Hearing Delayed in Ambulance Service Lawsuit

A scheduled hearing Monday in a lawsuit brought against Effingham County by Altamont Ambulance Service has been continued.

Altamont Ambulance filed suit December 5, asking the Court to enjoin the County from moving ahead with proposed plans to open non-emergency transfers to other ambulance services. Monday's hearing was to consider Altamont Ambulance's request for a preliminary injunction against the County.

Local attorney Chris Koester, who has been retained to represent the County in the suit, said only 30 minutes was allotted for today's hearing. Koester said each side will likely be calling several witnesses and the matter and the hearing could not have been completed in the time allotted. A new hearing date is expected today or Tuesday.