Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. I will also fight to close the gender pay gap. whotv. $('.hideResponses').show(); margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 5px; The lawsuit recounts an incident in which Peterson told the newsroom that Heitshusen had a reaction to the shingles vaccine but that others need not worry because only her advanced age caused her to need the shot in the first place. Heitshusen, 54, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the stations parent company, Nexstar Media Group, Inc., alleging she was removed from the air because of her age and gender. Democratic state house candidate Sonya Heitshusen recklessly discharged a handgun in her home, shattering her sliding glass door, according to a criminal complaint obtained by Iowa Feld Report. } text-align: center; Police Report: Sonya Heitshusen Recklessly - Iowa Field Report width: 100% .results_row.winner { .race_footer { A company spokesman didnt immediately return a message seeking comment. If you want to plan the perfect spring picnic, food and drink are important, but its certainly not the only factor to consider. font-weight: 300; div.oneoff-scrollbox.short { height:250px; overflow:scroll; margin:20px; padding:10px; border:1px solid gray; } He can be contacted atwrmorris2@registermedia.com, 715-573-8166 or on Twitter at@DMRMorris. Ms. Heitshusen will be . Women are relevant after the age of 50. width: 57%; .leg-hnt-hide { Prominent reporter and anchor Sonya Heitshusen leaves WHO-TV, I immediately thought it must be the way I look, Sonya Heitshusen says of leaving WHO, WOI-TV denies sex, age discrimination against former news director in federal court, Another senior TV newswoman in Iowa, April Samp, cites gender bias in her firing, this time by WOI, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. recounted Heitshusen, who was the oldest female anchor in the station's history. font-size: 110%; Now, he has sanctioned a Chicago lawyer to "write and produce a training video in which" she, or a partner in her firm, "addresses the impropriety of unspecified 'form' objections, witness coaching, and excessive interruptions." . padding-top: 3px; color: #888; color: white; Meanwhile, the suit claims that managers told Heitshusen she could not negotiate for more time off, that one once commented to her and another female anchor about losing weight, and that managers gave her more support for pursuing softer feature stories than investigative news, it claims. Where are all the women who are in TV broadcasting over 50? Judge Erica Crisp granted Heitshusen a deferred judgment, ordering her to serve one year of probation and pay a $105 penalty. Women are relevant after the age of 50. Heitshusen is represented by Des Moines civil rights attorneys Tom Newkirk and Jill Zwagerman, who specialize in showing how implicit biases can impact the workplace and have won landmark cases in the past. Nexstar spokesman Gary Weitman declined comment, "as this is a matter of pending litigation.". He also said his sister would not return to Iowa because of the policies that undermine public schools. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. } There were no incumbents in this race. Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. The only thing that signaled to me was that its my appearance.. Education is the foundation for every child's future. As first reported by Iowa Field Report, Heitshusenwho also serves the public information office for State Auditor Rob Sand was arrested this summer after she fired a handgun into her sliding glass door, sending the bullet across a busy city road. "The only thing that signaled to me was that it's my appearance. width: 100%; } .panel-heading:hover { cursor: pointer;} border-bottom: 1px solid grey; A former television anchor for WHO-TV in Des Moines, Iowa, filed an age and gender discrimination lawsuit against the stations parent company, Nexstar Media Group Inc. They are hard workers and can make a difference.She said she was bringing the lawsuit to help spur a cultural shift in the industry that makes discrimination no longer acceptable.Nexstar, which has characterized Heitshusens firing as a reduction in its workforce, has faced other lawsuits in recent years from female reporters and anchors. } For more than 17 years, Sonya has dedicated herself to serving the community and being a friend to all of us. According to court records, there are recordings of Heitshusen discussing the incident, but those are being kept confidential until the trial. In addition to Nexstar, the lawsuit names Peterson and general manager Bobby Totsch as defendants. Sonya Heitshusen, 55, of West Des Moines is running for Iowa House District 28, which includes parts of West Des Moines, Van Meter and Adel. [1], .votebox { document.getElementById('leg-hnt-content6450bb2a28ea0').classList.add('leg-hnt-hide'); Sonya Heitshusen defeated Tom Walton in the Democratic primary for Iowa House of Representatives District 28 on June 7, 2022. Offering world-class education will strengthen