[JULY 23, 2001]  Despite the steamy temperatures, Elkhart residents filled the streets of the village on July 21 to celebrate the renewed Elkhart Homecoming. 

[Click here to see photos from the Elkhart Homecoming]

According to Mayor Dayle Eldredge, "The village decided to start the homecoming again as a fund-raiser to build up the coffers for the 2005 Sesquicentennial. A homecoming is a good way for residents to celebrate, raise money, as well as show others how friendly we are!"

The Saturday festivities included a parade, car show, chicken dinners, children’s games and free entertainment.

The village is already making plans for next year and encourages local families to plan reunions that weekend to make it a true old-fashioned homecoming.

Jessie Burge, 94, an honored parade guest, who had the distinction of being the oldest living Elkhart resident stated, "If I’m here next year, I’ll be back!"

[LDN]

[JULY 23, 2001]  Jonathan Wright, who was recently appointed to fill John Turner’s unexpired term as state representative from the 90th District, has announced that he will step down as Lincoln city attorney as of Aug. 1.

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[Joan Crabb]

[JULY 21, 2001]  A hot-air balloon ride taken during a 1985 vacation to California changed Jim and Nancy Ireland’s life. "We took our first balloon ride that year in the Napa Valley and kind of got hooked on it," Nancy said.

Upon returning to their home in Lincoln, the couple began working on a crew for a hot-air balloonist in the area, but that wasn’t enough to fulfill their passion for their newly discovered sport. They soon purchased their first balloon, named Sunglow for its bright orange color, and Jim earned both his private and commercial pilot’s licenses. The couple now own their third balloon, which retains the same name but is drenched in a rainbow of colors.

But it’s not just the feeling of floating among the clouds or the fantastic views from above that keep the couple involved in the sport. "One of the greatest things about it is seeing people that come out and watch the balloons and take a ride and see how excited they are. Especially the children; they love it," she said

"I just enjoy the flying part of it. I like to fly. It’s just fun to be with the people and see the smile on the kids’ faces," her husband added.

The couple attend approximately 10 festivals a year, mostly in surrounding states, but have also flown several times in the Albuquerque Balloon Festival in New Mexico, which is one of the country’s largest events, with more than 500 participating balloons.

Ireland, 60, who is soon to retire from his job with the Illinois Department of Transportation, said he and his wife, who is already retired, plan to do a lot more traveling with their balloon in the future when time allows.

As with many hot-air balloon enthusiasts, the Irelands’ hobby is shared by their family. Their daughter Sherry, and her fiance are both hot-air balloon pilots, while their other daughter works on the crew.

For 41-year-old Aissa Frazier, the passion for the sport was sparked 13 years ago during her stint as chairman of the Logan County United Way. The organization sponsored one of the balloons at the Logan County Art and Balloon Festival, and her then 3-year-old son, Beau, was fascinated with the large, inflatable object. Over the years, they began
watching local events and assisting balloon crews.

"He wanted a balloon, and I told him when he was 16 he could get his license. We bought a balloon last May, and now we are both student pilots," she said. Her 14-year-old son, Luke, is already studying for the day he can be a student pilot, and her 6-year-old daughter lends a hand, while her two older children also join in the fun when visiting.

"It’s really a big family affair. We fell in love with that aspect of it. Groups of families crew together. For my family, it’s such a draw for us to be together," she said. "It’s fun the whole family can participate in together."

Frazier, vice-president of the Balloon Association of Greater Illinois, has named her balloon "Oh, Baby" because it signifies family ties.

While some pilots travel every weekend to some event across the country, Frazier, a principal at Heyworth Elementary School, said having a balloon has given her a way to help people. Although she does attend festivals and events in the Midwest, she has focused on events close to home and donated her skills to help raise money for a friend suffering from cancer, among other causes.

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"Some pilots travel every weekend and compete. It takes a fair amount of skill to make money competing, but some prize purses are much as $10,000. If you’re competitive, you can support your habit," she said. "We have given charity rides, and we use it for its fun.

"It’s amazing. I feel that God gives you some neat talents you can share with people, and this is my way. When you see people get so excited about something that’s positive and healthy, it’s such a good thing."

And, despite the fact that weather in the Midwest can be unpredictable, she says the view from above gives a new perspective to corn and beans. "I love the solitude. In the morning, the flying is unbelievably beautiful. In Illinois, to fly over a field of crops, it gives you such a good perspective of the beauty even here in the flatland. It gives you a different appreciation," she said.

Frazier also says the sport is something people of all ages can get involved in. "A member of our crew is in her late 60s and she loves it. Whether you’re 2 or 72, there’s something you can do, like drive the car, give weather reports, move the basket and a lot of things that allows everybody to feel like they are a part of it."

The communities of Champaign, Lincoln and Danville, which all host balloon festivals, also seem to have the most hot-air balloonists and balloon dealers. One reason for that, according to Frazier, is that the tradition and love of the sport is being passed on to the next generation. "We’re all grooming our children. Many people who first got involved are now getting their children involved," she said. "The Lincoln festival was small enough at the start that people could get involved. Now, it’s the second largest in central Illinois."

The best time for flying in central Illinois is during the months of August, September and October. "That’s prime ballooning season. The weather is more stable, and we have less rain and turbulence," Frazier said. "But flying in the winter is beautiful. You just have to dress warmer."

(To be continued)

[Penny Zimmerman-Wills]

[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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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.

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."

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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.]

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]

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