Gov. Ryan urges the General Assembly to put a responsible budget on his desk

[MAY 28, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — Gov. George Ryan introduced a new Fiscal Year 2003 budget proposal that solves the $2 billion budget shortfall with cuts and new revenue and urged the General Assembly to take the lead and put a responsible budget on his desk during a joint Memorial Day session.

The new budget proposal equals $22.451 billion in General Revenue Fund, or GRF, allocations. GRF spending is about $260 million below the level proposed in February.

"This budget is a tough proposition to accept, but the alternatives before you — stalemate, deadlock and inaction — are worse for the people of this state," said Gov. Ryan. "It is time for us to show real leadership."

Through a combination of cuts and new revenue, including tax increases, this new proposal restores $323 million in previous cuts to important services including:

•  Restoring $165 million in state funds to provide health care for the poor, which will allow for an additional $165 million in federal matching funds.

•  Vienna Correctional Center will stay open.

•  Restoring $75 million in cuts to developmental disability and mental health services.

•  Restoring funding to subsidize child-care programs, eliminating an increase in child-care co-pays.

•  Restoring full funding for immigrant services: $1.7 million;

•  Increasing funds for Teen Reach: $1.3 million.

•  Adding $2 million to the appellate defender’s office.

•  Restoring $8 million to the homemakers’ program for the aged and fully funding the Community Care Program in the Department on Aging.

•  Maintaining at the original 2002 level the fare subsidy provided to the Regional Transportation Authority for the elderly, students and the disabled.

•  Funding for a new class of state police cadets in the coming year, maintaining the commitment to keep our roadways safe.

•  Funding the occupation of three cell houses at the state’s newest maximum-security prison, in Thomson.

The governor’s new proposal also includes $1 billion in short-term borrowing, which will be repaid by the end of the fiscal year, to allow the state to pay existing bills.

"It is unfair, particularly to small businesses, that the state is not paying for its goods and services because of our budget impasse," Gov. Ryan said. "With this balanced budget proposal, I propose borrowing so that we can get current on our bills and stave off financial ruin for hundreds of small-business people."

The governor’s top budget priority throughout his administration has been the education of our children. This budget proposal includes $1 billion in new bond funds for the highly successful school construction program. A pilot project for a statewide "universal access" to quality preschool programs and the "Great Start" program are also funded under this proposal.

Several other education initiatives are receiving full funding, including the Merit Scholarship program and the Illinois Century Network. Adult literacy programs, the Illinois Workforce Advantage program and "Skills Match" will continue to receive funding.

This budget also includes an appropriation of federal funds for Gov. Ryan’s innovative new "FamilyCare" program to provide health insurance to roughly 35,000 parents of children enrolled in the "KidCare" program. It also expands the number of Community Integrated Living Arrangements to help the developmentally disabled find a safe and productive home in a real neighborhood.

Budget cuts of more than $500 million are also proposed in other programs:

•  Higher-education funding will be reduced by $62 million; $20 million of that amount will be met by eliminating a fifth year of scholarships for students receiving grants from the Monetary Award Program.

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•  The Department of Corrections will save $50 million by closing the Sheridan Correctional Center, as well as several work camps and "boot" camps throughout the state, and some adult transition centers. More than 400 sergeants from the ranks of correctional officers will be laid off, saving $28 million. Additionally, the proposal includes saving $25 million by pursuing the privatization of food service operations in state prisons.

•  The Department of Human Services will close 11 local service offices throughout the state and the civil commitment wing of the Alton Mental Health Center. Operations at the DHS central offices in Chicago and Springfield will also be reduced. The TANF grant increase will also be scaled down from the level proposed in February, from 10 percent to 5 percent. Total savings from these cuts will be $43 million.

•  The Department of Public Aid, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, the Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois State Police will reduce central operational costs at a savings of $40 million.

•  The Department of Children and Family Services will reduce administrative spending in areas that will not adversely affect programs and services, saving $25 million.

•  Anti-smoking programs, such as billboard advertising, throughout Illinois will also be reduced by $23 million.

