From Sheri Melvold/KMAQ RADIO, Maquoketa
Jackson County Supervisor Larry “Buck” Koos is being called a hero following a shooting at the Tuesday morning supervisors meeting. Former city manager Francis “Gus” Glaser had an appointment with supervisors to talk about a property tax dispute.
The sheriff said at the end of the meeting, Glaser became agitated and pulled a small caliber gun from his briefcase. He shot at Assessor Deb Lane as she left the meeting. He missed.
Koos came out from behind the supervisors table and tacked Glaser before he could fire another shot at Lane as she left the room.
Sheriff Russ Kettmann said Glaser still had the gun and his finger was on the trigger. The gun went off and Glaser died of his wounds. Officers said the Department of Criminal Investigation was called in to investigate. Police Chief Brad Koranda said it’s not clear if Glaser was injured from the shattered glass door.
Koos was taken by ambulance to Jackson County Regional Health Center where he was treated for minor cuts from the glass door according to Kettmann.
“I’d call Buck a hero. He saved Deb’s life.,” Kettmann said.
The other two supervisors, Doug Melvold, Maquoketa Sentinel Press Editor, Larry McDevitt of Maquoketa, a supervisor candidate. Auditor M. Joelle Deppe and Administrative assistant LuAnn Goacke were in the room.
Two high school students observing the supervisors meeting had left the meeting just before the shooting.
Supervisor Chairman Jack Willey said Glaser was talking about the property tax issues and was very upset. Willey said the issue should be settled with the county assessor’s office.
Willey said he adjourned the meeting and Glaser continued asking for the salary of Lane. Willey told Lane she could leave the meeting.
“Gus said, we’re going to settle this thing here and now,” Willey said.
At that point, the supervisor said Glaser pulled out the gun and shot at Lane as she left the room. She was not injured.
Kettmann said Glaser did not have a permit to carry or buy a gun.
