Klingler
bill would save pension rights for
state employees forced to take furloughs
[MARCH
11, 2002] SPRINGFIELD
— Rep. Gwenn Klingler has introduced a bill that would save
the pension rights of state employees forced to take furloughs
because of the state’s budget squeeze.
|
"I
don’t want to see a single state employee have to take a furlough
because of the budget crisis facing the state, but if it is
necessary, then they should at least have their pension rights
preserved," Klingler said.
Klingler’s
House Bill 6053 would allow state employees to maintain their
pension rights for up to five days of involuntary furlough or
involuntary layoff that is due to the state’s fiscal crisis. After
five days, employees would have to make an additional contribution
to their pension funds in order to maintain full benefits.
"Hopefully,
no one will have to take advantage of the provisions of my bill, but
I want to afford all the protection possible for the people who have
dedicated their lives to serving the citizens of Illinois as state
employees," Klingler said. [News
release]
|
|
|
Candidates
descend on
Lincoln Christian College and Seminary
[MARCH
8, 2002]
At
7:30 this morning, far too early for some of us to be out and about,
11 candidates for state offices and three candidates’
representatives descended on Restoration Hall of Lincoln Christian
College and Seminary to explain their views and meet their voters.
|
The “Meet the State
Candidates Breakfast” was sponsored by the
Lincoln/Logan County
Chamber of Commerce and the chamber’s
Government/
Education Committee. Wanda
Rohlfs presided.
After a short
recognition of local government officials, such as the mayors of
Lincoln, Emden and Broadwell, Ms. Rohlfs asked each of the
candidates to address four issues central to Logan County: Lincoln
Developmental Center, small businesses, education and agriculture.
She also asked them to explain how they would ensure open lines of
communication between the people and their representative. “How do
we communicate with you? How do you communicate with us?”
[All photos by Bob Frank]
The first speaker,
though not a candidate, was a person who is locally known and loved,
Rep. Jonathan Wright. His speech was short, though
important. He did not endorse any particular candidate, but rather
endorsed voting in general. “I just wanted to encourage you to
encourage others to vote.”
Judge John Turner was
also recognized, though he declined his turn at the podium.
Candidates who spoke were running for state Senate in Districts 44 and
50, representative in District 100, the Illinois Supreme Court,
circuit judge for the 11th District and lieutenant governor. Representatives of candidates for
governor also spoke on their
behalf.
State Senate
District 44
Bill Brady (R)
began by explaining that he was just recovering from laryngitis due
to a sore throat and his son’s basketball game.
Central Catholic just won their super-sectional game and go
on to play Pleasant Plains in the quarterfinals tonight. This
became a subject of some contention and some comic relief as many
candidates took up sides in tonight’s game. Brady has been a
state
representative for eight years, during which time he passed one
constitutional amendment. He is currently pushing for another one
which would abolish the State Board of Education and replace it with
an office in the governor’s cabinet. He supports LDC, saying, “It’s
an important part of the community; it’s an important part of the
state.” He also wants to work for more agricultural credit and an
increase in ethanol production.
Rus Kinzinger (R)
spoke of his understanding of the job. “It’s not about me, it’s
about us.” He said he “understands” farming (he is a farm owner),
small communities and their small businesses (he is from a farming
community in Iroquois county), bureaucracy (he has worked with the
Illinois Department of Public Aid), and public education (he has
been a professor and has raised three children).
Gerald Bradley (D)
has been a state representative for 14 years. He has devoted
his campaign to public funding of early detection for cancer. His
plan begins with mammograms and screenings for prostate cancer. He
said he hopes to proceed to early testing for other forms of cancer
as well. His plan would be paid for with tobacco funds.
State Senate
District 50
Larry
Bomke (R) is the current senator for district 50. Issues of
agriculture are important to him, because he grew up on a farm and
knows the troubles big businesses can cause to local farms.
