The Iowa Board of Pharmacy has voted unanimously in support of medical marijuana. The board recommended the Iowa legislature remove marijuana from its Schedule I status to allow for its medical use. The 6-0 vote is considered a major victory by patient advocates in Iowa and nationwide, as few state pharmacy boards have ruled on the issue. Most of the 14 states that do allow for marijuana prescriptions have used voter referendums to change the law. The vote comes after the board held a series of hearings across the state, taking public comment on the benefits and harms of using marijuana.
Marijuana remains an illegal substance in Iowa. The legislature is not expected to take up the issue this year.
For more details on the hearing and how Iowa could be a game changer in the nation wide fight for medical marijuana, check out The Reader's previous coverage here.
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- Midlanders making money - Couple leaves baby outside bar - Neb. nude juice bar closes
More after the jump ...
Midlanders making money The 2008 income numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau are in: Nebraska posted the seventh highest growth in real income and continued to top the list for the highest percentage of the population in the workforce, whether employed or looking for work. The states median household income of $49,693 ranked 29th nationally.
Omaha's young, creative class grew since 2000. The number of people age 25-34 with colleg degree has grown by about 8,400 people or 24 percent.
Other statistics released include: - Around 12.7 percent of Nebraskans under 65 lack health insurance. - The states foreing born population dropped by 1,500 people, to 97,815.
Couple leaves baby outside bar A Malvern, Iowa couple were charged with child neglect for leaving their 4-month-old daughter inside their car while drinking in a west Omaha bar. The daughter of Bryan and Tina Vannoy was taken in protective custody. Investigators told KETV that employees at the Reel Martini Bar near 168th Street and West Dodge Road became suspicious when Tina brought in a baby bottle from the parking lot. Workers said they had no choice but to call the cops.
Neb. welfare roles rise For the third month in a row, the number of Nebrasaka families collecting Aid to Dependent Children is rising. Todd Reckling, the state program manager, told the Associated Press that the rise is probably due to the economy as eligibility factors have not changed.
ADC is a federal and state program that provide up to $293 for families
Neb. nude juice bar closes A year after its controversial opening, a juice bar in Cozad featuring nude dancers has closed. Owner Dan Robinson had been looking to open his club in western Nebraska, when he found a more ideal location in the south-central Nebraska town. Robinson told the Associated Press the business was going well, but left because he was concerned about the security of his lease.
Rage rampage A man in North Omaha allegedly punched his ex-girlfriend, then stormed off and shot two men just a few blocks away. Police responded to a domestic violence call Sept. 21 at 2103 Binney. Ashisha Prater, 31, said her boyfriend punched her in the face, then left the residence looking for two males. Ten minutes later officers responded to shots fired a few blocks away at 1916 Lothrop. Police found Eric Smith, 37, and Byron Harrington, 34, lying on the sidewalk with gunshot wounds. The men told officers they were at 2103 Binney just before they were shot. Officers were unable to locate the suspect.
Tax hike Council passes mayor's budget, includes 10 percent property tax increase, kills satellite and entertainment taxes
Omaha homeowners will see an additional 10 percent increase in their property taxes next year. The city council voted 4-2 to increase the tax levy with council members Pete Festersen and Jean Stothert casting the dissenting votes.
The tax rate will raise 4.2 cents for every $100 of valuation; a homeowner whose house is valued at $100,000 will pay an additional $42 on their property taxes ― from $434 to $476.
Of the 4.2 cent increase, 2.4 cents will be used to pay off debt, primarily from the Qwest Center. The rest would be used to help close the city's estimated $10 million budget shortfall, including making up for the failed entertainment tax and satellite TV inspection fee. The council unanimously killed those proposals during the meeting. Councilman Chris Jerram, who sponsored the proposals, said he hoped to revisit the measures after further discussions with industry opponents.
Jerram noted that the city's share of the property tax is about 20 percent; Omaha Public School's takes about 59 percent and about 12 percent goes to Douglas County. The city's property tax rate has not increased since 2002 and had been 33 percent lower than in 1994.
