New spring tour through Logan County

Explore Logan County

[APRIL 29, 2002]  You’ve heard all about the fantastic Spoon River Drive and other fall festivals that draw thousands out to roam the countryside. Getting out driving from one community to the next for fresh air, fun treasure finds and entertainment appeals to the Midwestern home-focused, yet adventurous spirit. Well, local businessman Don Ritchhart is organizing a like event that wraps up spring in Logan County.

Logan County, being located on Interstates 55 and 155, Routes 66, 121, 10 and 54, and many excellent county roads, makes a great area to travel. The county consists of towns that possess a great deal of heritage and historical treasures.

These towns will host a countywide festival with displays of antiques, collectibles, crafts, flea markets, museums and garage sales along the routes where Abraham Lincoln practiced law while a circuit rider.

Tourism

Towns will have brochures available with maps, pictures and information on Logan County historical sites once visited by Abe Lincoln and other places of interest.

Lincoln:  "Hello, Dolly!" presented June 14-16 by Lincoln Community Theatre; call (217) 732-1709 after June 1 for tickets. Petting zoo, pony rides, antique cars, hot-air balloons and more.

Mount Pulaski:  Bluegrass Festival

Chestnut:  Geographical center

Hartsburg:  Firefighters

Broadwell:  Log-splitting and more. Countywide talent show in planning stages.

•  American Legion 263

Old Route 66 and Fifth Street

This lodge will offer vendor rental space for flea markets, food service and other activities. Funds generated will help support their Lodge Fire Fund. Additional gifts and donations are welcome.

Contact Mike Tackett, 14 Houser Court, Lincoln, IL 62656; (217) 735-3266.

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•  Lincoln Information Center

Heritage Plaza Shopping Center

Old Route 66 and Route 10

Dates:  June 15 and 16

Times:  7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Flea market and craft space available.

Contact Don Ritchhart, 1631 N. Kankakee, Lincoln, IL 62656; (217) 732-6071

•  Lincoln Moose Lodge

521 N. Kickapoo

This lodge will offer vendor rental space for flea markets and food service.

For further information, contact William Haak, 513 Pulaski St., Lincoln, IL 62656; (217) 732-4900.

Atlanta:  Paul Adams, (217) 648-2087

Beason:  Emil Walker, (217) 447-3508

Broadwell:  Paul Munchow, (217) 732-9872

Chestnut:  Robin Hayden, (217) 796-3305

Cornland:  Bev Ramthun, (217) 364-4380

Emden:  Joan Morgan, (217) 376-3410, or Ivan Rademaker, (217) 376-3153

Elkhart:  Charles Matthews, (217) 947-2296

Hartsburg:  Cindy Anderson, (217) 642-5297

Lake Fork:  Walt Pourchot, (217) 792-5163

Latham:  Mary Ann Radke, (217) 674-3401

Lawndale:  Patsy Stout, (217) 732-9525

Mount Pulaski:  Jean Martin, (217) 792-5728, or Maxine Downing, (217) 792-5758

Middletown:  Pat Cooper, (217) 445-2848, or James Graff, (217) 445-2570

New Holland:  Jim Struebing, (217) 445-2207

San Jose:  Melvin Maaks, (217) 247-3479

Don Ritchhart, 1631 N. Kankakee, Lincoln, IL 62656; (217) 732-6071

[Jan Youngquist and press release]

Mitchell amendment would
limit spending growth

[APRIL 29, 2002]  State Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth spoke to media representatives in the Logan County Courthouse today announcing his proposed amendment to limit the growth of state spending.

Mitchell said, "Had the annual growth of state spending been controlled 10 years ago, the state would not be in the midst of a financial crisis." Mitchell has introduced legislation that would amend the state’s constitution to limit the growth of state spending to 3 percent unless a three-fifths majority in the House and the Senate vote to exceed that amount.

"Looking back at the rate of spending growth over the last 10 and 20 years, it is clear that we could have avoided our current financial situation and saved billions of dollars," said Mitchell. "In 16 of the last 20 years, the growth of state spending has exceeded the rate of inflation. We need this constitutional amendment to ensure that the taxpayers’ money is spent responsibly."

Mitchell added that, besides the taxpayers, it is local businesses and organizations that pay the price for this overspending. Many organizations depend on money from the government to supplement their income. When state spending is too high, these organizations do not get their money on time, forcing them to take out loans, on which they pay interest.

[Photo by Gina Sennett]
[From left:  Logan County Clerk Sally J. Litterly, State Representative Bill Mitchell, Circuit Clerk Carla Bender.]

Mitchell’s legislation stipulates that if the rate of inflation is lower than 3 percent in a given year, the growth of state spending would be limited to that amount.

According to a study performed by the Illinois Economic and Fiscal Commission, the state would have saved $11 billion in general revenue alone had this amendment been in place in 1982. During that time, general revenue expenditures have risen from $8.5 billion to $24.6 billion.

"Right now this legislation is being held in the Democrat-controlled House Rules Committee," said Mitchell. "I am asking that it at least be released so that it can be discussed and debated."

For this legislation to become a constitutional amendment, it must be passed by a three-fifths majority in each chamber by May 12 of this year. It would then be placed on the ballot in November for approval by the citizens of Illinois.

