ALMH women’s health and family birthing facilities ready for use

[AUG. 13, 2001]  The community was invited to Sunday afternoon’s ribbon-cutting, dedication and tours at ALMH. Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce ambassadors, ALMH medical and nursing staff and administrators gathered to celebrate newly completely renovation.

[click here to view photos of the Women's Health Unit]

ALMH President and CEO Woody Hester spoke saying, "On this, the 12th day of August, on behalf of — and in honor of — all of you and all of those before us, I dedicate the Women’s Health Unit and Family Maternity Suites to those we serve."

In describing the completeness of the transformation, Hester said the third floor went out the window, literally. A chute was placed at a window and all the debris was sent down it. The entire third floor was stripped down to the exterior brick. All that was left was the walls and floor.

Hester thanked the medical staff for handling the transition so well. For eight months they were temporarily located on the second floor. He was also thankful for all the community support. This kind of commitment means women will not need to go to Bloomington or Springfield for high-quality health care and child delivery.

 

Those touring the facility marveled at how much change has taken place from the old rooms to the new, higher-tech, more private and personable rooms. The nursing staff was even more enthusiastic. They were particularly pleased with the effective layout that has the nursing station centrally located to all the different sections: nursery, maternity suites, gynecology suites, surgery.

A lovely stained glass work depicting a mother and child highlights the center of the new Women’s Health Unit. The window was donated by Dr. Don Sielaff and his wife, Jan.

The new Women's Health Unit and Family Maternity Suites reflect Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital's (ALMH) continued commitment to recognizing and responding to the needs of patients, families and physicians, as well as the dynamic health care changes in the 21st century.

These state-of-the-art facilities are tremendous accomplishments for this community. ALMH has been dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the community through advanced technology, keeping patient comfort as a priority. The Women's Health Unit and Family Maternity Suites ensure that the hospital continues to provide excellence in health care to those it serves.

 

[to top of second column in this article]

Facts about the new Women's Health Unit include:

•  Construction began Jan. 3, 2001

•  Will begin seeing patients on the new unit today, Monday, Aug. 13

•  Five private rooms, each with private restrooms

•  New nurses’ station

•  Focuses on women’s inpatient gynecological surgical procedures

•  Women’s Health Unit is designed to:

•  Provide individualized care in a comfortable setting.

•  Promote the lifelong good health of women.

•  Provide the balance between a warm, caring environment and the most advanced technology.

•  Make women's health one of ALMH’s top priorities.

•  Provide quality care for women in any stage in their life.

 

Facts about the new Family Maternity Suites include:

•  Construction began Jan. 3, 2001

•  Will begin seeing patients on Aug. 13

•  Four single-family maternity suites and two private postpartum rooms

•  Surgery suite for Caesarean sections

•  State-of-the-art nursery

•  New suites feature:

•  Labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum care all in a spacious single room — no need for an uncomfortable move to another room after delivery.

•  Private bath and hand-held massage showers.

•  Color television, VCR and phone.

•  Homelike furnishings, including a sleep chair.

•  24-hour visitation for fathers or support persons.

In a time when small community hospitals are getting out of child delivery, Hester says he is proud of the hospital board and foundation in allowing these major renovations.

[LDN and news release]

Tell a friend about

Lincoln Daily News.com

Our staff offers more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry.

Greyhound Lube

At the corner of Woodlawn and Business 55

No Appointments Necessary

Advertise your

Garage Sale in

Lincolndailynews.com

-- It's FREE! --

Click here


Big Brother isn’t watching you,
he’s just moving traffic

[AUG. 13, 2001]  You may not even have noticed the four inconspicuous cylindrical cameras perched on top of the light fixtures at the intersection of Keokuk and Woodlawn streets in Lincoln. But if you have, don’t worry. Big Brother isn’t watching you. Nor is the police department trying to clock you to see if you are speeding.

The high-tech cameras are simply the newest technology for activating traffic signals, according to Bill Davison, traffic signal supervisor of District 6 of the Illinois Department of Transportation. The computer-like cameras scan the roadway and read the number of vehicles approaching the intersection. If no traffic is coming either way, the lights won’t change. If traffic is coming, the lights will change to accommodate it.

 

They were put in place Aug. 8 and 9 by a Decatur firm, Bodine Electric, and are now fully operational.

The cameras are passive devices, Davison said, not taking pictures and certainly not able to clock your speed or read your license place. They are doing nothing but controlling traffic, he explained.

"We could set them up to count cars if we wanted to record that data, but mainly they are just there to move traffic," Davison said.