The council ultimately passed the budget that it submitted to the Mayor the previous week, but failed to override his two vetoes. Suttle vetoed the council's 2.5 day voluntary furlough for all city employees and $1 million cut for purchasing new police cruisers. An attempt to override the vetoes failed on a 3-3 vote. Suttle recently held a press conference to highlight the aging cruiser fleet. He said new cruisers could save the city money in the long run, as new cruisers would require less maintenance. The council had already cut around $8 million from the budget.
The council was required to submit a balanced budget, with a property tax rate, to the state by Sept. 20.
After the vote to approve his budget, Mayor Jim Suttle addressed the council to thank them for their hard work and shook hands with each council member. Councilman Chuck Sigerson, who last month suffered from a heart attack and stroke, was not present at the meeting.
Shop and vote? Hall County voters could be the first in Nebraska to cast ballots at grocery stores, libraries and other non-traditional locations. If all goes well, the test-run for “satellite voting” may be expanded statewide; partisan divides killed the proposal three years ago, according to the Omaha World-Herald.
Satellite voting allows voters to cast early ballots at convenient locations. Election officials on site can check a voters registration by computer and print the appropriate ballot. Iowa has allowed satellite voting for decades at places such as shopping malls and libraries.
Douglas County Elections Comissioner Dave Phipps told the World-Herald he opposed satellite voting because of the numerous ballot combinations offered in the county.
Benson student dies after football practice Wilson Vili, 16, was sitting down to eat dinner in a park after football practice when he collapsed. The Benson High student was transported to the Nebraska Medical Center, where he died, according to OPS officials. School officials do not yet know the cause of death.
UNL frat sanctioned The Sigma Chi house in Lincoln was ordered to remain vacant until 2013. The suspension stems from hazing charges against the University of Nebraska – Lincoln fraternity. The suspension could be lifted in 2011 if the fraternity and its alumni board can demonstrate good behavior.
- Ex-employee sues Bellevue - Two weekend murders - Iowa native Norman Borlaug, father of the green revolution, dies
More after the jump ...
Ex-employee sues Bellevue A lawsuit against the city of Bellevue is tying together allegations that the city offered no-bid contracts, fired the whistleblower, and lost a “dongle.” Michael Burns, a former information technology employee with Bellevue, is suing the city and City Administrator Gary Troutman for wrongfully firing him in March, according to the Omaha World-Herald.
While still employed with the city, in September 2008 Burns called Troutman to tell him he believed the city had violated local, state and federal open-bidding laws when it purchased a telephone system. Burns also discussed his concerns with City Attorney Pat Sullivan.
About two months after Burns made the complaints, a “dongle” went missing from his office. The instrument is used to record incoming calls to the police station. Burns was interviewed by police in December about the missing instrument; he denied having anything to do with its disappearance.
On Feb. 19 Burns received notice that he would be laid off due to budget cuts and a reorganization of city's computer administration department. The layoff took effect March 6.
Two weekend murders Omaha police are investigating two separate homicides that occurred on Sept. 13. Luis Sandoval, 25, was stabbed at 659 South 26th Ave. around 9 p.m. and was taken by his brother to Creighton University Medical Center. He died while in surgery. Justin Jackson, 30, was arrested at his home and charged with criminal homicide and use of a weapon to commit a felony. Sandoval was a father of two.
Another homicide was reported at 5246 South 88th St. Officers located the body of Diante Stieneke, 22, who had suffered several gun shot wounds. Stieneke was found inside a car in her apartment parking lot. The investigation continues as a suspicious death as no arrests have been made.
Iowa native Norman Borlaug, father of the green revolution, dies Through Norman Borlaug's actions, 250 million lives are estimated to have been saved from starvation. Borlaug, winner of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize, died Saturday at his home in Texas from complications due to cancer. The Iowa native was 95.
