Do you have a potential chemical disaster lurking in your back yard?

[JULY 12, 2001]  Summer is here and the good times are on the roll, but don’t be caught off guard by a lack of awareness of potential hazards. Taking a few simple measures could spare you and your family from serious harm. Many residents have chemicals and fuels that could trigger a chemical disaster. The next Logan County emergency disaster drill will focus on just one such chemical leak, chlorine. According to hazardous materials experts, chlorine is the most hazardous material usually found in a community. A quick check of how and where you store your chemicals, especially pool chemicals, could preclude a chemical disaster.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency provides the following guidelines for residences and facilities:

Safe storage and handling
of swimming pool chemicals

Problem

Pool chemicals may become a hazard when they become wetted by a small quantity of water or when they are improperly mixed, such as with other chemicals or reactive materials. Although the potential hazards of swimming pool water-treatment and maintenance chemicals, also referred to as "pool chemicals," have been recognized for some time, news media reports over the last five years still show a significant number of fires, toxic vapor releases and personnel injuries in which pool chemicals were a factor.

A number of the pool chemicals, especially those exhibiting oxidation properties, can potentially be highly reactive and capable of generating high temperatures, as well as releasing toxic vapors if improperly handled or stored. Reactivity may be triggered by water wetting the chemical or by the inadvertent mixing of a pool chemical with an incompatible material. Some pool chemicals are self-reactive over time, even without moisture addition or mixing with other materials. The products of this decomposition may include chlorine gas, which may cause the corrosion of piping and other metal equipment in poorly ventilated areas. These chemicals are packaged in "breathable" containers to avoid pressure buildup while in storage.

A partial listing of pool chemicals includes chlorinated isocyanurates, lithium hypochlorite, sodium bicarbonate, potassium monopersulfate, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, and certain ammonium, brominated, copper and silver compounds, and muriatic acid. Pool chemicals involved in fire or toxic vapor release are likely to include those that add chlorine or a chlorine ion to the pool water for bacterial control. Chemicals that release chlorine are among the group of chemicals that are classified as oxidizers. These pool oxidizer chemicals include calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite and chlorinated isocyanurates. Other pool chemicals are used to control the growth of algae or fungus, to adjust the acidity or alkalinity (pH control), and to clarify pool water.

Large, nonresidential pools may use chlorine stored as a liquid under pressure in metal containers. The Chlorine Institute (http://www.cl2.com) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (http://www.osha.gov) provide guidance on the operation of pressurized chlorine systems.

Hazard triggers

Wetting

Under normal circumstances, pool chemicals are intended to be added to large quantities of water. If, instead, a limited volume (amount) of water is added to a chemical, an unwanted reaction may occur, resulting in an increase in temperature and the release of toxic gas. Even a small amount of water splashed on the chemical may in some cases trigger a strong reaction. The main exception to this rule concerning water addition is when very large quantities of water are needed for fire fighting. Although the chemicals are usually packaged in plastic bags that are stored in sturdy cartons or drums, accidents have occurred when water leaked into damaged or open containers.

Possible sources of water entry have been traced to:

• Rainwater from a roof leak or from an open or broken window.

• Wet floor when the stored chemicals were not elevated off the floor.

• Leakage from fire suppression sprinkler system.

• Hose-down water generated during area cleanup.

There are other sources of water that may come in contact with pool chemical packages, including high humidity in summer weather. However, the effects of humidity are more likely to be slow-acting, with the rate of temperature buildup and chlorine gas release being less severe.

Chlorine is corrosive to metals such as steel and copper. Instances have been reported where exposed water piping has become corroded, causing leaks, and also where metal storage shelves have corroded and collapsed, leading to chemical spillage.

Improper mixing

The most common pool chemicals are inherently incompatible with each other. Intentional or accidental mixing of incompatible chemicals is likely to lead to a chemical reaction that may generate temperatures high enough to ignite nearby combustible materials. Mixing can also lead to the release of highly toxic and corrosive chlorine gas. Reactions have also been traced to the mixing of old (partially decomposed) and new chemicals of the same type. The mixing of pool chemicals with completely unrelated materials, such as swept material from the floor, oily rags and other miscellaneous materials has been known to cause strong reactions with the potential for a resulting fire.

