Huntley Chevrolet Falls to GM Cut

An employee and Huntley Chevrolet confirmed Friday that Chevy had terminated the company's dealership agreement. "We got the letter on the 12th, I think. We've just been telling people about it who come in to buy a car."

Huntley Chevrolet owner Jeffrey Wulbert could not be reached at his home or his residences in Wisconsin or Florida for comment.

Huntley Village Manager Dave Johnson said, "We're a little surprised. They'd made the "first cut" (of announced terminations). They've had trouble out there, that hasn't been a secret."

The "trouble", a likely contributor to GM's decision, has been an ongoing dispute between Huntley Chevrolet and its bank over a loan reported to be $1.25 million. Kane County Sheriff's Deputies padlocked the dealership in late February but days later allowed the firm to reopen offering service but not cars for sale.

The car lot is located in the village's TIFF district where a portion of sales taxes are dedicated to paying off development bonds for the district. Johnson said the loss of the car dealer would not imperil those bonds. "We did a projection on that several months ago," Johnson said. "It won't hurt them but it's certainly not a positive."

Chevrolet first established a dealership in Huntley over 40 years ago. It passed through several hands and name changes finally relocating to its present spot on Route 47 near I-90. An earlier incarnation, Prime Chevrolet, reportedly failed to meet its sales targets and Wulbert bought the dealership in late 2004.

McHenry County Suffers In Car Closings

The loss of tax revenue from shuttered General Motors and Chrysler dealerships only adds to the financial woes of Illinois governments. McHenry County will likely be particularly hard hit. A First Electric Newspaper analysis finds it's suffered double the level of closings of the other Collar Counties on a percentage basis.

Matching 242 new car dealers in the five counties surrounding Chicago against announced and likely (the rest of Pontiac) closings reveals McHenry County has lost 5 of its 25 dealerships, 20 percent. The next worst-hit has been Kane County with a 14 percent loss. DuPage lost 9 percent, Will 8 percent and Lake only 7 percent.
The closing of Huntley Chevrolet will increase the Kane County figure. Although the lot is within Huntley limits it's over the line from McHenry County.

To some degree the tax revenue impact of dealership closings is academic. U.S. auto sales are down 37 percent from their peak so even surviving dealerships aren't generating much in the way of tax revenue. The question is remains, what will the erstwhile customers of defunct dealers do now? Will they remain brand-loyal within the county or county-loyal but turn into Ford fanatics? Or will they take their car business and sales tax dollars to Lake, Cook and Kane counties?

McHenry County Finance Committee Chairman Mark Munaretto believes a large part of McHenry County's current $1 million tax shortfall is due to poor car sales. He estimates sales tax receipts from McHenry County car sales were in the $3-4 million range before the bottom dropped out. The question on his mind, he said, is how much will revenue with return with a recovery."With the loss of these dealers I don't know if we can ever return to the previous levels," he said.

The problem of dealer closings and tax loss is magnified at the muncipal level. Crystal Lake has been particularly hard-hit with the loss of two dealerships. Algonquin and Lake in the Hills have come through unscathed thanks to the former's having only one car dealer, Rosen Hyundai, and the latter none at all.

Algonquin President John Schmitt said his village has neither sought car dealers nor discouraged them. "We've talked to several over the years. For one reason or another they haven't chosen to locate here."
Much the same applies to Lake the Hills, according to Village Manager Jerry Sagona. "We would welcome car dealers to the friendly confines of Lake in the Hills if they were interested in locating here," he said.

Storms Hit Area, Tornado Sighted

Sirens sounded about 9 a.m. in Algonquin, Lake in the Hills and Huntley today when the National Weather Service warned a "trained observer" had sighted a tornado west of Lake in the Hills.

There was no report the twister touched down and the intense storm system of which it was part was reported to have caused little damage.

The Weather Service estimated rainfall may have been from two to four inches in some locations, the fast and furious accumulation overwhelming drains and storm sewers. Small lakes appeared on area thoroughfares slowing traffic.

ComEd's power outage center reported special repair crews had been sent out to deal with damage. A spokesman reported about 4,000 homes were without power in Chicago's northern suburbs, about 10,000 through the ComEd service area.

