Spring construction date set for
Brainard Landing development

[SEPT. 27, 2001]  Construction of Phase 1 of Brainard Landing, an affordable apartment complex to be developed at 21st and State streets, may begin as early as March of next year, the Lincoln City Council learned Tuesday evening.

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[Joan Crabb]

[SEPT. 26, 2001]  The final design of the $9,804,009 improvement to Lincoln’s wastewater treatment plant has been completed and sent to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for approval, and what remains to be done, besides waiting to see when funding will be approved, is for the city’s council to approve a rate increase to pay for it.

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City may have right to buy water franchise

[Joan Crabb]

[SEPT. 26, 2001]  State Sen. Claude "Bud" Stone from the 45th District attended a meeting of the Senate Executive Subcommittee on Gambling and heard testimony about proposals to expand legalized gambling in Illinois to include video gaming. The August hearing was at the Capitol in Springfield.

‘A Celebration of Patriotism and Remembrance’ at Hartsburg-Emden High

[SEPT. 25, 2001]  On Friday, Sept. 21, the Hartsburg-Emden High School had an assembly at 2 p.m. in the high school gymnasium to honor those who lost their lives in the "Attack on America."

Walking into the school, people were met with floods of red, white and blue, along with a wall of stars and pictures of those who have served our country or are presently serving. These patriotic colors were mixed in with blue corduroy jackets of proud FFA members.

The Hartem FFA members introduced guest speakers and performed the flag-raising ceremony at the assembly. The guest speakers included our state representative, Jonathan Wright, Dan Fulscher and "Bucky" Washam of the Lincoln Rural and Lincoln Fire Departments, and Jim Thomas of Emden. Remembrance, heroism and patriotism were the topics discussed, as well as the sounding of the Last Alarm.

[Gene Bathe (at left), chief of the Hartsburg Fire Department, and Dick Reiners, representing the Emden Fire Department, sound the bell three sets of three rings for the Last Alarm.]

Thanks to Miss Bathe, Mrs. Curry and Mrs. Pech for organizing the assembly. Thanks also to all of the members of the color guard from the Hartsburg Legion Post 1146 and Emden Legion Post 506, the Emden Fire Department, Hartsburg Fire Department and the community for coming and supporting America.

[News release]

Gain great savings at the Bergner’s
Community Day and help build a home

[SEPT. 25, 2001]  Board members and workers for Habitat for Humanity are eager to begin constructing a new house. They have several properties lined up to put houses on, but funding is needed. Recent past projects — two houses in one year is a lot — have left a depletion of funds and some bills that still need to paid off. Then the organization would like to have some money ahead for the next project. Their goal is to start a new home this coming spring. You can help them reach this goal by participating in the Bergner’s Community Day Sale.

What is the Bergner’s Community Day Sale?

Bergner’s Community Day Sale is a special event that takes place on Saturday, Nov. 17. Customers for the sale can purchase an event packet that contains special savings certificates to use on most merchandise throughout the store (including some merchandise that rarely goes on sale), plus the chance to win an exciting trip for two to Puerto Rico!

How can this event help Habitat for Humanity raise money?

Habitat for Humanity is selling packets for $5 each, and 100 percent of the $5 packet price is theirs to keep! By purchasing these event packets, you are helping Habitat for Humanity raise much-needed funds while enjoying great savings!

What will you receive with your event packet purchase?

With each $5 event packet purchase, you’ll receive five $10 savings certificates to use on merchandise purchases throughout the store. You’ll also enjoy delicious refreshments, and you’ll get the chance to win an exotic trip to Puerto Rico. Plus, you’ll be supporting and strengthening our communities!

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How can I purchase an event packet?

Event packets may be purchased from any board members of Habitat for Humanity of Logan County. Packets will also be available for purchase at any of the Bergner’s locations from Sept. 10 through Nov. 17. Funds raised from in-store event packet sales will be divided equally among schools and groups participating in the event.