Improper chemical mixing incidents have occurred when:

• Tools and equipment used to handle one chemical were used with a different chemical before being cleaned.

• Spilled substances (e.g., from damaged containers or from sloppy handling) and other miscellaneous substances on floors were swept up together and mixed.

• Containers, residues or wastes are disposed of, resulting in inadvertent mixing in disposal containers or at waste disposal sites.

Liquid chemicals, such as sodium hypochlorite (bleach), if spilled, can leak into other containers or seep into cracks in the floor. Liquids, because of their properties, can create hazards not associated with solid or granular products and must be carefully handled.

Hazard control

Keep pool chemicals dry

Design and maintain designated areas for pool chemical storage so that water does not come in contact with containers or packaging. Any evidence of potential water entry from the following possible sources should receive prompt corrective attention:

• Roof, windows and doors.

• Wall and floor joints.

• Water pipes or hoses and sprinkler systems.

• Drains.

[to top of second column in this article]

Look for ways such as these to prevent water contact with stored pool chemicals:

• Close containers properly.

• Cover opened or damaged packaging.

• Store chemicals away from doors and windows.

• Ensure that there are no roof leaks, open or broken windows, or leaks from water pipes, hoses or the sprinkler system.

• Ensure that floors are sloped to keep water drained away.

• Store chemicals on shelves or pallets to keep containers off the floor.

• Use waterproof covers on packaging.

• Exercise particular caution to prevent water contact with stored chemicals any time water is used for cleanup of floor areas near stored packages.

• Ensure that water will not back up from faulty or clogged floor drains.

Avoid chemical mixing

Review chemical storage arrangements and chemical handling tasks to identify situations where chemicals could be intentionally or accidentally mixed.

• Separate incompatible substances; avoid storing containers of liquids above containers of other incompatible substances.

• Do not mix old chemicals with fresh chemical, even if they are the same type.

• Consider separate, designated tools for each chemical. Handle only one chemical at a time and make sure that tools used with one substance are not used with another unless all residues are removed.

• Use separate, designated containers for cleanup of spilled materials to avoid inadvertent mixing of spilled substances. Consult your local hazardous waste disposal facility for more detailed information on proper waste disposal.

Make housekeeping of chemical storage areas a priority. Don’t allow rags, trash, debris or other materials to clutter hazardous-material storage areas. Keep combustible and flammable substances away.

For storage and handling of large quantities, see the American Chemistry Council (http://www.americanchemistry.com; formerly the Chemical Manufacturers Association) "Guidelines in the Safe Transportation, Handling, and Storage of Dry Chlorinated Pool Chemicals – 2001" for guidance on stack height and separation of different chemical types and separation of oxidizers from combustibles.

Fire prevention

Prevent a chemical reaction ignition by avoiding wetting or mixing chemicals as described above. Avoid having combustible or flammable materials near the chemicals, particularly gasoline, oil, paint solvents, oily rags, etc. Do not allow ignition sources, such as gasoline, diesel or gas-powered equipment such as lawn mowers, motors or welding machines, in the storage area. Also, do not allow smoking in the storage area. Review bulk storage, including packaging and storage locations, relative to potential for accidental contact with water, including sprinkler systems, rainwater, etc.

Protective measures

Pool chemicals can cause injury if they directly contact a person’s skin, eyes, or respiratory or digestive system. The chemical will immediately react when wetted by perspiration, tears, mucus and saliva in the nose, throat, and respiratory and digestive systems. Such injuries may occur from direct chemical contact with the skin or if chemical dust in the air contacts eyes, is inhaled or settles on food that is consumed.

Facilities: Protect employees from exposure

Consult the chemical manufacturer’s safety instructions as well as the Material Safety Data Sheets for guidance on the appropriate personal protective equipment (known as PPE) necessary to protect your employees. Also, share MSDSs with local emergency medical responders and practitioners.

The following protective measures address conditions that may arise during normal operations or the execution of routine tasks. If, however, additional information is needed for fire, spill, or release intervention, we suggest that you contact the LEPC (http://www.epa.gov/ceppo/lepclist.htm).

See that PPE is kept clean, in proper operating condition and available for use when needed and that the following practices are observed:

Use basic PPE including, as a minimum, chemical goggles and liquid impervious gloves, and boots for any chemical-handling activities.

