Paving Begins At Algonquin Road 31 Bypass Site

The return commute could be a beaut' this afternoon and this evening for Algonquin Road motorists heading past the Algonquin Western Bypass construction sites.  Morning eastbound commuters were backed up to just below the Hanson/Hilltop intersection at 8 am this morning as construction workers prepared to begin paving new easbound lanes from just past Route 31 to Meyer Drive.

IDOT signs warned of paving starting today and the base and rebar appeared to be ready but Village officials couldn't officially warn paving would start today until an 8 pm Nixle alert Thursday evening.  Workers have about 2,000 feet of concrete to slipform to get the two-lane pavement in place.

IDOT announced Thursday it would suspensed most non-emergency roadwork from 3 pm today until Midnight Monday because of the holiday weekend.  However, the Algonquin Bypass site was specifically excluded from the relief.

THIS WEEK'S HEADLINES

Paving Begins At Algonquin Road 31 Bypass Site
First Meet For New Grafton Board Ends In Mystery Session
Six Kids Treated And Released After "Bounce House" Accident
Hands On Cellphone Driving Ban Close To Passage
Obituaries
Police Blotters
Huntley To Re-Expand Bicycle Patrol For Summer
ALITH Fire District Plans Red Ink Budget For New Ambulance
Supporters Urge Quinn To Sign Charter School Moratorium Fast
Huntley Farmers' Market Resumes Saturday
No Injuries In Huntley Building Bashing Wednesday
New Carry Bill Might Pass House Without NRA Support
Police Blotters
County Board OK's Hill Pick As She Withdraws Another
Connection Planned Between Algonquin Tattoo And Comic Shops
Algonquin, Huntley Set Memorial Day Parades Monday
Senate Overrides Quinn Smart Grid Veto
Obituaries
Police Blotters
Local Farmers Hurry To Plant Season's Crops
Area Home Prices Increase Again
Mobile Vascular Screening Coming To Huntley Healthbridge
Republican Blast Latest Quinn Appointment
Police Blotters
Delays Due On Algonquin And Randall Roads This Week
Grafton Lawsuits Turn Into Pumpkins
Local UAL Volunteers Erect Greenhouse For ALITH Pantry
Quinn Invites Sandy Hook Parents For Magazine Ban
Police Blotters
Weee'll Remember Alwaaays (Pause) Graduation Daaay
Quinn Visits Huntley Again For Dems Dinner
Construction Smooths Dropoffs At Algonquin E-Waste Event
LITH Public Works Event Features New Daily E-Waste Plan
Furor Meets Shifting Chicago Retirees To Fed Health Plan
Obituaries
McHenry County Indictments
Police Blotters
Cook Sheriff Fires Ex-McHenry County Board Member For Breach
More Conflict Looms Over McHenry Mental Health Appointments
Papa Saverio's Wins Huntley Radio Pizza Wars
Medical Marijuana Bill Headed To Governor
Obituaries
Police Blotters

First Meet For New Grafton Board Ends In Mystery Session

The nearly all-new Grafton Township Board met for the first time Thursday in a session that could have gone better but could have done worse.

Possible amendments to the Grafton Road District Budget had to be postponed since the Board found it had literally only half the documents it needed.  Someone had failed to copy both sides of the two-sides-per-page budget but Board members simply tabled the matter.  Since the Road District budget's already been posted and a hearing's already been conducted there's still wiggle room before the deadline.

Much tighter is the schedule for the Township Budget itself.  New Supervisor Jim Kearns thanked holdover Trustee Betty Zirk for "sitting with me for quite a while" working over a proposed new budget calling for $1,278,504 in both income and expenditures.  Some Members thought they had more time to massage the internal numbers but Zirk noted a June 30 filing deadline falls on a Sunday so the real deadline's June 28.  That kicked preceding deadlines back, too.  The upshot was the Board approved the budget with minor revisions  Thursday and  Kearns promised to work late so it could be posted today.  When it's posted to the Township website, a link to the proposed budget will be here:

Trustees gave Kearns a go-ahead to hire an accountant to help him keep the Township books straight because "I'm not an accountant."

Then they approved Kearn's appointment of Crystal Lake lawyer and McHenry County Board member Joe Gottemoller to be Grafton Township Attorney.  The Township hasn't had one since former Supervisor Linda Moore fired law firm Ancel-Glink more than two years ago.  Gottemoller, in fact, was Township Attorney for about three months at the beginning of the last Grafton Township cycle but resigned complaining no one was listening to him as Moore and the old trustees began to battle each other.

There agenda included an item for a discussion of what, if anything, to do with or about the fine-tooth-comb audit of the Township's financial records.  There, essentially, wasn't any discussion, though, and Kearns, trustees and Gottemoller retired into closed executive session to discuss unspecified litigation and personnel issues.  However, auditor Mitch Coen was called into the meeting twice.

Board members emerged after an hour without comment and took no action before adjourning so the only things that were certain after the closed session was that there was no shouting and the Red Wings shut out the Blackhawks.

In the pic:  The new and improved Grafton roster (l to r)  Road Commissioner Tom Poznanski;  Supervisor Jim Kearns; Trustees Dan Ziller, Jr., Joe Holtorf, Betty Zirk and Bob Wagner, and Clerk Kathryn Francis.

Six Kids Treated And Released After "Bounce House" Accident

Six Algonquin Lakes Elementary school students were treated and released from area hospitals Thursday, after they were injured when an inflatable "bounce house" tipped them to the gym floor at the school, according to a District 300 spokesman.

The incident happened shortly before Noon, according to an Algonquin Lake In the Hills Fire Protection District report. EMS responders were first called to aid a child with a reported hip injury, then a second who also complained of.  Battalion Chief Mike Kern said his men examined 17 students before sending 6 to Sherman and Good Shepherd hospitals.

The accident occurred at an Algonquin Lakes end of the year celebration sponsored by the school's PTO and Fifth Grade Parents organizations, according to D300 Safety Officer Gary Chester.  The festivities had originally been planned as an outside event but moved into the school because of the weather.  Chester said he didn't yet know why the rented 15 to 18-foot high bounce house tipped over.

Chester said rental company workers erected the bounce house at Algonquin Lakes.  "They inflated it and left," Chester said.

Ambulances from Huntley, Crystal Lake, Barrington, and Fox River Grove were called in to aid ALFPD first responders to the accident.

Hands On Cellphone Driving Ban Close To Passage

By Meredith Colias, Illinois Issues
Cellphone-loving Illinois drivers may soon have to alter their handheld habits, if legislators work out the final details of a plan to institute hands-free and 'one-touch' dialing cellphone restrictions on the road.

Drivers would not be allowed to press more than a single button to dial a phone number and would have to either use a Bluetooth device or put the phone on speaker while driving. The Senate approved a House measure on cellphones Thursday but Reps still have to agree to an added Senate amendment sparing drivers from a moving violation the first time they are caught by police.

The bill’s House sponsor said he would accept the change. “It actually makes the bill a little better,” Chicago Democrat Rep. John D’Amico said. Gov. Pat Quinn’s office did not take a definitive stance on the bill, saying the governor would review the bill when he received it

Senate sponsor Sen. John Mulroe, a Chicago Democrat, argued the bill would reduce distracted driving, making roadways safer. Opponents said the bill was poorly constructed and would be difficult to enforce. Lebanon Republican Sen. Kyle McCarter said it was more important for the bill actually to be effective, not to be introduced “just because we care."