To purchase packets or for more information, you may contact any of the board members of Habitat for Humanity of Logan County:

George Dahmm, (217) 732-6234

Harley Petri, (217) 947-2707

Bill Sahs, (217) 737-0346

Phil Dehner at A.G. Edwards, (217) 732-2861

Leonard Krusemark, (217) 376-3234

Terry Lock at Illini Bank, (217) 735-2238

Lyle Fout, (217) 947-2935

Ken Benham, (217) 732-8101

Ken Tappendorf, (217) 732-9732

Businesses where packets may be picked up:

A.G. Edwards, 628 Broadway St., Suite 1, in Lincoln

Illini Bank, 2201 Woodlawn Road, Lincoln or 120 Gov. Oglesby, Elkhart

[LDN and news release]

United they share

[SEPT. 24, 2001]  ^“We are the threads of the blanket of freedom. As Americans, we don’t have a choice; we have to do something." And so, with her words and through her devotion, Carrie Granito continues to weave her own thread of patriotism. Implementing and at the helm of the community relief efforts for the "Attack on America," Granito is busy rounding up manpower for a relief auction set for Sunday, Sept. 30. The auction will be at 2 p.m. in the Lincoln Rec Center, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

[SEPT. 21, 2001]  President Bush addressed a joint session of Congress Thursday evening.  Speaking to the nation, he denounced recent acts of terrorism and demanded that the Taliban militia surrender suspected terrorists, saying, “They will hand over the terrorists or they will share in their fate.”  Continuing his speech in absolutes, the president called for nations to side with the United States or they would be considered with the terrorists.  He also revealed a new cabinet position, the Office of Homeland Security, to be headed by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge.

THE PRESIDENT:  Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro Tempore, members of Congress, and fellow Americans:   

In the normal course of events, Presidents come to this chamber to report on the state of the Union.  Tonight, no such report is needed.  It has already been delivered by the American people. 

We have seen it in the courage of passengers, who rushed terrorists to save others on the ground -- passengers like an exceptional man named Todd Beamer.  And would you please help me to welcome his wife, Lisa Beamer, here tonight. 

We have seen the state of our Union in the endurance of rescuers, working past exhaustion.  We have seen the unfurling of flags, the lighting of candles, the giving of blood, the saying of prayers -- in English, Hebrew, and Arabic.  We have seen the decency of a loving and giving people who have made the grief of strangers their own. 

My fellow citizens, for the last nine days, the entire world has seen for itself the state of our Union -- and it is strong. 

Tonight we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom.  Our grief has turned to anger, and anger to resolution.  Whether we bring our enemies to justice, or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done. 

I thank the Congress for its leadership at such an important time.  All of America was touched on the evening of the tragedy to see Republicans and Democrats joined together on the steps of this Capitol, singing "God Bless America."  And you did more than sing; you acted, by delivering $40 billion to rebuild our communities and meet the needs of our military. 

Speaker Hastert, Minority Leader Gephardt, Majority Leader Daschle and Senator Lott, I thank you for your friendship, for your leadership and for your service to our country.   

And on behalf of the American people, I thank the world for its outpouring of support.  America will never forget the sounds of our National Anthem playing at Buckingham Palace, on the streets of Paris, and at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate.   

We will not forget South Korean children gathering to pray outside our embassy in Seoul, or the prayers of sympathy offered at a mosque in Cairo.  We will not forget moments of silence and days of mourning in Australia and Africa and Latin America. 

Nor will we forget the citizens of 80 other nations who died with our own:  dozens of Pakistanis; more than 130 Israelis; more than 250 citizens of India; men and women from El Salvador, Iran, Mexico and Japan; and hundreds of British citizens.  America has no truer friend than Great Britain.   Once again, we are joined together in a great cause -- so honored the British Prime Minister has crossed an ocean to show his unity of purpose with America.  Thank you for coming, friend. 

