[JULY 29, 2000]  At approximately nine o’clock this morning a tornado of unknown size and intensity struck the west side of Lincoln, causing significant damage at the American Freightways terminal.  This same tornado proceeded on a northeasterly course, and about five minutes later struck Atlanta.  There it caused some structural damage to the city warehouses, where a fire occurred.  A natural gas leak, downed power lines, a chlorine spill, several auto accidents, and an anhydrous tank fire were also reported.  Click here to view more pictures of the drill.

A tornado also touched down and struck the town of Latham during that same time period, there causing a two story building to catch fire, a serious two car accident in which the injured had to be extricated from their vehicles, a natural gas leak and another tank fire on the city’s southeast side near the railroad tracks.  About ten fatalities were reported in Atlanta and in Latham, as well many who have been injured.  The names are being withheld until their families can be notified.

This was the scenario today staged as part of a federally mandated mock disaster drill conducted by Logan County ESDA.  More than 20 central Illinois agencies which came together from all over Logan County, as well as from Christian, Macon, McLean, Piatt and Tazewell counties.  These included police and fire departments, paramedics and other disaster agencies.  This drill is conducted each year as mandated by FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

These agencies will be evaluated for their response to these disaster situations as set forth in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s guidebook, according to Patrick Keane of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.  This whole exercise is staged annually to approach disasters in a planned and orderly fashion to save lives, save property, make good decisions and respond in the best time possible.

In addition to all this hard work, “we’ll be having a lot of fun,” ESDA director Dan Fulscher said yesterday.  After the event, volunteers and personnel involved were debriefed, agencies were critiqued and lunch was served.

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The public was invited to watch from designated spectator sites in both Atlanta and Latham, but wasn’t allowed at the Lincoln site at American Freightways along Interstate 55, where a sulfuric acid spill was simulated.  “We want civilians to understand we’re going to treat the living,” Fulscher said.  “It’s good for them to understand what goes on and how the agencies will handle disaster situations.”

This drill was designed to really test and tax the abilities of all the agencies responding because these emergency events were staged to occur at locations far distant from each other.  Lincoln is at the center of the county, while Atlanta is at the far northern edge of the county on I-55.  Latham is the last community in Logan County on I-121 just before entering Macon County.

Using their own communications equipment, these exercises were coordinated from the “Blue Room” ESDA headquarters at the safety complex, with onsite coordination and evaluation from Logan County ESDA as well as Illinois Emergency Management Agency personnel.  The public is to be reassured that normal 911 communications were not used for this drill, which left them open to the public for use in real emergencies.

Fair plans

[JULY 29, 2000]  The 64th Annual Logan County Fair begins Monday, July 31st and runs through Sunday, August 6th.  Fair goers can expect all their usual
favorite events. LDN plans to be at the fair bringing you highlights and
insights into the lives of fair goers and competitors. Stop by the LDN booth
and meet the LDN staff.  In today's LDN you will find a complete listing of companies and organizations with booths at the Logan County Fair.  Of course the Fair's fare is also part of our favorite memories, so you will also find a listing of concessionairs. Each day during the fair, LDN will post the event schedule for the following day.

Monday, July 31
9:00 a.m. All Department W projects exhibit
home beautification
miscellaneous
gardening and crops

Luehrs' Ideal Rides Schedule
Tuesday, August 1 Open 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Ride-A-Thon $12.00  Ride all evening for one price - weather permitting

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights Open 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, open 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, Open 1:00 p.m.
Family Day All rides take one ticket, 16 tickets for $15.00 or $1.00 each,
must purchase tickets on this day.

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Year 2000 Logan County Fair booths

Food concessions at the Logan County Fair

[JULY 28, 2000]  The newest issue of the Illinois Architectural and Historical Review will hit the stands this week and feature Lincoln. The Review is published quarterly by David Alan Badger of Havana. He presented an initial copy of the new issue to Lincoln Mayor Joan Ritter on Thursday afternoon, July 27, in her office. Twelve thousand copies of the publication are distributed quarterly throughout Illinois. They are free to the public and can be picked up at various tourist stops and advertising locations.

The magazine features a community or structure each publication with a colorized pen-and-ink drawing on the cover. This quarter's cover is the Logan County Courthouse. Inside, a two-page article written by Main Street Lincoln Program Manager Wendy Bell highlights Abraham Lincoln's christening of the town, historic sites and the downtown area. Two other pen-and-ink sketches of buildings included in the Facade Renovation Grant are included. The changes in the appearance of downtown and the suggestion by a local business owner spurred Badger to feature the city of Lincoln.

Lincoln Mayor Joan Ritter said today, "Inclusion in this magazine will increase awareness of all Lincoln and Logan County has to offer. If just one percent of those who see the article come to visit Lincoln, the economic benefit to the community would be more than $30,000."

