[APRIL 30, 2001]  A state budget "reality check" and a strong message to prison guards that illegal drug use will not be tolerated were among the measures considered by the Illinois Senate this week, according to state Sen. Bob Madigan (R-Peoria).

Senators continued to act on legislation that originated in the House of Representatives and is currently pending in Senate committees.

The Senate took an important step April 26 toward finalizing a new state budget by passing on to the House of Representatives five measures dealing with a variety of state programs and services. The session was also an opportunity for a budgetary reality check, to let lawmakers and taxpayers know about the difficult financial issues facing Illinois. In the wake of revelations about a slowing economy, lower-than-expected revenue estimates, and previous legislative commitments to education, Medicaid, senior citizens, and mental health and disability programs, the budget proposals passed by the Senate on April 26 reflect the recommendations made by the governor in February. To date, a total of nine budget bills have been approved by the Senate. So far, the Illinois House has approved additional spending of nearly $2 billion above and beyond the governor’s requested $50-billion budget.

Illinois prison guards and state police officers who test positive for drugs will be fired, under legislation agreed to by the employee labor unions and unanimously approved by the Senate on April 26. Senate Bill 1032 requires the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Illinois State Police to have a zero-tolerance policy for drug abuse. Both agencies currently have policies in effect. The measure simply codifies the current standard. Senate Bill 1032 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

In other business, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a measure that would allow stalking victims and witnesses of violent crimes to receive compensation from a special state program for counseling or other such expenses related to the crimes. House Bill 2865 adds stalking and aggravated stalking to the list of crimes for which victims can receive compensation under the Crime Victims Compensation Act. It also allows a person who personally witnessed a violent crime to receive compensation under the act. That bill now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

The Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee also sent to the Senate a measure that would help working women without health insurance receive treatment for breast or cervical cancer. House Bill 25 expands Medicaid coverage, subject to federal approval, for breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment to women who have been screened by the program administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health and women whose screenings were paid at least in part by the Department of Public Health.

Safe haven (HB 632) — Allows parents of a newborn infant to anonymously leave their child with personnel at a fire station, emergency medical facility or hospital without fear of civil or criminal liability for abandoning the infant. This is nearly the same as Senate Bill 216, which has been approved by the Senate and is moving through the House of Representatives.

Health cards (HB 1901) — Helps reduce the time patients spend in the waiting room while doctors and nurses verify the coverage, co-payment amount and other necessary information. Requires health insurance providers to issue standardized health care benefit cards to its customers with the following information: processor control number (if required for claims adjudication), group number, card issuer identifier, cardholder ID number and cardholder name.

Helping Paws (HB 41) — Creates a program allowing Department of Corrections inmates to train dogs to assist individuals with physical disabilities.

Nursing scholarships (HB 2436) — Addresses the impending nurse shortage by removing the limitation on the number of nursing scholarships awarded each year from the Illinois Nursing Education Scholarship Program.

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State soil (HB 605) — Designates drummer silty clay loam as the official state soil. Drummer silty clay loam is found on 1.5 million acres of Illinois land and in 42 of Illinois’ 102 counties.

MTBE ban (HB 171) — Bans the sale and production of the environmentally harmful fuel additive MTBE.

Bills that have been previously approved by the Senate and were passed by the House this week include:

Referee battery (SB 50) — Sets a minimum fine for persons convicted of battering a sports official at or near an athletic facility where the sports official was officiating. The fine for the first violation is $1,000, and $2,000 for a second or subsequent violation.

Health care grants (SB 149) — Expands health-care options to improve access in medically under-served areas through a community health center expansion program.

Meningitis information (SB 168) — Requires state universities to educate freshmen, transfer students and parents about meningitis. Also, makes vaccines available through university health services.

Aggravated battery (SB 175) — Triggers aggravated battery penalties (Class 3 felony) for battery near a domestic violence shelter.

Child protection (SB 187) — Notifies day-care facilities and schools, including colleges, within 24 hours if an order of protection is issued for any student.

Vocational centers (SB 330) — Allows area vocational centers to apply for certain State Board of Education grants.