The weather service reported a second storm system had reached Marengo by 11 a.m where the Weather Service reported flooding in a line stretching back to Rockford. That storm drifted south of the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills area and dissipated by mid-afternoon. The Weather Service predicted more storms Friday evening and a thunderstorm watch was posted until 10 p.m.

In the pics:Algonquin Road Traffic had to motorboat past Meyer Drive and a ComEd worker stows his gear after a repair near Randall Road.

Huntley Finances Get Gold Star

Small turns out to be beautiful, at least insofar as Huntley's police pension fund is concerned. In a report to the Huntley Board Thursday auditor Fred Lantz reported Huntley's pension fund was the only one to his knowledge in Illinois not savaged by the recent stock market meltdown.

"Those (municipalities) in equities took a bath," Lantz said, reporting some funds have lost as much as 50 percent of their value. Huntley's fund has been invested in bonds and "they did very well" Lantz said with a smile.

To a degree Huntley's performance was the result of being too small to swim in shark-infested waters. Lantz explained the pension fund by law would have to have assets over $2.5 million to invest in equities but with a small and young police force Huntley's fund still doesn't quite make the cut.

Lantz said the only real problem in the village's finances was a $280,000 loss on water and sewer operations last fiscal year. The village's plants are oversized for its present population and even though much of the system is new, on the village books it generates a charge for depreciation.

In the pic: Huntley Mayor Chuck Sass receives an award from the Government Finance Officers Association from auditor Fred Lantz. The award was for being one of the few (.3 percent) small municipalities in Illinois to maintain an acceptable set of account books last year.

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.

Algonquin--

June 16
00:07am Cordoba, Julio F. DOB: 12/20/81 of 1 W. Acorn Lane, #2C, Lake in the Hills, was charged with Failure to Yield and No Valid Driver’s License. He was taken into custody at Randall Road and Corporate Parkway. He was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond, with a court date of 07/22/09, in McHenry County.
01:23am Staten, Clarence H. DOB: 11/28/47 of 3 Division Street, Algonquin, was charged with Aggravated Assault, Resisting a Police Officer and Disorderly Conduct. He was taken into custody at 3 Division Street. He was transported to McHenry County Jail, when unable to post bond.
08:45am Pancheco, Jose A DOB: 08/19/60 of 128 Andover Drive, Glendale Heights, was charged with DWLS, Suspended Registration and No Proof of Insurance. He was taken into custody in the Meijer’s parking lot. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 07/22/09, in McHenry County.
12:01pm Dunn, Alyce D. DOB: 08/20/48 of 11812 Prairie Street, Hebron, was Wanted on a Warrant out of McHenry County for Failure to Appear, on an Operating a Vehicle w/o a Safety Certification. She was taken into custody at the Algonquin Commons. She was transported to McHenry County Jail, when unable to post bond.
15:52pm Zick, James D. DOB: 06/25/73 who is homeless, was charged with Retail Theft. He was taken into custody at Target, 750 S. Randall Road. He was transported to McHenry County Jail, when unable to post bond.
23:28pm Solis, Tiffany B. DOB: 10/23/90 of 338 Hiawatha Drive, Lake in the Hills and Tromp, Joseph Y. DOB: 02/10/90 of 388 Hiawatha Drive, Lake in the Hills, were both charged with Felony Theft and Retail Theft. They were both taken into custody at Meijer’s, 400 S. Randall Road. Both were transported to McHenry County Jail, to await a bond hearing.

June 17
12:52pm Ortega, Juan C. DOB: 08/03/85 of 1615 Hermes Avenue, Aurora, was charged with DWLR and No Seat Belt. He was also Wanted on a Warrant out of Aurora, for Failure to Appear, on an Operation of Uninsured Motor Vehicle charge. He was taken into custody at Algonquin Road and Meyer Drive. He was released after posting $100, on the Algonquin charges with a court date of 07/22/09, in McHenry County and after posting $700, on the Aurora warrant, with a court date of 06/22/09, in Kane County.
17:25pm Maxie, Karl A. DOB: 06/22/84 of 3680 White Deer Lane, Algonquin, was charged with Retail Theft. He was taken into custody at 3680 White Deer Lane. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 07/22/09, in McHenry County.

