St. Louis Post-Dispatch from St. Louis, Missouri • Page 17

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH ILLINOISSATURDAY 14C SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1990 I Panel Backs Bill Regulating Use Of Plastic Bags IV I 4, I fty ms4" t-WWl III RIM 1 IINIHH IllilH fTw. p'f jt JZ-1 per bags because a plastic bag takes up one-fourteenth of the space a paper bag occupies in a landfill. He also opposed the recycling provision, saying the recycling market can't accommodate all the plastic bags The proposal to strengthen the agency's enforcement powers, sponsored by Sen. Virginia Macdonald, R-Arlington Heights, would allow the agency to issue administrative warnings to polluters.

The alleged violator would have 60 days to comply with the law or face a $500 fine. Currently, the agency uses administrative citations which can carry a $500 fine per violation. William Child, manager of the agency's land pollution control division, said the proposal "is absolutely imperative from the administration's point of view because of the high number of violations by Industry." There were 1,26 violations last year of hazardous waste laws, but about half of those cited refused to comply and the agency had to take further action, he said. But Tom Reid, vice president of the Illinois Manufacturers Association, said the state agency has misused its existing enforcement powers to harass small businesses and individuals and shouldn't be granted more authority. SPRINGFIELD, 111.

(AP) Plastic bags used by retailers in Illinois would have to be biodegradable, recyclable, returnable or reusable under a bill endorsed Friday by a state Senate committee. The measure sponsored by Sen. Patrick Welch, D-Peru, would also require that beverage connectors, such as the plastic rings around six-packs, be biodegradable. It would take effect in July 1991. But a business group opposed the measure, saying plastic bags do not biodegrade in landfills and there is no market for recycling the bags.

The Senate Energy and Environment Committee voted 7-6 to send the bill to the full Senate, but the committee rejected a proposal to give the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency more authority to punish polluters. The plastic-bag measure includes fines of up to $250 for first-time violators and up to $1,000 for subsequent violations. Tim Bramlet, a lobbyist for the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, said that requiring plastic bags be biodegradable wouldn't mean they would decay. "Biodegradability is losing its luster because it just doesn't occur," he said. Bramlet said plastic bags were less harmful to the environment than pa AP Young Love A couple spending a quiet moment in the cool shade of the Lincoln Park pavilion in Danville, III.

BRIEFS Calling A Halt: Mobile Phones Enlisted Against Drunks ILLINOIS The alliance's guidelines for spotting a drunken driver include speeding, tailgat-ing, swerving from lane to lane, abrupt lane changes and driving without headlights at night. He said the group's reports have resulted in more than 300 drunken driving arrests. The alliance, founded in 1982 by two people whose relatives were killed in crashes involving drunken drivers, also provides services to victims, The group estimated there are 150,000 car telephones in use in the Chicago area. wrong with it," said Jay Miller, executive director of the ACLU's Illinois chapter. "But the potential for abuse is there.

We'll have to let it play out and see if it's abused." State police insisted that motorists will not be stopped solely because of a phoned-in report. "We're not going to go pulling people over because of a grudge match," said Lt. Ron Brooks at the District Three station in North Chicago. "We're not that dumb. We will not stop people without probable cause." a suburb of Chicago.

IJrunk drivers would think twice before getting behind the wheel because "literally thousands of people will be looking for them," said Dave Osborn, a spokesman for the group. The alliance has put up $10,000 to pay the first 100 rewards. But officials with the American Civil Liberties Union said the program could result in state troopers tailing innocent drivers that other motorists just didn't like. "I'm not sure I see anything necessarily CHICAGO (AP) A program offering $100 rewards to Illinois motorists using car phones to report suspected drunk drivers got under way Friday, with civil libertarians promising to watch it closely for abuses. Under the "Drunkbusters" program of the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists, motorists will be paid $100 if they report the license number, type of vehicle, location and direction of travel of suspected drunken drivers and if the tip results in an arrest.

The group is based in Schaumburg, NEW YORK Mayor Dinkins Endorses Mayor Daley Mayor David Dinkins was a co-host of a fund-raising event for Chicago Mayor Richard Daley on Friday and boosted his fellow Democrat for re-election as a "talented leader and administrator." When asked by reporters why he had endorsed Daley when few black political leaders in Chicago had, Dinkins replied: "He endorsed me." Dinkins is New York's first black mayor; Daley, who is white, was elected a year ago to fill the remaining term of the late Harold Washington, who was Chicago's first black mayor. Daley now is running for a four-year term. Protesters have been sitting outside Daley's office demanding that he immediately appoint more members of minority groups to the city's School Board. Five were arrested Wednesday afternoon. Daley said he was not stalling on the appointments but simply wanted to make sure he made the right decision.

