[JULY 9, 2001]  Logan County Deputy Robert Spickard of Lincoln, exonerated of charges of battery and official misconduct last December, bears all the financial responsibility for his defense even though the incident occurred while he was doing sheriff’s department business. Like some or all of his fellow deputies, he had not personally purchased legal defense insurance.

"People that I’ve talked to are surprised that I’m having to pay my attorney’s fees," Spickard said. "One on one, I have yet to find anyone who doesn’t believe I was justified in what I was doing."

Between the incident for which Spickard was charged and his trial, the county changed insurance contractors from Roger Garrett in Lincoln to J.L. Hubbard in Decatur, according to Dick Logan, president of the Logan County Board. In February the board voted to ask Hubbard to pay Spickard’s legal bills, but that request was denied because Hubbard had not been the insurer at the time of the incident. Garrett also declined to pay, based on the fact that the insurance contract did not provide such coverage in criminal cases.

According to Sheriff Tony Solomon, State’s Attorney Tim Huyett advised the Logan County Board that the deputies’ union contract specifies payment for defense in civil but not criminal cases. That is in line with state law which, according to Ted Street of the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, requires that police be reimbursed for legal expenses in civil cases but not in criminal ones.

Through Jack Knuppel, the county’s attorney for union negotiations, the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 78, requested in the spring that the County Board consider paying all or part of Spickard’s legal bill, according to Doug Dutz, chair of the board’s Law Enforcement Committee. He said the committee sent the request to the whole board, but no motion has been made or other action taken at any board meeting.

Ted Street, field superintendent for the Illinois FOP Labor Council, said paying Spickard’s defense bill is "the right thing to do" because he was performing his regular duties and did not violate any laws or any departmental policy, rules or procedures. He said the average deputy does not buy the supplemental insurance plan. "He was doing his job," Street said.

Spickard agrees that the context dictates who should pay for legal defense. "It would have been different had I committed that act as citizen Bob Spickard, not employed by the county to be there," he said.

Spickard says he has suffered financial harm in that he has had to take out a second mortgage on his house to pay the first half of his legal bill and lacks any assets that would enable him to pay the second half. The total bill was approximately $16,700 plus monthly interest since December 2000. Spickard, 47, and his wife, Sheila, have four children, Robby, 24, Ami-Jo, 20, Angela, 18, and Holly, 15. He said the deputies’ union has discussed holding a fund-raiser but that he personally finds it "very humbling to ask people for money."

Shortly after being restored to the force, Spickard became president of FOP, Lodge 78. The deputies’ contract expires in early December, Logan said, and negotiations on the new contract will begin in August. Dutz said Spickard has approached the Law Enforcement Committee to discuss insurance to cover deputies’ legal defense for any purpose. The insurance policy, available through the Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, costs $150 per deputy per year. Sheriff Tony Solomon said he would support providing such insurance if it is part of the negotiating package presented by the FOP and if the county has the money. Solomon is present during contract negotiations but has no voting rights.

Spickard said that he does not know of any of the county deputies who had personally purchased a policy before his indictment but said that recently they have all have taken it out. City police also have the option to purchase supplemental legal defense insurance.

Spickard said his union lodge has not previously asked for this coverage because deputies did not expect to be criminally charged. When approaching a case they are focused on helping the victim, he said, not on their own legal exposure.

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The incident for which Spickard was charged occurred on July 25, 1999, when he and Deputy James Hays were called to Hartsburg on a complaint of a dog running loose and chasing a girl. The dog had bitten two people in the past. The complainant said that Matthew Gleason, then 14, son of the dog’s owners, had used profanity in telling him to go inside to avoid being bitten. Spickard went alone to the Gleason home, where Matt and his parents, Mark Kevin and Cynthia, were all outside.

When Spickard asked about the profanity, Kevin Gleason said his son, as a minor, would not talk without an attorney. Gleason pushed Matt inside the house and began to follow. Spickard, who smelled alcohol on Gleason’s breath, said, "So are you an attorney, Mr. Intoxicated?" Allegedly because he feared that Kevin Gleason would flee inside, Spickard grabbed Gleason’s right wrist in a joint lock and asked if he wanted to go to jail for obstructing the investigation of the dog incident.

With his arm held behind him, Gleason walked backward down the steps, cried out about shoulder pain and fell to his knees. Spickard eased pressure on the joint lock when he saw that Gleason was in pain and released it entirely when Cynthia Gleason said her husband had had seven surgeries on his shoulder.

Kevin Gleason was taken by relatives to the emergency room. At the hospital he asked that the incident be investigated for use of excessive force. The first statements were taken that night by Sgt. Dan Fruge of the Illinois State Police, District 9, Springfield. Michael Galletti, special agent for the Illinois State Police, District 8, Peoria, conducted an investigation over several months and testified for the state.