In 1960 the world generated 692 million tons of grain. By 1992, thanks to Norman Borlaug's techniques and development in cross breeding strains of wheat from around the globe, the world now produces 1.9 billion tons using only one percent more land. Borlaug won the Nobel for his efforts in helping create agricultural self-sufficiency in many developing countries around the world.
Borlaug was one of the five people in history to win the Nobel, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal, placing his name next to the likes of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Teresa. Borlaug was able to create man-made strains of wheat resistant to rust, a type of root eating fungus that wiped out entire crops. His efforts made Mexico self-sufficient in wheat production by 1956.
However, he was criticized by some environmental groups for introducing fertilizer to his strains of corn, rice and wheat which caused widespread pollution. Critics argued only natural sources should be used, such as manure. Other groups protested the sale of genetically modified crops, calling them 'frankenfood,' even though they are tested regularly by the FDA and USDA.
Man tries to run down officer Officer Fred Hykel, 39, was responding to an assault call at Creighton University Medical Center just before 4 a.m. when he saw another disturbance. When Hykel went to help, the driver tried to run him over. Hykel fired shots at the car, hitting it at least once as the driver sped off. Police later found the car and the driver, Sergio Hernandez, 21, and took him into custody. Hernandez is charged with attempted felony assault of an officer and felony domestic violence. No injuries were sustained by the officer or the suspect.
Rally supports Suttle budget Around 40 people rallied in Elmwood Park Sept. 12 to support city employees and Mayor Jim Suttle's budget. The rally was organized by the group Omaha Together, One Community, which draws much of its support from area churches. Demonstrators said they wanted the city council to accept Suttle's vetoes, which struck the council proposed furloughs for city employees and replaced it with a property tax increase. Several speakers decried proposals to balance the budget on the backs of city workers.
Smoking snuffed on Cass property Cass County could become the first county in Nebraska to ban smoking on all county property. Officials say they expect the draft resolution to pass.
The resolution bans tobacco products on all county property, even outdoors, including fairgrouds and outside county buildings. It would apply to all tobacco products. Sarpy, like all Nebraska counties, bans smoking inside courthouses and law enforcement buildings. It also bans tobacco in county vehicles.
The state of Iowa went tobacco free on all public grounds in July 2008.
The primary task facing the Omaha City Council during last night's marathon budget session was to close an estimated $10 million shortfall in 2010. The final combination of cuts and “revenue enhancements” (“taxes” and “fee's” are so negative) were generally not surprising: increases to the property tax and building inspection fees on the revenue side; wage freezes, furloughs, layoffs and stalling equipment upgrades on the savings side.
But more than a fifth of the $10 million gap was closed through a proposed $50 fee on TV satellite inspections. The idea came from Councilman Chris Jerram, who recently failed to revive the Mayors controversial entertainment tax.
Yesterday a satellite inspection fee was barely on the radar of way's to close the city's budget gap, today its the centerpiece. The fee will receive two public hearings before the council votes on it. Here's what we know thus far:
Residents installing new dishes will be required to pay a $50 fee. A $50 registration fee for existing dishes will need to be paid by Sept. 1, 2010.
The ordinance applies to domestic satellite dish's, defined as “any equipment, fittings, cables, electrical connections and components, and structures” associated with TV, internet and audio transmissions.
Exempt are satellite dishes installed for commercial, educational or governmental purposes. (Read: no businesses are effected, only residential installations.)
Every dish will be inspected at the renewal of the registration.
The inspection shall verify that the structure of the dish complies with existing standards in the city code.
- Budget battle royale - Thermal imaging leads to pot house bust - Couple shot in bed
More after the jump ...
Budget battle royale A 2.4 cent property tax increase, 2.5 day furloughs for all city employees and a $50 satellite TV inspection fee were the highlights of the budget Omaha City Council members passed Sept. 1 after a grueling 9-hour debate. The budget does not include an entertainment tax, despite support from the mayor and at least two council members.
The budget was passed on a 4-2 vote. Council members Jean Stothert and Pete Festersen voted against the budget because it contained a property tax increase to cover debt from the Qwest Center. The language on the 1999 bond agreement, that voters approved, stated property taxes would not be used to pay-off the Qwest.
