FounderS' Days Parade To Close Local Roads

The National Weather Service forecast clear skies for Algonquin's Founder's Days Parade this morning but estimated a 30 percent chance rain or storms might dampen day three of the festival late this afternoon or evening.

Gloomy skies and unseasonable temperatures likely cut attendance at the event Friday afternoon followed by a line of showers and storms that hit the area in the early evening.

The Founders' Days parade will call for street closures and detours from mid-morning until early afternoon. Closures in the area will begin at 10:00 am and last through the remainder of the parade.

Algonquin Road, Route 62, will be closed from Main Street west to Pyott Road and will be reducedto two lanes of traffic from Eastgate Court west to Main Street.Main Street,Route 31, will be closed south to Edgewood Drive. South Harrison Street will be closed from Algonquin Road south to Washington Street.

The parade marches off at 11 am.

Scroll down this page for a full schedule of today's and tomorrow's Founders' Days festival.

Golfers Turn Out For Autism Fund Raiser

Eighty two golfers teed up Friday at the Golf Club of Illinois, Algonquin, to support Lake in the Hills' Alexander Leigh Center for Autism and five year-old Cody Suthers.

Young Cody is a "high-functioning" suffer of Asperger's Syndrome, a variety of autism, according to mother Tina. "He has trouble dealing with change," she said. Everyone does, to a greater or lesser extent, but in Cody's case even a slight variation in routine can provoke a meltdown, she said.

The Center for Disease Control estimates 1 in 150 kids, mostly boys, suffers some form of autism. No one knows why and treatment is expensive.

"Fifty six thousand dollars is what we spent out of pocket last year," said dad Rich Suthers.

"The medical bills are high and mostly they're not covered by insurance," said Tina Suthers.

The Alexander Leigh Center for Autism is a non profit, developmental learning center and therapeutic day school for children with autistic spectrum disorders.

