Illinois loses 16,700 jobs in face of new tax proposals

January 31, 2017, 7:29 am

≫ Next: Lawn care employee seeks to dismiss sexual harassment suit

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Illinois lost 16,700 payroll jobs in December 2016, according to a Jan. 20 report from the Illinois Department of Employment Security, or IDES.

In addition, the state’s November jobs count was revised down from a gain of 1,700 jobs to a loss of 4,500 jobs. Illinois’ unemployment rate went up to 5.7 percent in December, even though Illinoisans continued to drop out of the workforce.

The budget plan coming out of the Illinois Senate couldn’t come at a worse time, as it depends on tax hikes that would only hinder job creation.

The state’s jobs crisis is spiraling out of control. The IDES report shows Illinois shed thousands of jobs across almost all sectors, with the largest losses coming in education and health services (-5,400); professional and business services (-3,600); and construction (-3,200). Manufacturing also continued a downward spiral in its labor force, dropping another 1,100 jobs on the month.

Illinois’ unemployment rate rose to 5.7 percent from 5.6 percent. The reason for this spike in unemployment is an increase of 6,100 Illinoisans who were counted as unemployed in December. The labor force continued its long-term slide, shrinking by another 2,500 in December.

The December payroll jobs report was bad news across the board, with losses in both white-collar and blue-collar sectors. Manufacturing had the largest loss of jobs of any sector in 2016, shedding 11,000 jobs in the past year.

After two consecutive years of hemorrhaging manufacturing jobs, Illinois is headed toward its all-time low in factory work. At the bottom of the Great Recession in January 2010, Illinois had only 553,800 manufacturing jobs. Now Illinois has 565,400 production jobs, reflecting weak global demand for some local products, as well as the state’s policy-induced exodus of manufacturing investment from Illinois.

Illinois has a long-running divergence between white-collar and blue-collar job opportunities, with job gains concentrated in the greater Chicago area and job losses occurring in downstate communities. The manufacturing job losses are a sign of this divergence, and reflect the differences in economic opportunity between the two major parts of Illinois.

The “2017 State of Illinois Economic Forecast” prepared for the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability shows how stark the difference has become. According to the report, four downstate metro areas are already in recession, and four more have economic recoveries at risk of coming undone. Across the Midwest, there are eight metro areas in recession, and Illinois is home to half of them.

Downstate communities are tipping back into recession even though they never completely recovered from the Great Recession. The Chicago area has gained 110,000 jobs compared with before the recession, while the downstate region has lost 43,000 jobs over the same time.

This is one of the worst times imaginable to raise taxes on downstate Illinoisans.

Downstate industrial communities suffer under a tax and regulatory environment that is especially costly for industrial occupations. And the same taxes and regulations that cause problems for downstate communities in need of job creation also harm minority communities in the Chicago area, which is burdened with the nation’s highest black unemployment rate. In fact, the Chicago area in general, with looming property tax hikes and skyrocketing debt, could itself edge toward recession with all the tax hikes hitting families and businesses.

Tax hikes lower the wages and standard of living of all taxpayers. Springfield political leaders should address spending drivers instead of asking for still more taxpayer money. Key spending drivers in need of reform include reducing the extraordinary collective bargaining power of government-worker unions, and changing the Illinois Constitution to allow for reform of the state’s deeply indebted pension system.

Illinois political leaders need to make the state an attractive place for job-creating businesses to invest. The IDES jobs report brings terrible economic news and should serve as a reminder to the General Assembly that Illinois’ structural imbalances need to be fixed – and tax hikes aren’t the answer.

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Lawn care employee seeks to dismiss sexual harassment suit

January 31, 2017, 7:41 am

≫ Next: St. Clair County real estate Jan. 17-25

≪ Previous: Illinois loses 16,700 jobs in face of new tax proposals

An employee of a lawn care business alleges the Human Rights Act preempts liability for sexual harassment and seeks dismissal of a co-worker’s suit.

Lindsey Williams filed a lawsuit on June 24 against Michael Joe Little of O’Fallon and Triple Take Lawn Care Company, doing business as Tee Time Lawn Care Services.

Williams claims she was subjected to sexual harassment, sexual assault and battery from Little during her employment with Triple Take from November 2014 to April 2015. She claims Little made sexual advances towards her when he attempted to rub her shoulders, requiring the plaintiff to “shrug off” the unwanted advances.

She also claims Little pushed her up against a wall and tried taking off her belt before she was able to push him away.

The plaintiff alleges the harassment escalated to Little exposing himself to her on several occasions.

She also alleges she suffered emotional distress, anxiety, stress, panic attacks, vomiting, sleeplessness, fearfulness, loss of employment and a hostile work environment.

Little filed a motion to dismiss the complaint on Oct. 24.

He argues that the Human Rights Act does not provide for liability against individual employees.

He also argues that the Act preempts claims linked to allegations of sexual harassment.

Williams filed an opposition to the defendant’s motion to dismiss on Dec. 15.

She argues that employees or agents of an employer are liable under the Illinois Human Rights Act when it comes to sexual harassment.

Williams also argues that her common law claims against Little are not preempted because his conduct was independently tortious and actionable.

“Because Little’s actions toward plaintiff would subject him to tort liability even in the absence of the proscriptions established by the Act, the preemption doctrine does not apply,” the opposition states.

Williams adds that Little “has not urged that the conduct that he is alleged to have committed – the repeated physical violations and grossly offensive violations – would not be actionable as assault and battery or as intentional infliction of emotional distress, it certainly would be,” meaning his conduct is not dependent on any duty, obligation or prohibition that exists because of the Act.

Williams filed a first amended complaint on Dec. 20 through attorney Wayne Skigen of Lucco Brown Threlkeld & Dawson LLP in Edwardsville.

She included a new statutory claim for sexual harassment. She explains that the new claims against Little are the same as in her original complaint, except she doesn’t allege Little to be an employee of Triple Take.

She alleges Little was an “’agent of Triple Take,’ to account for a possible determination that Little served Triple Take in the capacity of an agent, but not as its employee.”

“The proposed new claims for assault battery and for intentional infliction of emotional distress are not at all dependent on Little’s employment status; rather those causes of action turn on the character of his actions directed at plaintiff,” Williams alleges.

Little answered the first amended complaint on Jan. 10 through attorney Matthew Young of Kuehn Beasley & Young in Belleville, denying liability.

Triple Take is represented by Michael J. Garavalia of Flynn Guymon & Garavalia in Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-328

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St. Clair County real estate Jan. 17-25

January 31, 2017, 8:00 am

≫ Next: St. Clair County foreclosures Jan. 4-20

≪ Previous: Lawn care employee seeks to dismiss sexual harassment suit

JANUARY 17, 2017

BELLEVILLE

$175,110- 2022 WOODSONG WAY LN. - FULFORD HOMES TO TIMOTHY PRATT
$105,000- 608 SUNNYHILL DR. - KYLE AND KELSEY WENDLING TO LAWRENCE OSEI AND LINDA AGYEKUM
$117,500- 407 FOREST AVE. - SOUTH ILLINOIS TRUST TO JAN CORNWAITE
$109,900- 317 LONGVIEW DR. - RYAN AND SARAH RUSSELL TO JOSEPH AND CATHERINE SOLES
$14,700- 322 N. 1ST ST. - SECRETARY OF HUD TO JUSTIN JOHNSON
$76,000- 206 N. 42ND ST. - JOHN IV AND JAMIE HERMAN TO MICHAEL AND CHRISTINA SWISTAK
$16,500- 1803 W. ADAMS ST. - THE JUDICIAL SALES CORP. TO HOMEFRONT PROPERTIES AND JCS ACQUISITIONS
$289,000- 8810 TROON - JLP HOMES LLC TO THEODORE AND CONSTANCE PIERCE

CAHOKIA

$46,000- 210 HAWKINS DR. - ERIC KNAUST TO SAGE VALLEY VENTURES
$15,900- 51 ST. HENRY DR. - ARROW REALTY TO JOSEPH BARSH
$13,000- 745 ST. NORBERT DR. - GEORGE SMITH TO CLJ SERVICES
$18,500- 745 ST. NORBERT DR. - CLJ SERVICES TO TOPSTONE INV CAH 1 LLC
$7,000- 2 MARILYN LN. - GEORGE AND PEARLIE SMITH TO CLJ SERVICES
$12,500- 2 MARILYN LN. - CLJ SERVICES TO TOPSTONE INV CAH 1 LLC
$39,000- 116 ST. CHRISTOPHER LN. - AZA PROPERTIES LLC TO SAGE VALLEY VENTURES

CASEYVILLE

$150,000- 1027 HOLLOW VALLEY - RICHARD GORAZD TO BARRY SURBER AND DAWN REINACHER

LENZBURG

$53,000- 413 N. CHARLES ST. - TIMOTHY AND SHERRY BASTRESS TO LUDGER SCHILLING

MASCOUTAH

$85,000- 6001 HIGHBANKS RD. - TROY SAUERHAGE TO ROBERT AND KENDA RIBBING

MILLSTADT

$131,500- 733 S. BREESE ST. - JEREMY AND RACHEL BALDRIDGE TO STEVEN OYLER
$26,000- DOCKINS CREEK LN. | OTTEN RD. - HOWARD AND WANDA MUELLER TRUST TO KRISTINE AND MATTHEW SHELLABARGER

OFALLON

$49,500- 201 E. THIRD ST. - BARTHOLOMEW ANDERSON AND RHONDA LEPPERT TO KHOMES LLC
$32,500- 6806 CABOT CT. - WILLIAM AND SUSAN HARPER TO PATTERSON HOMES INC.
$251,404- 435 VANCROFT PL. - BARNES PROPERTIES TO CECIL SIMPSON JR. AND CONSTANCE SIMPSON
$14,501- 207 RENEE DR. - FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE TO BRAD DONALD

