Judge Rules in Favor of Mitchell in Corn Palace Lawsuit

MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) — A federal judge has cleared the city of Mitchell and former mayor Ken Tracy of any illegal activity in a lawsuit filed by a man once pegged as the next director of the city's Corn Palace tourist attraction.

Steve Koch in May 2015 filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city and Tracy, maintaining he was forced out as Corn Palace director after being offered the position and accepting it. He sought unspecified money damages.

The Daily Republic reports that U.S. District Judge Karen Schreier ruled in favor of Mitchell and Tracy on Tuesday.

The Associated Press requested comment from Koch's attorneys.

The Corn Palace bills itself as the world's only palace dedicated to the commodity. It draws about 200,000 tourists each year.