Representative Steve King took to the house floor today in Washington to try and persuade other members of congress to approve funding to help fight substance abuse in Siouxland.
He added a proposal to a potential funding bill that would help pay for drug and alcohol treatment services for Native Americans.
King also honored the memory of community leader Frank LaMere who died this week of cancer.
“The lead on this effort has been Mr. Frank LaMere. He has been a statesman for the Winnebago for years, and, also, for Native Americans in a broader sense especially in the upper Midwest. He tragically passed away two days ago. His funeral is today. He worked on these projects for a lifetime and it’s very fitting that we take action on one of his initiatives here in this Congress today. And I am hopeful that we will be able to take up HR 184 which also transfers the land back to the Winnebago that they should rightfully have.”
Indian Health Services stopped paying for an alcohol and drug treatment center in Sioux City 13 years ago.
A ground breaking took place today for the new Siouxland Expo Center.
The price tag to build the center is $15 million. The facility will house agricultural, recreational and major community events.
It is located in the old stockyard area of Sioux City and is funded by many sources including public, private sponsorships and grants.
Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott says the facility will provide space for growing events and draw new events that will attract people to the community.
The project is expected to be completed by June 1st of next year.
Governor Kim Reynolds says there were “a lot of factors” that went into her decision to pressure a health agency director to resign two years after she appointed him.
Reynolds says ousting former Department of Human Services Director Jerry Foxhoven was part of putting a new team together throughout her administration. But she didn’t provide details about any disagreements they might’ve had or if she had issues with his performance or behavior.
“I’m not gonna get into that. There were a lot of factors that went into that decision. I appreciate jerry stepping in at a really tough time and helping with the transition. I appreciate that a lot. I just made the decision to go a different direction.”
Asked what direction she wants DHS to go in, Reynolds said “stay tuned.” She says they’ll launch a nationwide search for a new director.
Reynolds also denied that this is related to a federal lawsuit over disciplinary practices at a state-run school for boys.
Transportation officials say Interstate 29 in northwest Missouri and southwest Iowa has been reopened as flood waters recede.
The interstate has been closed since May 29 because of flooding and flood-related damage.
Traffic will restricted to one lane in some stretches between St. Joseph and Interstate 80.
Transportation officials warn travelers to plan ahead for gas or restroom breaks because several exits along the interstate from St. Joseph to U.S. 34 in Glenwood, Iowa, remain partially or completely closed.