Chief Connolly provided an update on the department with emphasis on the Fresh Start Program. The program, Similar to the “Don’t Shoot” program in Peoria, isa local attempt by the police departments, the sheriff’s office, and the community to identify individuals involved in the local crime scene and to encourage them to follow a different path. The program is new, with the first class having been identified. Initially 35 individuals were identified by a task force as potential shooters. From that group, twelve were selected to be invited to participate in the program. All twelve were local individuals on probation or on parole and well known to law enforcement. The class was reduced to nine when three went to jail on various charges. The nine were called to participate in

the program. Since they were on parole or probation they were required to participate. The States Attorney, the police departments, the sheriff, and a judge, made presentations, indicating that the participants had a choice. They could stop their violent behavior and put down the guns or face the full force of the law.

Then the community members including a minister, funeral director, social service personnel, a father of a young women killed on the 4th of July by a stray bullet, all talked about the effect on the family and community resulting from the shootings and violence.

Eight of the nine have agreed to participate in the program. They will be closely monitored and will receive support services to help them be successful, but it is their choice.

Song: “God Bless America” led by Judy Hummel, with JoAnn Smith at the piano.

Guests: Jackie Wilson, guest of Dave Wilson

Announcements: John Hummel, The Club will participate in the ringing of bells for the Salvation Army at the south entrance of the Walmart east of Urbana on

Mission StatementExchange, America’s Service Club, is a group of men and women working together to make our communities better places to live through programs of service and Americanism, Community Service, Youth Activities and its national project, the Prevention of Child Abuse.

Meeting Leader: Beth Chato

Pledge of Allegiance : Led by President Chato.

Invocation: By Dave Wilson

Weekly Meeting –Oct. 13, 2016Reporter - Doug Bauling

EchoesOur 91th Year

Exchange Clubs Nation Wide: Focusing on Families and ChildrenSo Proudly We Hail

The Exchange Club of Urbana, IL, meets each Thursday at Clark Lindsey in Urbana at noon. Lunch served 11:20 a.m. to 1 p.m. President: Beth Chato, Urbana, Illinois.

Address inquiries to: Secretary Van Bowersox, 1811 Clover Lane, Champaign, Il 61821https://urbanaexchangeclub.wordpress.com/

ProgramsOct. 20 – Mary Schenk, Reporter, News Gazette.Oct. 27 – Caitlin Lill, Urbana park District, Crystal Lake Park Revitalization.Nov. 3- Bruce Litchfield, founder, Sun Buckets, Inc.

December 3rd and December 10th.

Joys and Sorrows: Read by Tom Gordon. Wayne Weidner, Three cheers for our Urbana Police Department. Ron Wilcox, Congratulations to the Police Officer of The Year. Mike Halbach, $1-Officer of the year. Dave Wilson, $1 for joy of Jackie attending today. John Hummel, $2 for missed meeting & good trip to western Maryland. Judy Hummel, $5 for missed meetings. John E. Smith, $20 for missed meetings.

More music: Led by Judy Hummel, "Don’t Fence Me In", “When You’re Smiling", and “Take Me Out To The Ball Game”.

Birthday: 90th year celebration of the Exchange Club of Urbana complete with a birthday cake and the singing of Happy Birthday.

Contributions : Pig____________$47. Program: President Chato introduced Pat Connolly, Chief of Police for the city of Urbana. The Chief then introduced Jimmy Kerner, the Police Officer of the year in the Urbana Police Department. Chief Connolly indicated that there were two nominations from his peers for the award to Detective Kerner.

Jimmy joined the department in 2007. In 2011 he was selected to participate in the Urbana Police Departments Street Crimes Unit, a team of detectives responsible for addressing a multitude of often violent pattern crimes. Jimmy’s organizational skills, attention to detail, and tenacity were soon recognized by the team’s supervisor.

As the case manager for a complex criminal investigation at the Home Run Food Mart, Jimmy’s organizational skills and persistence lead to a successful resolution of an on-going neighborhood problem.

Jimmy has been recognized for his role in reducing violent crime in no less than eight examples.

During the period Feb.13, 2015 to Feb.12, 2016 the C-U area experienced 127 separate shooting events. Three persons were killed and 20 injured. Many of the events involved shooting into houses. Detective Kerner working with a team of officers pursued every lead and proactively worked to reduce the number of shootings. Through search warrant development and personal relationships with community members, Jimmy incrementally removed guns and repeatedly identified the shooters.Whether he is taking guns off the street or identifying methamphetamine labs located across the street from a middle school, Jimmy’s dedication to reducing crime has been recognized and appreciated by every member of the department.

The mission of the Urbana Police Department is, in part, to enhance the quality of life in the City of Urbana. Jimmy Kerner has clearly demonstrated his willingness to embrace that philosophy.

Detective Kerner, Police Officer of the Year with Pres. Chato and Chief Connolly.

Detective Kerner thanked the club for the recognition and thanked the Chief, his fellow officers, and his family for their support. A native of the Teutopolis and Effingham area, Jimmy has been on the force for over 9 years. He lives in St. Joseph with his wife and three children.