LDC supporters speak out at City Hall

[DEC. 6, 2001]  With word that federal funding to support the Lincoln Developmental Center has been halted and the notification that the state Department of Health and Human Services will make their decision on funding this Friday, Mayor Beth Davis, in conjunction with LDC employees and the parents group, held a last-chance press conference at City Hall yesterday afternoon. The future of Lincoln Developmental Center has been uncertain since early fall, when federal investigators cited a number of problems that might endanger the health and safety of the residents. A new management team was installed to improve the staff-resident ratios.

The group of supporters jammed the mayor’s office, front hallway and spilled out onto the street in front.

With unusually warm temperatures, the mayor’s office soon took on the feel of a sauna as, one by one, employees and parents of residents pleaded their case to the governor to give LDC more time.

A common theme of speakers was that the state, by moving technicians into unfamiliar groups of residents, has set up the institution to fail the scrutiny of 27 appointed overseers.

An emotional mayor made a plea for all involved with the decision to hear fully the side of those fighting to keep the center open. State Rep. Jonathan Wright stated that the only advocacy group he held any stock in was the parents group of LDC, which unanimously has endorsed keeping the institution open.

[to top of second column in this article]

The issue has come to a boil due to write-ups by state officials last week that showed three incidents of residents placing indigestible items in their mouths. Rep. Wright asked if any family could hold up to the scrutiny imposed on the staff of Lincoln Developmental Center.

Bobbi Abbott, executive director of the Lincoln/Logan Chamber of Commerce, related how important the people and the jobs are to the economy of the area. She asked that state officials look at LDC visually rather than just reading reports on pieces of paper.

The group intends to gather again today at the governor’s office to try and plead their case directly. At this same time AFSCME officials are working in Washington to stay the initial decision by federal officials to halt their portion of the funding.

[Mike Fak]

Midwest November was
record-shattering warm

[DEC. 6, 2001]  With an average temperature of 46.5 F, the Midwest experienced its warmest November in the climate record, which dates back to 1895, shattering the 1931 record by 1.5 degrees, according to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center, located at the Illinois State Water Survey in Champaign.

Four states set records for highest monthly average temperatures: Iowa (47.3), Michigan (43.7), Wisconsin (42.9), and Minnesota (40.8).

It was also the third-warmest November in Illinois (49.4), Indiana (49.0), and Ohio (47.8); fourth-warmest in Missouri (50.7); and fifth-warmest in Kentucky (51.5).

"The remarkable thing about this warm November weather was its intensity and duration. The average temperature was 11.8 degrees above normal in Minnesota and 10.7 degrees above normal in Iowa, breaking the old records by more than 2.5 and 3 degrees, respectively," says Steve Hilberg, MRCC director.

[to top of second column in this article]

The warmest temperatures were in the western and northern Midwest for almost the entire month, while the eastern and southern Midwest were slightly cooler.

With the exception of a few weak, rapidly moving storm systems, high pressure dominated, which shifted the jet stream and cold air to the north. The pattern ended after an intense low pressure center and strong cold front moved through on Nov. 24 and 25.

The record temperature levels would have been even greater, but colder weather arrived during the last week of November. "The monthly departures from normal were actually running 2 to 3 degrees warmer until November 25, especially in the western portion of the region," says Hilberg.

[News release from 
Illinois State Water Survey]

[DEC. 6, 2001]  Imagitas and the United States Postal Service launched http://www.moversguide.com/, the nation’s first official online change of address service this fall. This service is now available in northern and central Illinois. The new site offers consumers the ability to change their address online as well as access a wide array of products and services needed to plan, move and settle in.

"At no cost to consumers or the Postal Service, MoversGuide.com takes the stress out of moving for the 41 million Americans who relocate each year by saving them valuable time and money," said Postmaster General John E. (Jack) Potter. "MoversGuide.com is a prime example of how the Postal Service is partnering with the private sector to offer customers secure, private, efficient services and decrease internal operational costs at the same time."

