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Breaking News - July 25, 2008
 


 

Judge Rules In Favor Of City of Columbia In Grewe Lawsuit

Terry Grewe at a recent Columbia City Council meeting.

U.S. District Court on Thursday determined the city of Columbia did not have the authority to enter into a development agreement with G.J. Grewe for Columbia Crossing, effectively putting an end to the multi-million dollar lawsuit filed by Grewe against the city for breaching the original contract.

“We are disappointed the city, which negotiated with us for years and enacted ordinances while Grewe spent millions on this project, now are not bound by their word,” said Gerard Carmody, the lawyer representing Columbia Crossing LLC and G.J. Grewe.

Judge Phil Gilbert ruled in a summary judgment that Columbia’s status as a non-home rule municipality did not provide the city with the legal authority to enter into the type of an agreement that provides for some future negotiations. In non-home rule cities, local government only has the powers granted to such communities by state statute.

In granting the city's motion for summary judgment, the court held that the ordinance the city passed authorizing the agreement for Columbia Crossing with G.J. Grewe was null and void and of no legal force and effect, according to Columbia City Attorney Tom Adams.

Carmody said Grewe plans to appeal the judge’s decision.

 

Blossner Pleads Guilty Of Prostitution: Mandy Blosser of Waterloo pleaded guilty on Thursday to a felony count of prostitution. She was sentenced to two years of probation, 30 hours of community service and must undergo periodic drug testing during her probation.

The charge against her husband, Steven, of keeping a place of prostitution was dismissed.

 

 

Next Paper:
Friday, August 1

  Coming Events

July 20 - July 27: Monroe County Fair

July 29: Flood Plain Map Open House at County Annex - 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Aug. 3: St. Patrick’s Church of Tipton Auction & Chicken Dinner

Aug. 3: 5 p.m. – Columbia’s Music At Metter with Morland Drive and Blues Racket

Aug. 15 & 16: Columbia Daze

Aug. 16: St. Augustine’s of Hecker Kirchenfest

Aug. 22 & 23: Waterloo Homecoming

Aug. 23: Waterloo Optimist 5k Run / Walk

Aug. 28 – 31: Traveling Vietnam Wall in Hecker