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.
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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]
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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]
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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.
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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]
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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]
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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?
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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]
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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]
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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.
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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.
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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|
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]
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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]
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