Gomers: What's going wrong

COSTLY DECISION: Maj. Christopher Kopacek's decision to lead four Air Force jets over a thrilled Kinnick Stadium just before the Nov. 20 University of Iowa football game and only 16 feet above the stadium's highest point, the press box, proved costly to his career. He is leaving the Air Force after being disciplined. The three other pilots involved also were disciplined for violating flight standards, which call for flying at least 1,000 feet over a congested area and no faster than 300 knots. However, they will remain with the Air Force and will be allowed to fly again.

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INSPECTOR SHORTAGE: The state's inspection program is supposed to check every gas pump in the state once a year to see if the meters are accurate, among other things. But for the four years ending June 30, 2009, no more than 75 percent of the pumps were checked, state Auditor David Vaudt said last week. Last year, the number of inspectors was reduced, from seven to five, as part of state budget problems. With the number of pumps increasing by 1,000 to a total of 36,000, it's likely more pumps won't be checked and that could be costly for customers, Vaudt warned.

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