Retired Illinois State Police lieutenant Bob Hulme has announced that he will be joining the race for a seat on the Madison County Board in Edwardsville’s District 17, against incumbent Ann Gorman.

Hulme, a Republican, who has run for the District 17 seat in the past and has served as the Madison County Republican Chairman, said he would like people in the county to be fully aware of what is going on in the county.

“My strategy is to talk about the way things are in the county and provide some real representation for the people in the 17th District,” he said. “This county’s board and the present chairman love to spend money. And I believe our taxes, especially property taxes – which go towards paying for a lot of things, are way too high.”

The University of Illinois graduate and U.S. Army veteran said that after challenging his property taxes he got them reduced significantly, and advises everyone in the county to do the same.

“The value of our property was overvalued by over $50,000,” Hulme said. “I think other people should do the same thing [challenge their property taxes] because the people who do the estimation of the taxation of the property values are not very skilled. But they are skillful in bringing more money into the county than the cost of the property would warrant.”

Hulme said that that he has been involved in politics for the last 20 years as a Republican, and even though he ran for Sheriff twice and lost both elections, he has met a lot of people over the years that have a real interest in providing more accountable government to Madison County.

In his announcement, the 35-year resident of Edwardsville said the “Democrat political machine,” which he challenged in a 2001 federal lawsuit - Hulme v. Madison County - is still very much at play today. 

In Hulme v. Madison County, the court ultimately found that the Democrats' re-districting plan was invalid, unconstitutional and unenforceable.  

"Even though we were successful exposing corrupt machine politics, almost 15 years later we still have a political machine running Madison County," he stated. 

Regarding the "political machine," Hulme said, “It’s time to break it. It’s been past time to break it. Our problem is that it’s a one-party system. And the leadership of this Democratic Party are assured that every one of the people on the county board will say, ‘Yes, sir,’ and give them anything they want.”

Hulme believes that there just aren’t enough Republican voices on the board to question the way things are currently being run. 

“I want to add to that number of Republicans and make this a county board that’s going to be responsible and question whether the need is there for the more money that the county board and county administration always seem to want,” he said.

Another issue that Hulme brought up in his announcement was his desire to have an “ethical county government.” 

“The ability to hide money is one of the things I see going on," he said. "For instance, when the county board raises money for the coming year and they allocate money for different funds and agencies, they always allocate more money than they actually spend. Then, at the end of the year when they have a surplus, they find a special place to put it and they buy it.”

Hulme said that he looks forward to bringing transparency to the county board, and said the people of Madison County can expect him to always be honest with them.

Gorman, a Democrat, is a global alliance manager at Teradata Corporation. She has held her seat on the county board since 2010 and disagrees with Hulme’s claim that money is being hidden and misused by the county.

“County board members are here to look at each of the departments and make sure that they make decisions that are fiscally responsible," she said. "If there are funds available at the end of the year and there are purchases that are necessary, those would be brought before individual committees who may be requesting these funds."

Gorman also pointed out that the funds in question would go through a review process with the respective committee and then be brought to the broader board for a vote. 

“So it would be a bi-partisan vote,” she said.

As for what the people in the 17th District can expect should they vote for her, Gorman said she plans to remain consistent.

“What I’ve always run on is, ‘How do we make fiscally responsible decisions yet provide the services that we all expect,’” she said. “I’m going to continue to work with the groups that I represent, which are our Grants committee, Technology committee and Finance committee; and work to make decisions that will benefit all of us.”

Gorman said she is proud of the progress the county board has made in bringing both parties together on important decisions. “I think that the board and Alan Dunstan have recently done a great job of pulling at least the majority of the Democrats and Republicans together to make these decisions,” she concluded.

The primary election is March 15, 2016. The general election is Nov. 4, 2016.

SPRINGFIELD — Michael Madigan on Wednesday tossed out one possibility for new Illinois tax money, a bump in the income tax rate.

In fact, he said raising the personal income tax by 33 percent would a good spot to start talking.

Toward the end of his luncheon appearance before the City Club of Chicago, the speaker of the House caught a potential hand grenade of question: “How high do you think taxes need to go?”

Madigan, D-Chicago, smiled and started with, “Let me avoid creating a headline for tomorrow’s newspaper.”