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[Press release and LDN]

Layoffs of most LDC employees on hold

[APRIL 27, 2002]  Only 35 employees, instead of the 128 scheduled to be laid off or transferred, will leave the Lincoln Developmental Center at the end of this month, Dan Senters, spokesman for AFSCME, the union that represents LDC employees, told the Lincoln Daily News late Friday.

Layoffs of the other 93 employees will be delayed until further notice, Senters said.

He said he asked the Department of Human Services, “Why lay off the 35 now?  Why not delay these layoffs like the rest of them?”  He still thinks they are laying people off that are needed.  “It will make a bad situation worse,” he said. 

At present there are as many as eight people working double shifts daily.  Every other day employees may be mandated to work a double.

“They will be laying off LPNs; there are not enough now,” Senters says. “And they have completely cut chaplain services, so there are no religious services (a local church has offered to help out).” He is particularly concerned not only for the immediate staff shortage, but seven special, direct-care technicians from the technician force are scheduled to be laid off May 1. 

The Department of Human Services, which oversees LDC, had planned to lay off or transfer 128 employees as of April 30.  The layoffs were scheduled to coincide with the movement of residents to other facilities, part of Gov. George Ryan’s plan to downsize the LDC to 100 residents and 210 employees. 

However, an injunction handed down by Logan County Circuit Judge Don Behle late in February has prevented DHS from moving any more of the 248 residents out of the facility.  On Thursday Karen McNaught of the attorney general’s office, representing DHS, asked that the injunction be dissolved.  However, Judge Behle granted Steve Yokich, the attorney for the plaintiffs, a continuance until May 1.

AFSCME members and parents of LDC residents have been concerned that laying off so many employees would jeopardize the health and safety of the residents. Senters said the scheduled layoffs would leave only 183 technicians, those who work directly with the residents, to care for 248 residents 24 hours a day. 

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Senters said, "Plaintiffs in the case are American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Council 31; state Sen. Larry Bomke of Springfield; Norlan and Eleanor Newmister, parents of an LDC resident; and Don Todd, president of AFSCME Local 425. 

Defendants include Gov. Ryan, Illinois Department of Human Services Director Linda Renee Baker, state Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka and state Comptroller Daniel Hynes.

After charges of abuse and neglect surfaced last fall, Gov. Ryan began moving residents out of the 125-year-old Lincoln center, most of them to other state-operated facilities.  In February he announced his plan to downsize LDC.  Since that time, state legislators including Sen. Bomke, Rep. Jonathan Wright of Hartsburg and Rep. Bill Mitchell of Forsythe have sought to increase funding for LDC to keep it at 240 residents and 480 employees.

So far the legislators have not succeeded in changing the governor’s budget for LDC for the 2003 fiscal year.  In 2002, LDC had estimated expenditures of about $32,931, but its appropriation has been cut 66.5 percent for the coming year, to only $11,028. 

Legislators are struggling to come up with ways to plug the holes in the state’s estimated $1 billion deficit, and it is still uncertain what the final outcome of the last-minute budget negotiations will be.

[Joan Crabb]

Week in review

[APRIL 27, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Senate bid a fond farewell to veteran lawmaker John Maitland of Bloomington, who is retiring April 30 after more than 23 years representing central Illinois. Maitland suffered a stroke in November 2000 and worked very hard to return to his legislative duties in Springfield. Considered one of the deans of the Illinois Senate, he is a nationally recognized expert on agriculture issues and a tireless champion of quality education. Sen. Claude "Bud" Stone said Maitland’s legacy to the state will be one of excellence and commitment to the greater good.

In other business, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved two measures protecting children who have been victimized by sex offenders and individuals who are being stalked. House Bill 5874 prohibits a child sex offender from knowingly residing within 500 feet of the victim of the offense. The penalty for violating the law is a Class 4 felony. House Bill 4047 creates a "Stalking Protective Order" and establishes what is necessary to get such an order, how to serve it and its penalties. The purpose of the measure is to expand civil orders of protection beyond just family members and individuals in a dating relationship. A violation for a first offense would be a Class A misdemeanor and a subsequent offense would be a Class 4 felony. Both House Bill 5874 and House Bill 4047 now move to the full Senate for further consideration.

Education and critical human services would receive more funding; a corporate tax break would be eliminated; and the size of state bureaucracy would be cut, under a plan presented this week by Senate Republicans to balance the state budget without raising income taxes or sales taxes, according to Sen. Stone.

The Senate Republican plan for fiscal year 2003, which starts July 1, 2002, sets spending priorities, cuts $650 million from state spending and brings in $657 million in new revenues. The plan uses Gov. George Ryan’s fiscal 2003 budget proposal as its base, maintaining most state spending at the levels he proposed in February.

Education funding is maintained at $6.2 billion, with additional spending to fully fund mandated categorical grants, including special education and transportation. The state’s school construction program is also expanded to continue to help school districts repair and construct classroom buildings.

An additional $200 million will partially restore funding rates for hospitals, nursing homes and medical professionals providing Medicaid services. Without the rate restorations, the health-care facilities have no option but to pass additional costs to other patients or insurance companies. More state funding could also keep more health-care facilities open and operating.

