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Few want to be Morgan County chairmanBy FRANK FUHRIG Special to the Joumal-CourterMorgan County Democrats willeick a new chairman this week,ut no one is clamoring for the job.Bill Gross of Jacksonville, currently first vice president, is considering a run for the post, but will only make up his mind when precinct committeemen meet for anelection at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday atthe Knights of Columbus hall.'Til probably decide at 7:45Tuesday night,” Mr. Gross says.‘‘If the people want me, I’ll probably serve.”Mr. Gross, a retired coach from the Illinois School for the VisuallyBig fair losingbig money■ Manager wants more corporate sponsorsImpaired, is a former alderman and in the past has run for staterepresentative and countytreasurer. He is married to Morgan County Clerk Barb Gross.Local attorney David Leefers, mentioned by some Democrats as another possible candidate for chairman, says he is not interested in the position.Several Democratic Central Committee members refused to comment on the election of a chairman. Larry Long, second vice chairman, admits that “it’s been real quietFormer Democratic County Chairman Don Thorsen, who resigned Aug. 1 after five years, willnot make any endorsements but offers a warning for his succes-ifsor. “It’s a tough job in this town, because they’re all Republicans,” he says. “It’s a no-winsituation. You’re going to get ridiculed one way or another.”Mr. Thorsen, a retired engineer, resigned because of health problems including “a whale of an ulcer,” but he says it was not a result of being county chairman.He blames Republican control of state government for the local Democratic Party’s difficulties. “You don’t have the patronage to hand out, so it’s hard to enthuse some of the younger members,” he says.Mr. Thorsen is optimistic that Democrats locally can ride the coattails of their presidential candidate. “If you can win the top of the ticket it trickles down,” heIIsays. ‘‘I think the Democrats nationally look good. Once you get the national government Democratic, you have an inroad into state government. ’ ’Mr. Gross is likewise hopeful. He points to the success of a fundraiser in Meredosia earlier this month as proof that local Democrats are beginning a resurgence. The harmony was so beautiful at the fund-raiser,” he says.“Everybody chipped in and everybody sold tickets. Those are the things I would stress as county chairman — cooperation and teamwork. It’s the same as when I coached. If you don’t have (harmony), you don’t have anything.” Mr. Gross is confident that he could win the support of the central committee if he decides to run. “If it came to a vote, I think I’d win,” he says.GrotsBaby talkBy CHRISTOPHER WILLSTbs Aaaodat»d PraaaSPRINGFIELD — Facing about $100,000 in State Fair losses each day, manager Bud Hall is preaching the need to raise its prices and attract more corporate sponsors.He says the fair needs to increase the price of admission as well as fees for contest entries and space for vendors. And it must supplement state money with donations and volunteer work, he said.“We just have to start running it like a business. We’ve missed the boat,” Hall said. “I don’t think we ought to take a big loss.”But companies differ on the value of sponsoring events and having a big presence at the fair. Some call the exposure invaluable, while others say they have better ways to reach customers.Overhauling the fair’s finances is necessary. Short on cash and long on bills, state officials cut the State Fair budget about $1.7 million this year.Combined with last year’s cuts, that means the fair is running on almost one-third less money than it used to, Hall said.That puts pressure on fair officials to make every dollar count and to head off any attempts to label the event a money-losing frill Illinois no longer can afford.The fair lost more than $1.6 million in 1990 and about $1.2 million in 1991, Hall said. This year, with the fair trimmed from 11 days to nine, he hopes to keep the loss “substantially under a million.”One way to offer more events with less state money is with corporate help.Corporate sponsors are giving about $200,000 this year, Hall said. Some sponsors donate money, others give equipment, and others put on games and events.Coca-Cola, for instance, helped the fair buy a new electronic billboard. In exchange, the company gets a share of concession business and vending machines.“We feel the fair is good exposure for our company. Think about Coca-Cola and the State Fair — it’s a good match,” said Hugh Pittenger, general manager of Central States Coca-Cola Bottling Co.Still, Pittenger doesn’t foresee the company’s role in the fair expanding as Hall seeks “He needs more corporatesponsors, not more from his corporate sponsors,” Pittenger said. “We’re happy with where we are.”But as the fair evolves from agriculture showcase to allpurpose festival, it becomes less helpful to companies that want to reach only farmers, said Gordon Tjelmeland, spokesman for the farm equipment manufacturerDeere Co.