Gov. Kristi Noem commuted the sentences of two murder convicts and issued 45 pardons since February. Notably, she commuted a 70-year-old’s life sentence to 410 years and pardoned those with various convictions, such as DUIs and burglary. Noem’s decisions highlight the significant role of pardons in South Dakota, where pardons permanently clear a person’s criminal record. Continue reading Noem commutes sentences for two convicted of murder
OptumRx, a company awarded a state contract for managed-care services in Iowa, is seeking to block the state from disclosing certain information in its bid, claiming it as a trade secret. The information includes employee and client management, customer references, and project management details. MedImpact, a competing company, is seeking the unredacted bid. Continue reading Winning bidder on state Medicaid contract wants its full bid kept secret
Lonna Carroll, a former employee of the South Dakota Department of Social Services, pleaded not guilty to stealing $1.8 million in state and federal funds over 13 years. She faces two felony counts of aggravated grand theft and could be sentenced to 40 years in prison. The state lawmakers plan to hold a hearing on the alleged theft. Continue reading Former state employee pleads not guilty in $1.8 million theft case
Michelle Warner, a former employee of Heartland Counseling Services, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for wire fraud. She will also serve three years of supervised release, pay a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and make restitution of $261,066.09 to her former employer. Warner must report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on September 16, 2024. Continue reading Alcester woman sentenced for wire fraud
The South Dakota Supreme Court ruled that Summit Carbon Solutions has not proven its right to take private land for its carbon-capture pipeline project. The company plans to appeal, claiming it qualifies as a common carrier. Landowners and lawmakers see the ruling as a victory, anticipating further legal battles over the project’s impact. Continue reading Court ruling complicates carbon pipeline company’s push for land
Late afternoon Thursday, Aug. 15, a Union County jury found Troy Cooke guilty of one of two counts of sexual contact with a child under the age of 13. The verdict came after barely one hour of deliberation.
Troy Donald Cook, 51, of Sioux City, Iowa was originally charged on March 27, 2024, by a Union County grand jury with one charge of sexual contact with a child under the age of 13, a class 3 felony and two separate charges of bestiality, both class 6 felonies. Continue reading Union County jury convicts Sioux City man of sexual abuse of minor
Dustin Konrady, a resident of Cherokee, Iowa, is suing two deputies for mistakenly entering and searching his home while attempting to search a neighbor’s house. The deputies are being sued for trespassing, assault, and conducting a warrantless search. The lawsuit alleges that the deputies unlawfully entered the houses and covered their body cameras and microphones during the search. Continue reading Iowa man alleges confused deputies mistakenly searched his home
The South Dakota Board of Regents, in a meeting, changed its policy to allow public university employees to run for state legislative office, following a state Supreme Court decision on the matter. This change brings more diverse perspectives to the legislative process, allowing voters to address any potential conflicts of interest. The decision is seen as a victory for citizen representation in the state’s legislature, providing clarity and closure for those affected. Continue reading Regents change political activity policy to allow employees to run for Legislature
Western Iowa Tech Community College has settled lawsuits with international students from Brazil and Chile, who were allegedly misled about their programs and forced to work in meatpacking plants. President Terry Murrell took responsibility, but the college denies wrongdoing. Critics question the settlements and demand accountability from the college’s board. The community seeks transparency and proper redress. Continue reading It’s time for WITCC to stop the song and dance routine
Western Iowa Tech Community College has settled two federal lawsuits alleging human trafficking, paying a total of $5.3 million to students from Brazil and Chile. The college’s president took responsibility for problems with the J-1 visa program, which allegedly led to students working in meat processing plants. Defendants include the college, employees, and companies. Continue reading WITCC settles the second of two human trafficking lawsuits
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