Aiming to shed public light on the longstanding problem of many unsolved cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, a woman has placed a billboard about that on a busy Sioux City street.
Kayla Buffalo Chief-Sirom, daughter of Lori Ann Decora, raised funds in a silent auction for the billboard, which features her mother. Decora, a member of the Winnebago tribe, was murdered in 1992, and her case remains open.
In a statement Buffalo Chief Sirom said, “This billboard isn’t just a tribute to my mother. It’s a message to the entire region that Native Women’s lives matter, that their stories deserve space, and that our voices won’t be silenced anymore.”
The billboard is located on Gordon Drive in Sioux City.
*The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced that Lee Grossman has been appointed as the new Director of Iowa Medicaid.
Grossman, an Iowa native, brings over 14 years of experience from the Wyoming Department of Health, where he recently served as Medicaid Director since February 2023.
In a press release Grossman said, “I look forward to working with this team that’s deeply committed to helping thousands of Iowans live healthier lives in the community of their choice.”
Iowa Medicaid provides coverage to over 700,000 Iowans each year.
Grossman's steps into the new role as new state and federal work requirements and eligibility policies take effect.
*The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issued an air quality alert Thursday as smoke from the wildfires in Canada has drifted over Iowa.
Smoke from the wildfires are causing fine particulate levels to exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Iowa DNR says sensitive groups including children, the elderly, and those with heart or lung conditions are advised to limit outdoor activities.
Air quality may become unhealthy for the general public in some parts of Iowa.
The smoke is expected to remain over the area and affect the air quality in the coming days.
For real-time updates and safety tips, visit AirNow.gov or view smoke maps at fire.airnow.gov.
*In Hudson, South Dakota inmates are helping with cleanup efforts after a storm left widespread damage in the community.
Secretary of Corrections Kellie Wasko authorized both DOC staff and inmates to help out with the cleanup. Wasko said both staff and inmates have received gratitude from residents.
The cleanup began on Wednesday and is a joint effort involving Lincoln County Sheriff’s office, Lincoln County Emergency Management, and the Hudson community.
Requests for DOC offender assistance come from local emergency management officials.
