Wright: Income tax increase would
hurt, not help Illinois’ economy

[MAY 2, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — State Rep. Jonathan Wright, R-Hartsburg, has taken a firm stand against proposals to raise the state income tax. Wright and several of his House Republican colleagues held a press conference at the state Capitol recently to voice their opposition to proposals being circulated by Democrats to balance the state budget by increasing taxes on families and businesses.

"No government in the history of civilization has ever taxed its way out economic difficulties In fact, raising taxes in tough economic times is actually counterproductive. It takes money out of our families’ pockets, and it makes it more difficult for businesses to expand and create new jobs. This is the very last thing we should be considering while we’re trying to stimulate our sluggish economy," Wright said.

According to media reports, members of the both House and Senate Democrat Caucuses have proposed income tax increases to balance the budget. The most recent proposal, put forward by House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, would raise state income tax by one-half percent, resulting in a $1.5 billion tax hike for Illinois families each year.

"It’s unfortunate that for some, the answer to every problem is raising taxes," Wright said. "It’s irresponsible to the working families, seniors and other taxpayers we represent to talk about increasing their tax burden before we have even begun to scratch the surface in cutting the waste and unnecessary spending from our budget. At this stage in the budget process, that’s what we need to focus on."

[News release]

LDC injunction stays;
state requests trial date

[MAY 1, 2002]  The injunction that has kept the Department of Human Services from transferring more residents from the Lincoln Developmental Center remains in force, Logan County Associate Judge Don Behle ruled this morning.

[Sen. Larry Bomke talks with LDC parents and employees following court hearing.]

Judge Behle said that even though the Health Facilities Planning Board told the Department of Human Services it did not need a permit and a public hearing to move residents and make substantive changes to the Lincoln facility, the law still says this procedure must be followed.

"You can’t go from 372 to 100 residents without calling it a substantial change in the function of the facility," he told Karen McNaught, attorney for the state. "You’ve got a plan. Submit it to the planning board.

"The state has set up that planning board, and now the state doesn’t want to go through its own process."

According to the statute, if the DHS wants to make a substantial change in the scope, function or operation of a facility or to relocate more than 10 percent of the beds from one site to another, it must secure a permit and hold a public hearing.

As soon as Judge Behle upheld his earlier ruling, McNaught asked for a trial date to be set. The trial will begin Wednesday, May 29, at 9 a.m. and may continue on Friday, May 31, at 10 a.m. if necessary.

Judge Behle also ruled against McNaught’s request that the state require a bond of multiple millions of dollars from the plaintiffs: the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the union that represents the employees at LDC; Norlan and Eleanor Newmister, parents of an LDC resident; Don Todd, president of AFSCME Local 425; and Sen. Larry Bomke of Springfield.

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According to Steve Yokich, attorney for the plaintiffs, the state did not specify an exact amount but said the cost to the state might be as much as $32 million if they lost the request to lift the injunction.

The preliminary injunction was issued by Judge Behle on March 27, in time to stop scheduled moves of residents from LDC on April 15. By June 30, the end of the state’s fiscal year, LDC was to be downsized to 100 residents and 210 employees, down from a high of 372 residents and about 700 employees last fall. At present 248 residents are still at the facility.

The plan to downsize LDC was chosen by Gov. George Ryan from several options, after charges of abuse and neglect were leveled against the facility last fall. Layoffs of about 370 employees were also scheduled, to coincide with the moves of residents, mostly to other state-operated facilities. As of Tuesday, only 33 of the 128 employees scheduled to be laid off had left the facility.

Although Judge Behle’s ruling on not allowing residents to be moved without permits has no bearing on the ability of the state to lay off workers, Reginald Marsh, DHS spokesman, said the department will not endanger the health and safety of the residents by laying off needed workers.

Todd said he believed DHS would keep enough workers at LDC to take care of the residents while the case is being decided. "The fact that they stalled the layoffs last week is an indication they recognized that if they go ahead with layoffs, they would be putting residents in jeopardy."