Expelled students (SB 376) — Requires expelled or suspended students to complete their suspension before being admitted into another school district. Provides for enrollment in alternative education.

Hearsay exemption (SB 464) — Gives senior citizens their day in court even if they are incapable of testifying by allowing hearsay testimony if the elderly crime victim is mentally or physically incapable of testifying.

Sparklers (SB 523) — Allows municipalities to prohibit the sale and use of sparklers on public property.

Business retention (SB 603) — Establishes an administrative policy of recouping state aid for job creation when the businesses receiving those grants leave Illinois.

Mercury (SB 683) — Requires public utilities to inform homeowners when they work on equipment containing mercury on their property.

Senior grants (SB 816) — Creates a grant program to help seniors and disabled individuals live at home.

Military honors funerals (SB 876) — Allows the Illinois National Guard to perform military honors ceremonies at funerals when the federal government cannot.

School attendance (SB 1026) — Charges anyone who threatens, menaces or intimidates nonpublic school students from attending school with a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year behind bars). Public school students already have this protection.

STD testing for attackers (SB 1049) — Provides victims of sexual assault with information about their attackers’ HIV and STD status.

Concealed videotaping (SB 1297) — Prohibits the use of a concealed camera to videotape or record a person for purposes of viewing the body or undergarments of the person.

[News release]

[APRIL 27, 2001]  At Thursday night’s council meeting, Lincoln Mayor Joan Ritter and two outgoing aldermen were honored for their service to the city. The meeting was the last at which Ritter will preside before the newly elected mayor, Elizabeth Davis, is sworn in May 1.

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[Joan Crabb]

[APRIL 27, 2001]  A "bare-bones budget" for the fiscal year from May 1, 2001, to April 30, 2002, got final approval from the Lincoln City Council at a special adjourned meeting Thursday evening. That description came from Alderman Joseph Stone, chairman of the council’s finance committee.

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[Joan Crabb]

[APRIL 26, 2001]  Rodney White stood before the Lincoln City Council to discuss more about his plans for developing an east-side subdivision. The subdivision has the potential to develop into 57 units eventually and will be located east of Keokuk Street on Sherman. White is planning to develop only about one-third of the area, 16 lots, at this time.

After reviewing White’s proposal, which was presented to the council last month, City Attorney Jonathan Wright said the city had four stipulations. They need to know White’s intentions for the remainder of the expansion. There are concerns for sewer overload. They need to see a letter of credit from White to be sure he can follow through with his plans before the city commits the necessary funds and time for their portion of the development. And lastly, the city’s committee on streets and alleys will need to meet to evaluate needs and costs for street and curb upgrades.

White responded saying that he only intends to focus on getting the 16 lots prepared right now, adding that he does not intend to be the builder on any of these lots unless it becomes necessary. He said Lincoln Christian College and Seminary has approached him about running their soon-to-be-needed additional sewer line through his easement area. He has committed to them that they may, and he will absorb the costs for running that portion of sewer line for them, thereby reducing their costs significantly.

There was some discussion indicating that it is believed that the current retention pond may be large enough to allow for this addition. Concern for adequate sewer line capacity remains a concern, and further investigation will be made by the city.

The streets and alleys committee will assess the streets and curbs on this section of Sherman Street and consider the improvement requests made by White for widening and adding curbs in the next three to five years.

Two other petitioners came before the council at Tuesday night’s planning meeting. Roger Michalsen, vice president of the St. John church council, came seeking approval for the development of a parking lot. The neighborhood received letters about the proposed change and replied with acceptance, with only one letter not returned. No one objected at the scheduled public hearing at which the city planning committee approved the request. The Eighth Street property is the first house past Central School and sits adjacent to another church lot. The church has received first bid rights from the current owner.

The other petitioner was Dr. Karen Dzekunskas, requesting special use of property at 105 Peoria St. Dzekunskas, who currently has her practice at the Professional Park, would like to relocate her office with two treatment rooms to the Peoria Street location, where they will also have their family residency. Parking was the only concern for the request and should not be a problem, as she sees patients during normal working hours only 28 hours per week.