Don Tracy (D)
is a partner at Brown, Hay & Stephens. His father began a business
which has grown to become one of the largest employers in Brown
County. He worked for his father for many years, and is still the
legal council for the business. He called for greater long-term
vision in government, accusing projects like Illinois FIRST of
spending
too much money now, which lead to layoffs and cutbacks later. He
also said he believes that education is in crisis because it is too
dependant on property tax. He wants to appropriate more money from
elsewhere to education.
[to top of second column in
this article]
|
Representative District 100
Gwenn Klingler (R)
is the current representative for District 100. She supports LDC
and other health care facilities, saying that “one size does not fit
all.” She also wants to prevent the privatization of food services
in state facilities. She had endorsements from education
associations and has just completed a tour of all schools in her
district. In agriculture, she has received the “Friend of Farmers”
award from the Illinois Farm Bureau three times.
Rich Brauer (R)
is a farmer from Petersburg. His family has farmed for six
generations, so agriculture is very close to him. He stated that he
wants to keep feed for animals coming from Illinois, rather than
from outside the country. He wants to make sure the 24.6
percent of people
in Illinois who are directly involved with agriculture do not lose
their employment. This number is incredibly high for the national
average (approximately 3 percent). Education, he noted, is also important
to him, as his sisters and his wife are all teachers. He mentioned
also that he is pro-life.
Illinois Supreme
Court
Rita Garman (R)
is the current interim justice, having replaced retired Justice Ben
Miller. She was endorsed by the Republican Party over her opponent
in the primaries, Appellate Justice Robert Steigmann. She has
served in all judicial positions: associate judge, circuit
judge, presiding judge of Vermilion County, Appellate Court justice
and Supreme Court justice.
Circuit judge in District 11
Scott Drazewski
(R) is serving as interim judge for his position. He believes a
candidate needs experience and qualifications. In his career, he
has served in many positions, both as judge and lawyer, and presided
over a wide variety of cases. He received in the 90-96 percent
range on
all parts of the Bar Poll, and has received endorsements from the
Peoria Journal Star and the Pantagraph.
Charles Reynard
(R) is the McLean County state’s attorney. He believes that
there is an important tie between education and the legal system.
He loves going into schools and speaking to the children. He has an
endorsement from the Logan and McLean County Farm Bureaus.
Lieutenant governor
Bill O’Connor (R)
is the current state representative for District 43. He believes it
is important to reach out to the people in the community he
represents. He wants to focus on the development of small
businesses. He also wants to curb the growth of the budget without
expense to current programs such as LDC.
Governor
Jim Ryan (R)
is the Illinois attorney general. He is opposed to the closing of
LDC and the privatization of food services. He also has the
recommendation of the Illinois Republican representatives to the
United States Congress.
Pat O’Malley (R)
has served the Illinois State Senate for many years. He has
endorsements from most pro-family groups in Illinois. He is also
opposed to the expansion of riverboat gambling and wants to auction
gambling licenses, rather than simply selling them. His
representative said, “Be patient, change is coming!”
Paul
Vallas (D)
is the chief executive officer of Chicago Public Schools. He feels
the state government lacks leadership. He feels he has the
leadership to stop the spending and to appoint people who will
effectively manage the budget and the state facilities. He was the
only gubernatorial candidate to attend the LDC rally.
[Gina
Sennett]
|
|
|
Severe
Weather Preparedness Week
[MARCH
8, 2002] The
Illinois Emergency Management Agency is observing Severe Weather
Preparedness Week throughout the state. The intent of this
observance is to promote severe-weather awareness and preparedness
among Illinois residents.
|
|
Illinois
severe weather fact sheet
There
are a number of severe weather hazards that affect Illinois,
including thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, floods and flash
floods, damaging winds and large hail. Severe weather hazards have
the potential to cause extensive property damage, injury and death.
|
!
A tornado is a violent, rotating column of air extending from a
thunderstorm to the ground.
!
Most tornado damage paths are less than 100 yards wide and a couple
of miles long, but can be up to a mile wide and 50 miles long.
!
Most tornadoes occur in the spring, but they have occurred every
month of the year.
!
There is an average of 30 tornadoes per year in Illinois. Most
tornadoes produce winds 60 to 112 mph. The most violent tornadoes
can produce winds up to 318 mph.
