Cash For Clunkers Renewal Discourages Local Mechanic

President Barack Obama's Friday signing of a $2 billion dollar extension of the popular Cash For Clunkers giveaway was good news for the area's remaining car dealers. Less thrilled at the news were local auto mechanics.

Joe Hernandez, owner of Coyote Auto Center, Huntley, said Friday all the Cash For Clunkers measure will do is raise the price of used parts and cut his service business. "It's going to hurt me," Hernandez said. "People aren't going to put as much money into fixing their cars."

Cash For Clunkers is supposed to get gas-hungry older cars off the roads. But those are the sorts of vehicles that would require more repairs if they were to remain in service, Hernandez explained. Furthermore the program's requirement to destroy clunker engines will drive up the cost of service for older cars remaining, according to Hernandez.

"Those engines have, maybe 60,000 miles on them. They could still go another 60,000 miles. If you destroy them that's all gone," Hernandez said.

"We've got an S10 in here, a 2000. We've already got a new (used) motor for it and we're lucky. I guarantee that motor's going to double in price," said Hernandez.

"It's a great program for people who can afford the payments on a new car. But what about the people who can't?" he said.

Hernandez reported his service business is already suffering in the Great Recession. "People have cut back their driving. We track the mileage between oil changes. Where they used to bring in their cars every three months now it's every four or five."

"Sure (Cash For Clunkers) is great for car dealers," Hernandez said, "but I'll tell you there's a lot more independent repair centers than there are dealers."

In the pic: J.J. Hernandez, heir apparent, spins a wrench on one of the older cars in for service at Coyote Auto Center.

Huntley Celebrates Carter Kettner Day

Carter Kettner Day in Huntley brought 300 well-wishers to the Wal-Mart parking lot Friday to cheer the local five year-old on in his battle with recently-diagnosed inoperable brain cancer.

Village Manager Dave Johnson said of young Carter, "You are a very big part of what makes Huntley the kind of village that it is."

Daddy Joe Kettner told the crowd, "When we were looking for a place the live...we picked Huntley because of the charm of the town. Now we know we picked right."

Carter Kettner Day was organized by local Wal-Mart truck driver Pete Palczynski who chauffeured the boy to the event in his semi. "They sent me my route this morning and I had to tell them 'I won't be available until this afternoon.'"

In the pics: Carter Kettner was highly dubious of riding on Paul Ziller's snorting John Deere tractor but had a lot of fun once Dad agreed to come along. Other rides included a fire engine, dump truck and a police car. Friends at Carter Kettner Day chanted "Carter Rocks". Even light rain didn't dampen the boy's spirits.

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
August 07
0648 HRS 4300 BLOCK OF SPRING LAKE DR.M DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. SCHNECK, JUSTIN J., M/W 18 YEARS OF AGE, 775 ELDERBERRY CT., LAKE IN THE HILLS. Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Blood Alcohol Content Over .08, Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by Minor,No Valid Illinois Registration, No Proof of Valid Insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.
1944 HRS 0 BLOCK OF INDIAN TRAIL., DOMESTIC BATTERY. SMITH, CARL E., M/W 78 YEARS OF AGE,5 INDIAN TRAIL, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Domestic Battery - two counts. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
2105 HRS ACORN LN. & RANDALL RD., ILLEGAL CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL BY A MINOR. JUVENILE, M/W 15 YEARS OF AGE, ALGONQUIN. CHARGES: Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor. Notice to Appear issued. RELEASED TO PARENTS.
1056 HRS LAKEWOOD RD. & MILLER RD., ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1238 HRS 4000 BLOCK OF SPRING LAKE DR., DOMESTIC. Husband vs Wife. Verbal only. One prior.
1641 HRS 100 BLOCK OF WRIGHT DR., DOMESTIC. Mother vs Son. Verbal only. No priors.1812 HRS ACORN RD. & RANDALL RD., ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1930 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & CRYSTAL LAKE RD., ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
2146 HRS 300 BLOCK OF TECUMSEH TRAIL, ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 38 years of age, having chest pain. Transported to Good Shepherd Hospital.
2313 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF HEARTLAND GATE, ASSIST AMBULANCE/ Male, 36 years of age, needing an evaluation. Transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Algonquin
August 4
16:38pm Ortega-Lopez, Ricardo DOB: 03/05/71 of 1459 N. Winslowe Drive, Palatine, was charged with DWLR, No Proof of Insurance, Obstructed Windshield, Obstructed Registration and Disobeying a Traffic Control Device. He was taken into custody at LaFox River Drive and Division Street. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 09/09/09, in McHenry County.
21:02pm Johnston, Heather M. DOB: 11/12/89 of 11616 Woodscreek Drive, Huntley, was charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Failure to Give Aide or Information and Improper Lane Usage. She was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. She was released after posting $100, with a court date of 09/09/09, in McHenry County.
August 5
01:27am Behe, Stephanie N. DOB: 07/02/92 of 1409 Ridge Road, South Elgin, was charged with Speeding and No Valid Driver’s License. She was taken into custody at Randall Road and Brookside Avenue. She was released after posting $100, with a court date of 09/09/09, in McHenry County.
16:35pm Nelson, Richard A. DOB: 11/09/79 of 486 Washington Square, Wooddale, was charged with Retail Theft. He was taken into custody at Wal-Mart, 1410 S. Randall Road. He was released on a Notice to Appear, with a court date of 09/30/09, in Algonquin.
August 7
03:46am A fifteen-year-old male from Lake in the Hills was charged with Violation of Curfew, Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor and Resisting. He was taken into custody at 800 block of Bristol Lane. He was formally Petitioned into Juvenile Court and then released into the custody of his father.

