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'We card hard'

[FEB. 24, 2003]  Project 21 came to Lincoln last week. The Illinois Liquor Control Commission, along with the secretary of state's office and the Illinois State Police, conducted a training session at the Lincoln Park District Recreation Center to help local liquor distributors and proprietors of local establishments who sell alcohol learn ways to stop underage drinking. Many of the proprietors and distributors who do business in Logan County were in attendance.

Capt. George Murray, deputy director of investigations for the Illinois Liquor Commission, told the local proprietors, "We are not here as your enemies; we are your friends, and we want you to be successful and prosperous." The Project 21 seminar was being done to help them learn ways to avoid selling to minors. "Proprietors have a responsibility in what happens in communities," Murray said.

The seminar was in coordination with Lincoln Police Department, Logan County Sheriff 's Department and the mayor's office.

Project 21 is a program that travels to every county in Illinois. Many times the project requests and goes to a county on its own. Capt. Murray said that Logan County is different. Mayor Beth Davis, Police Chief Richard Montcalm and Sheriff Nichols invited Project 21 to Lincoln.

Sheriff Nichols stated that prior to taking office in November, he knew that Logan County had a problem, but that upon taking office he learned that he was aware of only about 10 percent of the problems within Logan County.

Capt. Murray stated that the formula for success is easy. "Ask for an ID and look at it closely," he said. The seminar provided local establishments with training and tools that they could use to give a tough message to minors.

Eighty-two percent of young people buy their liquor where they live. "Bartenders and owners are the first line of defense," Murray said. "Ask for an ID and look at it. You do not have to make the sale if you suspect the person to be a minor."

Marie O'Brien of the Illinois Liquor Commission stated, "Logan County is far from the worst county in Illinois." The commission does ACE checks throughout the state, checking establishments that sell alcohol. They have done stings in 75 communities so far this year, and Lincoln has done well.

However, "Logan County is at a 20 percent failure level, and that is why we are here," stated Murray. "This is still not good enough."  

The ACE checks have been done in 65 counties. The counties and communities that have college campuses tend to do the poorest on the checks.

"Young people's confidence is built up while at college," O'Brien said. "They are able to purchase alcohol while underage at college, and then when they return home they continue what they have learned."

Capt. Murray stated that every day somewhere in Illinois a tragedy is occurring due to underage drinking. The most obvious tragedies are of course deaths and criminal acts that happen while youth are under the influence. There are, however, other tragedies that occur, such as the loss of our youth's potential. Many college students who have potential to go on into professions, such as being doctors or teachers, drop out because of underage drinking. Many unwanted pregnancies occur because of underage drinking.

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In a recent survey of underage drinkers, the youth themselves stated that the buzz word with kids is which places card hard and which places are selling to minors. That is where the slogan "We card hard" comes from. Kids also know the laws, such as the amount the fines are for underage drinking. They are current on the subject.

Capt. Murray said, "A key thing is for proprietors to keep a line of communication open with the local police." He stated that if a proprietor suspects that a minor is trying to purchase alcohol, he or she should call the police with a description of the minor, document the incident, and take a license number. Legally a proprietor cannot detain the minor.

Project 21 offers a large amount of information. The seminar included role-playing that taught servers how to deal with underage drinkers and customers who had too much to drink for the night. Servers were also taught how to recognize fake IDs. Proprietors and servers were educated on city and state laws regarding alcohol sales.

Local proprietors and servers in general felt that the seminar was very worthwhile. Their responses varied. Haji, the local owner of Quick Way, said "I wanted to learn more about fake IDs." Chris Pence, manager of Character's said, "I found the seminar to be very informative and helpful."  Dave Dinger of Dinger's Tap in Mount Pulaski said, "I generally know most of my customers and feel comfortable serving them, but this information will be helpful." Bert Jachino of Qik-n-EZ stated, "We really do card hard because many of our customers are young. We are located near two college campuses." All of the proprietors agreed that they realize there are problems and that it is difficult at times to recognize minors.

