That’s what Terry Hill, executive director of the National Rural Health Resource Center in Duluth, Minn., told the Healthy Communities Partnership (HCP) when announcing its most recent award, the Networking for Rural Health Site Visit Award.  Logan County is one of only 20 rural locations in the United States to receive the site visit award, which will bring a team of experienced, nationally recognized consultants to Logan County to help HCP task force leaders plan for the future.

[Coordinator of Healthy Communities Partnership Dayle Eldredge stands in front of an exhibit explaining the Mobile Health Unit.]

A survey of the HCP programs will be completed in the coming weeks, and the team will visit Logan County early this spring.  It will help profile the strengths and weaknesses of HCP in purpose, decision-making, planning, financing, leadership, staffing, communication and evaluation.  

The team will meet with leaders of all four task force groups — Healthy Families; Rural Health Partnership; Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs; and Domestic Abuse and Violence — in a daylong retreat.  The aim of the program is to strengthen and improve new rural health care networks so they can continue to offer access to quality health care.

Since its inception in 1997, HCP has received over $850,000 in grants to help fund its activities.  Funders include Health Resources Services Administration, Rural Health Outreach Grant; Southern Illinois University School of Medicine; the Center for Rural Health, Illinois Department of Public Health; the Logan County Board senior services tax levy; the Academy for Health Services Research and Health Policy; and the Rural Health Outreach Project Mini-Grant of the Rural Medical Education Program, College of Medicine at Rockford.

In 2000-2001, grants received to fund HCP totaled $200,442.  They include a $40,000 Rural Health Outreach Grant carry-over; $80,000 from the Southern Illinois School of Medicine; $45,569 from the Illinois Department of Public Health Center for Rural Health, for Healthy Communities Partnership; $21,848 from the Illinois Department of Public Health Center for Rural Health, for Rural Health Partnership; $10,125 from the Logan County Board for the Rural Health Partnership’s Mobile Health Unit; and $2,900 Rural Health Outreach Mini-Grant through Health Resource Services Administration, Washington, D.C.

Before the meeting, both officials toured the HCP Mobile Health Unit, a van that travels to 12 Logan County towns and villages, a site in Lincoln, and Greenview in Menard County, providing health services to about 700 walk-in patients a month, both young and old.  The 36-foot van has exam rooms, lab equipment, a computer, TV/VCRs for patient education, and both a registered nurse and a nurse practitioner on board.  It visits each community at least once each month, and most more often.

“That’s the changing face of health care.  It’s fantastic,” LaHood said of the Mobile Health Unit.

The Congressman from the 18th District told the audience of about 120 that America has the finest health-care system in the world, comparing it to some of those he has seen in other countries.  “When people get sick in other countries, they come to America if they can.”

However, LaHood noted that the problem with health care today is access.  “A good number of people in this country work in jobs that don’t have health insurance.  This is a serious problem that I hope Congress will deal with.”

Others who may lack access are uninsured people coming off welfare who must give up government-funded health benefits and people in rural communities without doctors or hospitals.  The Mobile Health Unit is one answer to that problem, he said, as well as hospitals who are beginning to collaborate to set up clinics and send medical professionals to rural areas.

Another health care problem is providing prescription medications for senior citizens faced with large drug bills.  “We actually passed a bill in the House [of Representatives] last year to provide seniors with money for prescription drugs, but the bill didn’t pass in the Senate,” he said.  “We are going to have a spirited debate in Washington about prescription drugs.”  He added that he believed legislation would be passed to provide this help.

He also noted that legislators “need to continue our efforts in Washington to provide funding for medical schools.”  The Blanaced Budget Act of 1997 cut funding to hospitals from Medicare and Medicaid, jeopardizing the financial standing of some hospitals.

LaHood did not, however, advocate creation of a universal health care system, and he said drug companies need to make profits so they could continue to do research on new life-saving medications.

Dr. Getto, dean of SIU School of Medicine, told the audience that communities like Lincoln “have much to offer in helping to educate physicians.  Our job is made a lot easier by communities like yourself, focusing on making the community healthier.”

Since the Mobile Health Unit began making its rounds in April of 1998, family practice residents at SIU School of Medicine have gone out with the unit as part of their training in providing medical care to rural communities.  Some residents also serve as interns at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, an unusual program, he noted.

