Information Page

Thank you for visiting this online petition and information page. A brief history of the case is available along with written and online petitions. Links to articles from the Courier Journal and other local media are available. More information can be found by looking at: Marine Causulty/Marine Inspection REPORTS (My Listing of them)

Courtesy Courier Journal

Welcome to the link to the web site for the
United States District Court - Western District of Kentucky.

This site provides web access to public information previously distributed directly through the Offices of the Clerk of Court.

Western District of KY. (U.S.D.C.)

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
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    • Docket in the various courts

    Various Cases for Brennan

    3:98CR35-S (WDKY-show trial to scapegoat Callan for the lack of seaworthiness of the Belle)
99-5934 (Appeal for Conviction and Sentence)(6th Circuit)
01-8817 (Petition for Writ of Cert)(USSC)
5:02CV412 (EDKY-Callan vs. BOP, et al)
02-5719 (Appeal for Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction)(6th Circuit)
5:03CV26 (EDKY-Callan vs. BOP, et al)
03-5066 (Petition for Writ of Mandamus)(6th Circuit)
03-5747 (Appeal for Restitution-Double Dipping on part of Jefferson County Gov.)(6th Circuit)
5:03CV528 (EDKY-Callan vs. BOP, et al)
04-5245 (Petition for Writ of Cert)(USSC) Coram Non Judice (lack/want of subject-matter jurisdiction) 
Restitution-Double Dipping on part of Jefferson County Gov.)(6th Circuit)
05-6848 (Appeal on Coram Non Judice (lack/want of subject-matter jurisdiction) Restitution-Double Dipping on part 
of Jefferson County Gov.)(6th Circuit)

    Written Petition

     There is a written petiton which is being circulated through the community. If you wish to help with this effort you can download the petition and the petition cover letter. Print off as many copies as you need and mail the filled out petitions to:
    Acquittal for Brennan Callan


    Online Petition

     We are also asking for people to sign this online petition. Your name, e-mail, and additional comments will be sent along with this letter:
    We respectfully petition you to pardon Brennan James Callan, whom the jury said is guilty of partially sinking the Belle of Louisville (steamboat) in August 1997. The prosecution admitted that there were no witnesses, no fingerprints, and no hard evidence that Brennan James Callan attempted to sink the Belle.

    We have followed the media coverage and believe that an innocent person is being made the scapegoat. Therefore, we ask your help in obtaining a pardon in the case of the United States of America vs. Brennan James Callan, Criminal Action No. 3:98CR-35-S, United States District Court, Western District of Kentucky at Louisville.

    We believe that this is the most direct way to let those who are able to pardon Brennan know how you feel. If you would like to e-mail these elected officials directly, their e-mail addresses are listed below for convenience.
    Name:
    E-mail:

    Comments:

    Belle of Louisville "Audit" Presented, 7 June 2000
    The recent "audit" of operations at the Belle of Louisville and Spirit of Jefferson has been completed, and is ready for review.
    (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

    This site linked above is refered to as the "Audit" of the Belle of Louisville, however, members of the Jefferson County and City of Louisville governments have admitted to me personally that "this document is only an 'OPERATIONAL REVIEW' AND NOT AN AUDIT BECAUSE AN AUDIT WOULD ACTUALLY SHOW PRECISELY WHO WAS AT FAULT FOR EACH AND EVERY SITUATION. THE OPERATIONAL REVIEW ONLY COST APPROXIMATELY $4,500.OO AND A LEGITIMATE AUDIT WOULD HAVE COST MUCH MORE." [emphasis mine].

    Coverage by the Courier Journal

    This is a listing of all of the articles that can be found on the Courier-Journal's webpage. There is also a Search Form available to search the site for articles. (Please note the the only extends back until August 1998, making the articles on the sinking unavailable on the web.