our families, our communities, our workforce, and our state. .race_header.democratic { 1. They are hard workers and can make a difference.". } padding-bottom: 3px; margin-right: 10px; Sonya Heitshusen is pictured in 2020 in Des Moines, on one of her last days as a reporter and anchor for WHO-TV, an NBC affiliate. A native Iowan told me his sister would like to return to Iowa to teach but it would mean a $20,000 pay cut. .results_row { Doing so would be a good first step to cleaning up our waterways, which in turn would attract more people to our state. Follow him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller. Heitshusen said she was blindsided in April 2020 when the station's news director, Rod Peterson, informed her that the station was exercising a clause in her contract to fire her without cause as a "business decision." ", More in September 2020:Another senior TV newswoman in Iowa, April Samp, cites gender bias in her firing, this time by WOI. display: inline-block; In addition to Nexstar, the lawsuit names Peterson and general manager Bobby Totsch as defendants. The book details her time in the concentration camp but it's ultimately about forgiveness, healing, and transformation. Nexstar's company statistics show that nearly 80 percent of its managers last year were men. flex: 0 0 150px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5em; This election is another opportunity for Iowans to bridge divides and support leaders who are open and honest, leaders who will do the right thing despite the political fallout, and leaders who will put in the time and effort to reach thoughtful, enduring solutions to long-standing, complex problems. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. She said she was devastated last August when she realized she could not report on the derecho, the powerful wind storm that ripped across the state. 2023 www.desmoinesregister.com. Ballot measures, Who represents me? display: inline-block; .mw-body #mw-content-text .votebox .race_header h3.votebox-header-office-name { .external_links_table { width: auto !important; } color: black; Company statistics show that nearly 80% of its managers last year were men.Heitshusen, now public information officer for the Iowa State Auditor, got emotional recounting how the firing ended her award-winning journalism career. padding: 2px 0; She earned a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University in 1992. "We believe that this is utterly baseless," he said. She said she was told the company valued her. top: -5px; max-width: 75px; Elections in 2023 | z-index:1; In addition to Nexstar, the lawsuit names Peterson and general manager Bobby Totsch as defendants. The lawsuit also alleges that male anchors received higher pay, more vacation time and more on-air recognition for journalism awards, and that they were not judged by their appearances. padding-top: 8px; As a prominent reporter and anchor at one of Iowas biggest local television stations, Sonya Heitshusen was known for doggedly investigating injustices and holding the powerful accountable.A year after WHO-TV in Des Moines abruptly let her go, she is turning those skills on her former employer with a lawsuit challenging what she calls a widespread practice of removing older, female staffers from the air because of their looks.Heitshusen filed an age and gender discrimination lawsuit Tuesday against WHO-TVs parent company, Nexstar Media Group, Inc., which calls itself Americas largest local television and media company, with 199 stations.The lawsuit alleges Heitshusen, 54, was thrown out to pasture because she was no longer seen as camera-worthy, after years in which she saw her male colleagues receive better treatment from management. } margin-bottom:16px; She said in a statement last year she has guns in the home due to a history of threats against her as a journalist and political candidate, and that "an accidental discharge of the firearm occurred" as she was checking one of the weapons. .widget-row.value-only.black { Former TV anchor charged with reckless discharge of a firearm - KCCI It happened as I backed out of a grocery store parking space. Sonya Heitshusen, a former WHO-TV anchor who now works as the public information officer for Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand, and Tom Walton, who works as director of legal services and general counsel for Delta Dental of Iowa. .widget-row.heading { font-weight: 500; Court throws out Tirrell case against Gabus; Heitshusen - CITYVIEW In farewell segments, the NBC affiliate did not mention any reason for her departure. display: flex; This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. font-size: 0.9em; } }. I thought, Im good enough to work here but Im not good enough to be on camera? recounted Heitshusen, who was the oldest female anchor in the stations history. Sonya Heitshusen. } .infobox p { "That said, she is pleased that this matter is now behind her.". p.survey-response {margin-left:10px;} While seemingly a joke, the comment reflected a deeper truth that her age was