzers quietly find a foothold in cannabis-cautious South Dakota

Gary Dickson

About a year ago, bar owner Justin Henrichsen started offering THC seltzers and cocktails at his four establishments in Rapid City, Spearfish and Sioux Falls.

Since then, he’s watched the libations’ popularity spike with each passing month, across age groups and demographics, sometimes outselling wine and on pace with craft beers.

What he hasn’t seen are problems. A year in, he can say something about cannabis drinkers he can’t say about beer drinkers. The drinks are a natural extension of the adult beverage business, he argues, no more difficult to fold safely into a bar’s daily operations than the higher-alcohol craft beers that began to take hold across the nation a few decades ago. Continue reading THC seltzers quietly find a foothold in cannabis-cautious South Dakota

Crime, Justice, South DakotaLeave a comment

Vanderpool gets new attorney; trial rescheduled for Nov. 18

Gary Dickson

Matt Vanderpool, facing serious sexual offense charges, obtained a new attorney as his trial date was rescheduled. Accused of assaulting a minor, he pleaded not guilty and changed lawyers. The alleged victim detailed years of abuse, and law enforcement sought further evidence. The trial is now set for November 18th. Continue reading Vanderpool gets new attorney; trial rescheduled for Nov. 18