!
In 1998, 99 tornadoes occurred in Illinois.
!
In 1999, 66 tornadoes were reported in Illinois, resulting in three
deaths and 29 injuries.
!
In 2000, 52 tornadoes were reported in Illinois. In 2001, 21
tornadoes were reported in Illinois.
!
March 18, 2000, marked the 75th anniversary of the worst killer
tornado on record in the United States. An F5 (wind speeds of
261-318 mph) tornado raced across eastern Missouri into southern
Illinois through Murphysboro and West Frankfort and then into
southern Indiana at speeds up to 73 mph. In Illinois, 606 people
were killed and approximately 2,000 were injured.
!
Thunderstorms can produce strong winds, lightning, hail or heavy
rain.
!
Each year, more people are killed by lightning than by tornadoes.
Most deaths occur in open fields (ball fields) and under or near
trees.
!
Twenty-one people have been killed by lightning since 1985 in
Illinois.
!
Thunderstorms are most likely to happen in the spring and summer.
[to top of second column in
this section]
|
!
In Illinois, severe thunderstorms frequently occur in the late
afternoon or evening. In 1998, 39 people were injured as the result
of winds from severe thunderstorms.
!
Large hail does extensive damage to property and crops every year.
In 2001, 4½ inch hail was reported in Cowden. In 2000, hail 4
inches in diameter was reported in Bement.
!
Flooding is the No. 1 killer nationwide due to severe weather.
!
Nationally, 75 percent of the presidential disaster declarations are
the result of floods.
!
Floods can take several hours to days to develop.
!
Twenty people in Illinois have died from floods since 1985. Twelve
of the 20 deaths occurred in vehicles. Other deaths occur when
people (especially children) play in or near floodwaters and when
people living near flooded streams try to protect property or save
belongings.
!
Dam failures or ice jams can cause severe flooding.
!
The most dangerous type of flooding is a flash flood.
!
Flash floods can sweep away everyone and everything in their path.
!
Flash floods can take only a few minutes to a few hours to develop.
!
Most flash floods are caused by slow-moving thunderstorms.
!
Flash floods occur most frequently in mid to late summer.
|
|
|
Recommended
actions for severe weather
By
becoming familiar with and implementing the following recommended
actions, you and your family will be better protected in the event
of thunderstorms, tornadoes
and flooding.
|
Thunderstorms
|
Before
• Know the terms used to describe severe thunderstorm threats:
"Severe
thunderstorm watch" — Severe thunderstorms are possible.
Watch the sky and listen to the radio or television for more
information. Be prepared to take shelter.
"Severe
thunderstorm warning" — Severe thunderstorms are
occurring. Take shelter. Turn on a battery-operated radio or
television to receive warnings and severe weather statements.
• Purchase a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather
radio with a battery backup and tone-alert feature, which
automatically alerts you when a watch or warning is issued. Know the
county(s) in which you live and work. The National Weather Service
uses county names when watches, warnings and advisories are issued
and broadcast. New Specific Area Message Encoder, known as SAME,
weather radios can be programmed to alarm only for a specific county
or group of adjacent counties.
• Check the weather forecast before leaving for extended outdoor periods
and postpone plans if severe weather is imminent.
• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers. Teach children how and when to
call 911 for emergency assistance.
• Choose a friend or family member who lives out of the area for
separated family members to call to report their whereabouts and
condition.
• Keep important documents and records in a safe-deposit box or other
secure location.
• Maintain a disaster supply kit.
During
• Close all windows and doors. Draw the shades or blinds to reduce the
risk from flying glass if window or door glass breaks due to high
winds.
[to top of second column in
this section]
|
• Monitor the radio or television for the latest weather information.
• Avoid using the telephone or other electrical appliances until the
storm passes.
• Turn off air conditioners. If lightning strikes, a power surge could
damage the compressor.
• Delay taking baths or showers until after the storm passes.
• If outdoors, seek shelter immediately. If you can hear thunder, you
are probably close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning.
• If you are in a boat when a thunderstorm threatens, you should attempt
to reach shore as quickly as possible.
