The media surrounds the first same-sex couple to recieve a marriage license in Dubuque.

Morgan Finke
Published: April 27, 2009

DUBUQUE - Monday would be the day that Kentaindra Scarver and Veronica Spann would bring their eight year relationship full circle. The two women arrived at the Dubuque Courthouse early in the morning before appearing in open court to receive a waiver from Judge Monica Ackley around 10 a.m.

“We knew we were partners for life but to legally have it printed on paper; that’s what means so much to us,” said Scarver.
The Iowa Supreme Court ruling on April 3rd of this year paved the way for Kentaindra and Veronica, and hundreds of other same-sex couples across the state to obtain marriage licenses today. The two women were relieved to finally have the legal title of a married couple.

“For me it is the legal things that heterosexuals have like simple visits to the doctor for the kids. Those things mean the world to us,” said Spann.

After the emotional “I do’s” Magistrate John Nemmers said the words Scarver and Spann had waited ten years to hear, “I now pronounce you spouses for life.” As soon as the couple’s young nephew heard those words he exclaimed, “Boo-yah!” A phrase Scarver said she couldn’t of said better herself.

“It was like freedom,” explained Scarver. “Justice is served eight years later.”

The couple became the first same-sex marriage to take place in Dubuque County. After waking up at 4 a.m. the couple ended their day legally married.

The complete story can be read Wednesday evening on LCTV13’s website. To read more about the couple visit our partner publication the Lorian.

Morgan Finke can be reached at morgan.finke@loras.edu

Molly Menster and Tina Sio are looking to get legally married in Iowa.

Felicia Carner
Published: April 15, 2009

DUBUQUE -The unanimous Iowa Supreme Court decision on overturning the same sex marriage ban is being questioned by some Iowa citizens.

Lou Oswald, 2008 Republican candidate for Dubuque’s 27th District for the House of Representatives, says “It’s not about my opinion; we all know what that is, marriage is between a man and a woman. The issue here is hearing the voices of the citizens.”

Oswald says that he is working with other citizens that share the same view to get the vote back to the people. They have until May 1st to appeal this lawsuit.

Oswald and others who oppose the new law are taking advantage of their democratic rights.

Although lesbian couple, Molly Menster and Tina Sio, feel the Iowa Supreme Court made a wise decision they feel it is the Iowa citizens right to push for the vote.

“It is their right to work to get this put on the ballot and have a vote by the people, if that is their prerogative that is their right,” commented Menster.

For those who do oppose the legalization of same sex marriage and want a vote, Menster suggests for them to read the decision.

“It is so well written and so thought out they made a decision that is firmly rooted in our Iowa constitution,” said Menster.

You can find the Iowa Supreme Court’s Decision here: Full Decision

The couples believe the court made their decision based on the roots of the Iowa constitution and the separation between church and state.

Sio comments, “The judges have done their research on it and know the constitution and know whether or not this denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.”

Menster says the court set aside their personal beliefs and values and strictly looked at the constitution. “It has nothing to do with religion it’s about a set of rights that has been denied to a class of people, gay and lesbian people, without any good reason. There is no good legal reason to deny us these rights.”

Menster and Sio feel this is victory is not just about having a wedding reception but about the emotional and physical protection the law gives them. The couple has already committed a ceremony to dedicate their lives to each other but is looking to become legally married in the near future.

A complete interview with Ingrid Evans-Olson, one of the women named in the lawsuit regarding same sex marriage that reached the Iowa Supreme Court can be read on our blog: Full Interview

Felicia Carner can be reached at Felicia.Carner@loras.edu

Felicia Carner
Published: April 10, 2009

Key West, IA - Fifty to sixty firefighters were at the scene of a fire in Key West. What is to be believed started as a grass fire spread and engulfed in flames a home at 5170 St. Joe’s Prairie.

Dispatchers were called to the scene at 5:15 PM this evening.

Neighbors say only one individual is currently living at the residence and was assisting his son with crops at the time the fire broke out. A nearby neighbor reported the fire.

Key West Fire Chief, Brian Arnold, says that there was one injury to a firefighter on the scene whose current conditions is listed as fair.

Find out more and hear from Fire Chief Arnold on From the Boulevard this Wednesday at 7pm.

Felicia Carner can be reached at felicia.carner@loras.edu