Judge will hear arguments
on AFSCME suit

[FEB. 25, 2002]  Although one count of the suit brought by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 425 to prevent Gov. George Ryan from closing Lincoln Developmental Center has been dismissed, arguments will be heard on the second count, Dan Senters, local AFSCME spokesman, said Monday afternoon.

Senters said the union learned about the ruling, made by Associate Judge Don Behle of the Logan County Circuit Court, at about noon Monday, Feb. 25. AFSCME contended that Gov. Ryan did not have a right to close LDC because the legislature had appropriated money to fund it until the end of the fiscal year, June 30. Judge Behle dismissed that count, Senters, said, because the governor has decided not to close the facility but to reduce the number of residents to about 100, and the question is moot.

However, Judge Behle will hear arguments on the second count, that the governor and the Illinois Department of Human Services must get a permit from the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board before moving residents from LDC. Steve Yokich, attorney representing AFSCME, argued last week that, according to the statutes, permits are required if changes are made to the "scope and operation" of facilities such as LDC and if the facility cuts more than 10 beds or 10 percent of its beds. No permits were issued for the residents who have already been moved, Senters said.

Senters said Yokich will be filing an injunction immediately to stop the state from moving any more residents from LDC until the court has heard arguments on the permit issue, even though the governor’s office had already announced that it will not move any more residents until April 15. Senters said he expects a hearing on the injunction early next week. Judge Behle will hear arguments on the permit issue at a later date.

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According to the Logan County circuit clerk’s office, the plaintiffs have the option to refile on the question of appropriations (count one) within 14 days.

AFSCME staff members say 114 residents have already been moved from LDC, most of them to other large state-operated facilities. There are 256 residents and 620 employees still at LDC, but the governor wants to move at least another 150 out of the 124-year-old facility and cut employees from a peak of 700 to about 210.

On Friday the Department of Human Services gave layoff notices to LDC employees who are members of AFSCME. One hundred ninety-two AFSCME employees are to be laid off by April 30 and another 180 by June 30, under the governor’s present plan.

Layoff notices will also go out to LDC employees who are members of three other unions, the Teamsters and unions that represent nurses and security personnel.

[Joan Crabb]

LCC dedicates new athletic facility

[FEB. 25, 2002]  Saturday was the day for Lincoln Christian College’s new Laughlin Center and Gaston Arena to be presented to the public. You may have noticed the construction over there on that side of town. This dedication marks the culmination of many years of planning and vision to bring a new physical facility to the LCC/LCCS campus. According to sources, some 1,200 to 1,300 people showed up to celebrate and dedicate the building.

This new athletic center features a 13,000-square-foot gymnasium with seating for 1,000 spectators. It houses a weight room, four locker rooms, training rooms with whirlpool and training tables, as well as new offices and two new classrooms. It replaces an aging and undersized facility on the other side of the campus.

Immediately after the original building was completed in the early ’60s on that 22-acre campus, coach Marion Henderson remarked that the facility was inadequate, and even then the LCC faculty and staff set their sights on bringing together the resources to construct an appropriate indoor athletic facility. The campus grew, the students came, and the dream lived on.

The Laughlin Center is the fulfillment of a vision to expand and enhance the athletic program at LCC/LCCS — a vision that began in the early ’90s. According to Jeff Mayfield, one of the early LCC visionaries of this expansion, he and Lynn Laughlin had drawn up plans for a $5 million facility and even had a model constructed in the early ’90s to bring this logical expansion to the attention of the alumni, the administration and even the entire Christian Church convention. But, "it was like kicking a dead horse," said Mayfield. Even with plans coordinated with the YMCA to bring this facility to light, it was still a matter of dollars and cents. They were told if they got someone to write the check, then construction could be started immediately.

A recent anonymous gift of $1 million, plus a pledge drive among friends and alumni of LCC/LCS that raised an additional $2 million piece of the pie, started construction on the Laughlin Center and provided for a needed $5 million renovation of the entire LCC campus.

The construction on this new building was coordinated by PJ Hoerr of Normal, which served as the primary contractor for this facility.

The ribbon-cutting event started out this day of dedication at 10 a.m. Jean Driscoll, an athlete who medaled in both the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympic Games and won the Boston Marathon eight times, was the guest speaker at 10:30 a.m. In addition to her athletic background, Driscoll holds a degree in communications and is a national sports commentator of some renown.

The reception and guided tours of the new center began at 11:30 p.m., followed by a women’s basketball game against Emmaus Bible College at 1 p.m. and a men’s basketball game against the same college at 3 p.m. The alumni events Saturday were the best-attended alumni events ever held by LCC.

This new athletic facility, The Laughlin Center, was named after longtime friend, coach and recruiter at LCC/LCS, Lynn Laughlin. Laughlin came to the college as a student in 1960, and never left. He began in the athletics program as an assistant basketball coach in ’64 and took over as head coach in ’69. He also coached baseball from 1975 to 1983 and finally retired from coaching in 1986. Laughlin currently serves as the vice president of alumni development for LCC.

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As a recruiter for LCC, he was instrumental in helping to build a strong student body at the college. His motto has been: "We can work this out. If you will come, we’ll find a way to make it work." His personal integrity has inspired trusted relationships with thousands of students, as well as the faculty and staff of LCC/LCCS.

An ordained minister, Laughlin is a well-respected member of the Logan County community. He has served the community in several public capacities, among which were his years of ministry at Lake Fork Christian Church, preaching ministry at Raymond, Ill., and service to the community as a "Paul Harris Fellow" Rotarian. Laughlin has served on public school boards, as well as being an officer of his school district.

Laughlin called the fulfillment of this project "unbelievable!" He said he kept pinching himself and kept pinching himself, and when he drove onto the grounds of LCC Monday morning, the sports facility was still there — a physical reality, not merely a pleasant dream. He credits the work of many friends of LCC/LCS, and purposefully pointed out the leadership of President Keith Ray and the development work of Kevin Crawford.

The gymnasium portion of this new athletic facility is known as the Thomas A. Gaston Arena, named and dedicated for a Christian known for outstanding faith and focus. Gaston was said to be exemplary in his conduct, a model who could be imitated just as the apostle Paul was worthy of imitation. Often referred to as the "Holy Man of the Midwest," he shunned public attention and simply worked obscurely to advance the cause of the church. His family honored him with a substantial gift toward the completion of the athletic facility.