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
July 20
20:38pm Wilhelm, Amanda M. DOB: 04/27/88 of 701 Majestic Drive, Algonquin, was Wanted on a Warrant out of McHenry County for Failure to Appear, on a DWLS charge. She was taken into custody at 701 Majestic Drive. She was released after posting $300, with a court date of 08/28/09, in McHenry County.
22:49pm Mendoza, Anthony C. DOB: 06/26/84 of 1190 N. Harrison Street, Algonquin, was charged with DWLS and Failure to Notify SOS of Address Change. He was taken into custody at Route 62 and Harrison Street. He was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond, with a court date of 08/26/09, in McHenry County.
July 21
09:17am Davis, David C. DOB: 04/09/78 of 303 California Avenue, Sycamore, was charged with Speeding and DWLR. He was also Wanted on a Warrant, out of Kane County for DWLR. He was taken into custody in the 700 block of S. Randall Road. He was turned over to the custody of the Kane County Sheriff’s Department, after posting $100 bond, on the Algonquin charges, with a court date of 08/26/09, in McHenry County.
12:38pm A fifteen-year-old male from Lake in the Hills was charged with 3 counts of Battery. He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. He was formally Petitioned into Juvenile Court and then released into the custody of his father.
13:55pm Cogswell, Kenneth E. DOB: 09/19/85 of 975 Longstreet Drive, Bartlett, was Wanted on a Warrant out of DuPage County for Theft by Lessee. He was taken into custody at Towne Park, 100 Jefferson Street. He was released after posting $500, with a court date of 08/14/09, in DuPage County.
13:56pm Lawson, Otis W. DOB: 02/06/74 of 975 Longstreet Drive, Bartlett, was Wanted on 2 Warrants out of DuPage County – 1 for Failure to Appear, on an Expired Driver’s License charge and 1 for DWLS. He was taken into custody at Towne Park, 100 Jefferson Street. He was transported to McHenry County Jail, when unable to post bond.
July 22
15:11pm Armitage, Kevin S. DOB: 04/12/63 of 1001 Oak Lane, Algonquin, was charged with 4 counts of Domestic Battery. He was taken into custody at 1001 Oak Lane. He was transported to McHenry County Jail, to await a bond hearing.
17:14pm Romero-Garcia, Luis DOB: 08/23/68 of 144 W. Woodstock Street, Apt #D, Crystal Lake, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License, Failure to Give Aide or Information, Failure to Report an Accident and No Proof of Insurance. He was taken into custody at 144 W. Woodstock Street. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 08/26/09, in McHenry County.
19:20pm Patel, Virendrakuma DOB: 01/25/72 of 1755 Bradford Lane, Crystal Lake, was charged with Unlawful Sale of Alcohol Liquor to Minor. He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. He was released on a Notice to Appear, with a court date of 08/26/09, in Algonquin.
July 23
00:10am Glasscock, David B. DOB: 03/15/86 of 106 Park Street, Algonquin and Kluth, Michael D. DOB: 05/18/84 of 1043 Nottingham, Crystal Lake, were both charged with Delivery of Alcohol to a Minor. Both were taken into custody at Main Street Billiards, 113 S. Main Street. Both were released on a Notice to Appear, with a court date of 08/26/09, in Algonquin.
01:05am Philip, Lecil M. DOB: 09/15/82 of 9284 N. Hamlin, DesPlaines, was charged with Unlawful Sale of Alcohol Liquor to a Minor. He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. He was released on a Notice to Appear, with a court date of 08/26/09, in Algonquin.
06:54am Shah, Prakashchandra S. DOB: 07/14/48 of 1324 Skyridge Drive, Apt #D, Crystal Lake, was charged with Unlawful Sale of Alcohol to Minors. He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. He was released on a Notice to Appear, with a court date of 08/26/09, in Algonquin.
July 24
03:36am Nguyen, Minh D. DOB: 10/18/75 of 1102 Taft Avenue, Wheaton, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was taken into custody at Meijer’s, 400 S. Randall Road. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 08/26/09, in McHenry County.
Lake in the Hills
July 21
0012 HRS 800 BLOCK OF DOGWOOD LN., DOMESTIC BATTERY. FREEMAN, BENJAMIN G. M/B 40 YEARS OF AGE, 850 DOGWOOD LN., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Domestic Battery. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY CO JAIL.
1903 HRS RAKOW RD. & MCHENRY AVE. POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. KAULEN, PATRICK T., M/W 20 YEARS OF AGE, 531 WINDERMERE WAY, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of cannabis under 2.5 grams. RELEASED ON BOND
FOLLOW-UP ARREST: 1803 HRS 1200 BLOCK OF PATTON AVE. MOB ACTION. JUVENILE., M/W 15 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: MOB ACTION, STREET GANG ACTIVITY & DISORDERLY CONDUCT. RELEASED TO PARENTS.
0716 HRS 100 BLOCK OF WRIGHT DR. AMBULANCE ASSIST. Female, 65 years of age, had a negative reaction to medication. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
1003 HRS 5200 MILLER RD., (SKATE PARK). CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. A ramp in the skate park was found damaged.
1124 HRS RANDALL RD & MCHENRY AVE. OVERWEIGHT TRUCK. Citation issued. Fine paid.
1329 HRS 800 BLOCK OF NOELL BEND. AMBULANCE ASSIST. Male, 25 years of age, was choking on food. No transport.
1639 HRS 300 RAMBLE RD., (FORD PARK). ORDINANCE VIOLATION. Tobacco violations – two P-tickets issued.
July 22
1730 HRS 300 BLOCK OF SIOUX TRAIL. WANTED ON WARRANT. WYANT, MARCUS M. M/W 19 YEARS OF AGE, 8 WOODY WAY. LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant, McHenry County for Contempt of Court. Bond amount: $342.65 Full Cash. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL
FOLLOW UP ARRESTS: 1727 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (LITH POLICE DEPT). THEFT EVERTSEN, WILLIAM S., M/W 20 YEARS OF AGE, 120 WOODY WAY., LAKE IN THE HILLS CHARGES: Theft. RELEASED ON BOND.
0848 HRS 10 BLOCK OF SUGAR CREEK CT. ASSIST OTHE RAGENCY. Officer assisted the building department with a foreclosed home.
1538 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. AMBULANCE ASSIST. Male, 49 years of age, with a racing heartbeat. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1650 HRS 600 BLOCK OF SEMINOLE TRAIL. TURNED IN PROPERTY. A pistol was turned into the police department. Entered into evidence.
1730 HRS 300 BLOCK OF SIOUX TRAIL. MISSING JUVENILE. Female, 15 years of age, ran away from home.JUVENILE RETURNED HOME.
July 23
1709 HRS MILLER RD. & PATTON AVE. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. GOLDING, AMBER N., F/W 22 YEARS OF AGE, 517 MAPLE AVE.,CARPENTERSVILLE. CHARGES: Driving while License Suspended. RELEASED ON BOND.
FOLLOW UP ARRESTS: 2218 HRS 20 BLOCK OF N. RIVER RD. MOB ACTION. HAYES, KYLE R., M/W 19 YEARS OF AGE, 1331 CUNAT CT.,LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Mob Action, Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault - Two Counts, Disorderly Conduct, Street Gang Activity. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
1330 HRS 00 BLOCK OF SHOAL CREEK CT., ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 73 years of age, experiencing severe back pain after a fall. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
1412 HRS 5200 BLOCK OF MILLER RD., (SUNSET PARK). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 12 years of age, hit his head after falling off his bike.
1503 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT., LOST/STOLEN LICENSE PLATE. Front plate missing from vehicle. Entered into the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System.
1738 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. Vehicle scratched and a tire slashed.
1821 HRS 1400 BLOCK OF ADAMS ST. ACCIDENT Two vehicles. Property damage only.
2048 HRS 4300 BLOCK OF LARKSPUR LN. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Boyfriend vs Girlfriend. Three priors.FAIL TO FILE.