To fund the plan, taxes will be increased on riverboat gambling boat owners, bringing another $150 million into the state treasury in the next fiscal year alone. A cigarette tax of 22 cents per pack is also proposed, with most of it earmarked for Medicaid rate restoration and 5 cents per pack specifically dedicated to maintaining the school construction program.

The state will also decouple from the federal economic stimulus package to prevent a business tax break that would have cost $225 million next fiscal year.

The following bills are among those approved by both chambers and sent to the governor this week:

Salary increases (SB 2313) — Rejects $12 million in salary increases for state officials, including an annual cost-of-living adjustment approved in 1990. Prohibits the automatic 3.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment for the fiscal year that starts July 1, 2002, for state government officials whose salaries are determined by the Compensation Review Board. Set by law in 1990, the cost-of-living adjustment is provided annually for lawmakers, judges, constitutional officers and other top state officials. The savings would be an estimated $5.6 million.

School physicals (SB 929) — Allows advanced practice nurses who have a written agreement with the collaborating physician, as well as physician assistants who have been given permission by the supervising physician, to perform health examinations required for students and school bus drivers.

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Parole hearings (HB 5004) — Requires the Prisoner Review Board to establish a toll-free number for the victims of domestic violence or sexual assault to call and present information for the board’s consideration when their attackers are up for a parole hearing.

Driver’s license (SB 1926) — Requires each driver’s license, state ID card or disabled individual ID card issued to people younger than 21 years old to display the date they reach ages 18 and 21.

Emergency evacuation (SB 1537) — Requires high-rise buildings of at least 80 feet to develop emergency evacuation plans to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Senior tax deferral (SB 1606) — Increases the annual income limit for the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Act from $25,000 to $40,000.

License plates (HB 3629) — Authorizes "hospice" license plates to generate funds for grants to hospice facilities and service providers. (HB 3645) — Authorizes "Lewis & Clark Bicentennial" license plates to raise funds to promote tourism and historic preservation related to the expedition. (HB 4229) — Creates "park district youth" license plates to benefit after-school programs sponsored by park districts.

Nuclear plants (HB 5648) — Creates the offense of criminal trespass to a nuclear facility, with Class 4 felony penalties.

Year-round schools (SB 1524) — Ensures that public schools holding year-round classes get their fair share of education dollars. Changes the way that average daily attendance is taken to accommodate the different schedules of year-round schools and regular schools. Average daily attendance is a factor in determining the amount of state aid a school receives.

Legislation that was passed by Senate committees this week and now goes to the full Senate for further consideration, includes:

Nursing homes (HB 5567) — Requires the Department of Public Aid to establish a new payment method for skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities based on information concerning nursing home resident conditions and their nursing requirements.

Privatization (HB 3714) — Prohibits the Department of Corrections from entering into a contract with a private vendor to provide food or commissary services at Illinois prisons, saving approximately 670 jobs, according to AFSCME, the union that represents the workers.

Newborn screening (HB 5870) — Requires expanded health testing of all newborn infants. Illinois already screens newborns for six metabolic, endocrine and hemoglobin disorders. HB 5870 will include testing for other amino acid disorders, organic disorders, fatty acid oxidation disorders and abnormalities.

Crematories (HB 4696) — Establishes licensing requirements for crematories in Illinois. Makes it Class 3 felony for any person to knowingly and willfully damage or desecrate a deceased human being.

Nursing (HB 5281) — Addresses the shortage of nurses by establishing a nursing image program to educate the general public about the critical role nurse play in the health-care delivery system.

License plates (HB 3713) — Authorizes "Public Broadcasting Stations" license plates to generate funds for public radio in Illinois.

[News release]

Senate Republicans unveil
responsible budget plan

Protects critical services, boosts education funding;
no income/sales tax increase

[APRIL 27, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — Under a plan presented April 24 by Illinois Senate Republicans to balance the state budget without raising state income or sales taxes, education and critical human services would receive more funding and the size of state bureaucracy would be cut.

The financial plan for fiscal year 2003, which starts July 1, 2002, sets spending priorities and funding sources, in the face of declining revenues. To avoid an income tax or sales tax increase — which some lawmakers are proposing — the plan further cuts state bureaucracy by eliminating proposed new programs and forcing better management of state funds. The proposal also prevents new business tax breaks, increases taxes on wealthy riverboat owners and increases taxes on tobacco products, with a portion of those proceeds earmarked for the state’s school construction program.

"Our state economy continues to reel from several negative economic circumstances," said Sen. Claude Stone, R-Morton. "We must tighten our belt and get our spending in line with available revenues. Our state constitution requires a balanced budget and our plan is a responsible budget proposal."

Based on current revenue estimates, the state faces a $1 billion shortfall in fiscal year 2003. For the first time since 1955, Illinois will receive less revenue than the previous year. Additionally, the national economy remains sluggish as the nation continues its economic recovery from the 9-11 terrorist attacks.

