It's a free country

And I can choose to spend my money somewhere else besides Buffalo Wild Wings in Cedar Rapids, IA:

Any local business can put up a sign (ineffective as they are) as an ill-guided attempt at security. What this means to many is they are not welcome if they choose to carry but the business is open for any thug intent on harm.

I wasn't carrying and I didn't feel welcome after seeing this sign.

But seeing a similar sign at my county courthouse, I can't very well conduct all of my business elsewhere.

Based on the order of the Chief Judge, possession of all firearms is prohibited in the courtrooms, judges’ chambers, court reporter offices, jury rooms, clerk’s offices, juvenile court offices and hallways outside the courtrooms and clerk’s office of the Iowa County Courthouse, unless possessed by and on-duty  peace officer as defined by Iowa Code... (Sorry, but the picture did not turn out well)

If someone uses the Don't Show, Nobody Knows policy then how would they know?

Gun ban update, 8/17/11

After the recent ban decree at our state fairgrounds, Jim over at Travis McGee Reader informed me of Woodbury County's ban. It seems that the county supervisors are afraid since they referred to the Arizona attack on Congresswoman Giffords.

Woodbury County bans guns in four buildings

After defeating a complete ban on all county property, such as parks or recreation areas, the supervisors banned weapons in the County Courthouse, law enforcement center/jail, Trosper Hoyt Building and Prairie Hills.

The resolution said the county was seeking to perform the role of protecting the "peace, safety, health, welfare, comfort and convenience of its residents" and county property.

So government entities are responsible for the "comfort and convenience" of its citizens? What the French?

I plan on moving to Sioux City so the county can buy me a Lazy Boy rocker and bigass Tee Vee.

Uh, no. I got my own comfort covered, thank you.


I thought the silly season was over since news reports of cities and counties banning weapons dried up since April, but here we go with another round of "we're in charge" passing a law or resolution because they have to do something to protect the poor citizenry from guns.

Jim graciously stated that, "The best place to track these local gun banners is over at Stranded in Iowa's place."

It's because fellow Iowans like Jim at Travis McGee Reader, Ben at Cold Hard Cashner and others have given me tips.

Going to the Fair? Don't be carrying a weapon

The Iowa State Fair is the place to be so long as you leave your carry gun at home or locked in your car outside of the gates. They are prohibited this year after the riots (outside of the gates) at last year's fair.

Iowa State Patrol Capt. Gary Nieuwsma says the permits do not apply at the fairgrounds.

"The State Fair is a place where guns and knives are prohibited," he said.

Interesting thought is that the DNR holds their annual gun auction on the fairgrounds and a gun show is held there several times a year.

I guess it's okay to carry during these events but not at the annual state fair after a couple of dozen people were stabbed last year?

Gun ban update, 4/15/11

Marcus, IA passes a gun ban

Gun ban update, 3/25/11

Farley passes a ban

Decorah passed a ban as well

"It's not going to stop anything. It's a feel-good measure," [Councilman] Schissel said.

Updated the county ban map on the right. I added the purple color for the partial ban that Linn County put in place (banning open carry but not concealed carry). I also labeled Iowa County as a rejected since the supervisors statements reflected that.

If anyone has anything to add or update, let me know and I will update the map.

Iowa County gun ban update

I've been neglecting this news from last month. The county in which I reside here in Iowa (Iowa County) had a brief discussion regarding banning guns in the courthouse. An agenda item for February 28th.

The local newspaper, the Pioneer Republican (no complete online presence) published an article Feb. 24th, in which our county attorney approached the county supervisors and asked if the supervisors were going to do anything about banning firearms in the courthouse.

A couple of interesting things came out in the article:

(Forgive me for the poor quality of the scan)

The supervisors capitulated and said it was up to the judges how they want to run the courts. Mmm-kay.

One of the supervisors had previously discussed this with Sheriff Rob Rotter and the supervisor summed up that conversation with, "He (Sheriff Rotter) didn't feel the need to do anything with them."

Seems that the sheriff trusts the citizens of Iowa County.

But to me, the most interesting item to come out of this was the fact that the county attorney was approached by the district judges that preside at the courthouse.

The NRA has been threatening lawsuits over these county gun bans. They will need a citizen of Iowa as a plaintiff and one could show up because of being thrown in jail after they are caught carrying in one of the county "gun-free" zones.

If they come before one of these judges who had requested a ban, would any of those judges recuse themselves? They certainly have a vested and one-sided interest regarding these bans. At least in this county.

I'm fairly certain that not all requests for bans came from judges. Most that I've found came from the sheriffs or county board members. But this shows evidence that other governmental entities have influenced these bans.

And the courts will be where this issue is decided.

Let's hope for an unbiased court.

Linn County gun ban vote

Voted 4 to 1 to allow concealed-carry on county-owned property.