Gov. Ryan’s plan includes $50 million in savings from implementing new personnel management policies in every state agency over the next year, including an early retirement program.

To ensure a balanced budget, Gov. Ryan has also proposed measures that will generate additional GRF funds. The proposal suggests shifting money within the state budget from funds that are flush with cash to the General Revenue Fund, allowing $150 million to be diverted to the GRF. Additionally, $30 million from the Road Fund will be used to pay for the operations of the Illinois State Police, and one-third of the $90 million in unused reserves being held by the CHIP program will be diverted for operations of that program.

"In my view, we cannot cut the budget any deeper in order to bring revenues in line with spending. To go any further would be harmful to the people we are obligated to serve with these programs," added Gov. Ryan. "So we must go in the opposite direction and make small changes to our revenue structure in order to make ends meet."

Revenue-generating proposals of $590 million include:

•  Increasing the state’s cigarette tax by 50 cents, raising $285 million.

•  Increasing the tax on the windfall profits of Illinois’ riverboat casinos, raising $185 million.

•  Increasing the real estate transfer tax to $1.50 for every $500 of equity, raising $120 million.

Additionally, the governor’s proposal calls for continuing existing state practices in regard to the depreciation of business investment for tax purposes instead of participating in a new federal tax program. The federal tax break will save Illinois businesses more than $2 billion, but the state treasury will not lose $240 million and local governments will not lose $150 million. Reallocating the distribution of the real estate transfer tax will generate $15 million, and keeping the state photo-processing tax in the state treasury will generate $25 million.

"I invite you to debate these proposals. Submit your own ideas for needed spending. But if you add a dollar in spending, you must also add a dollar in revenue to pay for it. I won’t accept smoke and mirrors. I will use my veto authority to bring spending in line with revenues. I will work with you around the clock if necessary. In return, I only ask for one thing: Send a responsible and balanced budget to my desk," said Gov. Ryan.

[Illinois Government News Network
press release]

[MAY 25, 2002]  On Monday, May 20, the Lincoln Rotary Club hosted a group of four professionals from India as part of the Rotary International Group Study Exchange Program.

The team from India took some time to talk to Abe during their visit to the Lincoln College Museum on Monday (see front page pic).

During the team’s one-day stay in Lincoln they also visited the NOAA weather station, the farm of Art and Jim Rohrer, and the Logan County Courthouse.

Each team member enjoyed individualized vocational tours in the afternoon. Sanjay Jha, a superintendent of police in Khanda, India, toured the Logan Correctional Center and Lincoln Police headquarters. Dr. Natu, a pediatrician, shadowed Dr. Ken Sagins and toured ALMH and the mobile health unit. Vindya Shetty, a television news producer, spent the afternoon with Jim Ash at Log On Productions. And, Dr. Preeti Mishra, a professor of commerce, met with officials at Lincoln College, Lincoln Christian College, the local chamber of commerce, and Abbott and Associates.

The team is spending one month in the communities of Rotary clubs in Rotary District 6490. During their stay, the team members will investigate vocational opportunities in central Illinois and speak to numerous groups about the Indian culture and social issues.

[Marty Ahrends]

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[Rtn. Dr. Vijay Natu, M.D.]	[Dr. Preeti Mishra, Ph.D.]
[Sanjay Kumar Jha, I.P.S.	[Ms. Vindya Shetty Ballal]

[Photos provided by The Rotary Foundation]

[MAY 25, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — Gov. George Ryan announced Thursday that legislative leaders have agreed to his request that they convene the General Assembly for a 6 p.m. Memorial Day joint session at which he will introduce a new budget proposal for the 2003 fiscal year. The balanced budget to be introduced by the governor will solve the nearly $2 billion drop-off in revenue that occurred after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"The new budget I will present will reflect my best efforts to respond to all that I have heard about the budget in dozens of meetings with the legislative leaders and in hundreds of letters, calls and meetings that my staff and I have received from concerned citizens and organizations," Gov. Ryan said.

The governor said that meetings with the legislative leaders have yielded ideas but have not resulted in any agreements. The governor’s new budget plan will compile some of the best ideas from those meetings so that the members can vote to accept or reject them.