McHenry County Grand Jury Indictments

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.
A McHenry County Grand Jury returned, among others, the following indictments announced this week:
ANANDAMAYEE NANDANOORE DOB: 04/12/83 9181 DURHAM DRIVE., HUNTLEY, IL 60142. CHILD ABDUCTION. Huntley PD.
MARY M. MCEVOY DOB: 04/24/85 337 HAWTHORN ROAD, BUFFALO GROVE, IL 60089. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(3CTS), UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE. Algonquin PD.
CAMERON S. MCCLURE DOB: 10/04/88 1020 PRAIRIE DRIVE, ALGONQUIN, IL 60102. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS WITH INTENT TO DELIVER, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA(2CTS). Algonquin PD.
JOHN P. LANDEM DOB: 04/11/69 15N291 REINKING ROAD. HAMPSHIRE, IL 60140/ UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(3CTS), UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. Algonquin PD
SHANAH L. RUEHMANN DOB: 09/30/82 3 HADDON COURT, LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL 60156. RICHARD J. KUKIELKA DOB: 04/02/84 3 HADDON COURT, LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL 60156. MARK H. JONES DOB: 08/28/65 5 HADDON COURT, LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL 60156. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS SATIVA PLANT. Lakewood PD

Garage Sales

Lake in the Hills

Saturday, August 08

1071 HORIZON RDG2691 CADBURY CIR

360 TERRAMERE LN

400 TERRAMERE LN

4660 ROLLING HILLS DR

477 VILLAGE CREEK DR 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

8 REDBUD CT 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

911 NOELLE BEND 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

930 NOELLE BEND 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

340 S ANNANDALE DR 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

443 HARVEST GATE 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

200 ELLIS RD 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

4555 BARHARBOR DR 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

12 REDBUD CT 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

3216 HARVARD LN 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

3596 SONOMA CIR 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

391 TERRAMERE LN 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

410 TERRAMERE LN 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

4545 MACKINAC ST 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

5408 CROSSVIEW LN 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

8 WANDER WAY 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

416 GRACE DR 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

901 NOELLE BEND 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

1185 PRIDES RUN 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

4270 ROSEWOOD CT 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

5501 WINDGATE WAY 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

850 WEDGEWOOD CIR 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

323 CLEAR SKY TR 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

361 TERRAMERE LN 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

381 TERRAMERE LN 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

9 HUNTER PATH 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

210 COOL STONE BEND 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

312 OAKLEAF RD 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday, August 09

1071 HORIZON RDG

360 TERRAMERE LN

400 TERRAMERE LN

4660 ROLLING HILLS DR

3596 SONOMA CIR 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

391 TERRAMERE LN 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

410 TERRAMERE LN 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

416 GRACE DR 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

3670 CHADWICK LN 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

477 VILLAGE CREEK DR 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

850 WEDGEWOOD CIR 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

323 CLEAR SKY TR 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

361 TERRAMERE LN 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

381 TERRAMERE LN 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

312 OAKLEAF RD 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Although Algonquin and Huntley regulate garage sales they do not require a permit. The First Electric Newspaper will publish listings in those villages at no charge. Please send address, date(s) and hours to garagesales@firstelectricnewspaper.com .

State's Attorney Clarifies Decision Not To Prosecute

Without publicly admitting it, for the past three weeks area police have said they're confused by McHenry County State's Attorney Louis Bianchi's decision not to prosecute a Crystal Lake couple charged with attacking Sheriff's deputies. Familiar with the case though press accounts and the cop grapevine one high ranking officer said, "What's the problem? Is there some new rule we don't know about? I don't get it."

In an FEN interview Bianchi tried to clarify his decision Thursday.

On March 14 deputies went to the home of Jerome and Carla Pavlin, an elderly couple, with a warrant for the arrest for domestic battery of their visiting son Carl Pavlin. Carl answered the door but refused to come out. That's all anyone agrees on.

In the sheriff's incident report Carl Pavlin shoved the door into the deputies breaking it. Deputies handcuffed Pavlin. Father Jerome Pavlin pawed a deputy's uniform, spit in the face of another and was arrested. Mother Carla Pavlin jumped on the back of a deputy and was injured when he pushed her off.

The Pavlin's story, now outlined in a civil complaint,is that deputies smashed through the door to arrest Carl Pavlin and when his parents remonstrated began beating Carl and shoved Carla into a countertop where she was injured.

Bianchi filed a motion July 13 not to prosecute charges against Jerome and Carla Pavlin citing "multiple legal and evidentiary problems" but did not elaborate. In an hour-long interview requested by FEN Bianchi and Criminal Chief Prosecutor Nichole Owens defined the legal problem but declined to outline the evidentiary ones.

According to Bianchi deputies shouldn't have entered the Pavlin home when Carl as a guest in his parents home refused to come out.

"At a third party premises serving a misdemeanor arrest warrant you can't go in without a search warrant," said Bianchi.

"If you don't come out they have to go get a search warrant," added Owens who said deputies didn't.

Legally it was a a brightline foul according to Bianchi. On the evidentiary side, Bianchi and Owens remained opaque.

"There was exculpatory (legalese for favorable) material that we presented to the defense," said Bianchi. "We pursued that information to determine whether or not it was true."

What information? Bianchi declined to say. "There were inconsistencies."

Who provided the information?

"Witnesses," said Owens.

Witnesses?

"Grand Jury witnesses," Bianchi said.

What sort of witnesses; what did they testify?

"That's all I can say," said Bianchi.

Why?

"We may have to defend the County in this case," now that the Pavlins have filed a their civil action, Bianchi said.