• If you are driving, pull safely to the shoulder away from trees and
power lines. Lightning can flash from trees or power poles into a
vehicle through the radio antenna. Normally, in the open, a vehicle
is a safe shelter from lightning.
• Avoid touching metal parts of the vehicle when lightning is nearby.
• If you find yourself in a position where there is no immediate shelter
available, find a low spot away from trees and power poles where you
can squat low to the ground. Make yourself the smallest target
possible.
After
• Monitor the radio or television for emergency information or
instructions.
• Check for injured victims. Render first aid if necessary. Most
lightning strike victims can be revived with CPR. Do not attempt to
move severely injured victims unless absolutely necessary. Wait for
emergency medical assistance to arrive.
• Take photos of or videotape the damage to your home or property.
• Do not make unnecessary telephone calls.
• If driving, be alert for hazards on the roadway.
• Check on neighbors or relatives who may require special assistance.
|
|
Tornadoes
|
Before
• Know the terms used to describe tornado threats:
"Tornado
watch" — Tornadoes are possible. Watch the sky and listen
to the radio or television for more information. Be prepared to take
shelter. If you see any rotating funnel-shaped clouds, report them
immediately by telephone to your local law enforcement agency. If
you live in a mobile home, this is the time to move to a more
substantial structure.
"Tornado
warning" — A tornado has been sighted or indicated by
weather radar. Take shelter. Turn on a battery-operated radio or
television and wait for the "all clear" announcement by
authorities.
• Refer to the "Before" section under "Thunderstorms,"
plus the following:
• Determine the best location in your home and office to seek shelter
when threatened by a tornado. A basement or cellar will usually
afford the best protection. If an underground shelter is not
available, identify an interior room or hallway on the lowest level.
• Conduct periodic tornado safety drills with your family.
• Learn how to shut off the utilities to your home.
• Decide how and where your family will reunite.
• If you live in a mobile home, identify a safe shelter outside of your
mobile home such as a community park shelter, a neighbor or friend’s
house, or a nearby public building.
• In a mobile home, consider installation of an underground shelter that
is large enough to accommodate you, your family or several other
nearby mobile home residents.
• Consider retrofitting your house with special fasteners, connectors
and reinforcing bands to strengthen the structural integrity. Also,
consider installing a reinforced concrete and steel "safe
room" as a small room within your house or excavated and
installed beneath your garage floor.
During
• Take the following actions when a warning has been issued by the
National Weather Service, when sirens have been activated or when a
tornado has been sighted.
At
home
• Go at once to your predetermined shelter (storm cellar, basement or
the lowest level of the building). In a basement, go under the
stairs, under a heavy piece of furniture or a workbench. Stay there
until the danger has passed.
• If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a small inner room
without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.
• Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.
• Go to the center of the room. Outside windows and walls may be
penetrated by high-speed, wind-borne missiles.
•
Get under a piece of sturdy furniture, such as a workbench or heavy
table, and hold onto it.
[to top of second column in
this section]
|
• Use pillows, mattresses or cushions to protect your head and neck.
•
If in a mobile home, get out and seek shelter elsewhere. A mobile
home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to
tie down the unit. If there isn’t a substantial shelter nearby,
seek shelter in a low-lying area.
• Shield your head with your hands.
In
a school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center or at
work
• Go to the basement or to an inside hallway on the lowest level.
• Avoid places with wide-span roofs, such as auditoriums, cafeterias,
gymnasiums and large hallways. Stay away from windows and open
spaces.
• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture, such as a workbench or heavy
table or desk, and hold onto it. If sturdy furniture is not
available, make yourself the smallest target possible. Squat low to
the ground. Put your head down and cover your head and neck with
your hands.
• If in a high-rise building, go to small, interior rooms or hallways on
the lowest level possible and seek protection as detailed above.
Stay away from windows and outside walls.
Outdoors
• If possible, get inside a substantial building.
• If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in
a ditch, culvert or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building.
Use arms to protect head and neck. Stay aware of the potential for
flash flooding.