You can read Meredith's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/senate-approves-ban-on-cell-phone-use.html

Obituaries

Eleanore C. (nee Czachor) Jasinski, 92, of Huntley, formerly of Chicago died May 16. Visitation will be Saturday from 1 to 2pm at St. Mary Catholic Church, Huntley. A Memorial Mass will follow immediately.  Inurnment will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.

Jasinski was born in 1921, the daughter of the late Frank and Frances (nee Mika) Czachor. She married the Late Henry Jasinski. She is survived by her sisters, Ann (the late John) Niemeyer and Marian Kowalik, and bothers, Stanley Zakor and Walter (Ilene) Czachor. She was preceded in death by her sister, Sophie Szachor.   In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mary's Church.

Police Blotters

The filing of charges is not proof of guilt. A defendant charged is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lake in the Hills
May 23
0255 HRS 400 BLOCK OF PRIDES RUN. DOMESTIC BATTERY. LAPIERRE, JESSICA S., F/W 23 YEARS OF AGE, 429 PRIDES RUN, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Two Counts of Domestic Battery. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
0750 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF POPLAR ST. CHECK FOR WELL-BEING. Checked the well-being of a four year of male.
0814 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF REED RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1407 HRS POINT O WOODS CT & RIDGEWOOD CIRCLE. DRIVING COMPLAINT. Bus driver and parent got into argument about child coming home from school late. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
1027 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF BURR ST. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. Delayed. Vehicle keyed. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1435 HRS 3900 BLOCK OF HONEYMOON RIDGE. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, six years of age, needing an evaluation. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
1619 HRS 00 BLOCK OF SIERRA CT. DOMESTIC. Brother vs. Sister. Verbal only. No priors.
1646 HRS LAKEWOOD RD. & ALBRECHT RD. INJURY ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Male, 46 years of age, unknown injuries. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital. Female, 33 years of age, unknown injuries. Transported by Lifeline to St Anthony’s Hospital.
L13-006759 2040 HRS 10 BLOCK OF GRANT AVE. DOMESTIC. Father vs. Daughter. Verbal only. Two Priors.
2229 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF PATTON AVE. ASSIST TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. Assisted the Fire Department with a fire in a residence.
Algonquin
May 20
08:29am Powell, Dan Jr., DOB: 07/06/80, of 964 Old Oak Circle, Algonquin, was charged with two counts of Violation of an Order of Protection.  He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department, 2200 Harnish Drive.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail, to await a bond hearing.
23:13pm Martinez, Angelo L., DOB: 01/11/68, of 4723 S. Elizabeth Street, Chicago, was charged with DUI, No Proof of Insurance and Improper Lane Use.  He was taken into custody at Randall Road and Algonquin Road.  He was released after posting his Illinois Driver’s License and $100 with a court date of 06/26/13 in McHenry County.
May 21
13:07pm A 16 year-old male from Cary was charged with Retail Theft.  He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department, 2200 Harnish Drive.  He was referred to the Tri Area Court For Teens and then released into the custody of his mother.
May 22
13:07pm Soltys, Lukasz, DOB: 12/22/87, of 8569 W. Foster, Chicago, was charged with DWLS and Operating Vehicle without a Safety Certificate. He was taken into custody at Randall Rd and Huntington Dr. He was released after posting $150.00 with a court date of 6/26/13 in McHenry County.
May 23
11:45am 14year-old from Lake in the Hills, was charged with Possession of Cannabis. He was taken into custody at Jacobs High School. He was Petitioned to McHenry County and released to his foster mother.

Huntley To Re-Expand Bicycle Patrol For Summer

Five Huntley Police officers practiced two wheeling Wednesday to get ready for a Summer expansion of HPD's Bike Patrol Program. The training wasn't all the usual classroom lecture and schoolyard ride-around-the-cones variety, though.  One exercise included combat bicycling techniques for taking down bad guys.

The five will join two other officers who constituted the Village's Bike Patrol last year. "We've had the bike patrol at least since 1999 when I joined the force," said Deputy Chief Mike Klunk, but the program atrophied as officers were promoted to supervisory positions.  He said last year's Citizen Survey called for more bike patrol officers.  "It's different from being in a [squad] car," said Klunk. The bikes make it easier for officers to pull a quick check of a yard or alley and besides,  "It brings officers closer to the residents," he said.

In the pic:  Huntley Bike Patrol officers practiced "Power Slides", sort of a martial arts leg sweep only with the bicycle's rear wheel, at the Park District's Stingray Bay parking lot Wednesday.

ALITH Fire District Plans Red Ink Budget For New Ambulance

The Algonquin Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District Board swore in new Trustees Tim Moss and Bruce Toussaint as well as returning member Rick Naatz and buckled down to work on next year's budget Wednesday.

The Board picked Naatz to succeed departing Trustee Virgil "Corky" Corless as president, returning incumbents Mike Markowitz as Treasurer and John Bradach as Secretary.

Finance Director James Howard told the Board the latest revamp of ALFPD's 2014 total budget comes in just short of $11 million, about $486,000 in the red, thanks in large part to an ambulance purchase expected to run about $230,000. Howard said next year's deficit would be a one-time event to be funded from prior savings.

Markowitz worried about maintaining the District's 25 percent reserves but Howard said next year's capital expenditures would be from excess reserves.  "You have savings, savings, savings and then you spend it and start saving again," he said.

Fire Chief Patrick Mullen reported risk rating service ISO had just boosted a lot of the Fire District from Class 4 to a Class 3 rating.  What that comes down to, he said, is "[Some residents] may see some savings on insurance."  Part depends on ISO's maps and part depends on whether a particular insurer subscribes in ISO in the first place.

In the pic:  Outgoing ALFPD President Corky Corless swore in (l to r) new Trustees Tim Moss and Bruce Toussaint and incumbent Trustee Rick Naatz Wednesday.  Naatz will be the new Board President.

Supporters Urge Quinn To Sign Charter School Moratorium Fast

The sponsor of a bill declaring a year's moratorium on new charter schools, including a multi-district Internet one covering D300, called on Governor Pat Quinn Wednesday to sign the bill soon.  Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora) and State School Superintendent Christopher Koch said the moratorium would spare 18 area school districts having to defend appeals before the Illinois Charter School Commission.

Indeed, the moratorium bill, passed last month in the Illinois House and Tuesday in the Senate, also requires the Commission to produce a report on whether online charter schools even make sense in Illinois.

District 300 CFO Susan Harkins told FEN Wednesday that officials are still preparing for a Commission meeting and hearings next month on the District's April refusal to approve Illinois Virtual Charter School @ Fox River Valley (sic). Charter school spokesmen told the D300 Board they'd have to pay the Internet school, for starters, about $160,000 per year for local students expected to enroll but they weren't able to answer questions about how the online school would actually work.

All 18 school districts to which Virtual Charter School @ Fox River Valley applied turn the plan down but the Charter School Commission could overrule them.  The Internet school filed appeals from every decision and, currently, the Commission's scheduled to reach decisions on them July 16.  

Huntley Farmers' Market Resumes Saturday

Weather forecasters predict partly sunny skies and cool temps Saturday for this year's first session of Huntley's Farmers' Market on Coral Street between Church and Woodstock.  The season's inaugural includes a craft fair, the McHenry County Historic Society's museum bus and the Huntley Fire Department's historic display.

