[JULY 26, 2001]  Scattered rains, accompanied by some lightning and thunder, fell over areas of Logan County Wednesday evening.

Chris Geelhart of the National Weather Service said they had .51 in their rain gauge. Mount Pulaski, the only other official reporting location, had 1.63 inches. Looking at the radar maps, Geelhart said it appeared that the north-northeastern area of the county mostly missed out. Most of the rain followed a trail in the southwestern half of the county, between Middletown and Mount Pulaski.

Despite the erratic rainfall, John Fulton, unit leader of the University of Illinois Extension, said that at this point in time "any moisture is valuable (to crops)." Even the higher humidity helps because plants do not need to draw up as much moisture from the ground, nor do they lose as much moisture to the air when the air is at high moisture saturation.

This is a critical time for soybean seed development. "They are starting to fill pods now," Fulton explained. "At this time crops need about 1 inch rain per week."

[Jan Youngquist]

[JULY 25, 2001]  Two Lincoln homeowners who do not have the benefit of city sewers appeared again at the city council’s work session July 24 to ask that the city expedite their sewer hookups as soon as possible.

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City attorney replacement

The council then adjourned to executive session to discuss hiring a new city attorney. The present city attorney, Jonathan Wright, who was appointed to fill John Turner’s unexpired term as state representative, has resigned. No decision was announced after the executive session.

[Joan Crabb]

[JULY 25, 2001]  The Lincoln Area YMCA will have its annual Partner With Youth campaign from July 7 to Aug. 5. Keith Snyder has been named the chairman for the 2001 campaign. A father himself, Snyder knows the importance of getting youth involved in activities that support a healthy lifestyle. He is working hard to collect money for the youth of Lincoln. There are 33 community volunteers joining him in the campaign.

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[News release; ed. LDN]

[JULY 24, 2001]  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]

[JULY 24, 2001]  The first meeting of Lincoln’s Historic Homes and Buildings Committee was on July 16 in the office of Mayor Beth Davis. The mission of this committee is "to promote and preserve historic homes and buildings within Lincoln, Illinois for the purpose of recognizing and preserving their historic value."

The committee will be chaired by Lincoln resident Betty York and will meet in the mayor’s office on the third Monday of each month.

The committee’s upcoming plans include developing a public access website, identifying the available local records for research purposes, developing a format to assist the public in researching a home or property, and investigating the availability of grant money for historic restoration.

For more information, call Betty York at 732-8311 or Georgia Vinson at 732-9069.

[News release]

[JULY 23, 2001]  Despite the steamy temperatures, Elkhart residents filled the streets of the village on July 21 to celebrate the renewed Elkhart Homecoming. 

[Click here to see photos from the Elkhart Homecoming]

According to Mayor Dayle Eldredge, "The village decided to start the homecoming again as a fund-raiser to build up the coffers for the 2005 Sesquicentennial. A homecoming is a good way for residents to celebrate, raise money, as well as show others how friendly we are!"

The Saturday festivities included a parade, car show, chicken dinners, children’s games and free entertainment.

The village is already making plans for next year and encourages local families to plan reunions that weekend to make it a true old-fashioned homecoming.

Jessie Burge, 94, an honored parade guest, who had the distinction of being the oldest living Elkhart resident stated, "If I’m here next year, I’ll be back!"

[LDN]

[JULY 23, 2001]  Jonathan Wright, who was recently appointed to fill John Turner’s unexpired term as state representative from the 90th District, has announced that he will step down as Lincoln city attorney as of Aug. 1.

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[Joan Crabb]

[JULY 20, 2001]  On Thursday evening the Lincoln Liquor Control Commission convened to hear a complaint registered against QWE, Inc., 201 Madigan Drive, doing business as "After Shock," owned by Gautam Patel. Sitting for the Liquor Control Commission were Les Plotner, city treasurer; Beth Davis, mayor; and Dave Story, former alderman. William Bates was the attorney for the liquor commission. Acting as attorney for the city was Nick Burgrabe. Presenting for Patel was his attorney, Phillip Montolvo.

On first glance this meeting appeared routine. As the meeting went on, though, the substance of the violation sparked more than mild interest of those in attendance. Not only did the issue at hand prove … interesting, but also the defendant readily agreed the complaint was valid.

The liquor code specifies that any establishment allowed to sell liquor shall not allow exposure of specific body parts nor unpermitted conduct. The complaint against After Shock is that said activities did occur.

The complaint stems from an incident that occurred at the dance club on the weekend of the April 27 or May 4. The incident took place on a weekend when the dance club was hosting one of its premiere "Extreme Fight Club" events. Extreme Fight Club began holding weekend events at the After Shock dance club early last spring. The fight club events are subcontracted by the dance club. A promoter for Extreme Fight Club handles all the event activities. Following the ring fights there is normally a segment called "ring girl competition." The Extreme Fight events are usually videotaped.

The activities that took place on one particular evening were extreme. Things got a little out of control. Evidence of that evening came into the hands of Lincoln Police Chief Richard Montcalm. One day in June he received a phone call offering a videotape from an event last spring. Chief Montcalm was not at liberty to say just who contacted him about the evidence.

In opening statements Patel’s lawyer said that his client did not dispute the allegations were true, offering that his client "had no prior knowledge of the activity, and that it occurred one time and one time alone." He also stated that they preferred not to call forward witnesses in order to avoid embarrassing them.

Those in attendance at last night’s hearing observed the video, which had about a 15-minute sequence that depicted four women fully disrobing, one at a time, and getting into the fight ring. This activity was a direct violation of the liquor code.

