LDN - Top Stories

Lincoln Library District eligible for computer grant from Gates foundation

[JULY 28, 2001] The Lincoln Public Library District might soon be receiving a computer grant from the wealthiest couple in the world. According to library director Richard Sumrall, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s U.S. Library Program has determined that the Lincoln Public Library District is eligible to receive a grant as part of a program to place computers, Internet access and other digital information in public libraries throughout Illinois.

"It’s not every day that you learn you might be getting a generous grant from two people who are as well known as Bill and Melinda Gates, so naturally we are thrilled to learn our library is eligible for this important program," said Sumrall.

"More importantly, this grant would allow our library to provide computer access to low-income citizens who might otherwise not have access to such equipment. Local citizens will be able to send e-mail, get on the Internet, and use the computer for other educational and entertainment purposes. Not everyone can afford a computer, but with this grant we can ensure that anyone in Lincoln who wants to access a computer can have such an opportunity."

Sumrall said that Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White and his staff at the Illinois State Library in Springfield have been working for more than two years to bring the Gates Library Initiative to Illinois public libraries. Under the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s U.S. Library Program, funding is specifically targeted to libraries serving low-income communities where the need for access to computers and technology is greatest.

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"We’ve been told the Gates foundation will mail an application to us at the end of August. If all goes as we hope and our application is approved, we could have our computer and other equipment as early as next March. The Gates foundation even sends staff to Illinois to train us on how to use the computers," Sumrall explained.

" The Lincoln Public Library District is very excited to be a part of this innovative program. Bill and Melinda Gates are to be commended for seeking to bridge the so-called ‘digital divide’ and ensuring that all of the citizens of Lincoln have access to computers, the Internet and other digital information."

[Lincoln Public Library news release]

Six great contestants prepared for Logan County Fair queen contest

[JULY 27, 2001] A group of six contestants have been preparing for the queen competition at the 2001 Logan County Fair. The contest takes place on the opening night of the fair, Tuesday, July 27. The event will be at the grandstand at 7:30 p.m., immediately following the 7:15 opening ceremony for the fair.

Each of the contestants is strong in her own right, and pageant director Penny Kilhoffer says they are a strong group of contenders as a whole. They’ve been practicing and are now ready for the big night, with their last rehearsal being on Sunday night before the contest.

Contestants range from 18 to 20 years of age and are all college students. They will go through personal interviews with judges and participate in a swimsuit and evening gown competition on stage.

The newly crowned queen will serve as hostess for the remainder of the Logan County Fair, represent Logan County in the Miss Illinois pageant in January and crown the next Miss Logan County Fair queen in 2002. She will also represent Logan County at other area functions and events.

2001 Logan County Fair
queen contestants

Nicole Fink — 20-year-old daughter of Mike and Brenda Fink of Beason; graduate of LCHS, 2000; will be a sophomore this fall at St. Mary of the Woods; studying veterinary-equine science.

Anna Schmidt — 19-year-old daughter of Gary and Kathy of Lincoln; graduate of New Wine School, 2000; will be a sophomore at Lincoln College; nursing major.

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Ginnifer Sparks — 19-year-old daughter of Steve and Patricia of Emden; graduate of Hartsburg-Emden High School, 2000; will be a sophomore at Greenville College; training for youth ministry.

Katheryne Stoll — 18-year-old daughter of Kenton and Marcia of Chestnut; graduate of Mount Pulaski High School, 2000; sophomore at University of Illinois; studying food science and human nutrition.

Erin Wind — 19-year-old daughter of Richard and Deloris of Lincoln; graduate of New Wine School, 2000; sophomore at Lincoln College; nursing major.

Mary Wood — 19-year-old daughter of Robert and Elizabeth of Lincoln; graduate of LCHS, 2000; sophomore at Eastern Illinois University; history major, working toward a teaching certificate.

[LDN]

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Fair days are nearly here

[JULY 27, 2001] This summer is going by fast! How can you tell? Next week is the opening of the Logan County Fair already, signaling the start of a fun-filled week of entertainment and activities in our fair county!