ST. LIBORY

$105,000- 7211 STATE ROUTE, 15 LAFAYETTE ST., 1 LAFAYETTE - ANTHONY AND PAMELA KREY TO JERRY KESLER

JANUARY 18, 2017

BELLEVILLE

$12,500- 3405 FRANK SCOTT PARKWAY WEST - HARRY AND CARLA GOETZ TO KENDALL WYNN
$190,000- 8 CRESTON DR. - DAVID AND ANGELA WALKER TO KENNETH ANDERSSON
$112,500- 212 WILLIAMSBURG DR. - DANA HANCOCK AND ANN HARRIS TO GEORGE AND SHEILA MCKOWN
$33,000- 701 UNION AVE. - CHARLES COLE AND CHACHI FAN TO FELIPE SANCHEZ ESPARZA AND YOLANDA SANCHEZ
$57,000- 3228 WEST BLVD. - THE SECRETARY OF VA TO RDS DEVELOPMENT CORP.
$58,900- 400 MASCOUTAH AVE. - DAN AND KIM HOCHER TO CHRISTI ROBERTSON

CAHOKIA

$9,000- 2008 LOUISE - GOSHEN REAL ESTATE TO ELLA LOCKHART

DUPO

$20,500- 901 KAESTNER - SOUTHERN ILLINOIS DEVELOPMENT TO CA JONES

E. ST. LOUIS

$9,000- 7007 SHIPLEY LN. - RAVEN SECURITIES TO ILLINOIS REALTY GROUP HOLDINGS

FAIRMONT CITY

$32,450- 3380 KINGSHIGHWAY - ROBERT SCOTT TO THE DAVID THRELKELD TRUST

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS

$71,000- 44 W. BEACON HILL RD. - WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY TO AUGUSTUS THORNTON
$74,000- 32 PINE TR. - SECRETARY OF HUD TO SANDRA MASIC

FREEBURG

$208,900- 708 OAK BROOK DR. - KENNETH DAVIS TO JEREMY AND MONICA VASQUEZ

LEBANON

$0- 9500 KORTE SEWALD RD. - MARILYN BAER ET AL TO SLM WATER COMMISSION

MARISSA

$39,000- 611 S. HAMILTON AVE. - MATTHEW BAKER TO GRETTA EYVONNE BAST

MASCOUTAH

$146,500- 1163 LEAR LN. - VIRGINIA AVERY TO WILMA GENTZLER
$229,000- 1117 GULFSTREAM WAY - KYLE DIXON TO DEREK AND ROBYN BURTON

MILLSTADT

$53,000- 1069 E. WASHINGTON ST. - RICHARD AND KIMBERLY SCHALTENBRAND TO JLP HOMES

OFALLON

$69,500- 807 ESTATE DR. - MARCO INVESTMENT PROPERTIES TO JAMES HENNRICH
$144,500- 1243 TERRACE GREEN LN. - JEREMY VASQUEZ TO IAN AND KARCIE CLARK
$207,000- 941 SILVERLINK DR. - TROY REAL ESTATE LLC TO JOHN RENNER
$419,210- 412 WILLOW POINT TR. - HUNTINGTON CHASE HOMES CORP. TO KRISHAAN AND AMELIA ANDERSON
$240,000- 103 HODGES MILL LN. - KEVIN AND MEGAN SCHAEFFER TO ERIK MUELLER JR. AND ELISABETH MUELLER
$130,000- 921 CHESAPEAKE JUNCTION LN. - ESTATE OF KAY BURGMANN TO RYAN CUNNINGHAM AND SARAH YOUNG
$233,000- 1020 NEW BRITAIN CT. - EARL AND BILLIE PADGETT TO GREGORY AND CAROL PARCELL

SHILOH

$250,000- 207 BERWICK CROSSING - CNR INC TO ALLEN AND KAREN BUCHHEIT
$35,000- 2613 LAUREN LAKE RD. - STIMSON CONSTRUCTION TO DERRICK WILLIAM BREWER
$226,500- 3234 SCEPTER CT. - CORA MAGETT TO MICHELLE BLACKFORD

SMITHTON

$249,341- 4802 RIVER ROCK LN. - SMITHTON CONSTRUCTION TO RYAN AND SARAH RUSSELL

SWANSEA

$492,000- 1516 RENOIR AVE. - FULFORD HOMES TO MARVIN AND BEVERLY BOYD
$162,000- 1808 KINSELLA AVE. - DANNIE AND TERESA BRIGGS TO KARIN FELDKER AND DAVID JOYCE

JANUARY 19, 2017

BELLEVILLE

$55,500- 3813 MEMORIAL DR. - ST. LOUIS INVESTMENTS TO AMERICAN ESTATE AND TRUST FBO

CAHOKIA

$58,000- 1422 ANDREWS DR - ST. LOUIS INVESTMENTS TO PHARALA LLC
$8,500- 18 EDGAR ST. - LEVEL FIELD SPREAD TO ANGELA FULTS
$47,250- 140 ST. DOROTHY ST. - ST. LOUIS INVESTMENTS TO CHAPARRAL INVESTORS
$21,500- 1061 ST. MARGARET - IDESIA LLC TO JOHN HAAR AND MELISSA MASON
$8,000- 514 ST. BARBARA LN. - LEVEL FIELD SPREAD TO FRED CARTER
$9,000- 600 ST. CECELIA DR. - MONEY TRAIN PROPERTIES TO ANTONIO TURMAIN AND OCTAVIA JACKSON
$46,000- 3401 BARBER - ST. LOUIS INVESTMENTS TO DAS RENTAL PROPERTIES

COLLINSVILLE

$23,500- 112 OSAGE DR. - FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE TO KEVIN THORPE JR.

MARISSA

$44,000- 411 E. SPRING - FAYE WEILMUENSTER, SALLY MCBRIDE, NANCY GROFF, PATSY LARAMORE AND RICHARD WEILMUENSTER TO JORDON WAGNER

MILLSTADT

$108,000- 1300 KROPP RD. - TIMOTHY AND ANGELA OSABEN TO MARTIN AND ALICIA KOSYDOR
$186,000- 37 JOTHAM CT. - NORMA BLANK TO JEFFREY AND CATHY GRANDCOLAS

SHILOH

$8,500,000- 1152 N. GREEN MOUNT RD. ET AL - HAVENHILLS INVESTMENT CO. TO SHILOH ONE LLC

JANUARY 20, 2017

BELLEVILLE

$1,038,750- 1207 CENTREVILLE AVE. - STL EQUITIES LLC TO GLENWOOD EQUITIES LLC
$77,000- 1712 N. CHARLES ST. - AMANDA MOORE TO CHRISTOPHER AND DESIREE ROUSSEAU
$79,900- 111 N. VIRGINIA AVE. - CONSTANCE BILLINGS TO SEAN AND MELISSA ALBRITTON
$196,000- 504 SPRINGWOOD DR. - JEFFREY AND CATHY GRANDCOLAS TO KEVIN AND SHARON DIETZ
$290,000- 9 BASS LN. - CHARLOTTE HYATT TO ERIN BUDDE AND RICHARD WOLCHOCK

CAHOKIA

$10,000- 1737 DORIS AVE. - LY NGUYEN AND BAO KIM VU TO HANH NGUYEN

CASEYVILLE

$63,000- 416 S. 3RD ST. - CHARLES MCCOY JR. TO TAMMY SHAFER

OFALLON

$155,000- 203 FONTAINEBLEAU - JOSHUA AND APRYLL HARTLINE TO MELODY HOILMAN
$347,500- 1590 MARY TODD LN. - JEFFREY AND ERIN BASKETT TO JOAO AND RACHELLE AMADO

SWANSEA

$180,750- 18 LAKE LORRAINE - THE SECRETARY OF VA TO KERLEY PROPERTIES LLC
$271,000- 3804 APPALOOSA DR. - VERNON AND WANDA SUITE TO RAEGEN LANG

JANUARY 23, 2017

BELLEVILLE

$75,000- 16 HILLDALE DR. - LAUREN HAAS TO MICHAEL BUSCH
$20,000- 400 PENN ST. - VENTURES TRUST TO DOMINIQUE CHAMBERS
$34,000- 4007 MEMORIAL DR. - COMMERCE BANK TO BEN GASS
$74,900- 715 CHRISTY LN. - BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICING TO JESSICA MCGEE

CAHOKIA

$18,700- 115 KUTZ ST - KENNETH E. BARKER SR. TO TAMIKO TIMBERSON

CASEYVILLE

$215,000- 611 BETHEL MINE RD. - FRANCES KAISER TO ROBERT WENZEL

E. CARONDELET

$12,500- 816 DUPO AVE. E. - OVATION REO 3 LLC TO RICHARD MEYER

E. ST. LOUIS

$7,250- 6600 BOND AVE. - IMPALA LLC TO BEVERLY FISHER

MASCOUTAH

$500,000- STATE ROUTE 4 - KEITH T. JUNG TO JOHN AND STACY STEIN

OFALLON

$97,650- 503 S. SMILEY ST. - ESTATE OF BEULAH BOWLES TO JERRY TRENT

SHILOH

$157,000- 104 LINWOOD - JOHN AND DIANE ROZKIEWICZ TO JAMES SODAM

SWANSEA

$233,500- 329 BRITANNA DR. - HEATHER AND MARC RAMEY TO MARK AND CYNTHIA GOENEN

JANUARY 24, 2017

BELLEVILLE

$55,100- 29 FOX CREEK RD. - THE SECRETARY OF VA TO NORKAT FINANCIAL INC.
$165,000- 1708 SPRUCE HILL DR. - KEVIN BRIDGES AND JAIMEE MCKINNEY TO DANIEL DUDA AND APRIL REED
$85,500- 1 PALMETTO DR. - FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE TO SCOTT VAN BOKEL
$25,000- 1506 E. MAIN ST. - ROBERT LEONARD TO MICHAEL ISENHART
$12,000- 620 E. B ST. - DAVID LEONARD TO MICHAEL ISENHART
$10,000- W. A ST. - CITY OF BELLEVILLE TO DONALD TISCH
$81,700- 121 WILLIAMSBURG DR. - JOSEPH AND MARILYN SHEMOSKI TRUST TO MEGAN WILSON
$47,000- 1815 MUREN BLVD. - EDWIN POWELL TO GREGORY POWERS
$144,900- 1610 THUNDERBIRD LN. - TONY AND AUDREY POUNDS TO DARRYL MOORE

