Category: Great Plains

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

Business, Healthcare, IowaLeave a comment

Judge finds nursing home worker was fired for being honest with inspectors

Gary Dickson

In a recent case, an Iowa nursing home worker was fired for being honest with inspectors. The worker revealed issues the employer didn’t want disclosed, leading to immediate termination. Similarly, another worker was fired for allegedly instructing a colleague to lie to state inspectors. These incidents resulted in unemployment hearings, with some workers being awarded benefits while others were denied. Lawton Bronson School and Hegg Memorial employees also had cases reviewed recently. Continue reading Judge finds nursing home worker was fired for being honest with inspectors

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

Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

Union County has new disaster notification system

Gary Dickson

The Union County in South Dakota has introduced a new disaster alert system called Hyper-Reach, allowing citizens to receive immediate notifications for various hazards and weather conditions. Through this system, alerts will be sent via landline, cell phone, email, and TTY, keeping the community informed 24/7 about potential emergencies and weather events. Continue reading Union County has new disaster notification system

Environment, Government, North Sioux CityLeave a comment

McCook Lake residents say their homes were sacrificed, and they want a new flood plan

Gary Dickson

Homeowners allege inadequate warnings, authorities defend communication in the face of record floodwaters at McCook Lake, South Dakota. State and local authorities executed a flood mitigation plan, but some residents claim insufficient warnings. Cleanup and future plans are now in question as the community grapples with the aftermath of the devastating flood. Continue reading McCook Lake residents say their homes were sacrificed, and they want a new flood plan

Education, South DakotaLeave a comment

South Dakota ranks 21st in child well-being according to data book

Gary Dickson

South Dakota’s education rankings show a decline in fourth-grade reading proficiency and eighth-grade math skills. Despite some improvements, disparities in educational attainment persist for low-income and minority students. The state also faces challenges in children’s health insurance coverage. Investment in early education and support for families is crucial to address these issues and ensure children thrive. Continue reading South Dakota ranks 21st in child well-being according to data book

Education, IowaLeave a comment

Iowa Board of Regents approves tuition increases for fall 2024

Gary Dickson

The Iowa Board of Regents unanimously approved tuition and fee increases for public universities, leading student leaders to push for reduced budget burdens on students. They emphasized the negative impact of rising costs and called for increased state allocations to ease the financial strain on students. University presidents also received significant salary increases. Continue reading Iowa Board of Regents approves tuition increases for fall 2024

South Dakota, Transportation3 Comments

Semi overturns at Jefferson on-ramp Tuesday afternoon

Gary Dickson

A semi-truck carrying snacks overturned after the driver turned too wide onto an on-ramp, sliding into tall grass and tipping over. The driver was uninjured but expressed concern about the lack of warning signs for the steep hill and tall grass. Three wreckers were needed to pull the rig back onto the ramp, closing traffic for several hours. The Highway Patrol is investigating the incident. Continue reading Semi overturns at Jefferson on-ramp Tuesday afternoon

Government, Healthcare, South DakotaLeave a comment

DOH unveils WOW Mobile Clinics to improve healthcare access to underserved communities in South Dakota

Gary Dickson

The South Dakota Department of Health is launching Wellness on Wheels (WOW) mobile clinics to provide essential healthcare services to underserved communities. The initiative aims to address healthcare barriers, improve health outcomes, and promote wellness. The mobile clinics will offer a range of services including WIC, immunizations, oral health, and STD testing, among others. Continue reading DOH unveils WOW Mobile Clinics to improve healthcare access to underserved communities in South Dakota

Government, North Sioux CityLeave a comment

The continuing saga of NSC City Hall: Parts 2.1 and 2.2

Gary Dickson

The North Sioux City Council met to canvass election votes, revealing wrong dates for plat tracts and absentee voter irregularities. The appointment of a new city alderman was delayed, and the finalization of a former city administrator’s severance package was approved. Additionally, routine agenda items and bill payments were discussed. Council also addressed future city administrator and alderman appointments. Continue reading The continuing saga of NSC City Hall: Parts 2.1 and 2.2