The petitions from both Dzekunskas and St. John church met with approval from the council and will come to a vote May 7.

The council heard numerous written petitions presented by Alderman George Mitchell for sidewalks, curbs and decorative-functional hitching posts.

A request was made for a new walkway with a brick look replacing the walk on Sangamon between Broadway and Pulaski streets. Donnie Osborne stated that most of the streets downtown have been there since the ’70s. A complete replacement was not approved as the costs would be excessive. It was pointed out that there has been a budget of only $18,000 for all of the downtown area sidewalks and curbs.

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The curb at 109 Pulaski St. will be viewed and assessed by the streets superintendent. It was recommended to fill the walk area with dirt and seed it.

A request was formally made to place decorative as well as functional (to assist elderly) hitching posts at 121, 131 Sangamon St. The request has been placed on the next agenda with intent to ratify at the next meeting.

A letter of appreciation to the city and the streets and alleys committee was read. The message from Zion Lutheran School first-grade teacher Joanne Stamm was accompanied by 18 letters from her first-grade class about their recent tree planting and celebration.

A letter was received from the West Lincoln road commissioner asking for $18,000 to help with repairs needed on Connolley Road. Traffic in one direction was rerouted off Illinois Route 10 near Wal-Mart when a force-main break necessitated digging all along the route. Illinois Department of Transportation made the decision sending all traffic coming into the city down the weight-posted road at winter’s end. The city will look into the situation, including checking for insurance coverage. Roger Eaton is handling the matter.

Wrapping up the evening, Alderman Joe Stone gave the finance committee policy and procedure report. He said that after much effort the committee has figures that they were satisfied to deliver the council as a whole.

They worked to cut a budget that will show a positive balance of $33,000 for the year 2003. This was achieved by making the difficult decision to entirely cut the already halved Elm Street project ($330,000) and the west-side fire station ($50,000).

This bare-bones budget permits the city to end the fiscal year with a positive balance and allows a $363,000 bank balance for the end of next fiscal year. Going into this new fiscal year, there will be a total of $900,000.

"With lots of sewer work and road rehab," Stone went on to say, they looked at costs, benefits, and salaries closely. "[It was a] diligent effort and it wasn’t an easy job," he emphasized.

Mayor Joan Ritter interjected the information that revenues for the city are down by $379,380. "This is not just happening to Lincoln. It is happening to other communities like us also," she pointed out.

Insurance was $243,169. The premium went up by 26 percent overall. Workman’s comp, which is factored into that figure, went up by 47 percent. This figure is $20,000 lower than the 1998 figure.

[Jan Youngquist]

[APRIL 26, 2001]  The Looking for Lincoln of Logan County Committee is literally looking for Lincoln to play the part in a video currently in the planning stages. The "tryouts" will be through a look-alike contest at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, during the Elkhart Chautauqua 1800s festival.  Elkhart, located eight miles south of Lincoln off Interstate 55, was the home of Lincoln’s good friend John D. Gillett.

Have you seen either of these men?

Approximately 6-foot-4, 175-180 pounds, dark brown or black hair, 45-55 years old

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[APRIL 26, 2001]  The Logan County Joint Solid Waste Agency has recently announced a monetary grant award program to encourage the creation and continuation of recycling programs within Logan County. Individuals, school groups, clubs, churches and civic organizations are eligible to apply.

 Grants will be awarded based on the merits of the proposed recycling programs. The amount of the awards will be determined by the agency board of directors, who will review the scope of the proposals, the need for funding, and quantity of materials to be recycled or reused.

"We hope the recycling grant program will assist and reward those groups who recycle municipal waste currently or who are interested in starting a program," said Kenneth Schwab, agency coordinator. Municipal waste is defined as material generated by households, such as newspapers, magazines, plastic containers, cardboard, glass containers, batteries and landscape waste.

The Logan County Joint Solid Waste Agency consists of representatives from each of the municipalities in Logan County as well as a Logan County Board member who represents the unincorporated areas.