Spickard originally employed a Lincoln attorney who advised him to plead guilty to battery, a misdemeanor, and save his job. Spickard objected because he believes himself innocent and because he feared a guilty plea would open him up to a civil suit. At that point he chose the more expensive alternative of hiring Michael Metnik of Springfield and pleading not guilty.

Circuit Court Judge Kevin P Fitzgerald presided at Spickard’s trial, which was in Lincoln Dec. 13-14, 2000. Special prosecutor Charles Zalar of Springfield presented the case, and Spickard was defended by Michael Metnik and Richard Kim, who successfully argued that the joint lock is a technique commonly available to police officers when dealing with a resistant subject. The jury deliberated less than an hour before finding Spickard not guilty on all counts.

While under indictment Spickard was placed on paid suspension, as stipulated by the deputies’ union contract. After the verdict he was reinstated as a county deputy. He was formerly a K-9 handler, but his dog Castor died, and Sheriff Solomon said the department does not currently have the approximately $10,000 it would cost to purchase another police dog. While under suspension, Spickard says, he lost time he would have been paid to work in the dog kennel and lost some respect from fellow deputies. He says he has become more apprehensive on the job as a result of his experience.

Mark Kevin Gleason has filed a civil lawsuit asking more than $50,000 in compensatory damages plus punitive damages and costs from Spickard and Sgt. Henry Bartmann, his superior. Because it is a civil suit, county insurance is expected to cover any defense expenses if the suit is pursued.

[Lynn Spellman]

[JULY 7, 2001]  The Logan County Genealogical and Historical Society has been awarded a $10,000 state grant, according to an announcement by Sen. Bob Madigan before he left his legislative position.

"This award is good news for the society," said Madigan, R-Lincoln. "The money will be used to help purchase the building that is currently home to the society."

The organization recently moved from Arcade Court to 114 N. Chicago in Lincoln.

Society member Dorothy Gleason said the new location gives them much-needed breathing room.

"We were running out of space at our old location," said Gleason. "Our new home will help us expand our research capabilities. We receive inquires from all over the country from people who are tracing their family history. The extra room also means more space for historical displays, like our … display in honor of Flag Day."

Money for the grant comes from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs in Springfield.

[News release]

[JULY 6, 2001]  Just when the economy and job market are in a slump all over the nation, the local branch of APAC Customer Services has broken the mold locally. APAC seeks to hire at least 30 full-time and 30 part-time telephone sales representatives at its Lincoln customer interaction center before the end of July. The additional employees will serve expanding business volume from a major financial services client that was assigned to Lincoln recently.

Both full- and part-time positions as telephone sales representatives are being offered at the 2500 Woodlawn Road facility. The jobs offer flexible work schedules. Newly hired representatives receive paid training and, after six months of full-time employment, are eligible for health care and dental benefits, a vision care discount program, paid vacation days and a 401(k) retirement program. The starting wage is $6 per hour, and wage increases are determined by length of service and job performance.

Job seekers are encouraged to apply in person at 2500 Woodlawn Road or call (217) 735-4067. Rich Krider is the center business manager. The 10,000-square-foot Lincoln center opened in May 1996 and operates two shifts Monday through Friday.

Nationally, APAC employs approximately 17,000 in a variety of positions. It operates 50 customer interaction centers in 14 states. Other APAC centers in Illinois are at Alton, Canton, Deerfield, Galesburg, Rock Falls, Jacksonville, Kewanee, Marion, Quincy, Pekin and Peoria.

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During 2000, the company handled 686 million customer interactions on behalf of clients. For the year ended 2000, net income was $17.2 million on revenues of $464 million.

APAC provides customer relationship management services for companies in the financial services, communications, retail, insurance, technology, utility, travel/entertainment, automotive and health care sectors. APAC develops and implements end-to-end inbound, outbound and Web-enabled, or "e-bound," customer relationship management programs via the Web or traditional call centers. Contracting with APAC for these functions offers a company cost savings, improved efficiencies, skilled representatives and instant access to complex, new technologies.

APAC’s customer information line is (800) OUTSOURCE. The website is http://www.apaccustomerservices.com. 

APAC Customer Services (Nasdaq: APAC) was founded in 1973 by Theodore G. Schwartz, chairman and CEO. The company merged with ITI Holdings in 1998. The executive headquarters of APAC is in Deerfield, a Chicago suburb.

[News release]

[JULY 6, 2001]  Lincoln Elementary School District 27 will be able to proceed with improvements to Ralph Gale Memorial Field, thanks to a $60,000 state grant announced by Sen. Bob Madigan before he left his legislative position.

"The money will be a big help to District 27," said Madigan, R-Lincoln. "The grant will allow school officials to purchase bleachers for parents and fans and add new lights for nighttime play."