County Unemployment Up Again In June

Just short of 20,000 McHenry County workers were out of jobs in June according to the latest report from the Illinois Department of Employment Security released Thursday. The County unemployment rate rose .4 percent during May to 10.9 percent.

IDES reported 19,957 workers receiving unemployment compensation in McHenry County last month out of a labor force of 183,827.

The latest numbers put McHenry County unemployment about at par with the rest of the Chicago Metropolitan area whose overall rate was 11 percent but not as hard hit as some of the other collar counties. Will and Kane were both reported with 11.5 percent unemployment. Lake and DuPage fared far better with 8.7 and 9.7 percent rates respectively.

Overall June unemployment in Illinois was 10.5 percent. The heavily manufacturing-dependent counties of Boone and Winnebago fared worst last month with rates of unemployment hitting 14.1 and 14 percent.

McHenry County Economic Development Corporation Coordinator Mary Gentili said part of the county's unemployment problem is a mismatch between jobs and skills. "We have high-level, high-paying jobs going unfilled," she said. "We need process engineers, chemists, lab technicians, registered nurses. I could go on quite a bit."

Carl Martens, Director of the McHenry County Workforce Investment Board said there's work available at the low end, too. "There are service industry jobs out there. Do they pay enough for people to live on, though? Probably not."

Both Gentili and Martens said part of the answer to McHenry County's rising unemployment probably lies in worker retraining. Martens noted that federal stimulus funds have trickled down for county vocational reeducation. Gentili said there are cooperative programs to help local companies retread applicants.

LITH Splashpad Debuts At Sunset Park

Ribbon-cuttings don't usually send chills up the spine but the one Friday for Lake in the Hills' new Sunset Park Splashpad did, thanks to the unseasonable temperature.

The splashpad was the final piece of a $745,000 addition to the park including a new softball field, football field and bike path.

Construction of the splashpad which features lots of jets of water took longer than expected because, as Parks and Recreation Director Trudy Wakeman noted ironically, "It rained a lot."

Algonquin Founders' Days Fun

Scroll two days back for a complete Founders' Days Schedule

Garage Sales

Lake in the Hills

Friday, July 24

260 S ANNADALE DR332 VILLAGE CREEK DR 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

112 LAKE DR 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

14 GAIL CT 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

16 GAIL CT 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

1204 BURR ST 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

1158 HEAVENS GATE 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

134 HICKORY RD 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

217 HAWTHORNE RD 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

1117 SYCAMORE ST 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

972 VIEWPOINT DR 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

3013 FAIRHAVEN LN 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

3861 WILLOW VIEW DR 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

2650 WATERFORD LN 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

310 STEEPLECHASE WAY 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

330 STEEPLECHASE WAY 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

1029 HORIZON RIDGE 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

1202 BURR ST 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

1314 CLAYTON MARSH DR 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

232 COOL STONE BEND 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

629 GRACE DR 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

2391 WEXFORD LN 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

651 JOSEPH ST 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

325 COUNCIL TRAIL 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday, July 25

260 S ANNADALE DR112 LAKE DR 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

14 GAIL CT 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

16 GAIL CT 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

1102 CHERRY ST 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

1204 BURR ST 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

1158 HEAVENS GATE 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

134 HICKORY RD 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

217 HAWTHORNE RD 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

1117 SYCAMORE ST 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

972 VIEWPOINT DR 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

3013 FAIRHAVEN LN 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

3861 WILLOW VIEW DR 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

310 STEEPLECHASE WAY 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

330 STEEPLECHASE WAY 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

2650 WATERFORD LN 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

931 BRANDT DR 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

1029 HORIZON RIDGE 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

1202 BURR ST 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

1314 CLAYTON MARSH DR 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

232 COOL STONE BEND 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

5595 SAVOY DR 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

629 GRACE DR 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

2391 WEXFORD LN 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

3 CRIMSON CT 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

651 JOSEPH ST 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

325 COUNCIL TRAIL 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sunday, July 26

1102 CHERRY ST 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

1117 SYCAMORE ST 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

1029 HORIZON RIDGE 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

5595 SAVOY DR 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

3 CRIMSON CT 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

651 JOSEPH ST 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

325 COUNCIL TRAIL 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

While Algonquin and Huntley regulate garage sales they do not require permits for them. The First Electric Newspaper will publish FREE listings for sales in those villages. Send address, date(s) and hours to: garagesales@firstelectricnewspaper.com

State Education Budget Cuts D300 Funds

Tuesday's Illinois State Board of Education budget won't hit D300 as hard as administrators feared earlier this summer. Even so the district will take a lot of cuts Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Crates said Wednesday.