Lincoln Christian College and Seminary have enjoyed a rich athletic heritage, with an active basketball program dating back to 1952 in the old Odd Fellows gym on Wyatt Avenue. Women’s basketball was added in 1963. Women’s athletics were expanded in 1980 to include women’s volleyball. Baseball began prior to the institution’s name change (formerly Lincoln Bible Institute) back in the ’50s. Track began in 1962 and flourished in the late ’60s and early ’70s. Soccer was added in 1979, women’s softball in 1980 and tennis in 1988. LCC will be adding four other sports in the 2002-03 academic year: women’s softball, men’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s cross country.

Lincoln Christian College is a four-year institution offering certificate, associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree programs, as well as cooperative programs with ISU, U of I Springfield and Greenville College. The Seminary offers a Master of Divinity degree in leadership ministry, an MA in counseling ministry, as well as MA programs in six other areas of specialization.

Lincoln Christian College is accredited by the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges and the Higher Learning Commissions of the North Central Association. The seminary is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and the Higher Learning Commissions of the North Central Association. In recent years the college and seminary have experienced record enrollments, with more than 1,100 students enrolled. The college is the third-fastest-growing private college in the state of Illinois (of schools over 300). Lincoln alumni number nearly 12,000 and serve in nearly every state of the union and have served in mission fields in 57 countries.

[Jim Youngquist]

Lincoln court will rock in one week

[FEB. 25, 2002]  The average height in Lincoln will be raised the evening of Tuesday, March 5, as the popular Harlem Ambassadors take to the basketball court. The fund-raising event is being hosted by the Habitat for Humanity of Logan County. It will take place at the new Laughlin Center Gaston Arena on the Lincoln Christian College campus at 7 p.m.

Reduced price advance tickets are available at $10 for adults, $7 for senior citizens and $5 for children under 12. Tickets at the door will be $12 for adults, $9 for senior citizens and $7 for children under 12. For more information, contact Habitat at P.O. Box 714 or phone (217) 732-6234. Tickets can be purchased in Lincoln at the IGA, A.G. Edwards and Union Planters Bank.

The Harlem Ambassadors Basketball Show features high-flying slam dunks, dazzling ball-handling and hilarious comedy routines. The team of men professionals is uniquely led by a woman player and coach, Ladè Majic, the "Queen of Show Basketball." The team is challenged by local opposition at each stop. In Lincoln, they will face the talents of a team specially formed for the Habitat for Humanity of Logan County: the Nail Benders, composed of young men from the area who are over the age of 19.

Speaking for the Harlem Ambassadors, Ladè Majic said, "We find that no matter what part of the country we tour, the fans love us, and the home team always has a few players that can put us to the test." Despite the challenges, the team remains undefeated in four years of touring, during which the team has journeyed to 14 foreign countries on three continents.

The Harlem Ambassadors/Amtrak Coast-to-Coast Tour offers a unique mix of the old and new. Slated for the prime basketball period of Feb. 23 to March 24, the tour will carry the Harlem Ambassadors from Philadelphia to Oakland entirely by Amtrak rail service.

"We are very excited to be teaming with Amtrak to present this unique undertaking," said Dale Moss, president of the Harlem Ambassadors. "It seems now, more than ever, the public is seeking wholesome family activities in their own backyard," he added. The Harlem Ambassadors frequently present their world-class basketball extravaganza in small college and large high school facilities where fans have greater access to interact with the performers than they might have in a huge sports arena.

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This tour is bringing back the memories of a time when sports teams crisscrossed the nation by rail. Back in that day, instead of the isolation of private air or motor coach transportation, sports stars were accessible to fans as they journeyed by train. However, there is nothing old-fashioned about either the Harlem Ambassadors or Amtrak in the partnership of this tour. The team offers many fresh ideas in the traditional African-American basketball presentation. And Amtrak offers an extremely high standard of up-to-date service in modern Superliner rail coaches.

The tour is projected for performances in 25 communities on Amtrak’s routes. The Harlem Ambassadors staff has scheduled performances at stops that include large city, suburban and rural locations. The tour is designed to bring good feelings to each of the communities where the Harlem Ambassadors will perform.

This tour is a great public relations opportunity for the Harlem Ambassadors, Amtrak and the communities in which the tour will stop. Print and broadcast media representatives are being invited to join the tour for various segments, traveling with the team, experiencing the pleasures of Amtrak rail transportation, enjoying the communities in which the tour stops and even having an opportunity to play in the basketball game (for the challenging team). The Harlem Ambassadors public relations representatives and Amtrak PR are coordinating this national media coverage. For more information, call (970) 472-1000.

As with other Harlem Ambassadors games, the game performances of the Amtrak Coast-to-Coast Tour are benefiting local not-for-profit community, youth and school organizations. It is estimated that nearly a quarter of a million dollars in funds will be raised for these organizations through this tour.

[News release]

Layoff notices go out at LDC

[FEB. 23, 2002]  The first step in laying off a total of 372 employees of Lincoln Developmental Center, members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union, came Friday when packets informing them of the move were handed out.

The Department of Human Services, which oversees the facility, and Central Management Services, both state agencies, began distributing the packets at 5 a.m. Feb. 22.  Packets went to workers on all three shifts.  One hundred ninety-two of the AFSCME members are slated to be laid off April 30, and the other 180 will be laid off June 30.   

An AFSCME spokesperson said members of three other unions — the Teamsters, the Illinois Nurses Association, and the Illinois Federation of Public Employees (which represented the security officers) — will be receiving layoff notices sometime next week.  Workers to be laid off must be given a 60-day notice.

The layoff packets were expected, the AFSCME spokesperson said, because Gov. George Ryan has already announced that LDC is to be downsized to 100 residents and about 210 employees.  Ryan has announced that he intends to begin moving residents of LDC to other facilities by April 15.

LDC employees who got the notices also learned that they have only a few days to decide whether they will take a position in another state facility for the developmentally disabled.

