The Union County Sheriff’s Office was involved in various incidents and activities between August 11 and August 17, 2024, including burglary, horse-related issues, transportation of inmates, arrests, assists, and traffic violations. A total of 60 records were reported, with a wide range of law enforcement engagements. Continue reading Union County Sheriff’s Incident/Activity Report: 8/11 – 8/17
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
Iowa nursing home companies owe over $10.7 million in unpaid fees, with one company’s executives making significant political donations. The state lacks enforcement authority to collect these fees, leading to concerns about misuse of Medicaid reimbursement funds. Advocates are calling for an investigation to ensure proper use of additional revenue and to address the industry’s lack of compliance. Continue reading ‘This is scandalous:’ Auditor asked to examine $10.7 million owed to taxpayers
Iowans using wheelchairs through the state Medicaid program will no longer need a prescription and in-person doctor visit for repairs, after advocacy by State Rep. Josh Turek prompted a policy change. These delays caused by the prescription requirement kept some Iowans with disabilities homebound for significant periods. Turek also plans to advocate for faster repair authorization processes in the future. Continue reading State lifts prescription requirement for wheelchair repair through Medicaid
The South Dakota legislative committee is addressing the rising property tax burden on residential homeowners compared to agricultural landowners. Factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting property valuations have contributed to this disparity. The committee must consider options for state intervention, as they continue to meet throughout the summer. Parallel taxation discussions are also underway in the state. Continue reading Tax discussion highlights tension between residential and agricultural property owners
Here is a log of the activities of the Union County Sheriff’s Department between Aug. 4 and Aug. 10, 2024. It was provided today, Aug. 13 by the Union County Sherriff’s Office. Continue reading Union County Sheriff’s Activity Log: 8/4 – 8/10/24
Cheryl Tevis discusses the resurgence of backyard chicken raising amid recent food supply chain disruptions and inflation. She shares personal anecdotes and observations about the trend, highlighting the economic benefits and implications on industrial egg production. The piece also addresses regulatory challenges and public health considerations, while emphasizing the enduring appeal of raising chickens for many Americans. Continue reading Neighbors and city policymakers cry fowl about backyard chickens
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
Victims of the June 23 flood in McCook Lake feel abandoned by government officials, with uncertainty about federal aid. The flood destroyed 40 homes and caused infrastructure damage. South Dakota’s disaster declaration process delayed FEMA assistance. State officials defended the assessment process and contractors, while some officials expressed confidence in aid approval. Continue reading McCook Lake victims still ‘in the dark,’ waiting for FEMA help nearly seven weeks after flood
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
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