CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Negotiations did not resume at Hotel Kirkwood between union workers and Ingredion as expected on Tuesday after the workers say Ingredion arrived escorted by six-armed security guards. Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM) Local 100G President Mike Moore described it as a show of intimidation, a sign of disrespect and a lack of intent to bargain in good faith. Disputes over wages, benefits and workers’ rights are stopping the union and company from reaching a deal as the strike approaches the two-month mark. Ingredion said in a written statement, “Unfortunately, throughout this process, Ingredion employees have received repeated threats of violence – in fact, approximately 100 have been received since August 1.” This is the first company protest since 2004. Ingredion says it would like to resume negotiations as soon as possible and have proposed alternate meeting locations.
BLUE GRASS, Iowa (KWQC) – The Blue Grass City Council placed the city’s chief of police on paid administrative leave in early September. According to the minutes from the special city council meeting on Sept. 8, Chief Bobby Flaherty was placed on leave following a closed session. Those minutes were approved at the regular city council meeting on Monday. City Clerk Ann Schmidt said it is an ongoing situation, and the city can’t provide any further comment. Flaherty was sworn in on April 18. As of Sept. 20, the Blue Grass police webpage no longer lists him as the chief.
DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) -A 12-year-old boy from Dubuque got some national attention today for his artwork. Arsh Pal recently received the Diana Award, named after Princess Diana, for his work to raise money for charity. The award goes to people between the ages of 9 and 25, who quote “selflessly create and sustain positive social change’. The 12 year old has been painting for about the last four years. Pal decided to sell his paintings to raise money for Saint Jude Children’s Hospital. He was one of 180 people who were honored with the Diana Award. Since first donating to Saint Jude, he’s also raised money for the Make a Wish Foundation.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) -An Eastern Iowa partnership between two colleges could make it a little easier for future nurses to get their bachelors degree, and in turn, it could help reduce the nursing shortage. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing says the number of openings for nurses is outpacing nursing program graduates. The group says its partly due to the stress of the pandemic, but also because many nurses are getting close to retirement. More than 58% of health care facilities, here in Iowa, reported a shortage of qualified applicants in 2020. Kirkwood Community College and the University of Iowa introduced what it is calling the RN to BSN three plus one agreement. This means students can go to Kirkwood for three years to complete the registered nursing program, and then transfer to the UI College of Nursing to get their Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree. The colleges say this gives students the opportunity to start in the nursing field while getting their degree online. Kirkwood College also has a partnership with UnityPoint St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids which gives some financial aid to students who qualify and are graduating in 2023.