The Senate Republican plan uses Gov. Ryan’s proposed fiscal 2003 budget as its base, maintaining most state spending at levels proposed in February. Education funding is maintained at $6.2 billion, with additional spending to fully fund mandated categorical grants, including special education and transportation. The state’s school construction program is also expanded to continue to help school districts repair and construct classroom buildings. The school construction program has a backlog of approved projects. This additional funding will go a long way toward reducing that backlog and preventing property tax increases in those areas.

Additional spending is planned for critical state services, including $200 million to partially restore funding rates for hospitals, nursing homes and medical professionals providing Medicaid services to the state’s poor and disabled. The plan also sets aside $100 million for community agencies and others providing services to people with disabilities and other local human service providers.

The plan also will prevent massive state facility closings, protecting state parks such as Edward R. Madigan and Starved Rock.

Significant cuts and cost-saving measures will also be made in the state’s bureaucracy to save $650 million. The plan incorporates the suggestions of state agencies on office closings, reduced hours in some facilities and elimination of programs that have not yet begun. Pay raises for lawmakers, judges and high-ranking officials will be eliminated. Local projects known as member initiatives are not funded. State grants for some programs will also be reduced or eliminated. However, the state will still provide more than $15 billion in General Revenue Fund, or GRF, grants for such projects as water and sewer improvements.

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The state will also eliminate its GRF contributions to the Chicago teachers’ pension system, which is now 100 percent funded. Freeing up the $65 million will allow the state to fully fund categorical grant programs to local schools.

State employees will also be called upon to make changes in their group health insurance plan, which could prevent 870 more layoffs in state government.

To fund the plan, taxes will be increased on riverboat gambling boat owners, bringing another $150 million into the state treasury in the next fiscal year alone. A cigarette tax of 22 cents per pack is also proposed, with most of it earmarked for Medicaid rate restoration and 5 cents per pack specifically dedicated to maintaining the school construction program.

The state will also decouple from the federal economic stimulus package to prevent a business tax break that would have cost $225 million next fiscal year. Severing the link with the federal accelerated depreciation for businesses will also bring an additional $175 million to local government coffers.

Under the plan, the state will also reclaim a portion of revenue now shared with local government. However, decoupling from the federal bonus depreciation schedule will more than offset those losses to local governments. In addition, the state will continue to provide $4.3 billion to local governments in fiscal 2003 through revenue sharing. Recent reports from the comptroller’s office show record bank balances in local government funds across the state.

To maintain a financially sound end-of-year balance without reducing services, the state will implement better cash management by transferring excess bank balances from special state funds into the state’s General Revenue Fund. The plan also calls for the state to borrow $1 billion at a low 2 percent interest rate for nine months, in order to ensure the state pays its bills in a timely manner to local agencies and vendors. Without short-term borrowing, local agencies and vendors are forced to borrow at interest rates of 10 percent to 15 percent.

The plan was developed after numerous public hearings on state spending and Appropriations Committee review of spending in every agency.

[News release]

Zoning ordinance committee
looks to other counties for models

[APRIL 26, 2002]  It’s probably easier to adapt another county’s zoning ordinance to local needs than to update the current Logan County ordinance, a committee chaired by Regional Planning Commission director Phil Mahler decided Thursday.

Mahler, zoning officer Bud Miller and county engineer Tom Hickman were asked by the 17-member committee reviewing the county zoning ordinance to choose the most comprehensive ordinance among comparable counties and to make note of any missing sections or areas that would have to be significantly changed to meet local needs.

Mahler indicated that the Ogle and Tazewell zoning ordinances are likely choices. Tazewell County is south of Peoria. Ogle County, south of Rockford, has a population of about 50,000, with the largest city being Rochelle. Logan County population, by comparison, is just over 30,000.

"Most zoning updates copy from someone else’s," Mahler said. The Logan County ordinance went into effect Jan. 1, 1971, and has had only two or three minor revisions. It does not cover such possibilities as "windmill farms" — collections of wind generators — and adult entertainment, and some of its provisions are too general, according to Mahler.

One topic of Thursday’s meeting was the nuisance provisions of the ordinance. One section requires parking or storing junk motor vehicles in "a completely enclosed structure on residential premises." Junkyards in agricultural zones are a conditional use and must be screened by dense evergreens or a 6- to 8-foot fence. These provisions are enforced by the zoning officer.

A separate section, adopted from state law, identifies as a nuisance anything that is "a jeopardy to public health or safety." Particularly named are tainting the air with offensive smell, smoke or dust (farms excepted); leaving an animal carcass in water or on land; corrupting a drinking water source; keeping a filthy animal pen (farms excepted); storing garbage without fly-tight covers; keeping an area likely to harbor pests; not removing the door of an abandoned refrigerator; discharging untreated waste; and not controlling noxious weeds. These provisions are enforced by the sheriff with the assistance of the Logan County Health Department.

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Mahler commended the Ogle County zoning ordinance for its longer and more specific definitions section than Logan County’s and for setting potential fines up to $500 a day, after a person has been notified about a nuisance and failed to correct the problem within 30 days. He added that fines that high are rarely imposed.

Several committee members brought up the need for stricter enforcement of zoning and nuisances laws. "Why bother writing zoning restrictions if we don’t enforce them?" asked Henry Spellman, owner of Tremont Park, a manufactured housing community in Lincoln. But Hickman noted that strict enforcement would mean hiring more people and incurring greater costs.

