Former economic director sues Sikeston, BMU

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Sikeston's former director of economic development has filed lawsuits against the city and others for unlawful termination. Attorneys for William O. Green, who was terminated from his job on Feb. 5, filed suit Friday in Scott County Circuit Court and are filing litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri seeking monetary damages in connection with Green's firing. His lawsuit names as defendants the members of the Sikeston City Council, members of the Sikeston Board of Municipal Utilities as well as city manager Doug Friend and director of utilities Ed Throop. Both lawsuits allege the termination of Green's employment occurred only after a "wanton and callous disregard" for Green's rights. Contacted Friday, Sikeston city attorney Chuck Leible said he was not aware of the lawsuits and would not comment.