a concern to management, it alleges. The lawsuit also alleges that male anchors received higher pay, more vacation time and more on-air recognition for journalism awards, and that they were not judged by their appearances. font-weight: bold; Sonya Heitshusen is pictured on July 29, 2020, in Des Moines, Iowa, on one of her last days as a reporter and anchor for WHO-TV, an NBC affiliate. if (document.getElementById('leg-hnt-content6450bb2a28ea0').classList.contains('leg-hnt-hide')) { The lawsuit claims she was "thrown out to pasture" because she was deemed no longer fit to appear on camera while male anchors at the station got higher pay, among other better treatment. For more than 17 years, Sonya has dedicated herself to serving the community and being a friend to all of us. @media screen and (max-width: 350px) { if (typeof $ != 'undefined') { I also oppose vouchers for private schools. Cities | # Sonya Heitshusen - Bleeding Heartland The report notes that Heitshusen had been drinking. .contact_entity {font-size: 1.0em ;margin-top: 0.6em; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 0.5em;} letter-spacing: 0.03em; font-size: 1.2em; background-color: #db0000; ap photo background-color: white; Democrat Sonya Heitshusen and Republican David Young are running in Iowa House District 28, an open seat in Dallas County . The youngest of six children, Sonya bailed hay and tended to livestock alongside her brothers. padding: 2px; My mother is my first role model. Nexstar, which has characterized Heitshusens firing as a reduction in its workforce, has faced other lawsuits in recent years from female reporters and anchors. Heitshusen, a former WHO-TV news anchor, said in a. We're now middle of the pack. $('.hideResponses').hide(); Sonya went to bat for him, eventually securing the treatment he needed and legally deserved. I thought, Im good enough to work here but Im not good enough to be on camera? Anything less will endanger the lives of women and harm already marginalized families and communities. justify-content: center; .widget-img { If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you. It has to change. They are hard workers and can make a difference.. Sonya Heitshusen (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Iowa House of Representatives to represent District 28. "Ive received ongoing threatening messages on social media," she said in the statement. .leg-hnt-leadership { Contact our sales team. We must finally put money into the Iowa Natural Resources and Outdoor } Iowa House candidate charged after accidental shooting You dont see women on TV with gray hair and wrinkles, she told The Associated Press last week. The lawsuit alleges that Heitshusen faced numerous "micro-aggressions" over the years, as her bosses treated male anchors more favorably and her age ultimately became seen as a liability. left: 0px; } The lawsuit also alleges that male anchors received higher pay, more vacation time and more on-air recognition for journalism awards, and that they were not judged by their appearances. Great Jones Cookware Review: Is It Worth Buying? .votebox-results-metadata { The views and content on this page are the Sonya Heitshusen | Des Moines IA .outer_percentage { .votebox_legend .non_result_row { I recently read the book "The Choice" by Dr. Edith Eger. box-sizing: border-box; Amazon Has Uncanny Dupes of CB2's Popular Dining Chair for Hundreds Less. border:1px solid #FFB81F; .mw-content-ltr td.votebox-results-cell--text, Friday was Sonya Heitshusens final day at WHO 13. State and local courts | She lost in the general election on November 8, 2022. A female former television anchor for WHO-TV in Des Moines, Iowa, filed an age and gender discrimination lawsuit Tuesday against the station's parent company, Nexstar Media Group Inc., alleging men were treated better by management, the Associated Press reported. | Sonya Heitshusen, an Emmy Award-winning journalist for WHO-TV, was arrested for drunken driving on Saturday. Source. .results_row td:first-child { She said she was bringing the lawsuit to help spur a "cultural shift" in the industry that makes discrimination no longer acceptable. An unsuccessful state legislative candidate and former Des Moines-area TV reporter and anchor has been ordered to complete a firearm safety class after being convicted of mishandling a handgun. The report notes that Heitshusen had been drinking. I look forward to this matter being resolved quickly.". They have a lot of great ideas. In farewell segments, the NBC affiliate did not mention any reason for her departure. The late former Governor Robert Ray, a champion of these core, Iowa values, made the case for bipartisanship and hope in his inaugural address in 1975, a time when the Governor and the legislature, and much of the country were politically divided. } Heitshusen left WHO-TV last summer after what the station called a remarkable 17-year stint in which she was a hard-hitting news reporter and an anchor also known for softer segments on fitness. She was valedictorian of her class and earned music