Features

R & H Farm Supply to close

[FEB. 15, 2003]  R & H Farm Supply, Inc., in business in Lincoln since 1962, has announced plans to close, with the going-out-of-business sale to start Friday, Feb. 21.

Manager Darren Humphres explained that for several years the number of farmers in the area has been going down, and business and industry have also been decreasing. These represent the customer base for the farm supply and hardware store. At the same time competition has gone up.  The result has been more ways “to split the pie up,” leaving a smaller share for each. Eventually, the R & H share grew too small.

Humphres said the going-out-of-business sale will begin next Friday, with 20 percent off. The percentage reduction will gradually increase until the merchandise is gone. According to Humphres no exact closing date has been determined.-  “It could be a month,” he said, or more or less, depending on business.

R & H Farm Supply is owned by Humphres’ father Harold Humphres. It is affiliated with Ace Hardware, a buying group or co-op. There are eight employees.

Harold Humphres bought the business from the Custis family in 1985. It was founded in 1962 by Roy and Helen Custis, from whose first names the corporate initials are derived.

[Lynn Spellman]

Paramedics enjoy spacious new home

[FEB. 14, 2003]  On Sunday, Feb. 16, Logan County Paramedics will show off their new 6,000-square-foot headquarters on Postville Road.

The open house will feature tours of both the downstairs business area and upstairs living quarters. Former state Rep. Jonathan Wright, a Logan County Paramedics Association board member, will speak at the 2 p.m. dedication ceremony. Also on the program are Dr. G.E. Blaum, president of the board of directors, and Steve Siltman, chief executive officer and office manager. Hours for the open house are 1-5 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Siltman said the new location at 1300 N. Postville Road is ideal for serving the entire county. From the edge of Lincoln ambulances can quickly get to either city or county addresses, he explained. The paramedics moved into the building Nov. 16, 2002. Phone numbers remain the same: 911 for emergencies and 732-2212 for other business.

The new facility is five or six times the size of the paramedics' former headquarters at 1185 Walnut St. Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital leased that building plus ambulance space at the hospital to the county at half the operating cost, according to Woody Hester, ALMH president and chief operating officer. Space was the only reason for making the switch, Siltman affirmed.

"I think it's great!" office coordinator Shirley Alberts exclaimed about the roomy facility, which has more than enough closet and floor space for all her files. She said the new office affords a better atmosphere and more privacy for customers who want to discuss their bills. "It's a lot nicer that (the paramedics) have their own rooms," Alberts continued. "They can bring their stuff here, not have to lug it back and forth."

[Photos by Trisha Youngquist]

From the '50s through the '70s the building housed a John Deere dealership. Then it was a Pontiac-Cadillac dealership through the '90s. The paramedics association bought the structure from Jim and Patricia Glenn.

In renovating the building, the paramedics gutted the interior and started over from scratch. Everything is new, Siltman said, including new city water and sewer hookups, plumbing, heating and interior design. The renovation project is virtually complete, except for stripping and staining the garage floor, which will be done later in the year. Plans also include resurfacing the parking lot and adding signage as money becomes available.

The first and second floors are 3,000 square feet each. At ground level are offices, a training room, laundry and storage areas.

The training room includes pull-down screen with rear projection, a computer for Power Point and other presentations, and DVD and VHS projectors. Siltman said the room is heavily used. Besides board meetings and monthly training sessions, it is home to special classes such as a two-day Pre-Hospital Training Life Support course and a 16-week Emergency Medical Technician basic class. Steve Boatman of Loami is education coordinator. The training room, with outside access in the middle of the facade, is available for public use as well.

Also on the ground floor are the ambulance garage, housing four vehicles, and another garage with storage space and some exercise equipment. On the ambulance garage wall are maps to help locate patients. Included are maps of the city, county and multi-building sites such as Eaton Cutler-Hammer, Centennial Courts, Christian Homes and several mobile home parks.

Upstairs are living quarters for the paramedics. Each four-member shift works 24 hours, changing at 7 a.m. In addition to a spacious TV room, kitchen, eating area and two full baths, the living quarters contain 14 bedrooms, one for each full-time paramedic and two for part-timers. Siltman and Alberts, who work eight-hour days, do not have upstairs space.

Alberts said the association averages 260-275 ambulance calls per month. Despite benefiting from a Logan County levy for ambulance service, the association strives to be as self-supporting as possible. Siltman said, "If we ask for something, we're going to need it." The philosophy of the 12-member board is to "be prudent with tax dollars," Siltman emphasized.

[to top of second column in this article]

Board members include Blaum, Wright, vice-president Warren Peters, treasurer Shirley Edwards, secretary Bob Thomas, Randal Storm, Clifford Sullivan and Paul Beaver, all of Lincoln; Bill Martin of Atlanta; Eldon Behle of Elkhart; Suzanne Aper of New Holland; and Gene Bathe of Hartsburg.