More detail may emerge eventually with with a report from State Police on the incident. McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren requested an investigation after Bianchi's decision to "nolle prosse" the Pavlin case.

Then again, contrary to the impression of earlier accounts, the Sheriff's case file includes not just the original incident report but several "supplementary reports" no one has seen. FEN will file a Freedom of Information Act Request for those reports and photos of the Pavlin home after the incident.

Village Of Huntley Honors Local Police, Resident

Huntley Police honored one of their own officers and a civlian with awards for following up on hunches Thursday.

Two months ago officer Justin Harper got no response at the door during a well-being check at a local residence. On a hunch that something wasn't right he checked with neighbors, found a way into the house, discovered the resident asphyxiating in her garage and revived her. For that Harper won his second Life Saving Award from the department.

Huntley resident Carrie Metzler was driving early one morning last month when she noticed two suspicious-looking men. Without a cell phone but on the hunch that they were REALLY suspicious-looking she drove to the Huntley PD to report them. Officers tracked them down and arrested them after a foot-chase for two local burglaries and suspicion of 20 others in the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills/Huntley area. Metzler won the village's Friend of Law Enforcement Citizen's Award for her persistence and the four officers who nabbed the pair were given commendations.

Two officers were singled out for the department's Carl J. Tomaso Fitness Award. Megan Racilla and Cory Coss were the departments fittest female and male officers this year.

In the pic: Huntley Police honorees (left to right, front to back) Justin Harper, Sgt. Scott Sullivan, Chris Pishotta, Carrie Metzler, Richard Miller, Megan Racila, Cory Coss, Patrick Callahan, Gary Schwartz.

Huntley Takes Up New Zoning Ordinance.

The Huntley Board of Trustees got a summary briefing Thursday on the first broad revision of the village's zoning ordinance in 11 years. "We didn't want to hit you will all 200 pages all at once," said Senior Planner Charlie Nordman who called proposed changes in the ordinance "mostly housekeeping."

Big changes would include a new commercial zoning classification for a mix of offices, research centers, light manufacturers and hotels like the one on I90 at Elgin. Another would regulate the size and placement of windmills both big and small.

Dog runs and garbage can setouts and takeins would come in for minor revision but the change with the most likely impact in the current economy would be new restrictions on home-based businesses.Homes would no longer be allowed to be used for crew assembly areas; teachers would e limited to four students at a time and personal service providers could have only two clients at a time on premises.

The revisions will be up before the village's Planning and Zoning Board at its Aug. 26 meeting followed by a public hearing Sept. 16. The village board will take up the code as a committee of the whole Oct. 1 with a vote set for Oct. 8.

Nordman said the proposed revisions would be posted on the village's website.

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
August 061005 HRS 00 BLOCK OF WANDER WAY. THEFT. Bicycle taken from the side of the garage.
1638 HRS MILLER ROAD & RANDALL ROAD. ACCIDENT. Three vehicles, property damage only.
1648 HRS 200 BLOCK OF INDIAN TRAIL. BURGLARY FROM MOTOR VEHICLE. Binoculars, pill box prescription drugs and cash taken from a locked van.
1646 HRS ALBRECHT RD & LAKEWOOD RD. ASSIST AMBULANCE. 60 year old male with numbness in the neck and face. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
2047 HRS 00 BLOCK OF HILLTOP DR. DOMESTIC. Wife vs. husband, verbal only. No priors.

Fear and Loathing At LITH "Gangs" Meeting

The family of an alleged Lake in the Hills gang member had to be removed when they began to disrupt a Thursday a Police Department meeting about gang activity in the village.

The family charged they were being unfairly singled out drawing shouts and catcalls from area residents. Escorted to the steps of the Lake in the Hills Safety Center they continued to argue with Public Safety Director Jim Wales.

"These people (at the meeting) have been living in an environment they shouldn't have to," Wales warned them. "I'm telling you right now you have to take control of your home."

To a charge the family was being targeted for their ethnicity Wales replied, "Don't play the race card. What's Hayes (an alleged gang member)? What's Hayes? That's right, he's white. And we arrested him."

Threatened with legal reprisal Wales replied, "You know what? Go ahead," and returned to the meeting.

Wales and police supervisors had earlier told an overflow crowd of 100 residents that in the month of July gang activity in the neighborhood of Pheasant Trail and Oakleaf Road had climbed to an unprecedented level. Gang fights involving a baseball bat, a hammer and a knife broke out on three separate occasions they said.

Worse, "We've had unconfirmed intelligence they've been seeking guns," Wales reported.
"I've seen them with a gun," said one woman.

"Please talk to Officer Albanese when we're finished here," Wales replied.

The good news: There have been no gang conflicts in more than a week. "They're in jail," said Wales.

"Why haven't you told us about this (gang activity) before?," complained one resident. "We're telling you about it now. That's what this meeting is about," Wales said.

Police promised to email gang information regularly to residents requesting it at the following site:http://www.citizenobserver.com

Gang Specialist Chad Riffe said the conflicts were between two gangs, the dominant Chicago-area Latin Kings and an upstart group, the Latin Maniac Disciples. Riffe added that despite the gang's apparent ethnic identification, membership was open to anyone who would help sell drugs and stolen goods.
Riffe said gang violence is mostly directed against rival gang members, not neighborhood residents.

One young man asked what to do if confronted by a gang member? "Am I supposed to just back off?"

"Yes," Wales replied.

"How many people have cell phones? (Many hands.) Dial 911."

"I can't call just because someone is staring me down," complained another resident. "Yes you can," Wales said. "We'll come."