    Articles Prior to Trial

    1. Man accused of sinking the Belle can't pay lawyer (4 Aug. 1998)
    2. Man accused of sinking the Belle can't pay lawyer (4 Aug. 1998)
    3. Belle riding high a year after sinking (23 Aug. 1998)
    4. Belle of Louisville gets spruced up: Warm weather gives repair crews head start on routine maintenance (12 Dec. 1998)

    Articles about the Trial

    1. Trial set to start in Belle sinking (7 Feb. 1999)
    2. Jury is picked to decide Belle case (9 Feb. 1999)
    3. Jury is picked to decide Belle case: Federal trial expected to last up to two weeks (9 Feb. 1999)
    4. Prosecutor focuses on Callan's behavior, remarks: Defense says nothing ties him to Belle sinking. The government has no eyewitnesses, no fingerprints and no confession to prove that Brennan Callan sank the Belle of Louisville. (10 Feb. 1999)
    5. Police say man altered Belle story: Suspect in sinking changed his alibi, detective testifies (11 Feb. 1999)
    6. Callan cited valve during Belle rescue, witnesses say (13 Feb. 1999)
    7. Callan cited valve during Belle rescue, witnesses say (13 Feb. 1999)
    8. Callan's mother says he was home night Belle sank (17 Feb. 1999)
    9. Jury to resume deliberations in Belle sinking: 2 alternate jurors released by judge doubt Callan guilty (18 Feb. 1999)
    10. Man convicted in Belle sinking (19 Feb. 1999)
    11. Man convicted in Belle sinking: Jurors found circumstantial case persuasive (19 Feb. 1999)

    Articles after the Trial

    1. Callan fights to clear name in Belle sinking: Brennan Callan won't go down without a fight. (28 June 1999)
    2. Callan gets 2 1/2 years in Belle case (1 July 1999)
    3. Belle needs pumping system to be ready for Thunder: Work to begin before board has $135,000 required (24 Feb. 2000)
    4. BELLE'S UNCERTAIN FATE: Costly repairs may force a hard decision: To dock riverboat and use it as a museum (25 Feb. 2000)

    Information on the Belle

    1. Picture of Great Steamboat Race 1998 (29 April 1998)
    2. Bigger Picture of Belle of Louisville (29 April 1998)
    3. The Belle of Louisville has resumed normal operations after an intake pipe clogged over the weekend, causing the boat to be towed home and one public cruise to be canceled. (18 Aug. 1998)
    4. Falls Fountain may be finished (30 Sept. 1998)
    5. Belle offices set to be spruced up Wharf boat will undergo $43,000 face lift (28 Dec. 1998)

      1999

    6. Shabby but beloved old set, used as winner's trophy, will be retired soon: New Gilded Antlers glittering on horizon of Great Steamboat Race (24 Feb. 1999)
    7. Derby Clock still looking for a home (3 March 1999)
    8. Spirit of Jefferson's "Thunder Over Louisville Cruise" (11 March 1999)
    9. 'Gilligan' stars to board Belle (10 April 1999)
    10. Derby Festival Steamboat Race Trial/LG&E Derby Festival Spirit of Jefferson Steamboat Race Cruise/Derby Festival Great Steamboat Race (18 April 1999)
    11. ROLLING ON THE RIVER: Home offers plenty of viewing spots for boat race (24 April 1999)
    12. Up in steam (25 April 1999)
    13. Belle bows out of steamboat race: Boiler leak will keep boat dockside (26 April 1999)
    14. Belle bows out of steamboat race (26 April 1999)
    15. The Great Pretender: It isn't steam that propels Belle's stand-in (28 April 1999)
    16. The Great Pretender: It isn't steam that propels Belle's stand-in" (28 April 1999)
    17. Race is to the quick; prize is to the grand (29 April 1999)
    18. Belle of Louisville maintenance-The County Budget Capital Projects (30 April 1999)
    19. Belle of Louisville
    20. Life-Saving Station #10
    21. Baptist ride Belle of Louisville (21 June 1999)
    22. McAlpine Locks get $300 million expansion: Ceremony to kick off project: Modernization will speed up river traffic (25 June 1999)
    23. Callan gets 2 1/2 years in Belle case (1 July 1999)
    24. The group will film at the Belle of Louisville today (20 July 1999)
    25. Riverboat dock nearly completed: Spirit of Jefferson will begin cruising later this month (4 Oct. 1999)
    26. Belle tastes victory in Tall Stacks race (18 Oct. 1999)
    27. Spirit of Jefferson claims to win in boat race (27 Nov. 1999)
    28. Spirit of Jefferson claims to win (27 Nov. 1999)

