News from September 2009
*** SupCo calendar for 9/14 issue
Argument Docket
Defendant company shut 51 years ago, dismissal says
CHARLESTON -- An electric company is asking the federal court to dismiss a lawsuit a Mingo County man filed against a company that has been defunct for more than 50 years.
Boating deaths result in lawsuits
CHARLESTON – The drowning deaths of two young children and their aunt has created a battle of lawsuits between survivors of the boating accident and owners of the towboat that collided with the personal watercraft on which the children and their aunt were riding.
Man says he was fired after complaining about overtime
MARTINSBURG – A Charlestown man says he was terminated after his alleged complaints of being forced to work overtime without compensation for it.
Complaint too vague, defendants say
CHARLESTON -- Two businesses say a complaint a woman and her husband filed against them should be dismissed, alleging the couple only makes vague allegations against the companies, but should be more specific in their complaint.
Suits focus on East Bank firings, demotions
CHARLESTON - Two former East Bank police officers, the former municipal clerk and the current police chief are alleging the town council played politics with their jobs.
THEIR VIEW: In praise of Judge Berger
WASHINGTON -- I am delighted by President Obama's nomination of Judge Irene C. Berger's nomination for a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, as she is an exceptional candidate.
THEIR VIEW: More praise for Berger
WASHINGTON -- Senator Jay Rockefeller, who recommended the Honorable Irene C. Berger for a federal judgeship on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia and applauded her nomination by President Obama, introduced Judge Berger at her confirmation hearing Sept. 9 before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he praised her credentials and commended her dedication to public service.
CALA: Pay-to-play again on display in McGraw's office
McGraw CHARLESTON -- A legal watchdog group is concerned that state Attorney General Darrell McGraw has again hired campaign contributors to pursue a lawsuit on behalf of the State.
PERSONNEL FILE: Mascari appointed to W.Va. Economic Development Authority
Mascari MORGANTOWN -– Jackson Kelly attorney Parween Mascari recently was appointed by Gov. Joe Manchin III to the West Virginia Economic Development Authority for a term ending June 30, 2011.
Business for Breakfast set for Sept. 25
CHARLESTON -- The September Business for Breakfast is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 25, at the Charleston Marriott Town Center.
W.Va. Chamber unveils 2010 policy papers
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS -– The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce has unveiled its 2010 policy papers that cover key federal and state issues of importance and are designed to enhance the competitiveness of the state's business community and strengthen West Virginia's economy.
PERSONNEL FILE: W.Va. Chamber announces leadership team for 2009-10
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS -– Kent Hartsog, Vice President – Operations Support with Patriot Coal Corporation in Charleston, has been re-elected as the 2009-2010 Chairman of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
Ex-firefighter alleges retaliation of injury cover-up
CHARLESTON - A former Charleston firefighter is alleging he was not only injured during a training exercise, but was also later terminated when he threatened to report the unsafe conditions in which the exercise took place, and subsequent falsification of records.
WVU Law faculty to review USSC cases
MORGANTOWN -- West Virginia University College of Law will review cases from last year's U.S. Supreme Court session in a public forum in observance of U.S. Constitution Day on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 4 pm. in the Marlyn E. Lugar Courtroom at the WVU Law Center.
New Monongalia judge to be sworn in Thursday
Gaujot MORGANTOWN -– Phillip D. Gaujot will be sworn in as West Virginia's newest circuit judge Thursday.
Sears, equipment maker want dismissed from treadmill suit
ELKINS – A popular store and a fitness equipment manufacturer say they should not be co-defendants with a doctor in a lawsuit a Barbour County woman and her husband filed after the woman fell and broke both her arms while running on a treadmill.
Video lottery managers file overtime, mileage suits
CLARKSBURG – Eleven current and former managers of video poker parlors throughout central West Virginia have filed separate federal lawsuits against the parlors and their owner, alleging they worked more than 40 hours per week without receiving overtime pay and were not paid mileage.
Obama reiterates support for tort reform
Obama WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- President Barack Obama again has said he is willing to address problems with medical malpractice lawsuits in his push for a national health care overhaul.
Hampshire man seeks $1M for auto accident
MARTINSBURG – A Hampshire County man is seeking more than $1 million after he says a truck driver ran him off the road and crashed into him while the driver was communicating with his employer.