The long-term answer to the gang problem, said Wales, would be to organize Community Watch groups. "There are lot more of you than there are of them," he said. "We need to make them afraid of the good guys." Wales promised LITH Police would help organize groups.

Unnoticed by most, Riffe offered the most encouraging information of the evening. Two years ago a gang called Two Six began to invade Lake in the Hills, although there was never any news coverage about it. The reason? Over time, police ran them out of town, said Riffe.

In the pics: (above) LITH's gang problems involve "turf" conflicts. This graffiti with one gang's signs overwriting another's was on display Wednesday morning south of Algonquin Road in Algonquin. (below) LITH's Safety Center was filled to overflowing as Public Safety Director Jim Wales outlined his department's plans to combat gang activity.

editor's note: FEN chose not to identify the names of speakers at Wednesday's meeting to avoid the possibility of reprisals. FEN will publish Lake in the Hills Police Blotter reports daily.

Crumbling Hanson Repavement Continues

Hanson Road in Algonquin was closed to traffic Wednesday morning as contractors laid the final course in the section from Huntington Drive to Algonquin Road.

Still to come is work on the second section of Hanson from Edgewood to Huntington. Public Works Director Bob Mitchard said earlier this week there was a chance that portion could be completed this season as well. That would depend, he said, on the outcome of a meeting with the Illinois Department of Transportation next week.

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
August 03
0004 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (LAKE IN THE HILLS POLICE). WANTED ON WARRANT. SANTINI, WESLEY A., M/B 19 YEARS OF AGE, 1604 GLEN EAGLE DR., CARPENTERSVILLE. CHARGES: Wanted on a Warrant, McHenry County, Failure to Appear Driving While License Suspended, $3000 @ 10%. RELEASED ON BOND.
0824 HRS 8801 PYOTT RD., (ALL SAFE STORAGE). DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. OTT, JANAYE B., F/W 29 YEARS OF AGE, 410 KENNETH CIRCLE, ELGIN. CHARGE: Driving While License Suspended. RELEASED ON BOND.
0926 HRS 680 NORMANDY LN., (NORMANDY PARK). ENDANGERING THE LIFE & HEALTH OF A CHILD. ABELE, COURTNEY L., F/W 18 YEARS OF AGE, 402 VANA DR., CARPENTERSVILLE. CHARGES: Two Counts of Endangering the Life & Health of a child. RELEASED ON BOND.
1641 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF CRYSTAL LAKE RD. WANTED ON WARRANT SEYDEL, DONALD G., M/W 36 YEARS OF AGE,1003 HORIZON RIDGE LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Wanted on warrant; Kane County Sherriff’s Office,Reckless driving. Bond amount; $1,500. full cash. RELEASED ON BOND.
1656 HRS ROUTE 47 & REED RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. LUMPKINS, SILK P., F/B 34 YEARS OF AGE, 680 BLACKTHORN DR., CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Driving while license suspended. RELEASED ON BOND.
1800 HRS 200 BLOCK OF RIDGE LN. DOMESTIC BATTERY. TRANDEL, THOMAS J., M/W 54 YEARS OF AGE, 201 RIDGE LN., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Domestic battery. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY CO JAIL.
0215 HRS 300 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 55 years of age, vomiting and lost consciousness. Transported to Good Shepherd Hospital.
0917 HRS 40 W ACORN LN., (KINDERCARE). ASSIST AMBULANCE Female, 26 years of age, lost consciousness. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1002 HRS 8465 PYOTT RD., (APPROVED COMFORT). Male, 43 years of age, feeling disoriented. Transported to Northern Illinois Medical Center.
1103 HRS 400 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Mother vs. son. No priors. UNFOUNDED.
1110 HRS 9181 PYOTT RD., (DOME HILL). CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Observation deck damaged.
1156 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF SPRUCE ST. THEFT. Wallet taken from residence.
1313 HRS 300 BLOCK OF STARWOOD PASS. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Mailbox damaged.
1346 HRS 00 BLOCK OF PHEASANT TRAIL. FOUND PROPERTY. Syringe found in front yard.
1738 HRS 100 BLOCK OF WOODY WAY. DOMESTIC. Father vs. son, verbal only. Three priors.
1811 HRS 2265 W ALGONQUIN RD., (THORTONS). ACCIDENT Two vehicles, property damage only.
1910 HRS 1400 BLOCK OF CLAYTON MARSH DR. DOMESTIC Brother vs. sister. Verbal only. No priors.
August 04
2352 HRS RANDALL RD. & ACORN LN. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. ESHELMAN, SEAN M., M/W 34 YEARS OF AGE, 200 BRIARWOOD RD., CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, No Rear Registration Light. RELEASED ON BOND.
0848 HRS 400 BLOCK OF PRIDES RUN. BURGLARY FROM MOTOR VEHICLE. A wallet, GPS device, and CDs were taken from an unlocked vehicle overnight. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
0937 HRS 400 BLOCK OF STARWOOD PASS. FOUND PROPERTY. Camouflage bag containing hunting knives found in yard.
0947 HRS 400 BLOCK OF STARWOOD PASS. BURGLARY FROM MOTOR VEHICLE. Two portable DVD players were taken from an unlocked vehicle overnight. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1007 HRS 800 BLOCK OF MAYBERRY CT. BURGLARY FROM MOTOR VEHICLE. Purse taken from unlocked vehicle overnight. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1021 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF HEAVENS GATE. THEFT. Jewelry taken from resident’s closet over the weekend.
1042 HRS 200 BLOCK OF RIDGE LN. VIOLATION OF BAIL BOND. Possible violation of bail bond. PENDING INVESTIGATION.
1133 HRS 5400 BLOCK OF CROSSVIEW LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. 56 year old male, with a swollen face and having a hard time breathing. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1142 HRS 400 BLOCK OF STARWOOD PASS. BURGLARY FROM MOTOR VEHICLE. A radio was taken from an unlocked vehicle overnight. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1215 HRS 1500 BLOCK OF ROYAL OAK LN. SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT. A nail and a staple were found in each of the vehicle’s rear tires. No damage found.
1324 HRS 201 LAKEWOOD RD., (LEROY GUY PARK). CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Tree near tennis courts damaged.
1402 HRS 600 BLOCK OF ANDERSON DR. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Possible ID Theft of social security number. REFERED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY.
1430 HRS 101 PYOTT RD., (MOBIL). ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Vehicle left area prior to removing gas nozzle.
1553 HRS 5200 MILLER RD., (SUNSET PARK). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, three and a half years of age, with a cut to the chin. No transport.
1609 HRS 2400 BLOCK OF WEXFORD LN. THEFT OVER $300. Complainant advised money was sent for a purchase of a vehicle and no vehicle was sent.
August 05
0708 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (Police Dept.). WANTED ON WARRANT. AHMAD, UMAR A., M/W 24 YEARS OF AGE, 2891 BRIARCLIFF LN., LAKE IN THE HILLS. Charge: Wanted On Warrant, McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, Failure To Appear for Driving Under the Influence, $15,000 @10%. RELEASED ON BOND.
0926 HRS 30 BLOCK OF HILLTOP DR. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. TUMPACK, JON F., M/W 49 YEARS OF AGE, 740 YATES AVE., ROMEOVILLE. Charge: Driving While License Suspended. RELEASED ON BOND.
1743 HRS 200 BLOCK OF THUNDER RIDGE. JUVENILE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL. F/W, 15 YEARS OF AGE,LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGE: Juvenile Consumption of alcohol. TURNED OVER TO MOTHER.
1746 HRS PYOTT RD. & WILLOW ST. WANTED ON WARRANT. WERNER, JOSHUA D., M/W 19 YEARS OF AGE, 4760 WHITEHALL CT., ALGONQUIN. CHARGE: Wanted On Warrant, McHenry County, Contempt of Court, $261.65 Full Cash. RELEASED ON BOND.
0232 HRS HEARTLAND GATE & MILLER RD. BATTERY. Male subject suffered head injury from unknown subject. FAIL TO FILE.
0706 HRS 20 BLOCK OF HILLTOP DR. FOUND PROPERTY. A street sign. Item will be picked up by Algonquin Township.
1032 HRS 300 BLOCK OF COUNCIL TRAIL. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, one year of age, fell and injured his head. No transport.
1242 HRS 9203 S RT 31,(EXIT PLATINUM REALTY). INFO FOR POLICE. A real estate agent is refusing to return files.
1350 HRS LAKEWOOD RD. & REED RD. FOUND PROPERTY. Keys found in roadway.
1501 HRS 3300 BLOCK OF WORTHINGTON LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. 39 year old female experiencing chest pains. Transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
2139 HRS 00 BLOCK OF MANCHESTER CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE 38 year old male vomiting, feeling dizzy, headache.

