[APRIL 15, 2002]  Sunday spoiled us with another incredibly beautiful spring day at near-record temperatures. It was a perfect day in Kickapoo Creek Park for those walking to raise funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The comment, "What a nice day!" raised chuckles as volunteers looked from one to another and then recalled the other night’s last preparatory meeting. For the second year straight rain seemed an absolute according to weather forecasters. As usual someone ventured to say so. Without hesitation and in a strong voice full of conviction, third year chairman Brenda Centers pronounced, "It is NOT going to rain!" And like last year, it did not. The volunteers joke that Centers either has connections higher up or the heavens simply will not defy her strong will.

Approximately a hundred walkers turned out for the 1:30 walk. There were 86 pre-signed and a good number of additional walk-ons. Twenty-five to 30 volunteers assisted with setup, refreshments, record keeping and numerous other chores. Door prizes were added to this year’s event. The walk is approximately 3 miles, or two times around the park.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. It’s generally diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. Symptoms can range from numbness in the limbs to paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatments are giving hope to those affected by the disease.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides programs and services that make life better for the third of a million Americans with multiple sclerosis and their families and friends. The programs are designed to inform and empower people to maximize their health and independence. In the Greater Illinois region, there are more than 10,000 people with MS.

The annual MS WALK® to benefit the Greater Illinois Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society had 22 sites in northern and central Illinois, including Chicago’s lakefront, scheduled to walk Sunday. Goals of 10,000 walkers and revenue of $2.4 million were expected.

This year over 350,000 walkers will participate in MS Walk — in over 700 sites across the county. Last year the Illinois chapter’s MS Walk generated $2.1 million in pledges and sponsorships — more than any other MS Walk in the country. More than half of the participants walked as part of a corporate, family or friends team — 600 teams in all. "There’s nothing better than sharing that great feeling of helping others with a group of co-workers, family members, friends, even people you meet along the walk," said Maria Maslanka, the chapter’s MS Walk event manager. The average pledge amount per walker was $235. Since its inception, the MS Walk has generated more than $240 million nationally.

Besides raising money to fund research projects and client programs for people with MS, the MS Walk seeks to educate the public about the FDA-approved medications that may delay or reduce future disability in many people with multiple sclerosis. The Greater Illinois Chapter designs programs in response to the many requests it receives for "Knowledge about NIS, Health and Wellness and Independence."

For information about walk sites and volunteer opportunities, go to www.msillinois.org or call 1 800 FIGHT MS.

Spread the word

Thanks to significant advances in research, the FDA has approved several treatments that may alter the underlying disease course of multiple sclerosis, and early treatment is critically important. People with MS should consult their doctors about using one of these FDA-approved medications and other effective treatments for the symptoms of MS. If you or someone you know has MS, contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at 1-800-FIGHT NIS or www.msillinois.org. 

"The National Multiple Sclerosis Society ... One Thing People with MS Can Count On"

MS Walk 2002

Gene and Toni McDonald

Jeanne Handlin

Jim and Nancy Ireland

Deb Conlin

Greg Campbell

Burwell Oil

Bob Neal/Edward Jones

Key Printing/Tom Seggelke

Guzzardo's Italian Villa

Interstate Cheverolet

Century Dental

Woody Jones - State Farm Ins.

Kiwanis Club

Phil Dehner - A.G. Edwards

Lincoln Firefighters Local #3092

American Express - Jim Leisinger

[to top of second column in this article]

Weyerhaeuser

State Bank of Lincoln

Bonanza

Jim Sparrow - Edward Jones

Images - James Coop

Culligan Water

J M Abbott & Assoc.

Graue Inc.

Warren Peters, Attorney

R. Todd Nobbe, O.D.

Dairy Queen

Wm. Todd Walker, DMD

Kenshalo Rousey

Dr. Dan Freesmeier

Apple Dental Center

Row Motors

Thanks to the following for providing in-kind services

Ron Hall Painting

Kickapoo St. Dollar Store

Jim Newsom - DJ

Qik-N-EZ

Tim Centers

Quick Way Foods

Don Hellman - Kickapoo Creek Park

Eagle Country Market

Wal-Mart

Papa John’s Pizza

Insight Communications

Darrell Viermere - Nabisco Products

Graue, Inc.

WMNW Radio 96.3 - Jim Ash

LogOn Productions, Inc. - Mike Fak

Lincolndailynews.com

The Illini football tickets were donated and signed by coach Ron Turner and his staff

Unique Images

Cracker Barrel

Cookie’s Bakery

Weyerhaeuser

Eucalyptus Body Works

MKS Jewelers

Pete’s Hardware

Neal Tire & Auto Service

Logan County Hardware

Party Lite - Amy Lord

The Tannery

Illico Apollo Mart

Johnson’s Food Center

Central Illinois Bank

Kroger

OK Tavern

Eagle Country Market

Interstate Chevrolet

5th Street Mini Mart

American Family Insurance

Coca Cola

Mercedes Benz

Dasani

American Airlines

Sprint

Lifetime

Jewel-Osco

Mac’s Attack, Gene McDonald

Sun Glow Challenge, Brenda Centers

Sharp Team, Eleanor Sharp

Aunt Gina Walkers, Lisa Fuller

Wild Stallions, Katie Bottrell

4 Jon’s Mom, Jonathan Franklin

Jennz Frenz, Jennifer

Cathy’s Crusaders, Cathy Harper

Kickin’ MS for Jennifer

Walking 4 Jenn

[Jan Youngquist
and media releases]

[APRIL 13, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — Any infant born alive, including those surviving an attempted abortion, would be assured proper medical care to protect and preserve their lives, under legislation Rep. Jonathan Wright is advancing in the Illinois House. Wright is the chief House sponsor of two Senate bills designed to protect all newborn infants.