On September the 11th, enemies of freedom committed an act of war against our country.  Americans have known wars -- but for the past 136 years, they have been wars on foreign soil, except for one Sunday in 1941.  Americans have known the casualties of war -- but not at the center of a great city on a peaceful morning.  Americans have known surprise attacks -- but never before on thousands of civilians.  All of this was brought upon us in a single day -- and night fell on a different world, a world where freedom itself is under attack. 

Americans have many questions tonight.  Americans are asking:  Who attacked our country?  The evidence we have gathered all points to a collection of loosely affiliated terrorist organizations known as al Qaeda.  They are the same murderers indicted for bombing American embassies in Tanzania and Kenya, and responsible for bombing the USS Cole. 

Al Qaeda is to terror what the mafia is to crime.  But its goal is not making money; its goal is remaking the world -- and imposing its radical beliefs on people everywhere. 

The terrorists practice a fringe form of Islamic extremism that has been rejected by Muslim scholars and the vast majority of Muslim clerics -- a fringe movement that perverts the peaceful teachings of Islam.  The terrorists' directive commands them to kill Christians and Jews, to kill all Americans, and make no distinction among military and civilians, including women and children. 

This group and its leader -- a person named Osama bin Laden -- are linked to many other organizations in different countries, including the Egyptian Islamic Jihad and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.  There are thousands of these terrorists in more than 60 countries.  They are recruited from their own nations and neighborhoods and brought to camps in places like Afghanistan, where they are trained in the tactics of terror.  They are sent back to their homes or sent to hide in countries around the world to plot evil and destruction. 

The leadership of al Qaeda has great influence in Afghanistan and supports the Taliban regime in controlling most of that country.  In Afghanistan, we see al Qaeda's vision for the world. 

Afghanistan's people have been brutalized -- many are starving and many have fled.  Women are not allowed to attend school.  You can be jailed for owning a television.  Religion can be practiced only as their leaders dictate.  A man can be jailed in Afghanistan if his beard is not long enough.   

The United States respects the people of Afghanistan -- after all, we are currently its largest source of humanitarian aid -- but we condemn the Taliban regime.  It is not only repressing its own people, it is threatening people everywhere by sponsoring and sheltering and supplying terrorists.  By aiding and abetting murder, the Taliban regime is committing murder.   

And tonight, the United States of America makes the following demands on the Taliban:  Deliver to United States authorities all the leaders of al Qaeda who hide in your land.  Release all foreign nationals, including American citizens, you have unjustly imprisoned.  Protect foreign journalists, diplomats and aid workers in your country.  Close immediately and permanently every terrorist training camp in Afghanistan, and hand over every terrorist, and every person in their support structure, to appropriate authorities.  Give the United States full access to terrorist training camps, so we can make sure they are no longer operating.   

These demands are not open to negotiation or discussion.  The Taliban must act, and act immediately.  They will hand over the terrorists, or they will share in their fate.   

I also want to speak tonight directly to Muslims throughout the world.  We respect your faith.  It's practiced freely by many millions of Americans, and by millions more in countries that America counts as friends.  Its teachings are good and peaceful, and those who commit evil in the name of Allah blaspheme the name of Allah.  The terrorists are traitors to their own faith, trying, in effect, to hijack Islam itself.  The enemy of America is not our many Muslim friends; it is not our many Arab friends.  Our enemy is a radical network of terrorists, and every government that supports them. 

Our war on terror begins with al Qaeda, but it does not end there.  It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated. 

Americans are asking, why do they hate us?  They hate what we see right here in this chamber -- a democratically elected government.  Their leaders are self-appointed.  They hate our freedoms -- our freedom of religion, our freedom of speech, our freedom to vote and assemble and disagree with each other. 

They want to overthrow existing governments in many Muslim countries, such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.  They want to drive Israel out of the Middle East.  They want to drive Christians and Jews out of vast regions of Asia and Africa. 

These terrorists kill not merely to end lives, but to disrupt and end a way of life.  With every atrocity, they hope that America grows fearful, retreating from the world and forsaking our friends.  They stand against us, because we stand in their way. 

