Between June 28 and July 26, 2024, the Sheriff’s Office dealt with various incidents, including domestic assault, medical emergencies, transport of inmates, vehicle crashes, and more. The deputies responded promptly, ensuring public safety and addressing law enforcement concerns within the jurisdiction. Continue reading Clay County Sheriff’s Department Incident Reports
The permit process and ballot referral highlight the emergence of carbon pipelines and landowner rights as political flashpoints in South Dakota. Summit Carbon Solutions seeks a permit for a network of carbon capture pipelines, and a citizen-led referral challenges a legislative package known as the “Landowner Bill of Rights.” The referendum will give voters a direct say in pipeline policy. Continue reading Referred pipeline law puts company’s permit quest in limbo
A B-1 bomber crashed at Ellsworth Air Force Base due to undisciplined leadership, unforeseen weather, and organizational culture issues. The crew’s failure to monitor critical flight data, coupled with dense fog and rapid wind changes, hindered their ability to maintain the proper path and landing speed, resulting in a $456 million loss. Addressing these cultural and communication issues is crucial to prevent future accidents. Continue reading Lack of discipline, bad weather caused Ellsworth’s $456 million B-1 bomber crash, report says
Western Iowa Tech Community College has settled two federal lawsuits alleging human trafficking, paying a total of $5.3 million to students from Brazil and Chile. The college’s president took responsibility for problems with the J-1 visa program, which allegedly led to students working in meat processing plants. Defendants include the college, employees, and companies. Continue reading WITCC settles the second of two human trafficking lawsuits
By Jared Strong, Iowa Capital Dispatch Underground drainage tiling apparently failed and formed a sinkhole in a corn field in northwest Iowa that allowed manure to flow into a creek, where it killed small fish for miles, according to the … Continue reading Farm field drainage failure leads to creek contamination, dead fish
Residents in McCook Lake, South Dakota were caught off guard by a devastating flood on June 23, 2024, despite inadequate warning from authorities. The flood caused extensive damage, and relief efforts have been disorganized, leaving residents uncertain about the future. Many lack flood insurance and are waiting for potential FEMA assistance. Continue reading ‘We have nothing’: Flood victims say government failures continue after botched flood warning
Victims, scientists, and researchers in South Dakota call for recognition of climate and land use changes following a devastating flood. The outdated flood mitigation plan led to destructive consequences in McCook Lake, highlighting the need for updated plans and infrastructure to address the increasing frequency and severity of floods. Urban development and changing river flows are contributing factors, requiring updated zoning laws and design standards to mitigate future flood hazards. Continue reading McCook Lake catastrophe shatters complacency around old flood plans
In a recent case, an Iowa nursing home worker was fired for being honest with inspectors. The worker revealed issues the employer didn’t want disclosed, leading to immediate termination. Similarly, another worker was fired for allegedly instructing a colleague to lie to state inspectors. These incidents resulted in unemployment hearings, with some workers being awarded benefits while others were denied. Lawton Bronson School and Hegg Memorial employees also had cases reviewed recently. Continue reading Judge finds nursing home worker was fired for being honest with inspectors
Missouri River Historical Development (MRHD) has awarded $71,650 in emergency grants to six local non-profit organizations to assist flood victims in the Siouxland area. The grants aim to address immediate necessities such as food, temporary housing, essential supplies, clean up, and emergency repairs. In addition, MRHD has modified its Impact Match Grant program to support flood-related projects. Continue reading MRHD Provides First Round of Emergency Grants to Support Local Flood Victims
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem praised former President Donald Trump’s commitment to the Constitution at the Republican National Convention, without acknowledging his criminal indictment for subverting it. She also highlighted South Dakota’s economy and policies, but faced criticism from the Democratic Party. Trump was formally nominated for president, and U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance was announced as his running mate. Continue reading Trump ‘honored the Constitution,’ Noem says in convention speech
The Siouxland Observer 