After laughter from the audience, Madigan continued “…and say a good place to begin — a good place to begin — would be the level we were at before the income tax (increase) expired. Starting there, you can go whatever direction you want to go.”

The temporary income tax increase of 2011 ramped Illinois’ personal income tax rate to 5 percent and the corporate rate to 7 percent. Those increases rolled back to 3.75 and 5.25 percent, respectively, at the beginning of this calendar year.

Madigan’s answer wouldn’t appear to lock him into a set number, especially as he indicated there was room to talk, but it does comport with his frequent statements that more revenues, along with some cuts, will be needed to address the state’s financial problems.

Of course, “tax increase” remains a charged term in the Capitol, as many Illinoisans favor no increases at all, but instead advocate cuts well into the billions.

Republicans are holding to the position that they won’t support tax increases unless they get some of the main items from Rauner’s “turnaround agenda,” which they consider fundamental reforms to the state’s political and business environments.

“Taxpayers need to pay close attention,” Sen. Republican Leader Christine Radogno said of Madigan’s income tax remark Wednesday. “The powerful Democrat leadership is proposing a whopping 33 percent income tax increase — with no reforms to change the way we do business in Illinois.”

She said, “The citizens of Illinois want structural reforms that will lead to a more competitive Illinois economy and middle class economic growth, while protecting the taxpayers.”

The speaker’s remark about the income tax rate isn’t terribly surprising, said Kent Redfield, a political scientist and professor emeritus at University of Illinois, Springfield.

“The state is certainly going to need new revenue, although I don’t know whether it will come from income tax or somewhere else,” Redfield said.

The state’s in a bind, said Jim Nowlan, a political analyst and former GOP member of the House. Madigan and other lawmakers know the state has to not only pay what it now owes but also must someday resume covering the obligations it has been shoving to the side of late.

“I think higher education in particular has a concern that once they (lawmakers and the governor) agree to a tax increase, will that tax increase be sufficient to fund future budgets but not pay them what they’ve funded on their own this year?” Nowlan said.

Higher education has taken a hit so far in fiscal year 2016, he noted, with universities in some cases fronting tuition for thousands of students who’d been relying on state-funded grants from the Monetary Assistance Program.

Madigan’s office on Wednesday evening issued a statement saying he wasn’t advocating a specific tax increase but still believes in a combination of new revenues and spending cuts.

“We have no plans to advance legislation to change the income tax rate, and I am committed to working with the governor to develop a budget that provides for a balanced approach to solving our budget deficit,” the speaker said in that news release.

The governor has said he wants to avoid raising taxes but might be able to live with some increases, perhaps temporary, if they come with what he considers reforms.

“Compromise will be the key,” he said last week during the public portion of meeting with the legislative leaders.

Illinois is in the sixth month of fiscal year 2016 without a budget. Meanwhile, the state is spending at pace that could put it roughly $5 billion into the red as it funds primary and secondary education, satisfies its debt service and pays for items specified by courts and in continuing appropriations.

Mark Fitton is a reporter for Illinois News Network.

Chiropractor Gerald Bemis of Alton, once a favorite plaintiff for class action lawyers, has returned to that role.

He sued two California companies in federal court on Dec. 4, for sending him a facsimile, and he moved to certify a class on Dec. 7.

“Unsolicited faxes damage their recipients,” wrote his lawyers, Philip Bock of Chicago and Timothy Campbell of Godfrey.

The lawyers wrote that a recipient loses the use of his fax machine, paper and ink toner.

They wrote that an unsolicited fax wastes valuable time and interrupts privacy.

Bock and Campbell associated with Tom Lakin’s law firm of Wood River at the crest of the class action wave in Madison County, prior to 2005.

Lakin filed at least 20 class actions against insurers for Gerald Bemis and brother Frank Bemis, also a chiropractor.

The Illinois Supreme Court shut down the last of those actions last month, denying review of an appellate court decision in favor of Employers Mutual.

In that case, Campbell represented Frank Bemis.

In the new action at federal court in East St. Louis, Gerald Bemis seeks damages from Progressive Funding, 11th Hour Investments and 12 John Does.

He claims they sent advertisements in an attempt to attract borrowers, without invitation or solicitation.

He seeks damages of $500 to $1,500 per violation under the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

He also alleges common law conversion.