At MoversGuide.com, consumers can change their address online directly with the Postal Service, connect utility services, create a customized moving checklist, purchase online moving-related products, and obtain information about schools and local services as well as motor vehicle and voter registration.

"MoversGuide.com represents a tremendous convenience for the people of northern and central Illinois, whether they are relocating down the street or across the country" said Brett Matthews, CEO of Imagitas. "As a one-stop shop for many of the goods and services people need when they relocate, MoversGuide.com simplifies busy lives by helping American's plan, move and settle in. Imagitas is proud to partner with the United States Postal Service in the design and operation of this remarkable product."

[to top of second column in this article]

Northern and central Illinois were among the first areas in the country to receive this service, with Internet change of address planned to be available nationwide by mid-November.

MoversGuide.com is fully compliant with the Workforce Investment Act, which requires federal electronic and information technology to be accessible to people with disabilities.

Imagitas first partnered with the United States Postal Service in 1993 to provide creative solutions to challenges involving mail forwarding. Since 1993 Imagitas and the Postal Service have created a trio of online and off-line products (Mover’s Guide™, Welcome Kit™ and MoversGuide.com) that have improved customer satisfaction, reduced the stress of moving, and saved taxpayers $50 million.

[News release]

Military addresses sought

[DEC. 5, 2001]  It is a year 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.

Name of person in military:

Branch of service:

Current location of service:

Postal address:

E-mail address:

Relationship to LDN reader sending information (optional):

[LDN]

Hearing in Chicago today on LDC

[DEC. 4, 2001]  The future of Lincoln Developmental Center may be influenced by what happens during a public hearing in Chicago today (Dec. 4), Lincoln Mayor Beth Davis said Monday night at the Lincoln City Council meeting.

The special hearing, called because an incident last week moved LDC into "immediate jeopardy," is being held this morning at the Clinton Center in downtown Chicago by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Davis said.

"I don’t know what is going to happen," Davis said. She asked the council to give her the authority to travel to Chicago to attend the meeting, even though she said it was not open to comments from the public.

Alderman Joseph Stone moved that Davis be authorized to spend any reasonable amount of money to attend this or any other meeting in support of LDC. Council members present agreed unanimously.

Davis said the reason for the special meeting was an incident that occurred last week with a resident who eats inappropriate materials.

She also said she and a number of state legislators, including State Rep. Jonathan Wright of Hartsburg and State Sen. Claude Stone of Pekin, who presently represent the Lincoln area, and State Sen. Larry Bomke of Springfield, met with Gov. Ryan and representatives of the Department of Human Services in the governor’s office on Thursday of last week to talk about keeping LDC open.

Davis said that at that meeting Ryan told legislators he had not yet made up his mind. She said she also asked if he would meet with parents of the residents of LDC, who have been overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the facility open, and he said he might.

Asked if he would put another facility in place of LDC in case of closure, she said the governor had no comment.

Davis said she felt today’s hearing should have been in the Lincoln area rather than in downtown Chicago and should have been publicized. She said she was also "really concerned" that the governor is not getting the full story and that the "positive side" of LDC is not being told. "There are success stories, many good things coming out of LDC," she said.

[to top of second column in this article]

She quoted an official of the Department of Public Aid as saying that the whole facility (LDC) could be turned around and could meet all health and safety concerns, given time. She also said the staff at LDC was eager to work to solve problems at the facility. Davis herself once worked at LDC. At present the facility employs about 700 people in the area.

The 100-year-old facility has been facing decertification for several months, since surveys by the Illinois Department of Public Health alleged that conditions there were unsafe for the residents. Decertification would mean that the facility would lose $17 million in federal funding, half its operating budget, and would almost certainly be closed.

Earlier Ryan installed a new administrator and mandated that 90 of its 370 residents be moved to different facilities to improve the staff-to-resident ratio. Early in November, Ryan said he would give the facility another 30-day extension before deciding whether to shut it down.

Davis said she is writing another letter to the governor and urged council members and citizens to continue the letter-writing campaign. Recently the Lincoln/Logan Chamber of Commerce also sponsored a letter-writing campaign in favor of keeping LDC open, as have staff members and parents.