The first, Senate Bill 1661, allows parents of a child born alive as the result of an induced labor abortion to bring legal action against a hospital or health care facility to ensure the child’s medical needs are met and that all necessary steps are being taken to preserve the child’s life.

"Once a child is brought into the world alive, whether that was intended or not, that child has a right to be taken care of to the best of our ability. That is not a question of pro-life or pro-choice beliefs, it’s simple human compassion," Wright said.

The parents may file suit seeking the cost of care, punitive damages and attorney’s fees. With the exception of the attorney’s fees, all other awards will go toward the cost of the child’s medical care. If the infant doesn’t survive, the balance will be deposited in the National Care and Perinatal Hospice Fund to be used to make grants for neonatal care or perinatal hospice to help care for other children.

[to top of second column in this article]

Wright’s second measure, Senate Bill 1662, defines the term "born alive infant" to prevent any misinterpretation of who is covered under the new protections. They will include any human child born alive at any stage of development regardless of whether the delivery was natural or induced labor, cesarean section or an induced abortion.

"Regardless of where you stand on the abortion issue, we should all be able to agree that once a child is here, he or she deserves a chance to live and grow. These new protections will help ensure that," Wright said.

According to Rep. Wright, the measures were guided through the Illinois Senate by Sen. Patrick O’Malley, R-Palos Park. Wright has won their release from the House Rules Committee. Both bills have been assigned to the House Health Care Availability and Access Committee, where they will be debated Tuesday, April 16, at 3:30 pm.

[News release]

[APRIL 13, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — In light of the state’s budget deficits, the Illinois Senate this week rejected pay increases for legislators, judges and high-ranking state officials. The Senate also narrowly defeated a constitutional amendment creating a Supreme Court of Criminal Appeals, according to Sen. Claude "Bud" Stone, R-Morton.

The Senate unanimously approved legislation (Senate Bill 2313) rejecting the automatic 3.8 percent cost-of-living allowance, or COLA, due on July 1 to state government officials whose salaries are determined by the Compensation Review Board. This includes members of the General Assembly, judges, elected constitutional officers and high-ranking state officials.

The Senate also approved Senate Joint Resolution 63, which rejects the 2002 Compensation Review Board report, which recommended a salary increase for associate judges and pension enhancements for all judges. Combined, the two bills represent a savings of approximately $12 million. The state has an $800 million budget deficit and can ill afford the pay increases.

In other news, a constitutional amendment to review all death penalty appeals fell three votes short of the 36 votes needed to pass. All Republican members of the Senate supported the measure, but only one Democrat supported it.

Senate Joint Resolution/Constitutional Amendment 18 would address concerns over the integrity of Illinois’ death penalty process by ensuring experienced judges and attorneys are involved in the capital litigation process. Specifically, the constitutional amendment asks voters to approve the creation of a state Supreme Court of Criminal Appeals to automatically review all death penalty cases and all criminal cases appealed from the state Appellate Court level.

The Senate Transportation Committee also approved legislation (SB 1495) blocking toll increases until the state auditor general conducts a management audit of the toll highway system and requiring the Toll Highway Authority to submit to the General Assembly a detailed 20-year strategic plan. The auditor general must submit preliminary findings by April 15, 2003, with a final report due June 30, 2003.

[to top of second column in this article]

The following Senate bills passed the House and have been sent to the governor:

•  Veterans’ plates (SB 1550) — Allows certain special veterans’ license plates to be issued for motorcycles.

The following Senate bills have passed House committees and await further action on the House floor:

•  Ronald Reagan Day (SB 1553) — Declares Feb. 6 as Ronald Reagan Day to honor the 40th president’s birthday. The day would be commemorative and would not be a legal school holiday.

•  Pledge of Allegiance (SB 1634) — Requires high schools to set aside time each day to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

•  Prescription assistance (SB 2098) — Creates a Senior Health Assistance Program offering a toll-free information hot line where consumers can get information on public and private discount programs. Establishes legislative oversight of the state’s prescription assistance programs and mandates a study to determine the need for catastrophic pharmaceutical assistance coverage for senior citizens who do not qualify for public pharmaceutical plans but who have high prescription costs.

•  Teacher quality (SB 1953) — Prohibits students from enrolling in a teacher preparation program at a recognized teacher training institution until they pass the basic skills test required for teacher certification.

•  Inmate reimbursement (SB 2195) — Requires inmates to provide financial information so the state can collect reimbursement for incarceration expenses.

•  Body piercing (SB 1658) — Requires a parental notification for people younger than 18 for oral cavity piercing to contain a provision stating the health risks involved with oral cavity piercing.

•  National Guard (SB 1583) — Gives state active duty National Guard members the same civil protections as active duty federal military personnel.

[News release]

[APRIL 13, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — AFSCME Council 31 praised the Illinois House of Representatives for sending a strong message to Gov. Ryan that he should not unilaterally accelerate the planned closing dates for the Vienna Correctional Center and the Illinois Youth Center – Valley View.

The Ryan administration had originally announced that Vienna and Valley View would be closed July 31 and Sept. 30, respectively. But on Tuesday, the governor’s representatives informed AFSCME, along with the 561 employees it represents at the facilities, of plans to move up the closing dates to May 15 and lay off virtually all employees at that time.