We are not deceived by their pretenses to piety.  We have seen their kind before.  They are the heirs of all the murderous ideologies of the 20th century.  By sacrificing human life to serve their radical visions -- by abandoning every value except the will to power -- they follow in the path of fascism, and Nazism, and totalitarianism.  And they will follow that path all the way, to where it ends:  in history's unmarked grave of discarded lies.   

Americans are asking:  How will we fight and win this war?   We will direct every resource at our command -- every means of diplomacy, every tool of intelligence, every instrument of law enforcement, every financial influence, and every necessary weapon of war -- to the disruption and to the defeat of the global terror network. 

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This war will not be like the war against Iraq a decade ago, with a decisive liberation of territory and a swift conclusion.  It will not look like the air war above Kosovo two years ago, where no ground troops were used and not a single American was lost in combat. 

Our response involves far more than instant retaliation and isolated strikes.  Americans should not expect one battle, but a lengthy campaign, unlike any other we have ever seen.  It may include dramatic strikes, visible on TV, and covert operations, secret even in success.  We will starve terrorists of funding, turn them one against another, drive them from place to place, until there is no refuge or no rest.  And we will pursue nations that provide aid or safe haven to terrorism.  Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.  From this day forward, any nation that continues to harbor or support terrorism will be regarded by the United States as a hostile regime. 

Our nation has been put on notice:  We are not immune from attack.  We will take defensive measures against terrorism to protect Americans.  Today, dozens of federal departments and agencies, as well as state and local governments, have responsibilities affecting homeland security.  These efforts must be coordinated at the highest level.  So tonight I announce the creation of a Cabinet-level position reporting directly to me -- the Office of Homeland Security.   

And tonight I also announce a distinguished American to lead this effort, to strengthen American security: a military veteran, an effective governor, a true patriot, a trusted friend -- Pennsylvania's Tom Ridge.  He will lead, oversee and coordinate a comprehensive national strategy to safeguard our country against terrorism, and respond to any attacks that may come.   

These measures are essential.  But the only way to defeat terrorism as a threat to our way of life is to stop it, eliminate it, and destroy it where it grows. 

Many will be involved in this effort, from FBI agents to intelligence operatives to the reservists we have called to active duty.  All deserve our thanks, and all have our prayers.  And tonight, a few miles from the damaged Pentagon, I have a message for our military:  Be ready.  I've called the Armed Forces to alert, and there is a reason.  The hour is coming when America will act, and you will make us proud. 

This is not, however, just America's fight.  And what is at stake is not just America's freedom.  This is the world's fight.  This is civilization's fight.  This is the fight of all who believe in progress and pluralism, tolerance and freedom. 

We ask every nation to join us.  We will ask, and we will need, the help of police forces, intelligence services, and banking systems around the world.  The United States is grateful that many nations and many international organizations have already responded -- with sympathy and with support.  Nations from Latin America, to Asia, to Africa, to Europe, to the Islamic world.  Perhaps the NATO Charter reflects best the attitude of the world:  An attack on one is an attack on all. 

The civilized world is rallying to America's side.  They understand that if this terror goes unpunished, their own cities, their own citizens may be next.  Terror, unanswered, can not only bring down buildings, it can threaten the stability of legitimate governments.  And you know what -- we're not going to allow it. 

Americans are asking:  What is expected of us?  I ask you to live your lives, and hug your children.  I know many citizens have fears tonight, and I ask you to be calm and resolute, even in the face of a continuing threat. 

I ask you to uphold the values of America, and remember why so many have come here.  We are in a fight for our principles, and our first responsibility is to live by them.  No one should be singled out for unfair treatment or unkind words because of their ethnic background or religious faith. 

I ask you to continue to support the victims of this tragedy with your contributions.  Those who want to give can go to a central source of information, libertyunites.org, to find the names of groups providing direct help in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. 

The thousands of FBI agents who are now at work in this investigation may need your cooperation, and I ask you to give it. 