[Joan Crabb]

Note:

Click here to see a model letter previously posted in LDN. Letters must be signed.

Address:

Gov. George H. Ryan

207 State Capitol

Springfield, IL  62706

Letters must be signed.

Big boom!

[DEC. 4, 2001]  Did you hear it? Did you feel it? Buildings vibrated and windows shook as a loud rumble rolled through the streets of Lincoln at about 4:30 Monday afternoon. Not to worry. It was simply a scheduled blast at the rock quarry, Rocky Ford, southwest of Lincoln. The detonation blew a little stronger than usual, officials said.

Christmas parade winners

[DEC. 4, 2001]  Lincoln’s 2001 Christmas parade, with the theme "May Your Days Be Merry and Bright," was co-sponsored by Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce and the city of Lincoln. Winners were named in several categories.

Overall winner, $100.00

State Bank of Lincoln — The employees of the State Bank of Lincoln presented a float called "Bridging the Gap to Peace on Earth."

Chamber Award – Best Representation of Theme, $50

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store — Marchers and a pickup truck with one of their familiar front-porch rockers on board represented the Cracker Barrel.

Mayoral Award (Beth Davis), $50

Land of Lincoln Antique Tractor and Engine Club

Grand Marshall Award (Becky Werth), $50

Lincoln Southern Baptist Church

[to top of second column in this article]

First place, $50 — Michelle’s Home and Garden; "Winter Wonderland"

Second place, $25 — Audra’s Studio of Dance

First place, $50 — Young American Bowling Alliance (140 league bowlers, ages 4-20); Bowling with Frosty"

Second place, $25 — Logan County 4-H

First place, $50 — CIEDC Head Start

Second place, $25 — Balloon Association of Greater Illinois

[News release]

[DEC. 3, 2001]  Friday’s chilling afternoon had a warming start with the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Central School. Dr. Robert E. Kidd, superintendent of schools, presided over the ceremony.

[Click here to view more pictures]

The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by the kindergarten class and "The Star-Spangled Banner" by the Lincoln Junior High School band. Band leader Peter McCall played the jazzy trumpet solo.

State Sen. Larry Bomke and state Rep. Jonathan Wright were both present and invited to speak. The two made a wonderful balance.

Sen. Bomke spoke to the adults in the crowd, stressing the importance of community involvement in the schools and the effect of a good school system on the community. "A community that has a strong school system finds that people want to be there, businesses want to be there and the town flourishes," he said.

He also commended former Gov. Edgar and Gov. Ryan for their involvement in the $2 billion of school construction grants.

Rep. Wright, on the other hand, spoke directly to the children at the school, encouraging them to stay in school. He quoted his grandfather as saying, "Get an education; no one can ever take that away from you."

Following these short speeches, Superintendent Kidd recognized important names from around the community, including Mayor Beth Davis, who were in attendance. He also recognized the members of the school board, architect Dave Leonetti and two representatives of S.M. Wilson Construction.

The entire student body then sang "God Bless America" and "Grand Old Flag." The director invited the audience to join them on the second time through each song, but most were reluctant to sing above a whisper, preferring to listen to the united voices of the children.

Members of the Kids First committee were introduced following the songs.

Bruce Carmitchel, president of the board of education and a Kids First member, gave an inspiring speech praising the work already done for the new school and the work that will be done. He advised the audience that, even though this ceremony was the result — "the culmination" — of hard work done, the school is still a long way from completion. "In the same way it takes a family to make a house a home, it will take our family — our teachers, support staff, community and, most important, the kids — to move into the buildings and make them schools."

[to top of second column in this article]

He communicated his excitement about the opportunities the new buildings will offer, especially "no more educational activities taking place in converted broom closets."

Carmitchel concluded his speech by thanking the Illinois state government, the board of education members and those involved in the education of the children of Lincoln, and the citizens of the community.