This year for the first time since the '70s, Siltman said, the county ambulance service provider is not receiving any subsidy money aside from a $50,000 levy to purchase ambulances, down from $125,000 last year. The maximum levy remains at 5 cents per $100 assessed valuation, or .05 percent, and would bring in about $190,000. However, the actual levy has never reached even .04 percent. This year it is .0133 percent.

Siltman noted that the financial status of Logan County Paramedics Association is dependent on Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, which are subject to change by the federal government. If reimbursements fall, the paramedics may have to ask for a higher tax levy.

Reimbursement levels were cited by ALMH president and CEO Woody Hester in 1999 when he announced that the hospital would not compete to renew its ambulance service contract. He said Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates are less favorable for hospital-based ambulance services than for those that are non-hospital based. Therefore it is in the best interest of the community to have a non-hospital-based service. In 2003 the rate differential continues, providing LCPA with more reimbursement money than the hospital would receive for the same service.

The four ambulances owned by the association are 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2002 models. Siltman expects to buy a new ambulance in 2004. One reason this year's levy is down is that there is already enough in the county ambulance fund to make the purchase.

Prior to the early '70s local ambulances were operated by funeral homes. Then ALMH contracted with the Logan County Board to provide ambulance service for the county. At first Decatur Ambulance Service supplied the vehicle and one EMT, while ALMH contributed the other EMT, space for the ambulance and a bedroom. Attendants also worked for the hospital, primarily in the emergency room, Siltman said.

In 1976 the county passed an ambulance service referendum. With the new tax dollars ALMH was able to sever its relation with Decatur Ambulance Service, purchase an ambulance and receive a $50,000 annual subsidy for operating expenses, including salaries. At about the same time all EMTs enrolled in nine-month paramedic school at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, graduating in 1977.

ALMH continued to operate the ambulance service until 1999, when it did not seek to renew the contract. Then the Logan County Board bid out the ambulance service. The successful bidder was the newly formed Logan County Paramedics Association, made up of hospital paramedics plus a board of directors from the community. In December 1999 the association began serving the county.

The current full-time paramedics are organized in three alternating 24-hour shifts. On A shift are shift manager John Olmstead, Gene Simer, Deana Jones and Troy Howie of Atlanta. B shift comprises manager Penny Thomas, Danny Dean, John Short and Molly Williams of Mason City. C shift consists of manager Corey Slack and Steve Boatman of Loami, Heather Bree of Springfield and Polly Riggs. All not otherwise identified are from Lincoln. In addition to Siltman, Alberts and the full-time paramedics, there is a part-time fill-in roster of 10 paramedics, one EMT and several clerical workers.

[Lynn Spellman]

Automotive business plans
move to Woodlawn Road

[FEB. 11, 2003]  The most colorful buildings in town are about to come down, and J&S Auto Centre will soon have a new home on the corner of Woodlawn and Palmer.

Jim Horn, who owns J&S Auto with his wife, Shelley, said he expected to close on the Woodlawn Road property and begin demolition soon. "Permits, permits, permits," he said in explaining one element that makes the process take a little longer.

The Horns have already succeeded in getting the property rezoned from residential to commercial.

"We're shooting for a June 1 grand opening," Horn said. Realistically, though, he knows it may take a month or month and a half longer to complete construction and the move.

[Photos by Bob Frank]

The Horns plan to erect a 4,000-square-foot building to house their automotive store and Bombardier all-terrain vehicle dealership. The building will include a showroom for the ATVs. There will be two overhead doors for vehicles on Palmer and an entrance each on Woodlawn and Palmer. It will be a "nice-looking, unique building," Horn said.

[to top of second column in this article]

Most of the 31,000-square-foot property will be purchased from the Buelter estate. In addition, there is a 9-by-110-foot strip at the rear that comes from a neighbor's property.

Horn said the reason for moving is that J&S Auto Centre has outgrown its current home on Logan Street. The Horns began the business 13 years ago at 101 N. Logan. Seven years later they moved across the street to 103 S. Logan. That move also was motivated by the need for more space.

[Lynn Spellman]

Announcements

The Chamber Report

[JAN. 24, 2003]  Bobbi Abbott, executive director of the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce, is a recent graduate of the Institute for Organization Management at the University of Arizona in Tucson. A professional development program of the United States Chamber of Commerce, the institute is the premier continuing education program for chamber and association professionals.

The Institute for Organization Management has trained chamber and association leaders for more than 80 years. According to Abbott, "This program offers innovative, challenging and leading-edge continuing education for chamber of commerce and association executives from across the country. We learn skills to address the challenges of increased competition, greater member demands and tighter resources as we lead our organizations and communities."