The ruling will not prevent the move of individual residents from the facility if their families make the request, Judge Behle said. Nancy Simpson of Robinson, Ill., who has a brother a LDC, wants to move him to a group home nearer to the family. Simpson said she thought her brother could get better care somewhere else, but the main reason for the request is for the family to have him closer.

AFSCME spokesman Dan Senters said he believed Judge Behle made an excellent decision by standing by his early ruling. "He is a good and honest judge who is just interested in doing the right thing," Senters said.

Yokich said going to trial "will get the case decided."

"Whoever loses can appeal," he added.

[Joan Crabb]

Logan County weather alert

Flood watch Wednesday and Wednesday night

[MAY 1, 2002]  A flood watch is in effect across portions of central Illinois for Wednesday and Wednesday night. Counties that are in the watch include Knox, Stark, Marshall, Fulton, Peoria, Woodford, Schuyler, Mason, Tazewell, McLean, Cass, Menard, Logan, DeWitt, Scott, Morgan, Sangamon, Macon, Piatt, Champaign and Vermilion.

Some cities affected by the watch are Peoria, Bloomington/Normal, Springfield, Decatur, Champaign/Urbana and Danville.

Low pressure is forecast to develop and move northeast toward the Mississippi

River valley Wednesday and into southwest Michigan by midnight Wednesday. Abundant low-level moisture ahead of the storm will interact with the system, resulting in 1 to 2 inches of rainfall across much of the watch area by late Wednesday evening.

This area is extremely susceptible to rapid flooding due to the heavy rainfall that has fallen across the region over the past couple of weeks.

A flood watch means that conditions are favorable for heavy rain that may lead to flooding of low-lying areas and along rivers and streams. If you are in the watch area, remain informed and be ready to take action if flooding is observed or a warning is issued.

Stay tuned to NOAA weather radio or your local media for further details and updates on this flood situation.

[News release]

New spring tour through Logan County

Explore Logan County

[APRIL 29, 2002]  You’ve heard all about the fantastic Spoon River Drive and other fall festivals that draw thousands out to roam the countryside. Getting out driving from one community to the next for fresh air, fun treasure finds and entertainment appeals to the Midwestern home-focused, yet adventurous spirit. Well, local businessman Don Ritchhart is organizing a like event that wraps up spring in Logan County.

Logan County, being located on Interstates 55 and 155, Routes 66, 121, 10 and 54, and many excellent county roads, makes a great area to travel. The county consists of towns that possess a great deal of heritage and historical treasures.

These towns will host a countywide festival with displays of antiques, collectibles, crafts, flea markets, museums and garage sales along the routes where Abraham Lincoln practiced law while a circuit rider.

Tourism

Towns will have brochures available with maps, pictures and information on Logan County historical sites once visited by Abe Lincoln and other places of interest.

Lincoln:  "Hello, Dolly!" presented June 14-16 by Lincoln Community Theatre; call (217) 732-1709 after June 1 for tickets. Petting zoo, pony rides, antique cars, hot-air balloons and more.

Mount Pulaski:  Bluegrass Festival

Chestnut:  Geographical center

Hartsburg:  Firefighters

Broadwell:  Log-splitting and more. Countywide talent show in planning stages.

•  American Legion 263

Old Route 66 and Fifth Street

This lodge will offer vendor rental space for flea markets, food service and other activities. Funds generated will help support their Lodge Fire Fund. Additional gifts and donations are welcome.

Contact Mike Tackett, 14 Houser Court, Lincoln, IL 62656; (217) 735-3266.

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•  Lincoln Information Center

Heritage Plaza Shopping Center

Old Route 66 and Route 10

Dates:  June 15 and 16

Times:  7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Flea market and craft space available.

Contact Don Ritchhart, 1631 N. Kankakee, Lincoln, IL 62656; (217) 732-6071

•  Lincoln Moose Lodge

521 N. Kickapoo

This lodge will offer vendor rental space for flea markets and food service.

