Mitchell, Mayor Respond to Lawsuit in Corn Palace Case

MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) — The city of Mitchell and its mayor say there is no basis for a federal civil rights lawsuit filed by a man who was in line to be the next director of the city's Corn Palace tourist attraction.

Steve Koch says he had accepted the position but was forced to withdraw. He accuses the city and Mayor Ken Tracy of violating his civil rights, breach of contract, intentional interference with contractual relations, defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The Daily Republic newspaper reports that the city has filed an answer to the lawsuit, defending the actions of city officials.

The city acknowledges that its human resources department sent Koch a congratulatory email but also says his hiring was subject to a background check. Koch has a criminal record.

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