The incumbent Freeborn mayoral candidate running for re-election landed in the Clay County Jail in Spencer, Iowa, in August, according to the Spencer Daily Reporter.

The charges alleged drug possession and drunken driving.

In the Aug. 21 edition, the Spencer Daily Reporter printed: “At approximately 6:23 p.m. Friday (Aug. 15) a Clay County deputy initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation. Upon making contact with the driver, 47-year-old Mark Gruben of Freeborn, Minn., the deputy observed an open can of beer and noticed an odor of an alcoholic beverage. The deputy had Gruben step out and had him perform several field sobriety tests. The deputy determined that Gruben was operating while intoxicated. Gruben was placed under arrest. A search of the vehicle turned up approximately one-fourth of an ounce of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Gruben was then transported to the Clay County Jail.”

Gruben is on the ballot for mayor of Freeborn. The Tribune this morning placed calls to his home telephone and to his cell phone, leaving voice messages on both. On the first try to the cell phone, it sounded like someone answered but then hung up.

He faces Patricia Ann Kast in the mayoral race.

The Spencer Daily Reporter story continued: “Gruben was charged with operating while intoxicated, a serious misdemeanor, excessive speeding (62 in a 35 mph zone), a simple misdemeanor, open container-driver, a simple misdemeanor, possession of a controlled substance-marijuana, a serious misdemeanor, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor. He was held in jail to appear before a magistrate.”

Read the Daily Reporter’s story.