The State Board approved a $7.3 billion budget for 2010, a 180 million reduction from this fiscal year. Among cuts to D300 funding Crates reported:

$500,000--funds for the district's "alternate high school"
$412,000--teacher salaries for low income preschoolers
$331,000--aid for textbook purchases
$300,000--aid for bilingual education
$250,000--grant for reading improvement
$225,000--summer school for low income students
$100,000-- promised grant for the charter school

Some of the State Board's cuts are supposed to be offset by an increase in General Student Aid reported at $162 per student. Reading the fine print, it turns out that number applies only to the state's poorest districts. The number is reduced via a complicated formula for more affluent districts like D300. Crates said the actual increase will depend on next year's tax base but she doesn't expect it to amount to much.

"When I look at it for next year we will get a little more but at the end of the day all of the state funds will be a little less than last year," Crates said.

D300's Board of Education has been looking for ways to cut expenses for several months. A plan to nix preschool bus aides is expected to win approval Monday.

D158 did not provide FEN an analysis Wednesday of state education budget cuts in that district.

Founders Days Set To Dazzle Despite Drizzle

Tents began sprouting like mushrooms even before a spate of midday showers Wednesday in preparation for today's opening of Algonquin's 49th annual Founders' Days.

Festivities begin as usual at 4 to 6 pm with the Founders' Days Carnival For Special Kids hosted by Algonquin Lake in the Hills American Legion Post 1231. Admission is free for special needs kids and their families with Legionnaires on hand to assist if needed.

The carnival will not be open to the public during this time. However, the Cardboard Boat Regatta will provide entertainment from 4 to 6:30 pm, not to mention the Taste of Founders' starting at 5 pm. The carnival opens to the general public at 6 pm.

Scroll down for the full Founders' Days schedule through Sunday.

Algonquin: Ars Longa, Deadline Brevis

Algonquin planner Ben Mason would like to catch the ears of aspiring artists. (No Vincent. It's a figure of speech. Post-Impressionists can be so literal.) Mason's in charge of entries for the fifth year of the village's award-winning public art program the deadline for which is August 7.

Mason reported he's only received a dozen or so applications so far while the village has sites to display more than 30 works.

Performance art won't make the salon but paintings, murals, drawings, and especially outdoor sculptures will. The primary criterion for selection by village staff and the Public Arts Commission is "artistic quality".

Besides the satisfaction and bragging rights of public display of their works some artists might even receive a little money. For the second year 6 sculptors and 6 painters will divide stipends totaling $2,000, perhaps enough money to heat a drafty garret. On alternate Tuesdays.

Rules and application forms can be downloaded at: http://www.algonquin.org/egov/docs/1244581486_646728.pdf

In the pic: Some of the 2008 selections for Algonquin's Public Art Program

Something You Don't See Every Day

Drivers motoring along Algonquin's Bunker Hill Drive this morning will probably marvel at the appearance as if by magic of a smooth new surface overnight. No thanks to the Asphalt Fairy, though. The new pavement was the product of huge machines, men on overtime and a lot of floodlights last night.

Public Works Director Bob Mitchard said the village decided against the usual daytime paving because of the high volume of traffic in and out of adjacent shopping areas. He said the choice was a matter of both safety and convenience for shoppers and retailers.

Civil Engineer Kevin Wilson, overseeing the project, said with basically no traffic to worry about it was a simple job. "We just finished doing Square Barn Road where there was a lot of traffic and that's only two-lane. We really had to watch out there."

Otherwise it was just the usual paving job according to Wilson. "It's really no different than during the day as far as the work goes," he said.

Founders' Days At A Glance

Here's the Founders' Days schedule (all at Towne Park except the fireworks):

