Governor hears appeal by LDC parents

[DEC. 7, 2001]  Hard-hit Lincoln Developmental Center finds itself struggling to keep its century-old doors open in the wake of one pummeling blow after the next. What began as some needed corrections for the protection and safety of some of its most handicapped residents before recertification is awarded has led to mass disruption for residents and staff at the facility. Upper management was changed, new procedures were enacted, new training for employees began, and some residents were moved to other facilities to improve staff-to-resident ratios.

Things were looking up at the end of last week when they had just survived state budget cuts. But less than one week later everyone is holding their breath as more incident reports were filed against the facility by inspectors with the Illinois Department of Human Resources. Topping the negative charges came the announcement that federal funding has been cut.

[Photo by Bob Frank]

Thursday morning the Lincoln Parents Association called on Gov. George Ryan in an effort to express firsthand the quality of care and the importance of keeping this facility open. They began by meeting for a press conference to release their personal report, "Don’t Close Our Children’s Home." The report featured testimony from LDC residents’ parents. Following the press conference, the governor met privately with the Lincoln Parents Association and concerned persons; no press was allowed.

Following the meeting Linda Brown, president of the parents association, and Beth Davis, mayor of Lincoln, spoke to the press about what was said to the governor:

Linda Brown

When asked about her impression of the meeting with the governor:

"He’s hearing the bad things that have happened, and there are so many positives there and a dedicated staff. I’m very grateful that he met with us, and I am very happy that he took the time that he did. I’m just hoping that he will keep the facility open and they will give us more time and maybe change the 30-day period reports and give us six months, as some of the parents have said. Give us a chance, give the management a chance to get things back on track, because Lincoln is a quality facility."

[Photo by Bob Frank]

When asked by LDN reporter Bob Frank about how long Brown thought it will take to correct the problems at LDC, Brown responded as follows:

"I would say that within six months the facility can be back to where it was over two years ago. Two years ago we had bad management that was brought in. We had a warden from a prison that was brought in. She knew nothing about mental health or disabilities."

"They were understaffed, they were working double shifts. They were asked to do the impossible, but they came through."

Brown emphasized that "(bad) things are going to happen. They’re going to happen in your home, anywhere, any type of facility, whether it is a nursing home, a state-operated facility or in the community. Things are going to happen, and they are tragedies when they do. But you have to realize our children are severely developmentally disabled, and it takes special people to take care of them."

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What arguments were made to the governor by the parents association?

"We want more time for the new management to get things back together. There are so many changes in the last two months that no one could deal with them. They have moved residents from one building to another building. They have moved residents out. They have changed the staff. The parents are all devastated. The staff’s devastated."

"There have been 84 (residents) moved. Whenever a resident has been moved, the staff have been just as devastated. They’re like a parent to them. We have been told that the staff is not to be attached to our children. To us it is a comfort to have the staff that Lincoln has, and because they are a comfort to us, we feel that our child has had that."

"I would hope that he (the governor) will look at our testimonials and that he will listen to us and that we will weigh in on his judgment on what to do. We realize that he has a hard job to do and that he could be held accountable. But as a parent we just feel that LDC needs a chance to stay open."

Lincoln Mayor Beth Davis

When asked about her impression of the meeting with the governor:

"I felt like it was a compassionate hearing on his part. I think he will take all of this under advisement. I hope he will keep it open and (that he will) think about how it would be to have a child that is a developmental-disabled individual and how he would deal with it on a parent’s perspective. I’m hopeful!"

When asked what will happen if LDC closes:

"The city of Lincoln does not have a plan if the facility should be closed. I met with the governor and a few of the legislators last Thursday. I asked, if he was planning to close this, if he would put another state facility in its place. This would be a very big devastation on Lincoln and Logan County economy."

In speculating what might be a possible replacement for LDC if it should close, Mayor Davis suggested, "Anything that would be of service to help individuals that needed help. We have 700 jobs out there. We have to be realistic about it." She added, "I wouldn’t want another prison, but I would think that that might be a possibility. At least the land would be conducive to that."

The governor is expected to make a decision later today about LDC staying open.

[Jan Youngquist]

LDC supporters now must wait

[DEC. 7, 2001]  A group of Lincoln Developmental Center employees and family members of the institution’s residents gathered in Springfield yesterday in a last-ditch effort to stave off closure of the beleaguered center.

The 125-year-old facility has been subject to extensive negative reports in regard to the well-being and care of residents in the past two years. In an effort to show their side of the institution, supporters painted a different picture of the developmental center, as being the best place for their children to live.

[Photo by Bob Frank]

In what must be considered rare, Gov. Ryan allowed 20 of the parents to meet with him to plead their case that the center stay open. In the governor’s own words the meeting was considered an emotional one.

Funding by both the state of Illinois and the federal Department of Health and Human Services will be required to allow the $35 million a year facility to remain open.

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Although state funding by itself will not be enough to maintain the facility, it has been widely assumed that federal dollars are following the lead of the state, and a reprieve by the governor could have a positive effect on federal officials changing their mind. Although federal funding was cut as of Nov. 21, the institution’s finances are adequate until March, according to Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield.

In the meantime, area leaders, employees of the center as well as residents, and local businesses must hold their breath to see if Lincoln loses its biggest employer. Illinois Department of Human Services chief Linda Renee Baker has reviewed the contents of a report about the care at the facility and will make a recommendation to the governor today about LDC’s future.

[Mike Fak]

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."

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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.

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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]

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.

[to top of second column in this section]

• 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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