I ask for your patience, with the delays and inconveniences that may accompany tighter security; and for your patience in what will be a long struggle. 

I ask your continued participation and confidence in the American economy.  Terrorists attacked a symbol of American prosperity.  They did not touch its source.  America is successful because of the hard work, and creativity, and enterprise of our people.  These were the true strengths of our economy before September 11th, and they are our strengths today. 

And, finally, please continue praying for the victims of terror and their families, for those in uniform, and for our great country.  Prayer has comforted us in sorrow, and will help strengthen us for the journey ahead. 

Tonight I thank my fellow Americans for what you have already done and for what you will do.  And ladies and gentlemen of the Congress, I thank you, their representatives, for what you have already done and for what we will do together. 

Tonight, we face new and sudden national challenges.  We will come together to improve air safety, to dramatically expand the number of air marshals on domestic flights, and take new measures to prevent hijacking.  We will come together to promote stability and keep our airlines flying, with direct assistance during this emergency. 

We will come together to give law enforcement the additional tools it needs to track down terror here at home.  We will come together to strengthen our intelligence capabilities to know the plans of terrorists before they act, and find them before they strike. 

We will come together to take active steps that strengthen America's economy, and put our people back to work. 

Tonight we welcome two leaders who embody the extraordinary spirit of all New Yorkers:  Governor George Pataki, and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.  As a symbol of America's resolve, my administration will work with Congress, and these two leaders, to show the world that we will rebuild New York City.    

After all that has just passed -- all the lives taken, and all the possibilities and hopes that died with them -- it is natural to wonder if America's future is one of fear.  Some speak of an age of terror.  I know there are struggles ahead, and dangers to face.  But this country will define our times, not be defined by them.  As long as the United States of America is determined and strong, this will not be an age of terror; this will be an age of liberty, here and across the world. 

Great harm has been done to us.  We have suffered great loss.  And in our grief and anger we have found our mission and our moment.  Freedom and fear are at war.  The advance of human freedom -- the great achievement of our time, and the great hope of every time -- now depends on us.  Our nation -- this generation -- will lift a dark threat of violence from our people and our future.  We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage.  We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail. 

It is my hope that in the months and years ahead, life will return almost to normal.  We'll go back to our lives and routines, and that is good.  Even grief recedes with time and grace.  But our resolve must not pass.  Each of us will remember what happened that day, and to whom it happened.  We'll remember the moment the news came -- where we were and what we were doing.  Some will remember an image of a fire, or a story of rescue.  Some will carry memories of a face and a voice gone forever. 

And I will carry this:  It is the police shield of a man named George Howard, who died at the World Trade Center trying to save others.  It was given to me by his mom, Arlene, as a proud memorial to her son.  This is my reminder of lives that ended, and a task that does not end. 

I will not forget this wound to our country or those who inflicted it.  I will not yield; I will not rest; I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people. 

The course of this conflict is not known, yet its outcome is certain.  Freedom and fear, justice and cruelty, have always been at war, and we know that God is not neutral between them. 

Fellow citizens, we'll meet violence with patient justice -- assured of the rightness of our cause, and confident of the victories to come.  In all that lies before us, may God grant us wisdom, and may He watch over the United States of America. 

Thank you.

[Office of the Press Secretary,
The White House]

[SEPT. 21, 2001]  Representatives of Lincoln Christian College and Seminary, Lincoln College, and Heartland Community College described new student programs and major building projects either planned, completed or in progress. They spoke at a breakfast meeting on Sept. 29 sponsored by the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce Government/Education Committee at Al’s Main Event in Lincoln.

Gary Edwards, vice president of stewardship development at LCC, said his campus has $5 million in new construction, including a new maintenance center, renovated dormitories and classrooms, and a new gymnasium scheduled for completion in December. The school has allocated $500,000 to return a teacher education program to the campus and has 80 students currently enrolled in its weekend cohort degree-completion program.

