[MARCH 9, 2001]  Thanks to the concern of a Lincoln postman, a Lincoln woman—we will call her Susie, not her real name—is recovering in the hospital. Steve Jones has been delivering Susie’s mail for about six months. He observed that every day she collects her mail, and most days has some to go out as well. She’s an avid communicator.

Last Friday, Jones noticed that Thursday’s mail was in the mailbox, no new letters were set out, the newspaper was in the yard, and the car was in the driveway. He rang the doorbell, but no one answered. Although he thought the situation looked abnormal, he supposed Susie had gone out of town with friends or family.

On Saturday, Steve Jones returned to Susie’s house to deliver mail, and the scene was unchanged. He considered calling the police at the end of his shift—about a half hour—but it slipped his mind. After returning home for the day, Jones and his wife took a walk. He relayed the story to his wife, and she suggested calling the police. Because he did not want to cause unnecessary alarm, Jones returned once more to Susie’s house, at about 5 p.m. Seeing that nothing had changed, Jones notified police.

When police came to investigate they found that Susie was home. She had fallen and couldn’t get up. She was taken to Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital where she was admitted and treated for injuries and dehydration.

[to top of second column in this article]

[Steve Jones recognized that things did not look right at one of his regular customer's homes, and notified police.]

Jones called the hospital Sunday morning and learned that his patron was recovering in the ICU. She was able to receive visitors. Not having ever actually met her before, other than by phone, and not wanting to intrude, Jones was tentative as he went up to see her. When he arrived he found her surrounded by family, chatting and in lively spirits. She quickly put Jones at ease as he listened and watched her with her family.

She sang unending praises for all of her past and present postal carriers, saying she had really good mailmen. Jones fondly recalls how she recounted all her past carriers: "She named each one and the time that they served."

Jones has been a carrier here for three years. He has almost 12 years in with the U.S. Post Office. He transferred here from Grand Rapids, Mich., so that he and his wife could be closer to her home: Havana.

It is different here than it was in the larger city, but "they keep me just as busy," quips Jones. Life in general is slower, easier going. "It's different surroundings here. People are more personable. Things move a little slower, and you get to talk to people more here."

This should be a good lesson to all of us about how fortunate we are to live where we have the time to pay attention and appreciate the people we encounter each day.

[Jean Ann Carnley]

and  [Jan Youngquist]

[MARCH 9, 2001]  The Lincoln Public Library's trustees and staff will host a public celebration of the 10th anniversary of Richard Sumrall's service as the library's director. The public is invited to the open house, which will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 11, at the Carnegie building at 725 Pekin St.

Richard Sumrall was appointed director of the Lincoln Public Library on Dec. 2, 1991. The library's historic Carnegie building has received major renovations during Sumrall's years as director, and the library's annex on Broadway Street opened March 14, 1995. Recently, a Scully Room was established to hold items relative to the county's early agricultural history.

During Sumrall's years as director, the annual circulation has increased from 79,191 items to 110,442 items. The audio collection has been doubled, and a CD-ROM collection added. The genealogy resources have been dramatically increased, and a classic video collection has been inaugurated.

[to top of second column in this article]

The Lincoln Public Library is a technology leader in the Midwest, with wireless communication and public-access computers. The library's children's program attracts thousands of youngsters each year to summer programs, storytelling and a host of other special events. This year the library has added an adult program coordinator to develop book clubs, readings and other adult activities.

In addition to his service at the library, Sumrall has been a constant contributor to community life as a member of the board of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of Kiwanis and a participant in many community events.

[News release]

[MARCH 9, 2001]  Should county zoning regulations be changed from the current five-acre parcel to one or two acres in order to build a house, is a question that was placed on the April agenda for the Planning and Zoning Committee of the Logan County Board.

Dave Hepler, chairman of the committee that met Wednesday evening, said that the board should revisit the ordinance and get input from everyone in order to evaluate the current policy.

There has been a certain amount of farm acreage that would be better suited to residential use. Road construction such as that of 155 south of Lincoln has divided farmland and made access to some land impractical. These sections of land are no longer as desirable as farmland. It is recognized that with interest rates down there may be potential homeowners who would benefit from the zoning change. It would be much easier for someone to buy one or two acres to build on than five acres.

"Anyone who has a position on the topic should put it in writing and send it to the County Zoning Office so that all aspects can be covered and discussed," Hepler said.

People can also attend the April meeting and voice their opinions on the subject.

