Month: December 2015

Iowa Legal Aid received a $5,000 grant award from Wells Fargo to establish a Community Economic Development Project in Iowa. The project will assist low-income entrepreneurs wishing to start or further develop small businesses in an effort to lift themselves out of poverty. Under this project, Iowa Legal Aid will provide legal advice on business formation, real estate acquisition, contract negotiation drafting transactional documents such as articles of incorporation or partnership agreements, providing tax advice and assistance, and other legal matters entrepreneurs confront. The project will help provide financial stability to clients served as well as impact economically depressed areas by reducing barriers inhibiting the growth of small businesses and replacing vacant storefronts with thriving enterprise.

[Pictured above are Sarabeth Anderson from Wells Fargo and Dennis Groenenboom, Executive Director of Iowa Legal Aid]

The trial of the Three Bears v. Goldilocks took place on Wednesday November 25, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. at the Kossuth County Courthouse. The four 2^nd grade classes from Bryant School were in attendance. Twelve students volunteered to become Jurors in the case. Local Attorneys Ryan Buske, Conrad Meis and Stephanie Miller participated as the Judge, Counsel for Gold E Locks and The Three Bears respectively. The Bears were Papa Bear – Adam Denner, Mama Bear – Dana Haverkamp, Baby Bear – Carson Simpson and Gold E Locks – Brooke Boettcher. The children participated in jury selection, opening and closing statements of the attorneys and listened closely to the testimony of all the witnesses. The attorneys also cross-examined the witnesses. Evidence was admitted by Judge Buske including a broken chair, the bowls used by the Three Bears and a pillow with yellow hair caught in it (presumably from Ms. Gold E Locks).

The children comprising the jury were invited to the Jury room to deliberate. The Jury found Gold E Locks guilty of bad manners. There was general class discussion about what evidence the students relied upon in coming to their verdict.

The actors are students at Algona High School who volunteered for the trial. Many thanks go out to the attorneys, students and teachers for their enthusiasm and hard work.

Thanks also go out to the Kossuth County Clerk of Court who graciously set the courtroom aside for this educational experience.