Latest news with #JamesJennings
CBS News
15 hours ago
- Business
- CBS News
Colorado bar owner settles with former employees over sexual harassment allegations
The owner of a Greeley bar who allegedly spoke about female job applicants as unsuitable for hiring because they were "too ugly" or "not f***able" agreed to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit that was filed by six former employees. James Jennings will pay $100,000 to the group, according to terms of the agreement. The former employees accused Jennings of creating an overtly sexual and hostile workplace environment at Starlite Station, a Western-themed bar and dance hall which opened in November 2018. Their lawsuit, led by attorneys at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, claimed often touched female employees with their permission, pursued relationships with female employees, and pressured female employees to let him sleep at their home. "Unwelcome comments, unwelcome touching, the owner of the business touching women, making comments about female employees' breasts, buttocks, sex stereotypes," said Nathan Foster, a trial attorney with the EEOC, after the lawsuit's filing. "Our complaint alleges that that's a problem not only for the women who were talked about and who were discriminated against, but also for the male employees who didn't want to work an environment where that was the norm." CBS Jennings allegedly made inappropriate comments about some potential female employees being "too ugly" or "not f***able" to certain male employees. He also tried to engage the male employees in discussions about their sex lives. Those conversations included inquiries into whether the male employees were sleeping with any of the female employees. Foremost among the men who objected was Gary DeJohn, the manager hired by Jennings to get the business launched. "I stood up for women that needed to be stood up for," DeJohn said. "It was incredibly hard to deal with. There were times that I - the one with expertise - quit. I told him I wasn't going to put up with it. He actually fired himself when I quit." But Jennings went back on that promise and returned weeks later, DeJohn said. "It wasn't about money. It wasn't about being a business," DeJohn added. "I wasn't going to have my staff there drinking after hours and then sleeping there. That was a problem almost immediately." The EEOC complaint states Jennings had sex after hours at the bar with an intoxicated female employee who had no ability to consent. The Greeley Police Department investigated the 2019 incident and filed no charges against him. The EEOC, however, claims the encounter was captured on a security camera in Jennings's office. Further, a number of employees were told by Jennings in "counseling memos" they had violated company policy by opposing his conduct. The female employee was subsequently terminated when she refused to sign company documents related to the sexual encounter, per the EEOC complaint. The business temporarily lost its liquor license two months after the incident. Another of the former female employees in the EEOC complaint believed she was fired from her position for refusing to have a sexual relationship with Jennings, according to a court document. CBS Two Starlite employees who were not part of the lawsuit backed the sexual harassment allegations in it. Jennings's sexual overtones, they told CBS Colorado in 2022 after the EEOC complaint was filed, began during the interview process prior to the bar's opening. "I was like, 'Cool, I'll be here for an official interview tomorrow morning,'" said former employee Sophia McElroy. "He was like, 'Make sure you wear a low-cut shirt.'" Hailie Duncan was 18 when she applied. She and McElroy both confirmed Jennings did not take action against customers who sexually harassed them, and forced them to wear uniforms they were uncomfortable with. "He was like, 'You don't have to wear it, but you don't have to have a job here,'" said Duncan. In a press release announcing the settlement, the EEOC stated Jennings retaliated against employees in the lawsuit by filing his own defamation suit against them. That is what spurred the EEOC, with the former employees' complaint in hand, to file its lawsuit against Jennings. "This case demonstrates why owners should not think that they can escape liability simply by closing a business and filing retaliatory defamation lawsuits in an attempt to silence victims," stated Mary Jo O'Neill, regional attorney for the EEOC's Phoenix District Office (which includes Colorado), in the press release. The EEOC also accused Jennings and his mother of using corporate funds from their company, 'Murica LLC, to pay a mortgage on a home, a personal loan and personal credit cards. CBS Colorado reached out to Jennings for a response on the accusations and the settlement Sunday. No response has been received. The two parties signed the settlement agreement June 5. "For the five years that this has gone on," said a former female employee and plaintiff in the lawsuit who wished to remain anonymous, "and the damage that he has done, personally, mentally, and emotionally....$100,000 can't bring a life back." That woman and DeJohn both confirmed Michael Chacon, a seventh member of the group who filed the EEOC complaint, took his own life three years ago. The Starlite ordeal was partly to blame, both said. "He was one of the first to say, "I don't agree with what's going on here,'" DeJohn said, "and he tried to bring it up. We all have him to thank." Starlite Station closed in 2021. The strip mall in which it was housed was demolished and re-developed in 2022. DeJohn suggested anyone in the same position as he and the other Starlite staffers trust their instincts. "You know what's right," he said. "Just do what's right. Eventually, you'll be on the right side of it. "And don't be afraid."