CAHOKIA

$37,000- 1923 FLORENCE ST. - JMR HOLDINGS TO PAUL AND CAROL LUNDGREN
$26,200- 520 RNAGE LN. - DONALD AND BRIAN SMINCHAK TO DEREK WISE AND WALTER BODIE JR.
$7,500- 1741 LORETTA AVE - KEVIN JACKSON TO NASEEM DUGAN

CASEYVILLE

$63,000- 620 S. MAIN ST. - RONALD AND BRENDA MCNEILL TO JOEL BONNETTE

E. ST. LOUIS

$61,789- 501 S. 54TH ST. - MIDFIRST BANK TO SECRETARY OF HUD

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS

$71,500- 25 CHATEAU DR. - THE SECRETARY OF VA TO RICK PARKS
$171,500- 360 JUBAKA DR. - US BANK TO VERNON DULANEY
$197,000- 9413 MARBARRY DR. - MCBRIDE SUMMIT SPRINGS LLC TO BELINDA SINKS

FREEBURG

$9,000- 8 WOODVIEW DR. - JAN AND DEBORAH BAUER TRUST TO ASHLEY AND LOUIS LENGERMAN

LEBANON

$170,000- 1003 BELLEVILLE ST. - KYLE SUYDAM AND MICHELLE JACKSON TO JAMES BACHMANN

MASCOUTAH

$90,100- 906 DERE BERE DR. - US BANK TO PHYLLIS DONOHO

MILLSTADT

$11,202- 311 W. HARRISON - CITIMORTGAGE TO CATHERINE BALDRIDGE

OFALLON

$9,500- 221 MYLAUN - MARTINI PROPERTIES TO JACOB SCHMITTLING
$178,500- 824 PACIFIC CROSSING DR. - TROY REAL ESTATE LLC TO LOGAN AND ELIZABETH JOHNSON
$110,000- 713 E. NIXON DR. - ROOSEVELT AND DILMA LAVALLE TO ROBERT DRUESSEL JR.

SMITHTON

$94,000- 4 ADAMS ST. - MAUREEN KUFSKIE ETAL TO BENJAMIN HOFFEDITZ

SWANSEA

$65,000- 1885 & 1887 STAFFORD WAY - DALLAS PLASTERING CO. TO JOHN AND CATHERINE RANEY TRUST
$25,000- 156 FRANK SCOTT PARKWAY E. - SANDRA BOEVING AND KAREN FOURNIE TO ST. CLAIR COUNTY
$18,000- 122 FRANK SCOTT PARKWAY E. - JAMES AND KAREN FOURNIE TO ST. CLAIR COUNTY

JANUARY 25, 2017

BELLEVILLE

$67,000- 221 OLIVER LEE DR. - SHARON THOMAS TO CHRISTINA MARCANO
$95,000- 2931 SPRUCE HILL TERRACE - THE SECRETARY OF VA TO B AND D HOME RENOVATIONS
$94,000- 312 OLIVER LEE DR. - BRADLEY AND JODI GOODNIGHT TO JULIE LECHOWICZ

CAHOKIA

$81,000- 1914 MARSEILLES BLVD. - RONALD HAND AND SANDRA ORLOSKI AND GLADYS HAND TO SAMUEL AND FLORA BROWN

CASEYVILLE

$75,000- 104-106 W. MORRIS - MICHAEL REICHERT TO BARIOLA PROPERTIES

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS

$650,000- XXX RANDLE CT., 9950 BUNKUM RD. - CRANT COMMUNITY CONDSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT TO CITY OF FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS

LEBANON

$55,120- 318 S. FRITZ - CITIZENS COMMUNITY BANK TO BD OF TRUSTEES LEBANON PUBLIC LIBRARY
$3,000- 241 N. FRITZ - VICKIE BATES TO PAUL FUEHNE

MASCOUTAH

$104,000- 400 W. STATE ST. - CHAD AND ERIN HAMILTON TO LINDSEY PENCE

OFALLON

$8,500- 228 MEDDOWS - BRAD MARTINI TO JEFFREY JAMES

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St. Clair County foreclosures Jan. 4-20

January 31, 2017, 8:06 am

≫ Next: Madison County foreclosures Jan. 17-26

≪ Previous: St. Clair County real estate Jan. 17-25

JANUARY 4, 2017

FANNIE MAE V. LONGACRE PONDS LLC, $14,230,118.12, 21 NORTHBROOK CR., FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS. 17CH5

JANUARY 9, 2017

DITECH FINANCIAL V. ANDRE AND RHONDA TAYLOR, $39,974.76, 506 ST. PAUL , CAHOKIA. 17CH25

JANUARY 11, 2017

FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE V. HEIRS OF EDITH WATERMAN,

JANUARY 12, 2017

FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE V. DORTHA AND JOE LEWIS, $46,731.55, 605 WASHINGTON PL., E. ST. LOUIS. 17CH26
HSBC BANK V. SANDRA AND TYRONE SMITH, $192,177.97, 403 MILDRED AVE., CAHOKIA. 17CH28
WELLS FARGO BANK V. JAMES AND YALANDA WINSTON, $97,135.95, 41 HIGHWOOD RD., BELLEVILLE. 17CH29
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK V. SCOTT MAY, $117,077.10, 101 CIRCLE DR., FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS. 17CH56
BANK OF AMERICA V. OHALA WARD, $84,041.09, 700 ROYAL HEIGHTS RD., BELLEVILLE. 17CH57

JANUARY 17, 2017

WELLS FARGO BANK V. ROBIN AND BRIAN KILLINGSWORTH, $63,082.86, 1420 N. 3RD ST., DUPO. 17CH34
FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE V. LAURA GRANT, $69,660.45, 407 PORTLAND AVE., BELLEVILLE. 17CH35
FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE V. KARL AND ELIZABETH WALZ , $153,628.52, 874 CROSSWINDS DR., BELLEVILLE. 17CH36
M&T BANK V. USAA FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK , $83,210.00, 1801 FOSTER ST., BELLEVILLE. 17CH37
US BANK V. DARYN FOSTER SR., $21,183.98, 646 N. 80TH ST., E. ST. LOUIS. 17CH39
PNC BANK V. RODNEY PELLY, $71,318.75, 319 S. LONG ST., CASEYVILLE. 17CH40
WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL ILLINOIS V. ERIC CAPPS, $27,705.98, 700 BELLEVILLE RD., CASEYVILLE. 17CH41
WELLS FARGO BANK V. JEDIDIAH AND MARY LIRETTE, $112,961.06, 16 NORTH INDIANA AVE., BELLEVILLE. 17CH58

JANUARY 18, 2017

WELLS FARGO BANK V. REGINALD AND VICKIE MCNEIL, $68,414.74, 13 LAZERCHEFF DR., CAHOKIA. 17CH42
PLANET HOME LENDING V. MARLETTA MONIGAN, $47,605.24, 634 N. 8TH ST., E. ST. LOUIS. 17CH43

JANUARY 19, 2017

DEUTSCHE BANK V. ANTHONY HOWTHORNE AND LISA NEWBLE, $49,139.24, 539 ST. JAMES DR., CAHOKIA. 17CH46
FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE V. TENISHA MCINTOSH, $79,872.48, 871 N. 79TH ST., E. ST. LOUIS. 17CH47
VFS LENDING SERVICES V. MANNA TREE ENTERPRISES, $19,000.00, 112 N. 75TH ST., CENTREVILLE. 17CH68

JANUARY 20, 2017

FREEDOM MORTGAGE V. KELLY AND JEFFREY DOVE, $103,62.14, 9141 BUNKUM RD., FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS. 17CH49

↧

Madison County foreclosures Jan. 17-26

January 31, 2017, 8:15 am

≫ Next: Bank of Edwardsville sues borrower for failure to pay

≪ Previous: St. Clair County foreclosures Jan. 4-20

JANUARY 17, 2017

OCWEN LOAN SERVICING V. CHRISTOPHER R. SIMPSON, $56,956.98, 3141 JILL AVE., GRANITE CITY. 17CH35
BANK OF AMERICA V. JAYME HAGEN, $169,647.95, 5304 RIVER AIRE DR., GODFREY. 17CH48

JANUARY 18, 2017

LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING V. CORY WELLEN, $55,657.67, 1017 LAFAYETTE CT., COLLINSVILLE. 17CH36
NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE V. JEFFREY AND JODY BRITTON, $125,015.07, 606 MONTANA ST., BETHALTO. 17CH37
MORTGAGE RESEARCH CENTER V. RALPH JR. AND JESSICA LOGSDON, $228,109.44, 80 BRIDGEWATER LN., HIGHLAND. 17CH38

JANUARY 19, 2017

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE V. JEANENE K. AND PAUL G. SKRHA, $115,256.08, 428 ORCHARD CT., TROY. 17CH40
DEUTSCHE BANK V. KAREN ROBINSON, $180,216.61, 3417 EMMA LN., GODFREY. 17CH42
PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES V. ADRIENNE BRANGER , $89,200.15, 1014 13TH ST., HIGHLAND. 17CH43
FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE V. JEFFREY HENDON, $23,115.14, 2077 14TH ST., GRANITE CITY. 17CH45

JANUARY 20, 2017

WELLS FARGO BANK V. STEVEN AND MEGAN ZIMMERMAN, $102,527.82, 350 SPENCER ST., BETHALTO. 17CH46
MIDFIRST BANK V. ANTONIO AND JAYNE HULL, $67,500.73, 2731 WASHINGTON AVE., GRANITE CITY. 17CH47