Vendors Saturday will include:
Baked Freshly by Phil Johnson LLC
Bread Smith of St. Charles
Delicja Polish Foods
Early Bird Farms fresh frozen pork
Harvest Dreams herbs, vegetable starts, herb gardens and produce
Jamlady.com fruit butters, jams, preserves and sauces
Ledfoots Pet Bakery
The Olive Tap, Crystal Lake, imported olive oil and balsamic vinegars
Providence Farms herbs, perennials, vegetables, raspberry and strawberry plants
Royal Oak Farm berries, baked goods and nursery plants
Trogg's Hollow seasonal veggies and peaches from southern IL
Vicki's Vines/Victoria's Soaps & Scents personal care products, herbs and veggies and baked and canned goods
Wagner's Produce homegrown vegetables
Wayne's Homegrown Fruits & Veggies, plus local honey.

Besides the vendors, kids will be able to plant seed pots to take home and do a craft or two and Andrew Huber will be performing in the Gazebo. The Craft Fair will feature lots of jewelry, doll clothes, aprons, dog sweaters, knitted garments, walker pockets, a wide variety of tied dyed garments/bags, hand-painted greeting cards, sewn crafts, wall hangings, and seasonal fabric and decorative items.

Huntley's Farmers' Market will be open every Saturday from 8 am and 1 pm from Saturday through October 5.

No Injuries In Huntley Building Bashing Wednesday

Offices at Huntley's Regency Executive Center don't offer drive-through service so it was fortunate there were no injuries Wednesday morning when a car smashed into the wall at Kaye Eyecare, 12173 Regency Parkway.

 Huntley Deputy Police Chief Mike Klunk said there was no obvious cause for the accident.  He said the driver, a 78 year-old Sun City woman, told police, "she thought she might have confused the accelerator and brake pedals."

New Carry Bill Might Pass House Without NRA Support

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
The sponsor of a new bill to regulate the concealed carry of firearms in the state said Wednesday he is confident that the measure will pass in the House, even without the support of a major gun group.

Rep. Brandon Phelps, a Harrisburg Democrat, who has worked with the NRA on all the carry bills he has presented to date, says he does not have the organization's support on this one. He said he thinks the association will take no position on the bill. An NRA spokesperson could not be reached for comment.  “Do you get everything you want in this process when it’s two weeks to go? No. But you know what?" asked Phelps. "I think this is a good concealed carry bill.

Phelps introduced the new bill Wednesday.  After polling other lawmakers, he said he thinks the it could receive as many as 80 votes in favor. The legislation would require 71 votes to pass because it will supersede the powers of home rule governments, such as Chicago and Springfield. House Speaker Michael Madigan publicly backed the bill and predicted its passage in the House.

Under the bill, applicants for a concealed carry license would have 18 hours of training,double the time in a previous Phelps bill, which failed in the House last month. Any law enforcement official could object to applications for carry licenses.

Phelps' legislation appears to try to skate a thin line of avoiding excessively angering the NRA, thus pushing them to lobby against the bill, while also not giving them a reason to jump for joy, which might scare Senate votes off the plan. But the proposal does not allow Chicago or Cook County to be any more restrictive on licensing than the rest of the state, which some in the Senate may find tough to swallow.

You can read Jamey's full report at:  http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/new-carry-bill-expected-to-pass-house.html

Police Blotters

The filing of charges is not proof of guilt. A defendant charged is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.Lake in the Hills
May 22
0003 HRS DENNIS AVE. & ALGONQUIN RD. ASSIST OTHER AGENCY. Assisted the Lake County Sheriff’s Office with serving an Order of Protection.
0154 HRS 100 BLOCK OF NORTHLIGHT PASS. DOMESTIC. Girlfriend vs. Boyfriend. Verbal only. No Priors.
0953 HRS 5500 BLOCK OF ALEXANDRIA ST. RESIDENTIAL Washer, dryer, and stove removed from residence. BURGLARY TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1118 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (LAKE IN THE HILLS POLICE). SEXUAL ASSAULT. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
1207 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF BURR ST. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. Three vehicles were keyed. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1450 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & RANDALL RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1618 HRS RANDALL RD. & MILLER RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1732 HRS 100 BLOCK OF FERRYVILLE DR. HIT & RUN. Complainant’s vehicle struck and offender fled. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
1842 HRS 500 BLOCK OF CEDAR ST. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. Three vehicles were keyed. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1942 HRS 4600 BLOCK OF MAGNOLIA LN. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
2112 HRS 600 BLOCK OF JUNIPER LN. ASSIST OTHER AGENCY. Assisted Bensenville Police Department with a suicidal subject. Subject located and transported to Woodstock Hospital.
2125 HRS 200 BLOCK OF TERRAMERE LN. DOMESTIC. Mother vs. Son. Verbal only. Two priors.

County Board OK's Hill Pick As She Withdraws Another

The McHenry County Board Tuesday confirmed Chairman Tina Hill's controversial choice for the latest member of the beleaguered Mental Health Board.  Meanwhile, Hill backed off from her equally controversial plan to reshuffle assignments to the Health and Human Services Committee, the one that usually makes MHB recommendations.  "It's been a busy two weeks for Tina," Hill said.

Hill announced she would withdraw a measure to replace veteran County Board Member Sandy Salgado on the Health and Human Services Committee with Spring Grove freshman Bob Martens.  "I never said that Sandra had a conflict of interest [as Human Resources Director at Pioneer Center, the biggest service provider to the Mental Health Board,]" said Hill. "I meant there's the appearance of a conflict of interest," she added.

The genie was out of the bottle, though, and later Harvard Member Diane Evertsen charged Hill, herself, with "a direct connect-the-dots with Pioneer Center."  She said choosing therapist and Crystal Lake Councilmember Kathy Ferguson for a spot on the Mental Health Board was a Hill conflict of interest.

"You mean that my son receives services?" inquired Hill. "That's the exact same question we've had on Salgado," she said. "The state's attorney had an opinion that she did not have a conflict of interest."

"And she had that same opinion abut you?" asked Evertsen.

"No, but it would have been in the same...like," replied Hill who suggested States Attorney  Civil Chief Donna Kelly would confirm that.

"No," said Kelly. "This is the first I've heard of this issue."

The Board voted 16 to 8 to approve Ferguson for the Mental Health Board but only after lengthy and chaotic debate.  Some complained Hill was high-handedly ignoring Health and Human Service's recommendation of Crystal Lake Councilmember Jeff Thorsen.  Others complained they didn't know how HHS had reached any of its MHB recommendations in the first place since deliberations were in closed session.

After a hallway consult with Kelly, McHenry Member Nick Provenzano announced that Hill was within her rights to make the Ferguson choice.  "All 24 members get to vote," he said, adding the important thing was, "We need to get into the [Mental Health Board] financials."

Tuesday's vote was almost the reverse of the 18 to 6 rejection two weeks ago of the HHS Committee's first choice for the Mental Board, attorney Scott Summers.  That was when Hill announced she'd decide on a candidate herself.

Feguson's scheduled to be sworn in at the MHB's next meeting Tuesday.

In the pic:  The McHenry County Board wrangled for about two hours Tuesday over the "process" of choosing a Mental Health Board Member before confirming Chairman Tina Hill's choice for the latest open spot.

Connection Planned Between Algonquin Tattoo And Comic Shops

The McHenry County Board Tuesday gave what amounted to a preliminary OK for an expansion of Fox Valley Tattoo and Bipolar Comics in Algonquin.  It was up to the Board because, while the stores are in Algonquin, they're not part of it lying in one of the "islands" the Village has never annexed.

