Latest news with #2025IowaSTEMTeacherAward
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Residents voice concerns about Sioux City Human Rights Commission budget cut
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — In February, Sioux City's city council voted to reduce the Sioux City Human Rights Commission's budget by $140,000, a cut of about 40 percent. On Monday, that decision was questioned repeatedly by the public. Council members pointed to recent tax law changes passed by the Iowa Legislature, decreasing the amount of money funneled from the state to cities. According to council member Alex Watters, it was a more than $3 million hit. However, that did little to subdue the concerns of those supporting the commission. Iowa House committee unanimously advances bill requiring feminine hygiene products in public schools 'This budget cut is not just a line item. It's a direct attack on the most vulnerable members of our community,' said Shannon Kennedy, a citizen in opposition to the budget cuts. 'It sends a clear message that Sioux City does not prioritize human rights and equality.' 'Cutting funding for human rights is just irresponsible,' concerned citizen Gary Lewis said. 'We're going to start getting hit with all sorts of things, and I understand you have to go, but this is really important.' The vote to cut the Human Rights Commission's budget in February was three to two. Council member Alex Watters was one of the three yes votes approving the cut. Nonetheless, he said he is a supporter of the commission, at one time pushing to upgrade a part-time administrative secretary position in the department to a full-time. Okoboji Middle School teacher receives regional 2025 Iowa STEM Teacher Award 'I understand the work they are doing. But I also understand the budget constraints, and things change,' Watters said. 'The state ripped away $3.3 million this year.' The city must certify its next fiscal budget by April 30. Council members also approved a second reading of an ordinance that will raise garbage rates by an average of 38 cents. The biggest change comes with the 95-gallon: a 53-cent hike up to $18.38. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What to know about measles and how to stay safe
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — 164 cases of measles have been reported in nine states across the U.S. as of Feb. 28, and local health experts want to inform Siouxlanders about the infectious virus. While Siouxland District Health Department officials say there's been no reported cases of measles in the area, it's best that people know what to look out for. Measles is a highly contagious virus that manifests in several ways. Iowa Donor Network emphasizes importance of organ and tissue donations 'The early symptoms are usually a high fever, cough, runny nose, eye, you know, pinkeye, but then it usually progresses into a rash that starts in the face and kind of progresses down into the hands and feet,' said Tyler Brock with the Siouxland District Health Department. According to the CDC, last year, 285 cases of measles were reported across 33 states. Officials say the virus can easily spread. 'So this is spread through droplets – you know, the stuff that comes out of our mouths when we talk, when we sneeze, when we cough, that kind of thing,' Brock said. 'It can actually hang in the air for a couple of hours. If I walk into a room two hours after somebody with measles was there coughing, I could still catch that infection. It's one of the things that makes it so infectious.' The airborne disease can cause severe complications and even death, so it's important to call professionals if you believe you have measles. 'You're going to want to be in touch with your medical provider as soon as you possibly can,' Brock said. 'We would want people to isolate at home during their infectious period. Usually someone's infectious… until four days after the rash starts.' Okoboji Middle School teacher receives regional 2025 Iowa STEM Teacher Award Brock wants to emphasize to people that the best way to avoid outbreaks of preventable diseases is to follow vaccination schedules. 'Usually it's recommended to have two MMR shots,' he said. 'You start getting those shots after 12 months old, so the babies can't get them yet until they're at least a year old.' Across the Siouxland states, Iowa hasn't reported any cases of measles since 2019, Nebraska since 2017, and South Dakota since 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Iowa Donor Network emphasizes importance of organ and tissue donations
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — A father whose son gave the gift of life to five people is letting people know about the importance of organ and tissue donations. The Rotary Club of Sioux City welcomed John Jorgensen from the Iowa Donor Network on Monday. According to the Iowa Donor Network, there are over 500 people on the waiting list for donations in Iowa, with over 100,000 patients nationwide. Jorgenson shared his personal story with Rotary Club members, emphasizing how easy it is to become a donor. 'It's such a need,' he said. 'The kidney list is, about 82 percent of those people waiting for organs are waiting for kidneys, and the rest are between all the others and it's just a thing that's needed' Okoboji Middle School teacher receives regional 2025 Iowa STEM Teacher Award Jorgensen said he hopes that the number of people waiting on lists goes down as donations go up. 'It's important for people to donate so we can help that list shrink down so people waiting on a list aren't dying,' he said. 'The one statistic shows 70 people die waiting for that. I think it'd be great if that number was zero.' For more information about organ and tissue donation in Iowa and how to register, . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