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New mobile vehicle emissions testing could come to you
CHICAGO (WGN)—The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency on Friday announced updates to the state's Vehicle Emissions Testing Program, including the reopening of the Forest Preserve Drive location in Chicago. In a new release Friday, Illinois EPA Acting Director James Jennings said that in addition to the Chicago testing station resuming operations, self-serve kiosks and mobile testing units will become available beginning Monday, March. 17. The Forest Preserve Drive location expands the state's Air Team Test Stations in the Greater Chicago area to 11: Addison, 425 S. Lombard Road Bedford Park, 5231 W. 70th Place Chicago, 6959 W. Forest Preserve Drive Crystal Lake, 195 Liberty Road Joliet, 3501 Mall Loop Drive Lincolnshire, 580 Bond Street Markham, 3824 W. 159th Place Naperville, 435 Weston Ridge Drive Schaumburg, 1675 Mitchell Boulevard Skokie, 3555 Jarvis Avenue Waukegan, 2161 Northwestern Avenue PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 'With the updated Vehicle Emissions Testing Program, special consideration was given to underserved areas, convenience to motorists, and traffic flow,' Jennings said. 'We are excited to kick off the new contract that will expand the network of testing options.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
IL EPA awards water infrastructure grants in Central Illinois
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — More than $110 million is going towards local governments to lend them money to improve their water infrastructure. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced in a release Monday $112.7 million was invested in the first half of Fiscal Year 2025 as a part of the State Revolving Fund. This includes both the Water Pollution Control Loan Program which funds both wastewater and storm water projects and Public Water Supply Loan Program for drinking water projects. A part of the money is loan forgiveness towards recipients who qualify for either the Small Community rate or the Hardship rate. So far this year, $9.9 million in loans has been forgiven. Illinois State Comptroller warns of scams during tax season The state offered the loans at the interest rate of 1.87% for the fiscal year 2025. The program is funded through multiple ways including: federal capitalization funding, (which is combined with state matching funds), interest earnings, repayment money, and periodic bond sale proceeds. 'Illinois EPA is proud to operate a robust State Revolving Fund that allows us to partner with local governments in meeting the challenges of aging and deteriorating water infrastructure,' Acting Director of IL EPA James Jennings said. 'Our drinking water and wastewater loan programs provide our communities and water districts with vital funding needed to repair and replace the outdated or failing equipment.' Some of these projects were in Central Illinois, including the Village of Atwood, the Village of Strasburg, the City of Neoga, and the City of Assumption. More information about the program can be found on the Illinois EPA's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Knox County project earns Illinois EPA support
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Acting Director James Jennings has announced the investment of more than $112 million through water infrastructure loans to local governments and water districts – including a Knox County project – for the first half of Fiscal Year 2025 (July – December 2024,) a news release says. The Illinois EPA State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program provides low-interest loans which fund wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water projects. Included in these investments is more than $9.9 million in loan forgiveness, provided to those recipients meeting the loan rules for either the Small Community Rate or Hardship Rate. 'Illinois EPA is proud to operate a robust State Revolving Fund that allows us to partner with local governments in meeting the challenges of aging and deteriorating water infrastructure,' said Jennings. 'Our drinking water and wastewater loan programs provide our communities and water districts with vital funding needed to repair and replace the outdated or failing equipment.' Illinois EPA's SRF includes two loan programs, the Water Pollution Control Loan Program which funds both wastewater and stormwater projects, and the Public Water Supply Loan Program for drinking water projects. Both programs provide funding at a low interest rate of just 1.87 percent for State FY25. These SRF programs receive federal capitalization funding annually, which is combined with state matching funds, interest earnings, repayment money, and periodic bond sale proceeds, to form a multiple source of financing for these infrastructure projects. For more information about Illinois EPA's SRF, visit here. July – December 2024 Loans (FY25-Q1 & Q2)+C1:G10 County Recipient Description Amount Principal Forgiveness Champaign Urbana and Champaign Sanitary District The District will increase flow for the southwest treatment plant (SWP). The current SWP has equipment that is approaching the end of its reliable service life or needs upgrading. Increasing the SWP capacity is needed to properly remove nitrogenous compounds from wastewater. $43,084,944 Christian City of Assumption The City will construct a new water treatment plant that will house high service pumps, pressure