Ann Maher News
First base and running lane did not comply with ASA rules, injured player argues at trial in Matoesian's court
Madison County Circuit Judge Andreas Matoesian is presiding over trial involving a softball player's alleged injuries at a Staunton tournament in August 2007.
State considering lump-sum pension buyouts; But lawmakers say proposals in very early stages
SPRINGFIELD —Lawmakers are in very early talks about giving retired government workers a choice much like lottery winners: Collect the pension benefits owed to them over several years, or cash out immediately but with a smaller lump sum.
Weishaar files notice of appeal over Sangamon County ruling in favor of St. Clair County judges
A notice of appeal has been filed at the Fourth District Appellate Court seeking to challenge Sangamon County Associate Judge Esteban Sanchez's ruling that allows St. Clair County circuit judges John Baricevic, Robert LeChien and Robert Haida to remain on the March 15 Democratic primary ballot.
Democrat judges seeking election over retention receive 'recommended' ratings in ISBA poll; Republican contenders challenging them do not
Democrat candidates for circuit judge in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit meet acceptable requirements for office, according to evaluations released by the Illinois State Bar Association on Friday.
Civil court filings down in Illinois; Madison and St. Clair major civil filings are up
Civil court filings declined by approximately 25 percent in Illinois between 2010 and 2014, according to the Illinois Supreme Court's most recent annual report.
Sangamon County judge finds that retention is not the only way to stay on bench
Sangamon County Associate Judge Esteban Sanchez has ruled for St. Clair County judges John Baricevic, Robert LeChien and Robert Haida, finding that the state constitution gives them the option to run for election.
Taxpayers' advocate says under-funded Judicial Retirement System rife with conflicts of interest
Most of the state's public pension systems are perilously under-funded, and the Illinois Judicial Retirement System (JRS) is no exception.
Court must decide whether law is being followed, not just judges' eligibility, Dallas Cook argues
No matter how Sangamon County Associate Judge Estaban Sanchez rules in the ballot access challenge to Judges John Baricevic, Robert LeChien and Robert Haida, the decision must have taken into consideration more than just whether their nomination papers are valid, according to court papers filed Thursday.
Auto accident trial involving '10 Maryville accident results in defense verdict
Jurors in Madison County Circuit Judge Andreas Matoesian's court on Wednesday found in favor of defendant Robert Osterhout, who had been sued over a 2010 auto accident in Maryville.
Jurors award $30K in Venice auto accident trial; Plaintiff had sought $165K
Madison County jurors on Wednesday awarded plaintiff Celeste Berry $30,143.30 in a two-day, damages-only trial involving an auto accident in Venice.
Madison County asbestos case settles three days into trial
After three days of trial testimony, a Madison County asbestos case settled shortly after 9 a.m.
Judges: Nothing in Constitution suggests retention is exclusive path to stay on bench
St. Clair County judges believe that nothing in the Illinois Constitution, the constitutional convention record, the state Election Code or any legal precedent has ever suggested that retention is the exclusive path that a sitting judge must follow to seek a successive term.
Second hand asbestos exposure case at trial in Madison County
Trial testimony continued today in Madison County Associate Judge Stephen Stobbs' court involving a Michigan mechanic's case against Deere & Co. Plaintiff William Hollingsworth claims his wife, Karen, died as a result of second-hand asbestos exposure that was derived mainly from his work on Deere tractor clutches.
Judges seek to make things easy on themselves while undermining spirit of law, Dallas Cook argues; Hearing set Feb. 19
SPRINGFIELD - Arguments over whether St. Clair County judges John Baricevic, Robert LeChien and Robert Haida can remain as candidates in next month's primary election will be heard in Sangamon Circuit Court on Feb. 19.
UPS granted summary judgment in dog bite case brought by driver
United Parcel Service has been granted summary judgment in litigation brought by an injured delivery driver who is suing an Edwardsville resident over a 2012 dog attack.
Meier sponsors legislation to ensure retention is only option for judges seeking to stay on bench
State Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) filed legislation today to establish that retention is the only option for sitting judges who want successive terms. The proposal comes in response to decisions made by Twentieth Judicial Circuit Judges John Baricevic, Robert LeChien and Robert Haida to run for election rather than retention.
Bankruptcy considered as controversial option for financially stressed public sectors
Facing $6 billion in long-term debt, solutions to the crisis facing the Chicago Public School (CPS) system are subject of fierce debate these days in the Windy City.
Madison County Democrats' straw poll: Clinton 47.6, Sanders 46.2
Democrats in Madison County will join Iowa voters tonight to be among the first in the nation to express their choice for the Presidential candidate in the 2016 primary election.
Defense verdict reached in Edge rock climbing wall case; Juror cites heels and beer as 'personal responsibility' factors
St. Clair County jurors took approximately 20 minutes Wednesday afternoon to rule for the owners of The Edge in Belleville following a three-day personal injury trial.
Woman's heels and beer consumption central to testimony in rock climbing wall personal injury case
A pair of woman's dark brown shoes with two and a half inch chunk heels was on display at a personal injury trial that got under way this afternoon in St. Clair County.