Tag: Iowa

Education, Government, Healthcare, PoliticsLeave a comment
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Little tracking, wide variability permeate the teams tasked with stopping school shootings

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, Healthcare, JusticeLeave a comment
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Nursing home worker avoids probation revocation on sex charge

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

GovernmentLeave a comment
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Change is ‘eminent’: Property-rights fight transforms this year’s SD Legislature

Gary Dickson

In South Dakota, opposition to a carbon dioxide pipeline led to significant political changes. Legislators who supported the contested pipeline legislation were ousted, and new leadership aimed to address landowners’ concerns. Voters rejected a related bill, highlighting growing grassroots mobilization focused on property rights and the potential misuse of eminent domain for pipeline projects. Continue reading Change is ‘eminent’: Property-rights fight transforms this year’s SD Legislature

Government, Justice, PoliticsLeave a comment
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Iowa House panel advances bill limiting release of police mugshots

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

Agriculture, EnvironmentLeave a comment
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Dairy in northwest Iowa to pay $38K for fish kill, manure spill in July

Gary Dickson

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has ordered Roorda Dairy to pay over $38,000 due to a manure spill that killed over 107,000 fish in Mud Creek. The dairy must also submit its operating procedures for manure management for approval following an incident caused by a ruptured tile line during manure application. Continue reading Dairy in northwest Iowa to pay $38K for fish kill, manure spill in July

CommentaryLeave a comment
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Time to make some noise about cancer in Iowa

Gary Dickson

Iowa has the second-highest cancer rates in the U.S., with a sharp rise in breast, prostate, and lung cancer cases, particularly in Northwest Iowa. Concerns about agricultural pollution and the lack of legislative action have prompted local meetings to urge citizens to advocate for clean air and water. Voter influence is essential for change. Continue reading Time to make some noise about cancer in Iowa

Healthcare, JusticeLeave a comment
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Company seeks to block lawsuit over death, citing arbitration agreement

Gary Dickson

A wrongful death lawsuit against Fonda Specialty Care nursing home, stemming from Marvin Jacobs’ suffocation, may be dismissed due to an arbitration agreement signed by his family. The nurse involved, Becky Sue Manning, faced criminal charges for neglect. State inspections revealed failure to clear Jacobs’ airway prior to his death in February 2023. Continue reading Company seeks to block lawsuit over death, citing arbitration agreement

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

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

JusticeLeave a comment
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Former South Dakota attorney general fights suspension of Iowa law license

Gary Dickson

Jason Ravnsborg, former South Dakota attorney general, faces a proposed six-month suspension of his Iowa law license following his impeachment after a traffic accident that killed pedestrian Joe Boever in 2020. He contests the suspension, arguing its severity and alleging government interference in the investigation. A hearing is scheduled for January 22, 2025. Continue reading Former South Dakota attorney general fights suspension of Iowa law license