 

 

[to top of second column in this article]

The cameras replace wire loops embedded in the pavement and are more efficient in detecting oncoming vehicles. Another advantage is that the pavement doesn’t have to be sawed open to install them. They will eventually replace the loops in most areas, although they are not appropriate for traffic lights on some hills or on streets with a lot of trees, he said.

The cameras at Keokuk and Logan are the first to be installed in Lincoln, although IDOT has been using them for the past eight years in the 15-county area that makes up District 6. Davison said the same devices may be installed when IDOT improves the roadway at Kickapoo and Keokuk next year.

[Joan Crabb]


New brochure outlines walking tour

[AUG. 10, 2001]  Visitors interested in local Abraham Lincoln sites can now find those spots more easily, with a new brochure developed by two local students and published by Main Street Lincoln.

"Walking on the Path of Abraham Lincoln: A Walking Tour of Historic Lincoln, Illinois" was produced by J.R. Glenn and Angie Couch, recent Lincoln Community High School graduates who undertook the project for Ruth Sloot’s American Government class last semester. The city of Lincoln paid for the printing.

The walking tour begins with the town christening site at Broadway and Chicago streets in downtown Lincoln. It continues with the Lincoln Railroad Depot, State Bank of Lincoln, site of the Lincoln House Hotel, Robert Latham home site, Logan County Courthouse, Lincoln lot site and Rustic Inn.

Other Lincoln sites away from the downtown area are also listed. They include the Stephen Douglas speech site, Postville Courthouse, Deskins Tavern, Postville Park and Lincoln College and Museum.

 

[to top of second column in this article]

"We’ve had such a demand for a walking tour brochure, we appreciate J.R. and Angie’s developing it for Main Street," noted Wendy Bell, program manager for Main Street Lincoln. "This is a great aid for visitors," she added. "It's also useful for educators who teach local history and for residents who are proud of our city's Abraham Lincoln connections."

Copies of the brochure are available at the Main Street office, 303 S. Kickapoo St., as well as the Lincoln Public Library, Lincoln College Museum, Postville Courthouse, Logan County Genealogical and Historical Society, and various downtown Lincoln businesses.

[News release]

[Click here to see the material in the new brochure "Walking on the Path of Abraham Lincoln."]

 


Frauds and scams hit Illinois

[AUG. 9, 2001]  In light of two major Illinois cases where investors lost millions of dollars, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is warning people to beware of investment frauds involving religion.

White and his Securities Department issued the warning highlighting two Illinois investment fraud cases — St. Clair Industries and Greater Ministries International Church — reaching a total of $586 million.

"Cloaking an investment with religion can give it a false sense of safety," said Secretary White. "Many people borrowed money or invested their life savings based on the belief that a fellow church member could be trusted, and instead they were sadly deceived."

"When you invest you shouldn’t let you guard down merely because someone is appealing to your religion or your faith," said Secretary of State Jesse White. "Always do your homework. Be skeptical and careful when you invest."

Secretary White warns that con artists who use religion to promote their scams often:

•  Predict imminent financial or social crisis.

•  Claim they will reinvest a portion of the profits in a worthy cause.

•  Equate faith in their scam to religious faith.

The Internet also provides a great opportunity for scam artists. Have you ever received an e-mail saying that with an investment of a little money you can make lots of money and help someone too?

Most recently there has been a rash of spam (unsolicited e-mails) sent out claiming to be from fleeing nationalists from either Nigeria or the Ivory Coast of Africa. They claim to have escaped with cash money and need to get it invested right away and they need your help. With a sense of urgency, most often they request transactions to take place within a matter of days.

The following is an excerpt from one of several types of these e-mails floating through Illinois in July, this one purportedly from the victim of a military coup:

"I was able to escape with two trunk boxes containing U.S. $15 million dollars each which I have deposited with a self-keeping company as jewelries for security reasons. I am writing you this letter to ask you to assist me in investing this money in your country in a good business. I will also like to stay in your country to monitor this investment if you agree to help me. I know you might feel disturbed about how I got your contact, I got it through the Chamber of Commerce where I noted you are a renowned entrepreneur. I will give you 20% of this money if you accept my request. I also wish to inform you that the business should be kept top secret at all times. Should you be interested in this transaction contact me immediately by mail so that I will give you details of how we shall handle the deal."

 

[to top of second column in this article]

Before making any investment, Secretary of State Jesse White urges investors to ask the following questions:

•  Are the seller and investment licensed and registered in Illinois? Call the Illinois Securities Department at 1 (800) 628-7937 or visit www.sos.state.il.us to find out. If they are not registered, they may be operating illegally.