"I'm going to take my time making decisions," he said. "No one's going to rush me." AP MOVIES Dignitaries Mourn O'Flynn 'The Branches That Jim Planted Will Live On' No. 2: Bad Influence, 7, 9. No. 3: Look Who's Talking, Blue Steel.

9. NAMEOKI CINEMA No. 1 Ernest Goes To Jail, 2. 7, 9. No.

2: Miami Blues, 2:15, 7:15, 9:15. NOXANA CINEMA Always, 2. 7, 9:30. T.CLAIH10CINE No. 1: The Hunt For Red October, 11:30.

2:05, 4:45, 7:20. 9:55. No. 2: 4 11:30, 2. 4:30.

7:15, 9:50. No. 3: Tales From The Darkside, 12:30, 2:30, 5, 7,9. No. 4: Spaced Invaders, 12:15, 2:20, 4.45, 7:15, 9:20.

No. 5: The Guardian, 12:30, 2:30, 5:15, 7:20. 9:40. No. 6: Pretty Woman.

1 1 :45. 2. 4:30, 7, 9:30. No. 7: Miami Blues.

12:45, 2:45, 5. 7.30. 9:40. No. 8: The First Power, 12:45, 2:45, 5, 7:30, 9:30.

No. 9: Driving Miss Daisy, 12, 2, 4:45, 7, 9. No. 10: Joe Versus The Volcano, 1, 3, 5:15, 7:15,9:15. IKYVIEW DRIVE-IN No.

1: She-Devil, 6:15: Madhouse, 10:05. No. 2: Lord 01 The Flies. 8: 1 The First Power, 10. ALTON CINE No.

1: Teles From The Darkslde, 5:30, 7:30, 9:30. No. 2: Spaced Invaders. 5. 7:10, 9:15.

B.A.C. COTTONWOOD III CINEMA No. 1: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, 2, 4:15, 7, 9. No. Pretty Woman, 2, 4:15, 7, 9:20.

No. 3: Spaced Invaders, 1:45, 4:30, 7, 9:10. QUAD CINEMA No. 1: Teenage Mutant Nlnja Turtles, 12:30, 2:45, 5. 7:15, 9:15.

No. 2: Ernest Goes To Jail, 1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 7-30 9:30. No. 3: Vital Signs, 1:15. 3:15, 5:15, 7:30.

No. 4: 1 Love You To Death, 9:20. THE MTZ No. 1: Spaced Invaders, 1,3, 9:10. No.

2: The Hunt For Red October, 1:30, 4:15, 7, 9:30. No. 3: The Guardian, 1:15, 3:16, 5:15, 7:15, 9:15 EASTQATE CINEMA No. 1: Teenege Mutant Ninja Turtles, 12:30. 2:45, 5.

7:15. 9:15. No 2: Pretty Woman, 2, 4:30, 7, 9:30. LINCOLN No. 1: Cry Baby, 7:15, 9:15.

matter what you have amassed in this life. It matters how you have lived it." In the case of O'Flynn, "it was not how many boards he served on, but how many lives he touched," Polizzi said. Ashcroft appointed O'Flynn to head the Police Board last year. O'Flynn also was president of the Auto Club of Missouri. An Irish kid who grew up in the St.

Roch's neighborhood, O'Flynn was a mortgage banker before he became president of the St. Louis Regional Commerce Growth Association and, later, the Auto Club. "I think Jim is up there with a 'Meet Me in St. Louis' sign," Polizzi said. Auxiliary Bishop Edward O'Donnell said: "The many branches that Jim planted will continue to live on.

He has run the race, completed the course and kept the faith. He was a wonderful father, a good husband and a loving friend." Also attending the funeral were Mayor Vincent C. Schoemehl County Executive H.C. Milford, Senate Majority Leader J.B. "Jet" Banks and Sen.

John F. Bass. "James Maguire O'Flynn: What a name for the devil to conjure with," said Monsignor Sal Po-lizzi, pastor of St. Roch's Catholic Church. Gov.

