Stewart's ex-mayor cleared in assault case

It was an emotionally charged confrontation. And, it happened more than two years ago. Maybe that’s why jurors heard several different versions of the truth.

After a two-day trial, they ruled against ex-Stewart police chief James Hansen, in his civil trial against ex-Stewart mayor Kevin Klucas.

The trial began Monday, July 30, and jurors learned Hansen was suing for $150,000 in damages, stemming from an incident in which Klucas allegedly threatened to hit him after an April 2005 meeting at Stewart’s City Hall.

Klucas had called the meeting to address several differences between the two men, whose working relationship had been steadily deteriorating for at least several months.

Hansen claimed Klucas assaulted him, and claimed he was entitled to a cash award as compensation for the ongoing stress, anxiety, fear, humiliation and marital strain caused by the incident.

However, the witnesses’ accounts differed on several points. Klucas used an expletive — or he didn’t. Hansen lost his temper — or he kept his cool. Klucas was backed into a corner — or he wasn’t.

The verdict
After less than a half-hour of deliberation, jurors found Klucas had not assaulted Hansen and Hansen was not entitled to damages.

Shortly after the verdict came, Philip Villuame, Hansen’s attorney, was not ready to make a comment. Beety made no comment other than to say she was pleased with the outcome.

For more information on this story, including a recap of key witnesses' testimony, see the Aug. 1 Leader print edition.

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com)