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Chairman Jim Struebing said, "The Solid Waste Agency encourages people from throughout the county to divert material from the waste stream by reducing the creation of waste, reusing items that would ordinarily be discarded and recycling products which can be remanufactured into other products. We think there is additional potential for recycling in Logan County and want to help those groups who develop a good program."

Applications for the grant awards may be obtained from Kenneth Schwab at the agency office in the courthouse, by calling the office at (217) 732-9636 or by writing to LCJSWA, P.O. Box 428, Lincoln, IL 62656. The grant program is ongoing, and applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year.

[Logan County Joint Solid Waste Agency
news release]

[APRIL 25, 2001]  The Looking for Lincoln committee met last night, and Shirley Bartelmay announced that the Postville Courthouse is looking for greeter trainees. Postville will act as a first stop for Looking for Lincoln visitors. The greeters will give the visitors a tour and informational background on the courthouse. Richard Schachtsiek, site manager, has scheduled a training school for new greeters on Wednesday, May 30, at 1 p.m. at the Postville Courthouse. Please call Shirley Bartelmay at 735-4977 if you are interested. The training seminar will last 1½ hours.

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[Kathleen McCullough]

[APRIL 25, 2001]  The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is accepting bids on seven new road and bridge improvement projects in the 45^th Senate District, according to Sen. Bob Madigan.

"Transportation officials are accepting bids on these projects until Friday, April 27," said Madigan. "The projects are worth more than $18 million in potential work for area construction and construction-related firms."

The Department of Transportation’s review process is about 45 days, after which bids are awarded.

The following projects are scheduled for bid receipt:

1.  For patching, surface removal, resurfacing, shoulders, box culvert extensions and repairs to an existing bridge on Illinois Route 10 from New Holland southeasterly 7.85 miles to just west of Kickapoo Creek in Logan County. $2,385,000

2.  For 7.5 miles of milling, patching, and resurfacing on U.S. Route 24 from the east city limits of Eureka to 0.5 mile east of Benson/Secor Road in Woodford County. $920,000

3.  For 6.7 miles of milling and resurfacing on Interstate 74 from the east side of the Murray Baker Bridge to east of the Washington Street bridges in Creve Coeur and East Peoria in Tazewell County. $700,000

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4.  For 2.5 miles of patching, milling and resurfacing on Illinois Route 8, the southbound turn lane of Illinois Route 166-U.S. Route 150, and on Illinois Route 116-U.S. Route 150 and U.S. Route 150 at Meadows Avenue near East Peoria in Tazewell County. $350,000

5.  For 1.58 miles of milling, patching and resurfacing on Illinois Route 117 from U.S. Route 24 south of Grandview Terrace in Eureka in Woodford County. $180,000

6.  For 12.36 miles of patching, milling and resurfacing on Illinois Route 122 from Morris Mill Road in Delavan to Interstate 155 and from Interstate 155 to Hopedale in Tazewell County. $1,255,000

7.  For 10.6 miles of patching, milling and resurfacing on Interstate 55 from the Logan-McLean County line north to County Highway 34 at the overhead at Shirley. This project also includes minor repairs to the Funks Grove rest area in McLean County. $12,900,000

[News release from Sen. Bob Madigan]

[APRIL 24, 2001]  Logan County State’s Attorney Tim Huyett commended the Illinois State Police and the Logan County Sheriff’s Department for their roles in one of the largest drug seizures in downstate Illinois. In a statement released today, Huyett states that the seizure of more than 240 pounds of cocaine was accomplished by thorough police work and by following tested and professional protocol.

Victor Caballero of El Paso, Texas, was charged Monday, April 23, with controlled substance trafficking and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. The trafficking charges, the most serious, carry with them a range of 30 to 120 years in the Department of Corrections. Huyett also filed a motion to hold Caballero without bond. Circuit Judge David Coogan later granted that motion.

Caballero is also currently facing drug trafficking charges in Kay County, Okla. These charges relate to his alleged possession of 1,200 pounds of cannabis with the intent to deliver. In both cases, the drugs were alleged to have been transported in an over-the-road truck that Caballero was driving at the time. On Monday when the court inquired as to his employment, Caballero responded that his occupation was that of a truck driver.

