Education, Government, Healthcare, PoliticsLeave a comment

Little tracking, wide variability permeate the teams tasked with stopping school shootings

February 8, 2025 Gary Dickson

Iowa students rallied for gun regulation after a school shooting, reflecting rising concerns about school safety. Advocacy for threat assessment teams, aimed at identifying potential threats, has grown since tragedies in Florida. However, inconsistencies and potential biases in these teams’ operations raise concerns about fairness and the treatment of at-risk students. Continue reading Little tracking, wide variability permeate the teams tasked with stopping school shootings

Crime, South DakotaLeave a comment

Rapid City man charged for threats made toward governor

February 4, 2025 Gary Dickson

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced the arrest of 28-year-old Hudson Wheeler for threatening Governor Larry Rhoden. Wheeler faces a felony charge and a potential ten-year prison sentence, awaiting his next court appearance on February 19, 2025. Continue reading Rapid City man charged for threats made toward governor

Crime, Healthcare, JusticeLeave a comment

Nursing home worker avoids probation revocation on sex charge

January 30, 2025 Gary Dickson

Martell Guider, a former nursing home employee, faced multiple sexual impropriety allegations across various Iowa care facilities. Convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor, he avoided probation revocation despite violations, including living in his car. Previous complaints included inappropriate behavior and a rape allegation at a facility in Correctionville, yet no criminal charges were filed. Continue reading Nursing home worker avoids probation revocation on sex charge

Crime, South DakotaLeave a comment

Minnesota man arrested near Beresford for second DUI

January 25, 2025 Gary Dickson

Nahim Antunez, a 57-year-old from Minnesota, was arrested on December 20 for multiple charges including DUI, open container, and driving under revocation. Officer Koch pulled him over for erratic driving, finding him impaired with a blood alcohol level of 0.089%. Antunez has two prior DUI offenses, escalating potential charges. Continue reading Minnesota man arrested near Beresford for second DUI

Government, Justice, PoliticsLeave a comment

Iowa House panel advances bill limiting release of police mugshots

January 23, 2025 Gary Dickson

A subcommittee in the Iowa House passed a bill restricting public access to mugshots of arrested individuals until after conviction, with certain public safety exceptions. Lobbyists expressed concerns over potential issues in the bill’s language and recommended amendments. The bill aims to protect arrested individuals from judgment before legal proceedings. Continue reading Iowa House panel advances bill limiting release of police mugshots

Crime, JusticeLeave a comment

Troy Cooke sentenced to prison Monday

January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 Gary Dickson

Troy Cooke, 51, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl and two years for bestiality, with both sentences served concurrently. The judge cited Cooke’s lack of accountability and violation of trust. He is eligible for parole after seven years and must register as a sex offender. Continue reading Troy Cooke sentenced to prison Monday

Crime, Justice, SiouxlandLeave a comment

Troy Cooke, guilty of sexual contact with a child and bestiality, to be sentenced next week

January 3, 2025January 3, 2025 Gary Dickson

Troy Cooke, convicted of sexual contact with a child under the age of 13, as well as bestiality, faces sentencing on Jan. 6. The former bounty hunter was convicted in a jury trial of a sexual contact charge and pleaded guilty to bestiality. Continue reading Troy Cooke, guilty of sexual contact with a child and bestiality, to be sentenced next week

Crime, North Sioux City, SiouxlandLeave a comment

Matt Vanderpool charged for similar offenses involving second victim

January 3, 2025January 5, 2025 Gary Dickson

Matt Vanderpool has been charged with sexual offenses against a second victim. He also has had his bail reduced and is now living with his parents in Iowa. A motions hearing is set for Jan. 6. Continue reading Matt Vanderpool charged for similar offenses involving second victim

Crime, Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

Union County Sheriff’s Activity Report – 11/22 – 12/28/2024

January 2, 2025 Gary Dickson

Between November 22 and December 28, 2024, the Union County Sheriff’s Office reported various incidents, including traffic warnings, citations, arrests, and assistance to other agencies. Most activities involved enforcing traffic laws and responding to welfare checks, with significant operational time dedicated to the Alcester region. Continue reading Union County Sheriff’s Activity Report – 11/22 – 12/28/2024

Crime, Siouxland, South DakotaLeave a comment

Man arrested for allegedly trying to strangle woman in Beresford