A Sioux City man was cited by police and hospitalized Monday, after reportedly becoming upset with garbage collectors and firing a rifle up into the air on the city's west side. Check out the full story from the Sioux City Journal.
Republican Senator Chuck Grassley says the plea deal President Biden’s son has struck with a federal prosecutor “cannot be the final word” on the investigation” of Hunter Biden’s finances.
Court records indicate Hunter Biden will plead guilty to two misdemeanors for failing to pay his taxes and he struck a deal on a felony gun charge that lets him enter a diversion program.
Republican Senator Joni Ernst was asked for her reaction during a conference call with Iowa reporters. “I am just grateful that we are starting to see some level of resolution here and we’ll see what transpires over the next few weeks and months,” Ernst said. “Obviously, if he pled guilty, there’s something there.”
Senator Grassley issued a written statement, saying he’s uncovered records and gotten information from whistleblowers about Hunter Biden’s finances that “in any other circumstance would raise serious criminal and counterintelligence concerns.”
President Biden and his wife issued a short statement saying they love their son and support him as he continues to rebuild his life.
Republican Congressman Zach Nunn is introducing legislation to improve broadband access in the state’s rural areas.
The bipartisan legislation would authorize the U-S Department of Agriculture to be able to permanently offer loans and grants to improve access to broadband internet across the country.
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill in 2021 creating a statewide grant program to support broadband access.
According to the research firm Broadband Now, Iowa ranks 33rd in the country for access to broadband internet.
This is the final month of the fiscal year for Iowa’s state-licensed casinos, and it appears competition across the border will impact the year-end revenue total.
Racing and Gaming Administrator Brian Ohorilko tells Radio Iowa he anticipates a little less revenue than what was received last fiscal year, but still a very strong year for the industry. However Harrah’s Casino and the Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs in southwest Iowa both saw revenue drop in April and May.
The 19 state casinos brought in more than $1.7 billion in the last fiscal year.
Submitted news releases:
Gov. Reynolds Leads Trade Mission to Italy, Kosovo, and Israel
Visits aimed at expanding trade, developing business growth opportunities, and renewing Sister State Agreements
DES MOINES – Today, Gov. Kim Reynolds departs for a two-week long trade mission to Italy, Kosovo, and Israel aimed at expanding trade, developing business growth opportunities, and renewing Sister State Agreements.
She will be joined by First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds, Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham, and Iowa National Guard Adjutant General Stephen Osborn. The mission concludes on Saturday, July 1.
“Italy, Kosovo and Israel hold great promise for Iowa in terms of trade and investment,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds. “The trade mission will focus on expanding opportunities with existing business partners and promoting Iowa to companies interested in establishing a U.S. presence. With one of the strongest and most resilient economies in the country and a workforce well-known for its skill and productivity, there is no better time to position Iowa as a strong global partner.”
Mission highlights include meetings with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Veneto Region Vice President Elisa De Berti, Italian businesses with significant investments in the State of Iowa, President Vjosa Osamani-Sadriu of the Republic of Kosovo, Kosovan ministers and business leaders, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog of Israel, and more than 70 Israeli businesses and investors in the insurance and agriculture sectors.
“Through trade missions like this one, we build important economic relationships, promote Iowa's growth in key industries, such as insurance technology and agriculture technology, and open our businesses to new opportunities in expanding markets beyond the United States,” said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority.
“This trade mission is a wonderful way to amplify the upcoming 30th Anniversary of the State Partnership Program, that links a State National Guard with a partner nation. The Iowa National Guard has built and maintained a strong relationship with Kosovo, our SPP nation, for over 11 years, using a ‘Whole of Iowa, Whole of Kosovo’ approach,” said Iowa Adjutant General, Major General Osborn. “Our partnership enhances transatlantic security, strengthens regional stability, and at the same time provides lasting community connections across the state of Iowa. We are honored to assist in the hosting of Governor Reynolds during her visit to Kosovo.”
