Smoking Ban Prompts Few Complaints
It looks like iowa's new smoking ban is working.
The law went into effect Monday night, and state health department managers say so far people are following it.
The state health department handles complaints or questions about the new law, and its web site had 50,000 hits last month.
Out of more than a thousand calls and e-mails, only 15 have been reports of smoking violations. The vast majority of people are looking for information.
Charley Storm at P.D.'s Pub says he's not surprised by the relatively few complaints based on his customers.
"They complained pretty much right up to the very last day," Storm said. "Then when it took effect as of yesterday, no complaints at all really."
The state health department hopes that their education campaign will limit the need for police to get involved in enforcing the ban.
The health department will respond to complaints first with letters asking if violators need information.
A second violation within 12 months could lead to a fine.
Do You Have Problem Tenants?
There's a new plan to cut back on crime in Des Moines apartment complexes.
Police want to educate landlords.
They've set up a crime-free multi-housing program that teaches landlords how to screen apartment tenants, how to stop drug and noise problems, and provide tips for how to keep apartments safe.
The bottom line ?
Find the right tenant in the first place.
"This is a good thing for them in retaining tenants, in keeping bad tenants out because obviously if they are having problems with tenants, this program will enable them to evict some of those people, too," said Vince Valdez of the Des Moines police department.
Training for apartment owners and managers starts July 8th at the police academy.

Police Offer Reward Over Cemetery Vandalism
Vandals targeted more than 30 gravestones in a Des Moines cemetery.
And police want your help to prevent it from happening again.
It's said that children grow up being taught to respect their elders. But what Phil Enabnit found on Monday morning contradicts that.
"We would love to see them brought to justice for this," he said. "
He says the damage left behind at the Masonic Cemetery would have taken the strength of three of four people to play what looks like a game of dominoes.
"We're very, very disappointed simply because part of our job is to see that everything's taken care of at the cemetery," he said. "We want to do our best for the families that we can."
He hopes to have their loved ones' final resting place back the way it was within a week.
Damage could be upwards of $2,500.
Police increase their patrols in the area.
Police are willing to offer a reward for any information leading to an arrest in the case. If you have information you can call Crimestoppers at 223-1400.

Dogs + Fireworks = Trouble
While we're all looking forward to watching some fireworks this weekend, don't forget that your pets aren't.
Animal shelter officials say they invariably experience a surge in animal pick-ups following fireworks. That's because animals -- dogs in particular -- get startled by fireworks and often try to run.
So keep your animals inside while you're enjoying the show.

Up to 25,000 Expected At 80/35 Festival
Organizers hope to make history this Friday and Saturday for the first-ever 80-35 music festival in downtown Des Moines' Western Gateway Park.
Some 25,000 music lovers are expected over the two days.
Promoters say they may sell 15,000 tickets for the main stage.
Now volunteers are scrambling to get everything in place.
"We have probably 50 to 60 tents to build," said Cory Konrad with the festival. "Ice trucks to come in, Pepsi trucks to come in. We're building three stages -- one on 13th and 15th. There is going to be tons of entertainment.''
KDSM Fox 17 is a sponsor of the event that's put on by the nonprofit group "Greater Des Moines Music Coalition" to raise awareness of the thriving local music scene.