      2000

    29. The '60s Images of Triumph & Turbulence: Jefferson County acquires sternwheeler Avalon, renames it Belle of Louisville.
    30. Wharf park envisioned for Portland:Interpretive center among mayor's ideas (1 Jan. 2000)
    31. City's revenues for year are higher than projected: THE BELLE: $100,000 for the Belle of Louisville. (11 Feb. 2000)
    32. Excursion boats need bailing out (18 Feb. 2000)
    33. Excursion boats need bailing out Board has asked Louisville, county for over $500,000 (18 Feb. 2000)
    34. Belle needs pumping system to be ready for Thunder (24 Feb. 2000)
    35. Belle needs pumping system to be ready for Thunder: Work to begin before board has $135,000 required (24 Feb. 2000)
    36. BELLE'S UNCERTAIN FATE (25 Feb. 2000)
    37. BELLE'S UNCERTAIN FATE: Costly repairs may force a hard decision: To dock riverboat and use it as a museum (25 Feb. 2000)
    38. County gives Belle pump and reprieve (1 March 2000)
    39. County gives Belle pump and reprieve: Public could be called upon for endowment (1 March 2000)
    40. The Belle of Louisville crossed the Ohio River yesterday to Jeffboat in Southern Indiana for installation of a new pumping system. (2 March 2000)
    41. Brown-Forman gives a challenge grant of $50,000 for Belle (3 March 2000)
    42. Brown-Forman gives a challenge grant of $50,000 for Belle (3 March 2000)
    43. Brown-Forman gives a challenge grant of $50,000 for Belle (3 March 2000)
    44. Galt House gives $50,000 for Belle of Louisville (7 March 2000)
    45. Galt House gives $50,000 for Belle of Louisville Hotel matches Brown-Forman challenge grant (7 March 2000)
    46. Is Belle of Louisville out of steam? (9 March 2000)
    47. 85-YEAR-OLD SYMBOL OF CITY REACHES A CRITICAL JUNCTURE: Is Belle of Louisville out of steam? Group to chart boat's course as ridership shrinks (9 March 2000)
    48. [Spirit of] Jefferson takes first steps to keep Belle cruising on the river (10 March 2000)
    49. [Spirit of] Jefferson takes first steps to keep Belle cruising on the river 3-phase plan calls for more oversight and fund raising (10 March 2000)
    50. Bank gives $50,000 for Belle of Louisville (11 March 2000)
    51. Bank gives $50,000 for Belle of Louisville (11 March 2000)
    52. Coast Guard pitches in to help refurbish Belle's buddy [wharf boat Mayor Andrew J. Broaddus] (12 March 2000)
    53. Economic benefits of arenas uncertain: Courting NBA puts Louisville in national debate [Benefits to Belle] (13 March 2000)
    54. Fiscal Court Meeting: "County likely to appeal gay-rights ruling" & info about Belle finances" (15 March 2000)
    55. Belle gets $100,000 from foundation (17 March 2000)
    56. Belle gets $100,000 from foundation: Gheens gift increases donations to $350,000 (17 March 2000)
    57. DERBY FESTIVAL: Your Guide to the Festivities: Belle of Louisville events (17 March 2000)
    58. Belle fund drive successful
    59. Belle fund drive successful: $50,000 donation completes effort to raise $600,000 (21 March 2000)
    60. Community projects in peril as budget bill goes to Senate...Belle loses funding (21 March 2000)
    61. Shortfall built into Belle budget (23 March 2000)
    62. Shortfall built into Belle budget: Paddle-wheeler needs to raise nearly $600,000 (23 March 2000)
    63. Jackson asks Belle's director to resign (24 March 2000)
    64. Jackson asks Belle's director to resign: Judge-executive says job needs the 'right skills' (24 March 2000)
    65. Armstrong: Jackson hasty in firing Belle director (25 March 2000)
    66. Armstrong: Jackson hasty in firing Belle director: Mayor says law gives him say in matter (25 March 2000)
    67. 150 rally against Senate's budget cuts Loss of funds for Jefferson projects decried (affects Belle of Louisville too (25 March 2000)
    68. Blasting for McAlpine lock worries some (Belle goes through locks on special trips) (27 March 2000)
    69. Blasting for McAlpine lock worries some: Army engineers try to reassure area residents (Belle goes through locks on special trips) (27 March 2000)
    70. Belle of Louisville director resigns under pressure (28 March 2000)
    71. BELLE OF LOUISVILLE DIRECTOR RESIGNS UNDER PRESSURE (28 March 2000)
    72. Boat board member pays bill for Spirit party 2 years late (30 March 2000)
    73. Boat board member pays bill for Spirit party 2 years late (30 March 2000)
    74. Belle will return home this week (10 April 2000)
    75. Belle will return home this week: Steamboat's repairs are nearly finished (10 April 2000)
    76. Belle returns home for Thunder Over Louisville (12 April 2000)
    77. Belle returns home for Thunder Over Louisville: Boat to go back for more repairs before big race (12 April 2000)
    78. Just call the riverfront Thunder Road (16 April 2000)
    79. Numerous projects get state funding: Belle of Louisville $400,000.00 (16 April 2000)
    80. LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP: Construction, education were budget's big winners: Local projects swelled to 718 (16 April 2000)
    81. The First Saturday in May -- 2124 How will the future transform the Derby? (25 April 2000)
    82. Belle takes first cruise of the season (30 April 2000)
    83. Belle takes first cruise of the season (30 April 2000)
    84. Belle of Louisville back cruising on the river (1 May 2000)
    85. Belle of Louisville back cruising on the river New bilge pumps ready in time for steamboat race (1 May 2000)
    86. Photo Gallery of Great Steamboat Race (3 May 2000)