•  Has the seller given you written information that fully explains the investment? Make sure you get proper written information, such as a prospectus or offering circular, before you buy. The documentation should contain enough clear and accurate information to allow you or your financial adviser to evaluate and verify the particulars of the investment.

•  Are claims made for the investment realistic? Some things really are too good to be true. Use common sense and get a professional, third-party opinion when presented with investment opportunities that seem to offer unusually high returns in comparison to other investment options.

•  Does the investment meet your personal investment goals? Whether you are investing for long-term growth, investment income or other reasons, an investment should match your own investment goals.

The secretary of state’s office will be rolling out an online complaint form to allow victims of securities, loan broker, business opportunity or business broker fraud to file complaints with the Illinois Securities Department online. The target date for the online form to be available is the middle of August.

[LDN and news release]

 


It’s coming

Art and balloon fest all in order

[AUG. 8, 2001]  All year we wait for that weekend when the morning and evening skies are filled with brilliantly colored orbs and the hushed roar of propane flames. The town takes on an excitement as crowds gather in the parks and at the fairgrounds to peruse amazing arts skillfully crafted or view glowing balloons as dusk gathers. Numerous other side events make a wonderful, fun-filled weekend for everyone. With only 16 more days before the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival begins, the local chamber of commerce reports that all is in order. Lots of new activities have been added to what is already a terrific end-of-summer weekend.

Additions to this year’s schedule are a petting zoo, soapbox derby, Adventure Zone (children’s activities), corporate chalets and fireworks. With local caterers already involved in the weekend, the chamber has contracted Lauer’s Catering from Clinton to supply food and drinks in the corporate chalets. Two corporations have already made reservations, with a possible third to confirm. There is plenty of room for more. A chalet gives your business the best view of the balloon glow while providing a unique setting conducive to making an amiable business impression. It is great opportunity for corporations to show appreciation to their employees or clients, or to entice new business.

The chamber of commerce is still looking for an additional sponsor for the fireworks. That event is only half sponsored at this time.

You can contact the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce for more information about the above activities. Ask for Connie or Pam at (217) 735-2385.

[Click here for a full schedule of events.]

[LDN]

 

[to top of second column in this article]


Historic preservation, economic development goals may clash

[AUG. 7, 2001]  Historic preservation or economic development? A possible conflict between the two goals came to the surface Monday evening when the Lincoln City Council’s Ordinance and Zoning Committee began a discussion of a proposed historic preservation ordinance.

A Casey’s General Store representative and Lincoln property owner Larry Riva, who would like to sell his Fifth Street lot just west of the Postville Courthouse to the Casey corporation, came to the meeting to ask if the proposed ordinance would prevent the new business from being built. Property owners in a historic district who want to remodel, change or demolish a structure would need to get permission from the historic preservation commission and would be restricted to the changes outlined in the ordinance.

Although no specific building or location was named in the 13-page document, Lincoln Mayor Beth Davis has already said she would like the area from the Postville Courthouse west to Postville Road to be designated a historic preservation district. This would include the property Riva wants to sell and Casey’s wants to buy.

"Can they declare this a historic site while we are getting permission to build?" Casey representative Diane Ahern asked.

"They can, but the city council will have the final word," newly appointed City Attorney William Bates answered. "There are a whole lot of things that would have to happen before you would be regulated by that ordinance."

He pointed out that the time element did not favor the historic preservation designation and that a lot of "ifs" stood between the proposed historic district and limitations on the use of Riva’s property.

"If the historic preservation committee were appointed, and if it would hold public hearings to decide that the area should be a historic district, and if the committee voted ‘yes,’ and then if the council accepted the committee’s recommendation, restrictions on what could be built in the area would apply," he said.

He emphasized that the final decision of designating a historic preservation district or a historic landmark would be up to the council.

The time it will take to get the proposed ordinance passed is another "if." The ordinance committee has just begun discussions of the proposal and has a lot of work to do before passing it, according to committee chairman Michael Montcalm.

For the Casey store, the time element could be much shorter. Before any construction can begin, Riva’s lot must be rezoned from residential to commercial use and approved by several commissions. A hearing is scheduled before the city’s planning commission on Aug. 16 and another before the zoning board of appeals on Aug. 20. Then the plan for the new store must be approved by the full council.

Although Mayor Davis said she welcomed the Casey store to Lincoln, she said she had tried to persuade the company to choose another location. She had hoped the city would buy Riva’s lot, which is presently empty, and develop it as a parking area for tourists visiting the Postville Courthouse next door.

However, she said she would not contact either the planning commission or the zoning board of appeals to influence their decisions.