In
a vehicle
• Never try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle. Heavy rain, hail and
traffic may impede your movement. Tornadoes can change directions
quickly and can easily lift up a vehicle and toss it through the
air.
• Get out of the vehicle immediately and try to take shelter in a nearby
building.
• If there isn’t time to get indoors, get out of the vehicle and lie
in a ditch, culvert or low-lying area away from the vehicle.
After
• Monitor the radio or television for emergency information or
instructions.
• Check for injured victims. Render first aid if necessary.
• Check on neighbors or relatives who may require special assistance.
• Do not attempt to move severely injured victims unless absolutely
necessary. Wait for emergency medical assistance to arrive.
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
• Exit damaged buildings. Re-enter only if absolutely necessary, using
great caution.
• Take photos of or videotape the damage to your home or property.
• If driving, be alert for hazards on the roadway.
• If unaffected by the tornado, stay out of the damaged area until
allowed to enter by officials. Your presence may hamper emergency
operations.
|
|
Flooding
|
Before
•
Know the terms used to describe flood threats:
"Flood
watch" — Flooding or flash flooding is possible. Be
prepared to move to higher ground. Listen to NOAA radio, commercial
radio or commercial television for additional information.
"Flood
warning" — Flooding is occurring or will occur soon. If
advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
"Flash
flood warning" —A flash flood is occurring or is
imminent. Move to higher ground immediately.
"Urban
and small stream advisory" — Flooding of small streams,
streets and low-lying areas.
•
Refer to the "Before" section under "Thunderstorms,"
plus the following:
•
Learn flood warning signs and, if used in your area, any community
alert signals.
•
Know how to shut off electricity, gas and water at main switches and
valves. Know where gas pilots are located and how the heating system
works.
•
Have check valves installed in building sewer traps to prevent flood
waters from backing up in sewer drains. As a last resort, use large
corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs or basins.
•
Consider measures for flood proofing your home. Call your local
building department or emergency services and disaster agency for
information.
•
Consider purchasing flood insurance. Flood losses are not covered
under homeowners insurance policies. Flood insurance is available in
most communities through the National Flood Insurance Program. There
is usually a period before it takes effect, so don’t delay. Flood
insurance is available whether the building is in or out of the
identified flood-prone area. Call your insurance company for more
information.
•
Insure your property and possessions. Make an inventory of your
possessions using paper lists, photographs or videotapes of your
belongings. Leave a copy with your insurance company. Update your
inventory and review your coverage with your insurance company
periodically.
•
Keep all of your important records and documents in a safe deposit
box or another safe place away from the premise.
During
•
Monitor the radio or television for the latest weather information.
•
Move valuable household possessions to the upper floor or move to
another location if flooding is imminent and time permits.
•
If instructed to do so by local authorities, turn off utilities at
their source.
•
If advised to evacuate, do so quickly.
•
Evacuation is much simpler and safer before floodwaters become too
deep for ordinary vehicles to drive through.
[to top of second column in
this section]
|
•
Listen to a battery-operated radio for evacuation instructions.
•
Follow recommended evacuation routes. Shortcuts may be blocked.
•
Attempt to leave early enough to avoid being isolated by flooded
roads.
•
People lose their lives by attempting to drive over a flooded
roadway. The speed and depth of the water is not always obvious.
There may be a hidden portion of the roadway washed out under the
water. Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles.
After
•
Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede. Listen to
a radio or television and don’t return home until authorities
indicate it is safe to do so.
•
When you are allowed to return, remember to help your neighbors who
may require special assistance.
•
Inspect foundations for cracks or other damage.
•
When entering buildings, use extreme caution.
•
Look for fire hazards.
•
If your home was damaged, check the utilities.
•
Stay out of buildings that remain in the floodwaters.
•
Avoid coming in contact with floodwaters. The water may be
contaminated with oil, gasoline or raw sewage.
•
Do not wade through a flooded stream to protect or retrieve
belongings.
•
Consider your family’s health and safety. Wash your hands
frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with
floodwaters. Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s
water supply is safe to drink.
•
Throw away food — including canned goods — that has come in
contact with floodwaters.