Starting Tuesday (Feb. 26), employees targeted for layoffs will meet with Department of Human Services officials to discuss taking jobs in other state facilities.  These employees must decide next week if they want a position somewhere else.

There are 310 vacancies in other state facilities that are being held open for LDC staff members.  However, the spokesperson said, there may not be enough positions open in specific classifications to absorb all LDC staff members who want to move.

Facilities that have openings include Fox Developmental Center at Dwight, Howe in Tinley Park, Ludeman in Park Forest, Murray in Centralia, Shapiro in Kankakee and the center at Jacksonville.  Those who accept jobs at other facilities must report to their new positions on April 16.

Employees who do not want to move have two other options, according to Dan Senters, former president of AFSCME Local 425 and now a consultant for Illinois Council 31.  If they have enough seniority, they can “bump down” to a classification in which they were previously certified.  However, since under the governor’s plan only 210 jobs will remain at Lincoln, even those with the most seniority may not be able to stay.

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The other option would be to take the layoff and hope to be recalled, he said.  Many employees, he said, will have few or no options.

Even though the first step has been taken to lay off employees, Senters said AFSCME will continue to fight to keep LDC open.

“The process today and the meetings next week in no way indicate that AFSCME is giving up the fight.  We still intend to fight on to restore Lincoln to its once grand state, when it was winning awards for taking care of residents.”

AFSCME has a lawsuit pending in the Logan County Circuit Court to prevent Gov. Ryan and other state officials from closing LDC this fiscal year, which ends June 30.

AFSCME contends that money has been appropriated for LDC’s operation for the fiscal year and the governor cannot withhold the funds. The suit also says that DHS needs a permit from the Illinois Health Facilities Board to move residents from the facility.  About 130 residents have already been moved, and no permits were sought or issued.

The state has asked Judge Don Behle to dismiss the AFSCME suit.  Behle has not yet ruled on the motion to dismiss but is expected to do so before March 1.

AFSCME representatives were on hand at the LDC campus Friday to talk to employees who received the layoff packets.  Senters said receiving them was “traumatic” for the employees, even though they knew the move was coming.  He also said it has been traumatic for the residents who consider LDC home to be moved to other institutions.

“It is not going to be a great cost savings to downsize LDC,” he said.  “They are sending most of these individuals to other facilities.  At least 100 are going to other state-operated developmentally disabled centers.  The money LDC would have received will go for the cost of care at these facilities.  They will be adding more employees at these other state-operated facilities as well.”

Shuffling LDC residents from one institution to another, he said, will not be to their benefit. 

“A lot of individuals at Lincoln will be harmed.  We hope we can stop that. Change of any magnitude, especially this severe, is difficult for them to adjust to.  It is almost guaranteed they will regress.  I still contend if the governor was genuinely concerned about the welfare of the individuals, they wouldn’t be shuffled around like so much cordwood.”

[Joan Crabb]

A copy of the state-issued layoff notice
some LDC employees received Friday

[FEB. 23, 2002]  Text of letter from the Illinois Department of Human Services:

Illinois Department of Human Services

George H. Ryan, Governor

Linda Reneé Baker, Secretary

100 South Grand Avenue East

Springfield, Illinois 62762

February 22, 2002

Dear Colleague:

Due to the downsizing of the Lincoln Developmental Center, many staff are being required to make difficult choices regarding alternative employment in the Department of Human Services in accordance with personnel and collective bargaining agreement procedures. Unfortunately, some staff may not find the alternative employment offers within DHS suitable and will become subject to layoff.

The Department is preparing to assist employees who find themselves in this situation to explore employment options in other state and federal agencies or in the private sector. At this time, a job fair has tentatively been scheduled for March 20 and 21, and every effort will be made to hold the event at the Lincoln Developmental Center. We will be inviting employers from Bloomington, Decatur, Lincoln, Springfield and surrounding communities to speak to LDC staff members about available employment opportunities and to take applications on the spot.

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In addition to the job fair, representatives from the Department of Central Management Services will be available to answer questions regarding the Upward Mobility Program, group insurance and deferred compensation. Experts from the State Employees Retirement System will be attending, as will counselors representing the Employee Assistance Program. Representatives from the Department of Employment Security will be present to assist with resumé preparation, interview skills, and provide information about the availability of benefits —including unemployment compensation. Finally, staff from the DHS Office of Human Resources will be attending both days to assist you in any way possible, and will be available after the job fair has concluded, should you need further assistance.

Once plans for the job fair have been finalized, you will receive confirmation by mail of the specific time and location. We encourage you to take advantage of these services, explore other employment options and invite you to get answers to questions regarding benefits.

Sincerely,

Mickey Haslett, Chief

Bureau of Recruitment and Selection

Historic funding for schools, more state police,
community living arrangements for disabled

[FEB. 23, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — Gov. George Ryan is proposing a balanced $52.8 billion fiscal year 2003 budget with a historic change in state school funding and, for the fourth straight year, 51 percent of new revenues dedicated to education.

The budget plans more resources for public safety and human services but also sets priorities to address a slumping national economy. Agency budget bases are being cut across the board by 3 percent. The state’s work force would be reduced by nearly 3,800 positions, and four state facilities would be closed.

"Today, I can report to you that the state of Illinois remains strong. The $52.8 billion budget that I present to you today fulfills all of the many goals that we — together — set for Illinois four years ago," Ryan told a joint session of the General Assembly. "This budget is lean but fair. This budget is balanced. And it contains no tax increases."

The governor’s budget keeps his four-year pledge to allocate 51 percent of all new state revenues to schools and work-force training. Significantly, it also boosts the per-pupil "foundation level" of state funding to almost $5,000 a year, an unprecedented level of state support for every public school child.

The recommended foundation level represents an increase of almost 18 percent in the guaranteed per-pupil funding level since Ryan took office in 1999.

Maintaining the governor’s 51 percent pledge will mean an allocation of $245 million in expected new revenues during the coming fiscal year, which begins on July 1. Total revenue growth for fiscal year 2003 is estimated to be $480 million. If his proposal is approved, Gov. Ryan’s administration will have provided $1.45 billion in new funding for education over four years.

"This budget keeps our commitment that education and work-force training will be our top priority," Ryan said.