For further information, contact William Haak, 513 Pulaski St., Lincoln, IL 62656; (217) 732-4900.

Atlanta:  Paul Adams, (217) 648-2087

Beason:  Emil Walker, (217) 447-3508

Broadwell:  Paul Munchow, (217) 732-9872

Chestnut:  Robin Hayden, (217) 796-3305

Cornland:  Bev Ramthun, (217) 364-4380

Emden:  Joan Morgan, (217) 376-3410, or Ivan Rademaker, (217) 376-3153

Elkhart:  Charles Matthews, (217) 947-2296

Hartsburg:  Cindy Anderson, (217) 642-5297

Lake Fork:  Walt Pourchot, (217) 792-5163

Latham:  Mary Ann Radke, (217) 674-3401

Lawndale:  Patsy Stout, (217) 732-9525

Mount Pulaski:  Jean Martin, (217) 792-5728, or Maxine Downing, (217) 792-5758

Middletown:  Pat Cooper, (217) 445-2848, or James Graff, (217) 445-2570

New Holland:  Jim Struebing, (217) 445-2207

San Jose:  Melvin Maaks, (217) 247-3479

Don Ritchhart, 1631 N. Kankakee, Lincoln, IL 62656; (217) 732-6071

[Jan Youngquist and press release]

Mitchell amendment would
limit spending growth

[APRIL 29, 2002]  State Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth spoke to media representatives in the Logan County Courthouse today announcing his proposed amendment to limit the growth of state spending.

Mitchell said, "Had the annual growth of state spending been controlled 10 years ago, the state would not be in the midst of a financial crisis." Mitchell has introduced legislation that would amend the state’s constitution to limit the growth of state spending to 3 percent unless a three-fifths majority in the House and the Senate vote to exceed that amount.

"Looking back at the rate of spending growth over the last 10 and 20 years, it is clear that we could have avoided our current financial situation and saved billions of dollars," said Mitchell. "In 16 of the last 20 years, the growth of state spending has exceeded the rate of inflation. We need this constitutional amendment to ensure that the taxpayers’ money is spent responsibly."

Mitchell added that, besides the taxpayers, it is local businesses and organizations that pay the price for this overspending. Many organizations depend on money from the government to supplement their income. When state spending is too high, these organizations do not get their money on time, forcing them to take out loans, on which they pay interest.

[Photo by Gina Sennett]
[From left:  Logan County Clerk Sally J. Litterly, State Representative Bill Mitchell, Circuit Clerk Carla Bender.]

Mitchell’s legislation stipulates that if the rate of inflation is lower than 3 percent in a given year, the growth of state spending would be limited to that amount.

According to a study performed by the Illinois Economic and Fiscal Commission, the state would have saved $11 billion in general revenue alone had this amendment been in place in 1982. During that time, general revenue expenditures have risen from $8.5 billion to $24.6 billion.

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"Right now this legislation is being held in the Democrat-controlled House Rules Committee," said Mitchell. "I am asking that it at least be released so that it can be discussed and debated."

For this legislation to become a constitutional amendment, it must be passed by a three-fifths majority in each chamber by May 12 of this year. It would then be placed on the ballot in November for approval by the citizens of Illinois.

[Press release and LDN]

Layoffs of most LDC employees on hold

[APRIL 27, 2002]  Only 35 employees, instead of the 128 scheduled to be laid off or transferred, will leave the Lincoln Developmental Center at the end of this month, Dan Senters, spokesman for AFSCME, the union that represents LDC employees, told the Lincoln Daily News late Friday.

Layoffs of the other 93 employees will be delayed until further notice, Senters said.

He said he asked the Department of Human Services, “Why lay off the 35 now?  Why not delay these layoffs like the rest of them?”  He still thinks they are laying people off that are needed.  “It will make a bad situation worse,” he said. 

At present there are as many as eight people working double shifts daily.  Every other day employees may be mandated to work a double.