•
Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water
per day) to avoid structural damage.
•
Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems
as soon as possible. Damaged sewer systems pose a health hazard.
•
Stay alert for areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have
weakened and could collapse under the weight of a vehicle.
•
Do not let children play in or near floodwaters, flooded creeks or
flood retention ponds.
•
Stay away from downed power lines. Report them to the utility
company immediately.
•
If unaffected by the flood, stay out of the area until allowed to
enter by officials. Your presence may hamper emergency operations.
•
Monitor the radio for special information about where to go to get
assistance for housing, clothing and food. Other programs are
available to help you cope with the stress of the situation.
•
Take photos of or videotape the damage to your home and your
belongings.
|
|
|
Sources
of weather information
For
additional information on severe weather or other hazards, contact
the following:
|
• Your local Emergency Services and Disaster Agency
• Your local chapter of the American Red Cross or www.redcross.org.
• The nearest office of the National Weather Service
• National Weather Service forecast office websites:
Lincoln:
www.crh.noaa.gov/ilx
Romeoville
(Chicago): www.crh.noaa.gov/lot
St.
Louis, Mo.: www.crh.noaa.gov/lsx
Davenport,
Iowa: www.crh.noaa.gov/dvn
Paducah,
Ky.: www.crh.noaa.gov/pah
IEMA
home page: http://www.state.il.us/iema
NOAA Weather Radio
Listen
to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest weather forecasts. The National
Weather Service broadcasts weather information, including watches,
warnings and advisories 24 hours a day. Weather radio transmitters
have a range of about 40 miles. Weather radio transmitters that
cover Illinois are shown below.
[to top of second column in
this section]
|
City |
Station |
Frequency |
Bloomington |
KZZ-65 |
162.525 MHz |
Champaign |
WXJ-76 |
162.550 MHz |
Chester |
KXI-42 |
162.450 MHz |
Chicago |
KWO-39 |
162.550 MHz |
Crescent City |
KXI-86 |
162.500 MHz |
Crystal Lake |
KXI-41 |
162.500 MHz |
Dixon |
KZZ-55 |
162.525 MHz |
Dubuque, Iowa |
WXL-64 |
162.400 MHz |
Evansville, Ind. |
KIG-76 |
162.550 MHz |
Freeport |
KZZ-56 |
162.450 MHz |
Galesburg |
KZZ-66 |
162.400 MHz |
Hannibal, Mo. |
WXK-82 |
162.475 MHz |
Hillsboro |
KXI-79 |
162.425 MHz |
Jacksonville |
WXM-90 |
162.525 MHz |
Jerseyville |
KXI-70 |
162.450 MHz |
Kankakee |
KZZ-58 |
162.525 MHz |
Lockport |
KZZ-81 |
162.425 MHz |
Macomb |
WXJ-92 |
162.500 MHz |
Marion |
WXM-49 |
162.425 MHz |
McLeansboro |
KXI-52 |
162.400 MHz |
Moline |
WXJ-73 |
162.550 MHz |
Newton |
KXI-48 |
162.450 MHz |
Odell |
WXK-24 |
162.450 MHz |
Paris |
KXI-47 |
162.525 MHz |
Peoria |
WXJ-71 |
162.475 MHz |
Plano |
KXI-58 |
162.400 MHz |
Princeton |
WXL-22 |
162.425 MHz |
Rockford |
KZZ-57 |
162.475 MHz |
Salem |
KXI-49 |
162.475 MHz |
Shelbyville |
KXI-46 |
162.500 MHz |
Springfield |
WXJ-75 |
162.400 MHz |
St. Louis, Mo. |
KDO-89 |
162.550 MHz |
[Illinois
Emergency Management Agency]
|
|
Early
morning rural Mount Pulaski fire claims life
[MARCH
7, 2002] A
house fire claimed the life of a Mount Pulaski resident in the early
morning of Thursday, March 7. Brad S. Follis, 29, of 504 1842nd
Ave., Mount Pulaski, was pronounced dead at 1:17 a.m. by Logan
County Coroner Chuck Fricke.
|
Follis’
mother, Nancy Monroe, awoke to the fire in the house and tried to
put it out. She was taken to Memorial Medical Center in Springfield,
where she was treated and released.