For years in Illinois, school districts have struggled with a funding disparity caused by a funding system tied directly to land values. This disparity creates a huge and unfair gap between schools in areas where property values are high and increasing, and areas where land values are low and stagnant.

Since 1997 the General Assembly has tried to bridge this gap and raise the foundation level, or the amount of money guaranteed for every public school student in the state. Since 1999, the foundation level has been increased by $335, or about $111 per year.

To raise the foundation level to a record of nearly $5,000 per student, the governor proposes combining 22 separate grant programs administered by the State Board of Education for individual school districts. The governor instead proposes allocating the nearly $500 million to the school aid formula. The new investment brings the total for state aid to almost $3.7 billion, a record level.

"This money will go to local school districts, where local leaders can decide how best to spend it to serve their students, rather than having state bureaucrats in Springfield make the decisions for them," Gov. Ryan said.

Currently, to receive grant money, every school district has to submit grant applications to the State Board of Education for approval.

Other highlights of the governor’s State of the State / Budget Address include:

•  Illinois Preschool — The FY 2003 state budget includes a $5.8 million allocation to begin "Illinois Preschool," a first-of-its-kind program that gives all 3- and 4-year-olds access to a quality preschool program, no matter where they live in Illinois. Educational studies of youngsters indicate that children who enroll in a quality preschool program do better in school and in life. Another study of preschool children in Chicago indicates that for every dollar spent on quality preschool programs, state government can save $7 in the cost of public safety, remedial education and health care for these children.

•  Teacher development — More than $15 million is proposed to start developing programs to aid the recruitment, mentoring and continued training of teachers at all levels — recommendations that emerged from the 2001 Governor’s Education Summit.

•  Accountability standards — With the enactment last month of President Bush’s "No Child Left Behind" education reform act, every school district will have to meet tough state accountability standards and implement annual student testing for most elementary school grades, or be placed on an academic watch list. The State Board of Education will develop a plan this summer that puts new state accountability standards and new testing requirements into sync with those in federal law.

•  FamilyCare — The FY 2003 state budget proposes a "FamilyCare" initiative to extend health benefits to the families of children enrolled in the Kidcare program. KidCare enrollments now top 178,000 — or roughly 75 percent of all the children in Illinois who are eligible for this program. The Department of Public Aid is negotiating with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for a waiver of federal rules that will allow Illinois to use unspent KidCare money to extend health coverage to more than 200,000 adults in Illinois.

•  SeniorCare — Under the new "SeniorCare" program, as many as 400,000 seniors in Illinois with incomes below 200 percent of the federal government’s poverty level will be eligible, beginning June 1, for assistance in purchasing prescription drugs for around a $3 co-pay. This program, an expansion of Illinois’ existing Circuit Breaker program for seniors, has been hailed by the Bush administration as a national model.

•  TANF grant increase — While the number of families in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program is expected to drop to 48,000 in the next year — a record low — more than 40,000 families still need direct cash assistance. This budget will be able to fund an average 10 percent increase in the TANF grant for families, which currently stands at $377 per month to a single parent and two children.

•  John W. Maitland Jr. LIHEAP grants — The budget continues a record state commitment — $140 million — to help low-income families pay their winter heating bills through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. To recognize the importance of the program, the governor proposed that the name be changed to honor the creator of the grants, retiring state Sen. John W. Maitland Jr. of Bloomington.

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•  Illinois Workforce Advantage — This budget also calls for an expansion of the innovative Illinois Workforce Advantage program, which helps disadvantaged communities find and implement the right mix of state services and programs to help advance economic development, health care and education. The IWA program will expand to three new areas of the state.

•  Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled — The FY 2003 state budget lives up to a three-year-old commitment to expand state support for health care services to more of the most needy citizens — the aged, blind and disabled. In this budget, coverage of people within the AABD program will expand to 100 percent of the federal poverty level, enabling 93,000 more people to get state help in meeting their needs.

•  Adoptions and permanent placements — Funding for assisting in adoptions and permanent placements through the Department of Children and Family Services is increased by $20 million in this budget. In the last three years, DCFS has become a national model in the area of helping troubled families and at-risk children find safety, security and the path to a better life.

•  Home care services for seniors and the disabled — The recommended budget for human services continues a three-year effort to boost the wages of home care workers for seniors and the disabled. With this new $1-an-hour wage increase, over four years the Ryan administration will have provided a 21 percent increase in pay for the Department on Aging’s Community Care program and a 25 percent increase for personal assistants in the Home Services program run by DHS.

•  New Community Integrated Living Arrangements — In this budget, the state will continue to move as many residents of state-run developmentally disabled centers as possible to community-based living arrangements. This budget includes funding for 310 new positions in CILAs.

•  Illinois State Police — The FY 2003 budget includes $383 million in funding for the Illinois State Police, an allocation that includes two new state trooper cadet classes totaling 100 new officers, as well as continued work on the STARCOM statewide voice communications system. The budget also includes funds to hire 80 additional forensic scientists, part of a three-year commitment to expand the state’s capabilities in quickly processing evidence in criminal cases.

•  Department of Corrections — The budget for FY 2003 allows the state to open more than 3,900 new prison beds — 1,717 at the Lawrence Correctional Center in southern Illinois, 1,800 at the new reception and classification center in Joliet, and 415 at the new youth centers in Kewanee and Rushville.

In order to balance his proposed budget for fiscal year 2003, the governor had to make several tough choices that will result in a total appropriation from the budget’s general funds of $22.7 billion — an amount 5 percent less than the FY 2002 state appropriation level of $23.4 billion. The cost controls came in a 3 percent across-the-board cut to the 2003 budget base and last fall’s 2 percent cut to the FY 2002 budget.

The reductions were necessitated by the national economic recession worsened by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.

"I want to make it clear to everyone in Illinois that this government has not been spending wildly," Ryan said. "We have kept our spending under control."

With this budget, Ryan said the four-year average growth in state spending will be 3.5 percent, a small annual increase compared to the growth in the economy during the same time period.

Last fall, the National Association of State Budget Officers reported that the average growth among the 50 states in spending revenue from their general funds was 2.8 percent, while the increase in Illinois was 1.5 percent.

