Practice
makes perfect
It
was only a drill!
[JULY
29, 2000] At
approximately nine o’clock this morning a tornado of unknown size
and intensity struck the west side of Lincoln, causing significant
damage at the American Freightways terminal.
This same tornado proceeded on a northeasterly course, and
about five minutes later struck Atlanta.
There it caused some structural damage to the city warehouses,
where a fire occurred.
A natural gas leak, downed power lines, a chlorine spill,
several auto accidents, and an anhydrous tank fire were also reported.
Click here to view
more pictures of the drill.
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A
tornado also touched down and struck the town of Latham during that
same time period, there causing a two story building to catch fire, a
serious two car accident in which the injured had to be extricated
from their vehicles, a natural gas leak and another tank fire on the
city’s southeast side near the railroad tracks.
About ten fatalities were reported in Atlanta and in Latham, as
well many who have been injured.
The names are being withheld until their families can be
notified.
This
was the scenario today staged as part of a federally mandated mock
disaster drill conducted by Logan County ESDA.
More than 20 central Illinois agencies which came together from
all over Logan County, as well as from Christian, Macon, McLean, Piatt
and Tazewell counties. These
included police and fire departments, paramedics and other disaster
agencies. This drill is
conducted each year as mandated by FEMA, the Federal Emergency
Management Agency.
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These
agencies will be evaluated for their response to these disaster
situations as set forth in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s
guidebook, according to Patrick Keane of the Illinois Emergency
Management Agency. This whole exercise is staged annually to approach disasters
in a planned and orderly fashion to save lives, save property, make
good decisions and respond in the best time possible.
In
addition to all this hard work, “we’ll be having a lot of fun,”
ESDA director Dan Fulscher said yesterday.
After the event, volunteers and personnel involved were
debriefed, agencies were critiqued and lunch was served.
(To top of
second column)
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The
public was invited to watch from designated spectator sites in both
Atlanta and Latham, but wasn’t allowed at the Lincoln site at
American Freightways along Interstate 55, where a sulfuric acid spill
was simulated. “We want
civilians to understand we’re going to treat the living,” Fulscher
said. “It’s good for
them to understand what goes on and how the agencies will handle
disaster situations.”
This
drill was designed to really test and tax the abilities of all the
agencies responding because these emergency events were staged to
occur at locations far distant from each other.
Lincoln is at the center of the county, while Atlanta is at the
far northern edge of the county on I-55.
Latham is the last community in Logan County on I-121 just
before entering Macon County.
![](../../images/ads/MErealty/me_realty.jpg)
Using
their own communications equipment, these exercises were coordinated
from the “Blue Room” ESDA headquarters at the safety complex, with
onsite coordination and evaluation from Logan County ESDA as well as
Illinois Emergency Management Agency personnel.
The public is to be reassured that normal 911 communications
were not used for this drill, which left them open to the public for
use in real emergencies.
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Fair
plans
[JULY
29, 2000] The
64th Annual Logan County Fair begins Monday, July 31st and runs
through Sunday, August 6th. Fair goers can expect all their
usual
favorite events. LDN plans to be at the fair bringing you highlights
and
insights into the lives of fair goers and competitors. Stop by the LDN
booth
and meet the LDN staff. In today's LDN you will find a complete
listing of companies and organizations with booths at the Logan County
Fair. Of course the Fair's fare is also part of our favorite
memories, so you will also find a listing of concessionairs. Each day
during the fair, LDN will post the event schedule for the following
day.
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Monday, July 31
9:00 a.m. All Department W projects exhibit
home beautification
miscellaneous
gardening and crops
Luehrs' Ideal Rides Schedule
Tuesday, August 1 Open 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Ride-A-Thon $12.00 Ride all evening for one price - weather
permitting
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights Open 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, open 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, Open 1:00 p.m.
Family Day All rides take one ticket, 16 tickets for $15.00 or $1.00
each,
must purchase tickets on this day.