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Badger has been publishing his pen-and-ink drawings since 1983 and has published over 25 books of his drawings of Illinois architecture. His goal through the Illinois Architectural and Historical Review is to promote the state's architectural heritage, which he states "is a tremendous tourism attraction." The review has become a useful traveler's guide to Illinois' vast architectural and historical heritage.

He is no stranger to Lincoln. "The Badger Collection," featuring historic homes in the community, was published in 1987.

[Main Street Lincoln]

Logan County history
to be published this fall

[JULY 28, 2000]  The history of Logan County, a companion book to the history of Lincoln, will be published in November of this year, according to authors Paul Gleason and Paul Beaver. The 200-page book will cover 14 communities in the county and will include some history on Lincoln itself not covered in the former volume.

"Lincoln: A Pictorial History," written by Gleason with Beaver as an adviser, was published in 1998 by the G. Bradley Company, St. Louis, which will also publish the Logan County book.

Gleason and Beaver are now collecting information on the 14 communities, which include Atlanta, Beason, Burton View, Broadwell, Chestnut, Cornland, Elkhart, Emden, Hartsburg, Lake Fork, Lawndale, Middletown, New Holland and San Jose.

"We have two or three people working in each community," Gleason said. "We are looking for old photographs with identification of the people and places in the photographs. We are especially interested in pictures that show the old agricultural lifestyles, such as threshing days.

"This is a harder task than the Lincoln book because we have to be selective in what we include," Gleason continued. "We could do a book on Mount Pulaski and Atlanta alone."

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Highlights of the book will include the story of the first settlement in Elkhart by James Latham in 1819. James’ son Robert, one of the founders of the town of Lincoln, met Abraham Lincoln while a student in Springfield. He and other young students used to go to Lincoln’s office to discuss issues of the day, Gleason said.

Another highlight will be pictures of the most extensive agricultural fair in the early days of the county. The Atlanta Union Central Agricultural society first met and put on a fair in 1860. The fair was held for at least 50 years except for the year 1862, when it was canceled because of the Civil War. The upcoming book will also point out the importance of Middletown, which got its name because it was the main town between Springfield and Peoria on the old Peoria Road.

Gleason, who says he has been interested in history "since I was 5," taught history and government for 37 years at Lincoln Junior High School. Beaver has been an instructor in history at Lincoln College. Both are also currently working on the Looking for Lincoln tourism project.

Copies of "Lincoln: A Pictorial History" are still available at the Chamber of Commerce office for $30 each. The new book will cost "between $25 and $30," Gleason said.

[Joan Crabb]

[JULY 27, 2000]  One year ago a Beason woman received an offer she couldn’t refuse. Actually the offer came after many months of hard work and dedication. And on the opening night of the fair, after an event-filled day of competition, she heard the master of ceremonies call her name: "The Miss Logan County Fair for 1999 is…Miss Lanie Reinhart."

I had the chance to talk with Lanie Monday night on the phone. Earlier that day she began to put together her thoughts for the farewell speech she will deliver next Tuesday night. As she prepares to crown Miss Logan County Fair 2000, LDN thought this was the perfect opportunity for us to talk about her experiences of the last year.

A: Representing Logan County at the 2000 Miss Illinois County Fair pageant in January. I met so many people while I was there. I learned about the county (fair) system as well as a lot about myself. I was even chosen a Top 12 finalist. (In Logan County’s 61-year pageant history, Lanie is the 10^th finalist.)

A: (jokingly) I always had to be on my best behavior. Not that this was a hard thing, but I was constantly in everyone’s eyes. Honestly, you don’t want to smile all the time. But smiling and being with the people, that is the most rewarding part too.

The state pageant was also very demanding. I had to be here and there at specific times. I was also in three-inch heels for 10 hours a day for four whole days. (Each year Logan County and nearly 70 other fairs are represented at the annual Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs’ Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Pageant. The contestants compete in four areas: beauty and physique, stage presence, communication, and the interview. The winner of this competition serves as a good-will ambassador who promotes the importance of Illinois agriculture and Illinois’ fairs. )

A: (She candidly replies) That I didn’t bomb my speech on Sunday at the state pageant. But I learned a lot from this. I have the strength of mind to do anything. I sat through 19 other contestants giving their speeches and don’t remember a thing. I just maintained my composure. I didn’t cry. I didn’t lose my smile. After this, I knew I could do anything.

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Q: What is the one thing you’d like to be remembered for?

A: My interaction with people and my involvement in ag(riculture). (Lanie grew up on her family’s cattle, corn and soybean farm. She’s shown cattle since she was about 6 years old and was a 4-H member for 11 years.)

Q: What was the highlight of last year’s Logan County Fair?