The Board granted a variance from County setback requirements so owner Christian Hanssler can connect the tattoo parlor with the comic book store at the rear of the property.  Since the buildings predate the County's current setback standards, the variance was something of an exercise in bureaucracy.

Connecting the two structures isn't a foregone conclusion, though.  According to Planning and Zoning staff, they'll still have to pass an inspection before a building permit's issued.

Algonquin Community Development Director Russ Farnum told FEN the County notified the Village about Hanssler's request but administrators chose to take no position since, "We do not allow tattoo parlors in commercial areas," anyway.

In the pic: Fox Valley Tattoo and Bipolar Comics on Algonquin Road in unincorporated Algonquin wants McHenry County to allow these two buildings to be tied together.  

Algonquin, Huntley Set Memorial Day Parades Monday

Both Algonquin and Huntley will hold Memorial Day Parades Monday.

Algonquin's parade will begin after a ceremony at 10 am to honor the military dead at Algonquin Cemetery at Route 31 and Cary-Algonquin Rd. The parade will march down 31, which Algonquin Police will close briefly at about 10:20 am, to the gazebo in Riverfront Park on North Harrison where a Remembrance Ceremony will be held.

Huntley's parade will depart from the Municipal Complex at 11 am marching west on Main Street to Woodstock Street where it will disperse.  The parade will be followed by speakers and a presentation honoring local vets at Dhamer Square.

Senate Overrides Quinn Smart Grid Veto

By Meredith Colias, Illinois Issues
The Illinois Senate voted Tuesday to override a Gov. Pat Quinn veto, moving one step closer to reversing a decision by the Illinois Commerce Commission on the smart grid law. The House will also need to vote to override the governor’s veto for the measure to become law but he original bill passed in that chamber with a veto-proof majority.

In a statement, Senate President John Cullerton said the legislation was “understood to be clear and unambiguous.” If lawmakers override Quinn’s veto, it would roll back an Illinois Commerce Commission decision that Commonwealth Edison says would cost the electric utility $100 million annually. Ameren, the other large electric utility in the state, was ordered to reduce its rates by $50 million under the same ruling. But utility companies want the money back, plus interest from their customers.

Lawmakers voted to allow electric companies like ComEd and Ameren to raise their customers' rates to create a ‘smart grid’ electrical system that will do such things as deal with power outages more efficiently. In return, the companies are required to create jobs. But both utilities have said the ICC ruling slowed job creation.  Estimates for how much the smart grid implementation would actually increase electric bills have ranged from $.80 to a few dollars per customer.

AARP lobbyist Scott Musser said said the episode is setting a poor example for those looking to the regulatory commission to protect consumers. "We’ve opened up Pandora’s box," he said allowing utilities to “get much better treatment than they would if you went through the regular process of the Commerce Commission.”

You can read Meredith's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/senate-overrides-quinns-veto-on-smart.html

Obituaries

George F. Starr, 88, of Algonquin died Tuesday at Sherman Hospital, Elgin. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Thursday at the Wait-Ross-Allanson Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel, Algonquin. Funeral services will be there at 10 am Friday.  Entombment will be in the Algonquin Cemetery.

Starr was born May 1, 1925, in Chicago, the son of George and Lillian (Doerr) Starr. He was a McHenry County Board member from 1971 to 1978 and was the Algonquin Township Supervisor from 1971 to 1989.  Survivors include his son, Gary (Mary Frances) Starr of Algonquin, and a grandson, Gregory F. Starr, also of Algonquin. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorothy E. Starr, and an infant son.

Police Blotters

The filing of charges is not proof of guilt. A defendant charged is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lake in the Hills
May 21
2338 HRS DENNIS AVE. & ALGONQUIN RD. POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. GILLAM, GUS A., M/W 20 YEARS OF AGE, 407 HIGHLAND AVE., WEST DUNDEE. CHARGES: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Cannabis Less Than 2.5 Grams. RELEASED ON BOND.
0714 HRS 200 BLOCK OF BRIDLEWOOD CIRCLE. DOMESTIC. Mother vs. Son. Three priors. Verbal only.
1554 HRS 0 BLOCK OF RAXBURG CT. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Husband vs. Wife. No priors. FAIL TO FILE.
1558 HRS LAKEWOOD RD. & PRINCETON LN. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1753 HRS 311 N. RANDALL RD. (AMC THEATRE). HIT AND RUN. Unknown vehicle struck a parked vehicle and left.
Huntley
May 13
A 16 year-old boy from Huntley was charged with possession of firearm ammunition without a valid FOID card and disorderly conduct. The juvenile was released to his father and will be petitioned into McHenry County juvenile court.
A burglary to motor vehicle report was taken at Huntley High School. A student reported that his wallet and sunglasses were stolen from his unlocked vehicle parked in the student parking lot.
A theft report was taken in the 12900 block of Summerview Lane. Jewelry was stolen.
May 14
A criminal damage to property report was taken in the 10800 block of Greywall Lane. Brown paint was used to damage a vehicle and the driveway in which it was parked.
May 21, 2013 A criminal damage to property report was taken at a business in the 11400 block of Allison Ct. A window was broken.
May 15
A student reported that her Envy cell phone and iPod were stolen. The student stated that she left the items out on the track. When she went to retrieve them they were missing.
May 16
Alexander J. Robson, age 19, of 548 Parkview Terrace, Buffalo Grove, was arrested on an outstanding McHenry County warrant for violation of an order of protection. Mr. Robson was transported to McHenry County jail to await bond.
May 21, 2013 Donald A. Divito, age 59, of 12413 Blue Bird, Huntley, was charged with disorderly conduct. Mr. Divito was released with a notice to appear in McHenry County court on June 24, 2013.
May 17
A 14 year-old boy from Lake in the Hills was charged with unlawful delivery of cannabis on school grounds, at Huntley High School. In the same incident a 15 year-old girl from Lake in the Hills was charged with possession of cannabis. Both subjects were released to their parents and will attend peer jury.
Colin F. Walker, age 22, of 9718 Dunhill, Huntley, was arrested for improper use of registration, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of cannabis, and driving with no insurance. Mr. Walker posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of June 28, 2013.
A 14 year-old boy was charged with disorderly conduct. The juvenile was released to his parents with a notice to appear in McHenry County court on June 24, 2013.
May 18
Carla Daleiden, age 51, of 10611 Philip Dr., Huntley, was arrested for attempted aggravated assault. Ms. Daleiden posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of June 28, 2013.
Christine R. Shaw, age 24, of 1420 North St. #3, Perry, IA, was arrested for driving while license suspended, and defective windshield. In the same incident Nicholas M. Arroyo, age 26, of 4830 Creekview, Rockford, was arrested on a Kane County warrant for failure to appear in court on a driving while suspended charge and a Barrington Hills Police Department warrant for failure to appear in court on a shoplifting charge. Both subjects posted bond and were released. Ms. Shaw was assigned a McHenry County court date of June 28, 2013. Mr. Arroyo was assigned a Kane county court date of May 31, 2013 and a Cook County court date of June 5, 2013.
May 19
A burglary from motor vehicle report was taken in the 11700 block of Niagra Ln. The victim reported that cash was stolen from his unlocked vehicle parked in his driveway.

Local Farmers Hurry To Plant Season's Crops

The first extended period of warm dry weather this year allowed farmers locally and statewide to play catchup with planting last week.  According to Monday's report from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, statewide, corn planting jumped to 74 percent complete, up from only 17 the week before.  That still lags the 98 percent figure for the week last year, though.