“There are more focused ways to reach the customer,” Tjelmeland said. “They have videotapes; they have field demonstrations; they teach allkinds of safety programs throughthe dealership now.”Deere has reduced its presence at state fairs over the years, Tjelmeland said. ‘‘It’s probably to the point now where it’s going tolevel off. ’ ’To get more out of the fair, Halladvocates raising admission fees.The fair charges only $2 and lets young children and the elderly in free, a bargain compared to many state and county fairs, he said.umwiimSPRINGFIELDPresident George Bush greets 7-month-oldPaul Schmit II, held by his father, Paul Schmit of St. Louis, as theyeat lunch at the Illinois State Fair Sunday. Mr. Bush and his wife, Barbara, visited the fair during a brief campaign stop in Springfield.Durbin calls for ethanol reversalU.S. Rep. Richard Durbin, D-20: Urged Environmental Protection Agency administrator William Reilly to ‘‘take the necessary steps” to ensure that ethanol-blended gasolines can be used in the nine most polluted U.S. cities.‘‘Simply put, ethanol means jobs for Illinois,” Mr. Durbin said. “Increasing ethanol use will bring about the kind of economic change that is vital to the economy of downstate Illinois.” U.S. Senate Democratic nominee Carol Moeeley Braun: Quoted a Chicago Sun-Times article which reported that Republican challenger Rich Wil-★ ★ ★CAMPAIGNTHEY SAID ITas a foreign lobbyist is symptomatic of the revolving door ethic practiced so frequently during the Bush and Reagan administrations,” Ms. Braun said. “This practice gives the appearance of a government for rent and leaves the American people wondering whose side these officials are on.”liamson lobbied the U.S. government on behalf of foreign companies shortly after leaving his position as assistant secretary of state for international organizations in the Reagan andBush administrations.“Mr. Williamson registeringU.8. Senate Republicannominee Rich Wllllamaon:Announced the appointment of Marvin Losey as Cass County coordinator for the Williamson for U.S. Senate campaign. Mr. Losey will organize volunteer support throughout the county,Marnico demands sewer fees■ Tells residents they must pay for the services they receivedBy LYNDA L SCHMITZJournal-Courter ReporterThe Marnico Betterment Association plans on collecting about $2,500 in back sewer fees owed by residents, even if it has to be done through legal means.‘‘We will collect. You use (the sewer system), you need to pay for it,” association presidentChuck Rowe said Sunday afternoon. About 14 owners owe more than $50 in fees, according to theboard.Mr. Rowe said notices will be sent out to those who owe. *'About 90 percent of the families who owe out here are ready to comply. It’s all legal,” he said.Several Marnico Village residents had stopped paying their sewer fees because the system had been operating illegally. The association that governs the trailer court had failed four years ago to file the proper papers with the state to operate the sewer system.The association approved its revised by-laws Sunday afternoon, including new language about sewer fees, which are $10 a monthper hook-up. Member Bob Reed said many people thought some of the language in the previous bylaws was unclear.Residents who have paid their bills are angry with those who haven’t.‘‘I’ve paid for this since 194 — it’s so aggravating. They are using a service. If they lived in town and didn’t pay for service from Illinois Power, their electricity would be shut off. This is not any different,” Ada Reed, a 13-yearresident, said.Paul Summers, a three-year resident agreed and said, ‘‘You can’t please everyone, but they’ll have to deal with it.”The new by-laws say that sewer usage rights may be terminated by the board when payments are delinquent and that the involved parties must be 14 days written notice of intent to disconnect. A hearing may be held before the board prior to disconnection if requested.The by-laws go on to say that if a fee remains unpaid, a lien may be issued. If this happens, the property cannot be sold until the fee is paid.Mr. Reed said in a previous interview that the problem with the state was ‘‘an oversight” and that the board is now in compliance.dents who have withheld their fees are ready to pay now that the association has fixed things with the state.Floyd Summers, who went without paying the fee for 23 months when he learned the system was being run illegally, has now paid the $230.