News from February 2016
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.
SIUE instructor running for House seat in 112th District
EDWARDSVILLE — Katie Stuart, a mathematics instructor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), officially announced her candidacy for the Illinois House of Representatives’ 112th District on Thursday at the Madison County Courthouse in Edwardsville.
Caterpillar CEO's warnings 4 years later: Illinois on downward slide as predicted
Illinois politicians ignored Caterpillar CEO Doug Oberhelman’s 2012 plea for pro-growth reforms, and Illinois is the only state in the region to have lost manufacturing jobs on net over the last four years.
Who will judge the judges?
This Friday, Sangamon County Circuit Court Judge Esteban Sanchez will hold a hearing to consider the cynical arguments proffered by three colleagues from a neighboring county hoping to justify their attempt to circumvent state law and evade election standards established for retention.
Freedom of speech includes freedom to criticize public officials
It seems not only does federal freedom of speech provide protection by calling a chairman corrupt but as of 2011 so does Illinois law that may not forbid speakers from making "personal" comment. That includes boards and commissions and any other local bodies.
Cerro Flow wants to weed out claims in advance of St. Clair Co. bellwether trials
Copper recycler Cerro Flow Products, facing 12,000 pollution claims, proposes a random survey to find out how many lack substance.
Letter supporting Sen. Kirk's call for DOJ to pursue Backpage.com
Roughly 22 police departments and 14 sheriff's departments across Illinois signed a letter supporting Senator Mark Kirk's call for the DOJ to pursue Backpage.com, a sex trafficking website.
Judge Stiehl remembered as the 'epitome' of a federal judge
Former employees, colleagues and family remember retired federal judge William D. Stiehl, Sr., as an ethical judge who strived to make the community a better place through his fair sentencing practices and service to the country. Scholarly, reserved, ethical, honest, fair, sincere, distinguished, positive: These are just a handful of the words used to describe Judge Stiehl. Stiehl, 90, died on Feb. 8 following a brief illness. He was nominated to the bench by President Ronald Reagan in the U.S.
Student sues Ameren after utility pole crushes vehicle
EDWARDSVILLE – A Missouri student is suing Ameren, alleging negligence for personal and property injuries she says she suffered when a utility pole crushed her car while she was driving to school.
Retirement center alleges couple owes money
EDWARDSVILLE – A Glen Carbon retirement home is suing a resident, alleging lack of payment for its services.
Biotech X-Ray sued over alleged injuries in Illinois 13 accident
BELLEVILLE – A woman is suing individually and on behalf of her minor daughter for injuries they allegedly both sustained in an automobile accident.
Mother sues East St. Louis school over daughter's slip and fall
BELLEVILLE – The mother of a student is suing the East St. Louis school system, alleging negligence over injuries she says her daughter received in the East St. Louis High gymnasium.
Former employee alleges Dollar General fired her for pregnancy
EDWARDSVILLE – A former employee is suing Dollar General, alleging she was fired on account of her pregnancy.
Kentucky firm alleges Interstate Farm failed to pay for purchases
BENTON – A Kentucky corporation is suing a Kansas company, alleging the defendant has not made any payments for goods and services.
Widow alleges asbestos exposure caused husband's premature death
BELLEVILLE – A widow is suing dozens of companies, alleging her husband died after continual exposure to asbestos-containing products.
Customer alleges Autoplex changed terms of contract after it was signed
BENTON – A customer is suing a Wabash County car dealership, alleging illegalities surrounding his attempt to finance the purchase of an automobile.
Brawl over bargaining bill resumes; With no AFSCME contract, stakes are high
SPRINGFIELD — The hotly disputed interest arbitration or “no strike-no lockout” bill is back in play in the state Capitol. While Gov. Bruce Rauner, R-Winnetka, argues the measure is an expensive, taxpayer-funded gift to organized labor that Illinois can’t afford, Democratic proponents say the bill would forestall a work stoppage and protect state workers and services.
Motorist blames El Greco pizza driver for her injuries
EDWARDSVILLE – A motorist is suing a Carbondale pizza business and one of its drivers, alleging negligence over injuries she says she received when hit by a pizza delivery truck.
Customer sues Edwardsville Captain D's over trip and fall
EDWARDSVILLE – A Wood River woman is suing an Edwardsville restaurant and its owners, alleging negligence over injuries she says she received after tripping in the restaurant parking lot.
Motorist alleges another driver's negligence caused accident, injuries
EDWARDSVILLE – A female motorist is suing another driver, alleging negligence over injuries she says she received during an automobile accident.