Indeed, The USDA Monday reported the U.S. was still on track for the the slowest corn planting pace since 1984. That might bode ill for future food prices.

"The yields fall of a little bit each day after the 10th of May," observed Dan Fruin.  The Huntley farmer's already sold part of the corn crop he was scrambling to plant Friday.  He said he's holding back the rest but, so far, "Nobody's ready to get their prices up."  Monday afternoon they still weren't.  Illinois country grain prices were mixed with wheat and soybeans higher but corn lower after the latest crop report.

"It's a crapshoot," sighed Fruin who has about 5,000 acres centered in McHenry County under cultivation this year.

In the pic: Huntley farmer Dan Fruin was planting corn this weekend.  Area corn's about 88 percent in the ground, according to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, but soybeans remain only 50 percent planted, according to reports.

Area Home Prices Increase Again

McHenry County home prices increased five percent from March to an average $172,811 level in April, according to the latest report from Heartland Realtors, formerly the McHenry County Association of Realtors. Likewise encouraging, the rise came as the number of home sales increased 16 percent over the previous month.

Looking at national figures through February, David M. Blitzer, Chairman of the Index Committee at S&P Dow Jones Indices said, "seasonally adjusted monthly data show [the top U.S.] 20 cities saw higher prices for two months in a row. The last time that happened was in early 2005."

Analysts believe the U.S. housing recovery is strengthening thanks to job market improvement and the Federal Reserve action pushing  mortgages to near record lows. Prices in some of the areas hardest hit by the housing crash are also rising as institutional investors have stepped up purchases of properties to build rental businesses. "One open question is the mix of single family and apartments," said Blitzer. "Housing starts data show a larger than usual share is apartments.”

Large apartment complexes are currently underway or soon to start in Algonquin, Lake in the Hills and Huntley.

The latest S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price report puts the Chicago metropolitan area in 15th place among the top 20 U.S. markets.  Chicago home prices are higher than in Detroit, Atlanta, Cleveland and Las Vegas.  The market with the top housing prices?  Washington, DC. 

Mobile Vascular Sceening Coming To Huntley Healthbridge

Centegra Health System's Wellness on the Move mobile health unit will offer vascular screenings June 4 from 9 am to 3:30 pm Tuesday at the Health Bridge Fitness Center,Huntley, on Algonquin Road.

"Vascular disease is among the leading causes of death in the United States, yet is generally asymptomatic until a catastrophic event occurs," reads a Centegra news release.  Or, as one non-Centegra physician of FEN's acquaintance likes to put it, "the first sign something's wrong is you die." 

Centegra’s vascular screening program provides immediate preliminary results on ultrasound images of the carotid artery for plaque buildup; Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) measurements to check blockage risk and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD); heart rhythm EKG readout to detect Atrial Fibrillation; a level for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) risk and Body Mass Index (BMI), pulse and blood pressure numbers. All results are completely confidential with follow-up reports by a Centegra Health System radiologist mailed within one week.

The price for the mobile vascular screening is $129 for all tests. For a screening appointment, call 877-CENTEGRA (877-236-8347).

Republicans Blast Latest Quinn Appointment

By Benjamin Yount, Illinois Watchdog
A group of Republican state lawmakers Monday asked Governor Pat Quinn to hold a Senate hearing this month on another Department of Public Health appointment or withdraw it. “This is a person, Dr. David Gill, who has run for Congress four times, and was talking about running for a fifth time,” said state Sen. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria. “Then about a week later, Dr. Gill was named by Gov. Quinn to this position.”

Gill's appointment as assistant director for the Illinois Department of Public Health came the same day that Metro East Democratic judge Anne Callis quit her job to run for congressional seat Gill had failed to win. “I’d like to know whether the governor and Dr. Gill had any conversations about his interest in running for Congress,” Barickman asked. “And whether the governor had any opinion on that.”

Quinn’s spokesman, Grant Klinzman, did not answer any of Barickman’s questions or provide insight into how Gill landed his appointment. “Dr. Gill is an emergency room doctor with strong background in public health,” Klinzman wrote in response to Illinois Watchdog’s questions. “He is well-versed in the Affordable Care Act and he understands the challenges of our health care system.”.

Gill is not the first Democrat to find a new job with the Quinn administration in strange circumstances. The governor appointed former state lawmakers Julie Hamos to the top job at Illinois’ health care department. Former state Rep. Careen Gordon wound up with a state job after she voted for the governor’s income tax increase in 2011, as did former lawmaker Mike Smith, who also voted with the governor.

“This is just another (example) of folks who have failed politically and got an appointment by this governor,” said Sen. Sam McCann, R-Carlinville. McCann said Gill’s appointment is particularly galling because Democratic lawmakers will not schedule a confirmation hearing before the end of the spring session. Gill can serve in his $127,000 a year job until the Senate confirms him, which has to happen within 60 legislative days. But since Illinois has a part-time legislature those 60 days are not up until next spring.

LaHood is also worried about the political message that sends to other Democrats, including some still in the state legislature. “It’s a case of ‘if you are a good solider for the Democrats, there is going to be a landing for you somewhere in state government,’” LaHood added.

You can read Ben's full report at: http://watchdog.org/85677/illinois-republicans-say-quinns-latest-crony-hire-too-much-to-ignore/

Police Blotters

The filing of charges is not proof of guilt. A defendant charged is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lake in the Hills
May 20
0646 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (LAKE IN THE HILLS PD). FOLLOW UP ARREST: POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE/WANTED ON WARRANT. PAGLIALONG, SKYLAR W., M/W 21 YEARS OF AGE, 1505 MONROE ST., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Possession of Methamphetamine and Wanted on Warrant out of McHenry County for Criminal Damage to Property. Bond Amount: $1,500 at 10%. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
0559 HRS 100 BLOCK OF HAWTHORNE RD. SUICIDAL SUBJECT. Male, 23 years of age, suicidal, left home and did not return. Entered into LEADS. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS
0713 HRS 617 ANDERSON DR. (STONEYBROOK PARK). INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Sign knocked down. Report for insurance.
0845 HRS 200 BLOCK OF PLUM ST. LOST ARTICLE. Missing front license plate. Entered into LEADS.
1209 HRS 9625 HALIGUS RD. (MARLOWE MIDDLE SCHOOL). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 13 years of age, having an allergic reaction to mineral water. Transported to McHenry Centegra Hospital.
1557 HRS 250 N. RANDALL RD. (COSTCO). ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1640 HRS 200 BLOCK OF BRIDLEWOOD CIRCLE. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 17 years of age, possibly under the influence of Spice. No Transport.
1715 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. INFORMATION FOR POLICE Slowly moving vehicle in the area.
1735 HRS 1200 BLOCK OF BURR ST. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Roommate vs. Roommate. Two priors. FAIL TO FILE.
1430 HRS 1500 BLOCK OF JEFFERSON ST. FOLLOW UP REPORT: INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Contact with Registered Sex Offender.

Delays Due On Algonquin And Randall Roads This Week

A giant slipformer's in place above Algonquin's Historic Village Hall ready to begin laying concrete this week for what will be the new eastbound lanes of Algonquin Road between, roughly, Meyer Drive and Route 31.  It's part of the Route 31 Western Bypass project and IDOT signs warn motorists to "expect delays."

Temporary lane closures are, likewise, expected on Randall Road beginning this week as Kane County Division of Transportation grinds and resurfaces Randall between Corporate Parkway in Algonquin and Route 72 in Carpentersville.  That project's expected to last five weeks and motorists are "advised to consider alternate routes."

Grafton Lawsuits Turn Into Pumpkins

At the stroke of Midnight Sunday every incumbent Grafton official's term of office (save for one trustee and the Assessor) came to an end. Simultaneously and consequently, so did all of the lawsuits that have plagued Grafton for the past three and a half years.  "They're moot," no longer legally resolvable, said one area attorney not involved in the Grafton controversies (and determined to keep it that way by remaining anonymous).

For instance, since Linda Moore is no longer Supervisor, a court can't realistically order her to write a Township check to Road Commissioner Jack Freund for about $7,000 in health insurance premiums he's paid under a money-saving deal the former Board made with him.

"I've talked with the new Supervisor [Jim Kearns] and he said he'd pay it when the Township can," said Freund Sunday.  "I said I don't want it right away--they're broke," Freund said.  "I feel sorry for them."

Neither can a court order Moore to write a check for materials to upgrade electrical wiring in the Assessor's Office.  "I told my attorney to drop [the lawsuit]," said Ottley Friday.  "The Village inspector's not very happy with my extension cords but they're giving me some more time while I talk with the new Supervisor," he said.

Meanwhile, an appeal pending on Judge Michael Caldwell's decision delineating the division of powers between Moore and the former Grafton trustees is in what might be called a zombie state. "It isn't dead," said the anonymous area attorney, "but it's not very alive." There's been no decision announced yet.  However, assuming the Appeals Court remands the case to Caldwell, there probably isn't anything left for him to order anyone in Grafton to do or stop doing anymore.

There's one definite loose thread still dangling in the Freund case, although not a substantive one.  That's a hearing next month for Judge Thomas Meyer to order the Township to pay Naperville law firm Ottosen, Britz about $40,000 for Moore legal work which the old trustees steadfastly refused to authorize.  "I never did figure out where they came from," said Freund.

In the pic:  About 100 of Jack Freund's closest friends wished him farewell at the Huntley American Legion Sunday, the last day of his term as Grafton Road Commissioner and for most of the rest of Grafton's officeholders, too.

Local UAL Volunteers Erect Greenhouse For ALITH Pantry

Algonquin and Lake in the Hills residents at United Airlines and Scout Pack 368 from Light Of Christ Church built a greenhouse to start garden seedlings at the Algonquin Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry headquarters in LITH Sunday.  The Pantry bought the greenhouse with part of a $5,000 grant from United's ECO Skies sustainability program.

Pantry gardeners raised and gave away about 4,000 pounds of various vegetables last year and hope to do even better this year thanks to an expanded garden area.  The UAL volunteers helped there, too, Sunday, planting fruit trees at the Pantry's Pyott road location and more veggies in beds at the Algonquin wastewater treatment plant.

Quinn Invites Sandy Hook Parents For Magazine Ban

Governer Pat Quinn invited the parents of children killed in the Newtown tragedy to Illinois Sunday to dramatize a bill introduced Friday to ban high capacity gun magazines from sale in the state.  Quinn argued deranged killer Adam Lanza might have been stopped before he killed 26 people if he'd had to reload more often.

"Banning the sale of high-capacity ammunition magazines is common-sense public safety policy that will have no impact on hunting or sport. This legislation will help minimize the risk of violence in our communities, and better protect our children and loved ones,” said the Governor.

“I’m proud to introduce this legislation in honor of all victims of gun violence especially those children and teachers who suffered that tragic day at Newtown,” said State Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) who carried a large teddy bear throughout Sunday's news conference.

Quinn first called for a ban on high capacity magazines last year after the mass shooting in Aurora, CO, that killed, among others a Crystal Lake Navy NCO. Sunday's new call comes as lawmakers face a federal appeals court June 9 deadline to regulate carrying guns.

Quinn said the Newtown parents would stay in the Governor's Mansion Sunday night and lobby legislators at the Capitol today in support of Kotowski's bill.

In the pic:  Gov. Pat Quinn with (l to r) Mark Barden, Francine Wheeler and Nicole Hockley, parents who each lost a child in the Sandy Hook school shooting in Connecticut.

Police Blotters

The filing of charges is not proof of guilt. A defendant charged is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lake in the Hills
May 19
0218 HRS 400 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. DOMESTIC BATTERY LUNA, ELIZA, F/W 20 YEARS OF AGE, 116 NEW HAVEN DR., CARY. CHARGES: Two Counts of Domestic Battery, One Count of Battery, One Count of Battery of an Unborn Child. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
0410 HRS 101 N. RANDALL RD. (DOMINICK’S). DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. TERRAZAS, EDGAR, M/W 22 YEARS OF AGE, 883 DOVER ST., PINGREE GROVE. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Disobey Traffic Control Device, and Driving While License Suspended. RELEASED ON BOND.
2236 HRS 20 BLOCK OF WANDER WAY. DOMESTIC BATTERY. EGGER, FRANK P. M/W 44 YEARS OF AGE, 22 WANDER WAY, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Two Counts of Domestic Battery. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
0043 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (LAKE IN THE HILLS PD). FOLLOW UP ARREST: CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. FAUROT, PHILLIP T., M/W 19 YEARS OF AGE, 3140 MONTROSE DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Criminal Damage to Property. RELEASED ON BOND.
1430 HRS 1500 BLOCK OF JEFFERSON ST. DRUG INVESTIGATION. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
1619 HRS 220 N. RANDALL RD. (MORETTI’S). ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
2246 HRS 5400 BLOCK OF WHITMORE WAY. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. Wife. Verbal only. One prior.
Algonquin
May 17
18:14pm Kennedy, Colleen K., DOB: 07/03/94, of 1643 Glengarry Court, Algonquin,  and a 15 year-old female from Algonquin were both charged with Theft and Criminal Trespass to Residence.  They were taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department, 2200 Harnish Drive.  Kennedy was released after posting $200 with a court date of 06/06/13 in Kane County.  The juvenile was referred to the Tri Area Court For Teens and then released into the custody of her mother.
19:21pm A 14 year-old female from Lake in the Hills was charged with Criminal Trespass to Residence.  She was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department, 2200 Harnish Drive.  She was referred to the Tri Area Court For Teens and then released into the custody of her father.
19:44pm Borda, Juan S., DOB: 09/25/81, of 1881 Broadsmore Drive, Algonquin, was charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery, Domestic Battery, Domestic Battery/Bodily Harm and Criminal Trespass.  He was taken into custody at 1881 Broadsmore Drive.  He was transported to Kane County Jail to await a bond hearing.
May 18
13:01pm Finckle, Ian C., DOB: 03/18/93, of 440 S. Annandale Drive, Lake in the Hills, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Cannabis.  He was taken into custody at Meijer, 400 S. Randall Road.  He was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond with a court date of 06/19/13 in McHenry County.
May 19
01:35am Peterson, Brendan J., DOB: 10/24/88, of 1364 E. Wyndham Circle #103, Palatine, was charged with Obstructing a Peace Officer and Resisting a Peace Officer.  He was taken into custody at Huntington Drive and Hanson Road.  He was released after posting $150 with a court date of 06/26/13 in McHenry County.
10:28am Gard, Joanne L., DOB: 06/19/63, of 788 Dogwood Lane, Lake in the Hills, was charged with DWLR.  She was taken into custody at Algonquin Road and Frank Road.  She was released after posting $150 with a court date of 06/19/13 in McHenry County.