These programs encourage medical school graduates to stay in rural communities and SIU graduates to stay in Illinois, he said.  More than 40% of these graduates do stay in the state, and many more go to adjacent states such as Indiana, Missouri and Kentucky, Getto said.

Members of the various task forces that make up the Healthy Communities Partnership gave progress reports on their activities during the past six months and outlined some plans for the future.

Becky Sank, chair of the Healthy Families Task Force, described ongoing programs such as Safe Stop, finding homes and businesses that will provide safe havens for children; mentoring for teen parents; and the Baby-Think-It-Over program, which puts computerized “babies” in high school and junior high school classes to give young people an idea of the reality of caring for an infant.

Sank announced that a job fair will be held again this year for high school students who are going into the work force after graduation.  This project, set for March 14 at Lincoln College, will each students how to apply for job, fill out an application, and dress for job hunting.

Kristi Simpson of Rural Health Partnership Task Force and the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Task Force outlined education programs put on in all Logan County schools.  These Youth Prevention programs are presented 10 times per year in the 7th and 8th grades.  Seventh graders learn how to resist peer pressure, how to resolve conflicts, and how the media distorts the reality of substance use.  Eighth graders focus on the dangers of specific drugs like marijuana and methamphetamines.

Ron Sillings of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Task Force, told the audience about Friday night teen dances without drugs or tobacco, the DARE program, and the Family Fun Day, which brought more than 300 people to its first outing last summer.  Sillings is also planning an after-prom event for Lincoln Community High School.

Debby Cook, chair of the of Domestic Abuse and Violence Task Force, which was established in 1999, reported that in 2000 there were 162 battery cases, and that in 66 of these incidents children were present.  Among the community-based prevention programs were the candlelight vigil to raise awareness of the issue, complete with silhouettes of women who had been killed as a result of domestic violence.

She noted that on Thursday, Feb. 1, a seminar, Domestic Abuse and Violence 101, will be held at the Lincoln Park District at 1400 Primm Road.  The program, set for 6:30 to 8 p.m., will be presented by Andrea Shaner of Sojourn Shelter Services.

The Healthy Communities Partnership presented two major awards and a number of certificates of appreciation to organizations that have supported its programs.  One plaque went to the SIU School of Medicine, which helps fund the Mobile Health Van, and was accepted by John Record, assistant dean of the division of rural affairs, and Dr. Getto.  Another plaque went to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Center for Rural Health, accepted by Mary King, director, and Julie Casper. 

Certificates of Appreciation were given to Lincoln mayor Joan Ritter, representing the City of Lincoln; Alderman Glenn Shelton, representing the Lincoln City Council; Dick Logan, current Logan County Board president, representing the board; Darrell Deverman, former County Board president; the Lincoln Fire Department, the Lincoln Police Department; Lincoln Daily News, Curtis Sutterfield, first chairman of the Domestic Abuse and Violence Task Force; Police officer Diana Short for her work on compiling and maintaining statistics on domestic abuse and violence; and Linda Schneider, for her support of farm safety programs in the Rural Health Partnership.

[Joan Crabb]

Two incumbents, current board president Robert Meinershagen and vice-president Larry Gleason, will run again for the Lincoln Community High School board. Two new candidates, Tom Ackerman and Jim Mammen, have also filed to run for four-year terms. Stepping down are incumbents Charles Bennett and Dale Voyles. Voyles resigned recently after having been elected to the Logan County Board. His seat has been filled temporarily by Robert Pharis, who is a former member of the board and has served as board president.

In Elementary School District 27, a full slate of candidates will run for four-year terms with no competition. They are incumbents Marilyn Montgomery, Jim Wilmert and Bruce Carmitchel, and newcomer Steve Rohrer. Board president Bill Bates, who has served for more than 15 years, has decided not to run again.

In West Lincoln-Broadwell Elementary District 92, incumbent Laurie Muck will run for another four-year term, along with two candidates who were appointed to fill unexpired terms, Patricia Quint and Augustus Scott. Scott Goodman, who is not presently on the board but has served previously, will also run for a four-year term. Doug Muck is running for the two-year unexpired term of Lynne Neal. Incumbent Bill Cross chose not to run again.