“By sending plaintiff and the other class members unsolicited faxes, defendants improperly and unlawfully converted their fax machines, toner and paper to defendants’ own use,” Bock and Campbell wrote.

“Defendants also converted plaintiff’s employees time to their own use,” they wrote.

Bemis also alleges that the defendants violated Illinois consumer fraud law, by forcing him to pay for their advertising.

He claims they caused substantial injury to hundreds of persons.

U.S. District Judge David Herndon will preside. 

BELLEVILLE–An Illinois woman is suing a health care business, alleging she was terminated for seeking workers compensation benefits. 

Rosanita Valentine filed a lawsuit Nov. 9 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Vitas Healthcare Corporation, alleging retaliation and harassment.

According to the complaint, on Aug. 15, 2013, Valentine, a nurse's aide, injured her back and hip while tending to Vitas patients. She sought medical treatment and soon thereafter returned to work.

On Nov. 11, 2013, the suit says, the plaintiff was terminated despite her satisfactory work performance. The lawsuit states her termination was due to the fact she had pursued a workers compensation claim for her injuries. 

Because of the termination, the plaintiff is charging the defendant with retaliation and malicious action with intent to coerce, harass and discriminate. The action was also designed to financially injure the plaintiff, the suit says.

Valentine seeks $250,000 in damages, plus court costs. She is represented by attorney Samuel a. Mormino Jr. of Mormino, Belloff & Snider of Alton.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-639.

BELLEVILLE–An Illinois woman is suing a motorist, alleging negligence for injuries she says she sustained when the defendant's vehicle collided with hers.

Pamela Loftin filed a lawsuit Nov. 9 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Delores Doussard, alleging negligence.

According to the complaint, on Aug. 22, 2014, Loftin was driving on an Interstate Highway 64 eastbound exit ramp near North Green Mountain Road in O'Fallon when Doussard, driving behind the plaintiff, collided with the back of her vehicle.

The suit says the defendant's negligence caused the plaintiff serious injuries for which she sought medical treatment and for which she will require care in the future. The plaintiff also has incurred a permanent disability and loss of normal life, the suit states.

Loftin seeks at least $50,000 in damages. She is represented by attorney Steven E. Katzman of Katzman & Sugden in Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-640.

BELLEVILLE–A St. Clair County man is suing a local law firm and a lawyer, alleging they mishandled the estate of his deceased father.

Donald Knuckles Jr. filed the suit Nov. 18 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Binsbacher & Griffithe and attorney Valroy Binsbacher, all of St. Clair County, alleging liability and professional negligence.

According to the complaint, on Jan. 27, 2000, Knuckels' father executed a trust in which he appointed his son as successor trustee. At the time he executed the trust, Knuckles Sr. was married to Brenda L. Knuckles. On Aug. 17, 2001, that marriage dissolved and on March 20, 2011, the couple remarried. But Knuckles Sr. never amended the trust regarding his wife and the plaintiff's mother, the suit says.

Knuckles Sr. died May 25, 2012, and on June 21, 2012, the plaintiff retained the defendant to represent him in the administration of the trust. Knuckles Jr. alleges his questions weren't answered adequately.

As a result, the lawsuit alleges, the plaintiff has suffered injury and loss by the depletion of trust assets he used to assist his mother, the lost interest of the money, attorney fees and costs associated with this case and the plaintiff's time required to fulfill his duties as trustee.

Donald Knuckles Jr. seeks a trial by jury, at least $50,000 and court costs. He is represented by attorney Robert W. Schmieder and Paul W. Johnson of SL Chapman LLC in St. Louis.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-660.

BELLEVILLE–A Waterloo man is suing a driver and employer, alleging negligence after he says a motor vehicle accident left him injured.

Dwight R. Donley filed a lawsuit Nov. 17 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Donald L. Ott and Petroff Trucking Inc.

According to the complaint, on Aug. 25, Donley was stopped at the stop sign northbound Jefferson Street in St. Clair County. Ott, individually and as an employee of Petroff Trucking, made a left turn southbound and struck Donley's vehicle, the suit says.

The lawsuit states the plaintiff was injured and disabled, causing him to seek and pay for medical assistance. He also has lost wages and benefits as a result of the injuries and is sure to do so in the future, the suit says.

