Tag: Fentanyl

HealthLeave a comment

Health lab director says ‘very unusual’ Sturgis rally overdose reports remain a mystery

Gary Dickson

State health officials are investigating a mysterious series of suspected overdose cases linked to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, including two fatalities. At least 12 cases with unusual symptoms, such as seizures and shallow breathing, were reported. Despite extensive toxicology tests, no common substance was identified. Health authorities urge vigilance for future events. Continue reading Health lab director says ‘very unusual’ Sturgis rally overdose reports remain a mystery

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

Government, Iowa, PoliticsLeave a comment

As fentanyl ravages Iowa, activists push for the legalization of fentanyl test strips

Gary Dickson

A majority of the 300 overdose deaths in Iowa in 2022 involved fentanyl. Activists are pushing for the legalization of fentanyl test strips to prevent accidental overdoses. Despite concerns, supporters believe these strips can save lives and provide valuable information about drug supply. Legalization faces resistance due to stigma and fear of enabling drug use. Continue reading As fentanyl ravages Iowa, activists push for the legalization of fentanyl test strips

Government, Siouxland, South DakotaLeave a comment

Adventures at the county courthouse: How ’bout that medical weed license?

Gary Dickson

It was Tuesday morning, November 28th, and I was running late. I peeked out the living room shades and saw through the dark that the northeastern sky was starting to get bright. Carmelo Lattuca, the morning meteorologist on KTIV was explaining it was 9 degrees in Sioux City and 16 degrees up in Le Mars, Iowa. He said with the wind it felt like a negative 2 degrees. He proceeded into something called his “Dog Walk Forecast” saying the temperatures were going to increase to 32- 39 degrees by afternoon.

This was the day the commissioners were going to decide the fate of the county’s lone medical cannabis license.

I looked at my agenda, then at the commissioners, and discovered they had just approved the hiring of a new part-time jailer Claudia J. Chasing Hawk at $18.62 an hour. She started on Nov. 14. Before the agreement to hire Chasing Hawk, who had already started, a quorum was established, allegiance to our flag was pledged, today’s agenda was approved, and the last meeting’s minutes were approved. Continue reading Adventures at the county courthouse: How ’bout that medical weed license?