"The acceleration of the closures ignores the will of the House of Representatives, which just voted to include funding in its fiscal year 2003 budget to keep Vienna and Valley View open," said Henry Bayer, executive director of AFSCME Council 31.

Swiftly responding to the governor’s move, the House today acted to pass a bipartisan resolution by voice vote with no objection that called on the governor to keep his commitment to allow the legislature to complete its work on the FY 2003 budget. The resolution, sponsored by Rep. James Fowler, D-Harrisburg, and other legislators, says, "We strongly oppose the Department of Corrections’ actions in moving inmates during the course of legislative deliberations and oppose any closure or downsizing of Vienna CC or Valley View IYC without legislative approval."

"Once again the House has sent a strong message to Governor Ryan, warning him not to usurp its authority with respect to funding these facilities," added Bayer. "The governor should now realize that the overwhelming majority of legislators are concerned with the safety and security of the prison system."

[to top of second column in this article]

Shuttering the doors of the Vienna and Valley View facilities would require rapidly transferring more than 1,000 inmates to other Illinois prisons within a system that is already overcrowded. The overall system is currently running at 141 percent of capacity, with minimum-security adult facilities such as Vienna at 151 percent of capacity and juvenile facilities at 127 percent. In recent weeks, incidents of violence have been reported in several correctional facilities, and two facilities have been placed on 24-hour lockdown.

"Today’s move by the House is a strong step in the right direction of keeping these facilities open for the communities they benefit and the dedicated security personnel who protect the public," added Rep. Dan Reitz, D-Steeleville, a co-sponsor of the resolution.

Other co-sponsors included Reps. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro; John Jones, R-Mount Vernon; Gary Forby, D-Benton; Thomas Johnson, R-West Chicago; Tim Schmitz, R-Batavia; Douglas Hoeft, R-Elgin; and Mike Boland, D-East Moline.

[News release]

[APRIL 13, 2002]  The Greater Peoria area will have two representatives at the Miss Illinois scholarship program in June. Miss Heart of Illinois Valerie Milam of Eureka and the first-ever "Miss Greater Peoria," Talia Pate of Glasford, were named April 6.

[Left to right:  Miss Greater Peoria Talia Pate,
Miss HOI 2001 Alyssa Gunderson and
Miss HOI 2002 Valerie Milam]

Pate sang a vocal rendition of Gershwin’s "I’ve Got Rhythm," and she promotes children’s literacy as her platform. She is a graduate of Peoria Christian School and is currently studying journalism at Illinois Central College. She hopes to obtain a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University. Pate volunteers at the Children’s Hospital of Illinois, is active in community theater and is editor of the Illinois Army National Guard Family Newsletter. She is also employed by OSF St. Francis Incorporated.

[to top of second column in this article]

Milam is a Eureka College student majoring in music education. In the talent competition she performed a vocal rendition of "On My Knees." Her platform promotes blood donation, and she has worked with various agencies around the state to encourage donations. Last November, she was chairperson for the community blood drive in Eureka, which was sponsored by the Peoria Red Cross. Milam has also taped public service announcements for blood donations.

Milam and Pate will participate in the Miss Illinois Scholarship Pageant June 25, 26, 27, and 28 in Oakbrook Terrace. The winner there will advance to the Miss America competition. For more information, see www.missil.org.

[News release]

[APRIL 12, 2002]  Adding a new twist to the ongoing industrial park discussion, Logan County Board members on Thursday night entertained the possibility of broadening the north-side package to include improving Fifth Street Road to aid development on the west side.

On Friday morning the finance committee passed Dale Voyles’ motion to ask the board to form a committee for immediate discussions to see if there is any feasible way to combine the Fifth Street Road and north-side industrial park projects. The committee would include the supervisors of East and West Lincoln townships, Lincoln Mayor Beth Davis, Economic Development Council Director Mark Smith, county engineer Tom Hickman, county board chair Dick Logan, and the chairs of the city and county finance committees. The full board will vote on the motion at its adjourned session Tuesday night.

One reason the broader package is appealing, according to Voyles, who raised the issue at the board of the whole meeting, is that funds for Fifth Street Road improvement are already in the works. In fact, the project first appeared on the County Highway Department priority list in 1989, according to Hickman.

The county engineer said the current plan is to let bids for the first five miles of the project in spring 2003, with work to begin that summer. The hitch is that work is to start at the west end of the project, on the five miles from County Road 15 between New Holland and Middletown to the Burton View road. Original plans to begin at Lincoln and work west were scrapped when the city declined to participate, according to Lloyd Hellman, vice chairman of the county board.

Voyles said widening Fifth Street Road would enhance existing property, including the already developed Lincoln Industrial Park on Fifth Street Road and the Burwell property on Route 10.

EDC director Smith said, "I’m obviously not opposed to" widening Fifth Street Road, "but not as a replacement for the north side." He said the Illinois Development Finance Authority and Rural Bond Bank prefer packaged projects to effect economy of scale. Smith then emphasized that all but one of industrial prospects showing most interest have favored north-side locations.

Finance committee member Roger Bock called funding for Fifth Street Road a "revenue stream that is in place," but stressed that the money cannot be diverted to another project. Consideration of the industrial park issue was turned over to the finance committee in a unanimous vote.

