Crews have started demolishing the remains of a six-story apartment building in Davenport, Iowa, that partially collapsed more than two weeks ago. Three people died in the collapse and dozens were left homeless. Workers were using a large excavator to dismantle the 116-year-old brick, steel and concrete structure in a process officials said would take several weeks. It’s a difficult task because the building is believed to contain asbestos and other potentially hazardous material. Part of the building fell away May 28, burying three residents in rubble and forcing others to scramble out of the building. One woman was pinned under the debris and had to have a leg amputated to be pulled to safety.
The owner of a collapsed Davenport building pleaded guilty to a citation Monday morning for not maintaining safe conditions.
KWQC reports that Andrew Wold entered the guilty plea through his attorney this morning.
Wold did not appear in court himself.
The judge ordered Wold to pay a $300 fine and $95 in court costs.
A train derailment that happened in Sioux City this morning is under investigation. Dace Avenue remains closed near the Expo Center. News reports say a few grain cars of a Union Pacific train went off the rails around 7 a.m. No one got hurt. The only access to the Expo Center is through a bridge off the south end of Floyd Boulevard.
A new FDA regulation has gone into effect that requires livestock producers to get their antibiotics from a veterinarian or pharmacy. Before the new regulation took effect livestock producers were able to get some antibiotics over the counter.
Dr. Grant Dewell, a Veterinarian and an Associate Professor in Vet Diagnostic & Production Animal Medicine at Iowa State University tells WHO Television in Des Moines that livestock producers with larger operations won’t have to change much, however, smaller producers will have some catching up to do.
Some Iowa cities set record-low temperatures this morning.
The National Weather Service received a report that the temperature fell to 35 in Elkader in northeast Iowa. There was a record low in Cedar Rapids of 40 degrees. It dipped to 41 in Mason City and Ottumwa, also records for this date. For more check out this link from Radio Iowa: https://www.radioiowa.com/2023/06/12/some-iowa-spots-hit-record-low-temps-toda/
The NCAA is changing its penalty for delay-of-game violations in women’s basketball and adding a new rule on flopping. Players will no longer get charged a technical foul for certain delay-of-game violations, including the one Iowa star guard Caitlin Clark got called for in the Hawkeyes’ NCAA championship game loss to LSU. The All-American received a technical foul because she didn’t pass the ball to an official after a foul was called late in the third quarter. That was deemed to be a delay of game by the officials. Under the new rule, that play would have resulted in the team getting a technical foul and not Clark.
A new walking tour in the Iowa Great Lakes includes information about where music icons like Louis Armstrong and Johnny Cash performed.
“People are always looking for a unique way to experience this area,” says Okoboji Tourism director Rebecca Peters. “We really loved the idea of a walking tour because you get to explore the Arnolds Park area and you get to learn a little bit about some great rock and roll history.”
The Roof Garden Ballroom in Arnolds Park was the second-largest dance hall in the country when it opened in 1923.
The original ballroom was torn down in 1987. A brand new Roof Garden opened in 2019. That’s where the walking tour starts, at displays of memorabilia like signed contracts and posters for some of the concerts at the Roof Garden. The second stop is at the Iowa Rock and Roll Music Association Museum. The final stop is at the site of the original Roof Garden Ballroom.
Submitted news releases:
Dickinson County Woman Charged with Fraudulent Submissions, Forgery and Identity Theft
Des Moines – Tammy Jo Zemler, age 51, of Spirit Lake was charged with three counts of Fraudulent Submissions (Class D Felony), three counts of Forgery (Class D Felony), and three counts of Identity Theft (Aggravated Misdemeanor) following an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Divisions Fraud Bureau. The charges against Zemler stem from an investigation which began in April of 2022. According to a criminal complaint filed by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau, while Zemler was working as an insurance producer, she altered documents and submitted them in support of insurance policies knowing that they misrepresented material facts. Zemler was arrested on June 1, 2023 and booked into the Dickinson County Jail. Zemler posted a $36,000 bond and was released. Iowans with information about insurance fraud are encouraged to contact the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau at 515-654-6556. No additional information will be provided at this time. Note: A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. |
Fireworks in Sioux City
The City of Sioux City would like to remind residents about the proper use of fireworks as the 4th of July holiday approaches. The City’s Municipal Code (Chapter 19.20 Fireworks) outlines specific dates and times when fireworks may be discharged as well as fines incurred with any violation. Find the Municipal Zoning & Sign Code at www.sioux-city.org under the Business tab.
