Energy, Environment, Government1 Comment

24 attorneys general challenge California regulation on big trucks

Gary Dickson

Twenty-four Republican-led states, led by Nebraska’s Attorney General Mike Hilgers, are urging the EPA to reject California’s request for stricter truck emissions regulations, claiming it overreaches and could increase costs for consumers. They argue rural areas lack infrastructure for electric vehicles and would bear the brunt of higher logistics costs. Continue reading 24 attorneys general challenge California regulation on big trucks

Government, JusticeLeave a comment

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

Environment, GovernmentLeave a comment

FEMA approves $3.5 million for Union County, which includes McCook Lake

Gary Dickson

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has distributed over $6 million in aid to South Dakotans after late-June storms, with Union County receiving the largest share. Many residents are facing challenges with home repairs and finding temporary housing. The U.S. Small Business Administration has also approved over $2.5 million in disaster loans. The application deadlines for both FEMA and SBA aid are approaching. Continue reading FEMA approves $3.5 million for Union County, which includes McCook Lake

Economy, Government, Health, JusticeLeave a comment

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, North Sioux City2 Comments

North Sioux man arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon

Gary Dickson

A North Sioux City man was charged on Sept. 5 with two counts of felony aggravated assault by officers from the North Sioux City Police Department.
Larry Noboru was arrested on Sept. 5 by North Sioux City Police for what began as a simple domestic assault investigation that allegedly occurred at 605 Streeter Drive, Apartment 7, in North Sioux City on Aug. 29. The victim and her aunt later informed police that she had been stabbed by the alleged perpetrator with a knife. Continue reading North Sioux man arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon

Commentary1 Comment

Arrogant NSC city councilors, Lake Ass’n leaders need to apologize to community

Gary Dickson

The McCook Lake Association’s support of an alleged sexual abuser, Matt Vanderpool, and the lack of apology or accountability from community leaders, has created widespread dismay in North Sioux City. The association vigorously backed Vanderpool’s election bid, and their influence on city officials is raising concerns about the city’s future. Additionally, the involvement of certain city councilors in a government change effort has further heightened apprehension among residents. Continue reading Arrogant NSC city councilors, Lake Ass’n leaders need to apologize to community

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

Government, Iowa, PoliticsLeave a comment

Iowa Lt. Governor Adam Gregg is leaving his position to focus on family

Gary Dickson

Iowa’s Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg resigned to prioritize family, praised by Gov. Reynolds and Iowa AG Bird. Reynolds to appoint replacement. Graduated from Central College and Drake University Law School. Previously ran for Attorney General of Iowa and served as Iowa State Public Defender. Married to Cari, with two children. Resignation effective September 3, 2024. Continue reading Iowa Lt. Governor Adam Gregg is leaving his position to focus on family

Justice, South DakotaLeave a comment

Noem commutes sentences for two convicted of murder

Gary Dickson

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