"Every lawmaker is trying to represent their constituents the best they can. But we have not been able to reach consensus among the legislative leaders in large part because their caucus members have competing priorities and concerns. With the new budget proposal, the entire General Assembly can debate the plan, raise their concerns and pass a budget," Gov. Ryan said.

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The governor said it is important to pass the budget by June 1, when a super-majority will be required.

"We have a budget crisis and we can ill-afford any delay. It is in the best interest of the people of Illinois for legislators to meet that deadline," Gov. Ryan said.

[Illinois Government News Network
press release]

[MAY 25, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — Calling a plan by Senate Democrats to put new taxes on Illinois agriculture, business and industry "wrongheaded," Sen. Claude ‘Bud’ Stone vowed to fight any attempt to pass the tax increases.

"At a time when our state economy is fighting to recover from a downturn and the terrorist attacks last September, the plan offered by the Senate Democrat leader would throw our economy into chaos," said Stone, R-Morton. "These taxes will jeopardize thousands of jobs."

Emil Jones, who heads the Senate Democrat Caucus, has proposed new sales taxes on nearly all of the private sector. The proposal includes taxes on farm chemicals, machinery and equipment, coal, oil and distillation machinery, manufacturing and assembling machinery and equipment, newsprint and ink for newspapers and magazines, building materials and personal property within enterprise zones, and companies’ rolling stock.

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"These tax increases will cause tremendous harm all across Illinois, especially to downstate Illinois agriculture," said Stone. "The taxes on business and industry couldn’t come at a worse time, given the economic downturn we are experiencing. A well-respected publication, Site Selection magazine, recently put Illinois at the top of the 50 states for new and expanded facilities. I shudder to think what these tax increases would do [to] our state at a time when we are just beginning to expand our industrial base."

Stone said he will work to defeat the proposal by Senate Democrats if it comes up for a vote in the Senate, and instead he will continue pushing for cuts in spending, higher fees on riverboat gambling and better cash management to balance the state budget. The state’s budget deficit tops $1 billion.

[News release]

[MAY 24, 2002]  Ron Hall, representing Logan County Crime Stoppers, presented the Deputy of the Year award at Tuesday evening’s Logan County Board meeting. Logan County Deputy Douglas McCartney has been chosen to have the honorary title bestowed upon him. He was presented with a plaque of appreciation.

Sheriff Tony Solomon said that an example of McCartney’s outstanding work is his quick thinking that averted the evacuation of Elkhart. In response to a bomb scare on Oct. 5, 2001, he identified suspects and obtained a confession that the scare was a hoax.

McCartney has been with the Sheriff’s Department since February ’99. If you ask him what he likes about his job, he’ll tell you easily, "The different people you get to meet and the freedom of not being behind a desk." He adds that he likes being outdoors, and that’s part of the job, "You’re always outside for the most part. No matter what the weather is, you’re always out in it — the good and the bad."

[Photos by Jan Youngquist]

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McCartney and wife Kathy live in Chestnut. What he likes about it is that it is "quiet and small." They enjoy the house they bought two years ago. Especially at this time of the year, you’ll find McCartney doing yard work in his spare time, which he says he enjoys. He also likes to hunt and fish. He looks forward to going turkey hunting with his dad over in Schuyler County, as they have been doing for the past seven years.

Last month Crime Stoppers presented an award to Lincoln Police Officer Robert Rawlins as Officer of the Year. This is the first year the awards have been given. Crime Stoppers plans to make it an annual event.

[Jan Youngquist
and  Lynn Shearer Spellman]

[MAY 24, 2002]  The kickoff of the Lincoln Public Library’s summer reading program has always been a special event, but this year youngsters and their families have a real treat in store. It’s a "Journey Back in Time," a visit from the nationally acclaimed Pioneer Living Experience, and it gives kids and the grown-ups who come with them a chance for a hands-on experience of the way people lived in the 1800s.