Looking over the fairgrounds, you see that the tents are up, signs are posted on the racetrack. Concessionaires and vendors are arriving daily, and the stalls are being made ready for the arrival of animals — thousands of animals.

This year the fair will be more fun than ever, and the low ticket-prices make attending the fair what may be the best entertainment buy in Logan County. Again this year, adults are admitted for only $2 and children 12 and under get in for FREE.

A variety of carnival rides will fill the midway of the Logan County Fair. The rides open at 6 p.m. during the week (Tuesday through Friday), at 2 on Saturday and at 1 p.m. on Sunday. All rides take just one ticket, with 16 tickets being available for $15 or just $1 each.

On the showing side, the judging of entries will begin at 4 p.m. on Sunday, when junior steers will be weighed in. Through the week, 4-H projects will be presented and judged; swine, beef and sheep will be groomed and paraded; potted plants will show off; and a few culinary contests will help determine just who is the best cook in the county.

On opening night, the Logan County Fair queen will be selected from amongst a group of beautiful and talented young Logan County women. For the rest of the week, the newly selected queen will preside over the activities of the fair.

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In the grandstand on Wednesday evening, the talented in the county present their best talents. Thursday evening the tractor-pull contest will fill the stands with noise and excitement. Those who visit the fair on Saturday afternoon will have the opportunity to attend harness racing. On Saturday evening the quarter midget cars take to the track, and closing the fair on Sunday evening is the event everyone is waiting for: the demolition derby.

A few other highlights of this upcoming fair: Tuesday morning at 8:30, the fair will host the kiddie tractor pull and on Thursday afternoon at 4, the judging of the winning smile. A 3-on-3 basketball contest will be during the day on Saturday, Aug. 4, for third grade through grade 12 kids, and a chili cook-off Saturday will offer a $200 grand prize for the best chili in the county.

These are merely a few of the highlights of an upcoming, exciting Logan County Fair. Lincoln Daily News will be there, covering the events and reporting on the results.

So, slow your summer down a little, come out and enjoy a good time with your friends from the county at this year’s Logan County Fair, July 31 through Aug. 5.

[LDN staff]

Logan County Board sets budget review

[JULY 27, 2001] The Logan County Board will start its FY 2002 budget review hearings on Friday, Aug. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon. Sessions will continue Wednesday, Aug. 22, from 8 a.m. to noon; Thursday, Aug. 23, from 1 to 4 p.m.; and Friday, Aug. 24, possibly beginning at 8:30 a.m.

When all hearings are completed, the information will be assembled for analysis. After that the auditors will schedule and make a presentation to the full board.

All meetings are in the third-floor jury room at the Logan County Courthouse and are open to the public.

[News release]

Erratic rainfall still helps

[JULY 26, 2001] Scattered rains, accompanied by some lightning and thunder, fell over areas of Logan County Wednesday evening.

Chris Geelhart of the National Weather Service said they had .51 in their rain gauge. Mount Pulaski, the only other official reporting location, had 1.63 inches. Looking at the radar maps, Geelhart said it appeared that the north-northeastern area of the county mostly missed out. Most of the rain followed a trail in the southwestern half of the county, between Middletown and Mount Pulaski.

Despite the erratic rainfall, John Fulton, unit leader of the University of Illinois Extension, said that at this point in time "any moisture is valuable (to crops)." Even the higher humidity helps because plants do not need to draw up as much moisture from the ground, nor do they lose as much moisture to the air when the air is at high moisture saturation.

This is a critical time for soybean seed development. "They are starting to fill pods now," Fulton explained. "At this time crops need about 1 inch rain per week."

[Jan Youngquist]

Campus View Drive homeowners
still seeking sewer hookup

[JULY 25, 2001] Two Lincoln homeowners who do not have the benefit of city sewers appeared again at the city council’s work session July 24 to ask that the city expedite their sewer hookups as soon as possible.