Smith is looking for a commitment by June that the board will provide approximately $1 million to purchase a 63-acre tract of land near Kruger elevator for an industrial park. He said private sources have given initial indication they would provide one-third of the $2.2 million to purchase the land and get all utilities to the site with access for two to four lots, but the sources will not officially sign on until the city council and county board commit to support. The $2.2 million is the cost of the project presented to the council and board; total development of the site is estimated at $3.3 million, Smith said.

Acting to close another ongoing issue, board members indicated in a straw vote that at Tuesday’s voting session they will approve a one-year renewal of the county health insurance policy with Health Alliance of Champaign, represented by R.W. Garrett Insurance Agency of Lincoln. The renewal raises premiums 23 percent, for an additional cost of $71,000. Board members Jim Griffin, Dave Hepler and Cliff Sullivan said they would oppose the measure.

[to top of second column in this article]

Insurance chair Dale Voyles said the county has had three insurance carriers in four years, one of which went bankrupt. This year, the first after accepting the low bid from Health Alliance, claims have been unusually high, exceeding premiums by $158,000, according to Sara Heidbreder of R.W. Garrett. Three large claims accounted for the overage, which is responsible for 8 percent of the rate hike, Voyles said. He expects to bid out the insurance package next year, when the county will have a longer and perhaps better claims history. The Health Alliance policy can be canceled on 30 days notice.

Health committee chair Dave Hepler, who advocates a change in health plan design, reminded the board that Health Alliance has a D-plus Weiss rating within the industry. The company is wholly owned by Carle Clinic Association, but Hepler quoted a statement that Health Alliance, not Carle Clinic, is "ultimately responsible" for its debts. The Garrett agency has provided evidence that Health Alliance is in $5 million better financial shape than a year ago when the county took the policy.

According to insurance committee minutes, about 40 percent of the 140 county employees are union members, whose insurance packages cannot change until contracts are renegotiated.

In other business the board learned that

•  The Health Department has received two grants from the Illinois Department on Aging through Project Life, Area Agency on Aging. According to Health Department administrator Lloyd Evans, one grant will finance sending health aides to homes of elderly low-income people for temporary relief of full-time caregivers. The other will provide registered nurses to train caregivers at home in such areas as skin care techniques and moving the patient safely.

•  About one-third of the county’s firefighters, 126 to be exact, attended propane awareness training at the Recreation Center on April 10. Emergency Services and Disaster Agency coordinator Dan Fulscher said the training was proved free by the Illinois Fire Service Institute at University of Illinois, and other costs were shared by ESDA, the Lincoln City Fire Department and the Lincoln Rural Fire Protection District. Hicksgas provided the LP gas.

•  The airport golf course has been put on hold since Aviation Golf Services of Wisconsin declined to help finance the project. Airport chair Roger Bock continues to look for private investors. Committee member Doug Dutz emphasized that county funds are not used to run the airport and that there is no plan to use county taxes to build a golf course there. The airport is financed from hangar rental, farm income, fuel sales and special events.

•  The law enforcement committee is checking with the Illinois Department of Corrections on the possibility of using phone money from jail inmates to air-condition the cellblocks. Committee chair Doug Dutz said the cells get up to 90 degrees, and air conditioning might improve behavior.

•  The animal control committee will seek bids for painting the interior of the animal control building. In March, 37 animals were adopted and 35 were destroyed. Committee chair Cliff Sullivan gave part of the credit for the increased percentage of adoptions to the animal control website, which pictures available animals.

•  Carpeting for the state’s attorney’s office will be rebid after the one bid of $6,473.89 from Carpet House was rejected.

[Lynn Shearer Spellman]

[APRIL 12, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — Senate Republicans led the way Thursday in sponsoring and then voting to pass legislation rejecting cost-of-living adjustments for legislators, judges, constitutional officers and other high-ranking state officials, according to Sen. Claude "Bud" Stone.

The increases were due to take effect in July.

"State revenues are down, we’re asking agencies to do with less, state employees are taking furlough days, and we’re contemplating budget cuts. This is the right thing to do," said Stone, R-Morton.

The action would save the state about $11 million to $12 million in the coming fiscal year.

Senate Bill 2313 rejects the automatic 3.8 percent adjustment due to state government officials on July 1. This includes members of the General Assembly, judges, elected constitutional officers and high-ranking state officials. Their salaries are determined by the Compensation Review Board.

[to top of second column in this article]

Senate Joint Resolution 63 rejects the 2002 Compensation Review Board report, which came to the General Assembly on March 27. While the report contained no salary increase for legislators or constitutional officers, it did recommend a salary increase for associate judges and pension enhancements for all judges.

Both measures now await action by the House of Representatives.

[News release]

[APRIL 12, 2002]  The Lincoln Fire Department and Logan County ESDA will be conducting a periodic maintenance and testing of Lincoln’s warning siren system on Monday, April 15, at 1 p.m. The sirens will be sounding to allow technicians to evaluate the audio output.

Should the weather be threatening, this testing will be canceled until the next "fair weather" day at 1 p.m.

This testing does not replace the regularly scheduled test at 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month.

[APRIL 11, 2002]  Athough the amendment filed in the Illinois House of Representatives to provide funding to keep the Lincoln Developmental Center at 240 residents has failed to get out of the rules committee, other House action on the downsizing of LDC was taken yesterday.

Rep. Louis Lang, D-Skokie, and Rep. James Brosnahan, D-Oak Lawn, filed a resolution Wednesday requesting that the Department of Human Services provide documents and testimony in connection with Gov. George Ryan’s plan to downsize LDC.

