99th Britt hobo convention underway

The 99th annual National Hobo Convention opens today in the northern Iowatown of Britt, in Hancock County. After violence marred last year’s event –which included 23 arrests, Britt Police Chief Blake Dietrich (DEE-trik) saysmore precautions are being taken this time.Chief Dietrich has gotten help from other law enforcement agencies, bringinghis usual staff of three officers up to around two-dozen.Dietrich says the two-block area known as the Hobo Jungle, whereparticipants and onlookers gather for story-telling and camping, was aparticular problem area at last year’s Hobo Convention.Events at the convention run through Sunday — which include the crowning ofa Hobo King and Queen, the eating of mulligan stew and a Hobo Parade.