A judge will sentence John Baker Monday. The 53 year-old Nebraska man pleaded no contest a charge of manslaughter and concealing a death in last October's killing of Kelly Alspach of South Sioux City. Her body was found hidden in a window seat in her home. A pathologist determined Alspach died from blunt force trauma. Baker faces up to 21 years in prison.
Helping people who've dealt with suicide was the purpose of an event in Spencer, Iowa this weekend. The group called "GLASS," or Gaining Life After Suicide, held its 3rd annual walk at the Clay County Fairgrounds. Vicki Heckroth started the group three years ago after her son took his own life in 2000. The group started with four members. Now, the GLASS has more than 30 members.
Friends, family, and even strangers got together over the weekend to honor a Siouxland soldier who was killed in action more than 65 years ago. Private Dale Hansen served in Japan during World War II when a sniper killed him. For his acts of bravery he earned the Medal of Honor, but never received it, until now. More than 70 Freedom riders from 5 districts came out to remember him.
Siouxland is getting ready to play host to RAGBRAI. The bike ride across Iowa starts Sunday in Sioux Center. Cherokee is the first overnight stop and folks there are getting ready to host thousands of bicyclists. Businesses are gearing up to provide riders with food, drinks and other goods. From Cherokee, the riders head to Lake View for the second overnight stay.
