Actor Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson have filed an appeal with the Idaho Supreme Court on a Blaine County ruling last month that would have barred further litigation into allegations of construction defects at the Hanks' $10 million home north of Ketchum.
Filed Monday, the appeal promises another round in the longstanding dispute with Ketchum contractor Storey Construction, which completed the Hanks' home and three surrounding guest cottages in 2002.
Blaine County 5th District Court Judge Robert J. Elgee ruled in Storey's favor on June 19. Elgee barred further arbitration in the dispute, ruling that the matter was settled in 2004 when the American Arbitration Association awarded $1.85 million to Storey in unpaid contract balance, interest and legal fees.
Hanks and Wilson filed a new arbitration claim last November, alleging that "latent" construction defects had later been discovered. Storey Construction filed a lawsuit in December in Blaine County to prevent further arbitration.
Ketchum attorney Miles Stanislaw, who represents Storey Construction, told the Idaho Mountain Express on Tuesday that he was aware of the appeal and was not pleased with it.
"It's most unfortunate that they aren't willing to follow the opinion of a well-respected local judge and they want to continue creating heartache for Gary Storey, his family and his business," said Stanislaw.
"Good nature and honest agreements should rule the day in such matters, but unfortunately a legal proceeding has been necessary to put a solid roof over the Hanks' home," said Melissa Erickson, a spokeswoman for Hanks and Wilson. "They regret having to go through this process, but are only seeking the services they paid for."