The big day is Saturday, June 1, at the Lincoln Park District Recreation Center on Primm Road, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

The Journey Back in Time is a traveling museum with seven learning centers that give children of all ages a chance to experience what life was like in the 1800s. The Pioneer Living Experience isn’t just for children, either; they are encouraged to bring their parents and even, if possible, grandparents, to see the hundreds of artifacts that are part of the museum.

The Children’s Learning Center has a collection of over 40 handmade wooden folk toys and more than a dozen century-old school books, along with games, an 1800s school desk and slate boards for writing on.

At Ma and Pa’s Learning Center, youngsters learn what it was like to pump water from a barrel, wash clothes on a scrub board, and wring them out on a 150-year-old machine. They can also shave with a lather brush, just the way Grandpa used to.

Kids will also find out that bread didn’t always come from the supermarket. The Kitchen Learning Center gives boys and girls both the real feel of bread-making, grinding wheat seeds in a grinder and sifting them into flour, then rolling and kneading out the bread dough.

They’ll also learn that clothing didn’t always come from the store. They’ll learn how to card wool and hand-spin it into yarn. They can make their very own friendship bracelet, which they can take home to keep. Period clothing and plants that were used to make dyes for wool will be on display.

Things used in the home were very often made there, such as the quilts, braided rag rugs and tatted lace. Kids can touch these old-time crafts. They will see seed necklaces and dolls make from clothespins, corn husks, corn cobs, dried apples and chestnuts. Keepsake necklaces made from "trade beads" (really pasta) can be made to take home.

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At the Native American Learning Center, kids can explore an authentic hand-painted Sioux tipi and touch and identify animal furs, including bear, deer, raccoon, badger and beaver. The display also includes artifacts such as native crafts, tools and a rawhide drum, all of which can be enjoyed hands-on.

Finally, the young people can relive the excitement of the Gold Rush by panning for "fools’ gold," which the kids get to keep, and weighing their "gold" on a set of old miners’ scales.

This hands-on history program has been seen in nearly 10,000 schools in more than 20 states since its creation in 1989. It visits over 800 schools and other events each year.

Linda Harmon, assistant children’s librarian, who has seen the Pioneer Living Experience in operation at an area school, is enthusiastic about bringing it to Lincoln.

"I don’t believe there’s anything else like it around. They are booked all the time. We were lucky to get them, and it was only because they were going to be in Illinois for other bookings.

"It’s very hands-on, and the whole family can do it together. It will be really great if grandparents can come, too, and say, for example, "That’s the way we baked bread."

Pat Schlough, children’s librarian, says that though the traveling museum will be at the Rec Center between 9 and noon, she recommends getting there early, so the kids (and parents too) will have time to experience all seven of the learning centers.

[Joan Crabb]

[MAY 24, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — Nearly 7,365 state employees are expected to retire under an early retirement plan sponsored by Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield, and approved Thursday by the Illinois Senate.

The plan is expected to save the state nearly $356.5 million on payroll and salary each year as well as save some state jobs that would otherwise fall victim to layoffs.

"This is completely voluntary on the part of state employees, but many have indicated to me that they want an early retirement package," said Bomke. "The retirement system estimates more than 7,000 employees will take advantage of this plan, allowing us to reduce state bureaucracy and save money without forcing people out of jobs. Layoffs have been mentioned time and time again as a budget solution, and early retirement will help open up some jobs for employees who are otherwise in danger of being laid off."

House Bill 2671 allows state employees to purchase of up to five years of age and five years of service credit. Contributions can be made from sick and vacation time, with the balance, if any, to be paid in 24 installments from pension annuities. All contributions are on a pretax basis and will use the rate of pay and contribution rate as of June 1.

To qualify, employees must have at least eight years vested in the pension system and must terminate employment once they choose to participate in early retirement. The early retirement option will be available from Aug. 1 until Dec. 31. Once an employee chooses early retirement, he or she cannot be hired back full- or part-time and cannot return to state service on contract.

State employees must also meet existing eligibility requirements for retirement. The "Rule of 85," which Bomke sponsored in 2000, allows employees to retire when their age and years of creditable service equal at least 85. Otherwise employees may currently retire at age 55 with 25 years of service or at age 60 with eight years of service.