Thursday
4:00 to 6:00 PM Carnival for Special Kids(Hosted by American Legion Post 1231)
4:00 to 6:30 PM Cardboard Boat Regatta(Presented by Algonquin State Bank & Ericson Marine)
5:00 to 10:00 PM Taste of Founders’
6:00 to 10:00 PM Carnival for ALL (Wristbands)
7:00 to 7:30 PM Opening Ceremonies
7:30 to 9:30 PM Vito Buffalo Orchestra(Presented by Village of Algonquin)
7:30 to 9:30 PM Social Garden Open
7:30 to 9:30 PM Designated Driver Program(Presented by Centegra Health System)
10:00 PM Towne Park Closes
Friday
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Founders’ Market and Bazaar
9:00 to 10:00 AM Dog & Cat Show Registration(Presented by Milestone Mortgage)
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Dog & Cat Show (Presented by Milestone Mortgage)
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Children’s Games(Presented by All Smiles Dental)
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Moonwalk(Presented by Ed’s Rental & Sales)
11:00 AM to 7:00 PM A Zoo to You Family Petting Zoo(Presented by Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital) 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM Taste of Founders’
11:00 AM Bake Off – Registration
12:00 PM Bake Off – Judging
12:00 to 5:00 PM Carnival (Wristbands)
1:00 PM Bike & Wheelchair Decorating Contest(Presented by Century 21 Roberts & Andrews)
5:00 to 8:00 PM Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Rotary Club Fish Fry
5:00 to 10:00 PM Carnival (Regular Prices)
5:00 to 10:00 PM Social Garden Open
5:00 to 10:00 PM Designated Driver Program(Presented by Centegra Health System)
5:00 to 7:00 PM Arrival(Presented by Meyer Material)
8:15 to 10:15 PM Mike & Joe(Presented by Meyer Material)
10:30 PM Towne Park Closes
Saturday
11:00 AM “Founders’ Goes Mardi Gras ” Parade
1:30 to 10:00 PM Carnival (Regular Prices)
1:00 to 10:30 PM Taste of Founders’
2:00 to 7:00 PM A Zoo to You Family Petting Zoo(Presented by Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital)
2:00 to 10:00 PM Social Garden Open
2:00 to 10:00 PM Designated Driver Program(Presented by Centegra Health System)
2:15 PM Parade Awards – Main Stage
2:30 PM - ??? Bags Tournament
2:30 to 4:00 PM Doctor Ed(Presented by Re/Max Superior Properties)
5:00 to 7:00 PM American English(Presented by Re/Max Superior Properties)
8:15 to 10:15 PM The Lounge Puppets(Presented by Re/Max Superior Properties)
10:30 PM Towne Park Closes
Sunday
7:00 AM Boy Scout Troop 151 Pancake Breakfast
7:00 AM Founders’ Run: Check-In
8:00 AM Founders’ Run: 1 Mile
8:30 AM Founders’ Run: 10K & 5K
8:40 AM Founders’ Run: 5K Walk
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM Little Mr. and Miss Pageant
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM A Zoo to You Family Petting Zoo(Presented by Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital) 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Kids Kraft Korner featuring The Home Depot
11:00 AM to 5:00 PM Carnival (Wristbands)
11:30 AM to 12:00 PM Center for – Performing Arts
12:00 to 12:45 PM Circus Boy – Bobby Hunt
12:00 to 4:00 PM Caricature Artists - Face Painters - Stiltwalkers/Balloon Artists
12:00 to 5:00 PM Taste of Founders’
12:30 to 4:30 PM Social Garden Open
12:30 to 4:30 PM Designated Driver’s Program(Presented by Centegra Health System)
1:15 to 2:00 PM Mike Mauthe Variety Escapade
12:30 PM Duck Races – 1st Heat(Presented by Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Jaycees)
1:00 PM Duck Races – 2nd Heat(Presented by Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Jaycees)
1:15 PM Duck Races – Finals (Presented by Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Jaycees)
2:30 to 4:30 PM Little Nashville
5:00 PM Towne Park Closes
9:00 PM Riverfront Park, The Founders’ Days Festival Fireworks Spectacular(Presented by Brunswick Zone-Algonquin, Durham School Services, Meyer Material and APLM Distributors)

Admission: Adults $4.00, Children 4-12 $2.00 (Sunday FREE, Whee!)

The Village recommends taking shuttle buses to and from the event. They're free. Friday and Saturday 5:00 PM to 11:30 PMSt. Margaret Mary School, 119 South Hubbard Street (shuttle bus will pick-up and drop-off riders at Historic Village Hall, 2 South Main Street) Sunday 7:00 PM to 10:30 PMButera Market, 1400 East Algonquin Road (shuttle bus will pick-up and drop-off riders at Riverfront Park).Joe Caputo & Sons Fruit Market, 100 South Randall Road (shuttle bus will pick-up and drop-off riders at Riverfront Park).

Education Cuts And More To Come in Springfield

By Bethany Jaeger
Grant-funded education initiatives ranging from after-school programs to gifted education were “zeroed out” in a $7.2 billion budget adopted Tuesday by the Illinois State Board of Education.

The budget relies on about $362 million in cuts. It would have been worse without about $2 billion in federal stimulus funds, which won’t be available next fiscal year.

“This is a rough year. Next year could be a catastrophic year,” said Jesse Ruiz, chairman of the Illinois State Board of Education, which met in Springfield today for an emergency meeting to enact the fiscal year 2010 budget.

Next fiscal year, the board anticipates having to cut an additional $1 billion “just to tread water” and maintain this year’s funding levels, even with 25 percent to 100 percent reductions for education-related grants, said state superintendent Christopher Koch.

The cuts are the result of a $26 billion state operating budget enacted last week. The General Assembly relied on $3.5 billion in short-term borrowing. While much of that money is earmarked to helping prevent more severe reductions in grants to community-based services, none of it so far has been dedicated to education-related grants.

When deciding how to spread the pain, the board chose to fully fund general state aid and so-called mandated categoricals, which cover special education and transportation costs. The minimum amount of state aid provided for each student increased by $160, bringing the so-called foundation level up to $6,119.

Ruiz added that the General Assembly again is mandating that districts provide such services as bilingual education but it is not approving the necessary funding. “We are just in essence putting the burden on local districts to somehow find the means and putting more stress on them,” he said. “And we can’t, as regulators in that regard, let them off the hook. Yet, we’re kind of passing the buck.”