Just before the official groundbreaking, students of Central School presented tokens commemorating the event to Sen. Bomke, Rep. Wright and former Superintendent Lester Plotner.

Finally the moment came. Bruce Carmitchel, Jim Wilmert, Superintendent Kidd, Rep. Wright and Sen. Bomke took the long shovels in their hands and, amid media camera clicks, broke the first ground on the site of the new Central School. After these five came all of the school board members in turn, five at a time.

After a few last-minute thank yous, the children were set to the dirt. Every child at Central School was given a small bag and "shovel" (a clear spoon with a gold ribbon) to keep a scoop of dirt as a souvenir.

The mood was light, despite the chilly air, as people mulled about afterward, taking pictures of their children and talking to the "big names." Everyone seemed excited about the soon-to-be school.

LDN, too, is eager to see the building as it is raised, and we will be bringing you updates as the project continues.

[Gina Sennett]

Public high school students will
recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily

[DEC. 1, 2001]  SPRINGFIELD — Protecting Illinois citizens from the kind of tragic events that devastated the entire nation on Sept. 11 and helping the state pay for increased security measures is the aim of legislation approved this week by the Illinois Senate, according to state Sen. Claude "Bud" Stone.

Senators also passed a measure, House Bill 2077, that requires the Pledge of Allegiance to be recited each school day by students in public high schools. The law currently requires students in elementary schools to recite the pledge.

House Bill 2299 provides local law enforcement with the tools necessary to investigate and prosecute terrorists. With it, Illinois is providing a solid response to President Bush’s request that state and federal authorities work together to solve the national problem of terrorism.

The bill targets acts of terror against an individual or group of people, government institutions, private industrial buildings, public utilities including communication systems, transportation and natural resources such as rivers. Industries such as pharmaceutical manufacturers and makers of chemical or biological products used in agriculture, along with national defense contractors, are cited for specific protection.

The legislation addresses the issues of charities collecting money for terrorist organizations, denial of FOID cards for aliens admitted into the country under a non-immigrant visa, death penalty for terrorist acts, expansion of eavesdropping provisions, making terrorist threats, search warrants, and freezing assets and seizing property of terrorist organizations.

House Bill 2299 was also approved by the House of Representatives this week and now moves to the governor’s desk for further consideration.

Funding for increased security measures that have become necessary since Sept. 11 will be provided by Senate Bill 1261, which creates the Anti-Terrorism Fund and establishes a temporary funding source through the Illinois Lottery. Transitional funding is needed in this fiscal year for agencies that have had to resort to overtime until additional emergency and security personnel can be hired. It will also cover purchases of related items such as metal detectors.

Senate Bill 1261 directs that the Department of the Lottery will be asked to conduct seven special games prior to June 1, 2002. All proceeds, minus the cost of prizes and vendor fees, will be deposited into a special fund in the state Treasury and used to pay overtime costs of state emergency and security personnel and related expenses. The funds will be subject to appropriation by the General Assembly.

Senate Bill 1261 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

The Senate also took steps to prop up the fund that provides medical benefits for thousands of retired teachers in Illinois. Senate Bill 1174 will save more than 40,000 retired teachers from a hefty hike in their health insurance premiums next year.

The retired teachers’ insurance program receives funds from the state, active teachers and from premiums paid by retired teachers. The rising costs of health care would have forced those premiums for retired teachers to increase by 80 percent this January in order to make up the $27 million hole in the insurance plan. Senate Bill 1174 calls for additional funding from active teachers, the state and school districts for each of the next three years to close the gap in funding.

[to top of second column in this article]

Senate Bill 1174 was also passed by the House of Representatives and advances to the governor for his consideration.

In other budget matters Senate Republicans tried to give the governor additional tools to rearrange the state budget in light of revenue shortfalls — and lessen the burden of deep cuts in critical human service areas. That effort was rejected, however, by Senate Democrats. House Bill 3495 needed 36 votes to pass the Senate and received only 30.