The Rev. Glenn Shelton, alderman from the 4th Ward in Lincoln, pointed out that the ordinance allowing 18-year-olds to serve alcohol but not be able to purchase alcohol "is very confusing and gives a mixed message to young people." He would like to see that ordinance change and will work toward that purpose.

Mayor William Glaze of Mount Pulaski said that he found a lot of the Project 21 information useful.

Capt. Murray reiterated that Project 21 was a friend to liquor establishments and wanted them to succeed. He did warn that officials would be back in two to three weeks to see how much Logan County had learned. The next time they come back they will be there to make sure their training is being followed and Logan County does "card hard."

[Don Todd]

Jury rules death a suicide

[FEB. 20, 2003]  A panel of six Logan County residents heard the account of an accident that occurred on Interstate 55 just west of Lincoln on the evening of Friday, Jan. 10. Logan County Coroner Chuck Fricke described the order of events and provided medical evidences for the jury to decide cause and manner in the death of Michael T. Keeney of Springfield.

Keeney, a 42-year-old parole agent for the state of Illinois, District 3, had transported prisoners to Pontiac earlier in the day and was returning to Springfield in a state-owned vehicle at the time of the incident. He was the only occupant.

His vehicle was southbound at mile marker 125½ when it was witnessed leaving the road. The van crossed three lanes of oncoming northbound traffic, traveled down a ravine and up a hillside before being stopped by a grove of small trees and coming to rest on its driver side.

Sgt. Eric Hall, a state police investigator, said there were at least four independent witnesses who saw the vehicle leave the road, stopped and tried to assist. Other people also tried to help, but since it was a transport vehicle it was difficult to get into.

Lincoln Rural Fire Department took the vehicle apart piece by piece, starting at the passenger side. Fricke said that when access was gained, Keeney's seat belt had to be cut, and then he was taken out of the vehicle.

Keeney's work supervisor was contacted, and it was reported that Keeney had been experiencing mild arrhythmia over the holidays and was seeing a doctor.

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His T-shirt was cut open. He was wearing a bulletproof vest. It was removed. There were no external wounds and no apparent injuries.

Keeney was confirmed dead at 8:15 p.m.

Autopsy results showed that there was a laceration and gray powder toward the back of his tongue. Dr. Michael Markey of Springfield reported that there were multiple contusions and bruising to the brain stem and a fractured cervical spine. The damages were caused by the blunt force trauma of a bullet. The bullet was lodged inside.

A .40-caliber pistol and cartridge were found in the vehicle.

A vitreous ethyl alcohol test measured Keeney as having a .09 alcohol level, .08 being the legal limit.

After hearing the account of the scene and medical evidences, the jury had no questions and deliberated for a short time. They returned with a statement agreeing that Keeney died from a gunshot wound to the head, and they believed it to be suicide.

[Jan Youngquist]

Police Reports

Link to Illinois sex offender information provided by the Illinois State Police:

http://samnet.isp.state.il.us/ispso2/sex_offenders/index.asp

Searches available by city, county, ZIP code and name.

Community Policing Activities

Reduce the risk of injuries while traveling

[Click here for announcement posted Feb. 7 regarding a special safety enforcement period.]

New Citizens Police Academy accepting applications

[JAN. 30, 2003]  The Lincoln Police Department is currently accepting applications for the Citizens Police Academy. The classes are one day a week, and there are 10 classes, beginning March 11. Applicants must be at least 17 years old.

Applications may be picked up at the Lincoln Police Department and must be returned no later than March 1.

The Citizens Police Academy shows citizens of the community how the department operates and covers areas from administration to traffic control. Participants of the class will also be allowed to ride along with a Lincoln police officer for up to eight hours.

If you are interested in law enforcement or would just like to see what your police are doing, please join the class. There is no cost to the participants.

