After two years of negotiations on the Deer Creek Water Works system between the City of Willow Park and coalition cities in east Parker County, the case was taken to trial today.

Jury selection was held on Monday, Oct. 27 and opening arguments began on Tuesday, Oct. 28 in Judge Don Chrestman’s courtroom located in the District Court Building in Weatherford.

The City of Willow Park filed suit against the cities of Aledo, Annetta, Annetta South, Hudson Oaks and the Parker County Utility District No. 1 on Sept. 7, 2007. The lawsuit was filed in response to the purchase offer made for Deer Creek Water Works from the City of Willow Park during 2006.

Willow Park called former mayor Brad Johnson, Doyle Hanley, and its water treatment plant engineer to the stand to testify.

Witnesses who spoke today from the coalition cities included Hudson Oaks mayor Pat Deen and Parker County Utility District No. 1 chairman Kelly Carter. The coalition cities are expected to resume with additional witness testimonies tomorrow.

It is undetermined at this time when closing arguments will be made.
The trial will resume Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 8:45 a.m. in Chrestman’s court.

The Community News will continue to follow the trial an bring its readers the most updated information available. For information, visit www.community-news.com.