Algonquin Approves Commercial Restart

As national economic indicators begin to hint the Great Recession may be bottoming out, Algonquin's Board of Trustees Tuesday night approved a measure to allow completion of a stalled commercial project on Harnish Drive just off Randall Road.

Work on Lot 2 of the Rosen Commercial Center ground to a halt as the economy began to sputter and the site has gone to weed behind galvanized fencing. Now Woodstock developer Clancy Green hopes to finish the project to host a new day care center.

Is that a mark the economy is beginning to turn? "I'm hopeful," said Green.

"It's certainly good to see anything happening at this time," said Trustee Brian Dianis. "Whether it's a predictor of the future is anybody's guess," he said.

"The efforts of Springfield and Washington haven't directly had much effect on the economy," said Village President John Schmitt. "But they've given people and businesses hope that their customers will start to spend money again and when that happens that will end the recession."

In the pic: Plans call for these Algonquin bricks and weeds to become a new day care center.

Western Residents Oppose County Transporation Plans

Alden Township residents again urged the McHenry County Board to stick to its professed plans to leave the western half of the county country. "That agritourism you keep talking about, that's us," said realtor Diane Evertsen at the board's Tuesday meeting.

At stake is a McHenry County Division of Transportation plan for the first major roadwork in the county's west half in well over a decade. The $20 million to $25 million plan calls for rebuilding 7 miles of crumbling Alden Road, increasing the right of way from an average 70 feet to 120. Residents say they're fine with the rebuilding part but only if it doesn't take out mature trees, homes and businesses.

"The area won't be what it was, what we bought it for so many years ago," said resident Marian Lambeger.
Alden Organizers claim they've gathered almost 900 signatures to a petition opposing the county's plan. "That's about everyone over 18 in the last census," said Alden Township Supervisor Preston Rea, "maybe a few more."

Rea told the board not to worry about serving future development in unincorporated Alden. With no water system, sanitary sewers or storm drains he said the little community wasn't likely to have any.

The county has concentrated on highway development in its populous eastern half for the last 15 years but roads in the rural half are beginning to fall apart. McDOT Director of Transportation Joe Korpalski has called the Alden Road project "an experiment" for future county transportation development.

In the pic: County plans to widen Alden Road would largely eviscerate unincorporated Alden.

LITH Officials Visit National Night Out Parties

A flying squad of Lake in the Hills officials jitneyed its way around the village's block parties during National Night Out Tuesday.