June 18
14:22pm Adame, Karla M. DOB: 10/01/87 of 432 W. Touhy Avenue, Lot #250, DesPlaines, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License and Failure to Reduce Speed. She was taken into custody at Route 62 and Harrison Street. She was released after posting $100, with a court date of 07/22/09, in McHenry County.
15:33pm Photopulos, Michael J. DOB: 09/18/91 of 348 Bayberry Drive, Algonquin; Zaplantynsky, Kyle S. DOB: 12/19/88 of 920 Magnolia Drive, Algonquin and Balint, Robert DOB: 04/22/92 of 1120 Redwood Drive, Algonquin, were all charged with Reckless Conduct. All were taken into custody at Presidential Park, 700 Highland Avenue. All were released after posting $100 each, with a court date of 07/22/09, in McHenry County.

Lake in the Hills--

June 18
0800 HRS LAKEWOOD RD & ALGONQUIN RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1031 HRS MCPHEE DR & E OAK ST.ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1150 HRS 800 BLOCK OF DOGWOOD LN. DOMESTIC. Grandmother vs Grandson’s father. Verbal only. No prior.
1427 HRS 250 N RANDALL RD (COSTCO). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 70 years of age, collapsed and injured his head. Transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
1904 HRS 5200 MILLER RD (SUNSET PARK). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 14 years of age, with an injured ankle. Transported to Woodstock Hospital.
1947 HRS 4300 BLOCK OF ROLLING HILLS DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 35 years of age, having difficulty breathing. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
2019 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD (LITH POLICE). ASSIST COUNTY POLICE Order of Protection served.
2022 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT.DOMESTIC BATTERY. Wife vs Husband. No priors. FAIL TO FILE
2115 HRS 00 BLOCK OF HERON CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 30 years of age, having difficulty breathing. Transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital.

June 17
1047 HRS 3900 BLOCK OF THORNBERRY WAY. DOMESTIC. Boyfriend vs. girlfriend. Verbal only. Three priors.
1342 HRS 3500 BLOCK OF CHADWICK LN. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1657 HRS 1500 BLOCK OF ROYAL OAK LN. DOMESTIC. Husband vs Wife. Verbal only. Two priors.
1816 HRS 2000 BLOCK OF PEMPRIDGE LN. CHECK FOR WELL BEING. Checked on the well being of an adult female.
2254 HRS GREENFIELD LN & MILLER RD. AMBULANCE ASSIST. Female, 38 years of age, having a seizure. Taken to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.

Garage Sales

Lake in the HIlls

Friday, June 19

2670 CADBURY CIR
319 POCAHONTAS
321 POCAHONTAS
614 LORREE LN
4200 GREENFIELD LN 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
200 WRIGHT DR 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
4860 BORDEAUX DR 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
319 CLEAR SKY TR 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
615 ANDERSON DR 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
2781 CADBURY CIR 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
1308 WASHINGTON ST 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4195 GREENFIELD LN 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4830 BORDEAUX DR 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
10 KURT CT 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
280 STEEPLECHASE WAY 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
2850 CADBURY CIR 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
3823 SONOMA CIR 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
4570 HERONDR 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
4801 BORDEAUX DR 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
644 ANDERSON DR 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
860 TARALON TR 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
919 BARBARA CT 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
259 INDIAN TRL 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
116 POLARS DR 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
264 INDIAN TR 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
4155 GREENFIELD LN 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
4185 GREENFIELD LN 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
4205 GREENFIELD LN 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
909 BARBARA ST 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
1182 SWEETWATER RIDGE 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
2030 BRITTANY BEND 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
2031 BRITTANY BEND 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
2070 BRITTANY BEND 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
2071 LITCHFIELD LN 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
2090 BRITTANY BEND 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
3000 NOELLE BEND 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
861 PROVENCE PL 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
890 PROVENCE PL 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
1176 SWEETWATER RIDGE 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
1173 HALFMOON GATE 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
2730 FAIRFAX LN 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
1 LINCOLN ST 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
2621 STANTON CIR 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
2791 CADBURY CIR 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4220 PEARTREE DR 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4840 BORDEAUX DR 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
5080 PRINCETON LN 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
3920 WISTERIA CT 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
512 ANDERSON DR 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
604 LORREE LN 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
20 DOGWOOD CT 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
2731 CADBURY CIR 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
311 WOODY WAY 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
356 HIAWATHA DR 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
6 GAIL CT 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday, June 20

