Category: Government

Government, HealthcareLeave a comment

Iowa nursing homes owe taxpayers $10.7 million in unpaid fees

Gary Dickson

49 Iowa nursing homes owe taxpayers over $10.7 million in unpaid fees, utilized to boost Medicaid reimbursements. Some for-profit companies, like one in West Des Moines, owe substantial amounts while their executives make political donations. Amid the non-payment issue, questions arise about frontline caregivers’ pay increases. State action and bankruptcy filings underscore the complexity of the situation. Continue reading Iowa nursing homes owe taxpayers $10.7 million in unpaid fees

Commentary, Education, Justice2 Comments

It’s time for WITCC to stop the song and dance routine

Gary Dickson

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

Government, Iowa, PoliticsLeave a comment

Iowa Lottery announces record annual sales

Gary Dickson

The Iowa Lottery reported a record $489.9 million in sales for the 2024 fiscal year, representing a 1.7% increase from the previous year. Despite a slight decrease in proceeds to the state, prizes to players reached a record $312.6 million, and lottery sales commissions to Iowa businesses grew by 2%. The highest-selling lottery products were scratch games, followed by Powerball and Mega Millions. Proceeds support important state causes, including the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund and programs for law enforcement and firefighters. Dana Wingert, Des Moines chief of police, commended the lottery’s efforts to promote National Gambling Awareness Month and provide services for gambling addiction disorders. Continue reading Iowa Lottery announces record annual sales

Crime, Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

Union County Sheriff’s Activity Log

Gary Dickson

The first-ever Union County Sheriff’s Activity Log is now shared with readers. The publisher and editor of the Siouxland Observer is grateful for Sheriff Prouty making the information available. While more detail is desired, its availability marks progress towards transparency. The hope is for similar transparency from the North Sioux City Police. Continue reading Union County Sheriff’s Activity Log

Crime, Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

Clay County Sheriff’s Department Incident Reports

Gary Dickson

Between June 28 and July 26, 2024, the Sheriff’s Office dealt with various incidents, including domestic assault, medical emergencies, transport of inmates, vehicle crashes, and more. The deputies responded promptly, ensuring public safety and addressing law enforcement concerns within the jurisdiction. Continue reading Clay County Sheriff’s Department Incident Reports

GovernmentLeave a comment

Lack of discipline, bad weather caused Ellsworth’s $456 million B-1 bomber crash, report says

Gary Dickson

A B-1 bomber crashed at Ellsworth Air Force Base due to undisciplined leadership, unforeseen weather, and organizational culture issues. The crew’s failure to monitor critical flight data, coupled with dense fog and rapid wind changes, hindered their ability to maintain the proper path and landing speed, resulting in a $456 million loss. Addressing these cultural and communication issues is crucial to prevent future accidents. Continue reading Lack of discipline, bad weather caused Ellsworth’s $456 million B-1 bomber crash, report says

Education, Iowa, JusticeLeave a comment

WITCC settles the second of two human trafficking lawsuits

Gary Dickson

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

Economy, Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

‘We have nothing’: Flood victims say government failures continue after botched flood warning

Gary Dickson

Residents in McCook Lake, South Dakota were caught off guard by a devastating flood on June 23, 2024, despite inadequate warning from authorities. The flood caused extensive damage, and relief efforts have been disorganized, leaving residents uncertain about the future. Many lack flood insurance and are waiting for potential FEMA assistance. Continue reading ‘We have nothing’: Flood victims say government failures continue after botched flood warning

Environment, GovernmentLeave a comment

McCook Lake catastrophe shatters complacency around old flood plans

Gary Dickson

Victims, scientists, and researchers in South Dakota call for recognition of climate and land use changes following a devastating flood. The outdated flood mitigation plan led to destructive consequences in McCook Lake, highlighting the need for updated plans and infrastructure to address the increasing frequency and severity of floods. Urban development and changing river flows are contributing factors, requiring updated zoning laws and design standards to mitigate future flood hazards. Continue reading McCook Lake catastrophe shatters complacency around old flood plans

Government, Justice, South DakotaLeave a comment

Counties hit with $74,000 in plaintiffs’ attorney fees for trying to restrict petition circulators

Gary Dickson

The Minnehaha County Courthouse and Lawrence County violated the First Amendment rights of petition circulators. They had to pay $74,000 in attorney fees and costs. The circulators were gathering signatures for measures related to abortion rights and state sales taxes. Lawyer Jim Leach represented the group in their successful lawsuit. Continue reading Counties hit with $74,000 in plaintiffs’ attorney fees for trying to restrict petition circulators