(To top of
second column in this article)
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Year
2000 Logan County Fair booths
Food
concessions at the Logan County Fair
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Magazine features city of Lincoln
[JULY
28, 2000] The
newest issue of the Illinois Architectural and Historical Review will
hit the stands this week and feature Lincoln. The Review is published
quarterly by David Alan Badger of Havana. He presented an initial copy
of the new issue to Lincoln Mayor Joan Ritter on Thursday afternoon,
July 27, in her office. Twelve thousand copies of the publication are
distributed quarterly throughout Illinois. They are free to the public
and can be picked up at various tourist stops and advertising
locations.
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The
magazine features a community or structure each publication with a
colorized pen-and-ink drawing on the cover. This quarter's cover is
the Logan County Courthouse. Inside, a two-page article written by
Main Street Lincoln Program Manager Wendy Bell highlights Abraham
Lincoln's christening of the town, historic sites and the downtown
area. Two other pen-and-ink sketches of buildings included in the
Facade Renovation Grant are included. The changes in the appearance of
downtown and the suggestion by a local business owner spurred Badger
to feature the city of Lincoln.
![](../../images/ads/pacesetter/PaceSetter.gif)
Lincoln
Mayor Joan Ritter said today, "Inclusion in this magazine will
increase awareness of all Lincoln and Logan County has to offer. If
just one percent of those who see the article come to visit Lincoln,
the economic benefit to the community would be more than
$30,000."
(To top of
second column in this article)
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Badger
has been publishing his pen-and-ink drawings since 1983 and has
published over 25 books of his drawings of Illinois architecture. His
goal through the Illinois Architectural and Historical Review is to
promote the state's architectural heritage, which he states "is a
tremendous tourism attraction." The review has become a useful
traveler's guide to Illinois' vast architectural and historical
heritage.
He
is no stranger to Lincoln. "The Badger Collection,"
featuring historic homes in the community, was published in 1987.
[Main
Street Lincoln]
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Logan
County history
to be published this fall
[JULY
28, 2000] The
history of Logan County, a companion book to the history of Lincoln,
will be published in November of this year, according to authors Paul
Gleason and Paul Beaver. The 200-page book will cover 14 communities
in the county and will include some history on Lincoln itself not
covered in the former volume. |
"Lincoln:
A Pictorial History," written by Gleason with Beaver as an
adviser, was published in 1998 by the G. Bradley Company, St. Louis,
which will also publish the Logan County book.
![](../../images/072800pics/gleason_book.jpg)
Gleason
and Beaver are now collecting information on the 14 communities, which
include Atlanta, Beason, Burton View, Broadwell, Chestnut, Cornland,
Elkhart, Emden, Hartsburg, Lake Fork, Lawndale, Middletown, New
Holland and San Jose.
![](../../images/ads/graue/Graue-new.gif)
"We
have two or three people working in each community," Gleason
said. "We are looking for old photographs with identification of
the people and places in the photographs. We are especially interested
in pictures that show the old agricultural lifestyles, such as
threshing days.
![](../../images/ads/dougdemay/dougdemay-new.gif)
"This
is a harder task than the Lincoln book because we have to be selective
in what we include," Gleason continued. "We could do a book
on Mount Pulaski and Atlanta alone."
(To top of
second column in this article)
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Highlights
of the book will include the story of the first settlement in Elkhart
by James Latham in 1819. James’ son Robert, one of the founders of
the town of Lincoln, met Abraham Lincoln while a student in
Springfield. He and other young students used to go to Lincoln’s
office to discuss issues of the day, Gleason said.
![](../../images/ads/MErealty/me_realty.jpg)
Another
highlight will be pictures of the most extensive agricultural fair in
the early days of the county. The Atlanta Union Central Agricultural
society first met and put on a fair in 1860. The fair was held for at
least 50 years except for the year 1862, when it was canceled because
of the Civil War. The upcoming book will also point out the importance
of Middletown, which got its name because it was the main town between
Springfield and Peoria on the old Peoria Road.
Gleason,
who says he has been interested in history "since I was 5,"
taught history and government for 37 years at Lincoln Junior High
School. Beaver has been an instructor in history at Lincoln College.
Both are also currently working on the Looking for Lincoln tourism
project.
Copies
of "Lincoln: A Pictorial History" are still available at the
Chamber of Commerce office for $30 each. The new book will cost
"between $25 and $30," Gleason said.