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Employees must also pay the full contribution rate for early retirement. This equals nine percent under the Teachers Retirement System, the TRS, four percent under SERS and either 6.4 percent or 10.5 percent under the alternative formula.

Members who fall under the alternative formula must also reach age 50 before being eligible to receive an annuity, despite the additional number of years purchased. The TRS early retirement provisions will only affect administrators at TRS and the State Board of Education, not employees in local school districts.

House Bill 2671 also takes steps to protect the pensions of employees who voluntarily or involuntarily took time off without pay during the state’s fiscal crisis.

SERS members may apply for up to five days of service credit for voluntary or involuntary furlough between Dec. 1, 2002 and Jan. 1, 2003. They must apply in writing to SERS or to their employer by July 1, 2005. No additional contributions are required to receive the furlough credits.

House Bill 2671 was approved 55-1-1 by the Senate and now returns to the House of Representatives for further consideration. If approved and signed into law, it will take effect immediately and employees can take early retirement beginning Aug. 1.

[News release]

[MAY 23, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — As part of the state’s 15th Annual Emergency Medical Services Awards, Gov. George Ryan joined the Illinois Department of Public Health Tuesday in honoring 32 individuals for acts of courage.

Honorees received certificates, signed by Gov. George H. Ryan and Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. John R. Lumpkin, as part of the department’s observance of Emergency Medical Services Week, May 19-25. The special week provides an opportunity for communities and organizations to honor those involved in emergency medical services.

"Every day throughout Illinois and across the nation, citizens reach out to help others in need," Gov. Ryan said. "Emergency medical personnel are often heard to say it’s all a part of the job, but we are still grateful for their dedication and courage.

"And private citizens who give assistance without hesitation also deserve our thanks and recognition for their compassion and bravery in the face of danger."

Nominations for the awards are solicited by the public health department from police, firefighters, paramedics and others from throughout the state.

"These brave individuals came to the aid of others in crisis, often jeopardizing their own safety," said Lumpkin. "Their selfless acts of courage and the compassion they displayed are inspiring."

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Two individuals from Logan County were recipients of the 2002 Illinois EMS Awards.

Andrew Jones and Matt Wilham, both of Chestnut, were on their way to school on Jan. 17, 2002, when they came upon a two-car accident about a mile south of Chestnut. A woman failed to yield at an intersection, and her car was broadsided by a Ford Bronco. Both vehicles rolled into an adjacent farm field. The driver of the Bronco suffered a broken arm but was able to get out of the vehicle. However, her brother was trapped inside the vehicle. Jones and Wilham pulled the boy from the vehicle before it burst into flames.

[Illinois Government News Network
press release]

[MAY 23, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — Gov. George Ryan announced Tuesday that President Bush has approved his request and declared nine counties as federal disaster areas as a result of tornadoes, thunderstorms and damaging winds beginning on April 21.

Counties covered by the presidential declaration are Clay, Franklin, Johnson, Marion, Pope, Saline, St. Clair, Wayne and Union. In addition, any county that is contiguous to the declared counties will also be eligible for disaster assistance. The contiguous counties include Alexander, Clinton, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Madison, Massac, Monroe, Perry, Pulaski, Randolph, Richland, Washington, White and Williamson.

The governor’s letter this week to the president also requested that federal disaster assistance be granted for counties impacted by flooding. Therefore, IEMA and FEMA will begin conducting damage assessments Wednesday in counties that have experienced flood damage, starting with those along the Sangamon and Illinois rivers. These damage assessments will provide valuable information to state and federal officials to determine the need for supplemental federal disaster assistance. IEMA and other state agencies continue to work with local officials to ensure that necessary resources are available to maintain an effective flood fight.

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"I want to thank President Bush for his quick attention to the needs of Illinois residents whose homes were destroyed or damaged in these storms," Gov. Ryan said. "It is my hope that the counties now battling floods will be added to the list of counties to receive federal assistance."

Specifically, individual assistance programs, including disaster housing assistance, individual and family grants and Small Business Administration low-interest loans for the declared counties and all contiguous counties, will be made available.