“They will be laying off LPNs; there are not enough now,” Senters says. “And they have completely cut chaplain services, so there are no religious services (a local church has offered to help out).” He is particularly concerned not only for the immediate staff shortage, but seven special, direct-care technicians from the technician force are scheduled to be laid off May 1. 

The Department of Human Services, which oversees LDC, had planned to lay off or transfer 128 employees as of April 30.  The layoffs were scheduled to coincide with the movement of residents to other facilities, part of Gov. George Ryan’s plan to downsize the LDC to 100 residents and 210 employees. 

However, an injunction handed down by Logan County Circuit Judge Don Behle late in February has prevented DHS from moving any more of the 248 residents out of the facility.  On Thursday Karen McNaught of the attorney general’s office, representing DHS, asked that the injunction be dissolved.  However, Judge Behle granted Steve Yokich, the attorney for the plaintiffs, a continuance until May 1.

AFSCME members and parents of LDC residents have been concerned that laying off so many employees would jeopardize the health and safety of the residents. Senters said the scheduled layoffs would leave only 183 technicians, those who work directly with the residents, to care for 248 residents 24 hours a day. 

[to top of second column in this article]

Senters said, "Plaintiffs in the case are American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Council 31; state Sen. Larry Bomke of Springfield; Norlan and Eleanor Newmister, parents of an LDC resident; and Don Todd, president of AFSCME Local 425. 

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

After charges of abuse and neglect surfaced last fall, Gov. Ryan began moving residents out of the 125-year-old Lincoln center, most of them to other state-operated facilities.  In February he announced his plan to downsize LDC.  Since that time, state legislators including Sen. Bomke, Rep. Jonathan Wright of Hartsburg and Rep. Bill Mitchell of Forsythe have sought to increase funding for LDC to keep it at 240 residents and 480 employees.

So far the legislators have not succeeded in changing the governor’s budget for LDC for the 2003 fiscal year.  In 2002, LDC had estimated expenditures of about $32,931, but its appropriation has been cut 66.5 percent for the coming year, to only $11,028. 

Legislators are struggling to come up with ways to plug the holes in the state’s estimated $1 billion deficit, and it is still uncertain what the final outcome of the last-minute budget negotiations will be.

[Joan Crabb]

Week in review

[APRIL 27, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Senate bid a fond farewell to veteran lawmaker John Maitland of Bloomington, who is retiring April 30 after more than 23 years representing central Illinois. Maitland suffered a stroke in November 2000 and worked very hard to return to his legislative duties in Springfield. Considered one of the deans of the Illinois Senate, he is a nationally recognized expert on agriculture issues and a tireless champion of quality education. Sen. Claude "Bud" Stone said Maitland’s legacy to the state will be one of excellence and commitment to the greater good.

In other business, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved two measures protecting children who have been victimized by sex offenders and individuals who are being stalked. House Bill 5874 prohibits a child sex offender from knowingly residing within 500 feet of the victim of the offense. The penalty for violating the law is a Class 4 felony. House Bill 4047 creates a "Stalking Protective Order" and establishes what is necessary to get such an order, how to serve it and its penalties. The purpose of the measure is to expand civil orders of protection beyond just family members and individuals in a dating relationship. A violation for a first offense would be a Class A misdemeanor and a subsequent offense would be a Class 4 felony. Both House Bill 5874 and House Bill 4047 now move to the full Senate for further consideration.

Education and critical human services would receive more funding; a corporate tax break would be eliminated; and the size of state bureaucracy would be cut, under a plan presented this week by Senate Republicans to balance the state budget without raising income taxes or sales taxes, according to Sen. Stone.

The Senate Republican plan for fiscal year 2003, which starts July 1, 2002, sets spending priorities, cuts $650 million from state spending and brings in $657 million in new revenues. The plan uses Gov. George Ryan’s fiscal 2003 budget proposal as its base, maintaining most state spending at the levels he proposed in February.