Mike Robbins and Kevin Bateman, who live on Campus View Drive, a dead-end gravel street that curves behind Lincoln Christian College, say they have problems that neither of them can repair, and the problems haven’t gotten any better.

Although they are officially in the city and pay city taxes, they are among 12 homeowners at the edge of Campus View Drive who are not hooked up to the city’s sewer system. The septic systems in their small yards are not big enough to do the job, they report.

"All I have to do is a load of laundry and I’ve got sewer water in my back yard," Mike Robbins of 450 Campus View, told the council.

Robbins and Kevin Bateman, 455 Campus View, appeared before the council in June, asking that the city hook up homeowners on the street to its sewer system. The problem is that although they are in the city, Campus View Drive is not a city street but belongs to LCC, and the city must get permission from LCC to run a sewer line along it.

In June both Robbins and Bateman told the council that sewage backs up into their yards or the lower level of their homes and that sewer contractors have told them their yards are not big enough to put in adequate septic systems.

City officials replied that they have been working on the problem but haven’t yet been given permission for an easement from LCC. Alderman Bill Melton said he had hoped to have permission already. Grant Eaton, sewer plant manager, said he would get in touch with college officials immediately.

Bateman said college officials told him they would be glad to give Campus View Drive to the city. To accept it, however, Eaton said the city would have to bring it up to city code.

"The ordinance won’t allow us to take it the way it is," he said.

"It’s silly to cite that ordinance when you are violating another ordinance by not giving us sewer hookups," Robbins replied.

Bateman pointed out that Campus View Drive in its present condition is still wider than some other streets that are in the city.

Eaton offered to clean their septic tanks at city expense, but Robbins said that had already been done and did not solve the problem.

Eaton also told the homeowners that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has to approve the sewer hookups first, and that can take up to 90 days. He said he would talk to the IEPA and "see if they will work with us. We’ve already been out there and measured. We know what we have to do and we know the cost."

"I feel confident we will be able to work with LCC," Melton said. "I can’t see them holding back on your getting a sewer line."

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Other business:

Traffic routing for balloon fest

The council also discussed routing traffic only one way around the fairgrounds during the balloon fest on Aug. 24, 25 and 26. Traffic would be one-way south on Jefferson Street, one-way west on Short 11th and one-way north on Postville Drive. This would prevent traffic jams when cars are leaving at the end of the evening, according to Alderman Verl Prather. He said cars parked on both sides of Postville also create a hazardous traffic problem

"Handicapped child area" signage

The council also discussed posting signs to alert motorists that handicapped children are in an area. A homeowner on Oscar Street had requested a sign saying "Handicapped child at play" be put up on that street, as well as speed limit signs.

After debating various wordings, the consensus of the council was that the wording "Handicapped child at play" should not be used, as it might imply the city was giving permission for the child to play in the street. A sign reading "Handicapped child area," however, would be acceptable. At present at least one sign saying "Deaf child area" is posted in the city.

Street Superintendent Donnie Osborne said a 20 mph speed limit sign has already been posted in the Oscar Street area and agreed to order a sign saying "Handicapped child area."

Leaf vacuum

Osborne also told the council the city has an opportunity to purchase a used leaf vacuum at a good price, about a $6,000 savings, and the price is within the budget approved earlier this year. He asked if the council could give him permission to negotiate with the seller. Although the city has one leaf vacuum, leaf removal from city streets becomes a problem every fall, and having two machines would be a big advantage, he said. Because it is used equipment, the council agreed that Osborne could negotiate the purchase without going out for bids.

Unemployment compensation

The council also agreed not to challenge the request by former Lincoln Police Chief Richard Ludolph for unemployment compensation from May 13 through June 16.

"We didn’t lay him off, but we didn’t renew his contract. There is no reason we should challenge this. He was without a job for a certain length of time," Alderman Steve Fuhrer said.