2670 CADBURY CIR
319 POCAHONTAS
321 POCAHONTAS
614 LORREE LN
4200 GREENFIELD LN 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
200 WRIGHT DR 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
319 CLEAR SKY TR 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
615 ANDERSON DR 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
2781 CADBURY CIR 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
1308 WASHINGTON ST 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4195 GREENFIELD LN 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4830 BORDEAUX DR 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
10 KURT CT 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
2 CARL CT 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
280 STEEPLECHASE WAY 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
2850 CADBURY CIR 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
3823 SONOMA CIR 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
4185 GREENFIELD LN 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
4570 HERON DR 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
4801 BORDEAUX DR 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
644 ANDERSON DR 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
860 TARALON TR 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
919 BARBARA CT 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
259 INDIAN TRL 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
116 POLARS DR 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
264 INDIAN TR 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
4155 GREENFIELD LN 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
4205 GREENFIELD LN 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
909 BARBARA ST 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
2031 BRITTANY BEND 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
2070 BRITTANY BEND 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
2071 LITCHFIELD LN 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
2090 BRITTANY BEND 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
3000 NOELLE BEND 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
861 PROVENCE PL 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
890 PROVENCE PL 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
1182 SWEETWATER RIDGE 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
2030 BRITTANY BEND 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
1176 SWEETWATER RIDGE 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
3920 WISTERIA CT 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
1173 HALFMOON GATE 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
2730 FAIRFAX LN 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
1 LINCOLN ST 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
2621 STANTON CIR 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
356 HIAWATHA DR 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4220 PEARTREE DR 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4840 BORDEAUX DR 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
5080 PRINCETON LN 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
512 ANDERSON DR 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
20 DOGWOOD CT 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
2731 CADBURY CIR 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
311 WOODY WAY 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
6 GAIL CT 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sunday, June 21

20 DOGWOOD CT 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
644 ANDERSON DR 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
259 INDIAN TRL 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
116 POLARS DR 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
264 INDIAN TR 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
311 WOODY WAY 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
6 GAIL CT 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Although Algonquin and Huntley regulate garage sales they do not require a permit. First Electric Newspaper will publish listings of sales in those villages at no charge. Send date, address and times to garagesales@firstelecricnewspaper.com

Algonquin Cop Resigns

An Algonquin police officer convicted of domestic abuse has resigned Chief Russel Laine confirmed today.

Sergeant Wade Merritt, convicted in a Woodstock bench trial last month of striking his wife in a domestic dispute, was scheduled to appear before the Algonquin Police Commission Wednesday but that session was canceled Tuesday.

An Algonquin policeman since 1986, Merritt's problems began March 4 when his wife called 911 to report he had struck her. Merritt and his wife both denied at the trial that he had struck her and their 10 year-old son said he did not see Merritt strike a blow. Nevertheless, Judge Gordon Graham rendered a verdict of guilty of one count of domestic abuse.

That verdict disqualified Merritt from carrying a firearm, effectively precluding his acting as a peace officer. Merritt had been on suspension without pay from his more than $90,000 per year position since May 5. A sentencing hearing on the domestic abuse conviction is set for next Thursday.

Poor Ash Borer Turnout at LITH

The audience was sparse Wednesday night at LITH Village Hall to hear the latest on municipal and state plans to battle the Emerald Ash Borer tree-killer.

Illinois Ash Borer Czar Paul Deizman of the Illinois Department of Agriculture told Tony and Daun DePaul "This room isn't full because people whose trees have EAB don't know they have EAB." Deizman said one of the problems with the ash borer is that by the time a tree exhibits signs of infestation it's usually too late to do anything about it.

The good news Deizman said, is that the latest research indicates affected trees can be saved with treatment; maybe. "It doesn't work all the time. The best chance is with a good strong tree to start with," he said.

In fact, treatment is part of what Lake in the Hills plans, according to Village Arborist Rob Caldewell. He said he and his crews have surveyed nearly half of the 4,000 village-owned ash trees and have located only 11 infected with EAB, all immediately taken down. Caldwell said this Fall the village will treat the best village trees with EAB-killer injections to prevent the bugs' spread.

Public Works Director Fred Mullard said any ash trees his crews have to take down will be replaced free of charge this Fall with two to three-inch specimens of other species. He said a homeowner could put in something even larger at his own expense but would be required to contact his department beforehand.