Education funding is maintained at $6.2 billion, with additional spending to fully fund mandated categorical grants, including special education and transportation. The state’s school construction program is also expanded to continue to help school districts repair and construct classroom buildings.

An additional $200 million will partially restore funding rates for hospitals, nursing homes and medical professionals providing Medicaid services. Without the rate restorations, the health-care facilities have no option but to pass additional costs to other patients or insurance companies. More state funding could also keep more health-care facilities open and operating.

To fund the plan, taxes will be increased on riverboat gambling boat owners, bringing another $150 million into the state treasury in the next fiscal year alone. A cigarette tax of 22 cents per pack is also proposed, with most of it earmarked for Medicaid rate restoration and 5 cents per pack specifically dedicated to maintaining the school construction program.

The state will also decouple from the federal economic stimulus package to prevent a business tax break that would have cost $225 million next fiscal year.

The following bills are among those approved by both chambers and sent to the governor this week:

Salary increases (SB 2313) — Rejects $12 million in salary increases for state officials, including an annual cost-of-living adjustment approved in 1990. Prohibits the automatic 3.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment for the fiscal year that starts July 1, 2002, for state government officials whose salaries are determined by the Compensation Review Board. Set by law in 1990, the cost-of-living adjustment is provided annually for lawmakers, judges, constitutional officers and other top state officials. The savings would be an estimated $5.6 million.

School physicals (SB 929) — Allows advanced practice nurses who have a written agreement with the collaborating physician, as well as physician assistants who have been given permission by the supervising physician, to perform health examinations required for students and school bus drivers.

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Parole hearings (HB 5004) — Requires the Prisoner Review Board to establish a toll-free number for the victims of domestic violence or sexual assault to call and present information for the board’s consideration when their attackers are up for a parole hearing.

Driver’s license (SB 1926) — Requires each driver’s license, state ID card or disabled individual ID card issued to people younger than 21 years old to display the date they reach ages 18 and 21.

Emergency evacuation (SB 1537) — Requires high-rise buildings of at least 80 feet to develop emergency evacuation plans to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Senior tax deferral (SB 1606) — Increases the annual income limit for the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Act from $25,000 to $40,000.

License plates (HB 3629) — Authorizes "hospice" license plates to generate funds for grants to hospice facilities and service providers. (HB 3645) — Authorizes "Lewis & Clark Bicentennial" license plates to raise funds to promote tourism and historic preservation related to the expedition. (HB 4229) — Creates "park district youth" license plates to benefit after-school programs sponsored by park districts.

Nuclear plants (HB 5648) — Creates the offense of criminal trespass to a nuclear facility, with Class 4 felony penalties.

Year-round schools (SB 1524) — Ensures that public schools holding year-round classes get their fair share of education dollars. Changes the way that average daily attendance is taken to accommodate the different schedules of year-round schools and regular schools. Average daily attendance is a factor in determining the amount of state aid a school receives.

Legislation that was passed by Senate committees this week and now goes to the full Senate for further consideration, includes:

Nursing homes (HB 5567) — Requires the Department of Public Aid to establish a new payment method for skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities based on information concerning nursing home resident conditions and their nursing requirements.

Privatization (HB 3714) — Prohibits the Department of Corrections from entering into a contract with a private vendor to provide food or commissary services at Illinois prisons, saving approximately 670 jobs, according to AFSCME, the union that represents the workers.

Newborn screening (HB 5870) — Requires expanded health testing of all newborn infants. Illinois already screens newborns for six metabolic, endocrine and hemoglobin disorders. HB 5870 will include testing for other amino acid disorders, organic disorders, fatty acid oxidation disorders and abnormalities.

Crematories (HB 4696) — Establishes licensing requirements for crematories in Illinois. Makes it Class 3 felony for any person to knowingly and willfully damage or desecrate a deceased human being.

Nursing (HB 5281) — Addresses the shortage of nurses by establishing a nursing image program to educate the general public about the critical role nurse play in the health-care delivery system.

License plates (HB 3713) — Authorizes "Public Broadcasting Stations" license plates to generate funds for public radio in Illinois.

