DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) – The Dubuque Community School Board announced on Wednesday that they have terminated the contract of the Dubuque Hempstead teacher who used a racial slur at the school earlier this year. The incident was captured on video and spread on social media. The teacher involved was initially placed on leave, but the District stated that appropriate disciplinary action would occur following the investigation. The decision to terminate came following a hearing Tuesday night. Board members voted 6-0 (one member was absent) to terminate the contract.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – An Iowa state senator was arrested and charged with a simple misdemeanor after refusing to abide by a law enforcement officer, according to a criminal complaint filed in court. Sen. Adrian Dickey of Packwood was taken into custody Monday afternoon. A $300 bond was posted the same day, and a court hearing is set for August 8. Sac County Sheriff Sgt. Jonathan Meyer said that he was working RAGBRAI and saw a large group of people in the middle of a road that needed to be cleared. Meyer notes that he asked Dickey to move and Dickey “advised that he was not going to move” and “to arrest him.” Dickey was arrested and taken to Sac County Jail and charged with interference with official acts.
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (KCRG) – On July 20, law enforcement and the Midlands Humane Society were called to two properties in the Council Bluffs area for a report of hoarding cases. According to the Midlands Humane Society, one home had 59 Shihtzu-type dogs and 1 cat that were rescued. The second home had 14 boxer mix dogs that were rescued. Due to overcrowding from the Council Bluffs Shelter and the Midlands Humane Society, 19 dogs were given to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL). ARL says the dogs and puppies had clearly been living in filth for a long time. Several were seriously matted – including a mama dog with three tiny puppies. Their coats were urine-stained with evidence of fleas. Many will need dental surgeries. One dog is missing an eye. ARL says that the dogs will all need spay/neuter surgeries before they are ready for adoption.
TIPTON, Iowa (KCRG) – The Animal Rescue League of Iowa and Cedar County Sheriff’s Office have removed dogs from a facility in Tipton due to unsafe conditions. Multiple animal welfare inspection reports from July 2021 through January 2023 show the facility was found non-compliant. The facility, called “Just Dogs Rescue,” is located in the 1700 block of Iowa Highway 130 and is owned by Linda Boots. Officials say that 39 dogs were found inside, and that they have now been safely removed and are undergoing evaluation and treatment. Inspection reports said the facility had a strong ammonia odor and residue of fecal matter and hair were found on enclosure walls, gates, drains, and floors. Some enclosures reportedly had rust and sharp edges, and some of its lights were not in working condition. The reports go on to say the facility has also failed to complete disease prevention and control programs, and a dog named Sugar died in January. Animal Welfare Inspectors repeatedly noted the facility was in need of repairs, cleaning, and sanitizing, remarking that the facility had multiple consecutive non-compliant inspections.
