MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) — A legal dispute between Mitchell and a man who was in line to be the next director of the city's Corn Palace tourist attraction appears headed for trial.

Former Mayor Ken Tracy tells The Daily Republic that the city has no plans to settle out of court.

Steve Koch has 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's seeking unspecified money damages.

The city defends its actions, saying Koch's hiring was subject to a background check. Koch has a criminal record.

Attorneys for both sides talked on July 2, but only about a trial and not a settlement.

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