[News release]

Senate Republicans unveil
responsible budget plan

Protects critical services, boosts education funding;
no income/sales tax increase

[APRIL 27, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — Under a plan presented April 24 by Illinois Senate Republicans to balance the state budget without raising state income or sales taxes, education and critical human services would receive more funding and the size of state bureaucracy would be cut.

The financial plan for fiscal year 2003, which starts July 1, 2002, sets spending priorities and funding sources, in the face of declining revenues. To avoid an income tax or sales tax increase — which some lawmakers are proposing — the plan further cuts state bureaucracy by eliminating proposed new programs and forcing better management of state funds. The proposal also prevents new business tax breaks, increases taxes on wealthy riverboat owners and increases taxes on tobacco products, with a portion of those proceeds earmarked for the state’s school construction program.

"Our state economy continues to reel from several negative economic circumstances," said Sen. Claude Stone, R-Morton. "We must tighten our belt and get our spending in line with available revenues. Our state constitution requires a balanced budget and our plan is a responsible budget proposal."

Based on current revenue estimates, the state faces a $1 billion shortfall in fiscal year 2003. For the first time since 1955, Illinois will receive less revenue than the previous year. Additionally, the national economy remains sluggish as the nation continues its economic recovery from the 9-11 terrorist attacks.

The Senate Republican plan uses Gov. Ryan’s proposed fiscal 2003 budget as its base, maintaining most state spending at levels proposed in February. Education funding is maintained at $6.2 billion, with additional spending to fully fund mandated categorical grants, including special education and transportation. The state’s school construction program is also expanded to continue to help school districts repair and construct classroom buildings. The school construction program has a backlog of approved projects. This additional funding will go a long way toward reducing that backlog and preventing property tax increases in those areas.

Additional spending is planned for critical state services, including $200 million to partially restore funding rates for hospitals, nursing homes and medical professionals providing Medicaid services to the state’s poor and disabled. The plan also sets aside $100 million for community agencies and others providing services to people with disabilities and other local human service providers.

The plan also will prevent massive state facility closings, protecting state parks such as Edward R. Madigan and Starved Rock.

Significant cuts and cost-saving measures will also be made in the state’s bureaucracy to save $650 million. The plan incorporates the suggestions of state agencies on office closings, reduced hours in some facilities and elimination of programs that have not yet begun. Pay raises for lawmakers, judges and high-ranking officials will be eliminated. Local projects known as member initiatives are not funded. State grants for some programs will also be reduced or eliminated. However, the state will still provide more than $15 billion in General Revenue Fund, or GRF, grants for such projects as water and sewer improvements.

[to top of second column in this article]

The state will also eliminate its GRF contributions to the Chicago teachers’ pension system, which is now 100 percent funded. Freeing up the $65 million will allow the state to fully fund categorical grant programs to local schools.

State employees will also be called upon to make changes in their group health insurance plan, which could prevent 870 more layoffs in state government.

To fund the plan, taxes will be increased on riverboat gambling boat owners, bringing another $150 million into the state treasury in the next fiscal year alone. A cigarette tax of 22 cents per pack is also proposed, with most of it earmarked for Medicaid rate restoration and 5 cents per pack specifically dedicated to maintaining the school construction program.

The state will also decouple from the federal economic stimulus package to prevent a business tax break that would have cost $225 million next fiscal year. Severing the link with the federal accelerated depreciation for businesses will also bring an additional $175 million to local government coffers.

Under the plan, the state will also reclaim a portion of revenue now shared with local government. However, decoupling from the federal bonus depreciation schedule will more than offset those losses to local governments. In addition, the state will continue to provide $4.3 billion to local governments in fiscal 2003 through revenue sharing. Recent reports from the comptroller’s office show record bank balances in local government funds across the state.

