Gomers

ENDING IT ALL:

At least 445 Iowans took their own lives in 2013, making suicide the second-leading cause of death for state residents between the ages of 15 and 44, and the third-leading cause for residents aged five to 14. It is only the second time since such numbers were kept that the state has topped 400 suicides in any one year.

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NOT A FIX:

Beginning next year, Iowans with certain medical conditions will be able to obtain photo identification registration cards for possession of cannabis oil. The system, however, does not address continued illegal acts of growing, buying or transporting the substance.

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TOO LITTLE:

Washington County Attorney Larry Brock was handed a $1,000 fine for knowingly violating the state's open records law by waiting 94 days to provide public records to a terminated county employee. It is doubtful such a small fine will serve as a deterrent to others who claim they are 'too busy” to abide by state law.