In Chester-East Lincoln District 61, five candidates will compete for four four-year terms. They are incumbents Jim Meyrick and Bob Buse; Jennifer Dalyrmple, who was appointed to fill an unexpired term; and newcomers Gladys Elkins and Aaron Leesman. An unexpired two-year term still remains to be filled. Current board member Dennis Uphoff has chosen not to run again.

Candidates who will be elected on April 3 will not be seated until the following November, because of recent changes in the election law. School board members used to be elected in November and seated in the same month, but the date for their election was changed to April to consolidate those races with the election of city, county, town and township officials.

For the last two election cycles, school board members have been elected in April and seated the following November so they would be able to complete their entire four-year terms. After the 2001 election, school board members will be elected and also seated in April.

[Joan Crabb]

Edwards brings extensive education, experience and training to LCCS. From 1990-2000 he served as vice chancellor for advancement for Purdue University Calumet in Hammond, Ind. There he led the marketing and community relations departments, as well as the annual and capital campaigns, alumni affairs and special events. During his career, Edwards has applied his experience and expertise as a marketing and fund-raising consultant, vice president for development at Manhattan Christian College and executive director for Coleman Adoption Services.

A graduate of LCC, Edwards certainly is not a stranger to Lincoln Christian College and Seminary and its community. And, he returns to Lincoln with enthusiasm and a desire to serve. While living in Indiana, he served on the boards for Meals on Wheels, Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce. He says that he finds community service fulfilling and always becomes active in the community in which he lives. "In addition to serving the college and seminary, I look forward to getting involved in the community," Edwards explains. "And, I can think of no better place than Lincoln Christian College and Seminary to live out the purpose the Lord has given me for my life — service to the church and to others."

In addition to earning his B.A. from LCC, Edwards earned his M.A. from Ball State University and has written two books: "A Capital Campaign For Your Church" (1991) and "Keys to Success" (1994).

As Edwards steps into his new role, longtime LCCS administrator Don Green does so as well. Green has served LCCS for the past 18 years, most recently as executive vice president. He now serves as vice president of church development and will act as a liaison between LCCS and churches.

Through partnership with churches and Christian organizations, the purpose of the church development program at LCCS is to "provide quality services and resources," explains Green. "We intend to build on the foundation of what our faculty and staff have done by working more intentionally, holistically and collaboratively with constituent churches."

Green graduated from both Lincoln Christian College and Lincoln Christian Seminary, earning his A.B. in Christian Ministries and a Master of Divinity in New Testament. Before coming to LCCS, Green worked as a youth minister and as a preaching minister in several Christian churches. In 1994, he was the recipient of the Restoration Award for exemplary leadership and contribution to higher education, preaching and administration.

Green says he wants to help make LCCS a "premier resource" for the church, and is thankful for this opportunity to serve. He adds, "[Church development] is an area of my greatest passion — helping churches."

Congressman Ray LaHood will be a featured speaker at the event. Dr. Carl Getto, dean of SIU School of Medicine, will present the keynote address.

The HCP is comprised of task forces which address access to medical care for rural communities, substance abuse among youth, teen parenting and pregnancy prevention, and domestic violence prevention. HCP task force members will present updates on their progress and future goals. Special awards will be presented to HCP supporters and participants.

For more information, contact Dayle Eldredge, partnership director, at (217) 732-2161, Ext. 409.

It all started with a month-long campaign, through the secretary of state’s office and the Literacy Foundation of Illinois, in which Barnes and Noble Booksellers raised money to purchase books for children. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, customers at the Bloomington branch of Barnes and Noble were asked to contribute a dollar toward local literacy programs. The total program raised $80,000 through 20 Barnes and Noble stores.

Lincoln became a beneficiary when Mayor Joan Ritter learned of the program last fall at a state meeting and recommended Jefferson School. The school applied and was chosen for the grant. They received $6,800 of that money, but, because Barnes and Noble gave them an education discount, the donated money stretched to purchase $8,000 worth of children’s books. Jefferson School received hundreds of new books that were selected by the teachers and students for their school library.

Once the boxes were unpacked, excited children got to look through the hundreds of books. Each child chose the book of his or her liking for the school to receive. Then a decorative placard was placed in the book with the child’s own name on it.

