[JULY 14, 2001]  As the summer months roll along, workers continue to hammer away on major renovation and construction projects at Lincoln Christian College and Seminary. According to Ed Plumier, assistant vice president of physical services, most construction will be complete before students return in mid-August.

To complete LCC’s new look, college president Keith Ray wanted LCC to have a "visual impact," according to Plumier. Older campus buildings are being treated to an exterior stain consistent with the color of the newer Restoration Hall and chapel in order to create an appearance more conducive to the collegiate atmosphere.

Included in the building projects is the construction of a new athletic facility with a 108-car parking lot.

A new facility maintenance building is complete, along with the construction of a five-bay garage that houses the school’s fleet of vehicles.

The former facility management building has been totally gutted, and framing work is complete for converting this building into a student center with a "garage" motif. The newly remodeled building will also contain the offices of the student services staff. A new hip roof over the building is nearly complete, and exterior staining has begun.

The bookstore, adjacent to the student center, is also being completely remodeled and carpeted.

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All dormitories are getting a fresh coat of paint, as well as new furniture, which will begin arriving July 16. The college has upgraded the dorm electrical systems, which will include high-speed network and Internet access. Fire detectors have been added to each dormitory room. New hip roofs with dormers are replacing the current flat roofs on Alumni and Titus Hall. New windows have been installed in Harmony Hall, and framing and drywall installation is in progress.

Also receiving a facelift is the student apartment complex. New siding has been added to Buildings 1 and 2. Buildings 3 and 4 will receive siding by the end of July. On the inside, the apartments will be newly carpeted by the end of the month. They will also have new kitchen vinyl and appliances.

A current capital campaign will partially fund the current renovations. Other funding is the result of readjusted priorities in the current campus construction budget.

[LDN and news release from LCCS]

[JULY 14, 2001]  The Illinois Department of Public Health has awarded the Healthy Communities Partnership of Logan County a $53,772 grant. The Center for Rural Health of the Illinois Department of Public Health under the Rural/Downstate Health Act awarded the grant.

"This is the third year for funding through the department," states Healthy Communities Partnership Coordinator Dayle Eldredge. "The task forces of the partnership receive funding for program development, activities and education. Without this assistance our programs would be severely limited. Funds received also permit us to take our mobile medical unit to Greenview, Ill., again this year."

The Healthy Communities Partnership is a collaborative organization formed in 1997 and states as its mission: "To protect, maintain and improve the health and quality of life of all residents of Lincoln and Logan County."

[Healthy Communities Partnership news release]

[JULY 13, 2001]  Claude "Bud" Stone, Tazewell County Republican Party chairman, has been chosen to fill the unexpired term of former Sen. Robert Madigan of Lincoln. Madigan resigned at the end of June to take a post with the Illinois Industrial Commission.

[to top of second column in this article]

"It will be my privilege to serve the citizens of the 45^th District," said Stone. "Senator Madigan has left some pretty big shoes to fill, and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead."

Stone will most likely be sworn in Monday afternoon. He will finish the last 17 months of Madigan’s unexpired term, which ends in 2002.

The newly appointed senator retired from a management position with Caterpillar in 1985 after 33 years with the company. He has extensive civic experience including work with Bradley University Alumni Association, Peoria Planning and Zoning Commission, Morton Planning Commission, Tazewell County Board Boy Scouts of America, White School PTA, Grundy School PTA, Morton Athletic Booster Club, and as a coach for Little League baseball, basketball and football. Stone is currently the Tazewell County Republican Party chairman.

This is Stone’s first state-level elected position, but he is no stranger to politics. His father, Claude Stone Sr., served as a congressman from the 18^th District.

Born April 30, 1926, Stone graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., and Bradley University in Peoria. He also holds an MBA from Stanford University in California.

Stone and his wife, Mary Louise, have three adult children and six grandchildren.

Stone can be reached through Sen. Madigan’s former offices in Lincoln, (217) 732-1323; Eureka, (309) 467-5464; and Springfield, (217) 782-6597.

[Joan Crabb
and news release]

[JULY 13, 2001]  Tourists in Lincoln will have an easier time finding the downtown Courthouse Square Historic District thanks to new directional signs installed by the Illinois Department of Transportation at the request of Main Street Lincoln. The brown "Courthouse Square Historic District" signs have been placed at all the entrances to Lincoln. Some replaced existing signs that merely said "Historic District," but most are in locations where there were no such signs.

