Tag: Nebraska

Education, SiouxlandLeave a comment

Morningside University to launch full tuition coverage program for Siouxland students

Gary Dickson

Morningside University in Sioux City is launching the Siouxland Proud, Mside Bound Initiative, offering full tuition coverage to up to 100 first-time students from a 47-county area across Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. This effort aims to enhance accessibility to higher education for local residents and strengthen community ties. Continue reading Morningside University to launch full tuition coverage program for Siouxland students

Energy, Environment, Government1 Comment

24 attorneys general challenge California regulation on big trucks

Gary Dickson

Twenty-four Republican-led states, led by Nebraska’s Attorney General Mike Hilgers, are urging the EPA to reject California’s request for stricter truck emissions regulations, claiming it overreaches and could increase costs for consumers. They argue rural areas lack infrastructure for electric vehicles and would bear the brunt of higher logistics costs. Continue reading 24 attorneys general challenge California regulation on big trucks

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

Crime, Justice, SiouxlandLeave a comment

Alcester woman sentenced for wire fraud

Gary Dickson

Michelle Warner, a former employee of Heartland Counseling Services, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for wire fraud. She will also serve three years of supervised release, pay a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and make restitution of $261,066.09 to her former employer. Warner must report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on September 16, 2024. Continue reading Alcester woman sentenced for wire fraud

economic development, Nebraska, SiouxlandLeave a comment

Visitors flowing in to kayak and tube at Norfolk’s new North Fork Whitewater Park

Gary Dickson

The North Fork Whitewater Park in Norfolk, Nebraska, has drawn a steady flow of visitors since its opening in June. The park features engineered rapids for activities such as kayaking and river surfing, attracting visitors from nearby states. The $3.5 million renovation project aims to revitalize the downtown area and has already generated increased interest and investment in the city. Continue reading Visitors flowing in to kayak and tube at Norfolk’s new North Fork Whitewater Park

Agriculture, economic development, Environment, NebraskaLeave a comment

Nebraska pitched as possible destination for ‘climate migrants’

Gary Dickson

Climate change is expected to drive a mass migration from coastal areas due to rising sea levels and extreme weather. This presents an opportunity for rural Midwest communities like Nebraska to revitalize and attract new residents. Initiatives such as enhancing quality of life and promoting soil health hubs are seen as ways to prepare for potential climate migrants. Continue reading Nebraska pitched as possible destination for ‘climate migrants’

economic development, SiouxlandLeave a comment

Makerspace, new businesses bring hope for former ‘Skid Row of the Plains’

Gary Dickson

In Whiteclay, Nebraska, the Makerspace has replaced alcohol with art, providing a place for local artisans to create and sell goods. The initiative has transformed the village, reducing alcohol-related problems and improving the local economy. However, state support is lacking, hindering the Makerspace’s full potential for positive change. Continue reading Makerspace, new businesses bring hope for former ‘Skid Row of the Plains’

Government, Nebraska, PoliticsLeave a comment

Deadline passes for reconsideration of Fortenberry ruling; case could be retried

Gary Dickson

A deadline came and went Monday to request a reconsideration of the appeals court ruling that tossed out the felony convictions of former U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry.

That doesn’t mean the case is over, however.

Prosecutors still need to decide whether to seek a second trial of the former congressman in either Nebraska or Washington, D.C., where it was alleged that Fortenberry lied and misled federal agents probing illegal, foreign campaign contributions. Continue reading Deadline passes for reconsideration of Fortenberry ruling; case could be retried

CommentaryLeave a comment

The dog ate my farm bill and other Republican excuses

Gary Dickson

The new five-year federal farm program, which was due on the president’s desk no later than Sept.  30, 2023, is missing. Republicans, who run the U.S. House of Representatives, don’t have a good answer about why it is missing.

In fact, the explanation for what happened to it is little more than a reworking of the age-old “the dog ate my homework” excuse used to “explain” missing arithmetic homework assignments by school kids for years. Continue reading The dog ate my farm bill and other Republican excuses

Art, Education, Siouxland, TalentLeave a comment

Entry deadline for S.D. Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards is Dec. 15th

Gary Dickson

Arts South Dakota is encouraging South Dakota teens to enter the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The awards are a national recognition program for teen writers and artists and the deadline for submission is Friday, Dec. 15 at 9:59 MT/10:59 CT.

Students submit their work to their region for initial evaluation. Submissions are $10 per individual work and $30 for a senior portfolio; if the fees present a barrier to participation, students can use a fee waiver, which is available in their student account. Once the works are submitted, South Dakota writing professionals read each student’s work and assign it a Gold Key, Silver Key, Honorable Mention, or no award. Continue reading Entry deadline for S.D. Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards is Dec. 15th