Dordt College To Have Groundbreaking For Science and Technology Center
(Sioux Center) — The Dordt College Board of Trustees has given a green light to the first phase of a major Science and Technology Center expansion at Dordt College. In an April 18th meeting, board member approved a Spring 2013 groundbreaking, signaling confidence in the college’s plans and fundraising progress for the project. Dordt College has tentatively scheduled May 13th for the ground breaking ceremony. In recent years, the growth in enrollment in Dordt’s natural science division has outpaced the increase in enrollment in the other two academic divisions. Students in the sciences also have had a remarkable record of success, with pass rates in the top tier nationally on the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and the nursing NCLEX exam, along with four in five pre-med students being accepted into medical school compared to one in three nationally.
College officials say the comprehensive remodeling of the current structure will provide a better building layout, allow for further growth, and connect the science department to other academic areas on campus for more collaboration across disciplines. Dordt has raised $8 million of the needed $12 million for the first phase.
Remsen To Continue Flushing Hydrants
(Remsen) — Remsen Municipal Utilities has announced they will continue to flush water hydrants on Wednesday, April 24th. Last week’s weather prevented the city officials from completing the flushing action. Some discoloration of water may occur during the time of flushing.
House Budget Subcommittee Approves Judicial Budget
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A House budget subcommittee has approved a $534 million justice system budget that is $27 million less than a Senate-backed budget.
The Appropriations Subcommittee on Monday approved an amended version of the Senate budget, which funds departments including justice, corrections and public safety. The House budget is about $740,000 less than Gov. Terry Branstad recommended in his budget.
The House plan doesn’t include a one-time $6 million request by Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller to regionalize state domestic abuse and sexual assault assistance. Miller’s plan is to shut down
some domestic abuse shelters and hire more advocates to assist victims. The Senate plan includes the funding.
Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Gary Worthan, of Storm Lake, says the budget will likely end up in joint committee where members will seek a compromise.
Republican Advisor Claims State Senator Was Paid By Bachmann
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – An Iowa campaign adviser to Republican former presidential candidate Michele Bachmann has released an affidavit saying the Minnesota congresswoman approved a plan to
indirectly pay an Iowa state senator to work on her 2012 campaign.
The arrangement could violate Iowa Senate ethics rules.
The affidavit from Andy Parrish was posted online Monday. It includes copies of emails between Parrish and other staffers discussing a plan to have a company run by a Bachmann supporter pay
Republican Sen. Kent Sorenson, of Milo.
The alleged payments could violate a Senate ethics ban on paid employment with political campaigns.
A Senate ethics panel is awaiting a printed copy of the affidavit.
Sorenson has denied any payments. Last week Sorenson said he doubted Parrish would have evidence proving he was paid.