      Begining of race-3 May 2000

    87. Derby 2000 Events
    88. GREAT BOAT RACE: Belle is ready to slap water (3 May 2000)
    89. Derby 2000 Attractions
    90. DERBY FESTIVAL 2000: The morning line Odds that ... (3 May 2000)
    91. A part-time teen-age deckhand turned into captain of the Belle (3 May 2000)
    92. New fund-raiser for the Belle launched (4 May 2000)
    93. For Derby royalty, the run never stops (4 May 2000)
    94. THE GREAT STEAMBOAT RACE: Belle is back, beautiful and triumphant Beleaguered boat beats steam out of Delta Queen (4 May 2000)

      Great Steamboat Race 3 May 2000

    95. New fund-raiser for the Belle launched Latest effort spearheaded by John Conti (4 May 2000)
    96. Boats get a clean sweep (4 May 2000)
    97. Man leaps from Belle on a dare, is arrested (9 May 2000)
    98. Man leaps from Belle on a dare, is arrested Charge of wanton endangerment greets him after his swim (9 May 2000)
    99. PORTLAND: Meetings focus on Marine Hospital: Varied ideas suggested for using building (Jim McCoy) (12 May 2000)
    100. A new direction: such as contributing $100,000 to repair the Belle of Louisville steamboat earlier this year. (12 May 2000)
    101. $162,300 for Belle of Louisville capital improvements (26 May 2000)
    102. Belle needs better fiscal controls, audit confirms (6 June 2000)
    103. Belle needs better fiscal controls, audit confirms: But no misuse of steamboat money is found (6 June 2000)
    104. Report urges boat be privately run (22 June 2000)
    105. THE FUTURE OF THE BELLE: Report urges boat be privately run: Financial troubles bring call for change (22 June 2000)
    106. The county has also posted public records -- such as the recent Belle of Louisville financial audit -- online. (25 June 2000)
    107. Jefferson may ask firms for bids to run Belle, Spirit (10 July 2000)
    108. Jefferson may ask firms for bids to run Belle, Spirit Riverboats face deficit, could be privatized (10 July 2000)
    109. Businessman suggests methods for helping the Belle of Louisville (13 July 2000)
    110. Businessman suggests methods for helping the Belle of Louisville (13 July 2000)
    111. Star of Louisville owners may bid to operate Belle, Spirit of Jefferson (9 Aug. 2000)
    112. Star of Louisville owners may bid to operate Belle, Spirit of Jefferson: Deadline for proposals is extended (9 Aug. 2000)
    113. 3 companies make proposals to run Belle (15 Sept. 2000)
    114. 3 companies make proposals to run Belle: Boat has been money-loser for Jefferson County (15 Sept. 2000)
    115. U.S. gives $500,000 grant for Belle improvements: Despite aid, boat still faces budget shortfall (11 Oct. 2000)
    116. The Belle of Louisville is to get $500,000 (29 Oct. 2000)
    117. Michael Pfleider, longtime Belle engineer, dies (3 Nov. 2000)
    118. Michael Pfleider, longtime Belle engineer, dies (3 Nov. 2000)
    119. Private firm says Belle can turn a profit with higher fees: Jackson says deal could come by next April (28 Nov. 2000)