The latest on the Ash Borer from the Illinois Department of Agriculture can be found at http://www.agr.state.il.us/eab.

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--

June 15
0845 HRS 200 BLOCK OF COOL STONE BEND. DOMESTIC. Mother vs. son. Verbal only. No priors.
0929 HRS 4540 ALGONQUIN RD (LA PETITE ACADEMY). THEFT. Bicycle taken from playground area.1446 HRS 1300 INDUSTRIAL DR #A (NORTHSTAR TOOL). AMBULANCE ASSIST. 37 year-old female having a diabetic reaction. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
2108 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT COURT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Complainant sustained back injury after being knocked to the ground by a dog. Transported to Sherman Memorial Hospital.

June 16
0139 HRS 1500 BLOCK OF CLAYTON MARSH DR. CRIMINAL TRESPASS TO LAND. KNIESEL, RICHARD K. M/W, 45 YEARS OF AGE,1506 CLAYTON MARSH DR LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Criminal Trespass to Land, Harassment by telephone,Two Counts of Disorderly Conduct. RELEASED ON BOND
0948 HRS 1500 BLOCK OF CLAYTON MARSH DR. TELEPHONE HARASSMENT. KNIESEL, RICHARD K. M/W 45 YEARS OF AGE, 1506 CLAYTON MARSH DR LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Telephone Harassment. RELEASED ON BOND
1719 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD (LITH POLICE). SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION VIOLATION. KEDZIE, LAURENCE F. M/W, 48 YEARS OF AGE, 5825 LUCERNE LN, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Sex Offender Registration Violation. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL
0045 HRS 700 BLOCK OF ELDERBERRY COURT. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Mother vs. son. Two priors. FAIL TO FILE
1000 HRS ACORN LN & RANDALL RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1055 HRS 100 BLOCK OF WOODY WAY. DOMESTIC. Cousin vs. cousin. Verbal only. No priors.
1219 HRS MILLER RD & RANDALL RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.1324 HRS ALGONQUIN RD & HARVEST GATE. OVERWEIGHT TRUCK. Citation issued. Fine paid.
1724 HRS 1500 BLOCK OF CLAYTON MARSH DR. ASSIST OTHER AGENCY. Assist McHenry County Sheriff, with issuing an Order of Protection.
1838 HRS 100 BLOCK OF OAKLEAF DR. FOUND PROPERTY. Syringe on side of the roadway.
2116 HRS 261 N RANDALL RD (HOLLYWOOD VIDEO). BURGLARY FROM MOTOR VEHICLE. GPS and otheritems taken from vehicle. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS

Huntley--

June 8.
Two male juveniles at the high school were charged with possession of tobacco by a minor.
A male student at the high school was charged with criminal damage to property for damaging two seats on a school bus.
Criminal defacement to property occurred near 10500 S. Route 47.

June 9
Criminal defacement to property occurred near 10400 Dutch Barn.
A mailbox was spray painted silver.
Criminal defacement to property occurred near 10400 Fleetwood.
A mailbox was spray painted silver.
Eric M. Smorovsky age 19 of 11730 Cape Cod was arrested on an outstanding warrant out of McHenry County for retail theft. Mr. Smorovsky posted bond and was released.

June 10
Criminal defacement to property occurred near 10300 Central Park. The front wall of a residence was spray painted.
Criminal defacement to property occurred near 10300 Central Park. A porta-potty was spray painted.
Criminal defacement to property occurred near 10400 Dutchbarn. A basketball hoop in a driveway was spray painted
. A male juvenile was charged with reckless conduct for shooting a police officer with a paint ball. Several other juveniles were released to their parents pending charges.
Criminal defacement to property occurred at 11800 Factory Shops. Various profanities were written on the inside of a stall door in the men’s bathroom.
Criminal defacement to property occurred near 12100 Heinz Ave. Paint was smeared on a vehicle parked in a driveway and a street sign was also covered with paint.

