News from August 2006
Man says neighbor, a State Trooper, to blame for false arrest
CHARLESTON - A St. Albans man says his neighbor, a trooper with the West Virginia State Police, had him falsely arrested because the two had an ongoing dispute.
Massey, Harman saga might be nearing end
CHARLESTON – Now that a final transcript of a 2002 trial exists, a Boone County case between Massey Energy and Harman Development Corp. might be near an end.
Country club hasn't paid for cooling tower
WINFIELD – A Nitro-based heating and cooling company claims the general manager of a Putnam County country club pulled a Wimpy, saying he'd gladly pay for a air conditioning system the following Friday.
Judge sides with Steel of West Virginia
HUNTINGTON - A Cabell Circuit Judge granted an injunction Wednesday limiting the actions of striking members of a steelworkers union.
Massey employment agreement unfair, lawsuits say
CHARLESTON - Two former employees of Massey Energy Co. have filed lawsuits against it, claiming an agreement they were required to sign when they were hired is unfair.
McGraw settles with debt collectors
CHARLESTON - State Attorney General Darrell McGraw reached a settlement agreement with a Georgia-based debt collector which will provide more than $40,000 in refunds.
Financial advisor charged with misappropriation
CHARLESTON - A federal agency is suing a Charleston investment adviser, claiming he misappropriated funds to pay for his own personal expenses.
'The Law Works' begins new season Oct. 12
CHARLESTON -– West Virginia Public Broadcasting's "The Law Works" begins its eighth season with a discussion about insurance and tort reform. Tune in Thursday, Oct. 12 at 8:30 p.m. on West Virginia PBS, the state's public television network.
Residents sue Sago mine operator, trucking companies for pollution, noise
BUCKHANNON -– Three Upshur County residents have filed suit against the Sago Mine operator and two local trucking companies, citing excessive noise and mining-related pollution have allegedly made life difficult.
West Virginians should stand up to Blankenship
By HUGH M. CAPERTON
PERSONNEL FILE: Spilman Thomas & Battle add three attorneys
Beblo CHARLESTON -- The law firm of Spilman Thomas & Battle PLLC is pleased to announce the following attorneys have joined the firm.
Tinder: Court would have to give nod to attorney conduct, court proceeding changes
Jeannettia D. Spencer poses with her son James. CHARLESTON – Recourse already exists for a party to have a case that was dismissed to later be reopened, and requirements that attorneys to carry malpractice insurance would have to come from the state Supreme Court, and not the state Legislature, says the head of the state Bar association.
Whittaker's companies seek petition against wife
Whittaker WINFIELD – More than two dozen companies of Powerball winner Jack Whittaker have filed a petition for injunction to keep his estranged wife from claiming any interest to land owned by them.
Former Hurricane Police Chief settles suit
WINFIELD - A former police chief in Hurricane settled his lawsuit with the city for $20,000.
Attorney gets more than half of Pinecrest settlement
BECKLEY - More than half of a $300,000 settlement awarded to the family of a man who was beaten to death at Pinecrest Hospital will be given to the family's attorney.
Settlement reached with Huntington police
HUNTINGTON - The Huntington Police Department reached a settlement with a female officer who claimed she was sexually harassed by co-workers.
Hrko: Carte difficult to replace
PINEVILLE - Judge John Hrko can remember the days when Harold "Butch" Carte could bench-press more than 400 pounds.
Lawsuits have side effects
Forbes Magazine (circ. 900,000) proclaimed earlier this month that West Virginia was the second-worst state in the U.S. in which to do business.
Chasing the American Dream ... in W.Va.
Cohen CHARLESTON -- West Virginia is losing her children to the American Dream, according to well-known demographics expert William H. Frey.
McGraw has banked on outside counsel in recent years
McGraw CHARLESTON – Attorney General Darrell McGraw's office has appointed outside counsel as special assistant attorneys general more than 25 times in the last three years.