For frequent or extended chemical-handling activities, add a face shield and liquid impervious apron or coveralls to the basic PPE.

As a minimum, use an air-purifying respirator approved by National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety when airborne chemical dust or mist may be present. The 29 CFR 1910.134 Respiratory Protection covers the OSHA requirements for respiratory protection.

 

For additional information on proper selection and use of PPE, consult the OSHA regulatory standards.

In addition:

• Consider development of work practices to minimize dust generation and accidental contact with pool chemicals.

• Provide a means of ready access to water (e.g., safety showers, eye wash stations, etc.) for removal of chemicals that may accidentally contact employees.

• Consider appropriate first aid and coordinate with local first responders and medical professionals for treatment of accidental exposure until professional medical treatment can be provided.

• Avoid accidental ingestion by storing and consuming foods and beverages away from chemical storage and handling locations, and ensure that employees wash before eating, drinking, etc.; and post the numbers for the local emergency responders and medical practitioners that are familiar with the appropriate treatment for the chemical present.

[LDN and news release from
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]

Tell a friend about

Lincoln Daily News.com

Our staff offers more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry.

Greyhound Lube

At the corner of Woodlawn and Business 55

No Appointments Necessary

Advertise your

Garage Sale in

Lincolndailynews.com

-- It's FREE! --

Click here


HCP reports to the community

[JULY 12, 2001]  Lincoln Mayor Elizabeth Davis and Logan County Board Chairman Dick Logan opened the Healthy Communities Partnership mid-year report on June 28. More than 125 members from throughout the area attended the gathering at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Lincoln.

The highlight of the event was a "Spotlight on Youth." A special presentation by the Lincoln Snowball organization featured a young woman tempted to engage in risky behavior and resisting due to the positive influence of her friends.

Miss Miranda Stone, a recent graduate of Lincoln Community High School, related her experiences with the Baby Think It Over program, which HCP helps to support. She indicated that after taking care of her "baby," her perception of what it takes to be a mother changed. She said that she thought the program was very good and taught a good lesson.

Members of the HYPE group — Helping Youth in a Positive Environment — from Lincoln Junior High School entertained the audience with an example of the puppet shows they take to area grade schools to teach the dangers of smoking, drug use and drinking.

 

Lincoln Police Chief Rich Montcalm also recognized the fourth-grade students who were winners in the recent violence prevention essay contest sponsored by the department.

Kristi Osborn of Sojourn related the negative impact domestic abuse has upon youth residing in the home. Sojourn will provide emergency housing for Logan County abuse victims and their children. Lincoln Police Department and Logan County Sheriff s office personnel will provide transportation to Springfield. Lincoln Land Communications and P & M Communications were both recognized for their participation in the "Call To Protect" program. Phones are made available to abuse victims for instant contact with law enforcement.

 

[to top of second column in this article]

Lincoln Area YMCA reported on their mentoring program, and members of the community were urged to participate individually by becoming a mentor to a young person.

The four task forces — Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug prevention; Healthy Families, Rural Health Partnership and Domestic Abuse and Violence — presented reports outlining the clients served, achievements and programs during the past six months. The various groups also announced new programs and events.

Julie Casper from the Center for Rural Health, Illinois Department of Public Aid presented the partnership with the National Rural Health Association's award for Outstanding Rural Health Practice. Miss Casper accepted the award on behalf of the Healthy Communities Partnership at the national convention of the National Rural Health Association in May.

People attending the local event also viewed a series of displays depicting the work of the various organizations.

[Healthy Communities Partnership news release]


Logan County 2000 census briefs

[JULY 12, 2001]  On April 1, the U.S. Census Bureau released population counts for the nation, states, counties and local jurisdictions. This is the only information that is required to be collected, tabulated and released by April 1. In late April, the Census Bureau began releasing other information collected during the last census. Over the coming months, all kinds of information will be released. What do we know about Logan County from the information to date?

Our total, official population is 31,183. That is 385 more people than in 1990. Our growth rate was 1.3 percent. Of the 3,141 counties in the United States, Logan County ranked 2,336 in terms of percent growth. Counties ranked 2,453 or higher experienced zero or negative growth during the last 10 years.

Our median age is 37.0 years, almost three years higher than the state figure. The percentage of our population below 18 is 5 percent less than the state average.

