00-1861 Keip v. Nicewander, et al.

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Carol Keip sued the Stevens Point Area School District; the district’s transportation director, James Nicewander; and the district’s insurer, Employers Insurance of Wausau, alleging defamation and, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. sec. 1983 (1994), a federal due process violation for failing to provide a name-clearing hearing. Keip’s husband, Duane, sued for loss of society and companionship of his wife. The case proceeded to trial and the jury returned a verdict in favor of Keip on both of her claims and in favor of her husband. The trial court denied various pretrial, trial and post-trial dismissal motions brought by the defendants. The defendants appeal. Keip cross-appeals a trial court decision reducing the damages awarded by the jury on her sec. 1983 claim.

Keip also seeks attorney fees incurred in connection with this appeal pursuant to 42 U.S.C. sec. 1988(b) (1994).

Not recommended for publication in the official reports.

Dist IV, Portage County, Fleishauer, J., Lundsten, J.

Attorneys:

For Appellant: Timothy J. Yanacheck, Madison

For Respondent: Gary L. Dreier, Stevens Point