JANUARY 23, 2017

US BANK V. WENDY FLOYD, $85,264.30, 1496 LADD AVE., WOOD RIVER. 17CH49
US BANK V. DWAYNE RAMSEY AND BELINDA YON, $22,159.01, 1011 WASHINGTON, MADISON. 17CH50
CITIZENS COMMUNITY BANK V. T. BOW, $827,746.31, 2033 MAPLELEAF DR., COLLINSVILLE. 17CH51
WELLS FARGO BANK V. CARRIE ALLEN, $63,313.19, 2425 GILLIS ST., ALTON. 17CH52
FIRST TENNESSE BANK V. PATRICIA HAMBY, $21,287.83, 610 VERMONT ST., BETHALTO. 17CH53
US BANK V. FREDDIE JR. AD THERESA SCHOLES, $79,913.39, 1004 9TH ST., HIGHLAND. 17CH54

JANUARY 24, 2017

SELENE FINANCE V. AARON SR. AND MERANDA DABNEY, $58,426.88, 3007 BUXTON, GRANITE CITY. 17CH55
PHH MORTGAGE V. DERRICK ASBURY, $88,435.40, 707 GALAHAD LN., TROY. 17CH56
WELLS FARGO BANK V. GREGORY AND SHERRY TURNBOUGH, $15,099.07, 3 HARRISON AVE., GRANITE CITY. 17CH57

JANUARY 25, 2017

UNITED COMMUNITY BANK V. ELIZABETH AND MARK EBERLIN, $53,549.86, 824 SPURCE ST., ALTON. 17CH58
WELLS FARGO BANK V. TIFFANY NEWELL, $90,346.16, 156 S. 9TH ST., WOOD RIVER. 17CH59
LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING V. C. DOUGLAS ALTON AND LAURALYNN ALTON, $88,983.12, 715 LINDEN PL., ALTON. 17CH60
JP MORGAN MORTGAGE V. ALEXANDER AND TOMEIKA ANDERSON, $230,451.84, 2716 FIELDSTONE DR., MARYVILLE. 17CH61
DITECH FINANCIAL V. LAKISHA AND RAYSON BARNES, $101,676.97, 306 ST. ROSE DR., GODFREY. 17CH62

JANUARY 26, 2017

WELLS FARGO BANK V. MICHAEL JACKSON, $20,855.57, 212 GRANVILLE ST., VENICE. 17CH64
BANK OF AMERICA V. PAMELA TITE, $40,252.94, 329 BOWMAN , E. ALTON. 17CH65
WELLS FARGO BANK V. TIMOTHY AND TRACEY WHITFORD, $130,941.12, 2858 GRAND AVE., GRANITE CITY. 17CH66
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK V. TINA MILLS, $117,605.75, 1119 VERNIE ST., ALTON. 17CH67

↧

Bank of Edwardsville sues borrower for failure to pay

January 31, 2017, 8:24 am

≫ Next: Paintless dent repair provider sues former CEO

≪ Previous: Madison County foreclosures Jan. 17-26

EDWARDSVILLE — The Bank of Edwardsville is suing a borrower for failing to pay off a loan.

The Bank of Edwardsville filed a complaint on Jan. 23, in the Madison County Circuit Court against Gordon Investment Group LLC, alleging the borrower failed to perform its obligations under the note and other loan agreements.

According to the complaint, the Bank of Edwardsville alleges that on Aug. 8, 2014, it made a loan to Gordon in the principal amount of $15,000. Subsequently, the parties executed a change in agreement on Aug. 8, 2015, to extend the note's maturity to Aug. 8, 2016.

The plaintiff alleges the defendant failed to make payments when due and failed to pay the note in full upon maturity.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against the defendant in the amount of $15,444.66 plus interest, late fees, and other charges, attorney's fees, costs and all other relief as the court deems just and proper.

It is represented by Larry E. Parres of Lewis Rice LLC in St, Louis.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-99

↧

Paintless dent repair provider sues former CEO

January 31, 2017, 8:31 am

≫ Next: Patron files dram shop suit against Hurricane Bar & Grill

≪ Previous: Bank of Edwardsville sues borrower for failure to pay

EDWARDSVILLE — A paintless dent repair service provider is suing its former CEO for allegedly abruptly leaving the company to start his own business.

Carmed CM-53 LLC filed a complaint on Jan. 18, in the Madison County Circuit Court against Warren Huff, alleging the former CEO violated the solicitation clause of their operating agreement.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges Huff is abruptly terminated his interest with Carmed to operate his own business, which also performs paintless dent repair through a Missouri limited liability company.

As a result, the plaintiff alleges its business operations have been damaged, the suit states.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against the defendant in excess of $50,000, attorney's fees and costs for this action and requests that the defendant be enjoined for a period of two years from further violation of the non-compete clause.

It is represented by Christopher P. Threkeld of Lucco, Brown, Threkeld & Dawson LLP in Edwardsville and Matthew J. Landwehr of Thompson Coburn LLP in St. Louis.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-73

↧

Patron files dram shop suit against Hurricane Bar & Grill

January 31, 2017, 8:48 am

≫ Next: Property buyers allege seller failed to disclose flood history

≪ Previous: Paintless dent repair provider sues former CEO

EDWARDSVILLE — A patron is suing Hurricane's Bar & Grill after another patron allegedly became intoxicated and punched him.

Jordan Varner filed a complaint on Jan. 23, in the Madison County Circuit Court against Flyin' Lion LLC, doing business as Hurricane's Bar & Grill, and Brandon L. Krausz, alleging Hurricane negligently sold and/or gave alcoholic beverage to Krausz.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on March 13, 2016, Krausz became intoxicated and struck Varner and several other patrons with his fists.

Varner alleges he suffered serious and permanent injuries, pain, disability, loss from his normal life, lost wages and medical expenses.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against defendant Hurricane in a sum not to exceed the statutory limit and against defendant Krausz in an amount in excess of $50,000, plus costs of this suit.

He is represented by Jeremy W. Sackett of Swanson and Sackett PC in Edwardsville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-91

↧

Property buyers allege seller failed to disclose flood history

January 31, 2017, 9:03 am

≫ Next: Madison County real estate Jan. 9-18

≪ Previous: Patron files dram shop suit against Hurricane Bar & Grill

EDWARDSVILLE — Two property buyers allege Best Hometown Bancorp failed to disclose the property's flooding history, resulting in $125,000 in flood damage.

David and Angela Miller filed a complaint on Jan. 19 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Best Hometown Bancorp Inc., f/n/a Home Federal Savings and Loan Association of Collinsville, alleging the seller violated the Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure Act.

According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that on April 28, 2016, they bought a property from Best Hometown for $168,000. Then on July 14, 2016, the Millers suffered extensive flood damage to their property and personal belongings in a sum amount exceeding $125,000. They allege the defendant knew of prior flooding to the property but failed to disclose the home's flood history prior to purchase.

The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek judgment against the defendant in an amount in excess of $125,000, plus costs of this suit and all other relief that the court may deem just and proper.

They are represented by Andrew C. Carruthers of Heplerbloom LLC in Edwardsville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-79

↧

Madison County real estate Jan. 9-18

January 31, 2017, 12:23 pm

≫ Next: City of O'Fallon coutersues residents over sewer pipe dispute; Says residents owed duty to maintain property

≪ Previous: Property buyers allege seller failed to disclose flood history

JANUARY 9, 2017

ALTON

$75,600- WOOD STATION RD. - JOHNSON FARMS TRUST TO CHARLOTTE JOHNSON TRUST
$500,756- WOOD STATION RD. - JOHNSON FARMS TRUST TO CPK PROPERTIES

BETHALTO

$315,000- 125 CRESTMOOR CT. - BARBARA SCHUM TO RANDY AND SUZANNE MEREDITH
$1,300,000- 444 W. BETHALTO DR. - J&B COX INC. TO CKG HOLDINGS

COLLINSVILLE

$40,000- 7614 LEBANON RD. - CHRISTOPHER AND KELLY GEORG TO MICHAEL JR. AND AMY LIGIBEL
$60,000- 1075 MCDONOUGH LAKE RD, - ESTATE OF FERDINAND STRACKELJAHN TO ADAM, CHARLES AND NORA COBB
$126,200- 301 WESTWOOD DR. - JACK HOUSTON, SAMUEL HOUSTON, LISA MAY AND MICHELE TO DARIOUS AND LARITA CROWDER

E. ALTON

$63,000- 125 TOMLINSON ST. - SAMUEL STASSI TO DAVID JORDAN AND SAMANTHA STIDHAM

EDWARDSVILLE

$475,000- 129 TIMBERMILL LN. - GREGORY AND CONNIE GORDON TO WILLIAM AND ANNETTE BARLOW
$143,000- 408 SHADY LN. - CHARLES AND MEGHAN JAMES TO WILLIAM HOPKINS
$249,000- 7021 REMINGTON CT. - JAMES AND MARCINE LEMKE TO MARK AND JEAN LUCHTEFELD

GLEN CARBON

$297,000- 29 WOLFE CREEK CT. - CRAIG RUECKER TO BRIAN SHAFFER

GODFREY

$184,000- 6807 BEALL CT. - FULFORD HOMES LLC TO DANIEL AND KATHLEEN WOODS
$15,000- 6814 WADLOW CT. - RIVERS EDGE LAD LLC TO FULFORD HOMES LLC

GRANITE CITY

$25,000- 2853 RALPH ST. - RANDALL STEELE TO DANIEL LEMP
$160,000- 6032 OLD ALTON RD. - ROD AND KAREN HARTZEL TO LOREN JR. AND MARGARET BAUGH

HIGHLAND

$75,000- 1013 CEDAR ST. - MOSAIC CHURCH NFP TO CHRISTOPHER CLARK

MARYVILLE

$155,000- 2309 FIELD PIONT DR. - SEVASTITA , CRIN AND TERESA DIMA TO SHELLY OSBURN

ST. JACOB

$194,000- 503 W. FIFTH ST. - ANDREW AND DONISHA MILLER TO MICHAEL WHALEN

TROY

$285,000- 8405 HERRICK PARK DR. - HUNTINGTON CHASE HOMES CORP. TO AMANDA HAFENSTEIN
$195,000- 7 PARKLANE DR. - GEROLD AND JEANNE WOJCIK TO JASON PETERSON