[Joan
Crabb]
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An interview
with Miss Logan County Fair 1999
Lanie Reinhart
Reigning fair queen
reflects on year
[JULY
27, 2000] One
year ago a Beason woman received an offer she couldn’t refuse.
Actually the offer came after many months of hard work and dedication.
And on the opening night of the fair, after an event-filled day of
competition, she heard the master of ceremonies call her name:
"The Miss Logan County Fair for 1999 is…Miss Lanie
Reinhart." |
I
had the chance to talk with Lanie Monday night on the phone. Earlier
that day she began to put together her thoughts for the farewell
speech she will deliver next Tuesday night. As she prepares to crown
Miss Logan County Fair 2000, LDN thought this was the perfect
opportunity for us to talk about her experiences of the last year.
Q:
Looking back, what was the year’s most rewarding experience?
A:
Representing Logan County at the 2000 Miss Illinois County Fair
pageant in January. I met so many people while I was there. I learned
about the county (fair) system as well as a lot about myself. I was
even chosen a Top 12 finalist. (In
Logan County’s 61-year pageant history, Lanie is the 10th
finalist.)
(Click here
for a list of all Logan County Fair queens.)
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Q:
What was the year’s most challenging experience?
A:
(jokingly) I always had to be on my best behavior. Not that
this was a hard thing, but I was constantly in everyone’s eyes.
Honestly, you don’t want to smile all the time. But smiling and
being with the people, that is the most rewarding part too.
The
state pageant was also very demanding. I had to be here and there at
specific times. I was also in three-inch heels for 10 hours a day for
four whole days. (Each
year Logan County and nearly 70 other fairs are represented at the
annual Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs’ Miss Illinois
County Fair Queen Pageant. The contestants compete in four areas:
beauty and physique, stage presence, communication, and the interview.
The winner of this competition serves as a good-will ambassador who
promotes the importance of Illinois agriculture and Illinois’ fairs.
)
![](../../images/ads/medicap/medicap_rs.gif)
Q:
If there was one thing about the year that you could change, what
would it be?
A:
(She candidly replies) That I didn’t bomb my speech on Sunday
at the state pageant. But I learned a lot from this. I have the
strength of mind to do anything. I sat through 19 other contestants
giving their speeches and don’t remember a thing. I just maintained
my composure. I didn’t cry. I didn’t lose my smile. After this, I
knew I could do anything.
(To top of
second column in this article)
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Q:
What is the one thing you’d like to be remembered for?
A:
My interaction with people and my involvement in ag(riculture). (Lanie
grew up on her family’s cattle, corn and soybean farm. She’s shown
cattle since she was about 6 years old and was a 4-H member for 11
years.)
Q:
What was the highlight of last year’s Logan County Fair?
A:
Interacting with the kids was definitely the highlight. I thought it
was very important to acknowledge them. The week I … was crowned, I
was backstage at the talent show. There were two boys and a little
girl. She kissed my hand and touched my shoe. I think she thought I
wouldn’t talk to them. I will never forget that.
Q:
What are your future plans?
A:
I graduate in December from Western (Illinois University) with a
degree in animal science and a minor in communication. I hope to go
into public relations for a company in the agriculture industry.
Q:
What role has your faith played in helping you throughout this year?
A:
Everything. I ask God to give me strength, to give me a smile and the
ability to talk to everyone. There were days I didn’t want to put a
smile in my face or a wave in my hand, but I prayed that He would give
me the will and grace to do anything. And I have come away as a better
person.
Q:
What advice do you have for the contestants who will be competing for
your title next Tuesday night?
A:
Always be yourself. Always smile. Talk to everyone. Have fun!
Now
let’s get to the good stuff…
Q:
What was your favorite part of the Logan County Fair?
A:
The calf and pig scrambles
Q:
What is your favorite fair food?
A:
Culler’s french fries
Q:
What’s your favorite ride at the fair?
A:
The ferris wheel
Lanie
is the 21-year-old daughter of Roger and Nancy Reinhart. She has a
younger brother, Matthew.
Editor’s
note: Eleven
contestants are vying for Reinhart’s title Tuesday, Aug. 1. This is
the opening night of the Logan County Fair. For more on the
contestants, log on Monday to Lincoln Daily News.