Donley seeks at least $50,000 from both defendants in damages, court costs and attorney fees. He is represented by attorney Stephen C. Buser of the Law Office of Stephen C. Buser of Columbia.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-659.

BELLEVILLE–A St. Clair County man is suing his attorney and the attorney's law firm, alleging misrepresentation in a claim against the plaintiff's father's estate.

Albert J. Davinroy Jr. filed the lawsuit Nov. 6 in St. Clair County Court against Charles Stegmeyer, individually, and Stegmeyer & Stegmeyer, which employs the defendant.

In late 2006, Davinroy retained Stegmeyer to represent him in a claim against his father's estate. According to the complaint, Stegmeyer breached the legal standard of care and his duty to the plaintiff. Specifically, the plaintiff charges the defendant said Davinroy had reached an agreement about the estate, which the plaintiff denies.

Furthermore, Davinroy alleges Stegmeyer waived the plaintiff's right to participate in his mother's estate and if not for the defendant's negligence the plaintiff would never have done that.

Dainvroy seeks a trial by jury and at least $1 million. He is representing himself.

St. Clair County Court case number 15-L-635.

"Define objectives and organize for victory" is a strategy that retired Army intelligence officer Doug Jameson is applying in his new role as chairman of the St. Clair County Republican Party.

And rebuilding the party's foundation by filling vacant precinct committee positions has been a top priority.

Jameson said that since assuming chairmanship in mid August, the occupancy rate of precinct committeemen seats has increased from around 40 to 55 percent, which is to a point on par with the number of positions the dominant Democratic Party has filled.

"There is a myth that this is a Democratic county," he said. "It's not."

He said the stereotype has perpetuated because a lot of the base has not come out to vote due to a lack of Republican candidates on the ballot.

That, however, is changing. In next year's general election, Republicans are fielding candidates in six of seven county-wide races.

The office of State's Attorney, occupied by Democrat Brendan Kelly, is the only seat in which Republicans are not challenging the incumbent.

And, of the 20 county board seats up for election, Republican candidates are running in 17 of them,

Signs that the county is trending toward a more conservative base can also be observed in results of last year's governor's race. Republican candidate Bruce Rauner beat Democrat incumbent Pat Quinn by roughly 6,000 votes, or an eight percent margin in a county that has for decades strongly favored Democrats.

Of the county's 226 precincts, 135 of them voted in favor of Rauner, or 60 percent of the total including East St. Louis.

While Republican Mike Bost of Carbondale lost to incumbent Democrat Bill Enyart of Belleville for the 12th Congressional seat by 4,000 votes in St. Clair County, he handily won the southern Illinois district.

The significance of winning the congressional seat that widely popular Democrat Jerry Costello occupied for 25 years until 2013, was huge, according to Jameson.

He compared the win to the Normandy beachhead established by U.S. led Allied forces on D-Day.

Jameson also called last year's election the beginning of a "political sea change," that will only continue. Along the way, he said, county governance will be transformed.

One of the reasons the Republican party is strengthening, is due to what Jameson calls an influx of "political refugees from the local despotic government."

In other words, he says that long-time Democrats, including current and former elected officials who have been adversely affected by their party, as well as Independents, are coming into a welcoming Republican party.

A lot of them feel "they have been taken advantage of by their party," Jameson said. As these "refugees" assimilate, he said the St. Clair County Republican Party is becoming "much more diverse."

Two long-time Democrats who have switched party affiliation are Cahokia residents Jerry Nichols, a village trustee, and former mayor Gary Cornwell.

The village is one of the most staunchly Democrat, both men say. Described as part of the "below the hill" voting block, Cahokia lies within Centreville Township. Only one precinct out of 27 in Centreville Township favored Rauner over Quinn last year.

Centreville Township is just one of three remaining Democratic strongholds in the county - the other two being East St. Louis, in which all 25 of its precincts favored Quinn, and Canteen Township, which includes Washington Park, where all 14 of its precincts favored Quinn.

Nichols, who has served as a village trustee for six years, will be seeking a county board seat in District 25 against Democrat James Haywood in next year's general election.

His reason for running? "In order to have honest government," he said. "It's been really bad here."

Nichols said he is "done with the Democratic party," even though "there are still a lot of good Democrats."

He described instances of "crooked" elections, misuse of taxpayer funds, as well as politically motivated mistreatment from county leadership.

