Judge To Decide On Bond Reduction For Defendant In Ashley Okland Case This Week
(Dallas County, IA) — A Dallas County judge is expected to decide if bond will be reduced for Kristin Ramsey in the Ashley Okland murder case this week. A judge decided Ramsey will go to trial on January 11th of next year after a hearing on Friday at the Dallas County Courthouse. Ramsey is accused of shooting Ashley Okland 15 years ago. Defense attorneys at the hearing submitted 70 pages of letters of support on Ramsey’s behalf, asking the court to lower her two-million-dollar bond. The judge said he would make a decision on bond reduction by the middle of next week.
Group Of 10 Organizations Sponsor Bill In Iowa Legislature That Would Make Animal Cruelty A Felony
(Iowa) — A group of Iowa organizations is formally supporting a bill in the state legislature that would make animal cruelty a felony. Ten organizations have formally registered their support for Senate File 2099, a bill that would make intentional animal torture a class D felony. The bill has received bipartisan support but is currently stalled as the legislative session enters its final scheduled days. This year’s session is scheduled to adjourn on April 21st.
Iowa Company Aims To Mine Helium On The Moon Within 6 Years
(Iowa) — An Iowa company is looking to mine helium on the moon. Vermeer Corp., based in Pella, plans to mine helium-three, a rare commodity worth 25 million dollars per kilogram. The rare commodity is abundant on the moon but scarce on Earth. The company hopes to harvest the helium in four to six years. Potential uses include medical imaging, computing, and nuclear fusion.
Construction Progressing On New JBS Plant In Perry
(Perry, IA) — Construction is progressing on the new J-B-S sausage plant in Perry. Rachel Wacker of the Greater Dallas County Development Alliance says steel beams are being set at the production facility. She says the new plant comes two years after Tyson Foods closed its Perry facility. J-B-S says 250 workers will be hired the first year, and 250 the following year. Wacker says the 135-million dollar sausage plant is expected to be operational by this fall.
Iowa Highlights Free Resources During Financial Literacy Month
(Iowa) — April is financial literacy month, and the state of Iowa is offering some free resources. Heather Kriener (CRANE-err) with the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services says this month is also a good time for parents to start teaching their children the basics of finance. Online resources for Iowans looking to be more financially knowledgeable can be found at Iowa-dot-gov.