Following the festive event the children were treated to a special lunch out with the mayor. A decorated celebratory cake was included in the fare.

All in all it was a grand day out for the Jefferson School third graders and a day they and their teacher, Kathy Hawkinson, will remember for a long time.

Thank you, Barnes and Noble Booksellers, Mayor Ritter and Kathy Hawkinson for bringing a little more to our community.

[LDN staff]

George Mitchell, chairman of the streets and alleys committee, suggested that the money be used on several of the smaller street improvement projects that have been on the city’s list for some time. The 2½-block area of Clinton Street from the railroad to McLean was his first suggestion for the extra repair work.

Donnie Osborne, street superintendent, agreed that the city should consider doing the Clinton Street project on this year’s budget. "I’ve received a lot of calls about that street. It’s in a bad state of repair, and this winter has accelerated its deterioration," he told the streets and alleys committee. Cost of this project is estimated at $62,100.

In addition to Clinton Street, Sheridan Street from Delavan to Tremont should also be finished with the current year’s funds, Osborne said, because it has a serious drainage problem. Cost of this one-block project is estimated at $47,600. "If we could get those projects done and finish what we began this year, I’d be one happy street superintendent."

A third project, completing the installation of curbs on Washington Street from Seventh to Short Eighth Street, could also be completed this year, by using public benefits funds if necessary, Osborne suggested. Cost would be about $8,000.

"This is money we didn’t spend last year, and we’re looking for the best place to spend it now," Osborne said.

Work on Clinton Street would include removing the existing surface and putting in a new asphalt surface. Curbs and gutters are already installed. Sheridan would be totally rehabilitated, with curbs, gutters and new pavement. Washington, which already has curbs on the east side, will have curbs put in on the west side and the pavement reshaped, Osborne said. Some work remains from last season’s project, the final resurfacing of Gavin and State streets. Early winter weather came before the final blacktopping could be put on.

The additional repair work was put on the agenda for the next regular meeting Feb. 5. Sewer plant manager Grant Eaton said he would check to see if sewers need repair while the road work is being done. Eaton, Osborne and city engineer Mark Mathon will present more detailed cost figures at the Feb. 5 meeting. If the council approves the plan, bids can be let and work can begin as early as April.

The most expensive item on the "wish list" for the next fiscal year is also the one needed most, Mitchell said. Rehabilitation of South Elm Street from Kickapoo to Fifth Street, about eight blocks, is estimated to cost $409,600. The streets and alleys committee agreed this should be the first priority for the next phase of city street rehabilitation.

Others on the list are Omaha Street from Rutledge to Logan, estimated at $157,600; Harrison from Ottawa to Logan and Logan from Harrison to Ophir, estimated at $266,700; Evans from Main to Short Eighth and Eighth, $208,000; parts of 11th and Chestnut, $181,100; Pulaski from Sherman to LaDue, $117,100; 13th from Madison to Jefferson, $49,900; Hennepin and Inlet, $144,100; and Pekin from Beason to Miller, $174,500.

The amount of money that will be available for street work in the next fiscal year is still undetermined, but Mitchell noted that not all the projects on the "wish list" can be done right away. "We’ll run out of money before we run out of places that need repair," he noted.

Alderman Gerald Dehner reported that he had had several complaints from people who live on cul-de-sacs that the snow removed from the streets was piled in their yards. He asked Osborne if it was possible to pile the snow in the middle of the cul-de-sac.

Osborne said the only way to do that would be to go in with an end loader after the street is plowed and move the snow from the yards to the middle, because the snowplows would not have room to maneuver without backing into yards or driveways. He also said he was concerned that so much snow could pile up in the center that emergency vehicles could not get through.

Alderman Steve Fuhrer said he had received a petition for reimbursement for cutting down a tree, in two stages in 1997 and 1998, because the tree was partially on city property. However, city clerk Juanita Josserand said she had no record of a petition for reimbursement turned in during those years. The letter also indicated the tree may have been removed as early as1993 and 1994.

Osborne said he had looked at the tree some years ago and determined that only a very small portion was on city property. The sidewalks, forestry and lighting committee voted to turn down the request for reimbursement.

[Joan Crabb]