by Jody Spear and Kelly Meyer –
NORTHWOOD – Friday was a special day for Kari Halvorson.
Kari’s daughter, Kadyn, was just 7 years old last May 10th when she was struck by a car and killed as she was on her way to her school bus.
Months later, Kari’s goal of helping to enact legislation that would help protect other children became a reality.
Governor Terry Branstad visited Northwood on Friday and signed an act relating to school bus safety. The act includes providing penalties for failure to obey school bus warning lamps and stop signal arms and provides for a school bus safety study.
Kari, with the help of Kim Koenigs, Executive Director of the Worth County Development Authority, was able to get what is now officially known as “Kadyn’s Law” passed unanimously in both the Senate and the Iowa House of Representatives.
Governor Terry E. Branstad visited Northwood-Kensett Elementary School in Northwood on Friday to officially sign “Kadyn’s Law” in the school Kadyn attended.
“Our children are our most precious resource,” Branstad said, addressing Kadyn’s second grade classmates, who he had earlier talked to and taken pictures with.
It was an emotional day for Kari.
“The support and love I have felt from everyone of you in here means so much to me,” said Kari, holding back tears and having difficulty getting the words to come out.
Branstad talked about how the proposal was brought to his attention.
“Kari and Kim Koenigs had a whole notebook full of information. We were very impressed with how organized they were and how committed they were.”
Koenigs was impressed with Senator Amanda Ragan.
“I wanted someone that didn’t have anything to gain… that would step up, and that was Amanda Ragan. She stepped up in a heartbeat,” said Koenigs.
Four of Kadyn’s school mates were recognized by the Governor for their contribution and hard work, helping to make “Kadyn’s Law” a reality. They were Addy Bachtle, age 8, Silas Girouard, age 8, Grace Skellenger, age 12 and Amber Koenigs, age 10.
“My youngest daughter, who was friends with Kadyn, inspired me to do this,” said Koenigs. “I spearheaded with Kari, created ideas, but Kari had final approval of what was done.”
Also giving support to Kari and her cause was Andy and Lori Key, from Mississippi. They came to Iowa to celebrate Kari’s victory. They had also lost a son in a similar incident. They worked on the making of Nathan’s Law and are now working on Nathan’s Legacy, also known as Nathan’s Law.
“I found it more difficult after all the work was done,” said Andy. “During that time, I had so much on my mind and kept busy, that when the law passed I didn’t have that to keep my mind off Nathan. Everybody grieves in different ways.”
“The law, as the title reads, relates to school bus safety. It includes providing penalties for failure to obey school bus warning lights and sign arms providing for a school bus safety study administrating a remedy in making an appropriation,” informed Branstad. “Obey the law for the safety of our children. So with that, it’s an honor to sign it.”
After the act was signed, the releasing of pink and blue balloons, led by Branstad, was celebrated. Kadyn’s favorite colors, pink and blue, were everywhere. Most people were wearing “Kadyn’s Law” t-shirts in either pink or blue and the blue and pink balloons just enhanced the beauty of those two colors together. On the back of the t-shirts it read, “Be the Change you wish to see in the world”.
“I’m very excited about him signing the bill at Kadyn’s school,” said Kari, “It’s been a great day!”
Watch video:
