The Good
U.S.A.!! U.S.A.!!! The Winter Olympics are over and even though Americans ended the games with a heart-breaking loss in the men’s hockey final, the United States still took home the most medals with 37 (nine gold, 15 silver and 13 bronze). Some say the real winner is host nation, Canada, which finished in third place with 26 medals, 14 of which were gold, the highest number ever from one country in a Winter Olympics. But really, can Canada ever win? Sure, they received some good press, but with opening ceremony troubles and the women’s hockey team partying like an ’80s hair band, it could be a long while before they host again.
Des Moines Police pulled the plug on Maynard Richardson last week after the 35-year-old officer was charged with attempted sexual assault of a 22-year-old woman and nonfelonious misconduct while in office. On Feb. 5, while on duty and in uniform, Richardson attempted to kiss and touch the woman in the back of his squad car. Officials found that Richardson violated six written police policies including standard of conduct, obedience to laws and orders, false reports, leaving area of assignment, vehicle stops and police officer responsibilities. His arraignment is scheduled for March 22. Richardson plans to appeal the department’s decision. This incident marks the third time in less than a year that a Des Moines police officer has been eliminated, but it’s comforting to see Chief Judy Bradshaw’s quick response to embarrassing behavior.
The Bad
Although known as a hunter’s paradise for upland bird hunting, conservationists say pheasant hunters and the number of pheasants killed per year are at or near all-time lows in Iowa. A mixture of harsh winter weather and shrinking habitat has officials believing Iowa could plummet further from its once No. 2 ranking in number of pheasants bagged annually behind South Dakota. Iowa has approximately 1.6 million acres in federal Conservation Reserve Program but has lost 309,000 acres in the past three years. Officials believe the state cold lose another 608,000 by 2013. Upland bird hunting brings in approximately $186 million a year to the state. Hunters harvested about 383,000 pheasants in 2008 — down from approximately 806,000 in 2005.
When budget shortfalls force school districts to drop teachers, it’s the students who lose the most. Last week, nearly 300 Des Moines teachers were notified that their positions would be eliminated next year. With that many cuts, officials are expecting more students in each classroom. But isn’t that the main thing they are always fighting to prevent? The cuts will come from all levels — high school to elementary to special education. The Des Moines Public Schools are already in the spotlight because of low graduation rates, and these impending cuts will continue to bring more attention to a district that needs help.
The Ugly
First it was Haiti, and now Chile has become the latest victim of another massive earthquake. Last Saturday, an 8.8-magnitude earthquake rocked the South American country, killing hundreds of people. It was the fifth strongest earthquake since 1900, and more than 90 aftershocks have been recorded, ranging from 4.9 to 6.9 in magnitude. How long before a powerful earthquake rumbles the United States?
Some people just are just sick. California native Jeremiah Scott, 23, has been arrested for investigation of attempted murder and torture after officials found his two baby daughters bound, gagged and left on the bedroom floor. Officials discovered the children, ages 1 and 18 weeks, after responding to a family disturbance call. The infants had visible injuries on their faces and heads. Scott fled the scene before officers arrived but was later found nearby and arrested. CV
