[MAY 4, 2002]  On Tuesday, May 7, thousands of AFSCME Council 31 members from throughout Illinois will gather in Springfield for a lobby day. AFSCME members will be delivering a strong and unified message to legislators from throughout the state to not cut valuable state services and to seek alternative measures to solve the budget crisis.

Events begin with a 10 a.m. press conference in the Capitol Press Room. A noon march will lead an estimated 3,000-5,000 participants from the Prairie Capital Convention Center to the Capitol.

To read the complete press release, go to:

http://www.afscme31.org/press/
pressDetail.asp?objectID=388.

[AFSCME Council 31]

[MAY 3, 2002]  Attorneys representing the Illinois Department of Human Services have decided not to seek a bench trial in front of Logan County Associate Judge Don Behle but instead will appeal Judge Behle’s ruling in front of the 4th Appellate Court in Springfield, according to Dan Senters, spokesman for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees

Senters said he had just received word from Steve Yokich, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, that the attorney general’s office, representing the defendants, had changed its plan to go to trial in Lincoln beginning May 29.

Senters said the time frame would be about the same. When the defendants receive the written ruling from Judge Behle, who upheld the injunction prohibiting moving any more residents from the Lincoln Developmental Center at a hearing Wednesday, they will file an appeal with the Appellate Court. Yokich said they have seven days to file the appeal, he then has another seven days to respond, and the Appellate Court will schedule a hearing within another seven-day period.

Plaintiffs in the suit — AFSCME; state Sen. Larry Bomke of Springfield; Norlan and Eleanor Newmister, parents of an LDC resident; and Don Todd, president of AFSCME Local 425 — argued that the state has not followed the proper procedure for moving residents: seeking a permit from the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board and holding public hearings.

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Defendants, which include Gov. George Ryan, Illinois Department of Human Services Director Linda Renee Baker, state Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka and state Comptroller Daniel Hynes, said such a procedure is not necessary.

Gov. Ryan has set the end of the state’s fiscal year as the date to downsize LDC from a high of 375 residents last fall to 100 residents, and from about 700 employees to 210. At present 247 residents remain at the 125-year-old Lincoln facility.

[Joan Crabb]

ALMH celebrates centennial on Sunday

[MAY 3, 2002]  Evangelical Deaconess Hospital and its successor, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, will commemorate 100 years with an open house and reception at ALMH on Sunday, May 5. The celebration will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature historical information and photos, tours of the hospital, and a rededication ceremony.

Members of St. John Church of Lincoln established St. John Evangelical Deaconess Hospital in 1902. Deaconesses who arrived in Lincoln during the typhoid fever epidemic served as nurses for the hospital. By their ordination vows, the deaconesses were devoted to caring for the poor, the ill and the elderly. The original site of the hospital was on the northwest corner of Seventh and Walnut in Lincoln. In 1954, a new hospital was built next to the Deaconess Hospital and was named Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

Today Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, located at 315 Eighth Street in Lincoln, is a community-based, not-for-profit general hospital. It offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient care on site. ALMH is an affiliate of Memorial Health System, which includes Memorial Medical Center in Springfield and St. Vincent Memorial Hospital in Taylorville.

[Photo provided by ALMH]

The public is invited and welcome to join in the 100th anniversary celebration.

For more information, please call (217) 732-2161, Ext. 316.

[ALMH news release]

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.

[to top of second column in this article]

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 Rep. 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.

[to top of second column in this article]

"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]

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.

[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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