The Iowa Supreme Court ruled today that a California bank violated federal credit laws when it required the spouses of two Greater Des Moines developers to guarantee a loan that went into default. Christine Walters, wife of developer Randal Walters, and Phyllis Kline, former wife of developer John Kline, should not have been required to guarantee repayment of a $5 million construction loan to a company controlled by the two men. Dallas County District Judge Dale Hagen ruled in April 2008 that the women should not have been required to sign the loan papers because Bank of the West and its predecessors had not shown that Randal Walters and John Kline and two of their development companies lacked the financial resources to repay the loan, which was guaranteed by both men and Randy Walters Inc. and John C. Kline Inc. Bank of the West appealed the ruling, claiming in part that a two-year statute of limitations had expired on a claim the women made that the lender violated the Equal Credit Opportunity Act when it required them to sign the loan documents as guarantors. The Supreme Court upheld Hagen’s ruling, determining in part that it was against the law to require the signatures. The loan was for a failed development in West Des Moines.

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the Science Center of Iowa’s new downtown home at 401 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, where it has welcomed more than 2 million visitors since relocating there in 2005. The Science Center, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to be the highest-quality resource in inspiring scientific exploration through interactive education, exhibits and programs, relocated on May 14, 2005, from home of 35 years in Greenwood-Ashworth Park. To celebrate the milestone, the Science Center will offer $5 admission and $5 Blank IMAX Dome Theater tickets today through Sunday. Visitors may also explore the Science Center’s summer traveling exhibit, “Race: Are We So Different?” which explores the issue of race and racism in the United States.

The Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute’s Give Back Des Moines campaign will culminate on May 22 with a day full of activities. Volunteers will staff a site featuring children’s face painting from 7 a.m. to noon at the Downtown Farmers Market to collect nonperishable basic-necessity items such as soap, laundry detergent, diapers, paper towels, razors and school supplies. A community celebration will begin at 4 p.m. in conjunction with an Iowa Cubs game scheduled at Principal Park that evening. And when gates open at 5 p.m., several dozen participating nonprofit organizations inside the park will distribute information about their organization and educate the public on how they can get involved. Anyone who donates an item will receive a free ticket to that evening’s game, while supplies last. “To date, we’re thrilled we’ve raised more than $85,000 and 27 grocery cartloads of basic-necessity items,” said Mary Cownie, co-chair of Give Back Des Moines.

Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino has released its 2010 Community Betterment and Legacy Grant applications. The grants are intended to allocate funding in categories such as economic development, arts and education, and human services. The application deadline is Aug. 15. Eligible applicants must qualify under 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) guidelines. For more information, click here.

The University of Iowa will host two informational receptions for business leaders who are interested in earning an M.B.A. degree in Des Moines while continuing to work full time. Two informal sessions, including one beginning at noon May 25 and a second at 6 p.m. on May 26, will be held at the John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center, 1200 Grand Ave., Des Moines. Classes for the new Des Moines Executive M.B.A. program through the university’s Tippie School of Management are scheduled to begin in January 2011.

Catchfire Media LLC, a West Des Moines-based social media consulting firm that launched in 2009, is expanding its service offerings to include customized mobile and Web application development with the hiring of a new employee. Clint Harvey, lead developer, will be responsible for Web and application development projects to help support clients’ social media strategies.