Tag: Iowa

Commentary, To Whom It May Concern2 Comments
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Take comfort in knowing it’s not as bad as it smells

Gary Dickson

In Siouxland, living conditions have improved since the 90s, particularly regarding unpleasant odors. The community of Dakota Dunes offers tax advantages and a tight-knit environment with essential services. Changing local governance raises concerns about accountability. Amid these issues, the author reflects on the importance of immigrant workers in the local economy and critiques contemporary self-help trends. Continue reading Take comfort in knowing it’s not as bad as it smells

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Bird flu detected in Iowa flock for fourth time in less than a week

Gary Dickson

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in a commercial turkey flock in Sac County, Iowa. Four cases were confirmed recently, prompting a disaster proclamation from Governor Reynolds. The risk to humans remains low as officials encourage monitoring and biosecurity measures. Continue reading Bird flu detected in Iowa flock for fourth time in less than a week

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New report shows 10 years of agriculture spills into Iowa waterways

Gary Dickson

A report by Food and Water Watch analyzed nearly 200 manure spills in Iowa between 2013 and 2023, highlighting northwest Iowa’s high spill concentration linked to animal feeding operations. It urged stricter regulations, citing inadequate enforcement and underreporting of incidents. The report calls for more accountability for corporate polluters in Iowa. Continue reading New report shows 10 years of agriculture spills into Iowa waterways

Healthcare2 Comments
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‘This man is literally dying’: Photos of nursing home residents trigger $1,000 fine

Gary Dickson

A nursing home in Algona, Iowa, was fined $1,000 for unauthorized sharing of videos and photos of residents, including a derogatory caption. State inspectors found multiple violations related to resident privacy and care quality. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about privacy violations affecting vulnerable nursing home residents, particularly those with cognitive impairments. Continue reading ‘This man is literally dying’: Photos of nursing home residents trigger $1,000 fine

Crime, Iowa, JusticeLeave a comment
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Iowa AG pushes for constitutional amendment on child testimony

Gary Dickson

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced support for a constitutional amendment enabling child victims to testify via closed-circuit video to avoid facing their alleged abusers in court. Following a recent Iowa Supreme Court ruling reversing such protections, Bird emphasized the importance of this amendment for child safety and encouraging testimony in criminal cases. Continue reading Iowa AG pushes for constitutional amendment on child testimony

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Highly pathogenic avian influenza detected in Sioux County 

Gary Dickson

The Iowa Department of Agriculture reported a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) at a commercial egg farm in Sioux County, prompting Governor Kim Reynolds to issue a disaster proclamation. This outbreak marks Iowa’s fourth detection of bird flu this year, necessitating enhanced monitoring and biosecurity measures for all poultry producers. Continue reading Highly pathogenic avian influenza detected in Sioux County 

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Union of Concerned Scientists pushes for wetland protections in Farm Bill

Gary Dickson

A report by the Union of Concerned Scientists highlights the critical status of wetlands in the Upper Midwest, which provide annual flood protections valued at $23 billion. It advocates for inclusion in the upcoming Farm Bill to counteract damage from industrial agriculture and recent legal challenges, ensuring wetlands’ preservation and ongoing benefits. Continue reading Union of Concerned Scientists pushes for wetland protections in Farm Bill

Agriculture, Environment4 Comments

More Iowa puppy mills, including two from Siouxland, cited for federal violations

Gary Dickson

During the third quarter of 2024, six Iowa dog breeders and kennels were cited for a total of 19 federal regulatory violations. Issues included inadequate veterinary care and poor sanitation. Iowa ranked third for violations nationwide, with notable offenders being Furever Paws, Stonehenge Kennels, and Century Farm Puppies. Continue reading More Iowa puppy mills, including two from Siouxland, cited for federal violations

Iowa, Justice7 Comments

State librarian accused of sending obscene material to a minor

Gary Dickson

Iowa’s state librarian has been arrested on a charge of disseminating obscene material to a person he believed was a 14-year-old boy. Clive police announced Friday that as part of an ongoing investigation, they arrested 53-year-old Michael Lynn Scott of Clive, the state librarian, on a misdemeanor charge of dissemination of obscene material to a minor. Continue reading State librarian accused of sending obscene material to a minor

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Iowa environmental groups seek to intervene in ‘swampbuster’ lawsuit

Gary Dickson

An Iowa company is challenging federal law that prevents farming on designated wetlands, claiming it imposes unconstitutional conditions for accessing USDA benefits without compensation. Sustainable agriculture groups intervene, arguing losing the law would threaten environmental preservation and exacerbate flooding and erosion issues. The case highlights critical discussions on land use and conservation. Continue reading Iowa environmental groups seek to intervene in ‘swampbuster’ lawsuit