DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Supreme Court has decided to let an attorney who took more than $99,000 from a client resume practicing law. The Des Moines Register reports the justices ruled unanimously to reinstate Michael Reilly’s law license. The court ruling released Friday said Reilly had worked hard to overcome a gambling addiction that led to the theft. Several western Iowa lawyers had written letters vouching for his character.

Reilly lost his license in 2006, after authorities learned that Reilly had taken settlement money given a family he’d represented in a lawsuit over an injury to a young boy. Before he can practice law again, Reilly will have to finish 30 hours of continuing legal education and pass an ethics exam.

A teenager was injured during a single-vehicle accident Tuesday morning, in Cass County. The Sheriff’s Office reports 14-year old Destiny Elizabeth Bryne, of Lewis, was transported to the Cass County Memorial Hospital by private vehicle following the accident that happened at around 8:45-a.m. on Park Road, about one-half mile west of the Lewis Road.

Officials say a 2002 Pontiac driven by Byrne, was westbound on Park Road when she lost control of the car, which rolled into the north ditch. Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $5,000. The accident remains under investigation.

(9-a.m. News)

As we come upon the 15-year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on our nation, the Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency and others  recognize September as National Preparedness Month. Disasters can and will happen, it’s a matter of when and where they strike next. Being prepared not only lessens the risk for severe injuries or loss of property, but makes you a better Iowan for acknowledging those risks and being prepared for any type of emergency.

Montgomery County Emergency Management Director Brian Hamman says there are several simple steps that can ensure that you, your family and your place of business are prepared. Those steps include making an emergency plan, building an emergency kit and being aware of the hazards in your area that could impact you.

For more preparedness tips, visit www.beready.iowa.gov  Preparedness information will also be posted throughout the month on the Montgomery County EMA Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/MontgomeryEMA

For more information on Preparedness Month sponsors, visit:
Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, www.homelandsecurity.iowa.gov
Iowa Emergency Management Association, www.iowaema.com
Safeguard Iowa Partnership, www.safeguardiowa.org
National Weather Service Des Moines, www.weather.gov/dmx