Police and Public Safety Director Jim Wales chauffeured his department's Mobile Command Center stuffed with half the village board and most of its police cadre among seven different celebrations. The group met and talked with local residents about ways to take a bite out of crime and, perhaps, the occasional free hot dog.

Tuesday was the 26th annual National Night Out to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and generate support for local anti-crime programs.

In the pic: (above) Bradley Wackerlin enjoyed LITH's National Night Out. (below) Brian and Delores Plote hosted LITH's National Night Out Adams Street Block Party.

Police To Send Kid Porn Computer To Lab

Huntley Police said Monday they plan to ship a personal computer and hard drives to a crime lab for examination for more child pornography.

Police said a forensic technician found sexually explicit videos and pictures of children on the computer gear when it was seized last week in the arrest of Jimmy J. Dill, 37, 10809 Cape Cod, on nine counts of possession of child pornography.

Police searched Dill's home after receiving a tip from the Illinois Attorney General's High Tech Crimes Bureau that they had traced the Internet IP address of someone offering child pornography to Dill's residence.

Huntley Sergeant Linda Hooten said the department obtained asked for and obtained a search warrant last Wednesday. "With the information from the High Tech Crimes Bureau it was very fast," she said.

Dill was also charged with possession of ammunition without an FOID card. He was released on bond the next day. He had been free on bond following a charge in June of delivering a controlled substance to a young Huntley woman.

Hooten declined to say whether that incident involved sexual activity, replying that motivation was legally irrelevant to the charge.

Spokesman Natalie Bauer said the High Tech Crimes Unit conducts investigations for the Attorney General's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force. She said the unit is funded through a grant from the Department of Justice and has 114 affiliated Illinois police agencies. ICAC has investigated almost 1,700 cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children she said.

Algonquin Bicyclist In Fair Condition

An Algonquin man was reported in only fair condition late Monday at Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, following a weekend traffic accident in Algonquin.

Forty eight year-old John Skulavik of Hillside Court had to be airlifted for treatment after a car collided with the bicycle he was riding early Friday evening on Huntington Drive.

A 16 year-old Algonquin boy who said the sun was in his eyes was charged with failing to yield right of way and operating a vehicle without proof of insurance. The boy's car was turning onto Grandview when it struck Skulavik and his bicycle traveling in the bicycle lane.

According to the police report Skulavic was wearing a bicycle helmet when he was struck which may have helped him survive the collision.

Huntley Library Van Gets Makeover

Huntley Area Public Library's runabout van totes books full of stories but none is more interesting than the one about how the van gained a spiffy new look last week.

It starts with the gift by "an anonymous donor" of the van itself, a rather nondescript vehicle somewhat the worse for wear.

Huntley Collision Center owners Scott and Lora Ball volunteered to spruce it up with a paint job in the library's trademark green color. Two paint jobs, actually, since Ball had to do some body repairs first.

"There's a grey sealer. It's easier to get the final color right if it's all one coat instead of red and yellow together," said Ball.

"We're active in the library," he said so painting the van seemed a natural progression from painting the library's bicycle racks. "We've done three or four of those over the years, he said.

Kevin Swanson, owner of Fraser Auto Art, donated the van's crisp lettering and library logos.

Joe and Jean Hernandez, owners of Coyote Auto Center, volunteered to oil and lube the van. "They (the library) don't have a lot of money," said Jean Hernandez. "Besides I think my daughter is the most frequent user they have at the library," she laughed.

Library Director Virginia Maravilla said, "The generosity and support from the local business owners has been truly wonderful."

The van is used for collections from book drops, local errands, shuffling materials between storage locations, home delivery and trips to continuing education seminars.

In the pic: Library Lady Barb Anderson loads Huntley Library's "new" van with a surprising number of returns from the dropoff at the Jewel.

National Night Out Block Parties Scheduled in Huntley

Huntley residents will take to the streets tonight during National Night Out with no fewer than 10 block parties on tap in the village.

The party at Wing Pointe Drive from 6 to 9:00 pm will serve double duty. Not only will residents come together to forge neighborhood bonds but attendees are being asked to bring a donation for the Grafton Township Food Pantry and a white elephant toy to receive tickets for games.

Other parties include:
Joan Avenue from 6 to 8 pm. with a National Night out dinner, the main course and utensils provided by the Wuich Family. Last names A through M are requested to bring a side dish and N through Z bring a dessert.

Huntley Meadows at Preston Parkway and Main from 6 to 9:45 pm. This one features a favorite show car and/or soap box derby car show, water balloon toss, basketball clinic and popcorn with an outdoor showing of the Disney movie Cars at dusk.

Del Webb from 5 pm to game finish. This party features the All Star Softball game and a block party starting at 5 pm. The game begins at 6:00 pm. Citizens First National Bank will be providing hot dogs and beverages.

Georgian Place from 6 to 8 pm. The event begins with a decorated bike parade on Allegheny Pass to the park and includes an adult bean bag tournament, "tattoos", face painting, four square, volleyball and live music.

Greentrees Community Room from 6 to 8 pm. This will be a block party in the community room.

Lincoln St. from 6 to 9 pm.A traditional block party.

Margaret Avenue from 6 pm until dark, a traditional block party in the cul-de-sac.

Michael Street from 6 to 9 pm, a traditional block party with food and games.

Northbridge Drive from 6 to 8 pm. This one includes face painting, basketball, bags, name that tune and a water balloon toss. Neighbors are asked to bring a dessert to pass.

Cash For Clunkers Fate Uncertain

Bob Mels is wondering this morning which way the U.S. Senate will jump on authorizing more money for the federal "Cash For Clunkers" program. Mels is sales manager at Tom Peck Ford, Huntley, where by noon Saturday 20 old cars and trucks were set for trade-in on new Fords.