Local Law Enforcement Officer Graduates from FBI National Academy
Sioux City, IA - On Tuesday June 20, 2023, Sioux City Police Chief Rex Mueller announced that Lieutenant Brad Bollinger has graduated as a member of the 286th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on April 8th, 2023. Lieutenant Bollinger is the fourth officer in the history of the Sioux City Police Department to complete this prestigious program. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
The 286th session consisted of two hundred and thirty-eight law enforcement officers from 47 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 25 countries, five military organizations, and six federal civilian organizations.
Lt. Bollinger has been with the Sioux City Police Department since 1997. He has worked on every patrol shift, in the Special Investigations Unit, and as the School Resource Officer at North High School. Bollinger was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2012. He was a shift supervisor in the patrol division and served as the Sergeant of the Youth Bureau. In 2017, Bollinger was promoted to Lieutenant. Since then, he has served as the Watch 2 and Watch 3 Lieutenant, the Lieutenant overseeing records, and is currently the Lieutenant of Professional Standards.
About the FBI National Academy
FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits many of the courses offered. A total of 54,366 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.
30th Street and Pierce Street Area Storm Sewer Improvements Project
The City of Sioux City Engineering Division announces the start of the 30th Street and Pierce Street Area Storm Sewer Improvements Project. The contractor plans to begin Stage 1 construction on June 26, 2023.
The 30th Street and Pierce Street Area Storm Sewer Improvements Project includes the construction of new water main, new water services, new storm sewer mains, new sanitary sewer mains, new street paving, and sidewalk improvements will be completed. The 30th Street and Pierce Street Area Storm Sewer Improvements Project was awarded to Hulstein Excavating, Inc. on August 17, 2023 in the amount of $3,890,352.95.
The project will be constructed in three stages. Stage 1 includes the intersections of 31st Street and Grandview Boulevard extending east towards Douglas Street, as well as Pierce Street from north of 29th Street to south of 30th Street. Stage 2 includes the intersection of 31st Street and Douglas Street extending south to 30th Street, as well as 30th Street east to the west of Pierce Street. Stage 3 will abandon the existing storm sewer following the completion of Stages 1 and 2.
Motorists are advised to reduce speed, drive cautiously, and obey all traffic control signs with regards to this closure.
Municipal Band Concert to Feature Marimba Soloist June 25
Josiah Vos, a student at Siouxland Christian School and winner of the 2023 High School Concerto Competition, will be the featured soloist during the Sioux City Municipal Band’s concert this week in Grandview Park, Sunday, June 25, 7:30p.m. Vos will be playing “Concerto No. 1” by Ney Rosauro on marimba.
Led by Conductor Michael Prichard, the concert will also include a medley of songs from the Broadway musical “Phantom of the Opera,” with guest singers Abby Lincoln and Noah Rubida, as well as a medley of Tony Bennett songs, Acton Osterling’s “Parading the Basses,” and John Philip Sousa’s march “Transit of Venus.” The traditional audience sing-a-long, led by Dave Madsen from Morningside University, will be John Denver favorites “Leaving on a Jet Plane” and “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
The summer concerts are presented by the Sioux City Parks and Recreation Department, and will continue through July 23.
Celebrating the USA
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (June 20, 2023) — Singer, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer are just a few words that describe the talents of Teresa Kay Orr. Her show, Celebrating the USA, offers a rare opportunity to experience her inspirational presentation. Join us at the Betty Strong Encounter Center at 2:00 PM Sunday, July 2 to be part of Celebrating the USA. Admission is free with a reception to follow.
Experience has convinced Teresa that a quality show must have several vital components: fun, great music, a lot of polish, and a bit of a twist from the usual. In the presentation of Celebrating the USA, guests will experience a powerful, corresponding slide show. The songs selected for her patriotic show are definitely a crowd pleaser as evident by tapping toes and audience participation through sing-along songs and responding to USA trivia.
You won’t want to miss this holiday event, Celebrating the USA, with Teresa Kay Orr. This show has all the components of quality entertainment for patriots of all generations.