Disabilities board, VIP trial date moved to March

A trial date between the county disabilities board and VIP Industries has been moved to March 5 because of a scheduling conflict with the judge.

The trial between the Cape Girardeau County Board for Developmental Disabilities and the sheltered workshop had been set for Feb. 27. Board attorney J. Michael Ponder confirmed that the date has been moved because Judge Stephen Mitchell requested it. The trial is being held in Bloomfield, Mo., on a change of venue.

Ponder said discovery is ongoing and depositions have been taken as both sides prepare for a trial that could take up to three days.

VIP Industries is suing the board for breach of contract for more than $200,000, an amount it claims it is owed since the board stopped making payments. The board has a countersuit for $1.5 million for money that VIP was reimbursed.

Pertinent address:

1330 Southern Expressway, Cape Girardeau, MO