Contact:

Community Policing Officer Tim Butterfield

Lincoln Police Department

(217) 732-2151

[Lincoln Police Department news release]

Court News

Name, age, address; date, charge; sentence

(Week ending 2-20-03)

• Eric L. Applegate, 44, 500 N. 150th East Road, Atlanta; 7-21-02, unlawful delivery of alcohol to a minor; pleaded guilty, 12 months conditional discharge, $300 fine plus court costs

• Jonathan Armstrong, 27, 1516 N. 41st St., East St. Louis; 11-10-01, unlawful possession of cannabis; pleaded guilty, $300 fine plus court costs, $200 mandatory assessment, $50 lab fee

• Nicholas Baker, 20, 119 S. Marion, Mount Pulaski; 1-17-03, retail theft; pleaded guilty, six months conditional discharge, $300 fine plus court costs

• Brent Cordell, 20, 419 N. First St., San Jose; 1-7-03, unlawful consumption of alcohol by a minor; pleaded guilty, 12 months conditional discharge, $250 fine plus court costs

• David Dvorak, 24, 600 Short 10th; 1-16-03, unlawful delivery of alcohol to a minor; pleaded guilty, 12 months conditional discharge, 20 days Logan County Jail, $500 fine plus court costs

• Michael C. Gasparini, 18, R.R. 2, P.O. Box 125, Greenview; 12-13-02, unlawful consumption of alcohol by a minor; pleaded guilty, 12 months conditional discharge, $500 fine plus court costs

• Kym A. Long, 33, 720 E. Johnson, Clinton; 8-27-02, deceptive practices; six months court supervision, $150 fine plus court costs, $102 restitution

• Ray Malone, 39, 703 N. Madison; 5-23-02, domestic battery; three years Department of Corrections

• Ray Malone, 39, 703 N. Madison; 11-2-02, domestic battery; three years Department of Corrections, $280 restitution

• Tanya M. Nicholas, 22, 729 Decatur; 10-31-02, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, pleaded guilty, 10 days Logan County Jail, $750 fine plus court costs

• John M. Pollack Jr., 23, P.O. Box 102, Emden; 8-22-02, deceptive practices; pleaded guilty, six months court supervision, $150 fine plus court costs

• Joshua Sinnett, 19, 1702 1200th St., Beason; 1-12-03, unlawful use of fireworks; pleaded guilty, $150 fine plus court costs

• Simonne M. Smith, 48, 319 N. Adams; 8-29-02, 9-23-02, deceptive practices; pleaded guilty, $150 fine plus court costs, $204.03 restitution

Marriage Licenses

(No postings for the week ending 2-20-03)

Dissolutions

(Week ending 2-20-03)

• James R. Ellenberg, Logan County
  Barbara M. Ellenberg, Logan County

• Darren D. Haberland, Emden
  Judith L. Haberland, Mount Pulaski

Most Wanted

Call (217) 732-4159 with any information.

Call (217) 732-4159 with any information.

ANYONE WITH ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING THESE INCIDENTS OR ANY OTHER CRIME IN THE LINCOLN/LOGAN COUNTY AREA IS URGED TO CALL "CRIME STOPPERS" AT 732-3000 OR E-MAIL AT crime@ccaonline.com.  YOUR INFORMATION WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL AND YOU MAY REMAIN ANONYMOUS.  IF YOUR INFORMATION LEADS TO THE ARREST OF THE PERSON(S) INVOLVED, "CRIME STOPPERS" WILL PAY YOU A CASH REWARD UP TO $1,000.

"CRIME STOPPERS" HAS AN ANSWERING MACHINE TO ANSWER YOUR CALLS.  THIS IS TO PROTECT YOU IF YOU WISH TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS (YOUR CALLS CANNOT BE TRACED WITH THE MACHINE).  YOU NEED TO LET US KNOW HOW YOU CAN BE CONTACTED ABOUT THE INCIDENT, OR YOU MUST WATCH TO SEE IF THE SUBJECT HAS BEEN ARRESTED.  THIS IS SO WE CAN MAKE A PAYOUT.

Cases

• Sometime before 9:22 a.m. on Dec. 15, 2001, a Chevrolet Cavalier was taken without the owner's permission from the 200 block of Latham Street in Lincoln. The vehicle was later found stuck in the mud at the Sportsman's Club. Crime Stoppers is asking for information as to who had taken the vehicle.