Begun on July 24, the program calls for the Treasury to pay dealers up to $4,500 for qualifying old gas-guzzlers generally worth far less. Initial funding was $1 billion which federal experts figured would last three months. According to the latest estimates, however, drivers burned through it in little more than a week even though the Feds confused everyone by revising the list of qualifying vehicles last Thursday.

Mels said Saturday Cash For Clunkers has proved to be a steroid boost for auto sales which had begun to recover from their collapse last year. "We've been on slow upturn for the last two to three months now but this program has really helped."

The U.S. House authorized another $2 billion for the program Friday but the Senate has yet to speak leaving dealers wondering what to tell hopeful buyers pounding on their doors. The National Automobile Dealers Association advised members over the weekend not to close any more deals in case Senators nix more money.
Despite the popularity of the program that's a real
possibility. The federal government has already pledged, depending on who's counting and how, between $50 billion and $100 billion in bailouts for the U.S. car industry. Meanwhile Edmunds, the used car experts, issued a report claiming the Cash For Clunkers bonus may only have succeeded in cramming three months worth of trades that would have happened anyway into the space of a week and a half.

In the pics: (above) Paperwork was piling up as buyers brought clunkers to Tom Peck Ford. (below) Clunkers bound for the boneyard were mostly beaters but included a cherry F150 with only 38,000 miles on the clock.

LITH Car Show Promotes National Night Out

McHenry County's tactical APC led a string of wailing police cars, fire trucks, emergency vehicles and wreckers through Lake in the Hills to Sunset Park Sunday morning to kick off the village's annual National Night Out Car Show.

Included in the parade were two cars that accidentally offered an ironic summary of the past 50 years of the U.S. car industry. One was a late 60's Plymouth muscle car from the days when Detroit was riding high on big iron. The other was what is thought to be the only MG RV8 in the United States, a late-model British sports car that sports a still high-tech aluminum V8 engine designed by GM but sold off about the time the MOPAR was built.

R&B/Funk Band Entertains At Algonquin Commons

Chicago group, The Moods were the feature at Sunday's Algonquin Commons Summer Concert Series. Hundreds turned out for a performance that might be described as Sly And The Family Stone meet The Four Tops.

The performance was one of the Commons' ongoing series which will feature classic rock group ARRA at the final session next Sunday.

The concert will be preceeded by children's activities,sidewalk sales, restaurant booths and prize and gift card giveaways from 12 to 5pm.

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 31
1620 HRS 6900 RAKOW RD., (RAKOW CURVE). DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. COBB, CRAIG A., M/W 36 YEARS OF AGE,307 CLEAR SKY TRAIL, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving while License Suspended and Speeding. SUBJECT BONDED.
0550 HRS 100 BLOCK OF FERRYVILLE DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. 15 year old male possibly had a seizure.Transported to Woodstock Hospital.
1453 HRS 300 N RANDALL RD., (LOWES). ASSIST AMBULANCE. 63 year old male possibly having a heart attack. Transported to Saint Joseph’s Hospital.
1532 HRS 9211 S. ROUTE 31., (ALLSTATE). HIT & RUN. Complainant advised her vehicle was struck while at the above location.
1633 HRS 4500 BLOCK OF BARHARBOR DR. ATTEMPTED BURGLARY. Complainant advised unknown subject attempted to break in to their residence. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS
2154 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF MOONSTONE RUN. FOUND PROPERTY. A bicycle was located. Entered into evidence.
2301 HRS 5300 BLOCK OF BRIARFIELD LN. DOMESTIC. Boyfriend vs. girlfriend, verbal only. Fourteen priors. 2344 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & APACHE LN. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Officer had contact with a registered sex offender.
August 01
0049 HRS 300 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. THEFT OVER $300. Resident noticed laptop missing after a party at the home.
0414 HRS 5000 BLOCK OF HIGHWOOD LN. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. A mailbox was damaged.
0924 HRS 273 RANDALL RD., (BURNT TOAST). ASSIST AMBULANCE. 59 year old male experiencing chest pains. Transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
1403 HRS 600 BLOCK OF HURON TRAIL. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. wife. Verbal only. No priors.
1454 HRS RANDALL RD. & POLARIS DR. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1640 HRS RANDALL RD. & POLARIS DR. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
2027 HRS 00 BLOCK OF HASTINGS CT. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Rock thrown from backyard struck a vehicle, damaging the hood. FAIL TO FILE
August 02
1138 HRS 300 BLOCK OF TECUMSEH TRAIL. CRIMINAL DEFACEMENT. Spray paint graffiti found on silo.
1528 HRS 260 N. RANDALL RD., (COSTCO). ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
2041 HRS 0 BLOCK OF JOSEPH CT. DOMESTIC. Verbal only. Husband vs. wife. 2 priors.
2208 HRS 5500 BLOCK OF CHANTILLY CIRCLE. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Husband vs. wife. No priors. FAIL TO FILE.
2256 HRS 231 N. RANDALL, (TACO BELL). DOMESTIC BATTERY. Ex-boyfriend vs. ex-girlfriend. FAIL TO FILE.
2323 HRS 2900 BLOCK OF BALDWIN LN. FRAUD/THEFT OVER $300. Money wire transfer to a male subject in Toronto Canada. TURNED OVER TO TORONTO POLICE.
Algonquin
July 31
11:40am LaFontaine, Ruben D. DOB: 08/05/68 of 1287 Blackhawk, Elgin, was charged with Violation of an Order of Protection. He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. He was transported to McHenry County Jail to await a bond hearing.
August 1
07:40am Newberry, Susan M. DOB: 05/30/68 last known address of 850 Bristol Lane, Algonquin, was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Theft. She was taken into custody at Sherman Hospital. She was transported to McHenry County Jail, to await a bond hearing.
August 2.
03:25am Guerriero, Vincent P. DOB: 07/11/90 of 586 Somerset Lane, Crystal Lake, was charged with Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor, Unlawful Possession of Alcohol by a Minor and Criminal Trespass to Real Property. He was taken into custody at Life Time Fitness, 451 Rolls Drive. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 09/09/09, in McHenry County.
16:43pm Williams, Qiana S. DOB: 03/04/79 of 4025 S. Langley Avenue, Chicago, was charged with DWLS, No Proof of Insurance, Improper Use of Registration Sticker and Expired Registration. She was also Wanted on a Warrant out of DuPage County for Failure to Appear, on an Uninsured Motor Vehicle charge and out of Hinsdale for Failure to Appear, on a Suspended Registration charge. She was taken into custody at Randall Road and Harnish Drive. She was transported to McHenry County Jail, after posting $100, on the Algonquin charges, with a court date of 09/09/09, in McHenry County.
23:41pm Delgado, Santos DOB: 09/03/66 of 1398 Essex, Algonquin, was charged with Unlawful Interfering with the Reporting of a Domestic Battery and 2 counts of Possession of a Fraudulent Identification. He was taken into custody at 1398 Essex. He was transported to McHenry County Jail to await a bond hearing.
Huntley
July 27
Todor K. Todorov age 18 of 10496 Longfield was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and cited for unsafe tires.
Burglary to motor vehicle occurred near 11300 Central Park Boulevard. A GPS unit was stolen out of a vehicle.
Peter J. Schohn age 41 of 10562 Casselberry North was arrested for battery. Mr. Schohn posted bond and was given a McHenry county court date of August 28, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.
July 28
A 17 year old, female, juvenile was arrested for no valid driver’s license and cited for improper lane use. She posted bond and was released to a parent.
Adrian Solis age 37 of 9932 Chetwood was arrested for domestic battery. Mr. Solis was processed and transported to McHenry County jail.
Eight juveniles were in Weiss Park after dark and were cited.
July 30
Burglary to motor vehicle occurred near 11400 Douglas. A coin jar and knife were taken from an unlocked vehicle.
July 31 A resident near 10800 Preston Parkway reported theft of six brown card chairs from a garage.
August 1
Claudell A. Arrington age 27 of 531 Central Parkway Lane, Woodstock, IL was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for no seat and no insurance. Mr. Arrington posted bond and was released.
A porta-potty at Ol’ Timers Park was vandalized and tipped over.
Seven juveniles were in Ruth Park after dark and were cited.