To maintain a financially sound end-of-year balance without reducing services, the state will implement better cash management by transferring excess bank balances from special state funds into the state’s General Revenue Fund. The plan also calls for the state to borrow $1 billion at a low 2 percent interest rate for nine months, in order to ensure the state pays its bills in a timely manner to local agencies and vendors. Without short-term borrowing, local agencies and vendors are forced to borrow at interest rates of 10 percent to 15 percent.

The plan was developed after numerous public hearings on state spending and Appropriations Committee review of spending in every agency.

[News release]

Zoning ordinance committee
looks to other counties for models

[APRIL 26, 2002]  It’s probably easier to adapt another county’s zoning ordinance to local needs than to update the current Logan County ordinance, a committee chaired by Regional Planning Commission director Phil Mahler decided Thursday.

Mahler, zoning officer Bud Miller and county engineer Tom Hickman were asked by the 17-member committee reviewing the county zoning ordinance to choose the most comprehensive ordinance among comparable counties and to make note of any missing sections or areas that would have to be significantly changed to meet local needs.

Mahler indicated that the Ogle and Tazewell zoning ordinances are likely choices. Tazewell County is south of Peoria. Ogle County, south of Rockford, has a population of about 50,000, with the largest city being Rochelle. Logan County population, by comparison, is just over 30,000.

"Most zoning updates copy from someone else’s," Mahler said. The Logan County ordinance went into effect Jan. 1, 1971, and has had only two or three minor revisions. It does not cover such possibilities as "windmill farms" — collections of wind generators — and adult entertainment, and some of its provisions are too general, according to Mahler.

One topic of Thursday’s meeting was the nuisance provisions of the ordinance. One section requires parking or storing junk motor vehicles in "a completely enclosed structure on residential premises." Junkyards in agricultural zones are a conditional use and must be screened by dense evergreens or a 6- to 8-foot fence. These provisions are enforced by the zoning officer.

A separate section, adopted from state law, identifies as a nuisance anything that is "a jeopardy to public health or safety." Particularly named are tainting the air with offensive smell, smoke or dust (farms excepted); leaving an animal carcass in water or on land; corrupting a drinking water source; keeping a filthy animal pen (farms excepted); storing garbage without fly-tight covers; keeping an area likely to harbor pests; not removing the door of an abandoned refrigerator; discharging untreated waste; and not controlling noxious weeds. These provisions are enforced by the sheriff with the assistance of the Logan County Health Department.

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Mahler commended the Ogle County zoning ordinance for its longer and more specific definitions section than Logan County’s and for setting potential fines up to $500 a day, after a person has been notified about a nuisance and failed to correct the problem within 30 days. He added that fines that high are rarely imposed.

Several committee members brought up the need for stricter enforcement of zoning and nuisances laws. "Why bother writing zoning restrictions if we don’t enforce them?" asked Henry Spellman, owner of Tremont Park, a manufactured housing community in Lincoln. But Hickman noted that strict enforcement would mean hiring more people and incurring greater costs.

The remedy proposed was user fees high enough to cover government costs. "If we have to hire an extra inspector to be sure you position your house correctly, that cost should go on you in the building permit," said Health Department administrator Lloyd Evans.

Hickman said that until building permit fees were raised in December 2001, the county lost money on every conditional use permit. Conditional use permits ask for variances or amendments to the ordinance and incur costs of newspaper announcements and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings. He emphasized that cost of the permit is a user fee, not a tax.

In December the Logan County Board passed the first increase in building permit fees since 1973. The rates are $50 for new construction, $25 for remodeling and $100 for conditional use permits.

Building permit fees are higher in other counties. In Peoria County, cited by Mahler, building permits cost $100 for a residence, $50-$70 for an addition and $350 for applications requiring amendments or rezoning.

[Lynn Shearer Spellman]

Proposed commerce park
discussed by city and county leaders

[APRIL 26, 2002]  At the suggestion of the Logan County Board, there was a conference committee meeting at 6 p.m. April 24 in the conference room of the chamber of commerce offices in Lincoln.