WOOD RIVER

$175,000- R.R. 1ST ST. - ESTATE OF RICHARD BELL TO THE GLENDA BERREY TRUST
$207,747- 3403 CRESCENT CT. - FULFORD HOMES RHT LLC TO COREY AND EMILY HELLING

JANUARY 10, 2017

ALTON

$28,000- 1214 HAZEL DR. - US BANK TO CURSTAN STIFF
$32,500- 907 LOGAN - FANNIE MAE TO JENNIE SIMMS AND DAWN MILBURN

COLLINSVILLE

$25,000- 49 CARNATION DR. - GEORGE NOETH TO TERRY AND ANGIE DRENKHAHN

COTTAGE HILLS

$52,000- 127 NEUNABER - FREEDOM HOMES LLC TO JOHN BRANDT AND KEELEY GREGORY

E. ALTON

$62,000- 204 CARDOT ST. - JIM AND SHELA COLE TO DUSTIN MARKHAM

EDWARDSVILLE

$430,000- 744 ST. LOUIS ST. - JAMES AND MELISSA WILLIAMS TO GREGORY AND CONNIE GORDON

GLEN CARBON

$299,105- 14 DOWNING PL. - MATT AND NANCY STORY TO CHRISTIAN AND MEGAN LONGHI
$190,000- 135 BAYFIELD DR. - CHRISTIAN AND MEGAN LONGHI TO DIANE THRELKELD

GRANITE CITY

$20,655- 2456 STATE ST. - SECRETARY OF HUD TO JASON AND TONYA LITTLEJOHN
$150,000- 3430 OZZIE DR. - AARON MISUKONIS TO TERRY AND CHAR SUTTON

WOOD RIVER

$370,000- 102 W. EDWARDSVILLE RD. - STEPHEN AND SHARON HOBBS TO RAKESH AND MITAL PATEL

JANUARY 11, 2017

COLLINSVILLE

$1,545,500- 80 BURLINGTON DR. - US BANCORP COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP. TO USB LIHTC FUND 2016-6 LLC

EDWARDSVILLE

$9,200- 1341 TAMPICO - FIRST COLLINSVILLE BANK TO VEE DUB ENTERPRISES LLC
$268,000- 806 MEADE AVE. - GINA AND BENJAMIN TRAETOW TO ALLISON TOLLIVER

GLEN CARBON

$42,500- 7540 CLARENCE CT. - RETAIL PLACE LLC TO ALLEN AND PATRICIA ELLINGTON
$125,000- 61 BRENDA ST. - RICHARD HHORN TO JULIE BRUMGARD
$126,500- 87 GLENDALE DR. - JOEL AND PATRICIA STOCKERT TO THE KEY KEEPER

GODFREY

$55,000- 5300 ENGLEWOOD DR. - FANNIE MAE TO WAYNE AND MARY LESTER

GRANITE CITY

$162,500- 3438 OZZIE DR. - BILL AND GENEVA FORTE TO NICHOLAS THOMAS
$41,000- 2564 NORTHBRIDGE CT. - SECRETARY OF HUD TO JENNIFER NICKELL
$67,500- 2719 IOWA ST. - ASHLEY BURDGE TO DEVON PALMER
$22,000- 2440 GRAND - CENTRUE BANK TO LOUIS AND LISA SPOHR
$1,000- 2903 EMZEE - BRUCE BORNERT TO BRENDA RAINS
$10,000- 2619 IOWA ST - MICHAEL KIRKSEY TO RICHARDO MORENO
$9,500- 2813 PERSHING BLVD. - THE SECRETARY OF VA TO CLINTON MALTER
$39,600- 5108 RAPP RD. - BANK OF AMERICA TO SECRETARY OF HUD

HIGHLAND

$45,900- 10 SUPPIGER LN. - UNIT 203 - TODD JEROME AND JOIE GREEN TO SARAH FERGUSON
$70,000- 1016 AND 1018 12TH ST. - SARAH FERGUSON TO JOSEPH MOTT
$198,000- 60 GOLDEN ROCK LN. - ANDREW AND REBECCA CASPER TO JOSHUA ERWIN
$128,495- 1219 LYNN ST. - JARED AND KALENA BINGAMAN TO BRIAN AND AMY STOFF

MADISON

$14,850- 925 REYNOLDS ST. - THE SECRETARY OF VA TO CHELISE WOOTEN

MARINE

$125,000- 418 N VERSON ST. - BRADLEY CARRIL TO JESSICA BLUMBERG AND TRAVIS HORNER

TROY

$370,000- 1423 CRIMSON KING WAY - AARON'S CUSTOM HOME CONSTRUCTION INC. TO RICHARD AND DIANNA GRIFFON
$210,000- 221 REMINGTON CT. - CHRISTINE PRINCE TO ERIC AND SHANNON CRAYCROFT
$210,000- 209 STONEBRIAR DR. - SCOTT AND SARAH BROWN TO ADAM AND AFFTON WALDEN
$145,000- 105 HENDERSON ST. - ADAM AND AFFTON WALDEN TO KEVIN AND KEITH GIBBS

JANUARY 12, 2017

ALHAMBRA

$17,000- 5946 STATE ROUTE 4 - DENNIS BALLINGER TO SEVEN OAKS PROPERTY

COLLINSVILLE

$46,279- 109 3RD ST. - DEUTSCHE BANK TO STEPHEN WILFONG
$89,934- 838 LASALLE ST. - INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES TO THE SECRETARY OF VA
$95,000- 104 ALAMO DR. - FRANCES KOTSIRAS TO MARION NICHOLS
$135,000- 13 BRAIRCLIFFE DR. - JENNIFER BELOBRADJDIC AND PHILLIP STACK TO TIMOTHY JR AND COREY NORDIKE
$193,000- 95 WESTMORELAND DR. - JEFFREY CALL TO LISA MCCORMICK

E. ALTON

$53,500- 108 TOMLINSON ST. - LARRY SIMS JR. TO BRANDI KING

GLEN CARBON

$240,000- 15 GINGER CREEK DR. - LARRY AND MARGARET WORTHEY TO MICHAEL AND CORRINE MEINERT
$138,500- 109 BAYHILL BLVD. - ALLISON TOLLIVER TO GARY AND ALICE SEATON

GODFREY

$120,000- EAGLE POINE RD. - JASON AND JAMIE ENOS TO JASON AND BETH ARROWSMITH AND DAVID AND MEGAN HARTMANN
$49,000- 2814 CURVEY SST., AND HAND DR. - IRENE WOELFER TO ASSET PROPERTY GROUP

GRANITE CITY

$160,000- 118 EMERALD WAY E. - DONALD RIEGER TO ASHLEY BURDGE
$15,000- 2045 13TH ST. - JEFFREY NIEHAUS AND MICHAEL KNIGHT TO THE 13TH ST. HOLDINGS INC.
$101,500- 4132 KASEBERG LN. - MICHAEL JONES TO BRIAN AND MISTY CHOLEVIK
$5,924- 2149 LEE AVE. - US BANK TO HUGO GARCIA-RIVERA
$25,379- 2832 E. 25TH ST. - US BANK TO BRENDA BETANCOURT AND JORGE GONZALEZ
$22,000- 2248 GRAND AVE. - TERRY AND CAROL SUHRE TO TAYLOR FAMILY ENTERPRISES

HIGHLAND

$84,500- 35 KEEVEN DR. - WELLS FARGO TO HOUSE TURNERS

MADISON

$24,000- 1725 5TH ST. - SHAWN GREEVES TO WILSON HILL PROPERTIES

ST. JACOB

$439,112- 10300 CARROLLTON DR. - CONTRUCTION SOLUTIONS TO JASON AND MELISSA PEACH

TROY

$95,394- 306 ARROWHEAD DR. - US BANK TO MATTHEW LAMBERT
$193,000- 610 WHIPPOORWILL ST. - DAVID AND KAREN HERKENHOFF TO TANYA AND KYLE SHAROS

WOOD RIVER

$50,000- 969 WHITELAW AVE. - TERRY AND BETTE SCHENK TO KAYLA, KERRY AND STEPHEN ROGINSON

JANUARY 17, 2017

BETHALTO

$180,000- 120 W. BETHALTO DR., 555 SPENCER ST., 558 S. PRAIRIE - CORD COOPER TO SHANE COOPER

COLLINSVILLE

$72,000- 100 ROYAL DR. - DONALD BLUE, DEBORAH MERNICK, DAVID BLUE AND DAN BLUE TO YAN ZHEN ZHENG AND BAI ZHENG

COTTAGE HILLS

$3,250- 1ST ST. - 1ST ST. LAND TRUST TO BILL AND PATTY SNIDER
$3,250- 1423 1ST ST. - 1423 1ST LAND TRUST TO BILL AND PATTY SNIDER

EDWARDSVILLE

$20,000- PIN OAK RD. - W. DUANE BRIDENBAUGH JR. AND MARTHA POOLEY TO JAMES AND BRENDA FEAMAN
$113,000- 614 SHERIDAN AVE. - RONALD AND LEEANNE CHLOPEK TO THE KEY KEEPER

GRANITE CITY

$50,000- 3720 JOYCE ST. - PATRICIA LUEHMANN AND REBECCA COYLE TO KELLY STREET
$76,000- 3315 FRANKLIN AVE. - BETTY BOLT TO AUBORY AND SUSAN BUGG
$65,000- 2237 LYNCH AVE. - LIZZI REINARD TO DAVID SCHREIBER
$13,576- 2317 E. 23RD ST. - ROBERT AND DOROTHY THOMAS TO DAVID AND ANITA BAILEY

MARYVILLE

$135,000- 606 BAUER LN. - LINDSEY AND PATRICK CUDDY TO ROGER HILL
$268,000- 2 FIELDCREST DR. - JAMES AND BARBARA DONAHUE TO JONATHAN JEDLICKA

PIN OAK

$85,490- 3770 CABERNET LN. - ARBOR LAKE DEVELOPMENT CO. TO MARK AND SARAH ALLARIA

ST. JACOB

$843,000- LAKE RD - CHARLES HOWE TO KEICH MICHAEL TRUST

WORDEN

$5,500- 442 N. SHIRLEY ST. - FIRST NATIONAL BANK IN STAUNTON TO DYNEL PIZZINI

JANUARY 18, 2017

ALTON

$70,500- 1719 CENTRAL AVE. - LUCAS LECKRONE TO AARON VEICHT
$31,000- 947 RILEY AVE. - MICHAEL SR. AND RACHEL MCNAMARA TO KRISTY SCOTT
$66,900- 2429 GILLIS ST. - TYLER PEEK TO ADAM JOHNSON

COLLINSVILLE

$218,550- FARIMONT AVE. - ESTATE OF FERDINAND STRACKELJAHN TO KELLER PROPERTIES

EDWARDSVILLE

$89,000- 410 CHERRY ST. - GEORGE ANDRES TO SARAH VADNAIS

GODFREY

$234,500- 7311 EASTWIND DR. - MARVIN AND MARJORIE HATFIELD TO SANDRA STONE AND KEVIN SCHWAB
$1,000- 340 ST. ANTHONY DR. - KATHLEEN SCHMOELLER TO RICHARD SCHOFIELD EVANS JR.

