Open Records But Not Gov

Lawmakers are considering creating a new board to better enforce Iowa's open records and meetings laws, but there's a notable exemption from the board's oversight: the governor and his office. The board's oversight also wouldn't extend to operations of the legislative and judicial branches, reflecting current open records and meetings laws. The governor supports creating the board, but not if its' oversight extends to him.

Electrolux Closing

3:00 p.m. marked the end of an era in Webster City. Today was the last day of work for 500-plus employees at Electrolux. KCCI reports Electrolux Major Appliances North America has been planning the closure since 2009. 850 jobs in total were cut, down from several thousand that were at the plant years ago. The plant operated for 74 years. The company's consolidating its North American laundry manufacturing into one facility in Juarez, Mexico.

Man accused of embezzlement files for bankruptcy

Randy Gene Stringer, who worked for DES Staffing and related companies with the same owners, has filed for bankruptcy protection. Stinger has been accused of embezzling nearly $1 million from his employer. Stringer pleaded guilty in February 2010 to one count of wire fraud as part of a plea agreement, admitting he embezzled money as finance director for DES Staffing and Des Moines Quick Cash. He's been sentenced to 15 months in prison and ordered to pay $911,000 in restitution.

Arson trial to begin in June

Court records show a West Des Moines bank will be allowed to participate in the civil arson trial of developer John Kline and his wife Michele. First Bank will be allowed to intervene after it purchased the Klines' interest in the outcome of the case at a sheriff's sale in January. American Family Mutual Insurance Co. says it shouldn't have to pay the Klines for the loss of their home or 1964 Chevrolet Corvette, claiming it was arson. The insurance company also asked for the return of a $600,000 payment already made to the Klines. The trial is scheduled to begin June 6. The fire is still under investigation.

Noodles and Company on the way

The Noodles and Company restaurant isn't in the Des Moines metro yet, but it looks like West Des Moines has plans to bring it to Valley West Mall. The West Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission approved a request this week to modify the west facade of Valley West Mall in order to accommodate it. They would add exterior entrances and a patio seating area. Noodles and Company has announced a new location in Cedar Rapids, but hasn't officially announced West Des Moines yet.

Suit filed over child porn charges

A lawsuit has been filed against 27-year old Kent Oman, the dorm director charged with child pornography. Oman was charged after Homeland Security officials searched his apartment at American Institute of Business in Des Moines. Investigators said he secretly taped a teenage boy using the toilet and shower in the dorm over a two year period. The alleged victim and his parents are suing. In addition to AIB, the lawsuit names Big Brothers Big Sisters, since Oman met the alleged victim when he was a volunteer.

Wine in the Mailbox

Single bottles of wine by mail could be coming to Iowa. Businesses that sell alcoholic beverages may soon be able to deliver it to homes and business in Iowa under a new bill just approved by Iowa lawmakers. Officials say the bill came about because there are no clear rules in the state about delivering alcohol to homes. Sellers have been able to ship full cases, but not single bottles, until now.