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Legislation would aid police
officers, lessen court time

[FEB. 27, 2003]  SPRINGFIELD -- Police officers could quickly determine a driver's car insurance status under legislation sponsored by Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield.

Senate Bill 499 would make insurance information readily available to police officers, making it easier to issue the correct tickets in accident situations and eliminating the need for insured drivers to later prove their insurance status in the courts.

"Illinois law requires that drivers have insurance, but many times drivers simply forget to put the new card in their vehicle," said Bomke. "What seems like a simple mistake can tie up police officers at accident sites issuing tickets for lack of insurance and further ties up the courts and state's attorneys when the driver appears in court to provide proof of insurance. Frankly, our courts and our law enforcement officers have more important matters to deal with than misplaced insurance cards."

Illinois law requires vehicle owners to have valid insurance. Senate Bill 499 would establish a database of all insured motor vehicles in Illinois. Maintained by the secretary of state's office, the database would make insurance information available to police officers via computer.

Senate Bill 499 is currently in the Senate Rules Committee. If the legislation becomes law, it would take effect Jan. 1, 2004.

[News release]

'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.

[to top of second column in this article]

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]

Police Reports

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

http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/frames.htm

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

Community Policing Activities

Some that still don't get it, got it

[MARCH 1, 2003]  From Feb. 9 through 22, the Lincoln Police Department, with a grant provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation, conducted a seat belt enforcement detail within the city of Lincoln. Nine officers participated in the enforcement detail and stopped 119 vehicles during this detail. The results are as follows:

• Speeding citations: 24
• Other moving citations: 31
• Seat belt citations: 96
• Child restraint citations: 1
• Suspended license: 3

• Total citations issued: 155

As we approach spring and a busy traveling season, the Lincoln Police Department continues to encourage the motoring public to use seat belts and child restraint devices while traveling.

[Officer Tim Butterfield,
Lincoln Police Department]

Court News

Name, age, address; date, charge; sentence

(Week ending 2-27-03)

• Shawn L. Baker, 23, 406 N. Jefferson; 6-12-02, aggravated battery; pleaded guilty, 4½ years Department of Corrections

• Amanda Clark, 18, 209 S. Maple, Chestnut; 11-11-02, unlawful consumption of alcohol by a minor; pleaded guilty, $125 fine plus court costs, two months court supervision

• Lora S. Eichel, 42, 1000 N. College; 11-24-02, unlawful possession of controlled substance; pleaded guilty, 24 months probation, $1,000 fine, $500 mandatory assessment, drug and alcohol testing and counseling

• John Grant, 29, 86 B Gavin; 4-5-02, unlawful manufacturing of methamphetamine, pleaded guilty, 10 years Department of Corrections

• John Grant, 29, 86 B Gavin; 2-16-03, criminal damage to property; pleaded guilty, three years Department of Corrections

• Douglas L. Gray, 41, 612 1200th, Middletown; 9-16-01, aggravated DUI; pleaded guilty, 30 months probation, 120 days Logan County Jail with 60 days held in remission, alcohol and drug evaluation and treatment

• Sherri Kaleff, 37, 101 Mason St. Box 91, New Holland; 8-27-01, state benefits fraud; pleaded guilty, 30 months probation, 90 days Logan County Jail deferred, $3,548 restitution

• Leatha C. Lee, 39, 5114 S. Wabash, Chicago; 11-26-02, unlawful possession of a controlled substance; pleaded guilty, 30 months probation, 90 days Logan County Jail deferred, $500 mandatory assessment, alcohol and drug evaluation and counseling

• Marty L. Montcalm, 21, 901 Clinton; 9-12-02, aggravated battery; pleaded guilty, five years Department of Corrections

• Lori R. Moore, 30, 525 Second; 9-1-02, forgery; pleaded guilty, 30 months probation, restution, drug and alcohol evaluation and counseling

• Janice I. Quinn, 56, Atlanta; 7-15-89, deceptive practices amended to Class A; pleaded guilty, one year conditional discharge, $200 fine, restitution

• Danialle R. Rice, 23, 551 W Main, Decatur; 9-12-02, unlawful possession of a controlled substance; pleaded guilty, 24 months probation, $1,000 fine, drug and alcohol testing and counseling

Marriage Licenses

(Week ending 2-27-03)

• Marty W. Steffens, Lincoln
  Danita J. Chrisman, Lincoln

• Calvin T. Harris, Lincoln
  Shirlene Y. Barber, Northport, Ala.

• Jackie J. Foster, Lincoln
  Debra K. Robinson, Lincoln

• Shawn L. Baker, Lincoln
  Cristina M. Falcon, Lincoln

• David M. Price, Normal
  Donna L. Givens, Normal

Dissolutions

(Week ending 2-27-03)

• Chad E. Taylor, Clinton
  Brandi L. Taylor, Hartsburg

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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