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Caballero was stopped by state police on Interstate 55 Sunday afternoon for a routine inspection of the documents commercial truckers are required to carry. The Logan County Canine unit was called in to assist. Huyett declined to release further details of the arrest and seizure, citing the possibility that further public comment could compromise the prosecution.

Huyett stated that the drugs carry a street value of more than $11,000,000. "I am still reviewing the possibility of forfeiting the truck in which the drugs were found," stated Huyett.

As required by Supreme Court rule, Huyett added that the charges are not indicative of guilt and that the defendant is presumed innocent of any crime at this point. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 1.

[LDN]

[APRIL 24, 2001]  Proverbs says, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he shall not depart from it." Many of Logan County’s preschools have turned this verse into a philosophy upon which their school curriculums have been built.

This is a part of an ongoing series regarding day-care centers and preschools in Logan County. In this article LDN briefly explores the philosophies of the area preschools.

"Our philosophy is to provide a good first school experience to take students where they can go," says Linda Mahler, school principal. Students do not have to be Catholic or be a member of the church to attend. "We provide a well-rounded education that includes reading activities, social, science and math activities," Mahler added.

The church’s primary concern is with the spiritual development of the child. However, his spiritual development interrelates with his physical, mental, social and emotional development. Each child deserves the right to develop his full, God-given potential. Every child has the right to see himself in relationship to the God who made him. The instructors strive to help the children when they need guidance and to provide experiences that will help children grow in the Christian graces and in social competence.

New Wine Christian Preschool feels that children are precious and important to the world. The staff believes that they need to do everything possible to enrich the children’s lives by giving them the love, care and the teaching they need to grow. New Wine is dedicated to providing the learning experiences and care that children need in an atmosphere of Christian love created with the use of the facilities and staff. The preschool provides an environment of varied experiences that will help children to grow, learn and develop interests, including the joy of learning, while helping them to feel secure and successful. Children are allowed to develop their creativity, experience responsibility and realize a greater measure of self-control.

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Zion Lutheran Preschool and Pre-K, Lincoln

Zion allows preschoolers to begin their formal schooling with a positive experience. A nurturing staff helps students discover the world around them and learn how to get along with each other. In partnership with families and churches, Zion is committed to developing well-rounded students firmly grounded in Christian values and God’s love. Each student is encouraged to work to his or her own God-given potential. Zion offers an academic program that integrates Christian truths and life applications throughout the curriculum. Students are nurtured today, equipped for the future and prepared for eternity.

According to Wilma Droegemueller, the preschool teacher, Zion follows the philosophy that "all children have been created by God with individual personalities and special abilities, goals and needs. Parents and teachers have the privilege of sharing the joy of preparing children for a profitable life here on earth and eternal life in heaven. This is done by offering experiences in listening and responding to classmates, teachers and parent volunteers; through playtime, creative expression and snack time; and while learning stories and behaviors that emphasize the forgiveness they have through Jesus."

The school has a combined Early Learning Center that serves pre-kindergarten children who are at risk as well as an early childhood program. Potential students must be screened each spring in order to qualify for participation in the program. The philosophy and goal is to enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities and to minimize their potential for developmental delay so that these students can be mainstreamed.

[Kym C. Ammons-Scott]

[APRIL 24, 2001]  Lincoln Christian College and Seminary will present "God’s Promises to Women" as the theme for this year's Ladies Day, Wednesday, April 25, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event will feature acclaimed guest speakers and authors Jill Briscoe and Debbie Morris.

Ms. Morris, the author of "Forgiving the Dead Man Walking," will tell the true story of her journey from the ravages of rape, torture and attempted murder to forgiveness. She will offer two workshops on "The Healing Power of Forgiveness."

Mrs. Briscoe is an internationally known speaker and author. She has written more than 40 books and is the executive editor of the magazine Just Between Us, which offers encouragement for women in leadership and ministry wives. She will offer the workshop "Coloring Outside the Lines."