In the previous fiscal year, when state spending increased by an average of 8.3 percent nationwide, Illinois’ spending growth was 6.1 percent.

Most of the country suffered from the economic downturn after Sept. 11. Forty-two of the 50 states have reported an unanticipated drop in revenues. All of those states have had to adjust their budgets, either through a combination of spending cuts, drawing on reserve funds or, in a few cases, increasing taxes.

Among the spending controls included in the FY 2003 state budget:

•  The FY 2003 budget is predicated on the lowest state employee head count in more than a decade — 62,000 positions. The state government work force will be downsized by 3,800 positions.

•  An early retirement program for qualified state employees was proposed to help in reducing the state work force. While the exact details of an early retirement plan have yet to be worked out, it is estimated that the state can save as much as $50 million.

•  The Vienna Correctional Center and the Valley View Youth Center, some of the oldest infrastructure in the corrections system, will be closed and the inmate populations moved to other facilities.

•  The opening of the new maximum-security prison in Thomson will be delayed for one year to avoid absorbing the costs of opening that prison.

•  The Zeller Mental Health Center in Peoria and the developmental disability unit at the Singer Mental Health and Developmental Center in Rockford will be closed.

"Every year that I have served the people as governor, I have asked all of you — Republican and Democrat — to join me in building a ‘New Illinois.’ Each year, I have asked you to put partisanship aside and place the common good of the people and our state foremost in your actions," Ryan said. "Sometimes, that has been a tremendous challenge. But we always have succeeded in finding a common ground that resolves our differences.

"Today, one more time, I renew my invitation and — again — extend my hand in friendship," the governor added. "Let’s all work together to do great things for Illinois."

[Illinois Government News Network]

Lincoln teen killed in collision

[FEB. 21, 2002]  A Lincoln resident was killed late Wednesday night in an automobile accident two miles west of Lincoln. Joseph Boughan, 18, was killed when the vehicle he was driving struck a utility pole at the 800 block of 1575th Street, also known as Fifth Street Road.

Chief Deputy John Garlits said the vehicle was westbound when the driver lost control and struck the utility pole. The impact caused electrical wires to fall, but it has not yet been determined whether the impact of the collision or the fallen electrical wiring caused the fatality. Garlits said an autopsy would be necessary to determine the cause of death. Boughan was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:25 p.m.

A spokesman for the Lincoln Rural Fire Department said the utility pole had been snapped in two and the vehicle was overturned, resting on its top.

The three passengers in the car were taken to Memorial Medical Center in Springfield by Logan County Paramedics. Lindsey Vaughan, 16, of Mount Pulaski and Curtis Marcum, 17, of New Holland were treated and released. Jaime Gannon, 16, Lincoln, is listed in good condition.

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At the scene were the Logan County Sheriff’s Department, Lincoln Rural Fire and Rescue, a representative of the coroner’s office, Illinois State Police, and the Lincoln Police Department. The state police are assisting the Logan County Sheriff’s Department with the investigation.

CILCO was called out to shut off the power and replace the utility pole.

[Joan Crabb]

Update:  Jamie Gannon, who was the only of the three admitted to the hospital, was released later in the day.

[Click here for obituary.]

No decision yet on LDC lawsuit

[FEB. 21, 2002]  No decision has yet been made on the motion to dismiss the lawsuit against Gov. George Ryan to prevent him from closing Lincoln Developmental Center during the current fiscal year, which ends June 30.

At a hearing Wednesday at the Logan County Courthouse, Judge Don Behle heard arguments from attorneys for both sides but said he did not feel comfortable "reaching a ruling at this moment."

He said he would make the decision and inform the attorneys after he has reviewed all the documents.

Steve Yokich, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, said he was not surprised by the delay. "This was all done on an expedited basis," he explained. The briefs were filed so recently that Judge Behle probably had not had time to read all of them.

The plaintiffs include AFSCME Council 31; Norlan and Eleanor Newmister, parents of an LDC resident; state Sen. Larry Bomke of Springfield; and Don Todd, president of AFSCME Local 425.

Defendants are Gov. Ryan, Illinois Department of Human Services Director Linda Renee Baker, state Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka and state Comptroller Daniel Hynes.

The plaintiffs contend that the governor does not have the right to withhold the money that has already been appropriated to keep LDC running until the end of the fiscal year. They also contend that it is against the law to reduce the number of beds at LDC without a permit from the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board. The Department of Human Services should have gotten permits before transferring any of the residents out of LDC, but no such permit was issued.

Gov. Ryan has already moved about 130 LDC residents to other facilities, and his latest plan calls for moving out another 159 residents, leaving only 100 still at LDN. The plan also calls for cutting the staff, which six months ago was about 700 employees, to about 200.

Karen McNaught, representing the state, said there was no authority for the proposition that once money is appropriated it must be spent. She said the law does not mandate the entire amount appropriated must be spent, and the decision on spending rests with the agency in question.

Yokich said he has never argued that all money appropriated must be spent, but that it is not up to the executive to "unilaterally have the authority to determine when and how the money is to be used."

"Are the operations at LDC being cut in order to save money (which we believe) or for other reasons?" he asked.

[to top of second column in this article]

Yokich and McNaught cited statutes and case law regarding the matter of the permits.

McNaught said that when transferring residents, the Department of Human Services relied on the legal department of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board for the opinion that no permit was required. She also said the state has not conceded that LDC is a health care facility and falls under the requirements of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board.

She also conceded that if the DHS was going to close LDC, they would have to get a permit, but because there is no discontinuation of services, no permits are required.

Yokich said the Health Facilities Planning Act is being violated because the governor’s plan is fundamentally changing the scope and operation of LDC. He said that as he interprets the statute, permits are required if the facility cuts more than 10 beds or more than 10 percent of its beds.

If LDC downsizes, he said, "Employees, families and residents have to make choices. They deserve to know whether the statute is being complied with."

Before closing the hearing, Judge Behle asked several questions of the two attorneys. He asked Yokich if he agreed the governor has the authority to close LDC. Yokich replied that he does, if the proper procedures are followed. The judge also asked what benefit Yokich’s clients would have if the DHS were to comply with the health care act and seek permits.

Yokich replied that public hearings would have to be held and parents and guardians, as well as employees, would have a chance to take their case before the public.