Ron Schilling, executive vice president at LC, said that three residence halls have been built in Lincoln in the last three years and four in Normal, and a 48,000-square-foot field house and museum is planned, with construction possibly starting in the spring. The school’s bachelor of arts program in liberal arts began in Normal this fall, with the bachelor of science in business management scheduled to start in the spring.

Jon Astroth, president of Heartland, announced plans for an 80,000-square-foot building to be constructed in three to four years to move vocational-technical and industry training courses onto the permanent campus. Both the Normal and Lincoln enrollments have increased this fall, with the Lincoln growth in online courses.

Edwards said Lincoln Christian College and Seminary enrollment is relatively unchanged at about 1,200 students, 80 percent of whom are full-time. There are currently four cohorts of 20 students each in the weekend cohort program for degree completion, and the program has a waiting list. Education majors now enroll in a 3-plus-2 program, three years at LCC and two at another institution. Returning a teacher education program to campus would reduce these students’ college load from five to four years.

Dormitories on the LCC campus have been gutted and renovated, with new ceilings, computer access in each room and modular, stackable furniture. The flat roofs have been transformed into hip roofs, and the two oldest dorms have new windows. Married student housing has also been remodeled. Edwards said dormitories are full, with some students living in apartments in town as well.

All yellow-brick buildings at LCC have been stained to a sand color. Many classrooms, including those in Restoration Hall, have also been renovated. A new maintenance facility has been constructed on the edge of campus, and the centrally located former maintenance building has been turned into a student center, dubbed "The Warehouse." The center offers a 54-inch television and a stage that can be rolled outside for outdoor as well as indoor concerts.

Vocational-technical courses and business and industry training are currently conducted at Towanda Plaza in Bloomington. Astroth said a building on the permanent campus to house these programs is planned for three to four years from now. He said Heartland worked with 55 businesses during the past year to design and offer classes customized for their employees. Some of these classes are offered at the firm’s workplace.

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The LCC gymnasium is expected to be completed the first part of December, despite the fact that more and deeper pylons were needed than originally planned. Edwards said proposals are also being made to potential donors for a new library costing $5 million to $7 million.

Schilling reported a Lincoln College enrollment slightly over 1,100 on the three campuses, including Lincoln, Normal and the Midwest College of Cosmetology. He said full-time enrollment is up but part-time is down. Sixty are enrolled in the new 2-plus-2 program in Normal, which offers two-year-college graduates the opportunity to complete their baccalaureate degree. The current students are working toward a bachelor of arts in liberal arts. Applications are also being taken for a bachelor of science program in business management, tentatively scheduled to begin in the spring 2002 semester.

Schilling said the business management program will require six credit hours of internship in a business or industry, with most or all being located in Bloomington-Normal. In addition, the Lincoln campus places a number of teacher assistants in local schools.

Both Lincoln and Normal campuses of Lincoln College have multiple new residence halls. Heritage North, West and South dorms in Lincoln have been built in the last three years, and one previous dormitory was razed. Rooms are laid out in pairs, with each two student bedrooms joined by a common bathroom. In Normal four dormitories have been built since 1998, laid out in four-bedroom apartments with two full baths and kitchens, since there is no dining hall. A 3,000-square-foot activity building is complete or virtually so, and a fifth 48-bed dormitory will be begun in the spring.

Schilling said that, in addition to a larger gymnasium, the planned Lincoln Center has 7,000 square feet allotted for a museum, 3,000 for a physical fitness center and 4,000 for a wrestling room. The fund drive for the Lincoln Center is not yet in its public phase but has already received several significant donations.

Astroth said Heartland Community College has 4,233 credit students this fall, representing an 8 percent increase. Additional students are enrolled in workshops and corporate-specific courses. The Lincoln extension has 200 students, with 50 in online courses. Kristi Kasper is site supervisor at the Lincoln extension. Astroth said it is Heartland’s philosophy to offer most general education requirements at its Lincoln and Pontiac sites as well as in Normal, with more specialized classes concentrated at the permanent campus in Normal.

[Lynn Shearer Spellman]

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