‘‘If you’re hooked (up to the sewer system), you need to pay for it. It’s a service. I paid my $230 and I think the others here should pay,” he said at the meeting.The Spellbrinks have lived at Marnico Village since 1987 and stopped paying their sewer fee to protest to how the association was being run in the past. “Nobody knew what exactly was going on with the money, but now with things reinstated, we seem to be back on track,” said Raymond Spellbrink.He said he thought everythingleeting. “We are prepared to pay our past bills,” he said. The Spellbrinks owe about 18 months worth of fees.represent the candidate in his absence and promote Mr. Williamson’s stands on the issues.■ State Rap. BUI Edlay, D-Macomb: Says downgrading Illinois’ credit rating is one more sign that the Edgar administration should use business-like accounting principles.“The administration has been cooking the books by using a shoebox accounting system that fools nobody but the uninformed,” Mr. Edley said. ‘‘The pros want real numbers, not phony financial flim-flammery. It’s time for the governor to tell Illinois citizens the truth. The professionals already know it.”Tattoo helps identify manHARRISBURG (AP)—An Arkansas man suspected of killing a Southern Illinois man has been arrested by Nevada police, who say they used a tattoo to confirm his identity.Joseph William Jordan, 19, was arrested in Lander County, Nev., early Saturday after he ran out of gas and money near a service station and asked the attendant if the county had a program to help stranded motorists, said Saline County Sheriff George Henley.The attendant called the local sheriff to ask if anyone could help Jordan. A deputy made a routine check on Jordan’s car and discovered it was stolen, Henley said.Police said the car belonged to Ralph Thompson, a 55-year-old Carrier Mills man who was found shot to death and wrapped in a quilt Aug. 13.Saline County police faxed a photograph of Jordan’s face to Lander County police, but it was unclear, said Cpl. Zack Gibbons of the Saline County Sheriff’s Department.Gibbons then faxed them a photograph of a tattoo of a rose on Jordan’s upper arm.“That did it. The rose did him in,” Gibbons said.BrieflyBaylis man charged with exposing himselfPITTSFIELD — A Baylis man was arrested Saturday afternoon after an alleged incident of indecent conduct.According to Pike County deputies, Dallas Bruce Patter eon, 36, of Baylis was charged with indecent conduct after police received reports of a person exposing himself while driving around Barry.He was alleged to have exposed himself to a 16-year-old girl and a 12-year-old girl. An investigation by the Barry police led to his arrest. He is scheduled to appear in Pike County Court Sept. 15.Elliott shareholders get 24 cent dividendFirstbank of Illinois Co., parent company of Elliott State Bank, has announced that its regular quarterly dividend will be 24 cents per share.The dividend is payable Oct. 1 to shareholders of record Sept. 11.Firstbank of Illinois Co. is the largest Illinois holdingcompany headquartered in downstate Illinois.•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••DATEBOOKTODAYWW.v.v-Public agenda► Morgan County Board of Commlaaloners, 9 a.m., courthouse.^ Jacksonville City Council,6:45 p.m., Road District 14 meeting; 7 p.m., council meeting, Municipal Building.Organizations, support groups► Growth Support Group(community-based anonymous support group), 7 p.m. in Passavant Area Hospital’s classroom C (east wing).^ Overeaters Anonymous, 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church.te' Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m. at 1301 Monroe St., Beardstown; 8 p.m. at Bowen Building, Jacksonville Developmental Center grounds, Jacksonville; and 8 p.m. at McNeff Hall (2nd floor), East South Street, Mount Sterling.^ Al-Anon, Alateen and Pra-Alatean, 8 p.m. at Bowen Building, Jacksonville Developmental Center grounds, Jacksonville. (For Alateen info, call 243-4584)The monthly meeting of the Greene and Jersey County Alzheimer’s Support Group will be held at 7 p.m. at the Greenwood Manor Nursing ie, 410 Fletcher, Jerseyvil-le. For information call the Case Coordination Unit at (618)498-9587 or (217) 942-6121.TOORROW^mw'WOrganizations,support groupsTOUGHLOVE, 7 p.m. at Passavant Area Hospital.^ After 5 Christian Woman’sClub, 6:30 p.m. at the Black-hawk restaurant.^ Jacksonville Lions Clubboard, 7 p.m. at ISVI.^ Ovaraatars Anonymous,noon at First Presbyterian Church.^ Alcoholics Anonymous,12:30 p.m. at the Wells Center, Jacksonville; 8 p.m. at the Wells Center (open); 8 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church (basement), Virginia; 8 p.m. atWhite Hall PresbyterianChurch; and 8 p.m. at SacredHeart church’s rectory, 414 Wyatt, Franklin.^ Al-Anon (for families ofalcoholics), 8 p.m. in St. Michael’s rectory (basement),411 Sheffield St., Greenfield.For info, call 368-3008.To submit an Item lor Datebook, matt it to: Datebook, c/o Journal-Courter. P.O. Box 1048, Jacksonville, IL 62651-1048, or bring it to tha front desk of tha newsroom, 235 VV State St
Newspaper Details
Jacksonville Journal Courier
Jacksonville, Illinois, US
Mon, Aug 24, 1992
Page 3
Full Page
Clipped by
Kat G.
NA, NA 20 Jan 2023
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