The remedy proposed was user fees high enough to cover government costs. "If we have to hire an extra inspector to be sure you position your house correctly, that cost should go on you in the building permit," said Health Department administrator Lloyd Evans.

Hickman said that until building permit fees were raised in December 2001, the county lost money on every conditional use permit. Conditional use permits ask for variances or amendments to the ordinance and incur costs of newspaper announcements and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings. He emphasized that cost of the permit is a user fee, not a tax.

In December the Logan County Board passed the first increase in building permit fees since 1973. The rates are $50 for new construction, $25 for remodeling and $100 for conditional use permits.

Building permit fees are higher in other counties. In Peoria County, cited by Mahler, building permits cost $100 for a residence, $50-$70 for an addition and $350 for applications requiring amendments or rezoning.

[Lynn Shearer Spellman]

Proposed commerce park
discussed by city and county leaders

[APRIL 26, 2002]  At the suggestion of the Logan County Board, there was a conference committee meeting at 6 p.m. April 24 in the conference room of the chamber of commerce offices in Lincoln.

Present for the brainstorming discussion were Bobbi Abbott, Jim White, Todd Lowman, T.W. Werth, John Dreusicke, Richard Logan, Elizabeth Davis, Steve Fuhrer, Mark Mathon, Jerry Johnson, Rodney Alberts, Dale Steffens, Tom Hickman, Rodney White, Mark Smith, Roger Bock, Doug Muck, Dale Voyles and Lloyd Hellman.

Mark Smith, director of economic development, chaired the meeting. Smith explained that the purpose of the meeting was to address the funding issues surrounding the proposed commerce park and come to an agreement as to how to finance the project. The group was charged with sorting out pertinent issues or elements that may be holding back approval of the proposed plan and determine a plan that they could get behind.

Comments and discussion revolved around the utility route and financing plan. Both have been previously presented to the city of Lincoln and the Logan County Board. Andrew Hamilton, financial consultant for the Economic Development Council, is preparing additional information on financing options and will present his recommendations to the city and county when finished.

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After discussion, it was agreed that the city and county finance committee chairs will work with First Midstate, Edward Jones and others to determine the financial capability of local government to finance the project. Rates, duration of term, etc., will be collected within the next few days. The information will be shared between parties.

Both the city and county intend to call the concept of the north-side commerce park, as recommended, to a vote in the near future.

[LDN]

Coroner’s inquest into March 30 accident

[APRIL 26, 2002]  A coroner’s inquest was held Thursday afternoon, looking into the cause and manner of death of 16-year-old Daniel J. Logan. Logan was the only one involved in the single-vehicle accident that occurred on March 30 at 8:56 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:44 p.m. by Logan County Deputy Coroner Warren Rogers.

 The inquest was conducted by Logan County Coroner Chuck Fricke. A six-member jury heard testimony presented by Jake Kitner, the Lincoln police officer who was first on the scene.

The vehicle was eastbound on Limit Street right before the entry to CILCO and where the street changes from four-lane to two-lane traffic. Kitner said there was another eastbound vehicle that was passed on its the left side at a high rate of speed. The occupants of that vehicle witnessed the Logan vehicle fail to negotiate the curve, jump the curb across the way and travel in a ditch that became about 4 feet deep. The vehicle hit the culvert of a crosswise access road and turned end over end several times. It is believed that Logan was thrown from the vehicle on the last roll. It was also believed he was wearing a seatbelt. He was thrown approximately 30 feet. No rate of speed could be determined as there were no skid marks.

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According to the autopsy Logan’s death was caused by multiple skull fractures and massive subdural bleeding. Blood tests revealed a .120 blood alcohol, well above the lawful limit (.08) to drive. There was a trace of marijuana metabolite in his urine that indicated he may have been under the influence when the accident occurred. Marijuana clears the blood quickly and is difficult to assess. There was also a trace of cocaine found in his nostril, though it was not found in the urine test.

The jury agreed that the cause of death was due to brain trauma and that the manner was avoidable.

[Jan Youngquist]

[APRIL 26, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — State Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, came a step closer to securing the jobs of National Guard members who are called to duty. Currently, federal law secures their jobs if they are called to duty by the federal government. Legislation co-sponsored by Mitchell, which unanimously passed the House, would provide job protection when they are called to duty by the state.

"Particularly in tough economic times, it is important for National Guard members to know that they can serve their state without fear of losing their livelihood," said Mitchell. "Under this legislation, their jobs will be protected just as they are when they are called to active duty by the federal government."

Mitchell’s legislation specifies that when National Guard members return to a job after service for the state, they will receive the same increase in status, seniority and wages that were earned during their absence. Also, if the members are students at a college or university, they will receive a tuition credit or refund if they are away on duty for seven days or more.

"National Guard members provide a vital service to the state during times of need,"' said Mitchell. 'This legislation will ensure that they can be there for in the future, just as they were during the floods of 1993 and at our airports following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11."

The legislation headed to the Senate for consideration.