Lang and Brosnahan filed the resolution on behalf of the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Patient Abuse and the Disabled Community Committee, which held a series of four hearings ending in February of this year on the LDC downsizing. Testimony was given both by advocates of the downsizing and those seeking to keep the Lincoln facility open and operating.

During the hearings, Lang requested that Linda Renee Baker, secretary of the Department of Human Services, the agency that oversees LDC and other centers for the developmentally disabled, submit answers to a detailed list of questions. Baker did not testify in person at any of the hearings.

Lang told the Lincoln Daily News that he submitted the list of 20 questions, some with sub-parts, asking for specific details on how the decision to downsize LDC was made. Lang said he sent the letter to Baker in February but has as yet received no answer or had any contact at all with Baker.

"We asked these questions and we didn’t get answers," he said.

Although the resolution, HR791, does not specify that a public hearing will be held, Lang said it will be assigned to the Mental Health and Patient Abuse Committee, which he heads, and he will then call a hearing, which will be held before this year’s budget negotiations are completed.

According to the resolution, the goal of the committee hearings is "to protect the best interests of LDC clients and the community." Lang said issues concerning mental health and the developmentally disabled are important and do not get enough attention from the General Assembly.

He also said he recognizes the importance of the Lincoln Developmental Center to the Logan County community.

Other news from the House of Representatives this week was not so favorable for LDC. In what Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsythe, called an "orgy of spending pushed through by House Democrats," the Illinois House of Representatives passed bills that added funds to budgets of other state health centers but did not approve an amendment introduced by Mitchell and Rep. Jonathan Wright, R-Hartsburg, to increase funding for the Lincoln Developmental Center.

[to top of second column in this article]

The LDC bill did not get reported out of the rules committee, Mitchell said, and is dead in the House.

The Mitchell-Wright bill would have increased the funding for LDC to $27,816,000, which would have kept the facility at 240 residents and about 480 employees. Ryan is planning to cut the facility down to 100 residents and about 210 employees.

Instead of increasing funding for LDC, the House basically adopted Gov. George Ryan’s plan for funding health and human services, although some extra funds were added, Wright said. Extra funding included $4.9 million for the Elgin Mental Health Center in Elgin, $8.6 million for Zeller Mental Health Center in Peoria and $1.8 million for Singer Mental Health Center, Wright said.

The governor has budgeted only $11 million for LDC for the 2003 fiscal year, compared to a $35.3 million budget for fiscal year 2002. These figures include matching federal funds, according to Wright.

However, both Wright and Mitchell agreed that many changes may be made before the budget is completed.

"Simply because this passes out of the House with increases for Elgin, Singer and Zeller doesn’t mean they will get those increases," Wright said. "It’s giving a false sense of hope to the people of Elgin, Singer and Zeller. It’s one thing to pass an appropriation and another thing to get the funding."

"The spending plans the House put out aren’t realistic," Mitchell agreed.

Mitchell said he went to House Democratic leaders three times but none of them were willing to entertain the funding increase for Lincoln Developmental Center.

"This does not mean there is no hope," he said, "but I must say it is absolutely an uphill battle. I just think it is going to take all my efforts in the next month and a half to see that we get justice done here and get the additional funding for LDC."

"I don’t know what will happen now, but when budget negotiations begin, everything’s fair game," Wright said.

[Joan Crabb]

[APRIL 11, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — In announcing that it plans to accelerate its proposed closing dates for two correctional facilities, the Illinois Department of Corrections is seriously threatening the security of the prison system, according to AFSCME. AFSCME also charges that the DOC is circumventing the state legislature’s authority and thereby illegally retaliating against AFSCME.

Having originally proposed closing the Vienna Correctional Center and the Illinois Youth Center-Valley View facilities in July and September, respectively, the DOC today warned AFSCME and the 500 employees it represents at the two facilities that it now plans to move up the effective date of the layoff of virtually all employees to May 15 and to shutter both facilities at that time.

"By closing these facilities, the state isn’t just flirting with disaster, it’s ensuring disaster," said Henry Bayer, executive director of AFSCME Council 31. "The DOC also circumvented the authority of the Illinois General Assembly, which provided funding for the two facilities through June 30."

The General Assembly also will not make a decision about whether or not to close the two facilities until after the May 15 date announced by the DOC, and the House of Representatives just last week passed a budget that restores full funding for both.

"This move by the Department of Corrections is both illegal and irresponsible," said Bayer. "Not only does it usurp the legislature’s authority and violate our collective bargaining rights, but it will place the security and stability of the entire Illinois prison system at greater risk."

[to top of second column in this article]

The Illinois prison system is currently running at 141 percent over capacity, with minimum-security facilities such as Vienna at 151 percent and juvenile facilities at 127 percent. DOC employees have been working substantial overtime hours, with 334,925 hours logged just between July 1 and Dec. 15 of last year, costing the state close to $9.5 million.

As a result, any attempt by the DOC to move hundreds of inmates from these already overcrowded facilities to other facilities in such a short time threatens to seriously undermine public safety and the security of the entire prison system.

"This is just the latest in a series of illegal acts that reflect the ‘my way or the highway’ approach of the Ryan administration," Bayer added.

[News release]

[APRIL 10, 2002]  Still trying to decide whether it can support the new Commercial-Industrial Park, the Lincoln City Council asked sewer plant manager Grant Eaton to survey two possible routes a sewer extension might take to reach the proposed development.