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Members of the commission asked a few clarifying questions about the awareness Patel had of the incident. He responded that he was not on the premises the evening this occurred and only learned for certain of it when he was served papers this last Friday. He had admitted earlier in the meeting, "I had heard rumors of it (after it occurred) but did not know it to be truth." He said that when he got the papers he asked the bartender in charge that night why he did not stop the behavior, and the bartender’s response was that he did not know what to do.

The commission evaluated other provisions of the liquor license. Patel was also questioned about the ratio of food-to-liquor sales he does. His license allows for 60 percent food and 40 percent alcohol sales. He said, "We sell a lot of hot dogs, chips and popcorn at these events." His kitchen is capable of catering.

In closing, Patel’s attorney, Montolvo, conceded the offense but pleaded that it be recognized that his client "had no prior knowledge of the event." He also requested that any penalty be deferred so that they be allowed to proceed with a long-scheduled wedding on Saturday, indicating that it would be undue hardship to the wedding family to find a new place to go.

Liquor Control Commission attorney William Bates then announced that the commission would adjourn to a closed session to discuss the matter.

The commission decided for the maximum penalty available without revocation under state law for a first offense. After Shock has been fined $1,000. In addition, beginning July 23 at 5 p.m. through midnight Aug. 22 their liquor license will be revoked for 30 days.

[Jan Youngquist]

[JULY 20, 2001]  Dean Williams, Still Photographer, from Springfield, has been chosen as the production company to direct the video of "Looking for Lincoln in Logan County." The video committee, chaired by Paul Beaver, recently chose this company after interviewing several.

The documentary will include the following: Middletown Stage Coach Inn, conversation with Mr. Lincoln and John D. Gillett in Elkhart, a courtroom scene in Mount Pulaski, the christening of the city of Lincoln at the Depot, and pictures by Lloyd Ostendorf. Other photographs and paintings will convey everyday scenes and events in the life of Abraham Lincoln.

Some extras dressed in period clothing (1840-1850) may be needed for scenes. Ron Keller, curator at Lincoln College Museum, can provide clothing information. You can reach him at 732-3155. If you would like to be added to the list of potential extras, call the Main Street Lincoln office at (217) 732-2929.

Beaver stated that the committee is still looking for the loan of any historical photographs or paintings that local residents have from that period. These will be used as background to lend authenticity to the video.

In other matters of discussion, it was announced that a meeting of volunteers of the Postville Courthouse is scheduled for Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. Volunteers are asked to bring suggestions and help determine what can be improved. Illinois FIRST has approved a grant to open the well at Deskin’s Tavern.

It was also mentioned that there has been a business request submitted to the city zoning committee for a lot to be rezoned near the Postville Courthouse. There are plans to put up a convenience store. This property is in the same area that is being planned as a historic district. People interested in this issue should either send a signed letter of objection to the zoning board of appeals or plan to attend the meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 16, at Lincoln City Hall.

City Hall

Attn.: Board of Appeals

Lincoln, IL 62656

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Jan Schumacher has prepared a brochure for a walking tour of the local Looking for Lincoln sites. It includes a map of the downtown area as well as one of the whole city. Ostendorf prints will be included, and the brochures will distributed in the area. The first printing will include 3,500 copies of the walking tour. It has been determined that most visitors to the Lincoln sites gain the information from travel writers and Main Street.

Ron Keller, director of the Lincoln College Museum, reported that the museum has a Madigan collection on temporary display until the new museum is built. The collection contains letters and other items which cover the work of Ed Madigan when he was in the House of Representatives as well as when he served as secretary of agriculture. The college expects that the Lincoln Center will be completed by commencement 2003.

Gillette Ransom announced that the Elkhart Homecoming is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday on Main Street in downtown Elkhart. The homecoming begins with a citywide yard sale at 8 a.m. There will be a parade at 3 p.m. Other attractions will include a cruise-in with all makes and models of cars, food, children's carnival games with prizes, and a kiddie tractor pull. Hypnotist Kent Sorrels and local talent will provide entertainment from 5:30 to 7 p.m. A street dance with music by UpFront will commence at 8 p.m., and there will be a cash drawing at 9 p.m. On Sunday, biscuits and gravy will be served from 7 to 11 a.m.

[Kathleen McCullough]

[JULY 20, 2001]  As the first day of school approaches, local children, teachers and administrators won’t be the only ones packing their lunches and sharpening their pencils. Preparations are already under way for the Foster Grandparents of CIEDC to return to West Lincoln-Broadwell, Central, Adams, Jefferson, Northwest, Washington-Monroe and Chester-East Lincoln schools, where they will assist children with reading, writing and other special needs.

"As America goes back to school, our Foster Grandparents join thousands of Senior Corps volunteers who serve in school settings throughout the country," says Paula Poe, project director. Nationally, one-third of all Foster Grandparents serve in public and private schools, helping young children with special needs improve their literacy skills. Roughly the same number of Foster Grandparents address early childhood needs in Head Start programs and day-care centers.

"The Foster Grandparent program harnesses the time, talent and experience of one generation for the benefit of another," says Harris Wofford, CEO of the Corporation for National Service, which oversees the Foster Grandparent program. "The impact that a relatively small group of senior volunteers can have on students and an entire school is truly remarkable.

"The extra time and love that the Foster Grandparents can give individual children is worth it all."

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The CIEDC Foster Grandparent program has approximately 75 volunteers serving in eight counties in schools, Head Start and day-care centers. These volunteers also serve in Brenda Edgar’s "READS" program, Retirees Educating and Assisting in the Development of Students.

The National Service is a movement that engages Americans of all ages and backgrounds to help solve community problems. In addition to the Senior Corps — which involves a half million Americans age 60 and older as Foster Grandparents to troubled children and youth, Senior Companions to the homebound elderly, and RSVP volunteers in a myriad of community projects — the Corporation for National Service also oversees Ameri-Corps and Learn and Serve America.

[CIEDC news release]

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