Information may also be found at www.sioux-city.org/fireworks. Residents are asked to respect their neighbors as the sound of fireworks can trigger PTSD for veterans and cause pets to become anxious. Please celebrate safely and responsibly.
WHEN
Fireworks are ONLY permitted July 3 and July 4 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
WHERE
Discharging fireworks in a public park, city owned property, or on a public roadway, street, or alley is strictly prohibited.
FINES
The discharge or possession of fireworks on city property will be subject to a $500 simple misdemeanor fine and a minimum amount of $250.00 on private property.
WHO MAY DISCHARGE
No person under the age 18 shall purchase, possess, or discharge fireworks without parental supervision.
Fireworks shall not be possessed or discharged by persons showing visible signs of intoxication or drug use.
ENFORCEMENT Violations of these regulations may be reported to the Sioux City Police Department at 712-279-6960.
SAFETY GUIDELINES
• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks
• Always make sure the area is safe for fireworks
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a designated shooter!
• Follow label instructions and use common sense
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
• Always have a garden hose nearby
• Only light one firework at a time and move back quickly
• Never attempt to re-light a firework
• Dispose of spent fireworks in a bucket of water. NEVER put them in your garbage!
• Never experiment with homemade fireworks
• Keep your pets inside and comfortable
If you have any questions regarding this or any other fire related issues, please contact Sioux City Fire Rescue at 712-279-6377 or fireprevention@sioux-city.org.
Information may also be found on the City’s website at www.sioux-city.org/fireworks.
Municipal Band Concert to Feature Saxophone Soloist June 18
The Sioux City Municipal Band’s concert this week in Grandview Park, Sunday, June 18, 7:30p.m., will feature saxophone soloist, Dr. Tyler Walker, visiting assistant professor of music from Morningside University. Walker will be playing “What a Wonderful World,” made famous by Louis Armstrong.
Led by Conductor Michael Prichard, the concert will also include “Folk Dances” by Shostakovich, a medley of tunes from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” music from the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie, Leroy Anderson’s “The Syncopated Clock” and John Philip Sousa’s “Review March.” The traditional audience sing-a-long will beDisney songs “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah,” “Bare Necessities” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Bruce Miller, editor from The Sioux City Journal, will be substitute host for this concert.
The summer concerts are presented by the Sioux City Parks and Recreation Department, and will continue through July 23.
New Non-Profit Hip Hop Group to teach youth creative expression
Dakota Dunes, SD— June 6, 2023 —
A new Hip Hop group is being formed in town and open to anyone ages 8 to 18. The mission of Sioux Crew is to bring hip hop dancers in the Siouxland area together to experience hip hop dance culture. They will learn fundamental styles such as Locking, Popping, Breaking, House, Hip Hop, and other styles from a variety of teachers.
Founder, Ashley Olsen, wanted to create an opportunity for dancers to build an education around the culture of hip hop with its different forms of styles, music, history, and art. “We teach students how to express themselves through movement, music and the arts while building relationships, social skills, and creativity,” says Olsen.
She plans to share her love of movement through workshops and a performance dance group. Dancers will learn different techniques, experience street style dance and prepare for professional opportunities. They will perform, compete, battle, and share their talents in our Midwest community.
Olsen likes bringing the community together and is teaming up with various theaters, an after school program, and dance studios to help promote the new non-profit. The first workshop is June 19th-20th at the Sioux City Community Theater. Other workshops are June 27th at Jensen Performing Arts, July 13th-14th with REACH Theatre, and July 17th at 5678 Dance Studio.