Present for the brainstorming discussion were Bobbi Abbott, Jim White, Todd Lowman, T.W. Werth, John Dreusicke, Richard Logan, Elizabeth Davis, Steve Fuhrer, Mark Mathon, Jerry Johnson, Rodney Alberts, Dale Steffens, Tom Hickman, Rodney White, Mark Smith, Roger Bock, Doug Muck, Dale Voyles and Lloyd Hellman.

Mark Smith, director of economic development, chaired the meeting. Smith explained that the purpose of the meeting was to address the funding issues surrounding the proposed commerce park and come to an agreement as to how to finance the project. The group was charged with sorting out pertinent issues or elements that may be holding back approval of the proposed plan and determine a plan that they could get behind.

Comments and discussion revolved around the utility route and financing plan. Both have been previously presented to the city of Lincoln and the Logan County Board. Andrew Hamilton, financial consultant for the Economic Development Council, is preparing additional information on financing options and will present his recommendations to the city and county when finished.

[to top of second column in this article]

After discussion, it was agreed that the city and county finance committee chairs will work with First Midstate, Edward Jones and others to determine the financial capability of local government to finance the project. Rates, duration of term, etc., will be collected within the next few days. The information will be shared between parties.

Both the city and county intend to call the concept of the north-side commerce park, as recommended, to a vote in the near future.

[LDN]

Coroner’s inquest into March 30 accident

[APRIL 26, 2002]  A coroner’s inquest was held Thursday afternoon, looking into the cause and manner of death of 16-year-old Daniel J. Logan. Logan was the only one involved in the single-vehicle accident that occurred on March 30 at 8:56 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:44 p.m. by Logan County Deputy Coroner Warren Rogers.

 The inquest was conducted by Logan County Coroner Chuck Fricke. A six-member jury heard testimony presented by Jake Kitner, the Lincoln police officer who was first on the scene.

The vehicle was eastbound on Limit Street right before the entry to CILCO and where the street changes from four-lane to two-lane traffic. Kitner said there was another eastbound vehicle that was passed on its the left side at a high rate of speed. The occupants of that vehicle witnessed the Logan vehicle fail to negotiate the curve, jump the curb across the way and travel in a ditch that became about 4 feet deep. The vehicle hit the culvert of a crosswise access road and turned end over end several times. It is believed that Logan was thrown from the vehicle on the last roll. It was also believed he was wearing a seatbelt. He was thrown approximately 30 feet. No rate of speed could be determined as there were no skid marks.

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According to the autopsy Logan’s death was caused by multiple skull fractures and massive subdural bleeding. Blood tests revealed a .120 blood alcohol, well above the lawful limit (.08) to drive. There was a trace of marijuana metabolite in his urine that indicated he may have been under the influence when the accident occurred. Marijuana clears the blood quickly and is difficult to assess. There was also a trace of cocaine found in his nostril, though it was not found in the urine test.

The jury agreed that the cause of death was due to brain trauma and that the manner was avoidable.

[Jan Youngquist]

[APRIL 26, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — State Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, came a step closer to securing the jobs of National Guard members who are called to duty. Currently, federal law secures their jobs if they are called to duty by the federal government. Legislation co-sponsored by Mitchell, which unanimously passed the House, would provide job protection when they are called to duty by the state.

"Particularly in tough economic times, it is important for National Guard members to know that they can serve their state without fear of losing their livelihood," said Mitchell. "Under this legislation, their jobs will be protected just as they are when they are called to active duty by the federal government."

Mitchell’s legislation specifies that when National Guard members return to a job after service for the state, they will receive the same increase in status, seniority and wages that were earned during their absence. Also, if the members are students at a college or university, they will receive a tuition credit or refund if they are away on duty for seven days or more.

"National Guard members provide a vital service to the state during times of need,"' said Mitchell. 'This legislation will ensure that they can be there for in the future, just as they were during the floods of 1993 and at our airports following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11."

The legislation headed to the Senate for consideration.

[News release]

Military addresses sought

It is a time 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.

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• 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/ 

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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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