Weee'll Remember Alwaaays (Pause) Graduation Daaay

Saturday was graduation day at the Hoffman Estates Sears Centre for more than 1,500 students from District 300's three high schools.

Graduation for Harry D. Jacobs High School students began in the morning led by Valedictorian Emily Milani Alessio and Salutatorian Katie Lee Rim.  Dundee-Crown's graduation followed in the afternoon featuring Valedictorian Rachael Ohlrich and Salutatorian Malik Washington.  Hampshire High graduation was Saturday evening.

If it was a big day for the grads it was a long one for D300 administrators and Board of Ed members Anne Miller, Steve Fiorentino and Kathleen Burley who arrived at the Sears Centre at about 9 am and didn't go home until about 8 pm.  "But we love it," said Superintendent Michael Bregy with a broad smile he continued to wear even when he didn't know anyone was watching him.

In the pic: D300's grads like these from Dundee Crown Saturday head into a brave new world featuring, according to April figures (national, seasonally adjusted), a 22.6 percent unemployment rate for kids 18 and 19, and 13.1 percent for adults 20 to 24.

Quinn Visits Huntley Again For Dems Dinner

Governor Pat Quinn headlined the McHenry County Democratic Party's eighth annual Thomas Jefferson Dinner at Huntley's Sun City Prairie Lodge Saturday.  The event celebrated 100 years of Women's Suffrage in Illinois.  In 1913 Illinois became the first state east of the Mississippi to allow women to vote for President, preceding the 19th Amendment by seven years.

Dems honored two McHenry County women for "exceptional contributions" to the party and community.  They were former District 3 County Board Member Kathy Bergan Schmidt, unincorporated Nunda and current District Five Member Paula Yensen, LITH.

About 150 persons gathered for this year's annual gala although at least one table included a group of known Republicans who'd infiltrated the compound. "I'm not sure political affiliation makes much difference at this level," laughed, Algonquin Township Road Commissioner Bob Miller. "What's the Democratic position on filling potholes?"

In the pic:  Governor Pat Quinn makes nice with McHenry County Board Member Paul Yensen and her husband, County Democratic Chairman Mike Bisset, at Saturday's Democratic Thomas Jefferson Dinner.

Construction Smooths Dropoffs At Algonquin E-Waste Event

Construction Flaggers on the Algonquin Road approach to Algonquin's E-Waste event Saturday might have provided a preview of how much construction's going to interfere with local commerce this Summer but, as it turned out, the stop and go in the Route 31 Bypass area eliminated the usual hurry up and wait at the Village's Public Works dropoff point.

"We've had 278 cars through so far," said Algonquin Planner Katie Parkhurst at 11 am.  "That's about the same as this point last year."

"Only this time they're coming in spurts," explained Deputy Village Clerk Michelle Weber.  "There'll be about 10 of them and then a pause and then another 10 and we can keep up with that," she said.

Algonquin plans a second E-waste event in the Fall.  It'll be at Presidential Park on the East Side, though.

In the pic:  There was no waiting Saturday to drop off electronic castoffs at Algonquin's e-waste event, at least not at Public Works.

LITH Public Works Event Features New Daily E-Waste Plan

Yanking the wheels and levers on big machines was the main attraction for kids at Lake in the Hills' Public Works Open House Saturday, but the Village's new daily e-waste drop off service was the event's featured new adult amenity.

Now almost a month old, "It's been very successful," said LITH Public Works Director Fred Mullard.  In conjunction with recycler Com2, LITH Public Works will take in all the unwanted electronics the State banned from landfills last year without providing an alternative method of disposal.  "Just stop in at the office [9010 Haligus Road] and we'll tell you where to put it," said Mullard. "If it's something little like a printer," we'll usually take it right  there." 

LITH's new daily e-waste dropoff's available during business hours, Monday thru Friday from 7am to 3:30pm Mullard said. 

Furor Meets Shifting Chicago Retirees To Fed Health Plan

By Benjamin Yount, Illinois Watchdog
Illinois’ largest public employee union is no longer excited about the future of Obamacare since Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel let it slip this week that he plans to move retired Chicago city workers from a city-funded health care system to President Obama’s national health-care plan.

AFSCME spokesman Anders Lindall said the union is concerned about how Emanuel is using Obamacare. “The Affordable Care Act is meant to make health care more affordable and more accessible. It is not intended to relieve employers--the city of Chicago or anyone else--of their responsibility to their employees or retirees,” Lindall said.

However, Ben Domenech, a research fellow at the Heartland Institute, said Emanuel is simply following the union’s advice, and taking advantage of Obamacare. “Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s decision to shift retirees from their existing systems and onto Obamacare is a perfectly rational move, and an illustration of the decisions employers across the country will face in the coming years,” Domech said. “When it comes to employer dumping, Rahm Emanuel is just ahead of the curve.”

The Emanuel administration said Chicago needs to move retired city workers to Obamacare to save money. Spokeswoman, Kathleen Strand, said in a statement that Chicago must act to control costs. “The retirement healthcare system as it stands today is fiscally unsustainable, and we have a responsibility to ensure a secure financial path for Chicago taxpayers.”

You can read Ben's full report at: http://watchdog.org/85050/not-anymore-il-unions-dont-want-obamacare-as-their-health-care-choice/

In the pic: Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Obituaries

James C. Fukey, 75, of Sun City, Huntley, died suddenly at his home Friday. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Tuesday, May 28, and will continue from Noon to 12:45 pm Wednesday, May 29, at the DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral Home, Huntley. A Funeral Mass will follow at 1 pm at St. Mary Catholic Church, Huntley. Burial will be in Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

Fukey was born Feb. 27, 1938, in Chicago, the son of James C. and Irene M. (Colton) Fukey.
He married Janet H. Maurer on Feb. 4, 1961. He is survived by his daughters, Sharon (Mark) Neeb of Streamwood, Laura (Christopher) Baillie of Winfield, Mary Gibas of Lake Zurich; his son, James J. (Jacqueline) Fukey of Bartlett; his grandchildren, Madeline, Alexia, Colin, Luke, Konrad and Margaret; his sister, Mary Felgenhauer of Hometown; and his special friend, Joan Schultz of Huntley. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet, two brothers and one sister.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association .

Kirk Hadley Pepper, 41, of Lake in the Hills died peacefully Sunday, May 12, of brain cancer.
Cremation was private.  A Memorial service will be held at Holy Family Parish in Palatine at 10 am June 15

Pepper was born Sept. 16, 1971, the son of Leila Pepper and George Pepper. He is survived by his sister, Janelle (William) Morse.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Neuro-Oncology Research Fund at NorthShore University Health System, Evanston.

McHenry County Indictments

A McHenry County Grand Jury returned indictments this week against the following individuals:
The charges against these defendants are merely allegations against them.  The defendants are presumed innocent of any crime until proven guilty in court.

delayed

Police Blotters

The filing of charges is not proof of guilt. A defendant charged is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lake in the Hills
May 18
0202 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & RANDALL RD. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL/DRUGS. BREH, NICHOLAS D., M/W 21 YEARS OF AGE, 510 REDTAIL RIDGE, ELGIN. CHARGES: Unlawful Possession of Cannabis Less Than 2.5 Grams, Unlawful Possession of Cannabis 2.5 to 10 Grams. RELEASED ON BOND. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
0001 HRS 300 BLOCK OF TECUMSEH TRAIL. DOMESTIC. Mother vs. Son. Verbal Only. No Priors.
0211 HRS 5400 BLOCK OF CROSSVIEW LN. FOUND ARTICLE. Part of a plastic boat toy left on porch.
2150 HRS 200 S ANNANDALE DR. (LEROY GUY PARK). THEFT. Bicycle taken from the park. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.

Cook Sheriff Fires Ex-McHenry County Board Member For Breach

Spokesmen confirmed Friday that the Cook County Sheriff's Merit Board has fired a former McHenry County Board Member for maliciously breaching public trust.  The order terminating Bob Bless, 50, of Fox River Grove as a deputy was issued May 3 but withheld until the Sheriff's office had confirmation he'd been legally notified.

The Merit Board fired Bless because while he was receiving temporary disability pay, he "lied to [the Cook County Sheriff's Office] so he could work two additional jobs."  The Merit Board found Bless, also an attorney, told investigators he'd submitted paperwork that would have authorized him to conduct "a reasonably active legal practice" and also serve as a District One McHenry County Board Member.

Bless was on "duty injury" status with the Cook County Sheriff's Office between September, 2008, and November, 2010, after an auto accident. That included a medical ban on driving a car and the Merit Board was especially incensed that "not only was [Bless] driving...[he] was getting reimbursed for such driving by the taxpayers of McHenry County."

The Merit Board's order fired Bless retroactive to Oct. 6, 2011, when, as FEN revealed following a seven-month Freedom of Information Act battle, the Cook County Sheriff's Office de-deputized him and stuck him behind a desk in the bowels of the Rolling Meadows Courthouse.

In a different matter, Bless, may face losing his law license, too.  Last month the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission ended hearings which found, as revealed in a later filing, that he'd committed "misconduct".  Unlike a court, however, the regulatory ARDC only issues a single decision which covers both guilt and punishment and that hasn't happened yet. Bless was charged with committing several different breaches of attorney ethics but, said Chief Counsel Jim Grogran, until ARDC issues a final order, "We don't know what the misconduct was and we don't know what the punishment will be."

Bless was a District One Member of the McHenry County Board from 2008 to 2012 when he failed to win enough votes in the General Election for another term.

More Conflict Looms Over McHenry Mental Health Appointments

Tuesday's McHenry County Board meeting is shaping up to be one full of sound and fury. Whether three controversial appointments will signify anything isn't apparent yet from the agenda and supporting materials made public Thursday.

If all goes as planned, Board Chairman Tina Hill intends to ignore a Public Health and Human Services Committee recommendation to appoint banker and Crystal Lake City Councilman Jeff Thorsen to the beleaguered County Mental Health Board in favor of her own choice, social worker and Crystal Lake City Councilman, Cathy Ferguson. That, in itself, would probably create plenty of conflict but the agenda also indicates Hill intends to reshuffle the Human Services Committee membership, too.

The County Board's spent three months rebuilding the Mental Health Board after a year-long series of setbacks and resignations at the mental service coordinating agency.  Earlier this month in a lopsided 18-6 vote, CountyBoard members rejected Health and Human Services' latest MHB candidate, Scott Summers, although no one said why. Hill announced then she'd make her own pick but Human Services Chairman Donna Kurtz, a leading MHB critic, called a committee meeting this week to pick a different candidate, anyway.

What was unexpected was Hill's announcement that she intends to pull District Three Member Sandy Salgado from Health and Human Services and replace her with fellow District Member Bob Martens.  Salgado is seen by some as a Kurtz ally on the committee.  Martens is  the former head of major MHB service provider Family Service which collapsed last year.

In a Thursday memo, Hill said picking a new MHB member was a "process that became convoluted, disruptive and disingenuous".  She didn't explain why she wanted to change the Human Services Committee, too.

Salgado said kicking her off the committee she's been on for 12 years was "payback: while Kurtz called it "a power grab".

Separately, at the Mental Health Board which has been accused of profligate spending, in a memo, Interim Director Todd Schroll recommended conducting a series of mini-audits because one big one "might be very damaging in its content."  At MHB's Finance Committee meeting this week  McHenry County Blog quoted Schroll saying what he wrote was "not a true representation of my intent."

Papa Saverio's Wins Huntley Radio Pizza Wars

Papa Saverio's emerged victorious in this week's Pizza Wars fundraiser for Huntley Community Radio at the Park District Rec Center.  Huntley Radio Executive Director Allen Pollack said the voting by more than 450 supporters--and pizza eaters--was tight, though, at Thursday event.
The Rec Center Cafeteria was packed with families sampling the offerings from Huntley's various pizzerias while they listened to music by HHS ensemble Project 2.

Pollack said organizers hadn't totaled the take from the event yet.  Profits will go toward turning Huntley Community Radio into a real low-power FM station.  Right now it streams local programs via the Internet.

Medical Marijuana Bill Headed To Governor

By Meredith Colias, Illinois Issues
After years of just saying no, the legislature has sent a restrictive medical marijuana bill to the governor’s desk. The measure passed the Senate Friday on a 35-21 vote as the Legislature approaches the final weeks of its Spring Session. The House approved it earlier.

Supporters are touting the measure as one of the strictest in the nation, hoping to avoid the fallout in other states such as Colorado and California that have looser medical marijuana guidelines.Gov. Pat Quinn has said previously he is “open-minded” to the legislation but was not firmly convinced whether he would sign it into law. If he does, the law would go into effect starting in 2014.

The Illinois bill is a four-year pilot program designed as a compassionate measure to allow those with 33 chronic or deeply debilitating illnesses specifically outlined, including multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS and cancer, to obtain marijuana to relieve their pain. They would be authorized for one year at a time. “Many of these people are dying,” the bill’s sponsor, Alton Democrat Sen. William Haine said, and are forced to take medication with severe or adverse side effects. “They shouldn’t be relegated to this.”

Opponents have expressed concerns that the bill will lead to unintended consequences, such as encouraging more recreational use and drug addiction among teenagers and others. “For every touching story,” Lebanon Republican Kyle McCarter said, “there are a thousand times more parents that will never be relieved from the pain” of losing a child to addiction."

You can read Meredith's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/medical-marijuana-bill-headed-to.html

Obituaries

Brent Kielbasa, 41, of Aiken, SC, formerly of Algonquin, died Tuesday. Memorial visitation will Monday  from 9 am until the time of a Memorial Mass at 11 at St. Margaret Mary Church, Algonquin. Cremation was private at the Countryside Crematory.

Kielbasa was born Apr. 5, 1972, to Daniel and Kathleen (Krutz) Kielbasa. He is survived by his son, Isaiah; brothers, Brian (Christina) and Bruce (Maureen), and sister, Bridget (David) Janis.

Police Blotters

The filing of charges is not proof of guilt. A defendant charged is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lake in the Hills
May 17
0106 HRS 5000 BLOCK OF WINDGATE WAY. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. JASHARI, LIRIM, M/W 33 YEARS OF AGE, 1531 PAWNEE, CARPENTERSVILLE. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving While License Revoked, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Cannabis Between 10-30 Grams. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
1404 HRS RANDALL RD & MILLER RD. FOLLOW UP REPORT: ACCIDENT. Occurred 051413. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1306 HRS 1500 BLOCK OF WASHINGTON ST. DOMESTIC. Mother vs. Daughter. Verbal only. Three priors.
1519 HRS 519 WILLOW ST. (LITH ELEMENTARY). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, ten years of age, fell off of his bike and injured his head. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1735 HRS 3000 BLOCK OF IMPRESSIONS DR. DOMESTIC. Mother vs. Daughter. Verbal only. No priors.