[JULY 20, 2001]  On Thursday evening the Lincoln Liquor Control Commission convened to hear a complaint registered against QWE, Inc., 201 Madigan Drive, doing business as "After Shock," owned by Gautam Patel. Sitting for the Liquor Control Commission were Les Plotner, city treasurer; Beth Davis, mayor; and Dave Story, former alderman. William Bates was the attorney for the liquor commission. Acting as attorney for the city was Nick Burgrabe. Presenting for Patel was his attorney, Phillip Montolvo.

On first glance this meeting appeared routine. As the meeting went on, though, the substance of the violation sparked more than mild interest of those in attendance. Not only did the issue at hand prove … interesting, but also the defendant readily agreed the complaint was valid.

The liquor code specifies that any establishment allowed to sell liquor shall not allow exposure of specific body parts nor unpermitted conduct. The complaint against After Shock is that said activities did occur.

The complaint stems from an incident that occurred at the dance club on the weekend of the April 27 or May 4. The incident took place on a weekend when the dance club was hosting one of its premiere "Extreme Fight Club" events. Extreme Fight Club began holding weekend events at the After Shock dance club early last spring. The fight club events are subcontracted by the dance club. A promoter for Extreme Fight Club handles all the event activities. Following the ring fights there is normally a segment called "ring girl competition." The Extreme Fight events are usually videotaped.

The activities that took place on one particular evening were extreme. Things got a little out of control. Evidence of that evening came into the hands of Lincoln Police Chief Richard Montcalm. One day in June he received a phone call offering a videotape from an event last spring. Chief Montcalm was not at liberty to say just who contacted him about the evidence.

In opening statements Patel’s lawyer said that his client did not dispute the allegations were true, offering that his client "had no prior knowledge of the activity, and that it occurred one time and one time alone." He also stated that they preferred not to call forward witnesses in order to avoid embarrassing them.

Those in attendance at last night’s hearing observed the video, which had about a 15-minute sequence that depicted four women fully disrobing, one at a time, and getting into the fight ring. This activity was a direct violation of the liquor code.

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In post-video discussion the content of the video was mostly put aside. Members of the commission asked a few clarifying questions about the awareness Patel had of the incident. He responded that he was not on the premises the evening this occurred and only learned for certain of it when he was served papers this last Friday. He had admitted earlier in the meeting, "I had heard rumors of it (after it occurred) but did not know it to be truth." He said that when he got the papers he asked the bartender in charge that night why he did not stop the behavior, and the bartender’s response was that he did not know what to do.

The commission evaluated other provisions of the liquor license. Patel was also questioned about the ratio of food-to-liquor sales he does. His license allows for 60 percent food and 40 percent alcohol sales. He said, "We sell a lot of hot dogs, chips and popcorn at these events." His kitchen is capable of catering.

In closing, Patel’s attorney, Montolvo, conceded the offense but pleaded that it be recognized that his client "had no prior knowledge of the event." He also requested that any penalty be deferred so that they be allowed to proceed with a long-scheduled wedding on Saturday, indicating that it would be undue hardship to the wedding family to find a new place to go.

Liquor Control Commission attorney William Bates then announced that the commission would adjourn to a closed session to discuss the matter.

The commission decided for the maximum penalty available without revocation under state law for a first offense. After Shock has been fined $1,000. In addition, beginning July 23 at 5 p.m. through midnight Aug. 22 their liquor license will be revoked for 30 days.

[Jan Youngquist]

[JULY 20, 2001]  Dean Williams, Still Photographer, from Springfield, has been chosen as the production company to direct the video of "Looking for Lincoln in Logan County." The video committee, chaired by Paul Beaver, recently chose this company after interviewing several.

The documentary will include the following: Middletown Stage Coach Inn, conversation with Mr. Lincoln and John D. Gillett in Elkhart, a courtroom scene in Mount Pulaski, the christening of the city of Lincoln at the Depot, and pictures by Lloyd Ostendorf. Other photographs and paintings will convey everyday scenes and events in the life of Abraham Lincoln.

Some extras dressed in period clothing (1840-1850) may be needed for scenes. Ron Keller, curator at Lincoln College Museum, can provide clothing information. You can reach him at 732-3155. If you would like to be added to the list of potential extras, call the Main Street Lincoln office at (217) 732-2929.

Beaver stated that the committee is still looking for the loan of any historical photographs or paintings that local residents have from that period. These will be used as background to lend authenticity to the video.

In other matters of discussion, it was announced that a meeting of volunteers of the Postville Courthouse is scheduled for Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. Volunteers are asked to bring suggestions and help determine what can be improved. Illinois FIRST has approved a grant to open the well at Deskin’s Tavern.

It was also mentioned that there has been a business request submitted to the city zoning committee for a lot to be rezoned near the Postville Courthouse. There are plans to put up a convenience store. This property is in the same area that is being planned as a historic district. People interested in this issue should either send a signed letter of objection to the zoning board of appeals or plan to attend the meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 16, at Lincoln City Hall.

