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Citing ‘crony capitalism,’ Iowa Supreme Court blasts late-night legislative logrolling
In a decision that appears to be highly critical of Iowa legislators, the Iowa Supreme Court has sided with electric transmission companies challenging a law that restricts competition among utilities. Calling the legislation “quintessentially crony capitalism,” the court described the bill as a “protectionist” maneuver that had to be approved in the dark of night […]
Iowa Public Information Board has a new executive director
The Iowa Public Information Board has a new executive director. Erika Eckley of Carlisle has filled the vacancy left by Margaret Johnson upon her retirement earlier this month. Eckley is IPIB’s fourth executive director in the 10 years since the board was created. “We are excited to have Erika join the staff of the board,” […]
Owing $26 million to the USDA, Iowa Wesleyan University announces closure
After 181 years of operation, Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant announced Tuesday that it will close at the end of this academic year. The school currently owes $26 million to taxpayers through a mortgage and loan guarantees provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2016. The university said the decision to close was […]
Former prosecutor, accused of drunkenness, cites ‘Auto-Brewery Syndrome’ diagnosis
Dickinson County’s former top criminal prosecutor, accused of being “passed out” on more than one occasion while at work, has pleaded guilty to a charge of public intoxication. Court records indicate former Dickinson County Attorney Amy Zenor appears to be claiming she’s afflicted with Auto-Brewery Syndrome, an exceptionally rare medical condition that causes a person […]
Scrapped financial system cost taxpayers $15.7 million
The state of Iowa spent roughly $15.7 million on a financial-management system that was ultimately scrapped before its launch, the governor’s office said Monday. Last week, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the state had terminated its controversial contract with the software company Workday. The first component of that contract, which was for personnel-management software, was successfully […]
Citing ‘incompetence,’ board issues emergency suspension of doctor’s license
The Iowa Board of Medicine has issued an emergency order suspending the practice of an eastern Iowa dermatologist accused of incompetence and practicing in an unsafe manner. The immediate and indefinite suspension of Dr. Ravindra Kumar Gangadhariah’s ability to practice medicine “is necessary to protect the public health, safety or welfare until this case is […]
Couple sues veterinarian, alleging negligence was hidden from them
A Polk County couple is suing an Iowa veterinarian for allegedly intercepting and withholding records indicating their dog’s death was due to negligence. In a lawsuit filed in Polk County District Court, Jennifer and Chris Higgins of Polk County allege Mobile Animal Health Care and Dr. Linda Stroh provided veterinary services for their dog, Hailey, […]
State scraps controversial contract with tech company
Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Friday the state has terminated a controversial contract with the software company Workday. The move comes 27 months after Reynolds was forced to return $21 million in federal pandemic aid to the state’s coronavirus relief fund after the federal government said the money had been improperly spent on a contract with […]
Chiropractor again faces charges of sexual impropriety with patients
An Iowa chiropractor who was allowed to keep his license despite findings of sexual impropriety with patients is again facing charges from state regulators. The Iowa Board of Chiropractic has charged Stuart Hoven of Winterset with unethical conduct for behavior that includes engaging in a sexual or emotional relationship with a former patient; habitual intoxication […]
Information on sanctioned nurses and EMTs can be hard to access
Public information on Iowa nurses and emergency medical technicians accused of wrongdoing isn’t always easy to access — and, in some cases, it has been impossible to obtain. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services acknowledged this week that it had not disclosed on its website any of the disciplinary actions taken against emergency […]
Emergency services agencies cited for using unlicensed personnel to treat patients
Two Iowa emergency medical services agencies have been sanctioned by the state for allowing unlicensed emergency medical technicians or paramedics to deliver care to patients. In November, the Iowa Bureau of Emergency and Trauma Services cited the Hawarden Ambulance Association in western Iowa for allowing an individual with no Iowa EMS certification to deliver emergency […]
State again fails to impose legally mandated fine after nursing home death
The state agency that oversees Iowa’s nursing homes has again failed to impose the legally mandated fines against a repeat-offender care facility. It’s at least the second time in four months that the state has failed to impose the minimum fine against an Iowa care facility implicated in the death of a resident. State records […]