and academic scholarships to Valparaiso University but her father refused to let her attend. }) font-size: 12px; A society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable. Where are all the women who are in TV broadcasting over 50? I will be forever grateful to my mother for instilling in me the values of public service, hard work, courage, and strength. She said she was bringing the lawsuit to help spur a cultural shift in the industry that makes discrimination no longer acceptable. Former Iowa anchor hopes her lawsuit changes TV news, PVACCINATEDEW N AT FIVE OF FORME LONG-TIME DWAYNE TELEVISION NEWS ANCHOR AND REPORTER IS SUING HER FORMER STATION CLAIMING. color: white; }) The lawsuit recounts an incident in which Peterson told the newsroom that Heitshusen had a reaction to the shingles vaccine but that others need not worry because only her "advanced age" caused her to need the shot in the first place. .results_row td { In farewell segments, the NBC affiliate did not mention any reason for her departure.Heitshusen said she was blindsided in April 2020 when the stations news director, Rod Peterson, informed her that the station was exercising a clause in her contract to fire her without cause as a business decision. She said she was told the company valued her and might be able to find her a lower-paying digital position, but nothing on the air. background-color: grey; Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. Growing up on a family farm and completing three Ironman races, I know the meaning of hard work. Numerous people in my District have told me they're concerned about education in Iowa. .leg-hnt-section-title { Heitshusen, now public information officer for the Iowa State Auditor, got emotional recounting how the firing ended her award-winning journalism career. School districts | Nexstar spokesman Gary Weitman declined comment, "as this is a matter of pending litigation.". We are now middle of the pack because lawmakers have not fully funded public schools. Her conviction resulted in her becoming the first woman to serve as President of the local school board. margin-top: 1em; .leg-hnt-leadership > div { Where are all the women who are in TV broadcasting over 50? "I take full responsibility for the accident and we reported it to the police. a.communitylink { color:black; font-weight:bold; } display: inline;
, Iowa House of Representatives District 28. if(document.getElementsByClassName("reference").length==0) if(document.getElementById('Footnotes')!==null) document.getElementById('Footnotes').parentNode.style.display = 'none'; .leg-hnt-container { She said she was bringing the lawsuit to help spur a cultural shift in the industry that makes discrimination no longer acceptable. .widget-row.Democratic { A separate West Des Moines Police report said the gun belongs toHeitshusen's partner, a Des Moines police officer. $('#candidate-connection-twitter-117956').on('click', () => { ga('send', 'event', 'surveycta', 'surveycta-click-twitter'); }); Public money should stay in public schools. We need to fight for laws and programs that protect working families and put them first and not big corporations. } font-weight: bold; They're moving out of the state because one man is a teacher, who feels his profession is under attack. display: none; She desperately wanted children and refused to give up. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Trial delayed for teen accused of killing 2 at Des, House Republicans advance bill that would kill Democratic, Iowa Republican leadership reach agreement on bipartisan, 7 bodies found in search for two missing OK teens, Biden administration announces new immigration rules, Drake and Iowa State to meet in NCAA Tourney, Andy Fales: Caitlin Clark reminds us of hypocrisies, Murphys Law: why Jack Trice matters so much, Faceoff: Cy-Hawk series, Van Lith to LSU, Rodgers, Mr. Soundoff Says: NFL Draft is just plain cool, Le Creuset just launched a dreamy new color for spring, Our fitness expert weighs in on this years top spring, Picnic-planning ideas for the spring season, Multiple dead after IL dust storm causes pileup, Fort Dodge Baptist missionary convicted of child, Chicago mayor implores Abbott to stop sending migrants, Trump returning to Iowa for rally in Des Moines, Rising Mississippi River tests Iowa, Illinois flood, Iowa students honored as part of Governors Scholar, Montana legislator sues House speaker over censure, Huxley restaurant named Iowas Best Burger winner, BestReviews.com - Top gifts to make everyone happy this spring, Surprise your mom with one of these Mothers Day, Mothers Day inspo: This foot massager has 20,000, Drew Barrymores Walmart collection is perfect for, Best Mothers Day gifts for the budding plant mom, Best Mothers Day Gifts for moms obsessed with books, 7 bodies found during search for missing Oklahoma, Iowa lawmakers OK new deer hunting season and allow, Police locate body, tentatively identified as missing, Guac talk to get the most out of avocados, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information.