TWO CLIVE OFFICIALS HIRE LAWYER

Trooper Suspected Pot At Fire Chief's Party

A state trooper attending a July going-away party for Clive's
departing fire chief saw three people smoking what he believed to be
marijuana, according to a summary of an Iowa State Patrol report
released Tuesday.

Clive police and city officials confirmed earlier this week that they
were investigating an allegation that a small, silver marijuana pipe
was discovered at the event which was attended by at least two city
officials and some volunteer firefighters.

City Manager Dennis Henderson, though, had said he had no indication
that drugs were found.

Tuesday, Henderson said he had not read the full state patrol report
but that the drug allegations were not mentioned during a conversation
he had with the state trooper, D.L. Knutson.

Attorney Fred Dorr said Tuesday that he represents a Clive City
Council member and a planning and zoning commissioner in connection
with a city investigation.

Dorr said he represents Councilman John Schiefer and commissioner Dave
Ennen, both of whom are volunteer firefighters. Schiefer, who said
Monday he attended the party, was out of town Tuesday and could not be
reached for comment. Ennen, who hosted the party at his house, did
not return phone calls Tuesday.

"Right now the situation is under investigation, so I've advised them
to cooperate with the investigation," Dorr said.

The summary report released Tuesday states that Trooper Knutson
attended the party July 26 at 1613 N.W. 102nd St. There, he "observed
three subjects he believed to be smoking marijuana." He then "left
the party and made a police report that was forwarded to the Clive
police department," the report says.

Clive police continue to investigate the case, according to the
report. The report does not list the individuals' names.

Henderson said Knutson has told him that he didn't feel he had enough
information for criminal charges.

The city manager declined to provide details, saying it involves a
personnel matter. He would not confirm whether Schiefer or Ennen is
involved.

Henderson said he did not expect to get a copy of the state patrol
report, but he said that should not change his personnel investigation
because he has interviewed others who attended the party.

Reporter Estela Villanueva can be reached at (515) 284-8360 or
villanuevae@news.dmreg.com

Checked-by: Patrick Henry