Latham,
Mount Pulaski, Warrensburg-Latham and Chestnut fire departments
responded to the call. It took over four hours to bring the blaze
under control. Mount Pulaski and Latham were still at the scene at
mid-morning. The home’s interior was gutted by the fire, leaving
only the framework of the house still standing.
|
The
state fire marshal, local fire chief and the coroner’s office are
investigating the nature of the fire. An autopsy was conducted this
morning.
[LDN]
[Click
here for obituary.]
|
|
Four
City Fire Department
members promoted
[MARCH
7, 2002] At
the March 4 meeting of the Lincoln City Council, Fire Chief Bucky
Washam announced the promotion of four members of the Lincoln City
Fire Department.
|
Tom
Martin has been promoted to assistant chief on the C shift, Bob
Dunovsky has been promoted to captain on the C shift, and Ken
Ebelherr has been promoted to lieutenant on the C shift. After
serving one year of probation, James Reed has been promoted to
firefighter. These promotions fill the vacancy left by the
retirement of Assistant Chief Don Fulk.
The
council’s insurance committee also met March 4 to hear a
presentation on options for health insurance coverage for city
workers for the next fiscal year.
Sharon
Heidbreder of the R.W. Garrett Insurance Agency suggested that the
city give workers two options next year, an HMO and a PPO. The city’s
current health plan will probably be discontinued in the next year
or so, she said, and its cost will rise this year from $401.89 per
month for an individual policy to $462.63 per month.
The
new HMO would cost $318.28 per month for coverage for an individual
and $954.86 for family coverage. It would have a life maximum of $5
million, up from the present plan’s life maximum of $2 million.
[to top of second column in this
article]
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The
new PPO would cost $414.32 for an individual policy and $1,242.96 for
family coverage. It would also offer a $5 million life maximum. Both
plans have a higher lifetime limit for physical therapy than the present
plan. Both plans also have a $10 co-pay for doctors’ office visits and
a $50 co-pay for emergency sickness, as well as co-pays for
prescriptions. The PPO requires individual co-pays of $250 in network
and $500 out of network, with a maximum out-of-pocket expense of $250 in
network and $1,500 out of network.
The
HMO, which is more restrictive, does not offer any out-of-network
coverage. Family Medical and Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital are in
the HMO network but the Springfield Clinic is not, according to
Heidbreder.
Both
plans are Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Alderman Joe Stone asked Roger Garrett
if he had explored any other insurance carriers. Garrett answered that
the insurance committee had not directed him to do that. However, he
said, there are now only a "handful" of insurance carriers
writing group health insurance in Illinois.
"At
one time I could have brought 12 options to the city," he said.
"I couldn’t find that now. The field has narrowed down."
City
Clerk Juanita Josserand reminded the council that if they are going to
change health insurance plans, which are paid by the city, the unions
must be notified 60 days ahead of time.
[Joan
Crabb]
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From
Sen. Stone
Senior
prescription drug plan proposed
[MARCH
7, 2002] SPRINGFIELD
— Republican members of the Illinois Senate unveiled a
prescription drug plan March 6 that will help senior citizens at all
levels of income, according to Sen. Claude Stone. The lawmakers were
joined by AARP, which lent their support.
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"In
the past few years the Legislature has broaden eligibility for the
state’s Circuit Breaker program and Aid to the Aged, Blind and
Disabled. While these programs generally target low-income seniors,
there are many others seniors who don’t qualify, yet still need
help of some kind," said Stone, R-Morton. "These senior
citizens may still spend 10 to 15 percent of their annual retirement
income on prescription drugs. Clearly there is need for assistance
across all income levels."