City Hall

Attn.: Board of Appeals

Lincoln, IL 62656

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Jan Schumacher has prepared a brochure for a walking tour of the local Looking for Lincoln sites. It includes a map of the downtown area as well as one of the whole city. Ostendorf prints will be included, and the brochures will distributed in the area. The first printing will include 3,500 copies of the walking tour. It has been determined that most visitors to the Lincoln sites gain the information from travel writers and Main Street.

Ron Keller, director of the Lincoln College Museum, reported that the museum has a Madigan collection on temporary display until the new museum is built. The collection contains letters and other items which cover the work of Ed Madigan when he was in the House of Representatives as well as when he served as secretary of agriculture. The college expects that the Lincoln Center will be completed by commencement 2003.

Gillette Ransom announced that the Elkhart Homecoming is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday on Main Street in downtown Elkhart. The homecoming begins with a citywide yard sale at 8 a.m. There will be a parade at 3 p.m. Other attractions will include a cruise-in with all makes and models of cars, food, children's carnival games with prizes, and a kiddie tractor pull. Hypnotist Kent Sorrels and local talent will provide entertainment from 5:30 to 7 p.m. A street dance with music by UpFront will commence at 8 p.m., and there will be a cash drawing at 9 p.m. On Sunday, biscuits and gravy will be served from 7 to 11 a.m.

[Kathleen McCullough]

[JULY 20, 2001]  As the first day of school approaches, local children, teachers and administrators won’t be the only ones packing their lunches and sharpening their pencils. Preparations are already under way for the Foster Grandparents of CIEDC to return to West Lincoln-Broadwell, Central, Adams, Jefferson, Northwest, Washington-Monroe and Chester-East Lincoln schools, where they will assist children with reading, writing and other special needs.

"As America goes back to school, our Foster Grandparents join thousands of Senior Corps volunteers who serve in school settings throughout the country," says Paula Poe, project director. Nationally, one-third of all Foster Grandparents serve in public and private schools, helping young children with special needs improve their literacy skills. Roughly the same number of Foster Grandparents address early childhood needs in Head Start programs and day-care centers.

"The Foster Grandparent program harnesses the time, talent and experience of one generation for the benefit of another," says Harris Wofford, CEO of the Corporation for National Service, which oversees the Foster Grandparent program. "The impact that a relatively small group of senior volunteers can have on students and an entire school is truly remarkable.

"The extra time and love that the Foster Grandparents can give individual children is worth it all."

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The CIEDC Foster Grandparent program has approximately 75 volunteers serving in eight counties in schools, Head Start and day-care centers. These volunteers also serve in Brenda Edgar’s "READS" program, Retirees Educating and Assisting in the Development of Students.

The National Service is a movement that engages Americans of all ages and backgrounds to help solve community problems. In addition to the Senior Corps — which involves a half million Americans age 60 and older as Foster Grandparents to troubled children and youth, Senior Companions to the homebound elderly, and RSVP volunteers in a myriad of community projects — the Corporation for National Service also oversees Ameri-Corps and Learn and Serve America.

[CIEDC news release]

[JULY 19, 2001]  Ways to bridge the gap between the cost of the original design of the new Central School and the funds available to build it were the main subject of discussion at the July 18 meeting of the Lincoln Elementary District 27 school board.

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[Joan Crabb]

[JULY 19, 2001]  Motorists who park illegally in zones marked "No parking from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m." will soon see their fines go up from $3 per violation to $25. An ordinance raising the fine was passed July 16 by the Lincoln City Council.

[Joan Crabb]

Board debates motion to pay deputy’s bill

[JULY 18, 2001]  At last night’s Logan County Board meeting, board member Jim Griffin made the motion to pay Deputy Bob Spickard’s legal fees. The deputy is faced with fees of $16,029.66, of which he has personally paid $8,000 to date. Spickard incurred the expenses from his defense against criminal charges initiated by Kevin Gleason of Hartsburg for a July 25, 1999, incident. The motion, immediately seconded by Sonny Sullivan, signaled the beginning of a strongly worded and lengthy debate.

Doug Dutz requested a last clarification of the law from State’s Attorney Tim Huyett. Huyett, seemingly impatient with another request, advised the board that Illinois law protects law enforcement officials against civil but not criminal charges. When Dutz asked Huyett if that meant the board could be sued for paying Spickard’s bill, Huyett stated that the county is required to expend funds for only legitimate public purposes. The question of whether an individual could sue the county for paying such bills was noted as a possibility by the state’s attorney. Huyett made it clear that his function at the meeting was to advise the board on the law and not to tell them which way they must vote.

Griffin, Sullivan and David Hepler all expressed their belief that the board should pay the deputy’s legal fees to show the board supports its employees.

Board members Roger Bock and Rod White both expressed concern about where the money to pay this expense would come from. Sullivan stated that the sheriff’s department had collected $400,000 this year in fines and fees but was advised by White that an expense such as the payment of the deputy’s fees was not part of any budget and must come out of the contingency fund.