He has been outspoken in his criticism of a recent plan adopted by the village board - in which he was the only no vote - to annex a blighted unincorporated area into the village. Nichols said the primary target of the annexation proposal was to gain presumably Democratic votes from the Parkfield Terrace neighborhood, to counteract the loss of Democrat votes that he and Cornwell are taking to the Republican party.

Nichols said Parkfield Terrace is among the most crime-ridden in the county, a neighborhood which he says even the Sheriff's Department is reluctant to patrol. He also said that annexing the neighborhood would be a burden to existing village taxpayers.

Calls to Mayor Curtis McCall, Jr. and other village trustees who voted for the ordinance, have not been returned.

Cornwell, who lost election as mayor in April to McCall by 411 votes, said he had been aligned with the Democrat party all his life, and even before he was old enough to vote.

His father, Fred Cornwell, is thought to have been the longest-serving Democratic precinct committeeman in the county. But, he too, has switched affiliation and seeks election as Republican precinct committeeman.

Gary Cornwell said he will be running as a Republican in a challenge to incumbent Democrat Patty Sprague for St. Clair County Auditor. Patty Sprague is wife of St. Clair County Democrat Chairman Bob Sprague, a Belleville attorney, who also represents the village of Cahokia.

Cornwell said his interest in running for Auditor is to provide citizens with honest and transparent government.

He discussed in detail instances of alleged voter fraud in Cahokia involving the use of absentee ballots, which he said has ballooned in Cahokia since certain restrictions over casting those ballots were lifted several years ago.

In the April election, he claims that an unusually high number of absentee ballots - approximately 2,500 - were requested, but that several hundred of those were never returned to be counted at the County Clerk's office. He said the number of absentee ballots requested in April was more than double than in any other election.

"It was out of whack," he said. "Much higher than normal."

According to official election results produced by the county, 3,919 votes were cast in Cahokia's April election that involved mayoral, trustee and village clerk races. There are 9,538 registered voters in Cahokia. That puts turnout at 41 percent.

Cornwell alleges that fraud has come into play when people are offered drugs or money for votes. He said that some citizens are not aware they are requesting absentee ballots that political operatives put before them. He also said that some operatives "bum rush" people to get them to request absentee ballots or otherwise threaten and intimidate.

When asked why this type of alleged practice would take place, Cornwell said, "The powers that be in Belleville, they want to control things here to benefit themselves.

"They have a monopoly and that is not healthy."

Another front

Republicans are also battling on another front through challenges to the nominations of Circuit Judges John Baricevic, Robert Haida and Robert LeChien, who are running for election on the Democratic ticket next year.

Dallas Cook, Belleville city clerk and a Republican candidate for St. Clair County circuit clerk, filed objections with the State Board of Elections on Dec. 7 seeking to have the judges' names stricken from the March 15 primary ballot.

Cook's main objection raises a question on the constitutionality of their candidacies. By tradition and law, judges seeking successive terms in Illinois are subject to running for retention in which the threshold for winning is higher - two-thirds voter approval - versus running for election in which only a simple majority is needed.

Baricevic has defended the strategy as legitimate. He has said that judges are bound by the Code of Judicial Ethics in speaking out on certain topics, and because of those restrictions the judges would not be able to appropriately defend themselves against potential criticism. 

The election over retention strategy was tried one other time in state history, in St. Clair County in 2006. Then, former circuit Judge Lloyd Cueto vacated his seat and ran for it, defeating O'Fallon attorney Paul Evans. 

A Board of Elections panel will convene on Cook's objections at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 14.

BELLEVILLE–An Illinois couple is suing radiologists, alleging a misread diagnostic test resulted in unnecessary medical bills and lasting injury.

Robert Furgeson and Anna Furgeson filed a lawsuit Nov. 10 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Dr. David Spirer, Aaron Settler and Clinical Radiologists.

According to the complaint, on Nov. 4, 2013, Robert Furgeson, with a history of mid-back pain, underwent an MRI of the thoracic spine. The suit alleges Spirer and Settler negligently and carelessly misread the MRI and negligently and carelessly failed to follow procedures regarding discrepancies between preliminary and final radiology reports. 

As a result of said negligence, the suit states, the plaintiff has been permanently injured, prevented from attending to his usual duties, lost wages and income, and become responsible for large medical bills. Anna Ferguson brings the same charges and damages, including being permanently deprived of the companionship and support of her husband.