The
GOP proposal starts with the creation of a toll-free informational
hotline, a central clearinghouse, where seniors can get information
on how to access public and private discount programs already in
existence. The hotline will become more important later this year
when Illinois begins administering a $110 million federal pilot
program called SeniorCare. SeniorCare will cover the cost of all
prescription drugs. The Republican plan also authorizes a study to
determine whether there is a need for catastrophic pharmaceutical
assistance coverage options for those seniors who do not qualify for
public discount programs but have a higher percentage of
prescription drug costs. Finally, the proposal will require
legislative and public oversight of the state’s various
prescription drug discount programs.
"As
a senior citizen myself, I am pleased our Republican caucus is
taking a leadership role in addressing a critical public health
issue," said Stone. Like education, welfare reform, economic
development and battling crime in years past, Republicans in the
Illinois Senate have stepped up to provide leadership in crafting
realistic approaches to the problems facing our state."
AARP,
one of the nation’s largest senior citizen organizations, lent its
support for the plan.
"Meeting
the prescription drug assistance needs of Illinois seniors is a
building-block process. We are fortunate in Illinois to have a
strong foundation for our efforts," said Amy Paschedag, AARP’s
incoming state legislative chairman. "We want to commend the
Senate Republican caucus for formally establishing a prescription
information, referral and assistance clearinghouse at the Department
on Aging. This will provide the critical road map for seniors and
their families who would benefit from the help that is already out
there."
Senate
Republicans proposal on prescription drug plan for seniors
Toll-free
hot line and clearinghouse
• The Illinois Department on Aging would operate a toll-free hot line
that would be a clearinghouse for pertinent prescription drug
discount information for Illinois senior citizens.
• Information would also be available from local Area Agencies on Aging.
• The goal is a "one-stop shop," where senior citizens could
receive information on public and private services and discounts
available to senior citizens, including state programs, drug company
discounts, and retailer-sponsored specials. All entities offering a
special service or discount for senior citizens would report their
program guidelines to the Department on Aging.
[to top of second column in this
article]
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CHIP
study
• The Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Program will complete a
study of the need, cost and operation of a catastrophic pharmaceutical
benefit for senior citizens who spend a significant portion of their
income on prescriptions.
• The study also would examine what could be done for senior citizens
who have incomes above 250 percent of the poverty level and who are
ineligible for current prescription assistance programs.
Legislative
and public oversight committee
• A new legislative and public oversight committee will make certain the
programs operate smoothly. The committee will advise appropriate state
agencies regarding the establishment of proposed programs or changes to
existing programs.
• The committee will be composed of 17 members — two legislators and
one public member appointed by each of the four legislative leaders; as
well as the directors of the state Departments of Aging, Revenue, Public
Aid, Human Services and Public Health.
• Senate Republicans have already pledged their public appointment will
be a representative of AARP, giving Illinois senior citizens a voice on
future prescription drug decisions.
Existing
state assistance programs
• Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled:
AABD, a Medicaid-based program, was expanded in 2000. The third and
final phase of the expansion is effective July 1 and will allow senior
citizens with income levels up to 100 percent of the federal poverty
level to participate in the program, which is administered by the
Department of Human Services.
• Circuit Breaker: The
income requirements for this program were expanded in 2000 to include
senior citizens and disabled individuals at or below 250 percent of the
federal poverty level ($28,480 for a family of two). The state pays the
first $2,000 (with a $25 card fee and co-pay for each prescription) and
then pays 80 percent above the threshold. The program covers medications
for the following conditions: Alzheimer’s, arthritis, cancer,
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, glaucoma, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s,
and lung diseases or smoking-related illnesses. This program is
administered by the Department of Revenue.
• SeniorCare:
SeniorCare will be funded by a federal grant and will provide
prescription drug coverage to an estimated 368,000 lower-income citizens
through the state Medicaid program, starting in June. The state’s
newest program will serve senior citizens at or below 200 percent of the
federal poverty level ($23,200 for a family of two). The program will
cover the cost of all prescriptions (with a co-pay for each
prescription) up to $1,750 each year and then pay 80 percent above the
threshold.
[News
release]
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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.
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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]
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Are
we prepared for terrorism
in Logan County?
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]
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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
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America
strikes back
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]
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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.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
http://www.washtimes.com/
More
newspaper links
http://www.thepaperboy.com/
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