In other business, Senate Resolution 265 was introduced in the Senate, honoring the EMTs, firefighters and police officers who died in the line of duty on Sept. 11 and thanking the thousands of EMTs, firefighters and police officers from across the United States, many of them from Illinois, who have aided the rescue efforts.

The Senate also passed legislation that will help humanely control the cat and dog populations and reduce the number of pets that have to be euthanized each year in Illinois. House Bill 61 creates a "Pet Friendly" license plate, the sales of which will provide funds to help humane societies spay and neuter dogs and cats.

House Bill 61 was also approved by the House of Representatives and now moves to the governor’s desk for further consideration.

The Senate also passed the following legislation:

False 9-1-1 calls (HB 2296) — Re-enacts important criminal provisions that protect victims and police officers. Prohibits false 9-1-1 calls and false reports to public safety agencies. Allows a court to issue a "no knock" warrant if the applicant for the warrant shows there would be dangers of evidence destruction or weapon use if officers knocked before executing the search warrant.

No-interest loans (SB 1264) — Authorizes the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs to provide no-interest loans to a business experiencing a short-term cash shortfall. Loans may not exceed $10 million for any one project and must be repaid in no more than five years. The legislation will help the threatened Keystone Steel and Wire Company in Bartonville, which employs 1,300 people.

Streamline government (HB 1640) — Streamlines Illinois government by abolishing 23 obsolete boards, commission and advisory groups that no longer serve a valid function within state government.

Speech pathology assistants (HB 1356) — Sets licensing requirements for speech pathology assistants.

[News release
from the office of Sen. Claude Stone]

Cold, biting rain does not
dampen parade spirits

[NOV. 30, 2001]  The hour struck 7 p.m., and with a light drizzle this year’s "May your days be merry and bright" parade got under way. Not unlike a big city parade, the crowded downtown Lincoln streets were lined side by side and several viewers deep around the historic courthouse district. The parade was co-sponsored by the city of Lincoln and the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce.

[Click here to see pictures]

Moments into the parade the drizzle turned to steady rain. Most of the younger crowd seemed to take no note of the dampening situation as they scrambled for candy and took in all the sensational sights, while some seasoned older folks stepped back into whatever shelter could be had from business doorways and awnings. A few motherly frets and exasperated exclamations could be heard, but there was no grumbling as conditions became soggy before the parade’s 8:30 ending.

Led by the traditional old-fashioned firetruck with sirens blaring and horns honking, the parade boasted brightly lit floats with cheery scenes; the Lincoln City Council and Mayor Beth Davis handed out candies; the Boy Scout and Girl Scout clubs were well represented; marchers, several marching bands, numerous groups and organizations including dogs and handlers, baton twirlers, tae kwon do artists, and wheelchairs joined in; decorated business vehicles filled out the line; with Santa and horses bringing up the end of over a hundred entries.

As the spirited Lincoln Community High School Band came to the end, they could be heard to fittingly chant, "The End! … Brrrrr…!"

You will be able to view the parade in its entirety, all while staying warm and dry, by tuning in to Channel 15 on Saturday and Sunday evenings at 8.

[Jan Youngquist]

Kid’s Day events at the Festival of Trees

[NOV. 30, 2001]  Kid’s Day at the Festival of Trees will be this Saturday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The children’s event, a first this year, is part of the Festival of Trees at the Logan County Courthouse.  

Special activities will take place in the second-floor rotunda area. Santa will be on hand from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to visit with all good boys and girls. Photographs with Santa will be available for a minimal fee. Guest storytellers will relate their favorite tales in the morning. Those in attendance will go home with a copy of "The Night Before Christmas," courtesy of the Logan County Farm Bureau. 

Children will have the opportunity to make and take home a unique reminder of this special event. They can choose either red or green to paint their hands and then apply them to the cloth of a festively trimmed potholder. These potholders become cherished gifts to parents and grandparents. 

A children’s shopping area will complement the activities. Gifts $5 and under will be available for the children to purchase and give as gifts. Gifts will be wrapped, ready to put under the tree.

