News : It's Lawsuit Season Again in Benton County

In a lawsuit filed on July 9, 2025, the Benton County Board of Supervisors have been named in a lawsuit filed by Jennifer L. Zahradnik. The Plaintiff filed suit against the Benton County Board of Supervisors (Tracy Seeman, Ronald Tippett and Bruce Volz) and Bruce Volz, and Ray Lough (Benton County Attorney), Victoria Cole (Special Prosecutor) individually,

On Counts I-X, The Plaintiff requests that the Court:

A. Issue a writ of certiorari to review the actions of the Benton County Board of Supervisors pursuant to Iowa R. Civ. P. 1.1401

(According to Google, a "write of certiorari" is "a legal order from a higher court to a lower court to send up the records of a case for review, primarily used by the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether to hear appeals.")

B. Reverse, modify, or grant other appropriate relief from the Board's action pursuant to Iowa code §J7A.l9, as the decision was not supported by substantial evidence

C. Overturn the decision of the Benton County Board of Supervisors as it relates to the removal of "Rein"

D. Issue an immediate stay of enforcement of the removal order pending the outcome of this litigation to prevent irreparable harm to Plaintiff

E. Void the Board's decision due to violations of the Iowa Open Meetings Law

F. Void the Board's decision due to violations of equal protection clause

G. Void the Board's decision due to violations of the due process clause

H. Void the Board's decision due to the fact that the decision was not based upon substantial evidence

I. Enter Judgment against the Defendants for violations of the equal protection and due process clauses of the Constitution

J. Enter Judgment against the Board for violations of the Open Meeting Laws including the payment of attorney fees for the Plaintiff as a result of the violation

K. Enter judgment against Bruce Volz individually for slander in an amount to compensate Plaintiff for the damage done to her reputation and business as a result of his statements

L. Enter judgment against Ray Lough for the costs of this action that resulted from his conflict of interest in the matter, which led to Plaintiff s inability to receive a fair hearing

M. Award the Plaintiff compensatory damages in an amount to be determined at trial for emotional distress, damages to reputation and lost revenue as a result of the Board's actions

N. Award Plaintiff the costs of this action and attorney fees against all Defendants

O. Grant such other relief as the Court deems just and equitable.