Judge reinstates convicted felon to Cairo ballot

CAIRO, Ill. -- A city board overstepped its authority when it removed a convicted felon from the Feb. 27 city primary ballot without requiring the candidate's accuser to present evidence, Associate Judge Rodney Clutts said in an order reinstating Charles Koen's candidacy for city council.

Koen, who is seeking the Ward 3 council seat, called the ruling a victory for civil rights. "I am thankful the judge made this ruling," Koen said. "Now we can bring some tranquility to the situation."

Read more about it in Friday's Southeast Missourian.