Newsroom - 2008 Archive

Des Moines. Polk County District Court Judge Robert Blink has ordered Rogers Automated Entrances, Inc., of Altoona to pay a $5,000 civil penalty for failing to call the “One Call” hotline prior to conducting an excavation. “The One Call law requires at least 48-hour advance notice before excavations, so underground...

The Attorney General alleged Pronto Market in Fairbank fraudulently sold blended ethanol fuel diluted into unleaded regular or 10% ethanol fuel. Jerry Fratzke and Pronto Market must pay a $15,000 civil penalty to the State, according to an order issued Thursday by Black Hawk County District Court Judge Margaret L....

Young people were led to a false belief that high caffeine levels in “alco-pop” drinks counteract the intoxicating effects of alcohol – making drinkers more likely to make unsafe decisions MillerCoors will stop producing, marketing and selling “Sparks,” its top-selling pre-mixed alcoholic energy drinks, Attorney General Tom Miller said Thursday....

Mattel and subsidiary Fisher-Price also agree to stringent standards for lead in toys. Iowa’s share of the payment is $213,948. Mattel, Inc., and its subsidiary Fisher-Price, Inc., have agreed with 39 states to stringent standards for lead paint in toys manufactured after Nov. 30, 2008. Mattel also is paying a...

Iowans encouraged to call Iowa Mortgage Help at 877-622-4866 Des Moines – Iowa’s already successful “Iowa Mortgage Help” initiative has received an additional $766,925 to support Iowa’s mortgage counseling efforts. The additional funds will enable the Iowa Mortgage Help program to continue its outstanding progress and serve even more homeowners,...

The Attorney General alleged “Galaxy Member Benefits” deceived Iowans and made unauthorized charges to credit card or bank accounts. A Florida telemarketing operation called “Galaxy Member Benefits” is making full restitution to 227 Iowans, totaling $12,824, to resolve consumer fraud allegations made by the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. Galaxy...

A.G. says consumers are entitled to know if vehicle has been damaged by flood or collision. Attorney General Tom Miller is urging the Federal Trade Commission to strengthen “Buyer’s Guide” notices to indicate if used cars, trucks or SUVs that are for sale have suffered prior damage from collisions or...

A.G. cites health improvement since tobacco agreement 10 years ago. Ten years after state attorneys general and “Big Tobacco” reached a landmark agreement, cigarette smoking is down and attitudes about tobacco have changed for the better, Attorney General Tom Miller said Thursday. Miller was a leader of the Attorney Generals...

A.G. alleged Pennsylvania companies operated by Paul Gluchanicz sold names of Iowans who sent $20 “administration fees” thinking they had won huge cash prizes. Attorney General Tom Miller said Wednesday that checks are in the mail to 82 Iowans who were deceived by a Pennsylvania direct-mail operator into thinking they...

Midwest Publishing-DN, Inc., also pays $30,000 to the State. Deceptive fundraising calls to Iowans must cease under court order. Des Moines. Attorney General Tom Miller said Friday that Midwest Publishing-DN, Inc. -- a paid professional fundraising company based in Phoenix -- has been ordered to stop abusive and misleading practices...