The Furgesons seek at least $75,000 against all three defendants, including court costs and attorney fees. They are represented by attorney Samantha S. Unsell of Keefe & Keefe PC of Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-643.

BELLEVILLE–A Dupo motorist is suing a county highway department, alleging his motor vehicle accident was caused by a poorly maintained road.

Patrick D. Mezo filed a lawsuit Nov. 13 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against the St. Clair County Highway Department. 

According to the complaint, on Sept. 4, Mezo was driving on a Cahokia roadway that the defendant is responsible for maintaining. As he was approaching a levy wall, the suit says, another driver lost control of his vehicle and veered into the plaintiff's lane, causing Mezo plaintiff to strike the levy in an effort to avoid a collision with the other vehicle.

The suit says St. Clair County was negligent in failing to maintain the roadway in a safe manner, and the defects in the roadway have existed for a long time, long enough for the defendant to have become aware of them and to realize they were a hazard.

The plaintiff was injured, sought medical and hospital care and expects to suffer pain in the future. 

Mezo seeks a judgment of at least $50,000, plus court costs and attorney fees. He is represented by attorney James R. Mendillo of Freeark, Harvey & Mendillo of Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-645.

BELLEVILLE–An Illinois woman is suing another driver, alleging negligence in an automobile accident that left her injured.

Andrela R. Spencer filed a lawsuit Nov. 13 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Cherish L. Braggs. 

According to the complaint, on Aug. 14, Spencer was driving on Old Missouri Road near its intersection with 42nd Street in Alorton, and had stopped at a stop sign. The suit says Braggs was driving behind the plaintiff and approached her from the rear at an unsafe speed, and too close to the plaintiff's vehicle, ultimately colliding with the Spencer's vehicle.

The suit states the plaintiff is injured, expects to suffer pain in the future, has expended money for medical expenses, and has lost wages.

Spencer seeks at least $50,000, court costs and attorney fees. She is represented by attorney Brad L. Badgley of Belleville. 

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-649.

BELLEVILLE–An Illinois customer is suing Wal-Mart, alleging negligence after she was injured while entering a Wal-Mart store in O'Fallon.

Martina Conley filed a lawsuit Nov. 16 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Wal-Mart Stores Inc. 

According to the complaint, on June 15, Conley plaintiff was entering the Wal-Mart at 1530 W. U.S. Highway 50, O'Fallon, when she was struck by the automatic doors. 

As a result, the suit says, the plaintiff was severely injured on her head, body and limbs, both internally and externally, has had and will have medical care expenses, has experienced lost wages, and expects her future earning capacity to be affected.

Conley seeks at least $50,000 plus court costs and attorney fees. She also requests an order of discovery against Wal-Mart for a copy of the recording of the incident. She is represented by attorneys Thomas C. Rich, Kristina Cooksey and Michelle M. Rich of Fairview Heights.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-658.

BELLEVILLE – A Belleville woman is suing a furniture store after a bed she had delivered and assembled by the company allegedly collapsed with her child in it.

Melissa Rockwell-Hopkins filed the suit Nov. 13 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Phillips Home Stores, which does business as Ashley Furniture Homestores-Shiloh.

After the plaintiff purchased the bed in April, the defendant delivered and assembled the bed on May 9. The suit alleges, however, that the defendant's employee failed to use the proper parts for the setup of the bed, including the proper supports for the mattress; and failed to warn her and her family that the bed was unsafe.

As a result, when she put her child to bed on May 30, the bed allegedly collapsed, causing injuries and damages, including medical bills, lost wages, past and future pain, and loss of a normal life.

Rockwell-Hopkins seeks at least $50,000 plus court costs and attorney fees. She is represented by Jon E. Rosenstengel of Bonifield & Rosenstengel of Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-647

Madison County Circuit Judge Richard Tognarelli believes in second chances. In particular, he believes that veterans who have suffered the horrors of war should not be abandoned in their time of need.

Tognarelli currently presides over a specialty court created in 2009 to help veterans who have have been charged with non-violent crimes and who are dealing with a drug or alcohol problem and/or a mental health issue, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.