• Sometime before 9:11 a.m. on July 21, a burglary occurred at Lincoln Junior High School, 208 Broadway St. in Lincoln. Unknown person(s) broke a window on the third floor and gained access to the building. Unknown person(s) went through the school and caused damage and vandalism to the school property.

• Late Sunday night and early Monday morning, March 18 and 19, someone stole items from five different Lincoln vehicles.
  The first vehicle was parked at a residence on the 1800 block of Pekin. A $175 radar detector was taken from the car.
  In one of the Lincoln Christian College parking lots, change was stolen from an automobile.
  On the 200 block of Mayfield, several items totaling $75 were stolen from a car parked at the owner's residence: a book binder, school books, homework, a calculator, a learner's permit and some change.
  The next vehicle was parked inside a garage on the 900 block of N. McLean. The owner remembers locking the garage door. A portable CD player, which is worth about $100, was taken from the vehicle.
  The last theft was from a car parked at the owner's residence. A $50 AM/FM CD player was stolen.
  There are no suspects at this time, but due to the timing of the crimes it is believed that they may be connected. If you have any information about these thefts, please contact the Lincoln Police Department at 732-2151, or Crime Stoppers at 732-3000.

• A series of thefts in the early morning hours of Thursday, March 15, is under investigation. There are no suspects yet, but police believe that one person or group is responsible for all of the crimes. 

  The first vehicle, a pickup truck, parked at the owner's residence in the 500 block of Tremont, was entered through the rear sliding door. It is estimated that $400 worth of property was stolen: a radio, duffle bag, four clothing items, prescription sunglasses, two flashlights and a disposable camera.

  The second vehicle had an AM/FM CD player stolen. To gain entry, the suspects forced entry to the side door of the '93 Jeep, which was parked in front of the owner's residence in the 300 block of Tremont. The radio is worth about $100.

  Two cars were broken into in a residential parking lot on the 100 block of S. Logan St. One vehicle, a truck, had a CD player removed; the suspects removed the dash cover to take the $200 unit.

  The other vehicle, a van, had a radar detector removed. The detector is worth about $100.

  If you have any information about these crimes, please contact the Lincoln Police Department at 732-2151 or Crime Stoppers at 732-3000.

• On Feb. 19, 2001, between 6 and 8:15 p.m. unknown person(s) placed an unknown substance on a 1999 Cadillac parked at the Mount Pulaski grade school. The grade school is located at 200 N. Garden Street in Mount Pulaski. The substance caused extensive damage to the paint on the vehicle. The Mount Pulaski Police Department, (217) 792-5018, and the Lincoln/Logan County Crime Stoppers are requesting anyone with any information to contact them.

• On Jan. 16, 2001, a possible arson occurred at 127 N. Kickapoo St. (the old Scully Building) in Lincoln. The possible arson was reported at approx. 7:12 p.m. on that date. Anyone with any information about this incident who may have seen anything or anyone in the area of the building is asked to contact the Lincoln Police Department, Lincoln Fire Department or Crime Stoppers.

• On Jan. 12, 2001, sometime between 6  and 9 p.m., a burglary occurred on Mayfair Drive in Lincoln. Unknown person(s) forced open a garage door and entered the residence. Unknown person(s) looked through dresser drawers and a closet. Taken from the residence were several shotguns, a cellular phone and a camera.

• Sometime between Nov. 23 and Nov. 27, 2000, unknown person(s) entered a residence on the west side of Lincoln. Unknown person(s) forced entry to the residence and went through it. Several items of jewelry where taken, along with a laptop computer and an unknown amount of U.S. currency.

• Sometime between Nov. 13 and Nov. 14, 2000, unknown person(s) forced entry to the Plaza Wash and Lube at 2821 Woodlawn Road in Lincoln. Unknown person(s) broke a window on a door on the east side of the building. Unknown person(s) entered the office area and took an assortment of U.S. currency and some product coupons. Estimated damage to the door was around $70.

Information on payouts

Total calls received:       241

Solved cases:                   45

Arrests made:                   60

Dollar amount of drugs and merchandise recovered:    $36,200.00

Dollar amount paid out for rewards:    $9,775.00

(2000 figures)

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