The Cass County Board of Supervisors today (Wednesday), acting on orders from the Iowa Attorney General’s Office, agreed to suspend for 30-days, the cigarette & tobacco sales permit for Hansen Valley Oil, located just south of the intersection of Interstate 80 and Highway 71. Auditor Dale Sunderman read a letter from the A-G’s Office which explained the County has no choice but to suspend the businesses’ tobacco sales.
The business was found to have violated for a third time, State law regarding the sale of tobacco to a minor. The owners have paid a civil penalty of $1,500, but because it was the third offense, are required by the State to cease sales of tobacco products for a 30-day period of their choosing. The owners elected to suspend sales beginning at midnight, September 9th, through Midnight, October 9th. According to Supervisor Duane McFadden, in addition to complying with the order, the employee or employees responsible for the illegal sale of tobacco has been terminated.
Supervisor Chuck Rieken voiced his protest of the sales suspension, but acknowledged there was nothing that could be done.
In other business, the Cass County Board approved a motion to apply for a grant from the Iowa Department of Public Health in the amount of $4,238, to promote the development, enhancement, implementation or sustainment of, identified Emergency Medical Service (EMS) System Standards, from Sept. 1st 2013 through June 30th, 2014. Karen Reason, Coordinator for Cass County EMS, said the grant funds would be divided among the various EMS entities within the county.