The grant includes funding up to $55,000 for the purchase of lighting and up to $5,000 for bleachers, according to the district superintendent, Dr. Robert Kidd.

"The improvements will allow us to make better use of the facility," said Kidd. "Adding bleachers, and reinstalling lights will allow us to take advantage of the cooler evening hours. Rescheduling games later in the day allows more parents to see their children perform. We’ll also have the ability to schedule more activities, which will provide additional opportunities for students."

Money for the grant comes from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs in Springfield.

[News release]

[JULY 5, 2001]  Community, friends, family, workers — all gathered for dedication services July 4 at the newest Habitat house. Keys for the sixth completed Habitat for Humanity of Logan County home were turned over to the Cheryl Mittlesteadt family. Cheryl and her sons, James T. and Austin M. Berger, plan to move into their new home at 317 Vine St., Mount Pulaski, on Saturday.

[Click here to see photos from the dedication]

George Dahmm welcomed the crowd, expressing gratefulness for all those who had contributed to this recent project. Dahmm began with the city of Mount Pulaski, thanking them for deeding the property. He then recognized the intensive effort put forth by 17 LCC students during one week in the spring and then credited some of the major donors of supplies. Johnson True Value of Mount Pulaski furnished the interior paint at no cost; A-1 Seamless Gutter of Elkhart furnished and installed the gutters, also at no cost; North Tree Farm seeded grass and planted shrubbery; and the Garden Rake supplied shrubbery also.

Contributors and volunteer labor

City of Mount Pulaski

Christian Church of Mount Pulaski

Zion Lutheran Church of Mount Pulaski

American Legion Auxiliary, Mount Pulaski

Lincoln Christian College

First United Methodist Church, Lincoln

St. John Church of Christ, Lincoln

Area Disposal

Lincoln Sand and Gravel

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Emden

Larson Doors

Roger Mittlesteadt

Tom Funk, attorney

Hunter Blinds

Whirlpool Corporation

Eagles Auxiliary of Lincoln

Mount Pulaski Catholic Church

Methodist Church of Mount Pulaski

Mount Pulaski Rotary Club

ABWA, Mount Pulaski

Lincoln Christian Church

Zion Lutheran Church of New Holland

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Lincoln

Basset Plumbing and Heating

Zion Lutheran Church of Clinton

Linda Barrick, M E Realty

Eaton Corporation

Lincoln Courier

Lincoln Daily News

Bloomington Pantagraph

Yale Residential Security

The Garden Rake

Larson Doors

Douglas Hunter Blinds

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Suppliers

Mitchell Newhouse Lumber Co.

Pete's Hardware

Illinois Plumbing and Heating

Carpet House of Lincoln

Light House Appraisal Service

Cyrillic Construction

Johnson Lumber of Atlanta

Alexander Lumber Co.

Johnson True Value, Mount Pulaski

Lumberyard Suppliers Inc.

Whirlpool Corporation

A-1 Seamless Gutters of Elkhart

North Tree Farm Landscaping

Yale Residential Security

Dahmm concluded by saying how much he appreciated "anybody who in any way worked this project and brought it to completion."

Citing Christian values as the foundation for the organization, Petri concluded with these remarks: "We build the houses so that they might build homes. We’re dedicated to seeing that all of God’s children have a decent place to call home."

Presenting the key to Mittlesteadt, Phil Dehner said, "We hope you find a great love and happiness in your new home."

Emotionally overwhelmed with gratitude, Mittlesteadt stated her feelings as such, and simply said a sincere, strong, "Thank you, thank you all!"

Habitat for Humanity of Logan County board members and officers

President George Dahmm

Vice president Phil Dehner

Secretary Leonard Krusemark

Treasurer Harley Petri

Bill Sahs

Terry Lock

Lyle Fout

Ken Benham

Don Begolka

Ken Tappendorf

[Jan Youngquist]

[JULY 5, 2001]  At the dedication of the Dunlap House in Middletown on July 4, historian Wayne C. Temple christened the ground with water from a local well. Dr. Temple, a Lincoln expert, said that he has at least two documented occasions that Abraham Lincoln stayed at the house; once was with his family.

The initiative to get the house moved back to near its original site began back in 1985. On the day of the move back to town from the country, it got stuck in mud and the move was delayed until the ground froze.

Funding, repairs and renovations have been slowly taking place. Sen. Madigan and state Rep. John Turner recently procured some funding from the state of Illinois. While the site is now officially open, there are still lots of renovations to be completed.

A large crowd that included officials, visitors and local residents stayed for the opening tours of the house.

[LDN]

[JULY 5, 2001]  The climax of the Healthy Communities Partnership report to the community on Thursday was presentation of the National Outstanding Rural Health Practice Award to Dayle Eldredge, director of the Rural Health Partnership Task Force and of the overall partnership.

