News from May 2017
'Zestimates' are not appraisals
You're taking a stroll on a nice spring day and someone stops you and says,“Excuse me, sir, I was just wondering. You see that house over there, across the street? Just out of curiosity, what do you think a house like that would go for?”
Illinois income tax hike to 5% opens door for a progressive tax hike
An income tax hike to 5 percent makes a call for a progressive tax system during the 2018 gubernatorial race a much easier sell.
Ignore at your own risk: radio frequency/microwave radiation
In a breaking news story on March 3, the CA Department of Public Health, in a widely distributed report, released a draft document outlining heath officials' concerns about cellphone radiation exposure after keeping it under wraps for over seven years. For those who have denied the hazards of cell phone usage in the past, this study cannot be ignored. Cell phones emit a kind of energy called radiofrequency EMF's (electromagnetic fields).
Get noticed by getting your news out
The days of spending time writing a press release, getting it approved, mailing it to the newspaper and television and waiting a couple of days, hoping for the best are long gone. News now is instantaneous. It is a 24/7 beast that must be fed. If it happened last month, it isn’t news any longer. It’s history.
Man says lung cancer caused by products made by Caterpillar, Georgia-Pacific and more
BELLEVILLE — A former laborer is suing various asbestos-product manufacturers, alleging that their products caused his lung cancer.
Couple claims companies including 3M, Dow Chemical liable for husband's lung cancer
BELLEVILLE — A husband and wife are suing dozens of companies that manufactured asbestos products, citing alleged insufficient measures were taken to prevent injuries.
Woman sues Belleville hospital over trip, fall in elevator
BELLEVILLE — A woman is suing a Belleville hospital alleging negligence in maintaining the property's elevator, resulting in her injuries.
Appeals court upholds liability coverage verdict stemming from 2010 fatal car accident
MT. VERNON — The Fifth District Appellate Court upheld a trial court verdict determining whether there was liability coverage for a car accident involving two Illinois men.
Suit alleges woman died from malfunctioning brain shunt
EDWARDSVILLE — The estate of an Illinois woman filed a medical malpractice and wrongful death suit against area hospitals last month in Madison County Circuit Court.
Suit claims driver was negligent for crash at St. Clair Avenue and Route161
BELLEVILLE — A motorist is suing driver Roy M. Stanley, alleging he took insufficient measures to avoid causing a collision in Fairview Heights in January.
Motorist sues over Cahokia collision
BELLEVILLE — A motorist is suing Daniel I. McCall, alleging he failed to operate his vehicle safely and caused a crash.
Man sues driver and owner of vehicle for April 2016 crash on West Highway 50
BELLEVILLE — A motorist is suing Hayden Schaefer and Katherine Kelly, a driver and vehicle owner, alleging insufficient measures were taken to prevent injuries.
Passenger claims driver caused 2015 crash
BELLEVILLE — A passenger is suing driver Khadijah Blackmon, alleging insufficient measures were taken to prevent injuries.
Restaurant says Darr Roofing hired unlicensed contractor, failed to correct leaks
EDWARDSVILLE — A restaurant owner is suing Scott Darr Construction Inc. d/b/a Darr Roofing, a contractor, citing alleged negligent misrepresentation.
Roxana man says home was contaminated by nearby oil refineries
EDWARDSVILLE — An individual is suing Shell Oil Company, Equilon Enterprises LLC d/b/a Shell Oil Products US and BP Products North America Inc., oil refinery operators, alleging insufficient measures were taken to prevent injuries.
Former employee accuses Schenker of violating Workers' Compensation laws
EDWARDSVILLE — A former forklift operator is suing a freight traffic company, citing alleged wrongful termination as retaliation for filling for Workers' Compensation benefits.
East Alton woman sues dog owner following alleged pit bull attack
EDWARDSVILLE — An East Alton woman is suing a pit bull owner, alleging that negligent supervision of her dog caused others to be injured.
Customer alleges injuries from slip, fall at Alton Shop ‘N’ Save
EDWARDSVILLE — A customer is suing a grocery store chain, citing alleged negligence in keeping its premises safe for patrons.
Suit against Recorder alleges firing came after reporting of alleged illegal activity
EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County Recorder of Deeds Amy Meyer is accused in a lawsuit of firing an employee after that person reported alleged illegal conduct.
Driver alleges train struck vehicle while attempting to cross tracks
EDWARDSVILLE — A driver and his minor son are suing a railroad company and two of its employees, alleging their vehicle was struck by a train while attempting to cross the tracks.