[News release]

LDC decision continued until May 1

[APRIL 25, 2002]  A motion by the Department of Human Services to lift the injunction against moving any more residents from the Lincoln Developmental Center was continued until May 1, in spite of the state’s argument that tomorrow may be the last chance to file an appeal

Associate Judge Don Behle of the Logan County Circuit Court heard Karen McNaught, representing the state, argue that tomorrow (April 26) was the last date the state could file an appeal, but he did not agree that continuing the hearing would jeopardize the state’s chance to appeal.

Steve Yokich, attorney representing the plaintiffs who sought the injunction, argued that he had only received notice of the court date on Monday and had not had time to research the question or file a written response.

"This issue is of great moment to my clients. On a motion of this magnitude I should have a chance to reflect and read up on the case," he said.

After listening briefly to the attorneys spar over deadlines and legal technicalities, Judge Behle ruled that the hearing would be continued until May 1 at 10 o’clock.

McNaught contended the injunction should be dissolved so that the Department of Human Services could continue to implement Gov. George Ryan’s plan for downsizing LDC to 100 residents and 210 employees.

"Residents need to be transferred as quickly as possible so the facility can do what it has to do to progress with the downsizing," she said.

The next step in the downsizing plan is to begin layoffs of LDC employees, 128 of whom are scheduled to leave on April 30. Although the injunction still prevents DHS from moving any residents, DHS can still continue with its plan to lay off employees, and must now make a decision on how to proceed with layoffs when there are still 248 residents in the Lincoln facility.

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Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the union that represents the employees, claim that it will be impossible to provide adequate care for the residents if the layoffs take place.

Spokespersons for both DHS and the governor’s office have said they will not take any action that will endanger the health and safety of residents.

More than 40 people, including AFSCME members and parents of residents, filled the second-floor courtroom to hear the judge’s decision.

Eleanor Newmister, mother of an LDC resident who has been there for 30 years, was one of those at the hearing.

"It’s a tremendous concern for parents to think that there’s a possibility of laying off that many staff at the expense of the care and safety of the people the state of Illinois is serving. It’s unconscionable that it is even being considered.

"Through no fault of their own, the LDC residents are the victims. They, too, are citizens of the state of Illinois," she said.

Parents have given unqualified support for keeping LDC open, and several have said they will not be able to find suitable facilities to care for their family members if those family members must leave LDC.

[Joan Crabb]

Senate Republican balanced budget
could save local jobs, statewide services

[APRIL 25, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — A balanced budget plan developed by Senate Republican lawmakers could save state jobs locally and restore state services and facilities earmarked for cuts, according to Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield. The plan also holds the line on income tax and sales tax increases, opting instead to increase taxes on wealthy riverboats and tobacco products.

"This is by no means an ideal plan; but given our current fiscal situation, this is a lot better for local families than any proposal I have seen thus far," Bomke said. "It takes into consideration many of the revenue-generating options I have laid on the table in the past few weeks, such as increasing riverboat taxes and taking away raises for elected officials. This, along with the elimination of new programs, will allow the state to continue providing many services slated for cuts in the original budget blueprint."

According to Bomke, this represents a comprehensive, balanced state budget financial plan for the coming fiscal year that establishes spending priorities and outlines how to pay for those priorities in the face of declining revenues.

While it does not restore all of the positions marked for layoffs by the governor’s office, the financial plan estimates reinstating 870 jobs if changes can be made to state employee insurance plans. Other jobs could also be restored once an agreement is reached on an early retirement plan.

The Jim Edgar Panther Creek Fish and Wildlife Area, formerly known as "Site M" would also remain open under the plan, as would other parks, correctional facilities and state centers that in recent weeks have been slated for closure or downsizing.

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The plan would not stop downsizing at Lincoln Developmental Center, but Bomke said he will continue to work with AFSMCE and the Lincoln Parents Association for the best interests of facility residents.

Among the specifics of the plan are:

•  Avoiding income tax and sales tax increases by increasing taxes on wealthy riverboat owners and tobacco products.

•  Borrowing $1 billion at a low 2 percent interest rate for nine months so the state can pay vendors on time.

•  Excluding new "member initiatives" projects.

•  Maintaining elementary and secondary education funding at $6.2 billion, expanding state assistance for repairing and building local schools, and fully funding mandated "categorical" grants to schools.

•  Ensuring access to health care for all citizens by forcing the state to adequately pay for services provided to the poor.

•  Preventing new corporate tax breaks.

•  Forcing better financial management of state funds.

•  Maintaining a financially stable year-end balance.

The plan was developed after numerous public hearings on state spending and Appropriations Committee review of spending in every agency.

[News release]

Naturalist/author to speak
Tuesday evening

[APRIL 25, 2002]  Tree lovers and people interested in learning more about trees are invited to hear naturalist Larry Mahan, author of "In Search of Big Trees," speak at a public program at 7 p.m. April 30 in the Logan County Extension building at the Logan County Fairgrounds.

A science teacher and tree enthusiast from Palmyra, Mahan travels throughout central Illinois documenting the size of large trees.

He has nominated 15 state champion trees in Illinois.

The program is sponsored by the Logan County Master Gardeners, which is also conducting a local "Treemendous Tree" Contest.

