Ann Knef News
Madison County asbestos cases top last year's total
Stack In the last three years, asbestos filings have been steadily increasing in Madison County, so it may be no wonder that the number of new cases filed so far in 2009 has exceeded the total number filed in 2008.
STAR bonds dead for now; newer version could be sweeter for cities
Holbrook When state lawmakers return to Springfield next year, they will likely take up a controversial sales tax and revenue (STAR) bonds bill that failed to gain enough support in veto session last week.
ISMS against current healthcare proposals; AFSCME for
On the eve of a crucial health care reform vote in Congress, positions are hardening.
Mayors say they oppose STAR bonds bill
As state legislators prepare to take up the controversial STAR (sales tax and revenue) bonds bill in veto session this week, Troy Mayor Tom Caraker said he and a group of city leaders stand in strong opposition.
Former Triad Industries manager pleads guilty to tax evasion charges
A former associate of a Wood River businessman sentenced to prison on tax evasion charges has just pleaded guilty to income tax evasion.
Reaction follows article on flood plain bill
Congressman Jerry Costello (D-Belleville) reacted strongly to an article published today by the Record regarding a flood plain bill he has proposed.
Report: Hoffman 'tops, by far' in favors doled out by Blagojevich
Hoffman In the six years Rod Blagojevich held office as Governor of Illinois, his downstate ally State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville) built a substantial campaign war chest. He also helped pass a slew of laws ranging from workers' compensation issues to the creation of the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center at SIUE.
Illinois mayors issue proclamations against lawsuit abuse, I-LAW says
Akin Mayors from across Illinois are joining Illinois Lawsuit Abuse Watch (I-LAW) to officially declare Oct. 19-23 "Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week" in Illinois and are calling on citizens to recognize the tremendous burden lawsuits place on taxpayers and consumers.
Jones reports to prison Oct. 22
Jones leaves the federal courthouse in Benton following his sentencing hearing. Ricki Lee Jones of Wood River is set to begin a 15 month prison sentence for tax evasion on Oct. 22.
'Rock of Love Bus' suit settles for $16 million
Maria from 'Rock of Love Bus.' A personal injury suit involving an equipment driver for the "Rock of Love Bus" series televised on MTV and VH-1 has settled in St. Clair County for $16 million.
Alton, Godfrey, Wood River Republicans hold fund-raiser
Alton, Godfrey and Wood River Republicans will hold a fund-raiser from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25 at the Rolling Hills Golf Course in Godfrey.
Prenzler to run for Treasurer in 2010
Prenzler Republican Kurt Prenzler will formally announce his intention to run for Madison County Treasurer in 2010 at a press conference Friday.
University Town Center open house canceled
An open house scheduled this evening for citizens to learn more about the proposed University Town Center shopping mall in Glen Carbon has been canceled.
Q&A: Proft says no compromise on tax relief, education
Proft The Record talked this week with Republican Dan Proft of Wheaton, a fiscally conservative, pro-life, pro- right to carry candidate for Illinois governor.
In spite of asbestos growth, judge maintains docket is 'very efficient'
Stack An increasing asbestos docket has some legal observers concerned, but Madison County's asbestos judge maintains that Edwardsville's courthouse provides a "very efficient system" and one that is favored by both plaintiff and defense attorneys from all over.
Stack could retire sooner than end of term
Stack Madison County Circuit Judge Daniel Stack said there is a "slight possibility" he would retire before the end of his current term, which expires in December 2010.
Asbestos trial ends with victories for defense and plaintiff
Hebrank SPRINGFIELD - A three-and-a-half week long asbestos trial ended in a defense verdict Aug. 13 for Georgia Pacific, according to its defense firm HeplerBroom in Edwardsville.
Brownfield to greenfield: Trees do the work in BP refinery remediation project
Trees have been planted on BP refinery property in a phytoremediation project. A cost-effective, energy efficient remediation project on Wood River refinery property is relying on nature to clean up chemical compounds and petroleum in soils and groundwater.
State still has open investigation on Tom Lakin
Lakin A special prosecutor said a criminal investigation involving Tom Lakin is still open.
Snake captured and released to nature; PETA relieved
Snake capture Now they know.