[Natalie
Jeckel]
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Miss
Logan County Fair Queens
1939
Eileen Stopher
1940
Edna Buehler
1941
Irma Kaesebier
1942
Juanita Vail
1943
Bernadine Wendell
1944
Catherine Thompson
1945
Evelyn Oltmanns
1946
Norma Bree
1947
Ann Ash
1948
No queen
1949
No queen
1950
No queen
1951
No queen
1952
No queen
1953
Margery Moriearty
1954
Joyce Babbs
1955
Peggy Letterle
1956
Nancy Heinzel
1957
Sue Boyd
1958
Janet "Pete" Ritchhart
1959
GeorgeAnn Aughton (finalist at state pageant)
1960
Linda Finfrock
1961
Joyce Ruwe
1962
Shearyl Earhart
1963
Karen Worth (second runner-up at state pageant)
1964
Pam Stuckel
1965
Jan Jonston
1966
Barb Kaiser
1967
Lois Bock
1968
Peggy Neal (finalist at state pageant)
1969
Debbie Leimback (finalist at state pageant)
1970
Linda Allspach
1971
Debbie May
1972
Jill Broughton
1973
Chickie Verban
1974
Elise Gleason
1975
Kim Hudson
![](../../images/ads/gcs/GCS.jpg)
(To top of
second column in this list)
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1976
Patty Reaves
1977
Beth Miller
1978
Doris Robinson
1979
Jeannie Bruketa
1980
Connie McRoberts
1981
Beth Ely
1982
Kim Manning
1983
Jacqueline Colbert
1984
Julie Prisk (finalist at state pageant)
1985
Sara Doolen
1986
Stacie Nutt (first runner-up at state pageant)
1987
Julie Allison
1988
Jeris Nutt (1989 Miss Illinois County Fair)
1989
Wendi Humbert
1990
Alison Brewster
1991
Natalie Fulk
1992
Laurie Jeckel (first runner-up at state pageant)
1993
Patience Horton
1994
Kara Farwell
1995
Marisa May
1996
Dianne Dugan
1997
Natalie Jeckel (1998 Miss Illinois County Fair)
1998
Shannon Sandel
1999
Lanie Reinhart (finalist at state pageant)
Logan County Fair Queen statistical
information
56
Logan County Fair Queens (total)
10
state pageant finalists
2
first runners-up at state pageant
1
second runner-up at state pageant
2
Miss Illinois County Fair Queens
(Back
to interview)
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New
principal to be installed at Zion
[JULY
27, 2000] Fred
Krueger will be installed as Zion Lutheran School principal at the 8
and 10:30 a.m. worship services at Zion Lutheran Church this Sunday.
The Sunday School children will sing a song in his honor at both
services. A potluck dinner to welcome Krueger and his wife, Diane,
will follow the 10:30 a.m. service. |
Krueger
begins his administrative duties at the school next week. He will also
teach part time and coach the seventh and eighth grade girls
basketball team when school begins Aug. 22. His wife will serve as the
pre-school aide.
Krueger
has 34 years of teaching, coaching and administrative experience in
Lutheran schools in the Midwest.
He
received his bachelor’s degree from Concordia Teachers College in
Seward, Neb., and his master’s degree from the University of South
Dakota.
(To top of
second column in this article)
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Zion’s
8 a.m. worship service will be broadcast live on WLLM, 1370 AM, and
broadcast on cable Channel 15 Monday at 5 p.m. and at 10 a.m. the
following Sunday.
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Two
juveniles arrested for vandalism
[JULY
27, 2000] Lincoln
Police arrested two juveniles Wednesday, July 26, on criminal felony
charges of burglary, arson and criminal damage to property over $300
for vandalism to the Johnston Center at Lincoln College on July 21. A
14-year-old female was arrested and placed in a juvenile detention
facility; a 12-year-old male was arrested and, due to his age,
released to his mother. According to a press release today, patrol
officers and detectives of the Lincoln Police Department obtained
information and evidence that led to the arrests of the juveniles.
Damage at the Johnston Center included spray paint in various areas,
broken theater seats, a burn mark on the floor and damage to other
items. Due to the defendants’ ages, further information on the
arrests is unavailable. |
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