↧

City of O'Fallon coutersues residents over sewer pipe dispute; Says residents owed duty to maintain property

January 31, 2017, 12:32 pm

≫ Next: Illinois Policy Institute proposes property tax freeze, moving pensions to self-managed plans, no tax increase

≪ Previous: Madison County real estate Jan. 9-18

The City of O’Fallon filed a counter-complaint against several residents in a suit alleging it failed to repair a storm sewer pipe between their properties, arguing the property owners owed a duty to maintain their own property.

Ronald and Teresa Mussatto and Lonny Nichols filed their complaint against the City of O’Fallon on Sept. 28.

According to the complaint, the plaintiffs alleges that on Dec. 28, 2015, a slope between their properties failed, causing damage to their properties. They claim the slope is located in the area encompassing the storm sewer pipe.

They allege the defendant failed to properly compact the fill materials utilized in connection with the storm sewer pipe, failed to properly strip and bench the area and negligently located the pipe in an unstable area.

The City of O’Fallon answered the complaint on Nov. 18 through attorney Brian Funk of O’Halloran Kosoff Geitner & Cook LLC in Northbrook. It argues that it did not have a duty to maintain the properties, easement or storm water pipe.

The defendant alleges the plaintiffs had a duty to maintain their own properties and the easement between their properties.

It also alleges the plaintiffs negligently failed to maintain their property that would prevent a slope failure, failed to stabilize the slope on their property after the 2008 slope failure, failed to stabilize the slope after the 2015 slope failure and drained and discharged water from their homes onto the slope.

The City of O’Fallon further argues that to the extent it has a duty to maintain, it did not have notice of any unreasonably safe condition.

The defendant filed a counter-complaint against the plaintiffs, arguing that it did not cause the slope failure on the plaintiffs’ properties.

It also argues that the plaintiffs filed suit “solely because they are not willing to pay to remedy the slope failure on their properties and believe they are foreclosed from bringing claims against the Developer.”

The plaintiffs answered the counter-complaint on Dec. 19 through attorney B. Jay Dowling of Clayborne Sabo and Wagner LLP in Belleville. They deny liability.

The plaintiffs also filed a reply to the defendant’s affirmative defenses on Dec. 19. They admitted that they had a respective duty to maintain their respective property, except the easement area. They deny all other liability.

A status conference is set for May 1 at 9 a.m.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-511

↧

Illinois Policy Institute proposes property tax freeze, moving pensions to self-managed plans, no tax increase

January 31, 2017, 3:20 pm

≫ Next: Washington Park mayor claims removal from electoral board motivated by desire to control April election

≪ Previous: City of O'Fallon coutersues residents over sewer pipe dispute; Says residents owed duty to maintain property

The Illinois Policy Institute outlined a budget reform plan today that would balance the state budget and close a projected $7.1 billion budget deficit without raising taxes.

"Our plan, unlike every other plan being discussed in the state ensures that taxpayers are respected and treated fairly instead of being treated like an ATM machine to pay for the past mistakes of elected officials," said John Tillman, CEO of the Illinois Policy Institute.

The five areas outlined by the Illinois Policy Institute and their projected savings include:

-Property tax freeze - $3.4 billion-

-Ending Illinois’ pension crisis through self-managed plans - $1.65 billion less than baseline

-Aligning AFSCME costs with what taxpayers can afford - $1.1 billion

-Streamlining Medicaid spending - $415 million

-Higher education reform - $500 million

A current proposal advanced by Senate Leader John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) calls for an income tax increase and borrowing $7 billion to pay overdue bills, among other measures. A vote had been scheduled last week on a package of bills dubbed the "Grand Bargain" but has been delayed until Feb. 7.

Tillman did not take direct aim at the Grand Bargain, rather, he described results of a personal income and corporate tax increase imposed in 2011 which he said did "none of the things" that politicians said they would do.

That tax increase, which was enacted under former Gov. Pat Quinn and partially sunset at the end of 2014, promised a stronger economy and that the state's backlog of bills would be paid down.

Tillman said that despite generating an additional $31 billion in revenue, the 2011 tax increase failed to fix the state’s economy or erase the backlog of bills.

"Instead, Illinois was thrust into an even deeper economic hole, the state’s pension debt increased by more than $20 billion over that period, businesses fled the state and so did hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents," he said.

"It made things worse."

Tillman was joined at a press conference by Republican lawmakers Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) and Allen Skillicorn (R-Crystal Lake).

Ives said that "nearly every conversation she has at the door" with constituents in Wheaton results in people telling her that they cannot afford their property taxes, some saying they will leave the state when their kids are finished with school. She also said they tell her they are not getting the benefit they deserve out of services paid for.

"My district is very much aware of where the state is headed," she said. "Unfortunately, the General Assembly is not."

Illinois is an "outlier," Ives said.

"Our financial condition is what is extreme, not these policies we are tyring to put in place. We need to correct that."

She said Springfield is "all about lobbyists, special interests, unions and longtime political people who have made their mark in Springfield, and not made their mark in private sector or with taxpayers."

Ives also said that the ideas being proposed in the Illinois Policy Institute budget are not new, and that many, including pension reform, have been written up years ago but have never gotten out of the House Rules Committee.

Skillicorn said the state needs bold leadership and transformative policies, including property tax reform since some Illinoisans pay two-to-three times more than average in the country.

He also said that municipalities should provide services at lower costs and that pension reform is needed, otherwise the "bubble," left unchecked will lead to more property tax and income tax increases.

↧

Washington Park mayor claims removal from electoral board motivated by desire to control April election

January 31, 2017, 3:44 pm

≫ Next: Five convicted of East St. Louis vote fraud in ’05 worked for campaigns in ‘16

≪ Previous: Illinois Policy Institute proposes property tax freeze, moving pensions to self-managed plans, no tax increase

Washington Park Mayor Ann Rodgers claims St. Clair County Circuit Judge Robert Haida and county Democrat chairman Robert Sprague kicked her off the village’s electoral board in order to control the April 4 election.

Rodgers sued the board “and the members purporting to be its members” in circuit court on Jan. 17, seeking to void the board’s actions of Jan. 4.

The board sustained an objection against Rodgers and denied an objection against opponent Rickie Thomas, the current village clerk.

Trustee candidates Shawn Newell, Marcus Henderson, Toni Whittaker and Herod Hill joined the suit, claiming the board improperly removed them from the ballot.

Attorney Eric Evans of Granite City wrote for the five petitioners that they believe Thomas “with assistance from Robert Sprague appeared before Judge Haida to change the composition of the electoral board.”

Evans wrote that a few weeks earlier, Thomas had tried to take control of the village board and install Sprague as village attorney.

Evans attached a “general administrative order” that Haida signed on Dec. 30, designating citizen Joan McIntosh as a board member.

“Joan McIntosh shall serve as chairperson of the board,” Haida wrote.

He wrote that he acted “upon verbal request by the election authority.”

He did not name an individual.

According to the suit, no one authorized such a request to Haida or anyone else.

The suit claims that late on the afternoon of Jan. 3, Rodgers received notice that the electoral board would hear objections at the courthouse the next morning, whereas, the proper electoral board planned to hear objections the next night.

Newell, Henderson, Whittaker and Hill allegedly received no notice.

The board at the morning meeting included McIntosh and trustees Clyde Jackson and Debbie Moore, the suit claims.

A proper board should have initially included Rodgers as president, Thomas as clerk, and James Madkins as longest serving trustee, it claims.

“The electoral board for hearings on objections to the office of president should have been James Madkins, Clyde Jackson and Debbie Moore, as Rodgers and Thomas as candidates for village president would have been disqualified,” the suit says.

“The electoral board for hearings on objections to candidates for the office of trustee should have been heard by Ann Rodgers, Rickie Thomas and either Clyde Jackson or Debbie Moore.”

Evans wrote that he and Rodgers appeared at the courthouse. The board refused to seat Rodgers and he objected.

“Upon a motion from Rickie Thomas’s attorney Robert Sprague, the electoral board disqualified Eric Evans as the attorney for Rodgers because he is the attorney for the village of Washington Park, even though attorney Sprague had no case authority to support his position,” the suit says.

Rodgers moved for a continuance to retain new counsel. And again, on a motion by Sprague, the board denied her request, the suit claims.

The McIntosh board not only removed Rodgers from the ballot but also denied an objection that Newell filed against Thomas.

The board sustained objections that McKinney filed against Newell, Henderson, Whittaker and Hill.

The board denied an objection that Rodgers filed against trustee candidate Ferris “Chilly” Williams.

