BPI vs. ABC News Trial Recesses After Two Minutes
(Elk Point) — Tuesday’s morning’s session of the $1.9 billion dollar Beef Products Incorporated vs ABC Broadcasting defamation trial did not last long.
Court was only in session for two and a half minutes when Judge Cheryle Gering announced to the jury that because of a “major legal issue”, testimony would be delayed until Wednesday:
Judge Gering did not specify what that legal issue was or give a further explanation.
A member of ABC’s legal team mentioned that this type of thing is common in a trial like this, considering this lawsuit is worth nearly two billion dollars.
Court is expected to resume Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m.
Sioux City School Superintendent Cleared Of Investigation
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – A western Iowa school district’s investigation of its superintendent has been completed and no disciplinary action will take place.
The Sioux City School District’s former finance director John Chalstrom accused Superintendent Paul Gausman earlier this year of creating a hostile workplace and threatening his job if he shared alternative budget proposals with school board members outside regular board meetings.
School board president Mike Krysl says the investigation into the
allegations is complete unless new information arises.
The board approved a settlement agreement with Chalstrom in April. It allows him to remain on paid administrative leave until the expiration of his contract on June 30 and awards him about $35,000 in severance pay.
Long-time Sioux City Transit Worker Resigns After Being Charged With OWI
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – A longtime Sioux City transit bus driver has pleaded not guilty to a charge of operating under the influence.
Court records say 64-year-old Howard Barrett entered the plea Monday. A pretrial conference is scheduled for Aug. 25.
Authorities say police stopped Barrett in a parking lot on June 15 while he was still on the clock for Sioux City Transit. Police say a preliminary breath test showed Barrett had a blood alcohol concentration over the limit of 0.08 percent.
City Attorney Nicole DuBois says Barrett submitted his retirement papers the following day. Barrett joined the city staff in 1983.
Audit Of Harlan Shows Misappropriations
HARLAN, Iowa (AP) – A state audit requested by the city of Harlan has identified nearly $145,000 in improper and unsupported disbursements.
The auditor’s office said Tuesday the audit covered July 1, 2004, through June 30, 2016. Auditors noted that nearly $34,000 of the total was paid to the now former city administrator, Terry Cox, for improper travel reimbursements. He
resigned last year after questions were raised about his expenses.
A Harlan phone listing for Cox rang busy during several calls Tuesday.
Court records don’t list any current charges. Assistant Shelby County Attorney Todd Argotsinger said he hadn’t seen a copy of the auditor’s report and didn’t know whether any charges were pending against Cox.
The auditors also say the improper disbursements included more than $35,000 paid to Cox for hours he didn’t work.
Care Packages Sent To Sailors
BRITT, Iowa (AP) – A northern Iowa veteran group is assembling care packages for sailors on the USS Fitzgerald, which collided with a merchant vessel off the
coast of Japan on June 17, killing seven U.S. sailors.
The Mason City Globe Gazette (https://bit.ly/2sd0Y2X ) reports that nine members of the Dean Welsh Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary of Britt are working on the project.
Jean Perkins is the chairman of the care packages drive. The drive was inspired by Perkin’s 27-year-old granddaughter, Brianna Downer, who is serving in the Navy.
Downer asked Perkins last week if the group could do anything for the sailors. The group sent about 50 care packages to Downer’s crew in 2012.
The care packages will include toiletries, books, magazines, socks, T- shirts, snacks, hard candy and non-perishable items.
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