At Tuesday’s work session, Alderman Bill Melton wanted to know why the proposed sewer line is slated to go along Airport Road to get to the 63-acre industrial park site at Interstate 55 and Kruger Road. He pointed out that a line along Lincoln Parkway (old Route 66) would be shorter.

Mark Smith, economic developer director, answered that running the line to the airport would open the most areas for development. A 13-acre site at the airport could be developed for light industry or distribution, he said, though it is not appropriate for heavy manufacturing.

Eaton reminded the council that for any sewer work, the city needs a permit from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and the procedure is time-consuming and requires specific information about the work to be done.

The council asked Eaton and City Engineer Mark Mathon to check the feasibility of both routes to see which is the most cost-effective.

The council has shown interest but has not yet given unqualified support to the project, in part because of the budget crunch the city is looking at for the next fiscal year. As Alderman Verl Prather said, "I think we need it. It’s a good idea, but I’m worried about the money."

"It’s the worst time in the world to look at something like this," Alderman Steve Fuhrer said, but added, "I think we need to give the city a chance to grow."

"A $1.3 million sewer line is awfully big bait to put out there and not catch anything," Alderman Pat Madigan said.

The city’s share of the proposed development would be more than $1 million, the cost of running the sewer line to the project. Logan County would put up $816,950, including $678,000 for the acquisition of the land.

Smith conceded that he could make no promises about development if the city runs the sewer line. "I’m not going to tell you it’s going to happen," he said. "It will enhance the probability, but I can’t promise anything." Smith has emphasized at previous meetings that unless a site is ready, with sewer, water and roads, prospective developers will seek other locations.

Questions were raised about the feasibility of developing a tract of land on the west side, where costs to run a sewer line would be much less, about $150,000. Fuhrer pointed out that west-side property has been for sale for 10 years. He said industrial developers do not want to build in an area with homes, schools and churches, which the west side has.

City Treasurer Les Plotner said developers coming in would ask for tax abatements, which would cut back the revenue the city could expect.

Smith said the figures in the model drawn up by the Economic Development Committee assumed the property would be put in the enterprise zone.

While no specific plan has been suggested to finance the project, Fuhrer pointed out that two local firms, Edward D. Jones and A.G. Edwards, have said they would like to present plans to finance the project.

Fuhrer, who is finance chairman, told the council the finance committee may be able to meet the 2002-2003 fiscal year budget by moving money from several other funds into the general fund, including $100,000 from the west-side fire station fund, $45,000 from the working cash fund and $117,000 from the funeral benefit funds.

[to top of second column in this article]

He asked that the full council attend a finance committee meeting at 6:30 Monday, before the regular council session.

Alderman Pat Madigan, chairman of the buildings and grounds committee, said the committee did not want to consider accepting the old polling place at the corner of Fifth and Adams streets until the budget is completed. West Lincoln Township wants to give the building away, and Mayor Beth Davis would like to accept it and move it to the Postville Courthouse site.

Grant Eaton reported that the IEPA has bypassed Lincoln on the funds for the sewer plant upgrade until May, because red tape has stalled paperwork. He said Lincoln is first on the list for the funding, but the workload at IEPA is heavy and paperwork might not be completed. If the city does not receive the funds in May, it will be bypassed until October.

He said City Attorney Bill Bates had drafted the ordinance for the loan exactly the way the IEPA reviewer wanted it, but the reviewer still has it on her desk.

In other business, 12 residents from Centennial Courts attended the meeting to show their support of the new Police Department substation that will open in the low-income housing complex tomorrow.

Police Chief Rich Montcalm gave a brief report to the council on the substation, the first in the city. It is possible because the Logan County Housing Authority has donated the space, he said. Other agencies have donated desks and other furniture.

The substation will be manned part time by Community Policing Officer Tim Butterfield, who will be highly visible in the community and will follow a "proactive instead of a reactive policy," Montcalm said.

Steve Allen, director of the Housing Authority, thanked the Police Department and the city for establishing the substation.

"This is a win-win situation. Residents and employees think the Police Department’s presence is a huge asset. The goals of the program are not just having police out there, but getting rid of the stereotype that Centennial Courts residents are bad people."

Also one the agenda was a petition to vacate a public street on North Kickapoo, near the Eagles Lodge. The street has never been developed. Petitioner Richard Moody wants to build self-storage units on the property.

Jonathan Wright, attorney for Moody, said that when Moody bought the property, neither Moody nor Les Last, zoning officer, realized that Moody would have to have a 35-foot setback. That would allow him to build only one storage unit. If the street is vacated, he will have only a 10-foot setback and can build two units.

As required by law, the council will schedule a public hearing on vacating the street. Several council members spoke in favor of granting the setback and putting the property back on the tax rolls.

[Joan Crabb]

[APRIL 9, 2002]  The Lincoln City Council’s budget committee continued its efforts to chip away at the remaining $253,000 of the city’s budget deficit Monday night, this time with some help from the city treasurer, Les Plotner.

At the end of the two-hour session the committee had found about $274,000 that could be moved from other funds into the general fund, from which most day-to-day expenses are paid. Although shifting bank balances from one fund to the other does not mean there is an increase in revenue, it could mean the city does not have to lay off workers in the coming fiscal year.

Steve Fuhrer, finance chairman, has said repeatedly that he wants to avoid laying off any city workers during the next fiscal year, which runs from May 1, 2002, to April 30, 2003.

Transfers might include moving $129,000 out of the budget for a west-side fire station: $100,000 out of the set-aside that pays death benefits for city Fire or Police Department employees, and $45,000 out of the working cash fund.

