City council member Rhonda Capron has had a chance of heart about Iowa's smoking ban. Capron, who owns Rhonda's Speak Easy bar, led a fight against Iowa's smoking ban five years ago. She said it would take away from her livelihood and infringe on her customers' rights. Capron says now she sees the healthy benefits and with similar bans in place in South Dakota and Nebraska, her business has not suffered. Sandra Butcher, a longtime bartender for Capron, says the smoking ban is the best thing that ever happened.
Plymouth County Sheriff Mike Van Otterloo wants another 911 dispatcher. He's requesting an increase of almost nine-percent in the communication center budget. Officials say they've a had a situation where someone called 911 and got no answer. Jailers, other deputies, and even the sheriff have had to fill in once in a while to keep up. Plymouth County supervisors are considering his request.
Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman's approval of a revised route for the Keystone XL oil pipeline puts the long-delayed project back in the hands of the federal government. Heineman sent a letter to President Barack Obama Monday confirming that he would allow the project to proceed in Nebraska. But don't look for a quick decision on the $7 billion project. State Department officials said they do not expect to complete a review of the project before the end of March.
The bulls are back in town! The Rawhide Bull Riding Challenge takes place Friday and Saturday night at the Tyson Events Center. Stock Contractor Marty Barnes says you can check out a Brahma bull named Ralco-Slim-Mix. He weighs in at about 2,300 pounds. Barnes says it's a great family event that also includes a petting zoo for the kids. Tickets start at $11.