Among the projects of the RHP are the mobile health unit which provides primary and preventative health care throughout Logan County, educational seminars including one on prostate and testicular cancer conducted June 27, farm safety programs offered in conjunction with University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service, and assistance to farm families with a disabled member.

The award from the National Rural Health Association was presented to Eldredge by Julie Casper of the Center for Rural Health, Illinois Department of Public Health. "I believe the entire county is benefiting," Eldredge said in summing up the work of the Healthy Communities Partnership toward its mission: "To protect, maintain and improve the health and quality of life of all residents of Lincoln and Logan County."

Thursday’s luncheon presentation, at Knights of Columbus before an audience of about 100, spotlighted youth programs. In one presentation Chief of Police Rich Montcalm recognized seven students for their violence prevention essays: Sam Chon, Justin Trago, Lia Jordan, Britney Colby, Kelly Knecht and Hannah McShane.

Teenagers in Snowball, whose members are committed to living and promoting a drug-free lifestyle, presented a pantomime in which a girl experimented with a variety of drugs ranging from tobacco to heroin, became trapped, escaped with the help of friends, re-embraced the drugs, hit rock bottom and finally succeeded in becoming drug-free. Cast members were Cara Brewer, Christopher Vaughn, Bradley Stoll, Cara Slack, Lindsey Dirks, Stephie Humble, Sam Huddelson, Laura Baker, Craig Erlenbush and Chuck Allen. Kristi Simpson, prevention specialist at Logan Mason Mental Health, directed the group.

Simpson also directed "Keep Off the Grass," a puppet show presented by recent Lincoln Junior High School graduates associated with HYPE (Helping Youth in a Positive Environment). In the story Dr. Crisis and Officer Ketcham meet Dexter Dreen’s heart, stomach and brain and hear of the effects of marijuana and cocaine on them. Megan Prather, Kati Solomon, Chuck Allen, Bo Wright and Amanda Metz manipulated the puppets.

Simpson noted that Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Task Force events, including a bowling day and post-prom, are free to the public. An Illinois Department of Transportation grant enabled the awarding of such prizes as a DVD player, laptop computer and color television at post-prom.

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Ron Sillings of the YMCA announced upcoming events: a DUI Victim Impact Panel on July 25, a Family Fun Day on Sept. 22 and a mock DUI accident. Teen dances at the YMCA Activities Center at 720 Wyatt Ave. (former Odd Fellows gym) have been conducted monthly since September and will continue weekly throughout the summer except for a break during July.

In the fast-moving program each subdivision of Healthy Communities Partnership presented a report. Debby Cook of Logan County Health Department, speaking for the Domestic Abuse and Violence Task Force, announced that the Lincoln Police Department will now escort domestic violence victims to Sojourn House in Springfield, and she is working with Sheriff Tony Solomon to extend this benefit throughout the county. In another program, old cell phones, donated by P & M Communications and Lincoln Land Communications, are programmed to 9-1-1 and given to people in abusive situations who may need to make emergency calls.

Speaking for the Healthy Families Task Force, Marcia Dowling of the Logan County Health Department described various programs, including aid for grandparents raising grandchildren, education for teen parents, student mentoring and Baby Think It Over, which aims to prevent teen pregnancy. Several speakers reported an apparent decline in local teen pregnancy and pregnancy testing. In a survey conducted by Barbara Follis, one teen mother said, "The hardest part of being a young parent is the responsibilities you have as a parent, student, friend and daughter — all your roles together. Also, a little of what people say and how they look at you." Another said that if she could go back in a time machine, she would not go out again the night she got pregnant.

The Academy for Health Services Research and Health Policy, which visited the local partnership on May 14, concluded, according to a draft copy of its yet incomplete report: "This is an accomplished community health network in every sense of the word with strong linkage to key community stakeholders. The network has had a long and successful track record in supporting innovative projects that directly address key community health needs."

[Lynn Spellman]

[JULY 3, 2001]  The proposed 16-home East Park subdivision, which appeared to have reached a complete stop two weeks ago, may become bricks and mortar after all.

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[Joan Crabb]

Lincoln students earn
Governor’s Home Town Award

[JULY 3, 2001]  Judy Dopp, Lincoln Community High School National Honor Society sponsor, announced at the city’s council meeting on Monday that Lincoln had won a Governor’s Home Town Award for 2000 for the plantings done by the National Honor Society and the biochemistry classes taught by Jim Vipond.

[to top of second column in this article]

[Pictured are (left to right, back row) J.R. Glenn, 2001 NHS president; Jim Vipond, biochemistry teacher; Judy Dopp, NHS adviser; Deb Schweitzer, NHS adviser; James Phelan, 2001 project chair; (front row) Autumn Feldman, 2000 project chair; Mary Burlington, 2002 project chair; Erica Corley, 2000 NHS president; LCHS Principal Joyce Hubbard.]

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