Star gets $2.4 million award in RiseUp lawsuit

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The Kansas City Star received a $2.4 million award in a court case against the owners of RiseUp, a short-lived magazine on race relations.

A judgment was entered in Ray County Circuit Court on Tuesday against Ellis Management Marketing Group Inc. and its principals, Janice S. Ellis and E. Frank Ellis.

The Star printed RiseUp for several issues in 2008 before publication was suspended. The Star claimed it was owed $2.2 million in fees.

The Ellises originally sued The Star, contending they were not personally liable for the printing and distribution fees.

Judge David H. Miller supported The Star’s counterclaim against Ellis Management and entered the $2.4 million award, which includes court costs and attorney fees.

A lawyer representing Ellis Management said she was disappointed with the ruling.

“But we’re optimistic about our chances on appeal,” said Catesby Major, a Bryan Cave attorney.

RiseUp Publications LLC filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, listing assets of $6,900 and debts of nearly $6 million.

| Randolph Heaster, rheaster@kcstar.com

Posted on Wed, Oct. 28, 2009 10:42 PM

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