Except the courthouse, jail, etc.

Also:
New Weapons Policy In Place For Linn County

Gun ban update, 3/2/11

Cedar Falls votes against a ban.

North Liberty punted.

Around the state update, 2/24/11

Up at the statehouse: amendments galore.

Law Enforcement officials are complaining in Des Moines.

North Liberty votes to ban guns and "dangerous weapons."

North Liberty to vote on a ban tonight

North Liberty to vote on gun ban

Gun ban update, 2/18/11

Johnson County voted unanimously for a ban.

"We felt we had to do something because the Legislature made such a broad sweep with the open carry permit legislation, it was ill thought out. The Legislature just dumped it on local governments, and this is the best solution we can find to keep our people safe."

Taking power away from a government agency is "ill thought out?" Okay, then.

Updated map is on the right.

Gun ban update, 2/17/11

A new batch of gun bans in the works. And with the anticipated vote at Johnson County tonight, I guess that I will have another update tomorrow. Updated map is to the right.

Iowa City ban passed (joining Waterloo, Spencer, Council Bluffs, Cherokee, Charles City, and Blencoe.) Because it's "common sense."

Jasper County is considering their ban. Because: "If Wal-Mart can post a sign banning guns, why don’t we do it here?"

Clark County passed a ban. "To preserve safety and comfort..."

Gun ban update, 2/16/11

Supervisor Langston reveals Linn County is looking for a ban.

Iowa City ban likely, it's design:

The ban would keep guns from places like the city council chambers, the city’s recreation facility, and other city buildings.

And a vote Thursday for a ban in Johnson County.

Carroll ban passed.

The county gun ban map now looks like this:

Gun Ban Wednesday, 2/9/11

Webster County still thinking about a ban.

Pleasant Hill - Tabled.

Spencer unanimously passes a ban. (while quoting U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, no less)

Jesup passed a second reading of their ordinance to ban.

(Update)From mfross in the comments: Clinton is holding off (and Bettendorf)

Gun Ban Tuesday, 2/1/11

Bellevue bans guns in city buildings, parks

Muscatine broached the subject:

At the Jan. 20 Muscatine City Council meeting, City Administrator Gregg Mandsager raised the subject of banning firearms on city property, asking City Council members if they wanted to broach the subject.

The Council’s response? Silence, other than council member Phil Fitzgerald, who suggested the item be filed in the recycle bin.

I missed Tama and Butler counties from an earlier link along with Jesup, Elk Run Heights, Dunkerton, Tripoli and Lamont.

(Update) Sean McClanahan passed on a couple more this evening:
Shelby County passed a ban on the 25th.

Buena Vista County rejected a ban 5-0. (will post link as soon as I can find it)

Gun ban proposals at 1/27/11

Council Bluffs passed ban on city property

Waverly is "mulling" a ban.

Not so fast on earlier reports of voting down a ban: Woodbury County Board of Supervisors Chairman Mark Monson said he expects the board to pass a reworded ban, despite 50 people showing up at a recent meeting to oppose it.

Cerro Gordo bans weapons in courthouse, county property
Back in July of 2010, Hancock County voted down an ordinance banning weapons.

Webster County is considering a ban.

Thanks to Sean McClanahan for these two:

Humboldt County attorney is wanting a ban.

Chickasaw votes to ban weapons unless you have their permission first.

County gun ban map

Updated 1/27/11

Original map from: http://www.waterproof-paper.com/printable-maps/iowa.shtml

County Gun Ban update, 1/26/11

Fellow Iowan, Ben sent me an update for Jones County, where it looks like Sheriff Denniston is a common sense lawman. The Jones County board decided to not make any decision. As a ban was not outright rejected, I'll take Ben's suggestion and change Jones County to blue.



Original map from: http://www.waterproof-paper.com/printable-maps/iowa.shtml

Gun ban Tuesday

Washington County nullifies earlier ban.

Jefferson County bans.

Jones County officials getting together.

Winnebago County is considering.

Ames and Story County also considering banning weapons.

Emmet County is considering a ban as well.

Winneshiek County bars weapons in its facilities

County Firearm Ban Map

I've decided that a map would be good idea in order to keep track of all of the weapon ban proposals and resolutions out there.

This is not comprehensive, nor can it be considered definitive. But this is what I've found using online newspapers as sources. Along the way, I've found that one source can be the opposite of another.

I will attempt to keep this as up to date as I can. If any of my readers care to share the burden with me and let me know of any proposals, I will update it as soon as possible. Give me a source and whether the county is considering passing a ban (Yellow), passed a ban (Red-ish) or rejected a ban (Green). Blue is being used for those counties who tabled their proposal and not an out-right rejection or approval.

Update: 1/24/11, 10:00 pm, updated map and corrected title



Original map from: http://www.waterproof-paper.com/printable-maps/iowa.shtml