The finance committee has already made a number of painful cuts to slash about $1 million out of a proposed $4 million budget. That includes a wage freeze for all department heads, a hiring freeze for all departments, no new vehicles for the police or the building code department this year, and no expense money for aldermen to attend seminars and conferences.

Alderman Benny Huskins objected to taking money out of the west-side fire station fund. He said the response time for the city Fire Department to get to the far west side is now six minutes and should be shorter. Alderman Bill Melton suggested an arrangement with Lincoln Rural Fire Department to respond to fires on the west side.

Plotner said he thought the city had more than enough funds in the set-aside for death benefits. The city pays $8,500 in the event of a death and has $188,000 in the fund. "Why do we carry such a big balance?" he asked. "You’d have to wipe out the entire Fire and Police Department to use it up."

The working cash fund has not been used for many years, and it is not a legal requirement for the city to have such a fund, he said.

The committee also discussed offering early retirement to employees at the top of the salary schedule. Although the city must pay some costs in the first two years, it will save money over the long term, City Clerk Juanita Josserand said.

Not only is the city faced with a budget squeeze, it is almost certainly looking at more cost increases when all expenses for the fiscal year 2002-2003 are in, Josserand pointed out. City employees who are union members, such as members of the police, fire and street departments, along with clerical workers, are or will be negotiating new contracts this year and will probably ask for wage hikes. Also, premiums for liability insurance are likely to go up, she said.

Outlining his budget proposals, Plotner told the committee there were four reasons for the present financial crunch. First, the city has overspent its revenue for the past three years. Second, the city recently spent $1 million for the west-side sewer project, thus depleting the general fund budget surplus.

Third, Plotner said, the city took over paying fees for hydrant maintenance, instead of passing those fees on to water users. In a recent budget session, the city agreed to stop paying the hydrant fees and pass them back to water users, which will raise rates about $5 on each bimonthly bill.

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Fourth, Plotner said, the city has reduced its levy in the general revenue fund in recent years. He suggested the city levy less in other funds and bring the levy in the general revenue fund closer to its maximum. This step will help increase revenue in the 2003-2004 fiscal year but won’t add revenue in the coming fiscal year, he pointed out.

Funds that do not need as large a levy as they now have include the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund and the liability insurance fund, he said.

Tax caps also hurt the city because they limit the amount the city can levy to the rate of inflation, Josserand pointed out. Logan County voters approved the tax cap resolution several years ago.

The underlying problem, Plotner told the committee, is that revenues have gone down, not just for the city but for other governing bodies as well.

"You’ve been taking a heck of a beating on interest rates [on city investments]," he pointed out, adding that he did not foresee any appreciable rise in interest rates for at least two years.

Plotner also noted that sales tax receipts are down, $98,000 less this year than last, and that income from the state income tax and other taxes has also dropped. In addition, he said, if tax bills are not out by June 1, the city will be late getting revenue.

Josserand pointed out that if the state delays paying tax receipts to municipalities, that also will hurt the city.

She also said that if the state is forced to lay off employees, the trickle-down effect will be felt in lower sales tax and other revenues, and the city will face several years of a very slim budget.

Mayor Beth Davis said the city will also need money to begin working on the sesquicentennial celebration, and suggested $50,000 for this year and another $50,000 for next year.

Fuhrer suggested that the budget include a line item for the sesquicentennial with a budget of $1,000. The sesquicentennial committee is hoping to get donations to help fund the celebration, Davis said.

In spite of the current budget squeeze, Fuhrer told finance committee members that he hoped they would give some consideration to ways to fund the proposed north-side Commercial-Industrial Park. The Economic Development Committee has suggested the city’s share of developing the site would be about $1.1 million, for running sewer lines out to the property at Interstate 55 and Kruger Road.

"For the future of Lincoln, I think we’ve got to do something," Fuhrer said. "At least get the ball starting. Get off home base and see what we can do, not this year but next. Without more revenue coming in, the city will have this financial problem every year."

Davis also spoke in favor of the new north-side industrial development. ‘The city council should start thinking out of the box," she said. "I know it’s going out on a big limb, but look what running the sewer out to the west side did for the area."

[Joan Crabb]

[APRIL 9, 2002]  The first police substation in Lincoln will open an office in Centennial Courts on Thursday, April 11, according to Officer Tim Butterfield, who is in charge of the new facility. The public is invited to the grand opening at 10 a.m.

The substation will be a link with the residents of the 130-unit low-income housing complex and others in the community. "It will provide a non-traditional law enforcement setting, more of a friendly environment and not as structured as the Safety Complex on Pekin Street," Butterfield said. "It will be a place where people who would feel intimidated by the Pekin Street office can come to make a report or just to talk to a police officer."

Anyone, not just the residents of Centennial Courts, is welcome at the substation, he emphasized. "If someone in that area has a problem and doesn’t want to come to the Safety Complex and the substation isn’t staffed right then, they can call us and an officer will come out and meet with them there," he said.

The city’s first police substation isn’t a new idea, said Police Chief Richard Montcalm, but was "on our agenda when I became chief." He was appointed by Mayor Beth Davis in May of 2001.

"We saw a need for the Lincoln Police Department to be more in touch with the community as a whole," Butterfield explained. "This area has a large number of children and is a perfect place for us to interact with the children, get them started going the right way.

"What we hope to do is provide building blocks with people there and get them to help support the Police Department in various activities," he added.

