A Sibley Iowa man says he is pleased that he won his lawsuit against the city over his criticism on his website of their handling of a smelly factory. A federal court issued an injunction last week, telling city leaders to stop violating web developer Josh Harms’ free speech rights by threatening to sue him.
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Harms says the quick results are an indication the City of Sibley had no legal standing.
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Harms created the website “Should You Move to Sibley, Iowa?. ” It is critical of the way the city has handled odors created by the Iowa Drying and Processing company. He lived close to the plant and says the smell was like “rancid dog food.” Harms says the issue was the smell — not the town itself.
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Under the settlement the city was ordered to train its staff on the First Amendment, and had to pay 20-thousand dollars to the A-C-L-U for legal expenses. Harms was also awarded 65-hundred dollars in damages.
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Harms hopes the city can continue working with the plant to improve the problem.