Champaign Mayor To Have No Contact With Ex

A judge has ordered Champaign Mayor Don Gerard to stay away from a former girlfriend for two years.

Champaign County Circuit Judge Holly Clemons issued the order Thursday.

Laura Huth had sought the order of protection for eight months after claiming Gerard harassed her and threatened to have the city attorney pursue legal action against her after they broke up last July.

Huth told The News-Gazette that she was grateful that what she called a painful past year is over.

Bruce Ratcliffe is Gerard's attorney. He said the mayor denies the allegations but said he is ready to put the episode behind him. Ratcliffe said earlier this week that Gerard was willing to avoid contact with Huth if it would end the case.