Evans wrote that Rodgers was deprived of due process by his disqualification and by the failure to notify her of the verbal request to remove her.

The suit claims that failure to serve notice on Newell, Henderson, Whittaker and Hill violated their due process.

It further states that they couldn’t be present, have counsel present, make their cases, cross examine witnesses or otherwise participate.

Various witnesses who had been ordered to attend the hearing on the evening of Jan. 4 didn’t attend the hearing that morning, the suit claims.

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Five convicted of East St. Louis vote fraud in ’05 worked for campaigns in ‘16

February 1, 2017, 5:57 am

≫ Next: Moore's seat in First Judicial Circuit to be filled by Carbondale attorney Gill

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Five persons who bought votes in 2004 received $12,350 as campaign workers in 2016.
The St. Clair County central Democratic committee paid $2,000 to Charles Powell Jr., who led local meetings about buying votes in 2004.
Legislative candidate Bob Romanik, who ran on the Republican ticket in the state House 114th District, paid $5,000 to Kelvin Ellis, including $1,500 on the Friday before the election.
Romanik’s report for the state election board left a blank for Ellis’s address, though St. Clair County voting records shows him registered at a Belleville address.
Romanik paid $900 each to Sheila Thomas and Yvette Johnson, including $300 each on the Friday before the election.
Jesse Lewis worked for Romanik and the committee.
Romanik’s New Vision Democrats group paid Lewis $1,050 and the committee paid him $2,500, including $1,200 on the Wednesday before the election.
A jury in U.S. district court convicted Powell, Ellis, Thomas, Lewis and Johnson in 2005. They were indicted on charges of taking part in a conspiracy to pay voters for their votes in the November 2004 general election.
All of them, except Johnson, served prison time. Johnson got probation.
While in prison, Powell pleaded guilty to charges that his demolition company violated the Clean Air Act by scattering asbestos around the Spivey Building – a vacant and historic 12-story building on Missouri Avenue.
Powell completed his sentences in 2008, in time to vote that November.
Last year, in addition to the five, the central committee and Romanik each employed dozens of other East St. Louis residents.
In all, the central committee paid $102,250 to 41 workers.
The committee paid $5,300 to Nathaniel McCloud, $4,750 to Charles Powell III, and $4,600 each to Raymond Bonds, Victoria Clay, Lonzo Greenwood, Lonnie Mosley, Troy Mosley, former mayor Alvin Parks, and Kennis Williams.
The committee paid $4,300 each to Frank Smith and Anthony Tarvin, $4,100 to Kim McAfee, and $4,000 to Kenneth “Bug” Watts.
The committee paid $3,900 to Roy Mosley, and $3,800 to Sherwin Haywood.
Romanik paid his East St. Louis crew $94,590, through his New Vision Democrats group early in the year and later through his campaign.
His campaign paid $8,200 to Oliver Hamilton, who pleaded guilty in December to charges that he spent East St. Louis township funds on himself.
Hamilton faces sentencing in U.S. district court in March.
Romanik paid $4,800 to Terrance Stith, $4,600 to Edith Moore, and $4,500 each to Carl Spraggins and Chaya Fleming.
He paid $4,000 each to Leroy Henderson and Harry Hollingsworth.
On the Friday before the election, Romanik paid a total of $5,200 to 12 persons whose addresses he listed as East St. Louis, with no street address.
Some workers, like Lewis, received funds from Romanik and the central committee:
-Romanik paid Terrance Harlen $4,600, and the committee paid him $1,300.
-Romanik paid Tyrone Bills $3,200, and the committee paid him $2,300.
-Romanik paid Samuel Swanson $2,800, and the committee paid him $2,300.
-Romanik paid R. C. Clark $3,000, and the committee paid him $2,000.
The committee paid Timothy Lockett $2,200, and Romanik paid him $1,380.
In his quest for a seat in the state House, Romanik was defeated by Democrat Latoya Greenwood by a margin of 57.2 to 42.8 percent.

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Moore's seat in First Judicial Circuit to be filled by Carbondale attorney Gill

February 1, 2017, 7:09 am

≫ Next: Federal court green-lights lawsuit challenging state’s gun restriction policies for families

≪ Previous: Five convicted of East St. Louis vote fraud in ’05 worked for campaigns in ‘16

Carbondale attorney Carey C. Gill, 40, of Carterville has been appointed an at large circuit judge in the First Judicial Circuit, the Illinois Supreme Court announced Jan. 26.

The First Judicial Circuit is comprised of the southern Illinois counties of Alexander, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union and Williamson.

Gill's appointment fills the vacancy created when Judge James R. Moore was elected to the Fifth District Appellate Court in November.

She will sworn in on Feb. 17. Her appointment expires Dec. 3, 2018, after which the winner of a November 2018 election will be seated.

"I am thankful to Chief Justice (Lloyd) Karmeier and the Supreme Court for appointing me to the Circuit Court,” Gill said. “I am honored to have this opportunity and recognize the great responsibility to both the profession and the community associated with serving on the bench.”

Karmeier recommended Gill to the seat following a review of applicants by a six-person screening committee, which included retired Fifth District appellate justice Johnson County State's Attorney Tambra Kay Cain, retired judge and attorney at Kruger, Henry and Hunter in Metropolis Terry Foster, attorney Kara Lynn Jones of Feirich, Mager, Green and Ryan in Carbondale, attorney Michael Oshel of Harrisburg and attorney William Sherwood of Southern Illinois Healthcare.

“Ms. Carey has established an outstanding reputation in the local legal community, ” Karmeier stated in a press release. “Her good judgment, personal integrity, commitment to the community and demonstrated intelligence and ability make her an outstanding addition to this State’s judiciary.”

Gill has practiced with the Carbondale firm of Barrett, Twomey, Broom, Hughes, & Hoke, LLP since 2001. Her practice areas include real estate, contracts, business, probate & estate planning, eminent domain and general civil litigation. She has also served as a special assistant attorney general for the state since 2005.

Voting records going back to 2008 show that she has voted Republican in primary elections.

Gill earned a bachelor of arts degree in government summa cum laude from Monmouth College in 1998 and her juris doctorate, also summa cum laude, from Southern Illinois University School of Law in 2001.

She is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association's (ISBA) Board of Governors and the ISBA Assembly. She was president of the Jackson County Bar Association from 2005-2006.

Her charitable activities include serving as Cancer Institute Gala co-chair for Southern Illinois Healthcare and as a pro bono legal adviser for Gum Drops, NFP. She served on the board of directors for Puka School, Inc. from 2012-2015.

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Federal court green-lights lawsuit challenging state’s gun restriction policies for families

February 1, 2017, 8:20 am

≫ Next: Illinois Chamber: 'Business Opportunity' tax would be job killer; State needs to constrain spending, accelerate growth

≪ Previous: Moore's seat in First Judicial Circuit to be filled by Carbondale attorney Gill

URBANA — A federal judge recently denied the state’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit challenging its foster parent policies restricting firearms possession.

This is the latest chapter in Shults et al v. Sheldon, a lawsuit filed last July by the Bellevue, Washington-based Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and the Illinois State Rifle Association on behalf of Kenneth and Colleen Shults in U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois. George Sheldon, director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS), is named as the defendant.

“We brought this action on behalf of the plaintiffs to establish that the state’s restrictions on the possession and carrying of firearms by foster parents are unconstitutional under both the Second and Fourth Amendments,” SAF’s founder and Executive Vice President Alan Gottlieb said in a news release following the court’s ruling. “…(I)t is important to establish that people do not surrender their Second Amendment rights in order to become foster parents."

District Judge Colin Stirling Bruce ruled that the plaintiffs presented “sufficient factual allegations to state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face,” giving the green light for the lawsuit to proceed.

“We don’t believe … other than their offering speculation and hypothetical horror stories, (the defendant is) going to be able to provide any evidence to justify the strong restriction that they place on foster families,” David Sigale, attorney for the plaintiffs, told the Record.

Court documents state the Shultses are IDCFS foster parents who are currently fostering a child they want to adopt and have three natural children. The complaint states that foster families must sign an IDCFS firearms agreement to securely and separately store guns and ammunition, to have guns fitted with a trigger lock, and to keep the key off the premises or in the gun owner’s possession.

"It's not fair," Sigale said. "Why should the plaintiffs lose the ability to exercise their right to self-defense because they foster children? Why should they have to make that choice?"

Sigale, who began litigating Second Amendment cases in 2008, is currently representing plaintiffs in a similar case in the Western District of Oklahoma.

According to court documents, “The Shultses would possess loaded and functional firearms for self-defense and defense of family, but refrain from doing so because they fear their foster children being taken away from them by the State, and/or being prohibited from being foster parents in the future …”

If the state rejected foster families based on the books they read or the religion they practice, "no one would stand for that," Sigale said. "They wouldn't try any of this with a First Amendment right. And the Supreme Court has held that the Second Amendment cannot be treated any worse. Obviously, the right to self defense is very important."

The plaintiffs are seeking attorney’s fees and costs, and a declaratory judgment that the IDCFS policies restricting firearms possession and carrying by current and future foster parents are null and void.

U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois Case number 2:16-cv-02214

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Illinois Chamber: 'Business Opportunity' tax would be job killer; State needs to constrain spending, accelerate growth

February 1, 2017, 8:48 am

≫ Next: St. Clair County treasurer, tax buyers seek to exclude engineer's testimony in bid-rigging class action

≪ Previous: Federal court green-lights lawsuit challenging state’s gun restriction policies for families

SPRINGFIELD – If lawmakers adopt a “Business Opportunity Tax Act.” it would make Illinois one of the few states in the nation that taxes payroll, and would return personal and corporate tax rates to near record-high rates that residents were subject to during the term of Gov. Pat Quinn.

And with the state already in economic decline - as seen by an out-migration of jobs and population - the new tax would likely have the opposite effect of growing opportunities for business owners, according to Illinois Chamber of Commerce president Todd Maisch.