Then auditions to be a part of the first Hip Hop Crew in Sioux City will be held on July 24th at 6:00 PM at Jensen Performing Arts Center.
Olsen has 14 years of dance teaching experience. She has a Bachelor of Science in Dance Education, and has certifications through The Southern Association of Dance Masters, and a certification as an Acro Dance teacher from Acrobatic Arts.
To register, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1LR0U0kQEg4bKY_hBjSPEbYiEXOg1PlQR7YwkJbtBWbo/edit
Follow on Instagram and Facebook @siouxcrewhiphop for more information.
WAYNE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS THEATRE STUDENTS PERFORMING “SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! JR.” JUNE 16-17 AT WAYNE STATE COLLEGE
June 9, 2023 (WAYNE, Neb.) – Still catch yourself singing “Conjunction Junction” and “Just a Bill” after all these years? You’re probably not alone.
Come and relive these and other great songs from the Emmy Award-winning educational cartoon series “Schoolhouse Rock!” when Wayne State College musical theatre camp students perform “Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.” on Friday and Saturday, June 16-17, in the Black Box Theatre, located in the Peterson Fine Arts Building. Performance times are 7 p.m., Friday, June 16, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday, June 17. Admission is a free-will donation to the camp.
“This was our third year of doing the musical theatre camp, and we have a great group of kids who have been with us all three years,“ said Dr. Melissa Derechailo, theatre technician at Wayne State and director of the camp. “The kids also gave us a lot of positive feedback about the camp and how to enhance it.”
Based on the ever-popular 1970s cartoons, this fast-paced musical teaches lessons with clever, catchy tunes. “Schoolhouse Rock!” has become a pop culture phenomenon, endearing itself to generations of viewers.
The series was the idea of David McCall, an advertising executive, who noticed his young son was struggling with learning multiplication tables, despite being able to memorize the lyrics of many Rolling Stones songs. He hired a musician to write a song that would teach multiplication, which became "Three Is a Magic Number.” The song eventually caught the attention of several graphic artists and illustrators who enhanced it with visuals, which caught the eye of ABC Television.
The first video in the series, “Three Is a Magic Number,” debuted during the debut episode of “Curiosity Shop” on September 2, 1971. “Schoolhouse Rock!” debuted as a series in January 1973.
“We’re excited to host the Wayne Area Teen Theatre Camp at WSC this year,” said Dr. David Bohnert, Dean of Wayne State’s School of Arts and Humanities. “This is a fantastic opportunity for teens who have a passion for the arts, and we’re honored to provide an outlet for them.”
Cast members, all from Wayne Community Schools, are Gabriel Armstrong, Jake Barner, Wanso Barner, Kennasyn Blecke, Aidan Bohnert, Flynn Fox, Lydia Fox, Callen Gamble, Johen Piper, Caleb Raulston, Colby Raulston, Molly Schlickbernd, Sam Wright, Karla Wynia, Owen Wynia, and Josalynn Young.
Shelly Armstrong, accompanist at Wayne State, is the music director.
Governor Pillen Invites Nebraskans to Register for the 2023 Ag & Economic Development Summit, Headlined by Trev Alberts
Register for the 2023 Summit at govsummit.nebraska.gov.
LINCOLN – Governor Jim Pillen, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) encourage Nebraskans to register for the Governor’s Ag and Economic Development Summit. This year’s event will take place August 8-9, 2023, at the Younes Conference Center North in Kearney.
Registration for the Summit is now open at govsummit.nebraska.gov. Trev Alberts, Director of Athletics for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will be the keynote speaker.
“Together, we have responsibility to create great opportunities for the next generation of Nebraskans,” said Governor Pillen. “The Summit is a gathering where we can address the challenges facing our state, while strategizing how to make the most of our wealth of talent and natural resources. I invite you to join me for this year’s event. It’s a great way to build relationships with fellow Nebraskans who are shaping the future of the Good Life.”