 

There are 11,872 total housing units in the county. Of those units, 11,113 were occupied at census time. Of the vacant units, 20.2 percent were for sale, 26.7 percent were for rent and 3.7 percent were used seasonally or for recreational purposes. For-sale units averaged 4 percent higher than the state, for-rent units 7 percent below the state, and the vacancy rate was about equal at, 1.9 and 6.0 respectively.

 

[to top of second column in this article]

From a "textbook" perspective, Logan County could be viewed as holding its own — barely. Over the past decade, population and new housing developments have been flat. Our population is aging faster than average. Based on these preliminary statistics, and if the trend does not improve, there may be cause for concern as the next decade unfolds.

[source: Economic Development Views & News,
July 2001, Lincoln and Logan County Economic Development Council; Mark L. Smith,
director of economic development]


Council hears request
to remove R-rated videos

[JULY 11, 2001]  Citing a concern for the moral well-being of Lincoln’s children, Christopher M. Bova asked the Lincoln City Council if it would look into removing R-rated videos from the city’s two video rental stores or at least put such videos where children do not see them.

Bova, a six-year Lincoln resident employed by Lincoln Christian College, addressed the council Tuesday night at its work session. He said he objects to video covers that depict nudity being displayed where children can see them.

"I would like them [R-rated videos] removed, but it would be a great improvement if they were just off the shelves," he told the council. As an alternative, he suggested that rather than have the R-rated videos "all over the store," they should be put all in one place to be out of sight of children.

Bova presented council members with petitions containing 183 signatures in favor of his plan. He said he collected the signatures in one day at two churches and several retail stores. The signatures, Mayor Beth Davis noted, were collected in 1999.

He said he had asked managers of Lincoln’s two video stores why they displayed R-rated videos as they do and was told it was company policy. He said, however, that a Family Video store in Sherman, near Springfield, did not have R-rated videos on display. Employees of the store said a city ordinance prohibits it.

 

"You have the authority and the ability to improve the moral character of the city," Bova told the council.

Michael Montcalm, chairman of the city’s ordinance committee, referred the matter to City Attorney Jonathan Wright. "We will see what our options are, what the legality issues are and what’s constitutional," he said.

Mill Restaurant, Scully Building

The future of two buildings in Lincoln that are deteriorating or need repair was brought up by Alderman Steve Fuhrer. Wright said the city is seeking an order of abandonment for the former Mill Restaurant on Stringer Street on Lincoln’s south side. He said the building is badly deteriorated, unsafe and needs to be razed. First, he said, notices must be filed with all those who hold liens on the property.

Work on the downtown Scully Building, whose upper floors were badly damaged in a fire last winter, has come to a standstill, according to building inspector Les Last. The owners of nearby retail stores say they are losing business because of the parking and sidewalk blockades, and there are also concerns about safety, he said.

 

 

[to top of second column in this article]

Fuhrer said the city has given the owners of the building time to decide what to do about the gables and chimneys that are still standing, and they have not responded with any plan.

"Unless we do something, we are going to be looking at the same thing for a long time," he said.

Last said he would like to get a commitment from the owners to either make the top of the building safe or demolish it. He and Wright will send a letter to the owners asking them to outline their plans for the building.

Problem box culvert

Alderman Bill Melton, head of the sewer and drainage committee, said the city has once again been asked to take over a problem box culvert in the Heitmann Park commercial subdivision near the Cracker Barrel restaurant. This time, he said, the owner, Eugene Burwell, plans to upgrade and repair the culvert before the city takes it over.

Last November the city refused a request to accept the culvert, on the grounds that it was deteriorating and could cause flooding. The engineering firm of Greene and Bradford, representing Burwell, said at that time they had had an understanding with Dennis Hartman, former city engineer, that the city would take over the culvert.

Grant Eaton, sewer plant manager, said he had been in touch with Hartman since that time, and Hartman said he never agreed to take over the culvert.

"If the city has to take that over, we need to be sure it is done properly," Melton said.

Hearing on appropriation ordinance

Before the council meeting, there was a public hearing on the 2001-2002 appropriation package, as required by law. At the brief hearing there were no questions from the public about the $9,884,138 ordinance. The ordinance will be approved at a later meeting of the council.