City attorney replacement

The council then adjourned to executive session to discuss hiring a new city attorney. The present city attorney, Jonathan Wright, who was appointed to fill John Turner’s unexpired term as state representative, has resigned. No decision was announced after the executive session.

[Joan Crabb]

YMCA’s Partner with Youth campaign set

[JULY 25, 2001] The Lincoln Area YMCA will have its annual Partner With Youth campaign from July 7 to Aug. 5. Keith Snyder has been named the chairman for the 2001 campaign. A father himself, Snyder knows the importance of getting youth involved in activities that support a healthy lifestyle. He is working hard to collect money for the youth of Lincoln. There are 33 community volunteers joining him in the campaign.

Fall will bring more programs for youth and adults, and the campaign will help make it possible for needy families to participate in any YMCA programs. Funds raised during this campaign go toward providing scholarships for families who meet the requirements.

In the year 2000 the local YMCA offered 26 programs to over 12,000 youth. Here are some of the programs offered and what they accomplish: Swim lessons help save children's lives; Tae Kwon Do helps raise self-esteem; Y Leaders Club helps build the leaders of tomorrow. The local YMCA also teaches youth how to cope without being violent, gives special-needs youth a place to belong and have fun, provides a safe environment for teens on weekends, and offers mentoring for troubled youth. No one is ever turned away from a program because of an inability to pay.

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The campaign victory celebration will be on Sunday, Aug., to thank all the volunteers who are giving so generously of their time and efforts.

The Lincoln Area YMCA staff is available to help the "friends of the YMCA" better understand the scope and effect of YMCA programs and services on the community. If you would like to have someone speak to you or your company, please call 735-3915 to set up a date.

[News release; ed. LDN]

Weather warning

It’s too hot!

[JULY 24, 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]

New committee to promote preservation of historic homes and buildings

[JULY 24, 2001] The first meeting of Lincoln’s Historic Homes and Buildings Committee was on July 16 in the office of Mayor Beth Davis. The mission of this committee is "to promote and preserve historic homes and buildings within Lincoln, Illinois for the purpose of recognizing and preserving their historic value."

The committee will be chaired by Lincoln resident Betty York and will meet in the mayor’s office on the third Monday of each month.

The committee’s upcoming plans include developing a public access website, identifying the available local records for research purposes, developing a format to assist the public in researching a home or property, and investigating the availability of grant money for historic restoration.

For more information, call Betty York at 732-8311 or Georgia Vinson at 732-9069.

[News release]

Elkhart experiences a warm homecoming

[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]

Wright to step down as city attorney

[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.

Wright said that because of the time commitment he did not think he could continue to serve as city attorney. He also said he would be scaling down his law practice.

"I have been honored to work with this administration and the city council," he told Lincoln officials at the council meeting July 16. "I leave with a deep sense of sorrow. I have made a lot of good friends here, and I appreciate that above all."

Although he will miss his former job, Wright said he is enjoying his new one. He has set up a district office at 407 Keokuk, which will be staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. He will continue to keep his law office at 503 Broadway open as well. He also plans to set up satellite offices throughout the 90th District, which includes all of Logan, Mason and DeWitt counties and parts of Tazewell, McLean and Piatt counties.

He said he is visiting the various communities in the district, trying to meet with constituents and their concerns.

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Although the legislature will not be in session again until November, Wright said he is hoping to hear within the next week what his committee assignments will be. He is especially interested in being on the agricultural committee, because of the importance of agriculture to the area.

When he accepted the appointment, Wright said he would run again for the seat, even if redistricting changes the makeup of the 90th District. He told the Lincoln Daily News that although there may be many rumors, he did not think there would be any real indication of the new boundaries before November at the earliest. Both parties have just selected their committees to work out new maps, he said, and the committees must then agree. Wright also expects legal challenges regardless of how the maps are drawn.

Redistricting occurs every 10 years, and because of population shifts to the north, in the collar counties around Chicago, district boundaries in central and southern Illinois are expected to shift.

[Joan Crabb]

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