"People can come to the agency and say, ‘This is a bad idea.’"

Attending the hearing were members of the Lincoln Parents Association as well as a representative from AFSCME.

[Joan Crabb]

City contract negotiations
start next week

[FEB. 21, 2002]  At a recent committee-of-the-whole meeting of the Lincoln City Council, Mayor Beth Davis named the members of the committees that will negotiate with the four unions that represent city of Lincoln employees. Contract negotiations will begin the week of Feb. 25.

Negotiating with the Operating Engineers, Clerical, will be Alderman Glenn Shelton, the mayor and city attorney Bill Bates. Negotiating with Operating Engineers, Streets and Alleys, will be Alderman George Mitchell, chairman of the streets and alleys committee, along with the mayor and Bates.

Alderman Verl Prather, chair of the police committee, will negotiate with the Police Department union, along with Bates and the mayor. Alderman Benny Huskins, chair of the fire and ESDA committee, will be on the team with Bates and the mayor to negotiate with the Fire Department’s union.

The insurance committee met before the regular meeting for preliminary discussions with the city’s insurance carrier, R.W. Garrett Agency of Lincoln. Roger Garrett outlined several types of proposals and will meet with the committee again soon to present more specific plans.

Providing health insurance is becoming more expensive, and the city will be considering ways to keep costs down, including co-payments by employees.

"We are going to have to make some hard decisions. We are going to have to ask employees to take more responsibility," said Shelton, who is chair of the insurance committee.

Bill Melton, chair of the sewer committee, said there is an ongoing problem getting some delinquent homeowners to pay their sewer bills. These users cannot be cut off, because they are on a double hookup and cutting them off would penalize a user who is paying the bills.

[to top of second column in this article]

At present, those on single hookups who are behind in payments will have the sewer line dug up and disconnected, which then means, unless service is restored, they will have to move out of the home because it is not in a livable condition.

This doesn’t happen often, according to City Clerk Juanita Josserand. Sewer users may ignore the notices they receive, she said, but "when they see the red mark in the yard, they fly in and pay the bill."

Grant Eaton, sewer plant manager, said he has had to dig up only two or three sewer lines. "We’ll give them a last-minute chance to pay before we drop the blade, but if they don’t pay, we’ll dig them," he said.

Josserand said one customer owes $2,600 on a sewer bill but can’t be cut off, because he is on a combined sewer system and the other customer is paid up.

Verl Prather pointed out that if the city were billing for sewer use by the amount of water used, delinquent users could have the water shut off, a much easier procedure than digging up a sewer.

Alderman Steve Fuhrer, chair of the finance committee, said the first budget meeting will be on Saturday, March 16, at 9 a.m. He asked department heads to have budget requests in by March 8. The city’s fiscal year runs from May 1 to April 30.

[Joan Crabb]

[FEB. 21, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — Gov. George Ryan’s proposed FY2003 state budget of $52.8 billion is a good starting point, but much debate and discussion remains before a final plan is approved in late spring, according to Sen. Claude Stone.

"The budget won’t be finalized for several more months, but the governor’s plan is a good start," said Stone. "We are in a very tight fiscal year because of lower than anticipated revenues and higher than anticipated costs. I commend the governor for resisting pressures and temptations to raise taxes to solve the financial problems. Raising taxes is not the answer. Government must tighten its belt and do with less."

The governor predicts $500 million of revenue growth over the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. He is calling for a reduction of about 3,800 state jobs, mostly through attrition and retirement, although some layoffs may be necessary.

Under the Ryan budget plan, education remains the top priority.

"Under the governor’s plan, elementary and secondary education would see a $245 million increase in the base funding level for public education and work-force training," said Stone. "He’s also proposing increases to higher education, bringing the state’s total commitment to public education to $11.4 billion."

Other provisions in the budget proposal include:

•  No tax increases.

•  $35 million for continued funding of Illinois’ Earned Income Tax Credit, the EITC.

•  $60 million for continued funding of the state’s Education Assistance Tax Credit.

•  Implementation of a tax amnesty program to generate $35 million.

•  $383 million for the Department of State Police, with funding for 100 new officers.

•  Allocation of $143.5 million in federal funds for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to create an Urban Search and Rescue Team for preparations to respond to acts of terrorism involving chemical, biological agents or explosive devices and responses to natural disasters.

•  $1.3 billion for Illinois’ Department of Corrections, funding 2,677 new prison beds in the current fiscal year and 2,160 new prison beds for FY2003.

•  Closure of the Vienna Correctional Center in Vienna and the Illinois Youth Center in Valley View, with their respective populations transferred to other state facilities.

•  $102 million for SeniorCare, an expanded version of the state’s Circuit Breaker and Pharmaceutical Assistance program for low-income elderly and people with disabilities.

[to top of second column in this article]

•  $4.9 billion for the Department of Human Services to support health and social service programs to help families continue to move from welfare to work.

•  Continued funding for subsidized child care and funding to maintain the state’s commitment to substance-abuse prevention and intervention programs.

•  $4 million for the Illinois Workforce Advantage program to assist disadvantaged and economically depressed areas of the state.

•  The Department of Human Services will downsize state mental health centers in Rockford and Elgin and close the center in Peoria. Residents will be moved to other facilities.

•  Funding for 310 new community-integrated living arrangements.

•  $331.6 million allocation and $118.4 million in general revenue funding for the Department of Public Health to continue overseeing and promoting health care.

•  $40 million for Illinois Open Land Trust, which preserves land for public use.

•  $11.7 million for the Conservation 2000 program to preserve and enhance wildlife habitats, and to increase recreational facilities.

•  $12 million in state funds for Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Walter Pollution Control Revolving Fund program to help local governments install and improve sewer and wastewater treatment facilities.

•  Continued funding for Agri-FIRST, a statewide program to help farmers and agricultural producers add value to Illinois crops through innovative strategies and new products.

•  $12 million increase for the state’s Department of Commerce and Community Affairs "Prime Sites" program, which provides assistance to economic development sites and helps create or retain jobs.

•  Continued funding for the "Economic Development for a Growing Economy" tax credit, commonly known as the EDGE program.

