Aaand....they're off!....

So the start of the Presidential primary races isn't the only racing going on in Iowa.



Iowa bar owners ticketed over illegal mouse racing

Kristy Mergenthal Reporter

DANVILLE, Iowa—

On May 19th the Des Moines County Sheriff Department raided a Danville, Iowa bar after receiving a complaint from a patron that illegal activity may be going on. The owners Jan and Scott Beach have now been ticketed for knowingly allowing criminal activity at the bar.

     UPDATE:  The Des Moines County Sheriff issued a statement Thursday, May 26, 2011 that said Jan Beach was also charged with unlawful alcohol containers and conducting charge sales without a credit card.

Outside, the Bucktail Lodge looks like you normal country bar but on the inside police say they're breaking the law with illegal gambling.  But it's not what you might think.

"Mouse racing is entertainment, entertainment for family, friends and its something to do on a Sunday afternoon," said Scott Beach, owner of Bucktail Lodge.