Professional Regulation Report

The Illinois Department of Professional Regulation reported these actions in June:

The following individuals’ cosmetologist licenses were placed in refuse to renew status after defaulting on an Illinois educational loan:
Candice Berg, Lake in the Hills

Dennis Eggers, Lake in the Hills – permanent employee registration card issued and placed on probation for two years due to criminal convictions.

Jones County Wide Detective and Security Bureau, Inc., Lake in the Hills – privatedetective agency license and private security contractor agency license placed in refuse to renew status after engaged in unprofessional conduct, including failure to pay and withholding of employee social security premiums.

The following individuals’ real estate salesperson licenses were placed in refuse to renew status for filing a renewal application that misrepresented that the required continuing education wascompleted:
Anthony Onu, Huntley

Algonquin E-Waste Saturday Opens Big

Algonquin basements and garages must have been chockablock with obsolete and defunct electronics judging from the village's first E-waste recycling day Saturday.

Even before the official 9 am open Algonquin Public Works employees had accepted a trailer load of formerly hi-tech impedimenta and at the opening bell were faced with a dozen cars in line and half a dozen more waiting to check in.

A 7-ton truck from Computer Recycling Center, Crystal Lake, was on hand to cart the stuff off for later disassembly and shipment to materials recovery processors.

Algonquin's E-waste Saturday was planned as a one-time event for village residents only and featured free recycling of TV's and CRT monitors. The Algonquin Township Road Dristrict, however, will accept e-waste (except TV's and monitors) the last Saturday of each month through October at the township highway department in Crystal Lake.

In the pic: Once this stuff was the Apple (Altair/Tandy/Commodore/Toshiba/Gateway) of some techie's eye. Now it's all e- junk.

Huntley Golfers Support Cystic Fibrosis

Eighty Golfers hit the links Saturday at Huntley's Whisper Creek Club to raise funds for the Andrew J. Vitner Foundation's third annual outing to benefit treatment of cystic fibrosis and similar diseases.

The foundation is named after a Lake in the Hills baby who died of complications from CF. The money from the foundation's year-round fundraising efforts is used to support local organizations fighting childhood illnesses, including the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL. The foundation also helps local families pay the high cost of treatment.

The full amount raised Saturday depended on how many golfers bought $5 "mulligans" and other aids to the less-than-adept.

In the pic: Lake in the Hills' Eric Swartz gets off a good drive at the start of the Vitner fundraiser. The wind at his back had nothing to do with it.

National Night Out Starts Early In LITH

Lake in the Hills got an early start on Tuesday's National Night Out with a beach party at Indian Trail Beach early Saturday afternoon and a cookout and crimefighting exhibition at Village Hall late that day and early evening.

Seven National Night Out neighborhood block parties are planned for Tuesday evening. They'll be centered on Feathersone Court, the 300 block of Terramere Lane, Litchfield Court, Deerpath Court, the 400 block of Big Cloud Pass, the 600 block of Mohican Trail and the 1500 block of Adams St.