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Noem, who sent Guard troops to Texas, resists using them for her own state’s flooding

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem faces criticism for deploying National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border but not to assist with flooding in the state, citing costliness. Despite opposition, her spokesperson hints at possible Guard utilization. Noem’s decision comes after allocating funds to previous border deployments and faces backlash from state officials and residents. Continue reading Noem, who sent Guard troops to Texas, resists using them for her own state’s flooding

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Flood washes away Noem’s false veneer of leadership

Severe weather in southeast South Dakota exposed Governor Kristi Noem’s shortcomings as she left the state for a political conference and interview, neglecting to adequately warn people about the impending danger. Despite her lackluster crisis response and departure for a fundraiser, she defended her actions, leaving many to question her priorities and leadership. Continue reading Flood washes away Noem’s false veneer of leadership

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McCook Lake residents say their homes were sacrificed, and they want a new flood plan

Homeowners allege inadequate warnings, authorities defend communication in the face of record floodwaters at McCook Lake, South Dakota. State and local authorities executed a flood mitigation plan, but some residents claim insufficient warnings. Cleanup and future plans are now in question as the community grapples with the aftermath of the devastating flood. Continue reading McCook Lake residents say their homes were sacrificed, and they want a new flood plan

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Local driver is a slow learner

Despite warnings about water-covered roadways and “Road Closed” signs in the Siouxland area, a man chose to disregard them and drove around the barriers, getting his car stuck in floodwaters. Onlookers laughed as he attempted to fix the car, but two women eventually helped him before leaving. The incident emphasized the importance of heeding safety warnings. Continue reading Local driver is a slow learner

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Two arrested following disturbance at Hawarden hospital

Saye Paye, 25, and Katie Saldana, 20, were involved in an altercation at Hawarden Hospital, leading to their arrest for child endangerment and disorderly conduct. The fight, reported in a 911 call, revolved around their child’s car seat. Saldana was holding their three-month-old during the altercation, but no injuries were reported. Continue reading Two arrested following disturbance at Hawarden hospital

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Police: Therapist charged with sex abuse has a ‘long history of complaints’

A 75-year-old therapist, Martin W. Wallace, has been charged with sexually abusing a 13-year-old patient in Iowa. The therapist has a history of misconduct complaints, including alleged inappropriate behavior with clients and unauthorized use of cameras. Following the criminal charges, his license was suspended, and he awaits trial. (Word count: 50) Continue reading Police: Therapist charged with sex abuse has a ‘long history of complaints’

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Prouty swamps Headid in sheriff’s race.

Jim Prouty secures 79% of the vote, defeating Rich Headid in the Republican primary for Union County Sheriff. With no Democratic primary, Prouty is poised to complete the late Sheriff Dan Limoges’ term. Prouty’s extensive experience and widespread support across precincts underscore his victory. Additionally, Sydney Davis, Chris Kassin, and William Shorma win GOP legislative primaries. Continue reading Prouty swamps Headid in sheriff’s race.

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Matt Vanderpool ran for North Sioux City alderman. Thursday he was arrested for rape and sexual contact with a child.

Last Thursday turned out to be the day from hell for Matt Vanderpool. It’s hard to know whether or not Matt Vanderpool had a smile on his face in a minute or two before 6:30 a.m. Or what his thoughts were. Vanderpool was driving his truck and was near the corner of Alcoma and Streeter Drives. It is probably a good guess, though, the look on his face changed to a look of bewilderment or a frown when he noticed two police cruisers were following him with their lights and sirens on. The police officers had in their possession paperwork that charged Vanderpool with five different counts: rape, solicitation of a minor, abuse and neglect of a child, sexual contact with a child under the age of 16, and sexual exploitation. Continue reading Matt Vanderpool ran for North Sioux City alderman. Thursday he was arrested for rape and sexual contact with a child.

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I’m taking a vacation from covering local government

I’m told it’s springtime. I would guess that is true judging from the green color of the grass and the leaves in the trees around Siouxland. I don’t want to waste any more of my time sitting in city council or county commission chambers observing our elected officials haggle over whether or not this plat has been correctly presented and dated. I’m annoyed by the one-upmanship and other games being played. So, for the next three or four or five months I leave you to your own motivations.

Continue reading I’m taking a vacation from covering local government

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Semi overturns at Jefferson on-ramp Tuesday afternoon

A semi-truck carrying snacks overturned after the driver turned too wide onto an on-ramp, sliding into tall grass and tipping over. The driver was uninjured but expressed concern about the lack of warning signs for the steep hill and tall grass. Three wreckers were needed to pull the rig back onto the ramp, closing traffic for several hours. The Highway Patrol is investigating the incident. Continue reading Semi overturns at Jefferson on-ramp Tuesday afternoon