Was it police “en-trap-ment” in southeast Iowa or just a simple case of cat and mouse? Good questions for which we have no answers.

The owners of a tavern near Danville have been cited for running what authorities say is an illegal mouse-racing operation.

Scott and Jan Beach were cited last week for knowingly permitting criminal activity on licensed premises.

Undercover Des Moines County Sheriff’s deputies went to the Bucktail Lodge on May 8th and discovered the mouse racing operation with people placing bets.

Authorities say several mice were found in cages and bets were described as over any legal limit.

Scott Beach says the only information he’s been able to get from officials is that he doesn’t have a gambling license.

The 49-year-old Beach says there is nothing “cheesy” about the races, which he has held for the past five years.

Mark Morris, KBUR, Burlington