•  Continued funding to clean up and rehabilitate polluted urban industrial sites.

The budget outlined by the governor before the House and Senate Wednesday is for the 2003 fiscal year, which starts July 1.

[News release]

City approves paperwork
for sewer plant loan

[FEB. 20, 2002]  The Lincoln City Council moved quickly Tuesday night to approve the paperwork for the $12 million loan that will allow the city to make the necessary upgrades to its sewer plant.

The council unanimously approved an ordinance and a resolution to borrow up to $12 million from the Water Pollution Control Loan program, but several members questioned the ordinance asking them to buy national flood insurance on all structures at the sewer plant.

"This comes as a surprise to me," said Glenn Shelton, chairman of the committee on insurance. Shelton and others said they would like a chance to study the flood insurance policy and get figures on prices.

However, when sewer plant manager Grant Eaton told the council that all documents, including the resolution of intent to buy flood insurance, were due in Springfield the next day, council members agreed to the flood insurance provision.

The last paperwork must be at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency today (Feb. 20), if the city is to get the loan money this year, Eaton said.

Eaton said he would hand carry the signed documents to Springfield to be sure all deadlines are met. The city will know if the 20-year 2.68 percent loan is approved by March 31. In the meantime, the city can go out for bids so final bids can be approved when the funding is secure.

The loan authorization includes a "back door referendum" provision, which means after the loan ordinance is published, if enough residents object and sign a petition, the city must take the project to the public as a referendum.

Eaton said he was optimistic about getting the money this year.

"We’re at the top of the list now," he said. He hopes to see construction start sometime in May and estimates it will take about 18 months to be completed.

If the loan approval doesn’t come by March 31, Lincoln will have to wait until October of this year or even January of 2003 — delays that will result in increased costs, according to Environmental Management Corporation, which manages the sewer plant.

The plant upgrade is necessary, EMC officials say, because the existing plant has reached capacity, and violations would mean the IEPA could refuse to approve any new hookups, thus stopping growth in the city.

[to top of second column in this article]

To assure the IEPA that the city can repay the loan, the city has raised sewer rates in a two-step program. As of Jan. 1, 2002, rates for residential users went from $11 per month to $14, and rates for commercial, industrial and institutional users have also risen. The second tier of rate increases, to go into effect 18 months later, would raise rates for all users again, bringing residential rates to $16.39.

Eaton said he is seeking state and federal grants to help pay the costs and keep the final sewer rates as low as possible. The entire cost of the plant is estimated at $9.8 million, but having the $12 million loan "blocked out" for the city gives it a "comfort zone." Eaton is working on applications for two grants now, one from Illinois Green for $125,000 and one from the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs for $400,000.

In other business, the council denied the request of the Lincoln Christian Church to pave over the city sidewalk and up to the curb when it upgrades its parking lot.

"I can’t in clear conscience ask the city to do this," said Dave Armbrust, chairman of the Sidewalks, Forestry and Lighting Committee. "We would be giving up our sidewalk and giving up the buffer zone to the street."

The council specified that all construction in the parking area must be limited to the parking lot area, and the new sidewalk, to be installed at the church’s expense, must be a separate pour. The grassy area between the sidewalk and the street must also be preserved.

Mayor Beth Davis announced the appointment of Jim Drew to the Zoning Board of Appeals, which was unanimously approved by the council. The ZBA is now fully staffed, she said.

Davis also announced that she is receiving complaints about political signs on city property and asked that those who put up these signs move them to private property.

[Joan Crabb]

County purchases ambulance
and backhoe

[FEB. 20, 2002]  In a shorter than usual voting session Tuesday night, the Logan County Board committed to nearly $163,000 in purchases, including a new ambulance and backhoe.

With no negative votes, the board approved four expenditures:

•  $88,278 to Foster Coach Sales of Sterling for a 2002 Medtech ambulance and cot. A $9,500 trade-in for the old ambulance is part of the bid. Board member Clifford "Sonny" Sullivan abstained from voting because he is a member of the Paramedics Association board.

•  $58,212 to Machinery, Inc., of Springfield for a backhoe to be used by the county highway department.

•  Time and materials to Ozyurt & Stone of Springfield for scour repair on the Waynesville bridge. The work is expected to cost about $10,000.

•  $6,239 to Springfield Overhead Doors for garage doors on the highway department maintenance building. The bid includes removal of the old doors, installation and push-button openers for the new doors.

Finance Committee chair Rod White reported that investments in the state pool are earning only 1½-2 percent interest. County Treasurer Mary Bruns is seeking other investment opportunities with a higher interest rate.

White also said that the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, which has earned up to 20 percent or more in recent years, made only 1.87 percent in 2001 and is projected to lose 6.7 percent in 2002. As a result, the county will have to pay more into the fund, but how much will not be known until April.

[to top of second column in this article]

Roger Bock, a Finance Committee member, praised county officials for keeping within their budgets. The one exception is that 40 percent of the sheriff’s deputy overtime budget has already been spent. Bock said this problem, which involves radio operators, is being addressed.

Representatives of Edward Jones investment banking firm had made a presentation on bonding to the Finance Committee. White said there are no current plans to issue bonds, but board members are looking at possibilities so they will be prepared should the need arise.

Bock, who chairs the Airport Committee, reported that the communication tower next to the newest hanger had suffered wind damage and had been removed to protect the building. Insurance is expected to cover the cost of the tower.

The county will have an open house from 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday, March 3, to showcase the new Dr. John Logan County Building and improvements to the Logan County Courthouse. Refreshments will be served in the courthouse rotunda.

Board chairman Dick Logan read a letter from Rod White indicating his intention to retire in December at the end of his current term. White has served on the county board for 20 years.

[Lynn Shearer Spellman]

[FEB. 20, 2002]  DECATUR — Gov. George Ryan announced Monday that he will propose a dramatic change in school funding that will increase the state’s foundation level to almost $5,000 per student — a record level — and keep his pledge of devoting 51 percent of new state revenues to education and work-force training..

The governor’s remarks were made at George Washington Elementary School in Decatur during a preview of his education agenda and budget message.