The curriculum consists of four one-week sessions, focusing on a numerous competencies, including leadership, budgeting, membership, management, legal issues, ethics, policy development, partnerships, strategic planning, advocacy and communications. The University of Arizona is one of five sites to host the institute each year to over 2,000 executives.

As a graduate of the four-year program, Abbott received accreditation in organization management and points toward professional certification. She has served as director of the local chamber of commerce since Jan. 1, 1998.

[Press release]

Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce

Bobbi Abbott, Executive Director

303 S. Kickapoo St.

Lincoln, IL 62656

(217) 735-2385

chamber@lincolnillinois.com
www.lincolnillinois.com

Honors & Awards

Rhonda Jones named as ALMH Employee of the Year

[JAN. 14, 2003]  Rhonda Jones, a nurse with the Medical/Surgical Department at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, was recently named as the ALMH 2002 Employee of the Year.

Jones was nominated by her fellow employees, who stated, "Rhonda is a dedicated, hard worker who puts her patients first, treating them as she would want to be treated, and is always doing the extra things to make them comfortable, like washing and fixing their hair or tending to foot care."

[to top of second column in this article]

Rhonda was born and raised in Mount Pulaski but now lives in Chestnut with her husband of 23 years, John, and their children Daneil, 19, Damin, 12, and Devin, age 5. In her spare time Rhonda enjoys fishing, gardening and spending time with her children.

An outstanding ALMH employee is recognized each month, and the ALMH Employee of the Year is selected from among the monthly honorees. In the past year, ALMH Employees of the Month have included Kim Frizzell, radiology; Brenda Grider, medical-surgical; Harlyne Callahan, emergency; Roxanna Gleason, lab; Katrinka Buchen, housekeeping; Alice Hegland, medical-surgical; April Gehlbach, materials management; Helene Bales, medical records; Kenneth Gill, plant operations; Barbara Logan, operating room and same-day care; and Sheila McCoy, rehabilitation.

[ALMH news release]

Main Street Corner News

Main Street Lincoln offers
business start-up monies

[FEB. 17, 2003]  To entice new businesses to open in downtown Lincoln, Main Street Lincoln is offering financial assistance through a $20,000 grant from Illinois FIRST.

Eligible businesses must locate in Lincoln’s Courthouse Square Historic District and have a business plan based on the Small Business Administration model.

The Business Builder Fund is aimed at new businesses that need financial assistance to get started. Funds are available to business owners who would not be able to meet bank loan down-payment requirements without these funds. The grants will provide no more than one-third of the equity or down payment for a bank loan, or a maximum of $10,000.

Application for the grant is made as part of the business loan application process at participating lending institutions. A lending institution recommendation is required for the award of this grant.

[to top of second column in this article]

"We are offering this money to encourage people who would like to own a business but don’t have the financial means to get started," noted Dale Bassi, chairman of the Main Street Lincoln Economic Restructuring Committee. "Downtown Lincoln is a great place to open a business, with its mix of retail and service businesses and restaurants," he added.

For more information about the grant and available property in the historic district, contact Cindy McLaughlin at Main Street Lincoln, (217) 732-2929.

[Main Street Lincoln press release]

[Click here for more details from an earlier posting in LDN.]

Main Street Lincoln recognizes
volunteers and elects new officers

[FEB. 13, 2003]  At its annual meeting last week at the Maple Club, Main Street Lincoln announced officers elected for 2003. The new officers are David Lanterman, president; Dan Doolin, vice president; Susie Fuhrer, treasurer; and Linda Churchill, secretary. Main Street Lincoln also welcomed newcomers Dr. Kristin Green-Morrow and Chris Slack to the board

The Lincoln College Express provided a festive evening of entertainment for the annual meeting. Recognition was giving to outstanding volunteers of 2002: Paul Beaver, Linda Churchill, Ron Keller, Dick Logan, Michelle Schick, Melody Shew, Angela Stoltzenburg and Betty Verderber. Awards of outstanding service were given to exiting board members Jan Schumacher and Dale Bassi.

Sen. Bill Brady joined in the festivities as did several Lincoln government officials.

"It is obvious by the great attendance and enthusiasm of the attendees that Main Street Lincoln plays a positive role in promoting our downtown and enriching our community," said incoming president David Lanterman.

Main Street Lincoln is a volunteer-driven organization. It is only with the help of the community that goals are achieved. Volunteer opportunities, big and small, are always available. If you'd like to help with the goals of 2003, please call Main Street, 732-2929, for more information.

[Main Street Lincoln press release]

Main Street Lincoln

Cindy McLaughlin, Program Manager

303 S. Kickapoo

Lincoln, IL 62656

Phone: (217) 732-2929

Fax: (217) 735-9205

E-mail: manager@mainstreetlincoln.com