      2001

    120. Jefferson finds company to manage Belle, Spirit Long-term deal is in the works for riverboats (16 January 2001)
    121. Derby fest adds second boat race: Spirit to compete just before Belle faces Delta Queen (30 March 2001)
    122. KET program pays tribute to Stephen Foster (Belle mentioned) (23 April 2001)
    123. American beauties and Arquettes join Derby party lists (23 April 2001)
    124. Great Steamboat Race: The Belle loses the battle, but not the party Steamboats' passengers win no matter which craft prevails (3 May 2001)
    125. Great Steamboat Race 2001 photo gallery (3 May 2001)
    126. New Albany building soon to be reborn Hornblower Marine getting new home in Reibel House (Hornblower operates Belle of Lou.) (11 June 2001)

      2005

    127. City will part company with operator of Belle and Spirit (5 January 2005)
    128. Officials try to chart boats' future Belle upgrade, Spirit sale considered (26 January 2005)
    129. Officials try to chart boats' future Belle upgrade: Spirit sale considered (26 January 2005)
    130. Most would sell Spirit to save Belle Waterfront Development seeks public's comment (10 February 2005)
  • THE OHIO RIVER: Beautiful, powerful waterway brings commerce, recreation to Kentucky and Indiana (10 April 2000)

    Articles involving Kenneth Meredith
    (FORMER "EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE BELLE OF LOUISVILLE-resigned in the midst of FINANCIAL SCANDLE AND MISMANAGEMENT on 27 March 2000).

    1. Callan cited valve during Belle rescue, witnesses say (13 Feb. 1999)
    2. Callan gets 2 1/2 years in Belle case (1 July 1999)
    3. Alumni rejoice in rescue of school: Old Male High a landmark in Louisville: Ken Meredith, 1946 graduate from Male High School (22 July 1999)
    4. Riverboat dock nearly completed: Spirit of Jefferson will begin cruising later this month (4 Oct. 1999)
    5. Excursion boats need bailing out Board has asked Louisville, county for over $500,000 (18 Feb. 2000)
    6. [Spirit of] Jefferson takes first steps to keep Belle cruising on the river 3-phase plan calls for more oversight and fund raising (10 March 2000)
    7. Jackson asks Belle's director to resign (24 March 2000)
    8. Jackson asks Belle's director to resign: Judge-executive says job needs the 'right skills' (24 March 2000)
    9. Armstrong: Jackson hasty in firing Belle director (25 March 2000)
    10. Armstrong: Jackson hasty in firing Belle director: Mayor says law gives him say in matter (25 March 2000)
    11. Belle of Louisville director resigns under pressure (28 March 2000)
    12. BELLE OF LOUISVILLE DIRECTOR RESIGNS UNDER PRESSURE (28 March 2000)
    13. Boat board member pays bill for Spirit party 2 years late (30 March 2000)
    14. Boat board member pays bill for Spirit party 2 years late (30 March 2000)
    15. Belle returns home for Thunder Over Louisville (12 April 2000)
    16. Belle returns home for Thunder Over Louisville: Boat to go back for more repairs before big race (12 April 2000)
    17. New fund-raiser for the Belle launched (4 May 2000)
    18. For Derby royalty, the run never stops (4 May 2000)
    19. Belle needs better fiscal controls, audit confirms(6 June 2000)
    20. Belle needs better fiscal controls, audit confirms (6 June 2000)
    21. Report urges boat be privately run (22 June 2000)
    22. THE FUTURE OF THE BELLE: Report urges boat be privately run: Financial troubles bring call for change (22 June 2000)

    MV Spirit of Jefferson

    MV Spirit of Jefferson

    Spirit of Jefferson-on Port State Exchange (US Coast Guard)

    Other Local Media

    1. Augusta Chronicle (Georgia)

    2. ENQUIRER.com


    3. 84 WHAS
      News Department


    4. The Louisville Cardinal


    5. WAVE 3 TV


    6. WHAS-11


    7. WLKY Channel 32 TV
      News Department


    8. WQMF-95.7


    9. Voice Tribune Newspaper in St. Matthews
      Voice Tribune Newspaper in St. Matthews#2

    10. The Snitch-Louisville's crime news authority

      Other Information