Hedrick vs. Crow renews over Contempt of Court

            The City of Hedrick and Aimee Crow, operator of Paws-N-Claws Rescue and Rehab, will continue to dispute each other with a trial date of January 30, as Hedrick accuses Crow of Contempt of Court.

            Hedrick found itself well represented at the hearing at the Keokuk County Courthouse on Friday, Sept. 15 not only by City Attorney John Wehr, but also a half dozen residents of the town, including neighbors of Crow. Representing Crow was Michael Fisher, who will be paid by the state. Both attorneys went before Judge Myron Gookin at 9:45 a.m., requesting a half-day trial to allow both the plaintiff and defendant a chance to have their cases heard.

            The City of Hedrick claims that Crow still maintains her business in Hedrick, despite an injunction in February stating she could no longer operate her business within the city. Crow was assessed court costs, including sheriff’s fees, filing fees and a $500 penalty for not completing a questionnaire submitted by Wehr. Since then, Crow has applied for and received a license from the Iowa Department of Agriculture to have the business out in the country in Farson, but Hedrick residents claim she still keeps the dogs in Hedrick, leading to the Contempt of Court accusation.

            Judge Gookin established January 30 at 9 a.m. at the Keokuk County Courthouse as the earliest date to hold the trial. Afterwards, Fisher spoke with Hedrick residents and looked through pictures taken over the course of recent months to suggest Paws-N-Claws still operated out of Crow’s residency.