[MARCH 26, 2003]  Tough financial times have struck hard in Lincoln. The start of the regular council meeting was delayed Tuesday evening by a closed legislative session. When the meeting began Mayor Beth Davis opened with an announcement that there will be a reduction in city employees. The three main departments -- police, streets and alleys, and fire departments -- were each told to cut two employees. Names are to be submitted at the next council meeting. There was no further discussion after the brief announcement.

Special zoning and liquor license issues for the upcoming Lincoln Sesquicentennial were the main subject of the evening. Issues of zoning and alcohol ordinances were discussed at length. A couple of drinking establishments, Capones and Camelians, have already put forth requests to block the street at Sangamon to have outdoor drinking in order to take advantage of the bands that will be in the downtown area.

In addition, Main Street Lincoln is soliciting Illinois wine makers to come offer their wares at a special outdoor wine tasting venue. They are proposing hosting the event in Scully Park during the Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival as well as at the Ethnic Festival. Both events occur during the sesquicentennial, one week apart.

City Attorney Bill Bates has examined city ordinances closely and cannot see a way that would allow the wine makers to sell their wares to take home. The way the ordinance reads now they can get a daily permit that allows for the sale of alcohol to be consumed on-site. He recommends that if we want to have these businesses be able to sell bottles of wine to take home, we could amend the liquor ordinance at this time in order to accommodate special events. This needs to be done quickly as vendors are making their schedules now.

[to top of second column in this article]

Alderman Glenn Shelton expressed some concern about selling alcohol in a park where there is playground equipment, questioning the message that this sends to children. The question also came up about how many other drinking establishments in the downtown area might want to move out of doors and how other businesses might feel about having more alcohol on the streets. It was decided that the zoning committee would look at this issue and possibly search for other locations that might be used for the wine tasting. They will meet March 31 to discuss it all.

The next council meeting is April 7.

[Jan Youngquist]

Public announcement of
'Worldwide Caution'

[MARCH 26, 2003]  This updated public announcement from the U.S. Department of State is to alert Americans to an increased potential for anti-American violence, including terrorist actions against U.S. citizens, as a result of the military action in Iraq. The U.S. government remains deeply concerned about the security of Americans overseas. American citizens are reminded that it is more important than ever to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This "Worldwide Caution" supersedes that issued on Feb. 6 and expires on July 20.

As a result of military action in Iraq, there is a potential for retaliatory actions to be taken against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. Public demonstrations carry the potential for precipitating violence directed at American citizens, symbols associated with the United States, or other U.S. and Western interests.

The threat to U.S. citizens includes the risk of attacks by terrorist groups. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, bombings or kidnappings. Possible threats include conventional weapons such as explosive devices or nonconventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. These may include facilities where Americans and other foreigners congregate or visit, such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events, resorts and beaches. U.S. citizens should increase their security awareness at such locations, avoid them, or switch to other locations where Americans in large numbers generally do not congregate.

[to top of second column in this article]

U.S. government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert, and some have drawn down their dependents and personnel. These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time for security reasons. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to American citizens. Monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest American embassy or consulate.

As the Department of State continues to develop information on any potential security threats to Americans overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers can get up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1 (888) 407-4747 in the United States. Outside the United States and Canada, the number on a regular toll line is l (317) 472-2328.

[U.S. Department of State]

Articles from the past week

Back to top