filters, ion-exchange softening units, anion exchange units and a chemical feed system. The current filter and softener at the existing plant are nearing the end of their design life and need to be replaced. $4,005,518 $2,843,918 Cook Metropolitan Water Reclamation District The District will rehabilitate existing railings, install mechanical mixers, rehabilitate concrete slabs and structures, and miscellaneous associated piping, electrical equipment, and related appurtenances at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. $55,358,345 Cumberland City of Neoga The City will replace watermains, as well as all associated hydrants, meters, service lines, and appurtenances. Construction is being funded with a Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Community Development Block Grant. Illinois EPA is funding costs associated with engineering and legal services. $117,500 Knox Village of Yates City The Village will drill a new public water supply well. The Village will receive $999,028 in disadvantaged community principal forgiveness and $408,054 in One Well Critical Review principal forgiveness to cover the entirety of the loan. $1,407,082 $1,407,082 Macoupin Otter Lake Water Commission The Commission will replace the water transmission main between Auburn and Pawnee with new watermain. The water transmission main will be constructed between Auburn and Pawnee on the north side of State Rt. 104. $3,921,461 $2,784,237 Madison Village of Maryville The Village will install watermain and related appurtenances. The proposed improvements will allow the Village to improve aging system infrastructure while continuing to provide drinking water to customers. $640,000 Piatt and Douglas Village of Atwood The Village will rehabilitate, upgrade, and complete general improvements at the existing wastewater treatment plant. A new storage shed will also be constructed. Additionally, sewer lining with cured-in-place pipe-lining of sanitary sewers will be completed. $1,910,259 $567,078 Shelby Village of Strasburg The Village will upgrade the existing lagoon including excavation to a further depth, installation of an aeration system, and rerouting the influent and effluent piping. Additional construction includes installation of a lift station, force main to transport sewer flows from Stewardson-Strasburg CUSD 5A to the Village's wastewater treatment plant. The Village will receive $672,005 in affordability criteria principal forgiveness, $815,092 in Wastewater Treatment Facility Consolidation principal forgiveness, and $815,092 in Wastewater Treatment Facility Compliance Solution principal forgiveness to cover the entirety of the loan. $2,302,189 $2,302,189 TOTAL $112,747,297 $9,904,503 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
$3M from Illinois EPA funding Springfield lead service line replacements
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Grants worth nearly $3 million from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) are heading to Springfield for lead service line replacements. Acting Director with Illinois EPA, James Jennings, announced on Friday that an award of $2,890,226 in funding is heading to Springfield to replace lead service lines in the city. The funding is being made available through the EPA's State Revolving Fund (SRF), which provides low interest loan funding for projects focusing on drinking water, wastewater and stormwater. Lincoln Library offering Passport Application Day Additionally, the funding for this project is in the form of principal forgiveness, meaning Springfield will not have to repay any of the money awarded. This is the fourth award the city has received from the Illinois EPA for the replacement of lead service lines. A total of $5,907,942 has been awarded in previous fiscal years, all of which was received in the form of principal forgiveness. 'Making funding available to communities working to remove and replace lead service lines is among the Illinois EPA's highest priorities,' Jennings said. 'This fiscal year, we have reinforced this commitment, with over $120 million prioritized for communities to continue the work of removing the threat of lead leaching into to their drinking water.' 'Be Alarmed!' program bringing awareness to testing smoke, CO alarms in IL With this most recent grant, Springfield is looking to replace approximately 400 lead service lines. Lead is a toxic metal that can accumulate in the body over time, and it can enter drinking water when corrosion of pipes or fixtures happens. Service lines are the small pipes that carry drinking water from water mains into homes. Many houses built before 1990 may have lead service lines and plumbing fixtures and faucets that contain lead. Getting rid of these lead service lines will help reduce lead exposure for residents. Under the Water Infrastructure Fund Transfer Act, in State Fiscal Years (SFY) 2017-2023, the Illinois EPA provided $122 million in funding for Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) for projects directly related to activities that eliminate or reduce lead from potable water. Specifically, in SFY 2024, the state EPA awarded over $13 million is LSLR funding. For resources and information on lead in homes, visit the Lead page on the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency website. And to learn more about the Illinois EPA's SRF, check out the Wastewater/Stormwater and Drinking Water Loans section on the same website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
