News from 2018
Watson's reliance on contract agreement that spiked police pension is challenged by Cahokia
BELLEVILLE – While St. Clair County Sheriff Rick Watson relies on a contract for Cahokia police managers to justify a pension equal to his last salary as police chief in 2011, the village currently challenges the document’s validity in court.
Stiehl restores elderly woman’s desire to live independently, dissolving guardianship move by daughter
BELLEVILLE – Newly appointed St. Clair County Circuit Judge William Stiehl ruled that Margaret Ashmann, 85, whose daughter won approval from two previous judges to act as her guardian, should return to her home in Fairview Heights and run her own life.
Woman sues over icy slip, fall in O'Fallon
BELLEVILLE — A woman alleges she was injured when she slipped and fell on ice while entering Metro Inflatable in O'Fallon.
Hale v. State Farm settles for $250 million
State Farm and plaintiffs have agreed to settle protracted RICO litigation for $250 million on the opening day of what was expected to be a long-running trial at federal court in East St. Louis.
Motorist alleges driver ran stop sign, caused crash
BELLEVILLE — A woman is suing a driver for allegedly disobeying a stop sign and causing a collision.
Pedestrian alleges driver hit her in Alton parking lot
EDWARDSVILLE — A pedestrian is suing a driver for allegedly hitting her in an Alton parking lot.
Moody’s: Illinois pension debt-to-revenue ratio hits all-time high for any state
According to a new report by Moody’s Investors Service, Illinois’ unfunded pension liabilities equaled 601 percent of state revenues in 2017, a U.S. record.
K-Mart to sell Florida distribution center to pay Tillery whistleblower settlement
EAST ST. LOUIS – Failing retailer K-Mart found a buyer for a Florida property it put on the market to pay for losing a lawsuit to St. Louis lawyer Stephen Tillery.
Woman alleges injuries from broken swing
BELLEVILLE — A woman is suing swing set manufacturers alleging she injured her wrists when a swing hanger broke and caused her to fall.
Gilbert denies reconsideration in Cook firm's personal injury case
BENTON – Senior U.S. District Judge Phil Gilbert, cranky when he rejected an injury suit from a client of Bruce Cook’s firm in June, tersely denied reconsideration.
Former ESL Dem Party chair countersues man accusing him of demolishing building and selling valuable material
An East St. Louis man denies liability in a countersuit filed by former East St. Louis Democratic Party chairman Charlie Powell, who alleges the city contacted him about performing the emergency demolition of a building on St. Louis Avenue.
Driver sued over Swansea collision
BELLEVILLE — A motorist and a passenger are suing another driver for allegedly causing a collision on Fullerton Road.
Electrician sues Alton Steel for negligence
EDWARDSVILLE — An electrician is suing Alton Steel, alleging he was injured while performing electrical work.
Motorcyclist alleges injuries from defective helmet
EDWARDSVILLE — A motorcycle rider is suing a helmet manufacturer and cycle shop for allegedly failing to distribute helmets that comply with the industry standards.
Macoupin County woman sues Swift Transportation over collision
A transportation company faces a lawsuit after an employee crashed into a Macoupin County resident's vehicle.
Prisoner's habeas corpus petition denied by appeals court
A man serving 60 years in prison for first-degree murder will not receive a hearing to review his case, an appeals court ruled.
Rear-end collision in Collinsville prompts lawsuit
A woman blames another motorist for causing an accident on South Vandalia in Collinsville.
Store owner sues Department of Agriculture over food stamp program disqualification
An Alton corner store is fighting a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) decision banning the retailer from accepting food stamps.
IADC Defense Counsel Journal releases third quarter issue
The International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) released its third quarter 2018 Defense Counsel Journal (DCJ) on Aug. 20.
Wrongful death suit filed against Sparta hospital, doctors
BENTON — The Sparta Community Hospital and two doctors are being sued after a Pennsylvania man suffered a fatal heart attack.