A University of Iowa pain researcher has won two grants as part of a national effort to improve treatments for pain and cut the use of opioids. Professor Kathleen Sluka says one grant funds research into why 40 to 50 percent of people develop acute pain after surgery or following a broken bone. … [Read more...]
Man linked to fatal Dubuque overdose sentenced to 16+ years in prison
A Dubuque man linked to an overdose death has been sentenced to more than 16 years in prison. In late April, a jury convicted 29-year-old Michael Stevenson of Dubuque of conspiracy and distribution of heroin and crack cocaine. Prosecutors say Stevenson sold heroin to 26-year-old Adam Birch of … [Read more...]
State to try new pilot program for dealing with opioid abuse
The state of Iowa will use a U.S. Department of Justice grant to try a new approach to dealing with the impact of opioid addiction. Iowa Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) director, Dale Woolery, says the $1.7 million will be used in three counties. "This pilot will allow for law enforcement … [Read more...]
Iowa’s governor says e-cigarette use among teens ‘alarming’
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds says there are dangers associated with "vaping" and she's discussing policy options with key advisers. "I think it's alarming what we're continuing to see and the increase in the number of cases and so we continue to work with the Iowa Department of Public Health to … [Read more...]
Man admits to selling meth in Estherville area
A northwest Iowa man caught with half-a-pound of meth has pleaded guilty to drug and gun-related charges. Thirty-five-year-old Dustin Julich of Estherville entered the guilty plea Friday. According to a release from the U.S. Attorney's office, Julich admits that he and others distributed more … [Read more...]
Clarksville mayor warns of ‘serious problem’ in Iowa small towns
One northeast Iowa Mayor says the illegal drug trade is moving into small towns. Val Swinton he wasn't quite aware of how bad the problem was until he became mayor of Clarksville. "I hear stories about other small towns in the area and how drug dealers are moving into these areas," he says. "I … [Read more...]
Mason City therapist who accessed private medical records going to prison
A Mason City occupational therapist who accessed the private records of nearly two-thousand patients will spend 14 months in a federal prison. Thirty-three-year-old Samantha Jo Rogers pleaded guilty to to one count of acquiring and attempting to acquire a controlled substance by … [Read more...]
Evansdale nurse sentenced to prison for taking drugs from patients
An eastern Iowa nurse will spend time in federal prison after admitting to stealing prescription drugs from her patients. Thirty-six-year-old Lacey Staveley of Evansdale pleaded guilty plea to one count of acquiring a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, deception, one count of false … [Read more...]
Eastern Iowa man involved in 2 drug overdoses sentenced to 25 years in prison
A Cedar Rapids man who police say caused nearly fatal drug overdoses for two people will spend 25 years in federal prison. Forty-four-year-old Jason Bates admitted in a plea deal that he sold heroin to a customer in 2018 -- and that person used the drug and lost consciousness. Medics gave Narcan … [Read more...]
Three charged with putting Oskaloosa woman’s body in river after drug overdose
Three people from Oskaloosa are in custody in connection with a woman's death earlier this month. The Iowa Department of Public Safety has been looking into the death of 24-year-old Ashley Shafer of Oskaloosa since her body was found August 6th in the South Skunk River in Mahaska County. The DPS … [Read more...]