DES MOINES – The search firm sued for its role in hiring former Des Moines Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts is countersuing the school district. The Des Moines Register reports JG Consulting accuses the Des Moines School Board of defamation in ongoing legal fallout following the arrest and subsequent guilty plea of Roberts, who lacked authorization to live or work in the United States. The Des Moines Independent School District has blamed JG Consulting for failing to properly vet Roberts and has sued for breach of contract. The search firm claims confirming the citizenship of candidates fell on the shoulders of the school board, not their own background checks.

PELLA – Vermeer Corporation has announced acquisition of 186 acres of land with the intent to build an all-new, 300,000 square foot facility in the Des Moines metro, located in Bondurant. It will be home to initially more than 300 jobs related to the manufacture and support of Vermeer industrial parts and equipment. The $102.7 million capital investment is expected to create 182 jobs, including 62 at a qualifying wage of $35.11 per hour. The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board awarded $5.1 million in tax credits through the BIG program.

AMES- An impeachment attempt against the sitting Student President of Iowa State University will not move forward. KCCI-TV reports the Iowa State Student Government had passed articles of impeachment against Colby Brandt. The Student Government Judicial Branch ruled against that motion, claiming they were violating First Amendment rights. The university released a statement on Friday.