Former Cairo city attorney files motion to determine lawful officeholders
James Flummer, former Cairo city attorney, filed a quo warranto with the Illinois attorney general to settle who legally holds city offices after Mayor Paul Farris fired and appointed officials without council approval. The dispute centers on legality of the firings, appointments, and Flummer's resignation, with potential court action to restore officials or confirm new incumbents.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cairo
James Flummer
Illinois Attorney General's Office
Paul Farris
James Wilson
Flummer
Farris
Allen
Thurston
Cairo faces money controversy over moved funds and payroll issues
Mayor Farris defends shifting city funds to a third institution amid an ongoing internal probe into finances and alleged bookkeeping problems. He says payroll for three department heads was funded from the funds, while Treasurer Ewing and City Clerk Hesselrode were fired and replaced. Thurston denies wrongdoing, blaming Ewing and Hesselrode, and says the books were not under his control. The council and mayor clash as the investigation continues, with a meeting planned to discuss the matter.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Farris
Joseph Thurston
Thurston
Preston Ewing
Lori Hesselrode
Ewing
Hesselrode
Donald Box
DeBran Sudduth
Fred Smith
Franklin County finances show solid city footing despite school red ink
Benton city revenue totals 1.4 million from sales tax state income tax and trash service with no major bond debt but a 3.5 million planned sewer plant. West Frankfort touts a 7.84 million revenue and 8.00 million expenditures for 2003 04 with a balanced budget funded by prior year surpluses. Districts face deficits Benton high school projects 4.91 million in revenue against 5.67 million in expenses amid cuts. West Frankfort unit school district lays off 17 instructors as state funding lags and local economy remains weak. Park districts carry limited debt on civic center loan and an aquatic center financed by bonds and rural bond bank borrowing.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Benton
West Frankfort
Bob Ellis
Ellis
Southern Illinois
Franklin County
Benton High School
Kelly Stewart
Stewart
West Frankfort Unit
Karla Lee
Lee
State Comptroller’s Office
Benton Park District
Dale Carson
Carson
Park District
Benton Civic Center
West Frankfort Park District
Accuracy Hotline for The Southern Illinoisan Leads Readers
Readers are urged to report inaccuracies in The Southern Illinoisan via the Accuracy Hotline. Call 529-5454 ext. 5031 from Jackson County or (800) 228-0429 ext. 5031 from elsewhere.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jackson County
Carbondale Woman Pleads Innocent to Cannabis Charges
A Thursday newspaper misidentified the defendant and town. The Carbondale woman pleaded not guilty to cannabis possession and related charges in a local court, with details appearing in the report.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Carbondale
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Allen Law Office
Mounds
McArthur Allen
Finance
Lisa Madigan
Mark.lambird
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Barb Kinnear
Mike Nolen
Brendan Tolan
Wal-Mart
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Marion
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Olney
Sparta
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Dave's
Gill's
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Novacom Inc
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