Other board members in attendance at the committee meeting were Rod White and Jim Griffin, who also voiced opinions concerning the current zoning regulations.

Harold Juett, zoning officer, told committee members that the current position was passed by the County Board in late 1996 after 18 months of planning and research.

[to top of second column in this article]

In other business, the committee passed, for board approval, a request by Turris Coal mine to change the zoning from agricultural to M3 in order to allow the company to build an above-ground conveyor belt from the Elkhart overpass to their mine.

Roger Dennison, representing Turris, said that it would take approximately nine months to obtain a permit from the state following approval from various state agencies and public hearings.

"We are regulated by state agencies that require compliance with pollution laws as well as guidelines from the Department of Natural Resources. Even with the best timetable," Dennison said, "it would be four years before the conveyor would be in operation,"

A public hearing is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, at the Hurlbut Township office.

[Fuzz Werth]

[MARCH 8, 2001]  There was a rumor about a threat called into the school yesterday morning. It was just that, a rumor.

However, in the afternoon a student did make a threat against someone at the high school. That student was then in violation of his parole and was taken into custody by police and returned to Juvenile Department of Corrections.

In light of the recent incident in California and past situations in other schools across the country, the Lincoln police are taking pre-emptive precautions. "We are concerned for the safety of our students," says Lincoln Police Chief Richard Ludolph.

There are officers meeting with LCHS staff and faculty this morning, in addition to assemblies for students. There were also a couple of officers stationed there as a police presence.

[to top of second column in this article]

Students are especially vulnerable to persecution and intimidating circumstances. These pressures can lead up to their acting out in violence.

Chief Ludolph points out, "We need to start sticking up for those that are picked on. Words hurt other people. In almost every one of the school violence situations across the country, the student had been picked on."

"We're concerned for everyone’s safety," Chief Ludolph declares. If you hear someone make a threat, do not worry about whether they may be joking or not, report it! Tell a teacher, staff member, adult, or call the police. The police, state’s attorney and other trained professionals will handle it.

[Jan Youngquist]

[MARCH 6, 2001]  The city zoning committee met last night to discuss a new proposed ordinance concerning bed and breakfasts in the residential districts of Lincoln. Aside from a few points on the language of the ordinance, committee members discussed both fire safety and parking clauses at length.

Fire Chief Ebelherr and fireman Tim Aper were present to clarify the issues surrounding the fire code provisions in the ordinance. The committee clarified language on the requirement of lighted exit signs and inserted a clause requiring that the businesses submit floor plans to the fire department. The provisions in the code do not go beyond what they would ask a homeowner to do but take into consideration the safety of the general public. As Alderman Glenn Shelton said at the meeting, "This requires more responsibility to the general public…but we don’t want it to become an obstacle to the businesses."

A second issue which the committee considered at length was a clause requiring that one off-street parking spot per unit be provided by the bed and breakfast. City residential building code already stipulates that parking spots cannot be located in the front yard. Upon inspection of a few proposed sites in Lincoln, the committee found that this requirement could be somewhat difficult for some new bed and breakfasts to meet. Against the advice of city code enforcement officer Les Last, the clause was removed from the ordinance.

[to top of second column in this article]

The committee decided on a $30 annual license fee. They also decided on a required annual life-safety inspection that would be provided at no cost. The ordinance was then tabled. The ordinance will be discussed with the whole council on March 13 and will be voted upon at the March 19 council meeting.

[Trisha Youngquist]

[MARCH 6, 2001]  Tuesday evening’s Lincoln City Council meeting was short but included two petitions of note. Action Rental and Furniture Center, 519 Broadway, petitioned to have the direction of traffic changed in the alley between Broadway and Pulaski streets. Mayor Joan Ritter petitioned to have March 2001 designated as Red Cross Month.

Action Rental has had issues with customer parking recently with the addition of Sorrento’s Pizzeria next door to their business. To better accommodate their customers, they have added a drive-up window on the alley side of their business. In order for customers to make payments from the driver’s side window, Action Rental petitioned to have the direction of traffic switched from one-way northbound to two-way traffic. Many of the aldermen inspected the situation and found no problems. The petition was unanimously approved by the board members.

Mayor Joan Ritter petitioned to have March 2001 declared Red Cross Month in order to recognize the importance and achievements of the Red Cross. This petition was also unanimously approved by the board members.

[Trisha Youngquist]

[MARCH 6, 2001]  The rent, or lack of rent, on the 3.5 acres of farm ground at the Logan County Airport was again discussed by the County Board's Airport/Farm Committee Monday night.