By executive order Gov. Ryan also announced a 10-point plan, the "Illinois Agenda for Excellence in Education," to ensure Illinois is meeting the Bush administration’s priorities in the "No Child Left Behind" education reform act, better support teacher recruitment and retention efforts, and increase accountability for teachers and schools.

Gov. Ryan’s Illinois Agenda for Excellence in Education builds on the previous accomplishments in education and work-force training. It focuses on developing "Illinois Preschool," orders the development of a new plan for annual testing and student accountability programs, creates a strategy to set accountability standards to close learning gaps for disadvantaged students, and recommits Illinois to better career development for educators.

It’s no secret that the state budget for next year is going to present us with many, many tough challenges because of the economic downturn this nation experienced after the tragedy of Sept. 11th," said Gov. Ryan. "Despite the recession our country is facing, these problems will not stop me from making our children the state’s top priority."

Gov. Ryan proposes to increase the foundation-level funding for fiscal year 2003 by more than $400, bringing the total to almost $5,000. Funding for this increase could be available by eliminating 22 current grant programs in the State Board of Education and giving that money directly to the school districts. Since 1999, the foundation level has increased by $335 dollars per student. The general state aid will be increased to almost $3.7 billion, representing an increase of $500 million in FY 2003.

[to top of second column in this article]

"This gives Decatur and all other school districts the flexibility to determine how bureaucrats can best meet the needs of their students," said Gov. Ryan.

Universal access to early childhood education, or "Illinois Preschool," will also receive $6 million in funding under the governor’s FY 03 proposal. A new Illinois Preschool Council will develop the implementation framework for universal access by January and will study how every community in the state can offer high-quality preschool in settings like child-care centers, family child-care homes, schools, Head Start programs and community centers.

A new $5,000 Illinois Teacher Education Assistance Campaign, or I-TEACH, will be created out of existing grant programs at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. I-TEACH will provide scholarships for students studying to become teachers in subject areas where there is a shortage of teachers, like math or science.

"With the Illinois Agenda for Excellence in Education and my budget recommendations for the coming year, this state will greatly strengthen our commitment to education," said Gov. Ryan. "I believe passionately that we must work together on this agenda and that we must remain true to our commitment to education."

[Illinois Government News Network]

Military addresses sought

It is a year like no other. Since Sept. 11 we are a changed nation. Individually, our daily sensitivity toward whom and what we have in our lives has been heightened. We are more conscious and appreciative, first about those we love and see everyday. Next, we have a newfound appreciation for those who risk their lives every day as rescue workers and protectors of life and property in our communities. We also now think more about our military men and women who are committed to serve and protect our country. Many are away engaged in battle, some are in waiting to go, all are ready to lay their lives on the line in defense of our freedom.

Lincoln Daily News is seeking the names and addresses, including e-mail addresses, of friends and relatives who are serving in the armed forces. They need not be from here in Logan County. If you know someone serving, please send the information to ldneditor@lincolndailynews.com. A complete list will be made available and kept updated through the site so we might all hold them in our thoughts, prayers and well wishes.

[Click here for names available now.]

Name of person in military:

Branch of service:

Current location of service:

Postal address:

E-mail address:

Relationship to LDN reader sending information (optional):

[LDN]

It’s on the radio, TV, in all the media. You hear it in the office, on the street and maybe at home — threats of terrorism. America is on high alert. Here in central Illinois, away from any supposed practical target areas, perhaps we feel a little less threatened, but we are still concerned. So how concerned should we be, and how prepared are we for the types of situations that could occur?

Whether the threat is domestic or foreign, violent, biological or chemical, our public health and rescue agencies have been preparing to respond to the situations. Lincoln Daily News has been at meetings where all the agencies gather together as the Logan County Emergency Planning Committee to strategize for just such a time. Our reports have not even provided every detail that every agency has reported; i.e., a number of representatives from differing agencies such as the health and fire departments, CILCO and ESDA went to a bioterrorism and hazmat (hazardous materials) seminar this past August.

Here are some of the articles that LDN has posted pre- and post-Tuesday, Sept. 11. Hopefully you will see in them that WE ARE WELL PREPARED. At least as much as any area can be. Every agency has been planning, training, submitting for grants to buy equipment long before Sept. 11. We can be thankful for all of the dedicated, insightful leaders we have in this community.

[to top of second column in this section]

• LEPC hears plans for annual exercise

• U.S. under terrorist attack
  How is Logan County affected?

• The day after ‘Attack on America’
  Area leaders respond to national tragedy

• ESDA and LEPC conduct successful hazardous materials exercise at water treatment plant 

• Logan County ready for action if terrorist event occurs - Part 1

• Logan County ready for action if terrorist event occurs – Part 2

• Clinton nuclear power plant safety measures in place

• Logan County agencies meet to discuss protocol for suspicious mail

As promised, the United States led an attack on Afghanistan. The attack began Sunday, Oct. 7. American and British military forces made 30 hits on air defenses, military airfields and terrorist training camps, destroying aircraft and radar systems. The strike was made targeting only terrorists.

More than 40 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East have pledged their cooperation and support the U.S. initiative.

Online news links

Other countries

Afghanistan

http://www.afghandaily.com/ 

http://www.myafghan.com/  

http://www.afghan-web.com/aop/ 

China

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/

http://www1.chinadaily.com.cn/

Germany

http://www.faz.com/

India

http://www.dailypioneer.com/ 

http://www.hindustantimes.com/ 

http://www.timesofindia.com/ 

Israel

http://www.jpost.com/ 

http://www.haaretzdaily.com/ 

England

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/ 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/ 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/

Pakistan

http://www.dawn.com/

http://frontierpost.com.pk/ 

Russia

http://english.pravda.ru/

http://www.sptimesrussia.com/ 

Saudi Arabia

http://www.arabnews.com/ 

[to top of second column in this section]

United States

Illinois

http://www.suntimes.com/index/ 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/ 

http://www.pantagraph.com/ 

http://www.qconline.com/ 

http://www.pjstar.com/

http://www.sj-r.com/ 

http://www.herald-review.com/

http://www.southernillinoisan.com/ 

New York

http://www.nypost.com/

http://www.nytimes.com/

Stars and Stripes
(serving the U.S. military community)

http://www.estripes.com/ 

Washington, D.C.

Announcements

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