One wild card is whether Gov. Pat Quinn will use some of his discretion in a limited amount of money left over to fund such grants as early childhood education. The short-term borrowing scheme approved as part of the fiscal year 2010 budget deal allotted $2.3 billion to community-based human services and left $1.3 billion for him to spend as he chooses.

Read Bethany's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/education-cuts-rough-this-year-worse.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
July 20
0512 HRS 100 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. CHILD ENDANGERMENT. MCGHEE, BRITTANY J. F/W 19 YEARS OF AGE, 113 VILLAGE CREEK DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. Charge: Endangering the life of a child. RELEASED ON BOND. SWEENEY, NICHOLAS A. M/W 26 YEARS OF AGE, 12120 PLEASANT VALLEY RD., WOODSTOCK. Charge: Endangering the life of a child. RELEASED ON BOND.
0643 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF BIRCH ST. AMBULANCE ASSIST. Female, 90 years of age, having abdominal pain and dizzy. Transported to Good Shepherd Hospital.
0738 HRS 3300 BLOCK OF WORTHINGTON LN. AMBULANCE ASSIST. Female, one year of age, fell out of her crib. No transport.
1100 HRS PINGREE RD & VIRGINIA RD. OVERWEIGHT TRUCK. Citation issued. Fine paid.
1415 HRS 00 BLOCK OF SUGAR CREEK CT. ASSIST OTHER CITY DEPARTMENT. Assisted Village Building Department with an administrative warrant.
1445 HRS 900 BLOCK OF VIEWPOINT DR. ASSIST FIRE DEPARTMENT. Structure fire.
1547 HRS 100 BLOCK OF HAWTHORNE RD. DOMESTIC. Boyfriend vs. girlfriend. Verbal only. No priors.17 year old female transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital for an evaluation.
1702 HRS CRYSTAL LAKE RD & ALGONQUIN RD. ACCIDENT. Three vehicles. Property damage only.
1719 HRS 400 BLOCK OF WINDERMERE WAY. AMBULANCE ASSIST. Female, 36 years of age, having chest pains. Transported to St. Joseph Hospital.
1804 HRS 00 BLOCK OF KURT CT. LOST PROPERTY. Registration sticker from rear license plate missing. LEADS entry made.
1923 HRS 4155 SPRING LAKE DR., (LYNN DILLOW PARK). THEFT. Bicycle taken from park.
2231 HRS 101 RANDALL RD., (DOMINICKS). ATTEMPT SUICIDE. Male, 20 years of age, drank laundry detergent. Transported to St. Joseph Hospital.
Huntley
June 26
Jimmy J. Dill age 37 of 10809 Cape Cod Huntley was arrested on an outstanding McHenry County arrest warrant for Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance. Mr. Dill was unable to post bond and was transported to McHenry County Jail.
July 13
A resident reported that a bicycle was stolen from Parisek Park.
July 14
Amador G. Ramirez age 28 of 11506 Main Street, was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for loud muffler. Mr. Ramirez posted bond and was released with a McHenry County Court date of August 21, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.
Michael Spires age 45 of 11723 Daniel Lane was arrested for a violation of bail bond.
Criminal damage to vehicle occurred near 11100 Hanover. A resident reported that a vehicle was keyed and damaged while parked in a driveway.
July 15
Burglary to motor vehicle occurred near 12700 Bluebell. Numerous electronic items were reported stolen.
Criminal trespass to vehicle occurred near 13000 Illinois.
Daniel D. Eisenhauer age 29 of 770 Gladys, Chicago, IL was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for speeding, and failure to notify Secretary of State of address change. Mr. Eisenhauer posted bond and was released.
July 16
Calvin Meziere age 38 of 10744 Wheatlands Way was arrested on an outstanding McHenry County warrant for contempt. Mr. Meziere posted bond and was released with a July 28, 2009.
July 18
Justin W. Baty age 25 of 7415 Center Drive, Wonder Lake, IL was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and cited for improper lane usage, improper backing, no front plate, and failure to notify Secretary of State of address change. Mr. Baty posted bond and was released.
July 19
A resident reported that a bicycle was stolen from Parisek Park.

State Cuts Service For Poor County Mental Patients

McHenry Mental Health Board Director Sandy Lewis told board members Monday the overall impact of last week's Illinois state budget is still hazy but that one important program has clearly been given the axe in the compromise measure.

Lewis said budget reductions in the five-month budget eliminate state coverage of psychiatric services for Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan patients.

McHenry County has about 300 indigent mental patients not covered by Medicaid. Lewis said the state cuts will throw the burden of paying for their medicines and care onto area hospitals who might not accept it. "If (funding) isn't available from the state they may close down their psych units," Lewis said. "They've been doing that for several years now, anyway, because of a lack of funds."