Entry blanks for the contest are available at the Extension office and Lincoln-area businesses. The deadline is May 3.

[Click here for entry information.]

[News release]

Fuhrer predicts lean years
ahead for city finances

[APRIL 24, 2002]  There are lean years ahead for the city of Lincoln on the budget front, Alderman Steve Fuhrer, finance chairman, warned the city council Tuesday evening.

"We’ve spent $285,000 more than we’re bringing in this year. We’ve robbed other accounts to pay for it. They won’t be there to rob next year," he said at Tuesday’s council meeting.

"We’ve been spending more than we’re taking in for the last few years," he added. "Fortunately we had money in the general fund to recoup the losses."

The council approved a working budget for fiscal year 2002-03, with projected revenues of $3,995,004 million and anticipated expenditures of $4,292,053. Because of borrowing from set-aside funds to make up the deficit, the estimated bank balance of $781,294 on May 1 of this year will drop to $487,254 by the end of the coming fiscal year April 30, 2003.

Anticipating similar problems in the future, Fuhrer suggested the council set up a three- to five-year plan for getting extra revenue for the city, rather than thinking ahead just one year at a time.

The city’s financial crunch brought budget cuts across the board. These included wage freezes for all department heads and management positions, a moratorium on purchases of new vehicles for the police and the zoning office, a hiring freeze in all departments, cutbacks in funds for conferences and seminars, and cutting out $216,000 to widen Elm Street.

Historically low interest rates, which reduce the amount of money the city earns on its investments, and drops in sales and other taxes are the major reasons for the lower-than-usual city revenues.

Alderman Michael Montcalm commended Fuhrer on his work as finance chairman. "Steve did a super job. In all the years I’ve been here, it’s the roughest budget I’ve seen. Everybody gave up things we didn’t want to give up to put this budget together."

All nine council members present voted to pass the working budget. Alderman Glenn Shelton was absent.

[to top of second column in this article]

In other business, Mayor Beth Davis announced that she is forming a Lincoln Beautification Commission, which will meet the fourth Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. in her office. Goal of the commission is to clean up the city, particularly to have it in good order for the sesquicentennial celebration in August of 2003.

Fuhrer said he had contacted people in the town of Normal, which also has a beautification commission, to find out how they are operating. He said Normal has a good program and picks up trash all year. The Normal program is funded by a fee paid along with the city water bill, and Fuhrer said he would try to get more information about it.

Several aldermen said they would oppose any hike in water rates to pay for such a program.

The city has been asked to approve Plat II of the Austman/Johnson subdivision on the west side, across from West Lincoln-Broadwell School. Plat I of the commercial subdivision was approved in 1998. Plat II would add two more lots to the subdivison and has already been approved by the Planning Commission, according to Bill Bates, city attorney.

Fuhrer said he was concerned that the city would be asked to put in sidewalks and streetlights at a later date. Bates said this plat was for a commercial, not a residential development, and the city could state in the minutes that it will never have any responsibility for installing sidewalks and lights. The approval of the plat will be on the agenda for May 6.

Mayor Davis reported that she has been contacted by Kitty Campbell of Pedcor Investments about a letter of support for Phase II of the Brainard Landings apartment development. Davis pointed out that construction of Phase I of the 56-unit apartment development has not even been started and she did understand the reason for the request.

Zoning officer Les Last explained that the Pedcor group needs time to get financing for Phase II, which has already been approved by the city. Last said no construction date has been set yet for Phase I.

[Joan Crabb]

Flower firm not ‘itinerant
merchant,’ council says

[APRIL 24, 2002]  What is an itinerant merchant?

Is it a peddler who stays in town one day? Or a weekend? Three weeks?

How about 105 days?

The city council decided last night that it needs to clarify the definition in its ordinance soon, but it did come to one conclusion right away.

Whitledge Flowers, the firm that for the past 10 years has been selling garden plants in Lincoln’s Big R parking lot, isn’t an itinerant merchant and doesn’t have to pay a fee of $25 per day.

Acting on an opinion by City Attorney Bill Bates, City Clerk Juanita Josserand recently told the Whitledge firm that under the city ordinance it was considered an itinerant merchant and must pay a $25-a-day fee.

Whitledge, Bates reported at Tuesday evening’s council meeting, "objected vehemently."

A letter from a Peoria law firm representing Whitledge pointed out the following:

Whitledge Flowers, Inc., is registered with the state of Illinois and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, pays sales tax (a share of which is returned to Lincoln) and has an account with a Lincoln bank.

The firm paid $16,500 in wages to 10 Lincoln residents in 2001 during its April 17 to July 31 sales season, which is 105 days. It is also covered by insurance.

Whitledge Flowers also made $2,700 worth of charitable contributions to various Lincoln nursing homes and churches.

It would cost the firm $2,625 in fees if it is classified as an itinerant merchant, and the firm probably would not continue to do business in Lincoln. Local people would lose wages and Lincoln would lose sales taxes.

[to top of second column in this article]

Bates told the city council that the flower-selling firm might or might not be classed as an itinerant merchant, that the council would have to decide, and that it was a "judgment call."

