Mount Pulaski 'no loitering' ordinance to be enforced with discretion

From the Mount Pulaski mayor    

To the editor:

The public hearing Sept. 7 regarding the "no loitering" ordinance was well-attended. I appreciate everyone taking the time to offer opinions and listen to all sides of this issue. The [Mount Pulaski] City Council approved the "no loitering" ordinance at the Sept. 14 meeting as follows:

It shall be unlawful for any person to loiter or congregate upon the streets, sidewalks or alleys of the City in the vicinity of any public place to the annoyance or disturbance of any person or persons. Any number of persons who shall congregate upon such public places and shall refuse to disperse when requested to do so by any member of the police force or by any person annoyed thereby shall be subject to a general penalty fine as specified by Ordinance 1-4-1 (9-2004)

The intent and purpose of this ordinance is to protect the business owners, residents and their property. The support of this ordinance was overwhelming at the public hearing and last night’s city council meeting.

The city recognizes that it is a custom of the young adults and school-age children to congregate on the north side of the square. At the police department discretion, the area on the south side of Jefferson Street between Lafayette and Washington streets can be used for this purpose. If the gathering becomes unruly, loud, too large or leaves excessive litter, the gathering will be disbursed by the police department per the "no loitering" ordinance.

Other exceptions to this ordinance are special events such as victory celebrations for school-related functions and city-approved festivals and shows.

Also, we are working with other law enforcement agencies to assist our police department and keep control of the square, to protect the business owners and residents of the area. Police Chief Freer has been in contact with the state police and the FBI recently. Logan County Sheriff Steve Nichols attended our public hearing and has offered additional assistance from his department when needed by Mount Pulaski.

[to top of second column in this letter]

The city council hired Miles Craig of Lincoln as a full-time police officer. He will start in October. He will attend the Illinois State Police academy and be ready for police work in a few months. We have received reimbursement in the past from the ISP for the tuition to the academy. We will request reimbursement for Miles Craig when he completes the academy. We are also actively seeking part-time police officers to add to our staff and give us flexibility at the times we need officers the most.

Several in attendance at the public hearing suggested a Neighborhood Watch. I will attempt to find out more information other cities that have successful Neighborhood Watch programs. The city is also considering an auxiliary police department.

The city is also considering some surveillance equipment to be placed permanently on the square.

The most important issue, as always, is communication. If you observe problems or have a suggestion, let me or Police Chief Freer or someone on the city council know about it. If your property has been vandalized or burglarized, report it immediately to the police department. If someone takes an inappropriate action against you, make the police department aware of the problem. Call 911 if it is an emergency. You can also call 792-5018, the Mount Pulaski Police Department non-emergency number, or 732-4159, Logan County's non-emergency number. I can be reached at 306-1933.

Thank you to all who attended the public hearing and subsequent city council meeting. I feel we are taking appropriate actions based on the feedback we have received to date.

Bill Glaze, Mayor
City of Mount Pulaski

(posted 9-15-04)

Thanks to Lincoln Junior Woman's Club and CVS Pharmacy

To the editor:

This letter is an addition to the letter submitted Sept. 3 about the "2004 Backpacks for Kids" project. [See letter below.] It was brought to my attention by two of my sorority sisters that some sponsors were inadvertently left out of the previous open-letter thank-you. Lincoln Junior Woman's Club was gracious enough to donate money, and CVS Pharmacy sold supplies to us at very, very low prices. We, as a group, thank you for your help, and I apologize to you for my error.

When at least one of the children you are now helping will "further their education by going on to college," your thoughtfulness may then be rightfully acknowledged. A child needs to be encouraged constantly with positive lifestyle examples.

Again, a "huge" thank-you to everyone involved.

2004 "Backpacks For Kids"
Lois Vannoy, co-chair
Beta Sigma Phi
Preceptor Eta Chapter member

(posted 9-13-04)

---

Kids back to school in style, thanks to backpack project

To the editor:

2004 "Backpacks for Kids" was a success.

Approximately 10 years ago, local chapters of Beta Sigma Phi decided to give more time to a "special" project. Our chapter, Preceptor Eta, continues that project. We just completed another year of Backpacks for Kids. Over 100 Lincoln school children, kindergarten through sixth grades, received backpacks filled with required school supplies.

The supplies were purchased for those children whose families are facing financial or medical hardship. Meeting educational needs of children is of the utmost importance to us. At risk are the children whose environmental, familial or socioeconomic situation may affect their academic success or ability to learn. We as caring individuals should help in that area that is available to us.

This accomplishment was made with the help of others. We wish to extend a heartfelt thank-you for the generosity from the following:

YMCA, Wal-Mart, Coy's Car Corner, Wyatt Wedgeworth Memorial Fund, Gold Wing Road Rider Association, Weyerhaeuser, Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Lions Club, Lincoln College, Gail Wise, Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary, Lincoln IGA, Walgreens stores, Lincoln Police Department's DARE program, Brooklyn and Blake Hermes, Shelbi Frye, Bobi Frye (Frye's Upholstery Recovery Room), State Bank of Lincoln, Lincoln Office, Marty Fulton, Area Disposal.

[to top of second column in this letter]

Thank you to the anonymous donors of school supplies, all the people who continue to support our rib-eye steak sandwich sales at Lincoln IGA and everyone who supported our garage sale this summer.

We also wish to thank our sister chapters for their donations. To Lincoln Daily News: Thank you for the wonderful coverage. To CIEDC: Thank you for working with us and accepting applications from outlying Logan County communities.

Oh, to see the smile on the child's face walking into the classroom with his or her own bag and supplies, just like all the other children!

Already, we are working with the YMCA with preparations for 2005. If you have questions or would like to make a donation for 2005, please call Shanda Roderick at 737-1967 or Lois Vannoy at 737-0360 or write to Beta Sigma Phi, Preceptor Eta Chapter, 1501 N. Union St., Lincoln, IL 62656.

Thank you tremendously,
Shanda Roderick and Lois Vannoy
Co-chairpersons

(posted 9-3-04)