Although he concedes that with any housing complex there are always problems, Butterfield is excited about putting positive programs in place at Centennial Courts. He is planning a "Picnic with the Police" for the children, and if he can find the resources, a summer fair with games and activities. He wants to start a neighborhood watch, appointing block captains to help keep youngsters safe. A job support for young people is also on his list of ideas.

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One problem that will not be tolerated, however, is any kind of drug activity in the housing complex.

Chief Montcalm said the new substation will be staffed Mondays through Fridays, at least 15 hours a week right now, and officers will be there "off and on any time of the day."

Officers won’t just be sitting in the station waiting for someone to drop in, Butterfield said.

"We’ll be out walking the courts, going door to door, talking to people, finding out what their concerns and problems are and trying to handle them the best way we can. In summer the bicycle unit will be riding around here."

The two-room office is being donated by the Logan County Housing Authority, which manages Centennial Courts, because manager Steve Allen wants to make sure that everyone who lives there is safe, according to Butterfield.

Like other city departments, the Police Department is on a tight budget this year, and most of the equipment at the new substation has been donated. More donations would be appreciated, Butterfield added.

Desks have come from the Logan County Board, and a computer came from the Logan County Housing Authority. Butterfield would like to find someone to provide funds for local telephone service and someone to donate plants to landscape the front of the building.

[Joan Crabb]

[APRIL 8, 2002]  Illinois taxpayers can file their state tax returns electronically. Taxpayers can use one of four electronic options and can expect to receive their refund in about one week.

To file your taxes online or check the status of your refund, visit the Illinois e-file website.

Military addresses sought

It is a year like no other. Since Sept. 11 we are a changed nation. Individually, our daily sensitivity toward whom and what we have in our lives has been heightened. We are more conscious and appreciative, first about those we love and see everyday. Next, we have a newfound appreciation for those who risk their lives every day as rescue workers and protectors of life and property in our communities. We also now think more about our military men and women who are committed to serve and protect our country. Many are away engaged in battle, some are in waiting to go, all are ready to lay their lives on the line in defense of our freedom.

Lincoln Daily News is seeking the names and addresses, including e-mail addresses, of friends and relatives who are serving in the armed forces. They need not be from here in Logan County. If you know someone serving, please send the information to ldneditor@lincolndailynews.com. A complete list will be made available and kept updated through the site so we might all hold them in our thoughts, prayers and well wishes.

[Click here for names available now.]

Name of person in military:

Branch of service:

Current location of service:

Postal address:

E-mail address:

Relationship to LDN reader sending information (optional):

[LDN]

It’s on the radio, TV, in all the media. You hear it in the office, on the street and maybe at home — threats of terrorism. America is on high alert. Here in central Illinois, away from any supposed practical target areas, perhaps we feel a little less threatened, but we are still concerned. So how concerned should we be, and how prepared are we for the types of situations that could occur?

Whether the threat is domestic or foreign, violent, biological or chemical, our public health and rescue agencies have been preparing to respond to the situations. Lincoln Daily News has been at meetings where all the agencies gather together as the Logan County Emergency Planning Committee to strategize for just such a time. Our reports have not even provided every detail that every agency has reported; i.e., a number of representatives from differing agencies such as the health and fire departments, CILCO and ESDA went to a bioterrorism and hazmat (hazardous materials) seminar this past August.

Here are some of the articles that LDN has posted pre- and post-Tuesday, Sept. 11. Hopefully you will see in them that WE ARE WELL PREPARED. At least as much as any area can be. Every agency has been planning, training, submitting for grants to buy equipment long before Sept. 11. We can be thankful for all of the dedicated, insightful leaders we have in this community.

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• LEPC hears plans for annual exercise

• U.S. under terrorist attack
  How is Logan County affected?

• The day after ‘Attack on America’
  Area leaders respond to national tragedy

• ESDA and LEPC conduct successful hazardous materials exercise at water treatment plant 

• Logan County ready for action if terrorist event occurs - Part 1

• Logan County ready for action if terrorist event occurs – Part 2

• Clinton nuclear power plant safety measures in place

• Logan County agencies meet to discuss protocol for suspicious mail

As promised, the United States led an attack on Afghanistan. The attack began Sunday, Oct. 7. American and British military forces made 30 hits on air defenses, military airfields and terrorist training camps, destroying aircraft and radar systems. The strike was made targeting only terrorists.

More than 40 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East have pledged their cooperation and support the U.S. initiative.

Online news links

Other countries

Afghanistan

http://www.afghandaily.com/ 

http://www.myafghan.com/  

http://www.afghan-web.com/aop/ 

China

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/

http://www1.chinadaily.com.cn/

Germany

http://www.faz.com/

India

http://www.dailypioneer.com/ 

http://www.hindustantimes.com/ 

http://www.timesofindia.com/ 

Israel

http://www.jpost.com/ 

http://www.haaretzdaily.com/ 

England

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/ 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/ 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/

Pakistan

http://www.dawn.com/

http://frontierpost.com.pk/ 

Russia

http://english.pravda.ru/

http://www.sptimesrussia.com/ 

Saudi Arabia

http://www.arabnews.com/ 

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United States

Illinois

http://www.suntimes.com/index/ 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/ 

http://www.pantagraph.com/ 

http://www.qconline.com/ 

http://www.pjstar.com/

http://www.sj-r.com/ 

http://www.herald-review.com/

http://www.southernillinoisan.com/ 

New York

http://www.nypost.com/

http://www.nytimes.com/

Stars and Stripes
(serving the U.S. military community)

http://www.estripes.com/ 

Washington, D.C.

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