Pontiac man accused of workplace sexual harassment

By Cynthia Grau

PONTIAC – An investigation into accusations of workplace sexual harassment led to the arrest of a Pontiac man Tuesday.

Police said Ross Mennenga, 42, turned himself in on Tuesday and was arrested on charges of intimidation, a Class 3 felony, and solicitation of a sexual act, a Class A misdemeanor.

According to Pontiac Police Major Dan Davis, the investigation into the case began June 28 after two women who had been employed at Quik Cash on Howard St. in Pontiac reported that their employer, Mennenga, had allegedly made sexual advances to them that they refused.

Davis said some texts were forwarded to the police department, which detailed Mennenga’s alleged attempt to coerce victims to stay quiet about the harassment, threatening their jobs and warning them that police would be following them.

Mennenga is free after posting bond and is scheduled to appear in court on August 29.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…