Main Street Lincoln is hosting an "Operating a Successful Small Business" Seminar on Saturday, Feb. 26. The workshop will begin at 9 a.m. and last until noon in the second floor conference room of Union Planters Bank.

The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) from Springfield will be presenting the various topics including: "The Business Plan," "Marketing," "Bookeeping and Taxes," and "Small Business Banking Issues." Valerie Ross, commercial loan officer from the SBA, will also be on hand to talk about their relationship with small business owners.

Pre-registration and a small fee of $10 to cover costs is required. For registration forms or more information, please call the Main Street Lincoln office at 732-2929.

Lincoln College Theatre Department opens the second performance of the season with the musical "Working" on Thursday, Feb. 24.

"Working" offers a setting where people from all walks of life tell the story of their various professions. As the stories of the workers unfold, the audience is given a look into their dreams, regrets, and hopes for the future. Lincoln College Fine Arts Chairman Dan McLaughlin directs the musical, which is adapted from the book of the same name by Chicago writer Studs Terkel.

Show time is 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, Friday, Feb. 25, and Saturday, Feb. 26, with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27. Ticket prices are $5.00 for adults; $3.00 for children and senior citizens. To reserve tickets call (217) 732-3155, extension 280, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A fundraiser for the "Looking for Lincoln" visitors center in Mount Pulaski will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 4. People can tour the historical society museum and the Mount Pulaski Courthouse. Refreshments will be available at the museum, and the Jane Hartman Trio will play from 2 to 4 p.m. The group performs classical music and jazz and has some CD's in publication.

Tickets are available at many local business and at the museum and will also be available at the door. Donations of $10 are suggested. There is no charge for children.

At the Lincoln Church of God, 1415 Fourth St., the gospel quartet Gladheart will be in concert this Sunday, Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m.. This wonderful group has been with us many times before and has always been a great encouragement! Please come to this free concert and enjoy their vocal talents!

The Lincoln Church of God Ladies Ministries have begun their spring butter braid bread sales. These wonderful dessert breads are available for $8. You can contact the church at 732-8989 to order. These breads will be delivered in time for your Easter dinners!

They worked high-risk jobs for low pay, biscuits, a pat on the head and words of affirmation. Within days of each other, city and county law enforcement officers mourned the loss of two team members: police dogs Samson, who recently retired from the city, and Brutus, Logan County’s top canine.

Samson and Brutus brought more than their skills to work each day. They brightened the lives of all those working in the Safety Complex, in the field, on and off the job with their friendly personalities. Their handlers, Officer Robert Rawlins and Deputy Jerry Melton, not only lost their work partners, but also a beloved family member as well as a friend. The people of Lincoln and Logan County salute these fine men and their dogs for their years of service.

             [City of Lincoln Police Dog, Samson]                                    [Deputy Melton and Brutus]

On February 5, 2000, the Logan County Sheriff’s Department suffered the loss of K-9 Brutus. Brutus was a member of this department since November 1992 and served with his human companion, Deputy Jerry Melton.

Bru and Jerry worked the highways and byways of central Illinois and are credited with assisting in the arrest of numerous drug traffickers and users that crossed his path. In the nearly eight years that Bru worked with Deputy Melton he assisted the following agencies: Illinois State Police, Lincoln Police, Havana Police, Decatur Police, Clinton Police, McLean Police, Delavan Police, San Jose Police, Manito Police, Mason County Sheriff’s Department, Menard County Sheriff’s Department, Tazwell County Sheriff’s Department, Morton Police, East Peoria Police, Bloomington Police, Normal Police, Greenview Police, Mount Pulaski Police, Emden Police and the Atlanta Police.

Bru and Deputy Melton performed demonstrations at all of the local schools and many civic organizations to make people aware of drugs. Bru’s work ethic is surpassed by none and is a credit to his breed.

Only a few days following the county’s loss, the City of Lincoln Police Department lost their retired police dog, Samson, on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2000.

A German shepherd of about 12 years of age, Samson retired more than a year ago due to arthritic hips. "He was having a hard time getting up and down, in the car, and just doing everyday things required on the job," Officer Rawlins explained.

An untrained Samson came into the department at age two. His lifelong handler, Officer Rawlins, completed training with Samson through the Illinois State Police Dog Training Program. The principles of training took six weeks. Officer Rawlins remembers, "About 10 dogs started the program and about five of them washed out."