Deputy Director Bob Lesser told the board that savings measures and bookkeeping magic could probably cover about $500,000 in state cutbacks in McHenry County but said that might not be enough to cover shortfalls. "We have to target our dollars where they'll have the most impact," Lesser said.

Under the Mental Health Board's revised plan Lesser reported about one quarter of funds would be spent on people who pose an immediate threat to themselves or the public, about one third on those headed that way, and a little over a third on people having a lot of trouble coping.

Lewis said the state's temporary budget doesn't appear to include the radical cuts involved in Governor Pat Quinn's original measure two weeks ago but generally seems to call for 10 percent cuts in funding across the board. She said meeting those cuts would be difficult. "That's more than we've identified as savings," she said.

In the chart: Grey is patients in immediate crisis, maroon those nearing crisis, yellow those having trouble.

Algonquin Founders' Free on Sunday

Algonquin's 49th Founders' Days Festival begins Thursday but there's a big change this year in honor of the Great Recession. The last day, Sunday, admission will be free.

Founders Days Committee President Kevin Meyers said, "We understand the economic landscape has everyone looking at unnecessary expenses so we decided to remove the gate charges on Sunday."

"Any time you can go to a festival like Founders's Days and have good family fun and not have to pay anything to enter and enoy the music and activities and fireworks, that's good cheap fast fun," Meyers said.

In the pic: Founders's Fun 2008

ID Theft Case Ends in Arrest

A 21 year-old McHenry woman employed in Algonquin is being held in McHenry County Jail charged with identity theft and forgery following a six-month Sheriff's investigation.

Karina Orduna-Ramirez is charged with purchasing two cars using the identity on a Social Security card lost in Monroe, WI, eight years ago. Investigators said she obtained her job using the card as well.

Orduna-Ramirez was arrested in Algonquin last week and is being held for immigration authorities. Arrested Monday and charged with conspiring in identity theft was 35 year-old Jose Luis Gonzalez-Diaz, Crystal Lake.
Investigators said the Wisconsin woman whose identity was stolen became suspicious early this year when a credit report listed transactions she had not made.

Sheriff's Sergeant Mike Cisner said the case was unusual only in that it ended in arrest. "It's a long drawn out frustrating paper chase normally," he said with only about one in four cases being resolved. Cisner estimated his department spent 60 hours on the Orduna-Ramirez investigation.

Riverside Square In Better Condition Than It Looks

Despite its dilapidated appearance, inspectors report Algonquin's Riverside Square has suffered no significant damage in the past nine months.

Algonquin Building Commissioner Craig Arps said he accompanied a structural architect, structural engineer and a mold consultant hired by Amcore Bank during an examination of the building about 10 days ago. The bank inherited the project after its developer Aspen Builders declared bankruptcy early this year. "It's in surprisingly good shape," Arps said.

The inspection is presumed to be part of Amcore efforts to sell the failed project to new investors. Construction of what was to be luxury condos and a retail center at Routes 31 and 62 ground to a halt in October of last year before the building had been closed in. It currently includes only a temporary rubber roof installed at Algonquin village insistence.

After all of Riverside Square's windows were discovered to have been opened without explanation about three weeks ago speculation began to circulate that water leaks had filled the building with mold which would make it hard to sell. Arps said that while inspectors found some mold during their examination the amount was minimal. "There was some but nothing that can't be handled. It's not really a problem," Arps said.

Tropical Rock Draws Algonquin Crowd

Area Tropical Rock band "Pirates Over 40" drew a crowd of hundreds in Algonquin Commons' concert series Sunday.

The group's name derives from a Jimmy Buffett song, an indicator of their musical flavor, but is somewhat misleading, according to leader Ron Combs. "We're over 40. Over 50. Some are over 60."

Algonquin Commons will host more Sunday concerts, 5pm to 7 pm, through August 9.

