Deadly Deception, asbestos panel
McLean County Museum of History, 200 N. Main Street, Bloomington, Illinois
On Tuesday, April 29, 6:30 p.m., the McLean County Museum of History is hosting a panel discussion in conjunction with its “Deadly Deception: Asbestos in McLean County” exhibit. From 1951-1972 the United Rubber & Asbestos Company (UNARCO) wove asbestos fibers at its Bloomington plant, leading to over one hundred fatalities.
Panelists include Cheryl Wills, whose father William Tipsord died from mesothelioma at age 57 after working at UNARCO; local attorney James Walker, who represented many plant workers and their families; Goerge Martinez, Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) asbestos remediation instructor; LIUNA 362 retiree Larry Mertes, who worked at UNARCO, and closing remarks offered by Dr. Ericka Wills, University of Wisconsin School for Workers Assistant Professor. WGLT-FM’s senior reporter Charlie Schlenker will moderate the panel.
The event is free and open to the public at the Museum, 200 N. Main Street, Bloomington. The exhibit will also be open that evening.