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Lincoln's success with dogs, trees
and other business
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[JULY 8, 2003]
The Lincoln City Council
received an update on Lincoln Main Street activities,
presented a plaque to the Kickapoo Creek Park Foundation, heard the
concerns of a citizen, granted approval for the police chief to
acquire a new police car and appointed a temporary street
superintendent.
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"It's a go," said Main Street Lincoln
director Cindy McLaughlin on the subject of The Art of Wine. The Art
of Wine is scheduled as an all-day event Aug. 23 as part of the
Lincoln Sesquicentennial celebration.
A few weeks ago
McLaughlin reported a possible glitch in the plans. Illinois wine
growers were slow in getting their registrations in. When she
contacted a few of them she found out that the event is scheduled
right when growers are at their peak busy time with the harvest.
Fears were mounting that it might need to be canceled. However,
since that time 10 growers have committed, and more are still
expected.
McLaughlin commented
after the meeting that she is happy that it will be happening
because the person organizing the event, David Lanterman, is so
talented and has great ideas for it. “It will be great," she said.
Cindy McLaughlin also
provided the council an energetic view on past and future Main
Street Lincoln activities. The second annual Dog Daze, held on June
21, has been declared another rousing success. McLaughlin first
credited Rock Solid Stage Productions, saying their sound production
made the event high-quality and more enjoyable. She said that over
200 people either participated or watched. There were 100 dogs
registered.
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Not only was the day
a lot of fun, but there were many other benefits as well. Logan
County Animal Control adopted out four dogs.
The event was good
for business too. AMP studios did 20 dog portraits. McLaughlin noted
that by providing bounce-back coupons the downtown businesses
encouraged the pet owners to return when they could shop at their
leisure. Store owners reported that some people took their dogs home
and came back that afternoon to browse.
The art deco
fiberglass dogs located in various business windows are drawing
attention. Packs of people have been seen hovering around display
windows. McLaughlin said she has received calls of interest from all
over the state: Rockford, Bloomington, Peoria and Springfield to
name a few.
McLaughlin said that
she thought that the best compliment that could be paid came from a
man who pulled her aside and said, "We just moved up from Dallas.
We're looking for a nice, safe community to raise our family in, and
I think we've just found it."
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this article]
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Lincoln Street Superintendent Donnie Osborne (left) presents
Kickapoo Creek Park ranger Don Hellman a plaque in appreciation of
assistance in beautifying Lincoln with trees. [Click on
image for bigger picture.]
Street Superintendent Donnie Osborne
made the plaque presentation to park ranger Don Hellman of the
Kickapoo Creek Park Foundation. Osborne submitted an essay last year
to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for the Tree City
USA award program, recommending that the park foundation be awarded
the plaque. The plaque honors the foundation for their work in
keeping Kickapoo Creek Park beautiful and for their support with
Lincoln's other tree projects. Hellman thanked the council for the
plaque. He said the Kickapoo Creek Park Foundation plants trees on
an annual basis. They also help the street superintendent when he
needs their tree spader and tractor.
Jerry Harl, a Lincoln citizen,
presented the council with some safety concerns. Harl is concerned
with the safety of fireworks sales. He proposed that individuals
purchasing fireworks be required to buy a permit. He also proposed
that the city allow individuals to set off fireworks only in
approved, designated areas. The council heard Harl's concerns and
indicated that recent changes in the Illinois law will address his
issues.
Harl also expressed concerns about the
city enforcing traffic laws with bicyclists. He has witnessed youth
not obeying traffic laws, laying an extra burden of preventing an
accident on drivers. With both the fireworks and bicyclists, Harl's
main concern was for the safety of the youth.
City Police Chief Richard Montcalm
indicated that he has checked with five local car dealers about
trading two high-mileage vehicles for a newer police car with lower
mileage. He has received several proposals from the dealers. The
transaction can be made at no cost to the city and will bring down
the city's insurance payments.
There was some discussion as to whether
the council should hear the proposals or allow Montcalm to make the
decision. Alderman Glenn Shelton suggested that in his opinion this
is police business and we need to trust the chief to decide what is
best for the department. The council voted to allow the chief to
pursue the vehicle trade-in at his own discretion.
Street Superintendent Donnie Osborne
announced his recommendation for a temporary replacement as he
retires. The council accepted his appointment of Tracy Jackson, who
has been with the department for 17 years. The appointment will last
120 days. After that, it is expected that someone who has passed the
civil service exam and has all the qualifications needed for the job
will be available to take the position.
Other action taken by the council
included the approval for curb repairs at 126 North St. at the
city's expense.
The next
regular city council meeting will be in two weeks, on July 21.
[Don Todd]
[Jan
Youngquist] |