He said according to law the fee is not to be used as a source of revenue but is to compensate the city for any costs it incurs, such as extra police protection for the business.

He also said he thought the attorneys for the flower seller would take the case to court if the council decided it was an itinerant merchant and pursued collecting the fee.

It didn’t take long for the council to make the call.

"I don’t want to run off any business in town employing 10 people," Alderman Verl Prather said. "They are a legitimate seasonal business.

"They have contributed flowers to Friendship Manor and other places. We should allow them to do business here," Alderman Joe Stone said.

Assistant Police Chief Harvey Mullins confirmed that the firm does not require any services except the routine police patrol that would ordinarily be given the Big R parking lot.

"We just need to define what ‘itinerant’ means in our ordinance," Pat Madigan said.

Whatever else it means, it doesn’t mean Whitledge Flowers, Inc.

[Joan Crabb]

[APRIL 24, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — Gov. George Ryan has proclaimed April 22-28 as Volunteer Week in Illinois and announced the recipients of the Illinois Points of Light Award, the state’s award for volunteerism and community service.

"For millions of Americans, volunteering is an essential part of a well-rounded and meaningful lifestyle," said Gov. Ryan. "Volunteering renews our sense of civic responsibility and reaffirms our connection to communities."

Gov. Ryan encouraged Illinois residents to become more involved in volunteer activities and to nominate a volunteer they believe should be recognized for a Points of Light Award. The Illinois Points of Light Award program is an adaptation of the national Daily Points of Light Award created by former President George Bush. These state and national programs are designed to honor those who have made a commitment to volunteer service and to encourage individuals to spend time helping one another. The Points of Light Award program is administered by the Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, a part of the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Leona Mroz of Arlington Heights, Beverly Potts of Deer Creek and Charmaine Blessman of Western Springs are being honored by the Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service for their exemplary service to others and countless hours of volunteering.

Leona Mroz volunteers at the Harold Washington Library in Chicago. She provides library patrons with information on resources and services and takes her job a step further by distributing information on shows and programs. Mroz has served as a volunteer for the Red Cross for 20 years and has volunteered at the St. Roberts Bellamine Church for the past 10 years. Additionally, she is also a member of a sewing team that devotes time to infants with drug addictions.

[to top of second column in this article]

Beverly Potts volunteers time toward the leadership of the Deer Creek Library. She played an instrumental role in relocating the library and securing additional resources for its operation. Potts has dedicated her spare time to moving furniture, staining and varnishing shelves, and making certain that projects are completed on time at the library. The new library building will have room for collection expansion, which in turn will provide more resources for everyone in the community.

Charmaine Blessman chairs the annual Neighborhood Environmental Appreciation Team event in Western Springs. The team’s volunteers clean streets and collect winter debris throughout the village. Blessman has organized the NEAT event for the past 10 years. In 2001, NEAT organized 542 youth and 254 adult volunteers and collected 7.19 tons of lawn waste, litter and trash in the public areas of Western Springs. In addition, Blessman has co-chaired several groups at her church and served as a Girl Scout leader.

"Every day, countless volunteers across the state give time and energy toward the needs of those who are less fortunate, the education of our children, the protection of our environment and countless other acts of kindness. Nothing more clearly exemplifies the American spirit," Gov. Ryan said.

To receive information or a nomination form, contact the Illinois Commission of Volunteerism and Community Service at (217) 558-2663 or write to the commission at 618 E. Washington, 1st Floor, Springfield, IL 62701. Additional information about the Points of Light Award program and other state and national service programs can be found on the Illinois Volunteerism and Community Service website.

[IGNN press release]

[APRIL 24, 2002]  VIENNA, Ill. — Judge James Robert Williamson in Johnson County Circuit Court issued a temporary restraining order, or TRO, to halt the closing of Vienna Correctional Center. The TRO stops all transfer of inmates and all layoffs that would be related to closing the facility on May 15.

"We know that rushing to close Vienna risks the security and stability of the state’s correctional facilities. Now a court has affirmed that to do so may also be illegal," said Henry Bayer, executive director of AFSCME Council 31.

The minimum-security facility was slated to be closed as a budget-cutting measure. When the closure date was moved up to May 15, AFSCME, along with two state legislators, filed suit against Gov. George Ryan on the grounds that he could not close the facility without the approval of the General Assembly, which had already approved funding for the facility through June 30.

The state has until May 2 to appeal the ruling. In addition, the attorney general’s office, which is representing the state, has filed a motion to dismiss, which will be heard on April 30.

[to top of second column in this article]

"We were shocked that Governor Ryan suddenly decided to speed up the closure," said Bayer. "It was creating chaos. It’s a relief that the court has put the brakes on this potentially dangerous decision."

Ryan and Donald Snyder, director of the Illinois Department of Corrections, are among the state officials named as defendants in the suit. The plaintiffs are AFSCME Council 31; Jeff Jackson, the president of Local 415, which represents most of the employees at Vienna; Sen. Larry Woolard, 59th Senate District; and Rep. Jim Fowler, 118th House District.

[News release]

Military addresses sought

It is a time 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.

[to top of second column in this section]

• 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/ 

[to top of second column in this section]

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.

Announcements

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