[to top of second column in this article]

The children and young adult choirs of Park Meadows Baptist Church will perform from 1 to 3 p.m., filling the halls with music while visitors stroll through the enchanted forest of decorated trees and wreaths.  

A children’s (and adult) favorite, gingerbread men, can be purchased to take home if you haven’t done your holiday baking. The cookies have been very popular at the Springfield festival and are a welcome addition to Lincoln.   

Lincoln Land Communications is the premier sponsor for the Festival of Trees, co-sponsored by Main Street Lincoln and the Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation.

LDC survives budget cuts;
decertification process still looms

[NOV. 30, 2001]  SPRINGFIELD — Gov. George H. Ryan announced the latest round of budget cuts to several agencies to close the state’s $500 million budget shortfall brought on by the September terror attacks. The governor said some child care funding cut earlier in the week had been restored and that key services to senior citizens and the disabled had been spared.

The cuts are being made without any legislative assistance and come on the heels of the third and final day of talks with the General Assembly’s four legislative caucuses. The cuts represent $109 million in gross savings through the end of fiscal year 2002. The gross amount of savings from this week’s cuts comes to more than $485 million.

The governor has also requested that state universities voluntarily help the state cover the cost of group insurance costs for their employees.

The governor also said every effort was made to avoid further cuts to the elderly and disabled. The latest cuts also managed to avoid layoffs. The governor directed the Bureau of the Budget to spare the Home Services and the Community Care programs from more cuts. Those programs provide at-home care services to the disabled and to senior citizens. The governor also announced that he restored the $7 million allocated for child care co-payments after meeting with the Coalition of Women Legislators.

[to top of second column in this article]

The entire cost-cutting effort has been performed solely by the governor. Gov. Ryan has repeatedly indicated that participation from the General Assembly would allow the cuts to be spread more fairly across a broader set of options. But the legislature did not respond before adjourning its fall veto session today.

"Budget cuts are always a difficult, and often a heart-wrenching, task," Ryan said. "But I am gratified that today’s cuts still allow us to provide for the elderly and the disabled and that we can restore some child care funding."

Thursday’s spending adjustments address a range of cuts in a number of departments: Public Aid, Corrections, Human Services, Veterans’ Affairs, Community and Commerce Affairs, State Police, Arts Council and Agriculture. Additional cost savings will be realized by requesting a voluntary 2 percent reserve in the budgets of state constitutional officers and judicial and legislative agencies.

[News release]

Lawmakers reach agreement to address teacher retirement funding crisis

[NOV. 30, 2001]  SPRINGFIELD — Retired teachers will not see a further increase in their health insurance premium this year. State Rep. Bill Mitchell supported legislation Thursday night to eliminate a $30 million funding shortfall in the Teachers Retirement Insurance Program, known as TRIP.

According to Mitchell, health care inflation has far outpaced teacher salary increases, creating a funding crisis in the TRIP plan. Currently there are three funding sources for TRIP. These funding sources are active teacher payroll contributions from salary, state match of the active teacher contributions and premiums paid by the retirees.

If lawmakers failed to act on a new funding source during the fall veto session, the program would have faced a $30 million debt on Dec. 31. This would have resulted in an 80 percent increase in premiums to cover the shortfall.

"The agreement reached on Thursday addresses the current funding crisis and opens the door to future debate on finding a long-term solution," said Mitchell. "The agreement was based upon the recommendations of a task force formed by Governor George Ryan that has held hearings on the matter over the summer. While it’s not a perfect solution, it addresses the immediate funding crisis retired teachers were facing."

The agreement affects retirees, active teachers, school districts and the state. Provisions of the agreement include:

•  No further premium increases for fiscal year 2002 (a 21 percent increase has already been implemented).

•  For fiscal year 2003, premiums increase up to 10 percent, dependent upon the needs of the system.

•  For fiscal year 2004, premiums increase up to 12 percent, dependent upon the needs of the system.

•  The current 0.5 percent contribution increases to 0.65 percent effective Jan. 1, 2002.

•  No change for fiscal year 2003.

•  The contribution increases to 0.75 percent for fiscal year 2004.