John Ashcroft, many of Missouri's top public officials and about 50 police officers, led by members of the St. Louis Police Board, attended the funeral Mass on Friday for O'Flynn, who died of cancer Tuesday. O'Flynn was president of the Police Board. The funeral at the church, 6052 Waterman Boulevard, was followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Polizzi said he had dreamed that he got a telephone call at 3 a.m.

from the man he called "Piggy" O'Flynn. Polizzi said he had told the caller that he did not know him until the caller said: "Don't you remember? You gave me a quarter and told me to call you if what you said was true." Polizzi said that if there had really been a phone call, it would have been O'Flynn calling from heaven to say: "It's true that it doesn't DECATUR Pit Bull Terriers Seized In Drug Raid A pit bull terrier and her four pups were put "in custody" at the Macon County Animal Shelter after police seized them during a drug raid. Authorities said they believe the animals were used in illegal dog fighting. Stored at the house along with what police suspect is cocaine and marijuana were a large supply of medical supplies, according to search warrants. Martha Tenney, a state-approved investigator, said people involved in dog fighting operations keep medical equipment on hand to care for their injured dogs.

A state law requires veterinarians to report suspected abuse of dogs or animals used for fighting, she said. Two treadmills, muzzles, a notebook with records of dog fighting accounts and contracts for fighting dogs are among the items seized Tuesday, according to court records. AP DEATHS Pontoon Beach Man Held In Killing funeral Monday, Herr. Joy Belle Winters, 69, died Thursday, funeral Monday, Herr. Dupo Zelma E.

Rybacki, 62, died Friday, funeral Monday, Kurrus. Granite City Blanche L. Gehlert, 87, died Tuesday, funeral Monday, Davis. Pearl Smith, 101, died Thursday, funeral today, Irwin. Waterloo Thomas R.

Gidley, 54, died Thursday, funeral Monday, Delabio. Recent deaths in the Metro East area: Alton Ellis Peters, 77, died Thursday, funeral Monday, Gent. Harriett L. Nolan, 75, died Friday, funeral Monday, Elias-Smith. Belleville Estelle H.

Spies, 87, died Friday, funeral Monday, Renner. Brighton Annie Daniels, 93, died Thursday, funeral Tuesday, Targhetta. Collinsville Frank P. Koester, 73, died Thursday, the investigation by the Major Case Squad. A handgun believed to be the murder weapon was found outside Colwell's home.

He was being held on a $500,000 bond in the Madison County Jail. His stepmother, Lydia E. Colwell, 81, was found lying on her dining room floor at 9:30 p.m. Thursday. She was found by her son, who went to check on her after she didn't answer the telephone, Nonn said.

He did not know the name of the son. A 65-year-old man was charged Friday with the murder of his stepmother, who was shot several times with a handgun in her home in Granite City, police said. Robert E. Colwell of Pontoon Beachwas charged with one count of first-degree murder after he was questioned by police early Friday, a few hours after his stepmother's body was found, said Sgt. Stephen Nonn, a Madison County sheriff's deputy who headed Festivals Offer Taste Of Flings To Come CHICAGO Jobs, Unemployment Rate Both Rise There were more people than ever with jobs in Illinois last month, but the state's unemployment rate climbed by more than half a percentage point to 6.1 percent, the Illinois Department of Employment Security said Friday.

The 6.1 percent unemployment rate compares with 5.5 percent in March and 5.5 percent in April 1989. The Illinois labor force climbed by 90,000 to 6.09 million, topping the record set in November by 26,000. About 5,722,000 people had jobs, and 369,000 workers had none, the Department of Employment Security reported. The number of people employed last month represents an increase of 51,000 from March and broke the February 1989 employment record by 23,000 jobs. The number of unemployed increased by 39,000 over March.

The nation's unemployment rate edged up to 5.4 percent last month from 5.2 percent in March. Sally A. Jackson, director of the Department of Employment Security, said unemployment increased in Illinois because cold, wet weather last month dampened the construction market. AP Reader's Advocate Welcomes Questions Readers with questions, comments or complaints relating to the Post-Dispatch are invited to get in touch with Sue Ann Wood, the Reader's Advocate. Letters may be addressed to her at the Post-Dispatch, 900 North Tucker Boulevard, St.