Disaster victims may apply for assistance by telephone through a national tele-registration center operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency: 1 (800) 621-3362 or TTY 1 (800) 462-7585 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central time seven days a week. Callers should have their address, Social Security number, a list of damages and losses suffered, directions to the damaged property, and insurance policy number readily available when calling for assistance.

[Illinois Government News Network press release]

[MAY 22, 2002]  Three county officeholders will earn $1,500 more next year and sheriff’s deputies will get a 5 percent raise, but county board salaries and benefits will remain frozen for 10 years, following action at the Logan County Board meeting Tuesday night.

The three elected officials will receive $1,500 raises for each of the next four years, with Sheriff Tony Solomon making $48,995 next year and County Clerk Sally Litterly and Treasurer Mary Ellen Bruns each earning $38,000. For Solomon that is a 3.15 percent increase and for Litterly and Bruns a 4.1 percent raise. Salaries of county officials are set at staggered times.

Finance committee member Roger Bock said Logan County salaries are well below the average of eight nearby counties of similar population. In fact, even with the raises, Litterly’s and Bruns’ salaries are 8.75 percent below those in the lowest comparable county, Christian.

Saying, "We should be paying what the industry standard is," Dave Hepler proposed an amendment to put Litterly and Bruns at $42,000 each in fiscal year 2003, then add $1,500 for each of the next three years. The amendment failed 4-9, with Hepler, Tom Cash, Cliff Sullivan and Dale Voyles voting for it. The motion to give the three officials $1,500 raises in each of the four years passed 11-2, with Jim Griffin and Dick Logan opposing.

Salaries and benefits for county board members are set once a decade. Finance chair Rod White said salaries of $35 per meeting, with only one meeting counted per day, are the lowest in 10 counties, but when insurance and retirement benefits are added in, the total rises to somewhere in the bottom quarter. The vote to keep the total package as is was unanimous.

After a brief executive session, the board voted 12-1 with White dissenting to approve a contract with Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 78. The union previously approved the contract. Total salaries of the 17 deputies on the 10-step schedule would rise 5 percent in the first year of the contract, 3.8 percent in the second year and 4.4 percent in the third. That means an extra $26,746 for the county to pay in the first year. The most senior deputy has worked for the county 23 years and the newest five months.

First-year salaries, retroactive to Dec. 1, 2001, range from $25,000 for a beginning deputy to $36,000 for a 30-year veteran. Each step gains $1,000 in each of the next two years. Sergeants are paid $2,500 above the scale.

The contract also provides for full health insurance coverage, criminal defense when the officer is found not guilty, three personal days per year and a 50 percent buyback of unused sick days up to 60 when the deputy retires. Eight of the 17 become eligible to retire within the three-year contract period.

In another matter, the board heard news from the Finance Committee that was more good than bad. Bock reported that for the first five months of fiscal year 2002 revenues from 1 percent and one-fourth percent sales taxes, income tax and interest earned are $120,000 short of budget projections. However, Voyles said that for the same period expenses are even farther under budget — more than $308,000 under the five-month expectation of 42 percent of budgeted expenses.

In an amendment to the county zoning ordinance, the board voted to charge fees of $1,000 for communication towers, equipment, building and fencing, and $500 for attaching a new device to an existing tower. The Zoning Board of Appeals previously approved the measure 5-0. Zoning officer Bud Miller said there were no comments on the fees at the public hearing May 20. Phil Mahler, director of the Regional Planning Commission, said that with the previous fee of $50 per tower the county was guilty of "way, way, way undercharging."

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Another zoning issue, regarding certification of the water supply before issuing a building permit, was returned to the zoning board for clarification.

County board members voted unanimously in favor of entering a six-county resource conservation and development area. Bill Dickerson of Natural Resources Conservation Service said that the program, begun in 1964, has been successful in Illinois, with eight approved areas and one pending, involving a total of 62 counties. Logan would combine with Cass, Christian, Mason, Menard and Sangamon counties to identify types of natural resource concerns and methods of addressing them, including applying for grants.

