Wisconsin Pays $25K in Settlement with Blind Vendor

Wisconsin has paid $25,000 in attorneys fees to settle litigation with a blind businesswoman who lost the contract running food service at Fort McCoy.

Under the settlement with Janet Dickey, the state will give her additional business opportunities under a program that gives blind vendors preference at government buildings.

Dickey was hired to help run dining service for soldiers at the military base in western Wisconsin in 2003.

The Army canceled the contract in 2006 after numerous problems resulted in some soldiers missing meals and dining facilities opening late. Dickey blamed poor state oversight and said she suffered lost income.

The state has agreed to expand her vending operations at rest areas and award her at least two new sites.