The annual Governor’s Summit convenes economic developers and industry leaders in agriculture to discuss how to best grow Nebraska. This year, breakout sessions will cover workforce development, bio manufacturing, value-added agriculture, creative housing solutions, international trade, and much more.
“Nebraska agriculture has a reputation for producing food, feed, and fuel of the highest quality,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “It’s an exciting time to be part our state’s top industry. We’re expanding broadband to every corner of the state, making rapid technological advances, and discovering innovative uses for our sustainable commodities. At the upcoming Summit, we’ll explore more ways to spur growth in ag and strengthen partnerships across industries.”
UNL Athletic Director Trev Alberts is scheduled to provide remarks during lunch. Alberts starred for the Husker football team as an All-American and played in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts. After a successful stint as a sports analyst, he returned to Nebraska to spearhead UNO athletics and guided Mavericks’ sports into Division I competition. In July 2021, Alberts was hired to direct athletics at UNL. In just two years on the job, he has distinguished himself as a champion for student-athletes and has taken bold steps to grow the Husker brand.
“We’re excited to have Trev Alberts headline the Summit to share his leadership insights and vision,” said DED Interim Director Joe Fox. “The conference is a can’t-miss networking opportunity. It’s also the best way to stay abreast of trends affecting the economic well-being of our state. We hope everyone dedicated to seeing Nebraska prosper will make plans to join us in Kearney for the Summit.”
The 2023 Summit officially kicks off on Tuesday night, August 8th, with a reception and banquet hosted by the Nebraska Diplomats. The evening event includes an awards ceremony to honor leaders, businesses, and communities who have made key contributions to the state’s economic success over the previous year.
Wednesday, August 9th, is the primary day of the Summit. It features opening and closing remarks from Governor Pillen, a keynote from Trev Alberts, and a full slate of breakout sessions—each led by a panel of subject matter experts.
To register for the Diplomat Banquet and Summit, visit govsummit.nebraska.gov. A full Summit agenda is also available through the website. For questions, contact Lori Shaal at lori.shaal@nebraska.gov or 402-471-3780.
HOME FREE ANNOUNCES CHRISTMAS SHOW AT THE TYSON EVENTS CENTER – DECEMBER 23 TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY, JUNE 16
Sioux City, IA (June 12, 2023) – All-vocal Country singers Home Free will be returning to Sioux City for their 2023 Christmas Tour with a stop at the Tyson Events Center on Saturday, December 23, 2023.
Tickets go on sale Friday, June 16 at 10:00AM and can be purchased online at Tysoncenter.com or at the Primebank Box Office.
All-vocal Country entertainers Home Free have made their mark on the music scene, racking up nearly 600,000 album equivalents globally; embarking on major international tours; amassing 630+ MILLION views and over 1.6-MILLION Subscribers on YouTube; and being declared “Country music fans’ favorite a cappella group” (Taste of Country).
In 2023, they continue a global tour in support of their most recent studio album, So Long Dixie, (released November 2022) and will embark on their Home Free for the Holidays tour this Winter. SO LONG DIXIE vaulted to the top spot of the Billboard Charts for Country Album Sales and Independent Album Sales in its release week, topping some of the biggest names in country music. The release extends their run of Top-5 Billboard Country chart appearances total to 7 in the last 6 years. The 2023 holiday tour will showcase songs off previous albums, including WARMEST WINTER (2020, Home Free Records), which features 12 festive staples, memorable collaborations, and Home Free originals – all guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit.
With praise rolling in from the likes of Billboard, Rolling Stone, FOX & Friends, and American Songwriter, the extraordinary showmen have continued to build a loyal fanbase with their harmony-laden versions of hits by John Mayer, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Maren Morris, the Oak Ridge Boys, and more.
Join us for a perfect evening mixed with upbeat, Nashville-dipped pop hits, country and western standards, incredible harmony, and quick-witted humor!