Tag: Public Safety

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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

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Attorney general and others know: Noem’s public broadcasting cut threatens public safety

Gary Dickson

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s proposed budget cuts threaten the funding of South Dakota Public Broadcasting, which supports a vital communication network for emergency services and public alerts. The potential loss of over $3.6 million could jeopardize infrastructure relied upon by law enforcement and local emergency responders, endangering public safety. Continue reading Attorney general and others know: Noem’s public broadcasting cut threatens public safety

Crime, GovernmentLeave a comment

Union County Sheriff’s Activity Report – 10/27 – 11/2/2024

Gary Dickson

From October 27 to November 2, 2024, the Union County Sheriff’s Office dealt with various incidents, including public disturbances, car accidents involving deer, traffic warnings, and multiple inmate transports. The office maintained a consistent presence in Alcester for contract time while addressing community safety and conducting welfare checks throughout the area. Continue reading Union County Sheriff’s Activity Report – 10/27 – 11/2/2024

Crime, GovernmentLeave a comment

Union County Sheriff’s Incident/Activity Report: 8/11 – 8/17

Gary Dickson

The Union County Sheriff’s Office was involved in various incidents and activities between August 11 and August 17, 2024, including burglary, horse-related issues, transportation of inmates, arrests, assists, and traffic violations. A total of 60 records were reported, with a wide range of law enforcement engagements. Continue reading Union County Sheriff’s Incident/Activity Report: 8/11 – 8/17

Crime, Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

Clay County Sheriff’s Department Incident Reports

Gary Dickson

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

Crime, Government, Justice, South Dakota1 Comment

Union County Court: 3/11 – 3/22/24

Gary Dickson

Following are two weeks worth of cases that have been disposed in the Union County courts. They include everything from traffic to trucking/transportation to criminal cases.

Included is a guide to one case that looks on the surface as if it has a high number of charges. But everything is not always as it appears at first glance.

There are also a couple of high fine amounts for truckers in this round of court activities. How high can they go? Continue reading Union County Court: 3/11 – 3/22/24

Crime, South DakotaLeave a comment

Clay County Sheriff’s Incident Report

Gary Dickson

The following are summaries of incidents reported to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office between Feb. 14 and March 14, 2024. 

For instance: A caller reported a stray pig and dog on a rural road near Meckling. A deputy responded to a report of a dog at a rural residence biting a bicyclist. A deputy assisted Vermillion police officers with a response to a fight outside of a downtown bar in Vermillion.

Also, the School Resource Officer investigated a report of a high school student in Vermillion having possession of a vape device in school. A caller reported suspicious activity involving two people in a car on a dead-end rural road.

And more are inside the story.

Continue reading Clay County Sheriff’s Incident Report

Government, IowaLeave a comment

Your guide to which bills survived the first legislative ‘funnel’ (and which didn’t)

Gary Dickson

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)