A major winter storm is taking aim at the Upper Midwest, threatening to bring blizzard conditions, bitterly cold temperatures and 2 feet of snow in some spots of Minnesota starting today through Thursday. Sioux Falls could see more than a foot of snow according to the National Weather Service. According to the Argus Leader, residents are being told to prepare to shelter for three days since this storm system looks similar to one that dumped more than 13 inches at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport.
For a majority of Siouxland, snow flurries could fall today, with heavier snow moving in tomorrow afternoon before tapering off on Thursday morning.
There are Watches and Warnings posted for all of Siouxland, with many starting tomorrow morning. The National Weather Service says to keep an eye on the local forecast because the storm system's impact could vary depending on where you live. Check out www.weather.gov for updates.
News release from the Woodbury County Democratic Party:
"We have decided to postpone the off-year caucus due to the impending weather so the Democrats of Woodbury County can stay home and stay safe this Wednesday. This is also an important election and everyone should have a right to attend to watch and then participate in the off-year caucus process," stated Woodbury County Democratic Party Chair Jeremy Dumkrieger.
The House Government Oversight Committee held a hearing last night to question Iowa public school leaders about the process to challenge library books.
In the hearing, some school leaders were made to answer for local decisions to not remove books with sexually graphic content.
Former President Donald Trump announced key Iowa 2024 campaign staff bringing 2020 state director Eric Branstad and state Rep. Bobby Kaufmann on as senior advisors.
Marshall Moreua, who managed Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird’s 2022 campaign that ousted longtime Democrat Tom Miller, will be Trump’s Iowa state director.
The use of eminent domain for proposed carbon capture pipelines would face new restrictions under a bill advanced today by an Iowa House panel.
Twenty-two Republican representatives are sponsoring the bill that would require at least 90% landowner approval in a carbon pipeline’s path before eminent domain could be used. It would also require the interstate pipelines to get permits from all other states before using eminent domain in Iowa.
Lobbyists for Summit Carbon Solutions and biofuel producers say the bill would hurt the agriculture industry. But the Iowa Farm Bureau supports the bill.
A bill passed by an Iowa House subcommittee (HF 73) would direct K-12 schools to provide lessons on gun safety.
The original bill says the classes should be based on programs created by the National Rifle Association, but a proposed amendment would allow schools to choose their own curriculum.
In 2020, gun injuries were the number one cause of death among children in the U.S.
Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad says teaching students how to react when they see a gun is part of reversing that trend.
“Kids have found guns in parks. We’ve had children come over to my agency and turn in a gun that they found in a bag in the park. That’s a reality now.”
Abdul-Samad is co-sponsoring the bill with Republican Rep. Skyler Wheeler of Hull.
A volunteer with the gun control group Moms Demand Action told the subcommittee she opposes the bill because gun safety should be the responsibility of gun owners, not children.
An open house for Crescent Park Elementary School is taking place this afternoon until 5 p.m. It’s a final walk through for the 100-year-old building on West 27th Street that will be demolished to make way for an apartment complex. The School District sold the former school to a developer for $150,000.
And the community can hear from the presidents of all three Sioux City colleges this afternoon. The City of Sioux City is hosting a panel discussion on higher education at the Public Museum from 5:30 until 6:30. The event will also be streamed on Facebook. You can hear from Western Iowa Tech Community College President Dr. Terry Murrell, Morningside University’s Dr. Albert Mosley, and Briar Cliff Interim President Dr. Patrick Jacobson-Schulte.
Submitted news releases:
Governor Pillen, NSP, & NDOT Urge Caution Over Winter Weather Across State
LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen is joining with state agencies in urging caution as a winter storm moves across Nebraska, bringing the potential for significant snow, high winds, and bitterly cold conditions. Areas of greatest impact stretch from the panhandle through the central section of the state and across the northeast. The National Weather Service is predicting between 6 and 12 inches of snow in the uppermost regions, starting this afternoon.
The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) and the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) are urging motorists to keep an eye on the forecast and check weather conditions before hitting the road. During the storm, travel may become difficult or impossible as heavy snow couples with strong winds in the northern and western parts of the state. Drivers should check 511, Nebraska.gov, or the Nebraska 511 app to get the latest information on roadway conditions.
NDOT plow crews will be working throughout the state to clear the roadways during and after the storm. Troopers will also be on the road throughout the state to assist any motorists who become stranded. Motorist are reminded to have warm clothing, food, water, phone chargers, and other essentials in their vehicle in case they become stranded while traveling. If you become stranded or need help, call *55 or 1-800-525-5555 to reach the NSP Highway Helpline.
This storm hits as winter calving season gets underway, resulting in an added concern for producers. Calves can be prone to hypothermia, and they require necessary nutrients from milk to ensure their health and growth.
“It’s impossible to stop mother nature,” said Governor Pillen. “But to the extent possible, producers are advised to prepare as much as possible to protect their herds. Snow and extreme cold can be a dangerous combination, especially to newborn calves.”
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources provides a wealth of information on its website for livestock producers at beef.unl.edu.
Meet the Presidents
Panel Discussion to Focus on Higher Education
The City of Sioux City will host an opportunity for the community to connect with the presidents of higher education institutes in Sioux City at an event held on Tuesday, February 21 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Sioux City Public Museum, 607 4th Street. It will also be live streamed on Facebook via the City of Sioux City: Diversity page. The community will have an opportunity to connect with and hear from Briar Cliff University Interim President Dr. Patrick Jacobson-Schulte, Morningside University President Dr. Albert Mosley, and Western Iowa Tech Community College President Dr. Terry Murrell as they share goals and information about each respective school. Audience participation will be encouraged. The event is free and open to the public. Contact Sioux City Community Inclusion Liaison Semehar Ghebrekidan with questions at sghebrekidan@sioux-city.org or by phone at 712-203-7738.
Crescent Park Open House
The public is invited for one final walk through of the Crescent Park building.
Tuesday, February 21 | 3-5 pm | Crescent Park (114 W. 27th St.)