[to top of second column in this article]

•  A 0.4 percent contribution is introduced, effective Jan. 1, 2002.

•  School districts will be entitled to a credit toward their required teachers’ retirement employer contribution equal to the contributions the district will make toward TRIP for the first 18 months of this plan.

•  No change for fiscal year 2003.

•  The contribution increases to 0.5 percent for fiscal year 2004.

•  Matches the increased contribution of active teachers for fiscal year 2002.

•  Provides a $6 million bailout of the TRIP program over two years.

•  In fiscal year 2003-2004, continues to match active teachers’ contributions.

The agreement also requires the Department of Central Management Services to report to the Teachers Retirement System every year about the status of the program. It mandates tax sheltering for active teachers and calls for the creation of a 23-member task force to develop a long-term solution to the TRIP issue before the program sunsets in fiscal year 2004.

The Illinois Federation of Teachers, the Illinois Education Association and the Illinois Retired Teachers Association support the agreement.

"Retired teachers living on a fixed income deserve to have stability in their health insurance system," said Mitchell. "We have adverted a crisis for the time being. But we must continue to be vigilant and find a long-term solution to this problem."

[News release from Rep. Bill Mitchell]

Today’s history

Compiled by Dave Francis

334th day of the year

"An average English word is four letters and a half. By hard, honest labor I’ve dug all the large words out of my vocabulary and shaved it down till the average is three and a half... I never write "metropolis" for seven cents, because I can get the same money for "city." I never write "policeman," because I can get the same price for "cop."... I never write "valetudinarian" at all, for not even hunger and wretchedness can humble me to the point where I will do a word like that for seven cents; I wouldn’t do it for fifteen." — Mark Twain

"Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival." — Winston Churchill

Birthdays

1667 — Jonathan Swift, England, satirist ("Gulliver’s Travels," "A Modest Proposal")

1810 — Oliver Fisher, Winchester rifle maker (Winchester)

1835 — Samuel Clemens [Mark Twain], author ("Tom Sawyer," "Huckleberry Finn")

1863 — Andres Bonifacio, leader of 1896 Philippine revolt against Spain

1874 — Sir Winston Churchill (C), British prime minister (1940-45, 1951-55, Nobel 1953)

1930 — G. Gordon Liddy, Watergate felon, radio talk-show host

1936 — Abbie Hoffman aka Free, Yippie activist and author ("Steal this Book")

1962 — Bo Jackson, baseball and football player (Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Raiders)

30 B.C. — Cleopatra, Egyptian queen, commits suicide.

1016 — Edmund II Ironsides, King of the Saxons (1016), dies at 27.

1700 — Swedish troops numbering 8,000 under King Charles XII defeat an army of at least 50,000 Russians at the Battle of Narva. King Charles XII dies on this day. 

1782 — The United States and Britain sign preliminary peace articles in Paris, ending the Revolutionary War. 

1803 — Spain completes the process of ceding Louisiana to France. 

1900 — Oscar Wilde, Irish author, dies in Paris.

1940 — Lucille Ball and Cuban musician Desi Arnaz marry. 

1996 — Tiny Tim, singer with the odd falsetto warble and ukulele ("Tiptoe Through the Tulips"), dies at 64.

LDC survives latest round of budget cuts

[NOV. 29, 2001]  SPRINGFIELD — Gov. George H. Ryan issued a second round of budget cuts in as many days as he seeks to close a state budget gap brought on by the Sept. 11 terror attacks. The latest measures, announced after the governor met with the General Assembly’s four legislative caucuses, will save the state up to $136 million through the end of fiscal year 2002.

Gov. Ryan said further cuts are needed, and he is asking for legislative assistance. Illinois faces a $500 million shortfall in its $23.4 billion General Revenue Fund budget. Like Tuesday’s cuts, this new round can be accomplished administratively without legislative action.