Samson was a full-service police dog. His territory was mostly the city of Lincoln, but he was also called to assist the Illinois State Police. What was really impressive, Officer Rawlins shares, is that "he was a natural for finding anything out of the ordinary."

Samson was familiar to many school children because he was often visible at DARE classes. "He mingled good with the kids," Officer Rawlins stated proudly. "He was easy to turn on and off. He could be friendly and then be serious," he adds. That’s not an easy change for a dog to make.

In the early '90s, this dog’s special abilities brought the city of Lincoln one of the largest money seizures in history. On call, Samson found $936,000 dollars hidden in a wooden egg crate in a van that had broken down outside of town. As a result, the city of Lincoln was able to keep $500,000 of the recovered money to equip the office and bring the department into the technological age. Samson’s find also purchased a new fully outfitted K-9 squad and our DARE van.

[Jan Youngquist]

Many thanks to the Logan County donors who responded to the appeal for blood due to the recent acute shortage of blood.

During February the following donors reached goals: Karen E. Lovelace, 13 gallons;  Don Hudelson, 12;  Tom Kissel, 7;  Virginia C. Vogel, 6;  John S. Walker, 4;  and Dennis Uphoff, 1 gallon.

Wednesday evening, Feb. 16, a small crowd gathered in the Logan County Courthouse to hear the latest about the "Looking for Lincoln" tourism project, which began about a year and a half ago. Two historians representing the project, Bryon C. Andreasen and Dan Monroe, were on hand to answer questions from the public.

Thressia Usherwood, executive director of Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County, presented Lincoln impersonator Charles Ott, who welcomed everyone. In turn, Andreasen and Monroe presented the basic concepts of the unified tourism project, which intends to help communities share knowledge of Abraham Lincoln. Andreason is a research historian with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, and Monroe is a historical research specialist with the same agency.

The program originated in "the state’s interest in the new concept of  ‘heritage tourism,’" said Andreasen. "Take history and package it to encourage visitors from out of state to visit. [Give] them a tourist destination based on history sites," he explained.

State legislators allocated state tourism grant funds to seven projects representing different regions of the state. The "Looking for Lincoln" project won the grant for the central part of the state.

The concept is to develop regional "learning about Lincoln" vacations for families to enjoy. In the past, visitors to Lincoln historical sites generally went to one place on one day. "Each Lincoln attraction has just been out there on their own," Andreasen said. "We will be trying to change people’s perceptions [so that] they are planning to spend four to five days in central Illinois." Plans are in place for mass marketing via tourism brochures, which will connect all the sites as a "Looking for Lincoln Corridor."

Any community with an authentic Lincoln connection is encouraged to consider joining the project. The researchers will be happy to help them "flesh out" historical information. The project will provide support for site development as well as assistance in securing grant funds. Some work has already begun for sites in Lincoln and Mount Pulaski. Other nearby communities expressing interest are Middletown, Elkhart and Atlanta.

Communities will need to demonstrate an ability to provide for the needs of vacationing families. They will also need to work together on fund raising. The efforts are expected to pay off in increased commerce, assistance with upkeep of desirable historical properties, and more importantly, pride in historic communities. Andreasen advised, "Think BIG initially. It’s easier to sell the parts of it."

People can learn more about the "Looking for Lincoln" project by contacting Thressia Usherwood at Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau. She currently serves as project coordinator.

Zonta Scholarship Applications Available

Students planning a career in the healthcare field may apply now for the scholarships offered by the Zonta Club of Lincoln. Any resident of Logan County who is currently enrolled or has been accepted in a healthcare professional curriculum at an accredited institution is eligible.

Past winners are also eligible, but not students with less than one academic year of study left. Students may be enrolled or accepted in fields such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, sports medicine or medical technology. The scholarships are available to students enrolled in college or universities anywhere in the United States.

Scholarship forms are available at all high schools in Logan County, Lincoln College, Family Medical Center, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Logan County Health Department, The Christian Village Nursing Home, St. Clara’s Manor, Maple Ridge Care Centre, and at Graue, Medicap or CVS pharmacies.