Madison County's Veterans Court was the first of its kind in Illinois, and the third such court in the country, said Tognarelli The court combine rigorous treatment for veterans facing incarceration due to charges stemming from mental health and/or substance abuse issues So far, a total of 197 veterans have been served.

It has not only helped veterans who have served in Iraq but from previous conflicts, as well. 

Tognarelli said that one in six veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom suffer from a substance abuse issue; one in five show symptoms of a mental health disorder or cognitive impairment. He said that research continues to draw a link between substance abuse and combat–related mental illness. 

“We have served veterans from the Korean War, Vietnam War, Bosnia, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Afghanistan," he said. "We have had veterans with significant alcohol and drug abuse problems that have benefited from the treatment provided through Veteran’s Court and the VA. The success rate is quite high, because most are highly motivated to return to a normal life and to re-establish familial ties and relationships.”

Each veteran who enters treatment is held accountable for his or her recovery, he said.

“In order to enter Veteran’s Court, the veteran needs to submit an application to participate,” said Tognarelli. “He (or she) must be honorably discharged. The application may be submitted by the veteran, but normally it is done by their attorney. Referrals may be made from various sources, the court, State’s Attorney office, Public Defender’s office, the Madison County Veteran’s Assistance Commission, law enforcement, and even the website. 

Tognarelli said the applicant is screened by probation and the VA. The application is then forwarded to the State’s Attorney’s office for approval. The veteran is assigned a probation officer, and must comply with all conditions of supervision. He or she is given a treatment plan and must attend status hearings, usually every other week.

The courts work with the vets and various communities, associations, and organizations to promote sobriety, recovery and stability through a coordinated response and allow veterans to go through the treatment court process with other veterans who have similar common past experiences. The court links them with Veterans Affairs services designed for the veterans unique needs, he said. 

Some of the groups include Veteran’s Administration, Madison County Veterans’ Assistance Commission, Chestnut Health Systems, the Veteran’s Center in East St Louis, and St. Louis, Scott AFB, and others. It is also strongly supported by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s office, and the Madison County Public Defender’s office.

Every step in the process is created to ensure the vet lands on his or her feet, he said. And, the response from the community has been very encouraging.

“The response from the court, the public, and veterans has been overwhelmingly positive," he said. "When you observe the transition from abuser and user to responsible citizen and family person, the result is quite uplifting. It is one of the better things we do as judges and lawyers. We return honorable veterans, who have suffered hardship, to the community as productive citizens."

Tognarelli said the treatment court adheres to stringent and meticulous standards. But the rewards at the end of the program for each veteran outweighs the hardships, he said.

“Veteran’s Court is not easy," he said. "It requires strict compliance with a treatment plan. Violations are punished by ordering public service work or jail time. However, if a veteran successfully completes the treatment plan then the charges against them are dismissed. 

“These Veterans have sacrificed their lives to keep us free. They have endured countless hours away from their families. They have suffered, some wounded, not only physically, but also mentally. They have observed many brutal and bloody incidents. They have seen friends injured and wounded or killed...many have been scarred as a result of their protecting our freedom. They deserve a second chance, and Veteran’s Court provides them that opportunity."

Tognarelli said that alternative courts, such as Veteran’s Court, Drug Court, and Mental Health Court keep people out of prison and returns them to the community as productive citizens, if they comply with their treatment plan and at a third of the cost of incarceration. 

"There is nothing better we can do in our criminal justice system," he said. 

A small business owner has placed her bid for a seat on the Madison County Board in District 26 currently held by Democrat County Board member Brenda Roosevelt, who will not be seeking re-election next year.

Erica Harriss, whose company manufactures Saving Grace Hair Powder, was born and raised in Madison County, graduated from Edwardsville High School and Southern Illinois University. She said she plans to raise her family in the county and continue to make it a greater place.

Being involved in her community from a young age and having lived in Madison County her entire life, Harriss said she believes she has a rich understanding of the needs in her community.

“I feel like I get the community," she said. "I get the feel and the vibe of the people here. So the decision to run for county board member seemed like a natural step.”

Harriss said she plans to make a difference in the lives of the people in her community by advocating for less government, and ensuring taxpayers are not overtaxed.

“Taxes here are high," she said. "Of course we all want to help out our community, but I want to make sure that taxpayers aren’t overtaxed, and that it’s being rated wisely so we can continue to have good growth."