[Joan Crabb]

 

Tell a friend about

Lincoln Daily News.com

Our staff offers more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry.

Greyhound Lube

At the corner of Woodlawn and Business 55

No Appointments Necessary

Advertise your

Garage Sale in

Lincolndailynews.com

-- It's FREE! --

Click here


Bakery closed

[JULY 11, 2001]  The Lincoln General Store and Bakery at 127 S. Sangamon was closed on Friday, July 6, because of unsafe electrical wiring, according to Les Last, city building code inspector.

Last said he and several electrical contractors inspected the bakery and found a problem with heat build-up in a box in the service entrance. He also said owner Cookie Wentworth and her staff had complained of mild electrical shocks from some equipment they were using.

Last said the 60-amp service is evidently not heavy enough to carry the load the bakery was using. The building is leased from Eckerts, Inc.

[Joan Crabb]


Elkhart Homecoming announcement

[JULY 10, 2001]  The Elkhart Homecoming this year will be Saturday, July 21. All events, food stands and entertainment will be downtown on the main street of Elkhart.

The day will kick off with the townwide yard sale starting at 8 a.m. There will be many first-timers this year, and the sale will include collectibles, crafts, antiques and much more.

From 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. there will be a cruise-in with all makes and models.

The St. Patrick's youth group will serve a rib-eye sandwich lunch from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m.

A parade at 3 p.m. will feature several exciting entrees.

From 4 till 7 p.m. the Elkhart Christian Church youth group will sponsor children’s carnival games with prizes.

The kiddie tractor pull is scheduled to begin competition at 5 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to all participants.

 

 

[to top of second column in this article]

 

A fried chicken dinner will be served from 5 till 8 p.m. The dinner includes potato salad, green beans, applesauce, marinated cucumber salad, dinner roll and drink.

Entertainment on stage from 5:30 till 7 p.m. will include the superb hypnotist Kent Sorrels and the merriment of several local talents.

A street dance featuring the band Up Front will begin at 8 p.m.

The winner of the 50/50 $1,000 drawing will be announced at 9 p.m. Only 200 chances will be sold.

Sunday morning from 7 till 11 a.m. biscuits and gravy will be served.

Mark your calendars for July 2l and 22, and come to enjoy the events and food at the annual Elkhart homecoming.

[News release]


Deputy struggles with defense costs

[JULY 9, 2001]  Logan County Deputy Robert Spickard of Lincoln, exonerated of charges of battery and official misconduct last December, bears all the financial responsibility for his defense even though the incident occurred while he was doing sheriff’s department business. Like some or all of his fellow deputies, he had not personally purchased legal defense insurance.

"People that I’ve talked to are surprised that I’m having to pay my attorney’s fees," Spickard said. "One on one, I have yet to find anyone who doesn’t believe I was justified in what I was doing."

Between the incident for which Spickard was charged and his trial, the county changed insurance contractors from Roger Garrett in Lincoln to J.L. Hubbard in Decatur, according to Dick Logan, president of the Logan County Board. In February the board voted to ask Hubbard to pay Spickard’s legal bills, but that request was denied because Hubbard had not been the insurer at the time of the incident. Garrett also declined to pay, based on the fact that the insurance contract did not provide such coverage in criminal cases.

According to Sheriff Tony Solomon, State’s Attorney Tim Huyett advised the Logan County Board that the deputies’ union contract specifies payment for defense in civil but not criminal cases. That is in line with state law which, according to Ted Street of the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, requires that police be reimbursed for legal expenses in civil cases but not in criminal ones.

Through Jack Knuppel, the county’s attorney for union negotiations, the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 78, requested in the spring that the County Board consider paying all or part of Spickard’s legal bill, according to Doug Dutz, chair of the board’s Law Enforcement Committee. He said the committee sent the request to the whole board, but no motion has been made or other action taken at any board meeting.

Ted Street, field superintendent for the Illinois FOP Labor Council, said paying Spickard’s defense bill is "the right thing to do" because he was performing his regular duties and did not violate any laws or any departmental policy, rules or procedures. He said the average deputy does not buy the supplemental insurance plan. "He was doing his job," Street said.

Spickard agrees that the context dictates who should pay for legal defense. "It would have been different had I committed that act as citizen Bob Spickard, not employed by the county to be there," he said.