According to board records, Don Otte, who farms the parcel, hasn't made payments from 1996 to present. The committee decided to send Otte a letter requesting payment, with a reply deadline of 30 days.

Members also discussed letting someone else farm it, or other ground management proposals could be explored.

In other action, the members voted to take half of the 2,000 bushels of beans and half of the 4,000 bushels of corn along with 647 bushels of beans stored at the county farm and put them up for sale for the next 30 days.

The motion, made by Lloyd Hellman, would offer the corn at $2.05 per bushel and the beans at $4.50 per bushel.

[to top of second column in this article]

Replacement of the mowers was also discussed. Rod White will follow up to see if the county can buy any surplus from the State Highway Department.

[Fuzz Werth]

[MARCH 5, 2001]  It was a big day Friday at Lincoln Christian College and Seminary as they had a groundbreaking ceremony for their new athletic facility. The new facility replaces a long-outdated, too small gymnasium that sits behind the cafeteria. The new $3 million, 30,000-sq.-ft. facility will house some office space, training rooms, locker rooms, a weight room, a lobby and concession area, and a large gymnasium that will seat more than 1,000 spectators. It will also have its own parking lot. As coach Jeff Mayfield points out, "You gotta think big to be big."

[click here to see more photos from the groundbreaking ceremony]

LCC/LCS is known for their rigorous studies and high academic standards, but they also strive to support these standards in all aspects of student development and personal life. LCC/LCS recognizes that Christian values are communicated in everything we do, including athletics.

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might," says coach Kevin Crawford, citing Ecclesiastes 9:10a.

Coach Nancy Siddens points out, "Winners — everyone playing to their fullest potential."

It is in holding to these high standards that the school steps forward with confidence in the importance of building this new facility. "As an athlete on the court you represent your family, your hometown, your home church, Lincoln Christian College and Seminary, and most of all Christ," says coach Mayfield.

The mission statement for the building of this facility reads:

Lincoln Christian College and Seminary values students and their holistic development in and out of the classroom. Our objectives and educational philosophy encourage our students to glorify God in his or her physical body through opportunities for Christian service, spiritual formation, social development, and individual physical health. This new athletic facility will be constructed with that end in mind.

Faculty, students, board members, supporting church members, and alums gathered in the chapel at 10 a.m. Friday. Lynn Laughlin, vice president of student development, former basketball and baseball coach and athletic director, joyously welcomed everyone. It was with great sentiment that he recalled some of LCC/LCS history. Then, following some brief introductions of guests and a few words from Dr. Keith H. Ray, LCC/LCS president, the crowd was led out to the new site that is located just in back of the chapel.

Several shifts wielded the honorary gold shovels. In the starting lineup there were Dr. Marion Henderson, distinguished professor of New Testament, athletic director 1952-1972, men’s basketball coach 1952-1968, baseball coach 1960-1962 and 1969-1975; Jeff Mayfield, director of partnership development, men’s basketball coach 1990-1996; Nancy Siddens, assistant director of financial aid, women’s basketball coach 1986-1999; Kevin Crawford, vice president of finance, women’s volleyball coach 1991-present; Randy Kirk, director of student services, athletic director, and men’s basketball coach 1996-present; Mike Gaston, alumnus and friend of LCCS.

Other dirt-tossing shifts included President Ray and members of the school’s board of directors.

[to top of second column in this article]

Previous groundbreaking ceremonies were in 1953 for the original campus, in 1964 for Restoration Hall and in 1970 for Earl C Hargrove Chapel.

While P.J. Hoerr of Peoria was awarded the new construction, local contractors will be used for $2 million in renovations. The renovations entail converting the present service building, which is located in the middle of the campus, into a student center with offices, reception and conference rooms, a game room, and a student lounge. A new service building will be constructed at the edge of the campus. Also in the plans are renovations of dormitories and student apartments, including new siding, furniture, carpeting and light fixtures, and replacing flat roofs with new, gabled roofs that will match those of the new athletic building. Updating building exteriors and interiors also includes staining yellow exterior brick to match the other brick on campus.

The current economic impact of LCC/CS on the Lincoln community is a little less than $15 million a year, considering the money paid to employees and spent locally. With the new facility LCC/CS will be able to host regional and national sports tournaments and other sports events. The new athletic facility will increase that economic impact on Lincoln by bringing people to town for athletic events.