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Board member Dale Voyles stated he had changed his mind based on the state’s attorney’s explanation of the law (and on roll call voted "no"). New member Gloria Luster stated she was concerned that this would create a precedent for future payments and also intended to vote "no."

Paul Gleason made a futile attempt to amend the motion to pay half of Spickard’s bill, but it fell on deaf ears. Before the vote, Spickard addressed the board, saying he believed that as his employer the board carried certain obligations, although unwritten or unsaid. He stated that he performed his duties as trained and did not believe his expenses should fall on himself and his family.

The vote, not taken until every board member except Chairman Dick Logan had spoken at least once, or in Griffin’s case six times, was quick and as decisive as a guillotine: seven votes against paying the deputy’s expenses, three in favor. Those voting against paying the deputy’s attorney fees were Logan, Voyles, Dutz, White, Bock, Luster and Gleason. Those voting to pay the bills were Griffin, Sullivan and Hepler. The meeting was adjourned.

[Mike Fak]

[JULY 18, 2001]  The Healthy Communities Partnership of Logan County received the Outstanding Rural Health Practice award of the National Rural Health Association. Julie Casper, of the Center for Rural Health of the Illinois Department of Public Health, presented an engraved glass plaque to Dayle Eldredge, coordinator of the local partnership, at the June 28 "Report to the Community."

The National Rural Health Association represents providers of health-care services, agricultural associations, government and industry. Their national convention in late May recognized leaders throughout the nation. The Outstanding Rural Health Practice award was given for innovative programs and strong community collaboration and support.

Healthy Communities Partnership Coordinator Dayle Eldredge said: "This award would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of many individuals. The community of Lincoln and all of Logan County has much to be proud of, and they can be especially proud of the Healthy Communities Partnership."

[HCP news release]

[JULY 18, 2001]  During the summer months, heat waves can occur anywhere in Illinois and affect anyone. Young children, elderly people and people with health problems are most likely to be affected. This is a reminder to everyone.

• Plan to check on the elderly and those with health problems at least once a day during hot weather.

• Don’t leave children in a parked car.

• Make sure you drink plenty of liquids during hot weather.

Doing small things can make a big difference.

This public service announcement is brought to you by Lincoln Daily News and the Logan County Health Department.

[News release]

[JULY 17, 2001]  CEFCU is proud to be able to assist the Lincoln Police Department in purchasing bulletproof ballistic safety vests for their newly established Emergency Response Team. The Lincoln Police Department ERT was formed a little more than a year ago in proactive preparedness for potential situations that require immediate action. It was recognized that while there are state-trained teams that will come here should the need arise, a local, quick-acting response will have much better results.

Every shift there are always at least two officers on duty who are trained in certain types of emergency responses, such as a terrorism or hostage situations. They are familiar with the layouts of our schools and have courses of action worked out that could save lives when time counts. Of course it is hoped that this will never be needed, but planning for it will make any efforts more successful if anything ever should happen. Knowing that our police department has made plans should be a comfort to the community and a hope that we will never need to implement them.

These vests will assure that the increased dangers encountered by the Emergency Response Team will not be as life-threatening and will allow the officers to successfully complete their missions.

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[Presenting a check to the Lincoln Police Department are Mary Conrady, CEFCU Member Center manager, and Laura Ziegle, CEFCU vice president of branch operations, with Lincoln Police Chief Richard Montcalm and Community Policing Officer Tim Butterfield receiving it.]

Laura Ziegle, vice president of branch operations, and Mary E. Conrady, Member Center manager in Lincoln, stated in a press release that CEFCU is "privileged to be able to work with such a dedicated group of people and play a part in their life-changing work."

With thanks to CEFCU’s members and board of directors, the women presented a check for $2,500 to the Lincoln Police Department.

[LDN and
CEFCU news release]

[JULY 17, 2001]  The on-again, off-again status of the East Park subdivision was finally resolved Monday evening when the Lincoln City Council gave Rodney White unanimous approval for his 16-home development on North Sherman Street.

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[Joan Crabb]

[JULY 16, 2001]  The swearing-in of Claude "Bud" Stone, Jr. to the 45^th District Senate seat is scheduled for 4 p.m. today at Freedom Hall, 349 W. Birchwood in Morton. Third District Appellate Judge William E. Holdridge will administer the oath of office to the newly appointed senator. Stone, of Morton, was chosen July 12 to serve the remaining 17 months of Sen. Bob Madigan’s unexpired term. The public is invited to attend the ceremony.

[JULY 16, 2001]  The house at 1208 N. Ottawa St., across from Lincoln College athletic fields, is moving today. It is being moved by Goodwin House Movers, Inc. of Washington, Iowa. The moving company owner, Rick Goodwin, says they have moved houses for six generations, since 1930.

The house was previously owned by Lincoln College and now is in the possession of S.M. Davis. It is not being moved too far. Its next location is 1302 N. Kankakee St.

Utility services involved with the move are CILCO, Insight and Verizon.

[LDN]

[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]

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]

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