June 11
A resident near 12500 Golf View reported theft of 4 solar powered decorative rock lights valued at $30 each. Ross S. Olson age 41 of W5131 Hale Court, Holmen, WI was arrested on an outstanding warrant out of Jefferson County, IL. Mr. Olson posted bond and was released with a Jefferson County court date of July 17, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. June 12
Brian A. Keil age 32 of 2434 Erie, Unit 1, Chicago, IL was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for no seat belt. Mr. Keil posted bond and was released.
Criminal defacement to property occurred at Weiss Park. Graffiti was reported on the playground equipment, basketball court, and skate board park.
Criminal defacement to property occurred near 10100 Bennington Drive. Graffiti was reported on the driveway of the residence.

June 13
Criminal damage to property occurred at 11800 Factory Shops. Graffiti was reported in the restrooms.
Joel J. Hwang age 24 of 10145 Compton Drive was arrested on an outstanding warrant out of McHenry County for failure to appear in court. Mr. Hwang was processed and released on bond with a McHenry County court date of July 15, 2009 at 1:30 p.m.
Matthew J. Cook age 19 of 1470 Wynfield, Algonquin, IL was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of cannabis. Mr. Cook was also cited for disobeying a red light and no insurance. Mr. Cook posted bond and was released.

June 14
Hugo I. Mares age 20 of 5309 S. Spauding, Chicago, IL was arrested for no valid driver’s license and cited for disobeying a red light. Mr. Mares posted bond and was released with a court date of July 10, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.
A resident near 10500 Somerset reported theft of a bicycle valued at $150.
Joaquin Trujillo age 24 of 1414 Indian Lane, Carpentersville, IL was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court out of McHenry County. Mr. Trujillo posted bond and was given a McHenry County court date of June 22, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.

County Asks for Recovery Area Designation

The McHenry County Board voted Tuesday to step aboard a new federal recovery plan that could yield as much as $45.8 million in stimulus money for McHenry County.

The board agreed to ask the U.S. Department of the Treasury to designate McHenry County a Recovery Zone for Economic Development Bonds and Recovery Zone Facility Bonds. Treasury announced Friday that, based on unemployment figures, the county was eligible for as much as $18.3 million from development bonds and $27.5 from facility bonds. Those numbers were less than some mentioned in earlier county Finance Committee meetings.

"This is almost free money," said Board Chairman Ken Koehler.

Somewhat arcane new instruments authorized in February's $700 billion federal stimulus bill, the bonds could be issued by McHenry County but the obligation to pay them off would be passed down the line to borrowers according to county bond counsel Tim Stratton.

"The person who borrows this has to have a plan to pay it back," said Koehler. "There's no expense to the county."

Development bonds could finance public infrastructure, job training and educational programs in the county and would include a 45 percent federal tax rebate to purchasers. Facility bonds would be tax exempt and could be used to finance "facilities" the county deemed economically useful.

Tuesday's board approval didn't commit the county to issuing any bonds yet. It only asked the Treasury to put McHenry County in the same economic category as Detroit and Los Angeles. How much bond money to issue and where to spend it are matters for later consideration. The deadline for issuing the bonds would be December 31, 2010, according to Stratton.

County Revenue Falling Short

McHenry County Administrator Peter Austin and Finance Administrator Ralph Sarbaugh warned the County Board Tuesday that halfway into the year the County's 2009 budget isn't working out as planned. Unstated but implicit was the possibility that the board might have to make repairs later even as it wrestles with putting together a budget for 2010.

Austin said the current budget was based on gloomy expectations but, "the bad news is revenues are worse than we expected." He pointed to a drop in county sales tax receipts as the prime culprit.

According to Sarbaugh's figures, tax revenue is about seven percent short of expectations, already more than $1 million behind schedule in the county's $243 million plans for the year. "That's a big hurt to our budget," Austin said.

The only bright spot in the budget picture, Austin said, was the cost of fuel. "It's still a lot but it's not as much as we expected last year." Austin said lower prices were likely to save the county about $200,000 for 2009.

Offsetting that, however, according to Sarbaugh's estimates, is a collapse in the county's receipts on interest income. Expected to yield almost as much as county license and permit fees, the county's interest receipts are down about 42 percent so far.

County department heads have already moved to throttle back expenditures, according to Austin. He said hiring replacements for seven full-time and eight part-time county positions had already been frozen and more were likely to be. He reminded the board an eight percent increase in county employee health benefits had been cut back to a two percent rise in March.

Sarbaugh told the board "We're no longer 'tapping the brakes'. Now we're asking people to apply the brakes a little bit."