 

[to top of second column in this article]

Ahern said the company has been looking for an appropriate location for 3½ years and that they "don’t see another site" that would be desirable.

She also said the company was willing to make some concessions about the appearance of the building so it would fit into a historic neighborhood. These would include a "subdued exterior," all brick and with less red than the standard Casey exterior; a "monument" or low sign rather than the high pylon sign; and a brick sidewalk. Riva and the Casey company would also give the city a 30-by-35-foot area on the corner of the lot to use as an information and welcome center for tourists.

Wendy Bell, representing Main Street Lincoln, which drew up the proposed ordinance based on a state of Illinois document, cited some of the advantages it would bring to the city. She said it would help homeowners get grants to restore historic homes and would help the city become a tourist attraction.

She also said that property could not be designated a landmark unless the owners applied for landmark status.

Bates, however, said that as he reads the ordinance at present, property owners do not have to be the ones to petition the commission for landmark status. "Someone else can petition to have a property designated for the historic district," he said. One-third of the property owners would have the ability to nominate an area a historic district.

Bell said that technically the commission does have the right to nominate a site for landmark status, but the nomination still has to go through the hearings and be approved by the council.

Bates also noted that as the proposed ordinance currently reads, the only appeal for permission to change or demolish a structure would be heard by the same body that originally ruled on the issue.

The ordinance commission will meet again to discuss the proposal at 6:15 p.m. on Aug. 14, before the scheduled work session of the council.

In other business, the council agreed to waive bidding for the purchase of a used leaf vacuum and to approve purchasing a 25-cubic-yard vacuum for $15,800.

The council also passed an ordinance allowing the fire chief to sell the city’s 1976 pumper, which is no longer needed, at a private sale.

They voted to table a request by Logan County for a right of way in front of city hall to install fiber-optic cable to connect the county buildings.

A group of citizens from the Logan County chapter of the Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois attended the meeting. Spokesman Dan Dickerson said the group supported the city’s decision to allow handicapped people to ticket vehicles illegally parking in handicapped spots. He noted that the law says the placard identifying a handicapped person must be displayed prominently on the vehicle.

[Joan Crabb]


Bates appointed as new city attorney

[AUG. 7, 2001]  William C. Bates was named the new attorney for the city at the regular Lincoln City Council meeting Aug. 6.

Lincoln Mayor Beth Davis described him as "thorough, prompt and an excellent attorney." She said he had been chosen from a field of "eight or nine" candidates who were interviewed. Council members gave Bates a unanimous "yes" vote.

A Lincoln native, Bates began practicing law here in May of 1979. He served as city attorney under Mayor Peter Andrews from 1985-1989. He also served on the board of Elementary School District 27 for 16 years, on the YMCA board and on the board of St. Clara’s Manor. He is presently a member of the board of trustees of Lincoln College.

 

[to top of second column in this article]

His law practice primarily involves estate planning, estate administration, real estate and collection work. He has also done municipal work representing the city of Atlanta.

Bates was appointed to the $64,200-per-year position after the resignation of Jonathan Wright as of Aug. 1. Wright was chosen to fill the unexpired term of state Rep. John Turner after Turner was appointed to a seat on the appeals court and has pledged to run again in the November 2002 election.

Bates said he is looking forward to working with the mayor and the council.

[Joan Crabb]


Click here for Logan County Fair news.


Logan County Board sets budget review

The Logan County Board will start its FY 2002 budget review hearings on Friday, Aug. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon. Sessions will continue Wednesday, Aug. 22, from 8 a.m. to noon; Thursday, Aug. 23, from 1 to 4 p.m.; and Friday, Aug. 24, possibly beginning at 8:30 a.m.

When all hearings are completed, the information will be assembled for analysis. After that the auditors will schedule and make a presentation to the full board.

All meetings are in the third-floor jury room at the Logan County Courthouse and are open to the public.

[News release]


Weather warning

It’s too hot!

During the summer months, heat waves can occur anywhere in Illinois and affect anyone. Young children, elderly people and people with health problems are most likely to be affected. This is a reminder to everyone.

  • Plan to check on the elderly and those with health problems at least once a day during hot weather.

  • Don’t leave children in a parked car.

  • Make sure you drink plenty of liquids during hot weather.

Doing small things can make a big difference.

This public service announcement is brought to you by Lincoln Daily News and the Logan County Health Department.

[News release]

Back to top


 

News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching & Learning | Home and Family | Tourism | Obituaries

Community | Perspectives | Law & Courts | Leisure Time | Spiritual Life | Health & Fitness | Letters to the Editor