Dickerson is asking for $200 in startup money from each county. If the resource conservation and development area is approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, he anticipates annual county dues of $250-$275. Three citizens of each county will serve on the board.

In other business, with no dissenting votes, the board

•  Approved an ordinance making it illegal for a minor under 18 to possess tobacco products, except when a parent or legal guardian is present, and for a person to provide tobacco to a minor. Possession by a minor is punishable by fines up to $50 for a first or second offense and $100 for a third or subsequent offense. Fines for providing tobacco to a minor range up to $75 for a first offense and $400 for another. Half of the money from fines goes into a fund to be used for preventing tobacco abuse. Board Chairman Dick Logan said state grants are available for enforcement of such laws.

•  Awarded the bid for repair of a section of road in Sheridan Township to P.H. Broughton for $118,307.63. Township motor fuel funds will pay for the project.

•  Awarded the bid for carpeting the state’s attorney’s office, including removing and disposing of old carpet, to Carpet House for $6,473.89.

•  Awarded the contract for painting the interior of the animal shelter building to Michael Simonson Painting for $3,325.

•  Made five appointments to county boards: Shirley Bartelmay to the cemetery maintenance district, Janet Schultz to the housing authority, Dr. Dean Hauter to the tuberculosis board, and Norma Bathe and Jim Altig to the E-911 board.

•  Approved a property sale for delinquent taxes. Terry Werth abstained.

Despite the presence of city and development officials, the issue of the industrial park proposed by Economic Development Council did not come up at the meeting. However, Logan informed the board that Loren Birnbaum of rural Lincoln, whose property is next to the northeast-side site of the proposed park, south of Kruger elevator, has filed an objection to rezoning the site commercial.

[Lynn Shearer Spellman]

[MAY 22, 2002]  What is a greenway development? It’s more than a bicycling and hiking trail. It includes waterway activities where available and attracts tourism. At Monday evening’s city council meeting, Phil Mahler, Logan County Regional Planning Commission director, shared the newest information regarding the development of a recreational trail through Logan County.

Mahler has received letters of support to pursue this project from Lincoln Mayor Beth Davis, LCHS Superintendent Fred Plese and Marcia Greenslate, director of parks and recreation. The project is still in its early planning stages, but Mahler has been in touch with Scott Schuett, landscape architect for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

A letter from Mahler to Schuett indicated that with support from planning director Phil Mahler, zoning officer Bud Miller and county board chair Richard Logan, "resource areas are being identified to facilitate the project."

Miller also wrote, "We are anxious to work closely with IDNR so the original concept of a bike trail can evolve into a Greenway Preservation Program. This may include the original bike and fitness trail but also could develop a canoeing route along with boating, fishing, picnicking and other healthy activities."

The creation of a greenway along this section will provide continuity on a north-south corridor connecting McLean and Sangamon counties. The addition of two more counties, Livingston and Macoupin, is needed to complete the greenway corridor from Lake to Monroe counties.

State funding is available in the form of grants up to $20,000. The Department of Agriculture has offered to assist with getting these grants. No financial commitment is required with the grant that is being looked at now, but a certain percentage of matching labor or materials is expected. Mahler sees no problem getting local labor for this, as he’s already had some interest from local businesses with resources to make commitments toward it.

The project will take place in stages, with further grants available from one year to the next. "Some dollars can be gotten, if not this year, then next for certain, and planning can begin," he says.

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Completing the Logan County section will make a Chicago-to-St. Louis greenway. There are three sections for the local trail: entering, around and leaving Lincoln. All run along old Route 66. The first section is south of town, running along the train tracks from Elkhart to Madigan State Park. The second goes around Lincoln following old 66. The third runs from Lincoln to Atlanta beside the train tracks and old 66.

The first to be developed would be the middle section around Lincoln. Mahler believes that getting permission for land use from landowners for the projected trailway should be no problem, as 20 percent of the land is flood plain.

Also up for consideration as part of the greenway is keeping a section of Salt Creek maintained for canoeing. The section currently proposed runs from Rocky Ford to Middletown. It would be encouraged to get an outfitter to run canoes on it.

[Jan Youngquist]

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:

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[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.

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