A: Interacting with the kids was definitely the highlight. I thought it was very important to acknowledge them. The week I … was crowned, I was backstage at the talent show. There were two boys and a little girl. She kissed my hand and touched my shoe. I think she thought I wouldn’t talk to them. I will never forget that.

A: I graduate in December from Western (Illinois University) with a degree in animal science and a minor in communication. I hope to go into public relations for a company in the agriculture industry.

A: Everything. I ask God to give me strength, to give me a smile and the ability to talk to everyone. There were days I didn’t want to put a smile in my face or a wave in my hand, but I prayed that He would give me the will and grace to do anything. And I have come away as a better person.

A: Always be yourself. Always smile. Talk to everyone. Have fun!

A: The calf and pig scrambles

A: Culler’s french fries

A: The ferris wheel

Lanie is the 21-year-old daughter of Roger and Nancy Reinhart. She has a younger brother, Matthew.

Editor’s note: Eleven contestants are vying for Reinhart’s title Tuesday, Aug. 1. This is the opening night of the Logan County Fair. For more on the contestants, log on Monday to Lincoln Daily News.

[Natalie Jeckel]

1939  Eileen Stopher

1940  Edna Buehler

1941  Irma Kaesebier

1942  Juanita Vail

1943  Bernadine Wendell

1944  Catherine Thompson

1945  Evelyn Oltmanns

1946  Norma Bree

1947  Ann Ash

1948  No queen

1949  No queen

1950  No queen

1951  No queen

1952  No queen

1953  Margery Moriearty

1954  Joyce Babbs

1955  Peggy Letterle

1956  Nancy Heinzel

1957  Sue Boyd

1958  Janet "Pete" Ritchhart

1959  GeorgeAnn Aughton (finalist at state pageant)

1960  Linda Finfrock

1961  Joyce Ruwe

1962  Shearyl Earhart

1963  Karen Worth (second runner-up at state pageant)

1964  Pam Stuckel

1965  Jan Jonston

1966  Barb Kaiser

1967  Lois Bock

1968  Peggy Neal (finalist at state pageant)

1969  Debbie Leimback (finalist at state pageant)

1970  Linda Allspach

1971  Debbie May

1972  Jill Broughton

1973  Chickie Verban

1974  Elise Gleason

1975  Kim Hudson

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1976  Patty Reaves

1977  Beth Miller

1978  Doris Robinson

1979  Jeannie Bruketa

1980  Connie McRoberts

1981  Beth Ely

1982  Kim Manning

1983  Jacqueline Colbert

1984  Julie Prisk (finalist at state pageant)

1985  Sara Doolen

1986  Stacie Nutt (first runner-up at state pageant)

1987  Julie Allison

1988  Jeris Nutt (1989 Miss Illinois County Fair)

1989  Wendi Humbert

1990  Alison Brewster

1991  Natalie Fulk

1992  Laurie Jeckel (first runner-up at state pageant)

1993  Patience Horton

1994  Kara Farwell

1995  Marisa May

1996  Dianne Dugan

1997  Natalie Jeckel (1998 Miss Illinois County Fair)

1998  Shannon Sandel

1999  Lanie Reinhart (finalist at state pageant)

56  Logan County Fair Queens (total)

10  state pageant finalists

2  first runners-up at state pageant

1  second runner-up at state pageant

2  Miss Illinois County Fair Queens

(Back to interview)

New principal to be installed at Zion

[JULY 27, 2000]  Fred Krueger will be installed as Zion Lutheran School principal at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. worship services at Zion Lutheran Church this Sunday. The Sunday School children will sing a song in his honor at both services. A potluck dinner to welcome Krueger and his wife, Diane, will follow the 10:30 a.m. service.

Krueger begins his administrative duties at the school next week. He will also teach part time and coach the seventh and eighth grade girls basketball team when school begins Aug. 22. His wife will serve as the pre-school aide.

Krueger has 34 years of teaching, coaching and administrative experience in Lutheran schools in the Midwest.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Neb., and his master’s degree from the University of South Dakota.

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Zion’s 8 a.m. worship service will be broadcast live on WLLM, 1370 AM, and broadcast on cable Channel 15 Monday at 5 p.m. and at 10 a.m. the following Sunday.

Two juveniles arrested for vandalism

[JULY 27, 2000]  Lincoln Police arrested two juveniles Wednesday, July 26, on criminal felony charges of burglary, arson and criminal damage to property over $300 for vandalism to the Johnston Center at Lincoln College on July 21. A 14-year-old female was arrested and placed in a juvenile detention facility; a 12-year-old male was arrested and, due to his age, released to his mother. According to a press release today, patrol officers and detectives of the Lincoln Police Department obtained information and evidence that led to the arrests of the juveniles. Damage at the Johnston Center included spray paint in various areas, broken theater seats, a burn mark on the floor and damage to other items. Due to the defendants’ ages, further information on the arrests is unavailable.