Harriss also said that as a small business owner, she doesn’t want to drive businesses and people away from the county because of the tax environment.

“I’d like to help find a good balance of wanting to provide great public services without too high of a cost,” she said.

In a little over a year, Harriss has experienced success in her small business, and ships her hair product worldwide. Her business has received recognition as being innovative. She said she plans to use the same skills she applies in growing her business to the county board.

“I feel like I’m very down to earth and a good communicator, and I apply a lot of common sense, which may sound cliché,” she said. 

Harriss said that she realized that many people in Madison County were unaware of the function of the board when she was collecting signatures to get her name on the ballot and many asked her what the county board actually does.

“I think my ability to effectively communicate will be helpful in educating the people in the district and saying, ‘Here’s what your county board does for you.’ I feel like right now, not everyone knows that,” she said.

With her entire family living in the area, Harriss has no desire to live anywhere else. “Some of the best parts of about Madison County are the people and the location. It’s so central, and people here are so down to earth and giving.”

Harriss will be running against Ross Breckenridge, who will be running on the Democratic ticket. 

Breckenridge stated in his announcement that he has served as Glen Carbon village trustee for the past five years, and plans to apply his experience to “help ensure Madison County remains in sound financial condition.”

RiverBender reports that Roosevelt has endorsed  Breckenridge in the race stating that she has worked with Breckenridge and the Glen Carbon village board on several projects, and had observed his commitment to the community and willingness to make a difference.

Calls made to Breckenridge for a statement we not returned at the time of publication.

Harriss and Breckenridge will face-off at the polls next November.

BELLEVILLE – An Illinois motorcyclist is suing a truck driver, alleging negligence for injuries he says he suffered when he was struck by a truck.

John. E. Hermann filed a lawsuit Nov. 13 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Zachary M. Kreher.

According to the complint, on Sept. 3, Hermann was riding his motorcycle westbound on East Main Street in Belleville. At the same time, the suit says, Kreher was driving his truck in an eastbound direction and made an improper left-hand turn in front of the motorcycle, causing a collision.

As a result, the lawsuit states, the plaintiff was injured in various parts of his body and expects future pain and permanent disability. He also has paid for medical care to treat those injuries and expects more bills in the future, the suit says.

Hermann seeks at least $50,000, court costs and attorney fees. He is represented by attorney Brad L. Badgley of Brad L. Badgley PC in Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-650.

BELLEVILLE – An Illinois woman is suing a Belleville hospital, alleging negligence for injuries she says she received from a fall on an unsecured rug at the hospital.

Felicia Palmer filed the lawsuit Nov. 16 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Protestant Memorial Medical Center, alleging negligence.

According to the complaint, on Sept. 11, the plaintiff entered the hospital at 4500 Memorial Drive, Belleville, when she promptly tripped on an unsecured rug, which had become raised on the floor. The suit says her fall resulted in severe injuries to her neck, back and knees especially. 

The plaintiff says she has experienced pain and suffering and expects to do so in the future. Likewise, she has experienced a loss in wages, and expects to do so in the future, the suit states.

In addition, the plaintiff would like the court, through discovery, to rule the defendant preserve the recording of her fall, and that she may receive a copy of it.

Palmer seeks at least $50,000, plus court costs and attorney fees. She is represented by attorneys Thomas C. Rich, Kristina D. Cooksey and Michelle M. Rich of Fairview Heights.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-654.

BELLEVILLE – An Illinois motorist is suing another driver, alleging negligence for an accident that occurred in the parking lot of a Fairview Heights department store.

Cathy Copeland filed a lawsuit Nov. 16 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Jennifer Poole, alleging negligence.

According to the complaint, on May 19, Copeland was driving through the parking lot of a T.J. Maxx in Fairview Heights when Poole backed her vehicle and struck the plaintiff's vehicle.

The suit says the defendant was driving at an excessive rate of speed and failed to yield the right of way.

The plaintiff says she suffered extensive bodily injuries, especially to her neck, jaw and back. She has spent monies seeking medical care and expects to pay more in the future. The lawsuit states she has also lost wages and expects her future earning capacity to suffer.

Copeland seeks at least $50,000, plus court costs and attorney fees. She is represented by attorneys Thomas C. Rich, Kristina Cooksey and Michelle M. Rich of Fairview Heights.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-657.