SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska renewable energy plant has been accused of several violations of its permit to discharge sewage into a regional wastewater treatment plant. The Sioux City (Iowa) Journal reports that since issuing a compliance order in June, Sioux City, Iowa, has fined the Big Ox Energy plant in South Sioux City, Nebraska, $3,500 for exceeding its discharge limits and failing to report all daily flows into the treatment plant.

Big Ox spokesman Kevin Bradley said Thursday it is upgrading its wastewater treatment capabilities “and is operating in full compliance with its permit from Sioux City.” The company has been under scrutiny since its South Sioux City neighbors first complained about odors. Last month the Nebraska Environmental Quality Department said Big Ox had failed to control emissions of hydrogen sulfide, properly operate and maintain anaerobic digesters, control dust and submit proper notifications.

West Nile virus cases have hit the second highest number since the mosquito-born virus was identified in Iowa in 2002. The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reports 73 cases of West Nile virus are under investigation. The highest year was 2003, when Iowa had 147 cases. “School has started, Halloween is just around the corner and some people are even thinking about the holidays, but mosquitoes are still thriving and biting,” said IDPH Deputy Epidemiologist, Dr. Ann Garvey. “West Nile virus activity will continue until the state’s first hard frost, regardless of the date on the calendar.”

Most people (70 to 80 percent) who become infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. About one in five people who are infected will develop a fever along with other symptoms such as:

• Headache
• Body aches
• Joint pains
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash

Whether for work or play, in the backyard or a football game, being outside means there’s a risk for West Nile virus. Iowans should take the following steps to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile virus:

• Use insect repellent with DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Always read the repellent label and consult with a health care provider if you have questions when using these types of products for children. For example, oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years of age and DEET should not be used on children less than 2 months of age.
• Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks outdoors whenever possible.

In addition, and especially since the recent statewide rainy weather, it’s important to eliminate standing water around your property because that’s where mosquitoes lay eggs. Empty water from buckets, cans, pool covers and pet water dishes. Change water in bird baths every three to four days.

So far this season, three Iowans have died from West Nile virus. For more information on mosquito and tick transmitted diseases in Iowa visit https://www.idph.iowa.gov/cade/vectorborne-illness.

(Radio Iowa) – Native American activists built a sweat lodge in Sioux City which they hope will inspire people to seek out the healing they need to get well from alcoholism, domestic abuse and trauma. The small hut is made of willow tree limbs, nestled on a field next to War Eagle Park. Calvin Harlan, with the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and Iowa, says it’s a way to cleanse the mind, body and spirit. “We talk to Mother Earth and God about our problems, our issues, and when we come out, we leave them in there so that they’re taken care of,” Harlan says.

For many, it’s a place of prayer or healing. Harlan says the sweat lodge helps people let go of the negativity in their life, a large part of the healing process. Frank LaMere, a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, says the Native community is in “dire need of healing” and the sweat lodge will be a tremendous benefit. “Whatever can help you get well is what I want to see us be a part of,” LaMere says. “This is a big part for those who’ve lost their way who’ve decided to come home, back to their people — be they Omaha, Winnebago, Nakota, Lakota, Dakota, Meskwaki — they can come back to their roots.”

As he looks forward, LaMere says he hopes to see the sweat lodge prosper as he says it could really make a difference for those who have strayed. “Things in the Native community, and maybe even in the greater community with regard to alcohol, drug abuse, opioid use in our community has probably never been worse and we don’t talk about that,” LaMere says. “This is a step toward healing, a step in that direction.”

The lodge is near Jackson Recovery Centers’ Sioux City facility. Jackson’s Ben Nesselhuf says it’s one way the recovery center could better serve its Native American patients. “Helping them connect with something that they feel comfortable with, helping them connect to their own traditions, their own culture,” Nesselhuf says. “In the past, we’ve had patients that have gone off site for sweats, so this way we have it much closer.”

The sweat lodge is a partnership between Jackson, the community and the nonprofit group Native Youth Standing Strong. Advocates say it may be one of the biggest steps the Native American community and supporters are taking to grow and address issues of addiction, health and depression.
(written By Katie Peikes, Iowa Public Radio)