Trustees OK Algonquin Gravel Expansion

Algonquin Trustees Tuesda night approved Meyer Material plans to excavate a 10-acre tract at Route 31 north of Klasen Road.

Community Development Director Russ Farnum explained that when the parcel was annexed to the village it had been zoned for industrial use but planners now see that as unlikely. Under the new scheme Meyer will extract the gravel from the area but restore the overburden and tailingsto shore up the sides of the pit.

While Meyer extracts aggregate from the tract the Village of Algonquin will be extracting a fee from the expansion. Farnum said the village would likely see upwards of $300,000 in revenue depending on the final tonnage. Eventually the tract is expected to be zoned for commercial use, he said.

Lennar Out at Huntley's Talamore?

A Lennar Corporation spokesman refused to comment Monday on whether the Miami-based housing company was pulling out of Huntley's Talamore development. If the company is still in, however, it's maintaining a remarkably low profile.

Grafton Township Assessor Bill Ottley confirmed that Lennar sold off its model homes in Talamore several months ago. Talamore residents have questioned the removal of Lennar sales signs. Calls Monday found both of Lennar's Talamore sales telephone numbers reported "out of service or disconnected."

Monday Lennar's Director of Media Relations, Marshall Ames, would say only that "We have hundreds of developments all over the country. Any information we choose to reveal will be available on our website."

Lennar's national website contains old press releases about Talamore but the development doesn't appear on a current map of the company's Chicago-area projects. Neither does Talamore appear on the site's printed listing of current projects.

Huntley Village Manager Dave Johnson said Monday, "We've had conversations (with Lennar). They've told us they intend to carry out their first phase commitments. That would be the development north of Reed Road."

The 2,000-home Talamore development was begun in 2005 under a tripartite arrangement between Lennar, Ryland Homes and Concord Homes, a Lennar-owned company. Schaumburg attorney Brian Meltzer Monday said there had been no recent changes in the organization of Huntley Ventures LLC, the umbrella group for the companies.

Spokesmen for Ryland Group in Calabasas, CA, said they were unaware of any change that Lennar might be contemplating at Talamore. Saylor Stam, vice President of Sales at Ryland's Chicago divisional office in East Dundee, said Monday she, likewise, knew of no announced change in Lennar's plans.

"I have my sales office open," she said, "and we've got a great team out there (at Talamore). The clubhouse is open now and so's the swimming pool."

One source who declined to be quoted or identified, however, said Lennar had pulled back to make "new plans" at Talamore. Village Manager Johnson, too, said Lennar officials had told Huntley planners they intended to take a new tack at Talamore. "We're awaiting the submittal; that would, of course, have to go before the Planning Commission and then the Village Board. I'd expect that probably within the next six weeks."

Lennar Corp. along with most other housing companies has been slumping lately. Lennar stock which sold at over $40 per share at the start of 2007 closed at $7.62 Monday. The company reported an overall loss of $88.2 million for the first quarter of 2009. Lennar also faces unpredictable liabilities from its use in southern and California projects of Chinese drywall alleged to outgas substances that corrode pipes and wiring and make homeowners sick.

Talamore was originally planned to comprise 1008 single-family homes and 968 townhouses. Although described as a joint venture, one source said the homes were developed separately by Lennar and Ryland, each company maintaining its own sales force. Assessor Ottley confirmed each company sold its own land and homes adding that Ryland is still doing so.

"They're still selling once or twice a week," Ottley said. "That used to be the daily rate but now it's weekly. They're hurting but at least they're accomplishing something."

That would be in contrast to Lennar's recent record at Talamore, according to Manager Johnson. "They haven't pulled a (construction) permit in almost two years," he said.

Yipes Stripes

In the pic: Workers from A C Pavement Striping, Elgin, cut 1/16th inch reliefs into the newly widened pavement on Algonquin Road west of Lakewood Monday. McHenry County Division of Transportation is using pre-formed lane markers which will be pressed into the shallow grooves so snow plows won't scrape them off in winter.

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.

Algonquin--

June 14, 2009

22:12pm Sanchez, Guillermo DOB: 09/02/85 of 709 Bristol Lane, Pingree Grove, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License, Improper Lane Usage and No Proof of Insurance. He was taken into custody at W. Algonquin and Randall Roads. He was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond, with a court date of 07/15/09, in McHenry County.