Gov. Ryan has repeatedly indicated that participation from the General Assembly would enable him to distribute cuts more fairly and reduce the severity of some cuts in some areas. Options include asking universities to shoulder the cost of some group health insurance for employees and spreading cuts across a wider range of health care providers. The General Assembly has thus far not considered legislation to provide the governor with broader budget-cutting authority.

"It’s not too late for the General Assembly to roll up its sleeves and show some leadership," Gov. Ryan said.

The spending reductions the governor just announced focus largely on health care issues and will:

•  Make adjustments to managed care contracts for Medicaid recipients, resulting in savings of $30 million.

[to top of second column in this article]

•  Eliminate extra tertiary care payments to hospitals. By reducing the extra payments, the state will save $35 million for fiscal year 2002. Hospitals will receive normal diagnostic rates and added payments to that base rate.

•  Eliminate extra outpatient payments to hospitals. This will save $55 million. Hospitals will be reimbursed at 1998 rate levels, prior to the pre-1999 incentive plan.

In the current budget, on April 1, 2002, human services providers are scheduled to receive a one-half of 1 percent cost-of-living adjustment. Gov. Ryan has said that unless the revenue situation improves or there is legislative assistance, this $16 million increase may need to be cut.

Steve Schnorf, director of the Bureau of the Budget, said the total cuts, including the COLA adjustment, now stand at $383 million. This total includes the detailed cuts making up the previously announced 2 percent reserve in agency budgets and restrictions on hiring and equipment purchases.

[News release]

Today’s history

Compiled by Dave Francis

Thursday, Nov. 29

333rd day of the year

"I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning to sail my ship." — Louisa May Alcott

"Liberty, not communism, is the most contagious force in the world." — Earl Warren

"Go West, young man, and grow up with the country." — Horace Greeley

1832 — Louisa May Alcott, Germantown, Pa., author ("Little Women")

1898 — C.S. Lewis, English writer and scholar ("Le Roman de la Rosa")

1927 — Vin Scully, sportscaster ("NBC Baseball Game of the Week")

1928 — Paul Simon, senator, D-Ill., and presidential candidate

1940 — Chuck Mangione, jazz composer and horn blower ("Chasing the Clouds Away")

1946 — Suzy Chaffee, U.S. skier and ChapStick user (Olympics, 1968)

1949 — Garry Shandling, comedian ("It’s Garry Shandling Show")

1955 — Howie Mandel, Toronto, Canada, comedian (Dr. Wayne Fiscus in "St. Elsewhere")

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1775 — Sir James Jay invents invisible ink.

1812 — Napoleon’s Grand Army crosses Berezina River in retreat from Russia.

1825 — First Italian opera, "Barber of Seville," produced in United States (New York City).

1864 — One-Eye, Cheyenne chief, dies.

1872 — Horace Greeley, founder and publisher of New York Tribune, dies at 61.

1877 — Thomas Edison demonstrates hand-cranked phonograph.

1887 — United States receives rights to Pearl Harbor, on Oahu, Hawaii.

1890 — First Army-Navy football game; score: Navy 24, Army 0; at West Point.

1924 — Giacomo Puccini, Italian composer ("Mme. Butterfly"), dies in Brussels at 65.

1929 — The first airplane flight over the South Pole made by U.S. Navy Lt. Comdr. Richard E. Byrd. 

1933 — First state liquor stores authorized (Pennsylvania).

1934 — Chicago Bears beat Detroit in first NFL game broadcast nationally.

1944 — John Hopkins hospital performs first open-heart surgery.

1963 — U.S. President Johnson named a commission headed by Earl Warren to investigate the assassination of President Kennedy. 

1981 — Natalie Wood, actress, drowns off Santa Catalina, Calif., at 43.

1982 — The U.N. General Assembly votes that the Soviet Union should withdraw its troops from Afghanistan. 

1986 — Cary Grant dies in Davenport, Iowa, at 82.

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.

Announcements

[OCT. 12, 2001]  The city landfill on Broadwell Drive will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for leaf and brush disposal, beginning on Oct. 15, according to Donnie Osborne, street superintendent. Plans are to keep the new schedule in place until Dec. 15, he said. 

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