Spickard says he has suffered financial harm in that he has had to take out a second mortgage on his house to pay the first half of his legal bill and lacks any assets that would enable him to pay the second half. The total bill was approximately $16,700 plus monthly interest since December 2000. Spickard, 47, and his wife, Sheila, have four children, Robby, 24, Ami-Jo, 20, Angela, 18, and Holly, 15. He said the deputies’ union has discussed holding a fund-raiser but that he personally finds it "very humbling to ask people for money."

Shortly after being restored to the force, Spickard became president of FOP, Lodge 78. The deputies’ contract expires in early December, Logan said, and negotiations on the new contract will begin in August. Dutz said Spickard has approached the Law Enforcement Committee to discuss insurance to cover deputies’ legal defense for any purpose. The insurance policy, available through the Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, costs $150 per deputy per year. Sheriff Tony Solomon said he would support providing such insurance if it is part of the negotiating package presented by the FOP and if the county has the money. Solomon is present during contract negotiations but has no voting rights.

Spickard said that he does not know of any of the county deputies who had personally purchased a policy before his indictment but said that recently they have all have taken it out. City police also have the option to purchase supplemental legal defense insurance.

Spickard said his union lodge has not previously asked for this coverage because deputies did not expect to be criminally charged. When approaching a case they are focused on helping the victim, he said, not on their own legal exposure.

 

[to top of second column in this article]

The incident for which Spickard was charged occurred on July 25, 1999, when he and Deputy James Hays were called to Hartsburg on a complaint of a dog running loose and chasing a girl. The dog had bitten two people in the past. The complainant said that Matthew Gleason, then 14, son of the dog’s owners, had used profanity in telling him to go inside to avoid being bitten. Spickard went alone to the Gleason home, where Matt and his parents, Mark Kevin and Cynthia, were all outside.

When Spickard asked about the profanity, Kevin Gleason said his son, as a minor, would not talk without an attorney. Gleason pushed Matt inside the house and began to follow. Spickard, who smelled alcohol on Gleason’s breath, said, "So are you an attorney, Mr. Intoxicated?" Allegedly because he feared that Kevin Gleason would flee inside, Spickard grabbed Gleason’s right wrist in a joint lock and asked if he wanted to go to jail for obstructing the investigation of the dog incident.

With his arm held behind him, Gleason walked backward down the steps, cried out about shoulder pain and fell to his knees. Spickard eased pressure on the joint lock when he saw that Gleason was in pain and released it entirely when Cynthia Gleason said her husband had had seven surgeries on his shoulder.

Kevin Gleason was taken by relatives to the emergency room. At the hospital he asked that the incident be investigated for use of excessive force. The first statements were taken that night by Sgt. Dan Fruge of the Illinois State Police, District 9, Springfield. Michael Galletti, special agent for the Illinois State Police, District 8, Peoria, conducted an investigation over several months and testified for the state.

Spickard originally employed a Lincoln attorney who advised him to plead guilty to battery, a misdemeanor, and save his job. Spickard objected because he believes himself innocent and because he feared a guilty plea would open him up to a civil suit. At that point he chose the more expensive alternative of hiring Michael Metnik of Springfield and pleading not guilty.

Circuit Court Judge Kevin P Fitzgerald presided at Spickard’s trial, which was in Lincoln Dec. 13-14, 2000. Special prosecutor Charles Zalar of Springfield presented the case, and Spickard was defended by Michael Metnik and Richard Kim, who successfully argued that the joint lock is a technique commonly available to police officers when dealing with a resistant subject. The jury deliberated less than an hour before finding Spickard not guilty on all counts.

While under indictment Spickard was placed on paid suspension, as stipulated by the deputies’ union contract. After the verdict he was reinstated as a county deputy. He was formerly a K-9 handler, but his dog Castor died, and Sheriff Solomon said the department does not currently have the approximately $10,000 it would cost to purchase another police dog. While under suspension, Spickard says, he lost time he would have been paid to work in the dog kennel and lost some respect from fellow deputies. He says he has become more apprehensive on the job as a result of his experience.

Mark Kevin Gleason has filed a civil lawsuit asking more than $50,000 in compensatory damages plus punitive damages and costs from Spickard and Sgt. Henry Bartmann, his superior. Because it is a civil suit, county insurance is expected to cover any defense expenses if the suit is pursued.