June 13, 2009

22:17pm Serrano, Uralia L. DOB: 06/01/80 of 56 Monroe Street, Elgin, was charged with DWLS and Expired Registration. She was taken into custody at Randall Road and Longmeadow Parkway. She was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond, with a court date of 07/22/09, in McHenry County.

June 12, 2009

19:00pm Cooper, Sharogerlene DOB: 03/24/76 of 2135 Limestone Lane, Carpentersville, was Wanted on a Warrant out of McHenry County for Contempt of Court. She was taken into custody at Randall Road and Corporate Parkway. She was released after posting $100, with a court date of 06/29/09, in McHenry County.

08:50am Miranda-Trujillo, Ines DOB: 01/21/64 of 802 Ollie Court, Carpentersville, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License and No Front Registration. She was taken into custody at Route 31 and Elmwood Court. She was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond, with a court date of 07/15/09, in McHenry County.

07:51am A fifteen-year-old male from Algonquin and a fifteen-year-old male from Lake in the Hills were both charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Both were taken into custody at Jacob’s High School, 2601 Bunker Hill. Both were Petitioned into Juvenile Court and then released into the custody of their parents.


Lake in the HIlls--

June 14, 2009

0127 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF VIEWPOINT DR. BATTERY. STANKOWSKI, EDWARD F. M/W 27 YEARS OF AGE 1732 BELL DRIVE, HANOVER PARK. CHARGE: Battery. Transported to McHenry County Jail.

2229 HRS 0 BLOCK OF MELBOURNE LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. 36 year-old female having a reaction to medication. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.

1314 HRS 200 BLOCK OF WEDGEWOOD CIRCLE. DOMESTIC. Boyfriend vs. girlfriend. Verbal only. One prior.

1314 HRS ALGONQUIN RD & CRYSTAL LAKE RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.

1115 HRS ALGONQUIN RD & HANSON RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.

0352 HRS 4200 LARKSPUR LN. AMBULANCE ASSIST. 47 year-old male having a diabetic reaction. Transported to Woodstock Memorial.

0053 HRS 600 BLOCK OF HURON TRAIL. AMBULANCE ASSIST. Adult female high fever. Transported to Woodstock Memorial.

0008 HRS 700 BLOCK OF PARC COURT
DOMESTIC Mother vs. daughter. Verbal only. One prior.

June 13, 2009

0053 HRS 2 E. OAK ST (POLICE ANNEX) DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE/HIT & RUN: ORTIZ, BLAS BATUELL. M/W 29 YEARS OF AGE, 102 HILLTOP DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence, Blood Alcohol over 0.08, Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident, Improper lane usage, Failure to give notice. Released on bond.

1628 HRS 200 BLOCK OF PHEASANT TRAIL. ASSIST AMBULANCE Female, 16 years of age, possible evaluation. Transported to Saint Joseph’s Hospital.

1103 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT COURT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 49 years of age, ingested a non recommended amount of medication. Transported to Sherman Hospital.

1023 HRS 2600 BLOCK OF STANTON CIRCLE. CHILD EXCHANGE. Updated visitation documents received.

0005 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF BIRCH ST. ASSIST AMBULANCE Female, 90 years of age, possible heart attack.
Transported to Good Shepherd Hospital.

Huntley--

Reports were unavailable from Huntley Police Department

Third Annual LITH Triathlon

Swim, Bike, Run...
In the pics: Huntley's Karen Wood was the first woman across the line. Ryan Giulano of Schaumburg was the overall winner. Full results are at http://www.theracershub.com/files/272-567.txt

A Walk in the Fen

In the pic: Barb Wilson, right, tells fenwalkers Sunday of the unfortunate Woolly Milkweed. Rare and endangered in Illinois it may be on the way to extinction at Lake in the Hills Fen. "Each year we see fewer and fewer," she said. The habitat is perfect for the plant but whatever pollinates it (biologists don't know) may not be present in the Fen, she said.

Huntley Lions: Cook, Serve, Enjoy

Huntley Lions Steak Fry Saturday at American Legion Hall was expected to have raised more than $1,500 to support Lions' vision-related and diabetes programs.











In the pics: Bryan Borchart and Chuck Ryan grill, Cody Oates serves and more than 100 revel in carnivorous pleasure.