With a completion goal by the end of 2001, the Preachers and the Angels should start the new 2002 year playing in glory in their new facility.

[LDN]

[MARCH 3, 2001]  Radios that sound a warning tone when dangerous weather threatens are being given to 176 schools, hospitals, day-care centers, public buildings and mobile home residents in Logan County.

Tom Zimmerman, grant manager of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), announced the grant of the tone-alert radios in connection with the Surviving Tornadoes through Awareness and Reaction (STAR) program. The program, begun by IEMA in 2000, aims to encourage early warning and preparedness for severe weather. Illinois averages 30 tornadoes a year; in 2000 there were 55.

Recipients of the radios include all schools in Logan County, all day-care centers, hospitals, nursing homes, government buildings, American Red Cross headquarters and some mobile home residents. Dan Fulscher, Logan County ESDA coordinator, said 40 to 50 weather radios will be divided among the mobile home parks in the county, with a lottery to be held in each park. Recipients of the weather radios are expected to alert their neighbors to threatening storms.

Speaking at a March 1 press conference, Zimmerman said Logan County was chosen as a grant recipient because it has an emergency management program in place and because recent tornado damage has raised awareness of severe weather danger. Fulscher said Logan County suffered more weather-related disasters in the last seven years than any other Illinois county south of Interstate 80; these included flash floods, tornadoes, high winds and blizzards.

[Dan Fulscher, Logan County ESDA coordinator, accepts an Illinois Emergency Management Agency grant of 176 tone-alert weather radios for Logan County institutions and residents.]

The STAR program received $150,000 in state funding two years ago. To date it has awarded 39 grants in cities and counties scattered throughout Illinois. Zimmerman said he expects to have distributed 8,000 weather radios by the end of the year.

High-risk public facilities and mobile home parks have been targeted to receive radios in order to "provide places of assembly with critical advance warning time" in potentially life or death cases, Zimmerman said. He displayed a pie chart showing that in the United States 40 percent of tornado-related deaths during the past 15 years have occurred in manufactured housing.

"Early warning capability becomes especially important if you need to go elsewhere to seek shelter," according to IEMA Director Mike Chamness. "We are not suggesting that manufactured homes are not a good place to live; we are saying that they can be made safer if you are aware that severe weather is on the way and immediately seek appropriate shelter."

Greg Brinner, associated with Terrace Mobile Home Park, noted that parks are often located on the edge of town, and therefore are the first to be hit. He said the industry has long recognized the problem of tornado damage and has an active program to provide proper setup of homes.

[to top of second column in this article]

[Rod Palmer, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service, demonstrates a tone-alert weather radio.  The pie chart quantifies where tornado-related fatalities have occurred.]

One purpose of the STAR program is to promote weather radios as a "silent partner" in weather alerts. Rod Palmer, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said he hopes weather radios will become as common as smoke detectors.

The radios are programmed to a countywide code that eliminates confusion with warnings for other areas. They sound an alarm tone when severe weather threatens. They also broadcast weather information and can be used to issue civil emergency messages in events such as toxic waste spills. For the hearing impaired or in a noisy factory, they can activate a strobe light. Portable versions are available for outdoor activities.

Terry Storer, Logan County ESDA assistant director, programmed the 176 radios to receive Logan County information. They can also be programmed to include adjacent counties to give extra time to prepare. With over 500 U.S. weather radio stations, travelers can tune in almost anywhere. Illinois has 13 weather transmitter sites, most built in the last three years. Palmer said that by the end of the year 97 percent of the state will be covered.

Similar radios with battery backup cost about $50 and are available at Wal-Mart, RadioShack and K’s Merchandise. Zimmerman said grant radios will include free battery replacement for a year.

He noted that one advantage of tone-alert radios is their ability to sound an alert at any time. Cable TV overrides and radio announcements provide a valuable service, he said, but they must be tuned in. Warning sirens are also an important tool, but people inside a closed building may not hear them. The radios coupled with weather transmitting stations offer a "warning means not to be found with older modalities," Zimmerman said.

The American Red Cross, the National Weather Service and the Illinois Insurance Association are partners with IEMA in the STAR program. Fay Stubblefield, representing the Logan County Chapter of the American Red Cross, noted that STAR meshes with the organization’s interest in preparedness as a means to save lives.

Lincoln Mayor Joan Ritter thanked IEMA for the grant, and Logan County Board member Dick Logan commended Fulscher for his efforts in securing it.

[Lynn Spellman]

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