Richards drops individual suits but still suing cattlemen's association

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Last week, in a press release from the Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association (RRCA), it stated that idividual lawsuits against members of the board of directors had been dismissed.
While that is true, the plaintiff in the case, Russell Richards, informed the Record last Thursday that he in fact agreed to drop the individual suits but is still pursuing action against the association. “I am still asking for what I am owed on my contract (four years).”
Richards noted that the RRCA board, “hasn’t even given me a reason for dismissing me.”
Contrary to what RRCA President Ken McKinnon told the Record last week, the press release they sent out last week was not from their lawyer. “We (RRCA) have to take ownership for the release,” he said Friday. As for the content of the release he stands by its accuracy saying, “It is my understanding that once a court proceeding is final it is made public.”
On the other hand Richards claims that he was not ordered to drop the individual suits. “I signed off on those myself.” His lawyer, Robyn Clinker, concurred, “We agreed to drop the individual suits but there is still action pending against the association.”
When asked for the name and phone number of the RRCA’s attorney McKinnon refused to give it citing confidentiality reasons.