Louis, 63101, or she may be reached by telephone Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Telephone numbers are 622-7250, 622-7251. After 5:30 p.m., messages may be left on a recorder and calls will be Sunday's schedule includes the costumed characters on parade at 12:30 p.m.; a pizza-eating competition at 2 p.m.; fiddler Wayne Schnell of Greene County at 2:30 p.m.; and Class Act, music from the '50s and '60s, sung by a trio of 14-year-old girls at 3:30 p.m. There will be displays and food and drink from throughout Illinois.

The festival calendar begins with the Fort de Chartres Trappers and Traders Rendezvous June 2 and 3 at the reconstructed fort near Prairie du Rocher. The calendar ends with the 21st annual Way of Lights display Nov. 23 to Jan. 6 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows at Belleville. By Robert Goodrich Of the Post-Dispatch Staff Attractions ranging from stunts by a trained bull to horseradish treats will be featured today and Sunday in Collinsville as an appetizer for local festivals coming this year throughout Illinois.

"Best of the Fests," a showcase of 1990 celebrations, began Friday afternoon and will resume at 11 a.m. today at the Gateway Center at Interstate 55-70 and Illinois Route 157. It runs from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.

"It kicks off our season," said Rick Linton, executive director of the Southern Illinois Tourism Council. Tourism officials decided to add Best of the Fests in Collinsville because Southern Illinois and the St. Louis area feature so many popular attractions, he explained. Today's schedule Includes: Canada Goose calling by world champion Tim Grounds at noon and 4:30 p.m.; Kahok Indian Dancers from Cahokia Mounds World Heritage Center near Collinsville at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.; costumed Illinois characters on parade at 2 p.m.; a spaghetti eating competition at 5 p.m.; and tricks by a performing bull at 7 p.m.

Baby In Murder Case Not Tested For Fatal Disorder The prosecutor said: "They cannot "Dr. Modin wrote a note that MMA could be a possibility when he declared him brain dead. Fatty change in liver could be consistent with MMA. Appropriate tests to rule out MMA were not John S. Appelbaum, the assistant prosecutor handling the case, said Friday that he had taken those notes.

But Appelbaum emphasized two other entries in the notes: One saying that tests had found only ethylene glycol, not propylene glycol. One noting that the two chemicals have distinctions. "Similar but a lot of differences," the notes say. glycol and propylene glycol is so similar that lab workers can easily confuse the two in tests, organic chemists say. The notes cited by Stallings' attorney were contained in a 2-inch stack of paper given to him Wednesday by the prosecuting attorney's office.

Most of the papers consisted of copies of test results, but the stack also held copies of three pages of notes taken on a legal pad. "These scribbled pieces of paper are what fascinate me," Rathbone said in an interview Friday. One page contains the following entry: rule out that Ryan had MMA. But even if he did have MMA, he was poisoned. With or without MMA, he was poisoned." Appelbaum said that the prosecutor's office still had access to samples of Ryan's blood which, in theory, could be tested and settle the whole Issue.

But he would not say whether those samples had been tested for ethylene glycol, propylene glycol or both. Meanwhile, Stallings remains charged with murder and has been barred by the state from visits with David who remains hospitalized with MMA. By Tom Uhlenbrock Of the Post-Dispatch Staff The lawyer for a woman accused of fatally poisoning her infant son says he has obtained a prosecutor's notes suggesting that the boy died from poisons produced by his own body. Dr. Jeffrey Modin, who pronounced the boy dead, believed that the child might have had a disorder that now afflicts his brother, the notes say.

That disorder causes the body to produce poisons that are chemical cousins of the' types the woman is charged with jiUSUlgK But a prosecutor said Friday that he remained firm in his belief that Patricia Stallings, 25, of the Hillsboro area, had murdered her son Ryan. Whether the boy suffered from the disorder makes no difference, the prosecutor said. Stallings" lawyer, Eric Rathbone, had asked the Jefferson County prosecuting attorney's office to provide him with copies of the results of initial tests on Ryan's body. Those results are believed to show that the body contained ethylene glycol and acetone toxic substances found in such common products as antifreeze and fingernail polish. Prosecutors say Stallings gave her son doses of the poisons on Aug.

31 when she visited him while he was under foster care. He fell sick four days later and died on Sept. 7. He was 5 months old. Patricia Stallings spent the next seven months in jail awaiting trial on a murder charge.

But authorities freed her after she gave birth to a second son, David who suffers from a rare genetic disorder called methylmalonic acidemia, or MMA. MMA causes the bpdy to produce propylene glycol and acetone, but it can be treated with daily doses of vitamin B-12. The chemical makeup of ethylene 0.