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Sierra Club asks EPA to take over oversight of Iowa waters because of state failures
The U.S. government should oversee Iowa cities, farms and businesses' impact on the state's waters, an environmental group says, arguing the state has done a poor job protecting its rivers, lakes and streams. The Sierra Club Iowa Chapter filed a petition this week, asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to pull the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ authority to enforce the 1972 Clean Water Act, the legal framework for improving and preserving the nation’s waters. ...
Farm field drainage failure leads to creek contamination, dead fish
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 Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The manure came from Roorda Dairy west of Paullina, which has...
Tall Corn Days is on Sioux Rapids
Sioux Rapids IA, (KICD) — Despite the damage that Sioux Rapids received during the flooding they planned to go ahead with Tall Corn Days. One of the organizers behind Tall Corn Days this year, Lacey Garberding says Tall Corn Days provides a much-needed break for the people in town.
Community college settles the second of two human trafficking lawsuits
Western Iowa Tech Community College has agreed to settle the second of two federal lawsuits alleging the school conspired with others to engage in human trafficking. As reported by Iowa Public Radio earlier this week, WITCC of Sioux City has agreed to pay $2.3 million to settle a lawsuit initiated by 10 students from Brazil. […]
Milford Galvanized Line will be Removed
Milford, IA (KICD) — Earlier this week we reported that Milford Municipal Utilities came to the city of Milford saying that an abandoned, galvanized, water service line should be disconnected from the main and removed. The line runs along 13th Street, which is currently being reconstructed. The approved plan was for the line to be capped.
Rock Valley School District finds solutions to start school in September
ROCK VALLEY, I.A. (Dakota News Now) - The now-receded flood waters in Rock Valley left behind a summer’s worth of work for the community, but school district leaders remain optimistic for the start of the school year despite the devastating obstacles. “This is by far the biggest challenge I’ve...
State Auditor Finds Internal Control Deficiencies In Denison FY23 Audit
A recent audit by the Iowa State Auditor’s Office for the City of Denison’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 has revealed several internal control deficiencies and compliance issues. Significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting were identified, though no material noncompliance was found. Key issues included inadequate segregation of duties, unreviewed journal entries, and failure to reconcile utility billings and delinquent accounts. The audit also noted that property tax receipts were not tracked for their specific purposes, and personnel policies lacked clarity on exempt and non-exempt employees. The audit highlighted a material weakness in internal control for the city’s participation in the COVID-19 Airports Program and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Program but found no instances of noncompliance for federal awards. The city’s response includes establishing procedures to address these deficiencies. No improper disbursements were noted in the report. Responses from city officials indicate steps will be taken to address the identified issues. A copy of the FY23 City of Denison audit is included below.
Omaha Residents Prepare for Overnight Storms Sunday with 60 MPH Winds Through 2 AM Monday
Omaha, NE – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Omaha/Valley has issued a severe weather alert for Sunday evening, with strong to possibly severe thunderstorms expected to bring wind gusts up to 60 mph. According to the NWS, the threat window spans from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. The...
Gas Prices Steady This Week
(Des Moines) According to AAA, the price of regular unleaded gasoline held steady, averaging $3.28 across Iowa. This is nine cents lower than one week ago. The national average on Wednesday was $3.51, steady from last week’s price. The price of global crude oil fell this week on the...
Iowa schools struggle to fill special education positions
With less than a month until the start of the school year, the Urbandale Community School District is struggling to fill about 30 special education positions. "A shortage of associates is an increasingly widespread challenge throughout the metro and across the state," Urbandale schools spokesperson Dena Claire said. "The shortages we’re seeing this year are comparable to last year."
Williamsburg holds off Davenport Assumption to earn second-straight Iowa softball state title
FORT DODGE — One year after winning the school’s first softball state championship, Williamsburg did it again. The No. 2-seeded Raiders took on No. 4 Davenport Assumption – a rematch of last season’s title game – on Friday in hopes of being the only team in this year’s tournament to repeat as champions. ...
Four Local Graduates Awarded IHCA Foundation Scholarships To Pursue Healthcare Careers
Four local high school seniors are among the 110 Iowans who received a scholarship from the Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA) Foundation to pursue a career working in a long-term care facility. Last week, the IHCA Foundation announced over $300,000 in scholarship funding to current long-term care employees seeking further education and training, along with high school students, veterans, and Iowa residents in rural communities looking to join the healthcare profession. Over 240 applications were received, with the IHCA Foundation Board of Directors reviewing the applicant’s experience, recommendations, and future education and career goals to determine the winners of scholarships. Brynn Bass, who works at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids, and Eyon Steffensen, employed at Exira Care Center in Exira, are the recipients of the $4,000 John W. and Kimberly D. Grubb Registered Nurse (RN) Scholarship, to pursue an RN degree. A $2,000 MonilaCares High School Scholarship was awarded to Halie Rath, Kuemper Catholic High School, and Emma Meyers from the South Central Calhoun Community School District, who are both currently enrolled in some level of nursing degree, with interest in working in a long-term care facility. IHCA Foundation Program Director Natalie Thompson says, “We commend this year’s scholarship recipients for their dedication to this noble profession. Your work is truly invaluable, and we look forward to seeing the positive difference you will undoubtedly make in the lives of many.” Seven scholarship opportunities are available through the IHCA Foundation, all made possible through donors’ contributions.