“We’re calling it a ‘jobs tax,’ because it’s literally a tax on jobs,” Maisch told the Record. “It’s an idea that I think was not vetted internally. It’s out there, and a bad idea, and the Illinois Chamber is very much opposed.”

Maisch said the proposed tax will be especially tough on manufacturing in Illinois, given the jobs decline in that sector.

“Other states have been adding north of 100,000 manufacturing jobs, while Illinois has actually lost manufacturing,” he said.

The proposal would tax employers based on payroll, separating them into five different brackets with employers paying between $225 and $15,000 in taxes on payroll for a taxable year.

Another group critical of the proposal is the Illnois Policy Institute, which has stated the tax would “worsen Illinois’ position significantly by increasing the incentive for businesses to move their labor force out of Illinois.”

The tax would not only negatively impact big business, Maisch said it would disproportionately impact small business owners. He said it would charge fees based on the size of payroll at a time when Illinois residents already suffer under one of the highest tax burdens in the nation.

“Everyone should be opposed to a tax on creating jobs, which is what this proposal really is," he said. "But to make it even worse, it really hammers small businesses more so than our larger employers. It takes a bad idea and makes it even worse, by targeting small businesses which create, of course, most of the jobs in the state of Illinois and the nation.”

He said that in many communities, when the economy gets tough, local government works to establish tax incentives for businesses that choose that locale for their investment.

“This (tax) is 180 degrees the other way,” said Maisch. “I think it was an idea that was not very well thought out and one that I’m increasingly confident that the Legislature will reject.”

That doesn’t mean that Maisch doesn’t recognize the revenue problems Illinois is grappling with; in fact, he said that business people are well aware of the problems, and that business owners are more than willing to come to the table and discuss what can be done to help the state return to prosperity.

“There is going to be a need for revenue, so businesses are ready to have that discussion,” Maisch said, “but only after we know what the state is going to do to accelerate growth, number one; and number two, what they’re going to do to constrain government spending. There is going to be a discussion about revenue; I don’t think it’s going to be centered on a jobs tax.”

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St. Clair County treasurer, tax buyers seek to exclude engineer's testimony in bid-rigging class action

February 1, 2017, 11:09 am

≫ Next: Tightening of 'part-timers' pension eligibility seen as positive by taxpayers' advocate, but only 'tinkers' with big problem

≪ Previous: Illinois Chamber: 'Business Opportunity' tax would be job killer; State needs to constrain spending, accelerate growth

St. Clair County Treasurer Charles Suarez and several tax buyers accused of participating in a bid-rigging conspiracy seek to exclude an engineer’s testimony, arguing that his opinion is not based on "reliable principles or methods."

Joe Vassen, John Vassen and V.I. Inc. filed a motion to exclude the opinions of Dr. Carl Peters on Dec. 23 through attorney Paul T. Slocomb of Hoffman & Slocomb LLC in St. Louis.

Peters has a PhD in engineering and claims he is qualified in the field of statistics, specifically descriptive and inferential statistics.

Descriptive statistics deals with the presentation and collection of data. Inferential statistics involves drawing the right conclusions from the statistical analysis that has been performed using descriptive statistics, the motion states.

The defendants allege Peters admits that he has only performed a descriptive statistical analysis of the case and that he never personally saw any type of delinquent real estate tax auction when comparing the information to neighboring Madison County.

“Dr. Peters admits that he assumed that the guilty pleas of several of the Tax Buyers and the Treasurer proved that there was, in fact, bid rigging in Madison County; however, Dr. Peters admits that he did not consider the fact that no one has been charged or even investigated as it relates to the St. Clair County Tax Sales,” the motion states.

The defendants also allege Peters did not consider individual tax buyer’s bidding patterns or habits, as well as other unique characteristics for each tax purchase.

The defendants seek to have Peters’ opinions excluded, which they say “is not based on sufficient facts or data.”

“His testimony is not the product of reliable principles and methods. Dr. Peters has not reliably applied any principles and methods to the facts of the case,” the motion states.

The defendants say Peters did not employ “technique or theory.”

“Instead, Dr. Peters’ opinion is simply a subjective, conclusory approach that cannot reasonably be assessed for reliability. No regression analysis or other statistical analysis was used. Dr. Peters also has failed to adequately account for obvious alternative explanations,” the motion states.

Defendants Barrett Rochman, Kenneth Rochman, Sabre Group LLC and SI Securities filed a joinder of the motion to exclude on Jan. 11 through attorneys Andrew Kasnetz, Timothy Sansone and Natalie Kussart of Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard in St. Louis.

Defendants Dennis Ballinger Sr., Dennis Ballinger Jr., Empire Tax Corp. and Vista Securities Inc. also filed a joinder of the motion to exclude on Jan. 12 through attorney Daniel Delaney of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP in Chicago.

Defendants St. Clair County and Charles Suarez filed a joinder of the motion to exclude on Jan. 13 through attorney Garrett Hoerner of Becker Hoerner Thompson & Ysursa in Belleville.

Plaintiffs Kevin and Kathleen Dvorak filed a memorandum of law in opposition to the defendants’ motion to exclude Peters on Jan. 13.

They argue that Peters formed his opinions based on the available data on tax sales from St. Clair County, Madison County and 30 other Illinois counties.

“No issues have been raised concerning the reliability of the underlying data used by Dr. Peters,” the opposition states.

Further, they allege Peters chose his method, because “this is not a simply average bid.”

The plaintiffs argue that Peters’ opinions are “relevant and reliable,” and contain no errors in his calculations or analysis.

“Although the gross disparities in penalty bid rates during the same time period between St. Clair County and other Illinois counties (other than the admittedly anti-competitive Madison tax sales) is a comparison Defendants surly want to avoid, it is a relevant one,” the opposition states.

The plaintiffs add that because Peters looked at 30 other Illinois counties for the same time period, the higher rate increases in St. Clair County are not “anomalies.”

According to the complaint, two couples sued Suarez and tax buyers in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois on Oct. 17, 2014, alleging a conspiracy similar to one that sent former Madison County treasurer Fred Bathon to prison.

John Bloyer Jr., Adrianne Bloyer, and the Dvoraks, all of O’Fallon, claim the alleged conspirators artificially inflated interest rates at tax sales in 2007 and 2008. They claim Suarez illegally rigged bids at sales of delinquent taxes to enrich Democratic campaign contributors.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois case number 3:14-cv-01119-SMY-RJD

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Tightening of 'part-timers' pension eligibility seen as positive by taxpayers' advocate, but only 'tinkers' with big problem

February 2, 2017, 5:26 am

≫ Next: Proposed payroll tax seen as burden on business

≪ Previous: St. Clair County treasurer, tax buyers seek to exclude engineer's testimony in bid-rigging class action

A taxpayers' advocate sees a recent decision that increases the minimum number of hours that Madison County employees must work in order to be eligible for pension benefits as a positive move, but one that only "tinkers" with a more profound problem.

Last month board members changed the number of work hours needed from 600 per year to 1,000 per year in order for county workers to stake a claim in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.

“The recent change by the Madison County Board is a good move for taxpayers, but raising county employees’ minimum number of work hours to collect IMRF pensions is merely tinkering on the edges of a much broader problem,” Jared Labell of Taxpayers United of America told the Record.“Defined benefit government pensions are unsustainable.”

County employees previously received IMRF pension for working approximately 12 hours a week, but because of this change, the hours have increased to a minimum of 20 hours of work. The change won’t affect current employees, but will apply to new hires.

“Employees currently working 600 hours a year at a minimum won’t be required to work additional hours to remain in IMRF, so the changes only affect new hires and not existing county employees,” Labell said.

Other counties across Illinois are also increasing the amount of hours an employee is required to work before receiving their benefits. But, according to Labell, the pensions promised to government workers are overly lavish and unfair to taxpayers.

“To receive pensions for as little as 12- or 20-hour work weeks is astonishing. If government employees are to receive pensions, taxpayers should expect these individuals to at least work full-time,” Labell said.

“Taxpayers are struggling under numerous tax burdens in this state. Income taxes, local taxes, and rising property taxes are all tied to the broader government pension problem in Illinois. IMRF is funded through local property tax increases and taxpayers should demand more accountability with their hard-earned money.”

The TUA has advocated for at least offering state workers the option of moving into 401(k) plans, which has been met with fierce opposition by state labor groups. .

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Proposed payroll tax seen as burden on business

February 2, 2017, 6:54 am

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While it might not be such a problem for big businesses to absorb a proposed "Business Opportunity" tax - "for the privilege of doing business in the state" - small business owners could suffer the greatest.

The proposal would assess additional tax on businesses based upon their annual payroll. Businesses with payroll under $100,000 would pay $225; between $100,000 and $250,000 would pay $750; between $250,000 and $500,000 would pay $3,750; between $500,000 and $1.5 million would pay $7,500; and in excess of $1.5 million would pay $15,000.

State Sen. Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon) said he has seen what high taxes have done to Illinois in the past and is astounded that several of his counterparts in the General Assembly are in favor of an amendment to a proposed beverage tax.

“It’s a bad bill, it’s bad for the people of Illinois,” McCarter said.

McCarter said he fears that if the bill passes, it will be a big burden for small businesses because even the smallest tier of the payroll tax would be higher than a current franchise tax that small businesses pay per year, which is $25.

“It’s nothing but an opportunity to pick people’s pockets,” said McCarter.

The bill has received support from both Democrats and Republicans who are seeking a solution to balance the budget, but McCarter is not enthusiastic about his counterparts in the state Senate being in favor of a bill that could cause businesses to leave the state, and his constituents, high and dry.

“This doesn’t fix the problem long-term,” said McCarter.

In prior occasions where high taxes were passed, he saw people move out of the state for a more affordable place to live despite having jobs that yielded a good income. This is something that McCarter doesn’t want to see happen again because it means less money going back into Illinois’ economy.

“We saw what happened last time,” said McCarter. “This is a huge mistake.”

The bill was introduced by State Sen. Toi Richardson (D-Chicago Heights) and was placed on the Senate calendar for a third reading last week.

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