Severe weather in southeast South Dakota exposed Governor Kristi Noem’s shortcomings as she left the state for a political conference and interview, neglecting to adequately warn people about the impending danger. Despite her lackluster crisis response and departure for a fundraiser, she defended her actions, leaving many to question her priorities and leadership. Continue reading Flood washes away Noem’s false veneer of leadership
A 75-year-old therapist, Martin W. Wallace, has been charged with sexually abusing a 13-year-old patient in Iowa. The therapist has a history of misconduct complaints, including alleged inappropriate behavior with clients and unauthorized use of cameras. Following the criminal charges, his license was suspended, and he awaits trial. (Word count: 50) Continue reading Police: Therapist charged with sex abuse has a ‘long history of complaints’
South Dakota Republicans, including Governor Noem, criticize the conviction of ex-President Trump, showing a departure from their party’s traditional values. They voice concerns about the trial’s fairness and its potential impact on Trump’s political future. Their response highlights a shift away from prioritizing moral principles and the rule of law. Continue reading What further Trump sins and crimes will SD’s highest elected officials excuse?
Jim Prouty secures 79% of the vote, defeating Rich Headid in the Republican primary for Union County Sheriff. With no Democratic primary, Prouty is poised to complete the late Sheriff Dan Limoges’ term. Prouty’s extensive experience and widespread support across precincts underscore his victory. Additionally, Sydney Davis, Chris Kassin, and William Shorma win GOP legislative primaries. Continue reading Prouty swamps Headid in sheriff’s race.
Iowa’s top Republicans unanimously criticized the guilty verdict against Donald Trump, but none declared his innocence. The focus was on the trial being politically motivated, raising concerns about their views on the American legal system. State Auditor Rob Sand emphasized respect for juries, highlighting the importance of citizen judgment, which is crucial beyond political implications. Continue reading Iowa GOP reaction to Trump verdict misses the key point
Sex therapist and social worker Stefani Goerlich struggles when clients move away from Michigan due to restrictions on providing telehealth services across state lines. In response to America’s mental health crisis, an increasing number of states are empowering social workers to practice across state lines. The Social Work Licensure Compact is facilitating this, benefiting practitioners and patients alike. Continue reading Amid mental health crisis, new compact allows social workers to practice across state lines
Most of the priority bills proposed by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Republican legislators made it through the first major deadline for the 2024 legislative session. But the details of many of those major bills are still subject to change in the coming weeks.
In her Condition of the State speech in January, Reynolds laid out goals to make significant changes to Iowa’s Area Education Agencies and the state’s mental health care system. She also announced plans to merge or cut many of the state’s boards and commissions.
Lawmakers moved bills on these issues, and many more, through the committee process in the past week. Most legislation had to be passed by a committee in at least one chamber by the end of “funnel week” to remain eligible for consideration during the session.
Here’s a rundown of some of the notable bills that survived – and some that did not – during the first funnel week: Continue reading Your guide to which bills survived the first legislative ‘funnel’ (and which didn’t)
Avery Dettvarn didn’t realize just how expensive her college dreams were until she began the application process.
She said at a press conference Wednesday that she felt her heart break when her high school counselor said she wouldn’t be able to attend college if she couldn’t afford to fill the gaps left after seeking out public and private loans, financial aid and scholarships in order to pay for her tuition.
Now a University of Iowa second-year student, Dettvarn accepted a loan from a family member to help achieve her dream because no relatives had a credit score high enough to co-sign for a private loan. Not everyone can receive the same support she did, she said. She came to the Capitol to advocate for students who have struggled with tuition and fees, and to show her support for legislation that would keep costs from crawling even higher over the course of their college career. Continue reading Iowa House Democrats introduce bill to tackle rising tuition rates
Below is the call log of the Lincoln County, S.D. Sheriff’s Office for Jan. 21 through Jan. 27, 2024. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office serves nearly 60,000 citizens spread across Lincoln County’s 579 square miles. Per capita, Lincoln County is the third largest county in South Dakota. Canton is the county seat, and it houses their office, 911 communications and the courthouse. Lincoln County is comprised of several small, medium and large-sized communities that include Harrisburg, Tea, Lennox, Canton, Worthing, Fairview, Hudson, Beresford and the southern portion of Sioux Falls. Continue reading Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office activity report: Jan. 21 – Jan. 27, 2024
I want to tell you about the next step in our news coverage here at The Siouxland Observer. You got an inkling of it on Saturday, Oct. 14 when I posted the story about the state of Iowa joining the pork producers’ challenge of a new Massachusetts law that bans the sale of pork that doesn’t meet strict hog-confinement requirements. Continue reading Some news about our news
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