[Lynn Spellman]


County’s genealogical and historical society receives state grant

[JULY 7, 2001]  The Logan County Genealogical and Historical Society has been awarded a $10,000 state grant, according to an announcement by Sen. Bob Madigan before he left his legislative position.

"This award is good news for the society," said Madigan, R-Lincoln. "The money will be used to help purchase the building that is currently home to the society."

The organization recently moved from Arcade Court to 114 N. Chicago in Lincoln.

Society member Dorothy Gleason said the new location gives them much-needed breathing room.

"We were running out of space at our old location," said Gleason. "Our new home will help us expand our research capabilities. We receive inquires from all over the country from people who are tracing their family history. The extra room also means more space for historical displays, like our … display in honor of Flag Day."

Money for the grant comes from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs in Springfield.

[News release]


Local branch of a national company brings 60 new jobs to town

[JULY 6, 2001]  Just when the economy and job market are in a slump all over the nation, the local branch of APAC Customer Services has broken the mold locally. APAC seeks to hire at least 30 full-time and 30 part-time telephone sales representatives at its Lincoln customer interaction center before the end of July. The additional employees will serve expanding business volume from a major financial services client that was assigned to Lincoln recently.

Both full- and part-time positions as telephone sales representatives are being offered at the 2500 Woodlawn Road facility. The jobs offer flexible work schedules. Newly hired representatives receive paid training and, after six months of full-time employment, are eligible for health care and dental benefits, a vision care discount program, paid vacation days and a 401(k) retirement program. The starting wage is $6 per hour, and wage increases are determined by length of service and job performance.

Job seekers are encouraged to apply in person at 2500 Woodlawn Road or call (217) 735-4067. Rich Krider is the center business manager. The 10,000-square-foot Lincoln center opened in May 1996 and operates two shifts Monday through Friday.

Nationally, APAC employs approximately 17,000 in a variety of positions. It operates 50 customer interaction centers in 14 states. Other APAC centers in Illinois are at Alton, Canton, Deerfield, Galesburg, Rock Falls, Jacksonville, Kewanee, Marion, Quincy, Pekin and Peoria.

 

[to top of second column in this article]

During 2000, the company handled 686 million customer interactions on behalf of clients. For the year ended 2000, net income was $17.2 million on revenues of $464 million.

APAC provides customer relationship management services for companies in the financial services, communications, retail, insurance, technology, utility, travel/entertainment, automotive and health care sectors. APAC develops and implements end-to-end inbound, outbound and Web-enabled, or "e-bound," customer relationship management programs via the Web or traditional call centers. Contracting with APAC for these functions offers a company cost savings, improved efficiencies, skilled representatives and instant access to complex, new technologies.

APAC’s customer information line is (800) OUTSOURCE. The website is http://www.apaccustomerservices.com

APAC Customer Services (Nasdaq: APAC) was founded in 1973 by Theodore G. Schwartz, chairman and CEO. The company merged with ITI Holdings in 1998. The executive headquarters of APAC is in Deerfield, a Chicago suburb.

[News release]


District 27 to receive grant for improvements to athletic field

[JULY 6, 2001]  Lincoln Elementary School District 27 will be able to proceed with improvements to Ralph Gale Memorial Field, thanks to a $60,000 state grant announced by Sen. Bob Madigan before he left his legislative position.

"The money will be a big help to District 27," said Madigan, R-Lincoln. "The grant will allow school officials to purchase bleachers for parents and fans and add new lights for nighttime play."

The grant includes funding up to $55,000 for the purchase of lighting and up to $5,000 for bleachers, according to the district superintendent, Dr. Robert Kidd.

"The improvements will allow us to make better use of the facility," said Kidd. "Adding bleachers, and reinstalling lights will allow us to take advantage of the cooler evening hours. Rescheduling games later in the day allows more parents to see their children perform. We’ll also have the ability to schedule more activities, which will provide additional opportunities for students."

Money for the grant comes from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs in Springfield.

[News release]

 

Back to top


 

News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching & Learning | Home and Family | Obituaries

Community | Perspectives | Law & Courts | Leisure Time | Spiritual Life | Health & Fitness | Letters to the Editor