Ladies’ Day 2001 is expected to be an uplifting experience. Along with the two featured guests, more than 15 exciting and informative workshops will be presented throughout the day. There will also be time for fellowship during the coffee hour at 8 a.m. and lunch at 11:45 a.m.

To register, contact Bev Kurka, at (217) 732-3168, Ext. 2222.

[LCCS news release]

[APRIL 23, 2001]  This morning at 9, District 27 school officials, Mayor Joan Ritter, Jefferson students and other community members celebrated the local volunteer help that created a unique children's garden at Jefferson School in Lincoln.

[click here to see photos]

Jefferson Principal Eldon Broster began the ceremony by describing the development of the project and how different volunteers and donators became involved. He thanked Donnie Osborne and the city crews for their constructive suggestions, sidewalks and trees. Broster also thanked Mrs. Dopp and the LCHS National Honor Society for coming to help the elementary students plant the trees.

The principal then asked Mayor Ritter to step forward. He presented her with a plaque of appreciation for all of her hard work on behalf of Jefferson School. With Mayor Ritter’s encouragement, Barnes and Noble presented $8,000 worth of books to Jefferson School. She also suggested the log cabin design for the school’s garden shed.

Broster’s next presentation was to the cabin builder. Lincoln business owner Pete Fredericks, of Pete’s Hardware, led an industrious crew of volunteers in creating an "Old Time Log Cabin" as one of the focal points for a future garden area dedicated to children and learning. Fredricks and his crew—Peter Nehaus, George Henrichsmeyer and David Ballard—labored many hours to create the structure to house equipment and supplies for the wide variety of future plantings.

Fredericks thanked Principal Eldon Broster for the plaque and gave a short speech. Fredericks announced that he got an education building the log cabin. He also emphasized that as a Christian, he believes this project was completed so smoothly because of prayer. All the ideas and labor and donated items just came together so readily.

Following Principal Broster’s presentation, Superintendent Robert Kidd bestowed upon Fredericks the Doctorate of Log Cabinery.

Mrs. Hawkinson, the teacher who originated the idea of a school garden, a few of her students, Pete Fredericks and Mayor Ritter ended the celebration with a traditional Lincoln ribbon-cutting. Then Jefferson’s students gathered with the National Honor Society students to plant trees in the back of the lot.

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To date, almost all of the materials required have been donated, and it is the hope that volunteerism and donations will continue to grow, along with the flowers vegetables, trees, prairie grasses and other plantings.

Local support and donations have come from Bob Neal of Edward D. Jones, Dr. Larry Crisafulli of Century Dental, Bob and Joan Graue, Dave and Diane Campbell of NAPA, State Bank of Lincoln, Key Printing, John Guzzardo, Illico, Lincoln Elks, Logan County Farm Bureau, Keystone Risk Management, J.M. Abbott and Associates, Dr. Lee Gurga of Apple Dental Center, Burwell’s, Lincoln and Logan County elected officials, Al’s Main Event, Jane Wright of State Farm, Logan County Soil and Water District, Jefferson PTO, CEFCU, Manley Monuments, Alexander Lumber, Mitchell-Newhouse Lumber, Steve Goodman, Eric Morris, Big R, Contractors Ready Mix, Marshall Millers Trenching Service, and Pete’s Hardware.

Master gardeners from the University of Illinois have adopted the Jefferson School children's garden as a class project and will dedicate hours of volunteer labor to help with the development of the garden.

School officials and teachers plan to incorporate the garden into many aspects of their students’ curriculum. Mrs. Hawkinson described the project as "a working garden where children and adults will turn the soil and carefully watch the beauty of nature unfold….While many plants will grow in our garden, it is the minds of our children at Jefferson and other schools in Lincoln that we really want to help nurture and develop."

The garden is located directly behind the school and is designed to provide special access to the gardens, such as raised flowerbeds, for students with special needs, so they can participate in the garden experience.

Jefferson School is located one block east of the historic Postville Courthouse, and the creators hope that visitors to the courthouse will also take time to enjoy the Jefferson children's prairie garden.

[LDN]

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