"Tourists are captivated by the small-town charm of a courthouse square," noted Jan Schumacher, Main Street Promotion Committee chairperson, who oversaw the project. "We wanted to be certain that visitors knew about our unique historic district no matter which route they took into Lincoln." Lincoln has one of only seven such districts in Illinois.

"Having the name ‘Courthouse Square Historic District’ on the signs was important because it differentiates our extensive district from other historic districts which may be just a block or two of historic buildings," she explained. "We expect these signs will bring more tourists downtown to see our historic attractions, eat at our restaurants and shop in our stores," she added.

In addition to installing new historic district signs, IDOT also installed new Postville Courthouse signs and removed "dead" signs that were faded, as requested by Main Street.

"We appreciate the cooperation of IDOT on this project," noted Wendy Bell, Main Street program manager.  "The signs make our downtown more visible to visitors and therefore benefit the retailers located there."

[to top of second column in this article]

The locations of the new courthouse square signs are:

• Lincoln Parkway (Route 66) northbound near Fifth Street

• Lincoln Parkway (Route 66) southbound at North Kickapoo Street and at Woodlawn Road

• Limit Street (Route 121) northbound at Broadway Street

• Woodlawn Road (Route 10) eastbound near Lincoln Parkway

• Route 10 westbound just past Lincoln Christian College

• Keokuk Road at North Kickapoo Street, eastbound and westbound

• North Kickapoo Street southbound near Budget Inn and near the intersection at Keokuk Street 

[News release]

[JULY 13, 2001]  Sheriff’s Deputy Bob Spickard and his wife, Sheila, stood nervously outside the Logan County Courthouse last night waiting for word. Word that would tell them if their request for financial assistance from the Logan County Board to help pay Spickard’s attorney fees would be approved.

The board, in executive session, ended the Spickards’ wait, for now, by announcing after the session that the request would be placed on next Tuesday night’s agenda. Since any funds given to the deputy and his family would come from the county’s contingency fund, a two-thirds majority vote will be required.

Spickard, a Logan County deputy, incurred $17,000 in attorney expenses to defend himself against criminal charges brought against the deputy by Hartsburg resident Kevin Gleason for battery and the use of excessive force in an incident on July 25, 1999.

Spickard has had to pay his own attorney costs because he had opted not to purchase an insurance policy that would have protected him against legal expenses from criminal lawsuits filed against him while on duty. He was also left on his own since Illinois law requires that officers be provided with mandatory insurance protection only against civil charges but not criminal. The FOP, through their collective bargaining agreements, has yet to require that their officers be protected from such costs.

In other business Roger Bock advised the board that he is still waiting for a preliminary report from T.H.K. Associates of Aurora, Colo., on a possible golf course design for 12 acres surrounding the county airport. The study, offered free by T.H.K., is being accepted by the board only as information at this time. Bock also stated that a proposed contract for the county’s health department employees has been ironed out in committee and is being forwarded to the employees for a vote as soon as next Monday.

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Sonny Sullivan, chairman of Animal Control, advised the board that the shelter’s new website had 298 hits in the first 10 days of July, with two dogs being adopted by Bloomington residents. Sullivan noted that there was also a call from Barrington about one of the dogs already adopted. The pictures of animals available for new owners are taken with a digital camera loaned to the shelter by the Logan County Health Department.

The board approved $8,640 to slurry coat Safety Complex parking lots and accepted a low bid of $86,000 from R.A. Cullinan to rework the Nicholson Road overpass.

Board member Terry Werth, as a point of fact, wished to have it known that Economic Development Director Mark Smith had made a half dozen calls to Wal-Mart headquarters after hearing of the initial rejection by the city of Heyworth of a 125-job tire distribution center. The Heyworth City Council later changed their vote and accepted the Wal-Mart plans for development of the center.

[Mike Fak]

[JULY 13, 2001]  Lincoln Police Department reports that there was a successful drug raid performed early this morning, Friday, July 13.

A husband and wife in their mid-40s were arrested at 1303 N. Kankakee and a quantity of cocaine was seized.

Police Chief Richard Montcalm stated that this was the result of a cooperative investigation by the Lincoln Emergency Response Team and the state drug task force.

Chief Montcalm says, "We want to send a message; we’re not going to tolerate anyone using or selling drugs in this community. Maybe with the next ones doing it, we’ll be at their door."

In regard to drugs in our community, he emphasizes, "It is not an enticing environment for children to grow up in when this is taking place. We’re doing everything we can to eliminate this problem."

[LDN]

[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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

[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]

[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.

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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]

[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.

[to top of second column in this article]

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]

[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.

[Joan Crabb]

[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.

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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]

[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]

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