Forms may also be obtained from Zonta member Marilyn Weingarz, 1425 1307th St., Lincoln, telephone 735-1840. They must be returned to Weingarz by April 1. Completed applications must include, along with personal information, transcripts and three letters of reference.

There are usually several scholarship winners, Weingarz said, with awards ranging from $500 to $1,000. Judging will be done by a committee of community leaders in the health care profession and education as well as members of Zonta.

Zonta is an international service organization formed to advance the status of women worldwide and to provide service to the community. Weingarz stressed, however, that the scholarships are open to both men and women.

Local Business People Meet with Legislators

Robert Jeckel and Dave Christensen of Lincoln Logan Mutual Insurance have returned from the state capital in Springfield on a trip designed to facilitate communication between legislators and the insurance industry. The Legislative Day is sponsored by the Illinois Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (IAMIC).

IMAIC's Legislative Day program is an opportunity for mutual insurance companies throughout Illinois to better communicate with legislators the needs and concerns of their policyholders. It provides a more personal connection to legislators by taking issues important to the insurance industry inside the Capitol.

During their visit, Bob and Dave were able to discuss issues with Representative John Turner and Senator Robert Madigan, including how the issues will impact Lincoln and Logan County.

The Illinois Association of Mutual Insurance Companies is a trade association comprised of farm mutual insurance companies. Mutual insurance, like the farming industry, has been a part of the education opportunities, professional development, legislative support and industry recognition they need to move forward into the next century--and the new millennium.

Lincoln Woman's Club Board Reports

The Lincoln Woman’s Club board of directors approved rental of their building to Dan Dugan, martial arts instructor, for his weekly classes. The building is available for rental for receptions, reunions and anniversary parties. All accommodations are available. Dorothy Ball is to be contacted for reservations.

The Christian Church was given approval to use the building for its Harvest of Talents fund raiser this coming Oct. 27 and 28.

A donation of $100 was made to Logan County Senior Citizens, "The Oasis."

Two books, Life—"Our Century in Pictures" and Times and Newsweek—"People of the Century,'" were purchased with memorial donations for Inez Clapper and donated to Lincoln Public Library.

It was decided to combine the membership meeting and the opening luncheon in September this year.

Reservations for the March district convention can be made anytime. It will be held in Fairbury at the Baptist church.

The fund raising committee will host a pinochle card party for the benefit of the club on April 5. Start planning your foursome.

The February general meeting will be held jointly with the Abraham Lincoln Chapter NSDAR and the Lincoln Junior Woman’s Club on the 16^th. The Lincoln Community High School Jazz Band will be featured. Parents and grandparents of the band members are invited to attend at 1 p.m.

An invitation was extended to all members who volunteered as bell ringers for the Salvation Army ’99 Kettle Campaign Celebration to be held at the Zion Lutheran Church Christian Education Building. Reservations should be called in to 732-7890.

Chamber of Commerce Announces Meeting

Thursday, March 2:  Chamber Board of Directors meeting, 11:45 a.m., Chamber office

Conservation District Sponsors Poster Contest

[Fifth graders at West Lincoln-Broadwell smile after groundwater demonstration by Steve Bracey.
A groundwater model demonstrates the characteristics and behavior of groundwater.]

The Logan County Soil & Water Conservation District is sponsoring their annual poster contest for fifth graders in the county. The theme for this year's contest is "Groundwater- H₂0 Below." The district will select the top three posters later this spring and award $20.00 for first, $10.00 for second and $5.00 for third. For more information contact Steve Bracey, resource conservationist for the Logan County Soil & Water Conservation District at 732-2010 ext.3.

Heritage In Flight Museum

The Heritage In Flight Museum at the Logan County Airport is open every weekend from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is open during the week by special arrangement by calling 732-3333. The museum contains historical aviation exhibits from as far back as World War I. Donations to the museum have come from Logan County residents who served in the flying branches of the United States military and from military and civilian sources throughout the U.S. Heritage In Flight holds its regular meetings on the first Saturday of the month at 1 p.m. in the commons room of the airport terminal building. We are always interested in new members who have an interest in helping to maintain the museum and the important and fascinating historical records that it contains. The Heritage In Flight Museum is a non-profit organization.