The budget was ultimately passed due to a vote switch by councilman Franklin Thompson. He had opposed a property tax increase on an earlier proposal, but switched after the council refused his request to delay the vote a few days. City Attorney Paul Kratz said if the council didn't pass a budget that night, the timing might have prevented it from overriding veto's from the mayor.
Major revenue increases in the budget include: - $2 million from satellite inspection fee - $900,000 in property tax increase - $300,000 from building and inspection fee increases
Major savings in the budget include: - $1.5 million cut from fire department, equipment and civilian positions - $1.3 million saved in 2.5 day furloughs for all city employees, including police and fire - $1 million taken from police cruisers - $1 million taken from fund that pay's companies who create jobs
Mayor Jim Suttle will review the budget and present any line-item veto's by next week. The council can override veto's during its Sept. 15 meeting. The city must have a balanced budget for the state by Sept. 18.
Couple fired on in bed Omaha Police are investigating the Sept. 2 shooting of an Omaha man inside his apartment near 108th and Maple . Anthony Muller, 21, told police he was laying in bed with his girlfriend when two suspects kicked in his door and fired a shot in their direction. Muller suffered a gunshot wound and was taken by private vehicle to Methodist Hospital. His injuries are not considered to be life threatening.
Teen shot in North-O Kimani Houston, 18, told Omaha Police he was walking near 20th and Lake when he was shot. Houston said he didn't see who fired the shots. He was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center with injuries not considered to be life threatening.
Child porn creator arrested A Lincoln man was arrested Sept. 1 for sexually abusing and photographing two girls for more than seven years. Investigators said Leslie Agnew, 44, began abusing one girl when she was 9. Agnew faces two-counts of third degree sexual assault.
Thermal imaging results in pot bust A marijuana grow house was raided by Lincoln Police after an anonymous tip and thermal imaging evidence led to a search warrant. Thermal readings of the house showed abnormal heat and electricity radiating from the basement. More than 100 plants at various stages of growth were confiscated. No arrests were announced.
- Omaha could shed red - Sigerson suffers heart attack and stroke
More after the jump ...
Omaha could shed red With the 2010 census a few months away, political junkies are already anticipating its impact on congressional re-districting in 2011. Each congressional district should have around 600,000 residents. It's estimated that Nebraska's District 2, which represents Douglas County and most of Sarpy County, is over that number by 58,000. Redistricting could mean pushing Republican dominated Sarpy County towns into District 1, based in Lincoln.
Sigerson suffers heart attack and stroke City councilman Chuck Sigerson suffered from a heart attack and stroke Aug. 29. He was taken to Lakeside Hospital where he remains in “critical” recovery. Fellow council member Franklin Thompson told KETV he spoke with Sigerson just one day after the incident and that Sigerson was in a “jovial” mood.
Sigersons illness comes at a crucial time for the council as they prepare to vote on this years budget. Sigerson was first elected to the council in 2001. He has served as the chair to the Nebraska Republican party.
North student arrested with gun A 19-year-old North High student was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm on school grounds. He told Omaha Police he carried the weapon for protection in his neighborhood.
Morning drive-by injures one A 24-year-old Omaha man was shot Aug. 31 near 42nd and Colby at around 9:00 a.m. Police said he was delivering items to a house when two men in a car drove by him and fired shots. The man was taken to Creighton University Medical Center in critical condition.
Bellevue left with posthumous bills Bellevue city council members say they were thrown a curveball when several private firms billed the city $51,000 for work related to attracting the Omaha Royals. The Omaha World-Herald reported former Bellevue mayor Ed Babbit made the deals before he died July 8. Council members said there were no signed contracts and that they were never approached about the deal.
The bills include:
$11,295 to the Koley Jessen law firm. $17,639.89 to the Croker Huck law firm. $12,523.62 to the Leo A. Daly Co. for site planning, design and presentation. $9,517.27 to Carroll for media and public relations work.