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
July 17--
1243 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF SWEETWATER RIDGE. AGGRAVATED ASSAULT. VELIU, MILJAIM NMI. M/W 47 YEARS OLD.1161 SWEETWATER RIDGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGE: Aggravated Assault. RELEASED ON BOND.
0027 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. DOMESTIC Boyfriend vs. girlfriend. Verbal only. Three priors.
.0033 HRS 180 BLOCK OF NORTHLIGHT PASS. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Girlfriend vs. girlfriend. Two priors. FAIL TO FILE.
1115 HRS 200 BLOCK OF PHEASANT TRAIL. THEFT. A bicycle was stolen. FAIL TO FILE.
1230 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF ADAMS ST. 72 year old female, with tightness in her chest. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1333 HRS 5400 BLOCK OF WHITMORE WAY. THEFT. Bicycle taken from garage.
1552 HRS ALGONQUIN RD & OAKLEAF RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.1915 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. 72 year old female, injured her arm. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
2130 HRS 800 BLOCK OF MENOMINEE DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. 54 year old male, feeling nauseated.Transported to Northern Illinois Medical Center.
July 18--
0120 HRS LAKEWOOD RD & NOELLE BEND. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. RUSHING, TIFFANY J. F/W 19 YEARS OF AGE, 7425 CEDAR DR., WONDER LAKE. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Improper Passing, Disobeying a Stop Sign, Speeding. RELEASED ON BOND.
0621 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. SUICIDAL SUBJECT. Female, 43 years of age, making suicidal statements. Transported to St. Joseph Hospital.
1551 HRS RANDALL RD & POLARIS RD. HIT&RUN. Vehicle struck, offending vehicle fled the scene.
1634 HRS 0 BLOCK OF CAMDEN CT. POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. Offender was located with drug paraphernalia. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
1842 HRS PHEASANT TRL & OAKLEAF DR. BATTERY. Several subjects fighting. FAIL TO FILE.
July 19--
1044 HRS MAPLE ST & CEDAR ST. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. RODRIGUEZ, LUIS A. M/W 20 YEARS OF AGE, 151 VILLAGE CREEK DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving While License Suspended, Obstructed Vision. RELEASED ON BOND.
0145 HRS 100 BLOCK OF PHEASANT TRAIL. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Information given to police, from an incident that occurred the previous day.
0346 HRS 10 BLOCK OF GRANT AVE. MISSING JUVENILE. Male, juvenile 16 years of age missing. Entered into LEADS.
0800 HRS 3000 BLOCK OF MELBOURNE LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. 50 year old male experiencing difficulty breathing and bleeding from head area following fall down stairs. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
1134 HRS RAKOW RD & PYOTT RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1353 HRS 5000 BLOCK OF PRINCETON LN. DOMESTIC. Father vs. son. Verbal only. No priors.
1512 HRS 1200 HEARTLAND GATE.(KC PARK) ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 12 years of age, possibly experiencing heat stroke. Transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
1840 HRS 3000 BLOCK OF GENEVA LN. ASSIST CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT. A vehicle inside a garage was on fire.
2223 HRS 300 BLOCK OF RIDGE LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 69 years of age, fell and had pain in her shoulder & leg. Transported to Woodstock Hospital.
Algonquin
July 17--
16:20pm McEvoy, Mary M. DOB: 04/24/85 of 337 Hawthorn Road, Buffalo Grove, was charged with DWLS, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe and 3 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance. She was taken into custody at Route 62 and Lake Cook Road. She was transported to McHenry County Jail, to await a bond hearing.
21:39pm Cosentino, John J. DOB: 09/16/64 of 3108 N. Kolmar Avenue, Chicago, was charged with DWLR and Improper Turn. He was taken into custody at Route 62 and Eastgate Drive. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 08/19/09, in McHenry County.
July 18--
22:23pm McClure, Cameron S. DOB: 10/04/88 of 1020 Prairie Drive, Algonquin, was charged with Possession of Cannabis, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession with Intent to Deliver. He was taken into custody in the 700 block of Longwood. He was transported to McHenry County Jail, to await a bond hearing.
22:30pm Jones, Denise DOB: 11/08/56 of 1548 E. Algonquin Road, Apt #217, Algonquin, was charged with Retail Theft. She was taken into custody at Discovery, 1802 S. Randall Road. She was released on a Notice to Appear, with a court date of 08/26/09, in Algonquin.
July 19--
13:13pm A twelve-year-old male from Carpentersville and a twelve-year-old male from Algonquin were both charged with Reckless Conduct. Both were taken into custody at Circuit City, 1812 S. Randall Road. Both were formally Station Adjusted and then released into the custody of their parents.
July 20--
02:36am Dinoff, David S. DOB: 11/15/89 of 2206 Algonquin Road, Fox River Grove, was charged with DLWS and No Rear Registration Light. He was taken into custody at Randall and County Line Roads. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 08/26/09, in McHenry County.

Algonquin Night Out Chilled Out

Attendance was sparse Saturday evening for Algonquin's early-scheduled National Night Out event.

Most communities will observe the evening of neighborhood-building August 4 but Algonquin hoped to use its village celebration at the Algonquin Swimming Pool to inspire smaller grass-roots events on that night.

"It's a little sparse because of the weather," said Trustee Debbie Sosine. "It'll probably be better when the local neighborhoods come together."

Village Clerk Jerry Kautz agreed the poor turnout at the pool celebration was a weather problem. Wearing a polo shirt and incipient goose pimples he said, "It feels like October."

In the pic: Algonquin Trustee Bob Smith and lifeguard Derrek Kobecki had the plum jobs at the village's National Night out preparing hotdogs over a toasty grill.

Grand Opening At Huntley's Centegra

Hundreds turned out Saturday for the grand opening of Centegra Health System's new Huntley Campus at Algonquin and Haligus roads.

The Centegra Health Center includes an Immediate Care facility for "minor emergencies", a Medical Imaging Center and doctors' offices. The Center also features Centegra's mammoth Health Bridge Fitness Center.

Components of the center have been in operation for from nine months to a year but Saturday's event marked their official opening.