Oskaloosa woman wins chair case from the bench

Oskaloosa resident Elaine Beck, who got in legal trouble in April for stacking chairs outside her home as a work of art, has won her court battle. Beck was originally charged with creating a nuisance after some neighbors complained the display was an eyesore. While those charges were dropped, she was later charged with violating a city ordinance, which requires a permit for outdoor art shows and exhibits. She lost her first suit against the city, but appealed — and has won. Beck will not have to pay a 500-dollar fine and the city will have to pick up the court costs. Beck’s husband is the Oskaloosa city attorney.