Lincoln Police Department

Volunteers sought for training to issue parking citations

The Lincoln Police Department is establishing a list of volunteers that will be granted the authority to issue citations, with Lincoln city limits, to vehicles parked illegally in parking spaces on public and private property that are reserved for persons with disabilities. The volunteers will be trained by the Lincoln Police Department and the Center for Independent Living. All volunteers must live within the city limits, be 21 years of age, pass a background check and complete required training. Applicants may pick up an application at the Lincoln Police Department between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. or at Lincoln City Hall from the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All applications must be returned by March 15 at 4 p.m. There will be a limit of ten volunteers at this time. If you have any questions, please contact officer Rich Montcalm at 735-4905.

Applications available for Citizens Police Academy

The Lincoln Police Department is accepting applications for the fifth Citizen Police Academy. The academy will meet every Monday from March 6 through May 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the blue room at the Logan County Safety Complex. The experience will be enjoyable, and you will gain knowledge of how a police department actually operates within itself and with the public. You can carry this experience and knowledge with you for a lifetime. The applications can be picked up at the police department. If you have any questions, please contact Community Police Officer Rich Montcalm at 732-2151 or 735-4509.

Bartmann Health Care Center

Bartmann Employee Receives Dietary Manager's License

Fourteen-year Bartmann Health Care Center employee Diana Hinch of Hartsburg recently received her dietary manager’s license. For two years Diana had been taking correspondence classes through the University of Florida. Bartmann’s recognizes that the skills and knowledge of its employees are critical to the success of the organization, and therefore provides tuition assistance to regular full-time employees. In Diana’s case, however, she paid her own tuition and Bartmann’s paid for a corporate dietary consultant to oversee her homework assignments. Congratulations, Diana. We are all proud of your accomplishments.

Bartmann Health Care Center, managed by the Tutera Group, has been proudly serving the community for over 50 years. They provide hospice, intermediate, shelter, Medicaid and Medicare (part B) care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Bartmann's is a not-for-profit residence for seniors.

Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital

"Losing to Win" weight loss classes offered

Lincoln Area YMCA

Registration for YMCA soccer will take place from Feb. 7 through Feb. 25. Participants may register at the YMCA program office, 1400 Primm Rd.; at Sports Plus, 511 Pulaski St.; or by mail. After Feb. 25, a late fee of $5 per child will be added to the registration fee. Late registrations cannot be guaranteed placement on a team; they will be placed on a waiting list and put onto a team if space is available.

Age groups:

*Preschool: 4 yrs. (must be 4 by December 1999) through pre-kindergarten

*Kindergarten through first graders

*Second and third graders

*Fourth and fifth graders

*Sixth, seventh and eighth graders; junior division

Games will be played at Lincoln Developmental Center on Saturdays from April 1 through May 6. Missed games will be made up to the extent possible according to coaches' schedules and the availability of fields. Refunds will not be given for games missed due to weather.

The Oasis

Senior Activities at The Oasis:

Tuesday, Feb. 22:  9 a.m.-4 p.m., Veterans Administration; 9 a.m., DORS; noon, pinochle; 6:50 p.m., bingo at the Rec

Wednesday, Feb. 23:  9 a.m. Think Tank; 11:30-12:30, Birthdays and Music with Betty; 1 p.m., Fun-O-Leers practice

Thursday, Feb. 24:  9 a.m., free legal help with Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation; 1 p.m quilting bee; 1 p.m. bingo (sponsored by AARP – Bring a white elephant for a prize.); 2 p.m., SHIP

Friday, Feb. 25:  10 a.m., blood pressure check; 10-11 a.m., Beginning Computer* ($2); 11 a.m.-12 noon, Intermediate Computer/e-mail/Internet* ($2); 10 a.m.-12 noon, crafts and rag rugs; 6 p.m., pinochle, 5 in 1, plus birthday cake and ice cream

Sunday, Feb. 27:  6 p.m., pinochle, table games (No score is kept! Come join the fun!)

Monday, Feb. 28:  12:30 p.m., Billiards with Eldon Hawks

Tuesday, Feb. 29:  9 a.m.-4 p.m., Veterans Administration; 9 a.m., DORS; 12 noon, pinochle; 6:50 p.m., bingo at the Rec

Lunch is served in The Garden Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

* Please pay and pre-register at the main desk soon. Call 732-6132 for details.

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 board of directors, please call Angie Peters at 735-3915.