Civil Discourse At Area Healthcare Meeting

Police outnumbered protesters two or three to one Friday evening at an unofficial healthcare Town Meeting in Crystal Lake featuring Congressman Don Manzullo (R)-16.

Rumor and email fueled fears of disruption at the event sponsored by the conservative/libertarian group Patriots United. In the event only a handful of pickets supporting Administration health care proposals showed up outside the site.

Inside about 600 people heard Manzullo, Crystal Lake Mayor and Centegra Health Care Systems exec Aaron Shepley, and Rockford insurance boss Ryan Brauns explain why Obamacare was a bad idea.

Apparently referring to charges that vacationing legislators have been ducking public appearances since Congressional Town Meetings have turned contentious, Manzullo told the crowd, "I'm here. I'm not hiding."

Friday's event wasn't an official Congressional Town Meeting, However. Patriots United charged a $5 entry fee to pay for hall rental which may have served as a filter to create a crowd that seemed pretty sure of their opposition to White House proposals already. In any case, the meeting was unmarred by the shouts and vituperation that have broken out in other locations around the country in the past couple of weeks.

Manzullo announced his opposition to current health care proposals three weeks ago.

In the pics: Only a handful of protesters appeared at Friday's unofficial town hall meeting. Extra seating had to be brought in to accommodate a larger-than expected crowd.

Downtown Algonquin: How I Spent Vacation

Algonquin Historic District building owner Mike Marotta is spending his vacation this year putting a little sweat equity into the apartment and storefront at 150 S. Main.

Passersby had to look closely to see the sag in the building's vinyl siding but Marotta's pride of ownership was so strong he asked the village's Historic Commission for permission to replace it with better-looking stuff.

To put it in perspective, if Marotta weren't spending his vacation residing? "Oh, I'd be in Florida right now."

In the pic: Mike Marotta, left, and pal Tom Przydrozny spruce up his property in Downtown Algonquin.

D300 Celebrates Energy Dollar Savings

D300 custodians picnicked on burgers and brats Friday at the district's Algonquin Buildings and Grounds headquarters to celebrate more than $2 million in energy savings in the past two years thanks to conservation upgrades.

For four years D300 has singled out the schools which saved district taxpayers the most money in gas, electricity, and water bills. This year the honors went to Liberty Elementary, Carpentersville, Westfield Elementary and Middle School, Algonquin, and Dundee-Crown High School, Carpentersville.

Dave Ulm, Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds, said the savings have been more than enough to pay the cost of intalling new materials and equipment to earn them in the first place. "We're using less energy now than in 2006 and that's after 3 new schools and 300,000 square feet of additions since then," Ulm.

In the pic: The custodial crew from Dundee-Crown helped D300 save $4,000 in energy costs 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.
Lake in the Hills
August 21
0815 HRS PYOTT RD. & SHAWNEE TRAIL. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. ROSSPANK, KRISTOPHER J., M/W 34 YEARS OF AGE, 763 WILLOW ST., LAKE IN THE HILLS. Charge: Driving While License Suspended.RELEASED ON BOND.
0520 HRS 600 BLOCK OF DAVID ST. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. Driver side window broken with a rock. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATION.
1138 HRS 2250 W ALGONQUIN RD. (MED CENTER). CRIMINAL DEFACEMENT. Graffiti found on various locations of the building.
1355 HRS RANDALL RD. & POLARIS DR. ACCIDENT. Three vehicles. Property damage only.
1356 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT COURT. IDENTITY THEFT. Subject’s social security number is being used in New York.
1518 HRS 2550 ALGONQUIN RD., (ALGONQUIN SURGERY). ACCIDENT Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1532 HRS 1020 ALGONQUIN RD., (ALGONQUIN FIRE DEPT). ASSIST AMBULANCE. 63 year old male not breathing. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1653 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & HILLTOP DR. INJURY ACCIDENT. Three vehicles. Female driver transported to Sherman Hospital for chest pains.
2005 HRS 290 RANDALL RD., (VERIZON). BATTERY. Male subject punched male victim in the stomach.FAIL TO FILE.

Special Ed Moms Blast D158 Social Services

The wrangling over D158's planned 2010 budget continued to evolve Thursday into a broader battle over the quality of the district's special education programs.

What was planned as a pro-forma board briefing on the operation and achievement of the district's social services "team" drew sharp criticism from some of the same parents who oppose board plans to use federal stimulus money that could be spent on special ed in other areas instead.

Lake in the Hills activist Sara Difucci charged D158 social workers were overloaded in general and specifically failing to provide the special ed social services required by state law.

"We need to really look at these people's caseload. They're overwhelmed," said Difucci. "We're in a new school year and we're set up for failure."

Meanwhile, ex-board member Tony Quagliano in prepared comments warned his former fellows not to focus everything through a special education lens.

"We devote 30 percent of our money to 15 percent of our population," he said. "You're responsible to the district as a whole, not to a special interest group."

Board member Aileen Seedorf said, "At least for two years in special education there's been a problem. If the (federal) money hadn't come up we'd still have to find the money."

"Just because there's a vocal group you can't say that's where we have to go," Quagliano replied.

The latest version of the proposed D158 budget can now be seen here:
http://www.d158.k12.il.us/boe/BOE%2009-10%20Agendas/BOE%20Special/BOE%20SPEC%2008-13-09.pdf

A D158 special budget hearing is set for September 17.

Grafton Township Honors Bob Hight

A payloader and trucks were shined and arrayed front and center while flags flew at half mast Thursday at Grafton Township offices in honor of the late township Road Commissioner Bob Hight. The road office was closed so workers could attend Hight's funeral yesterday.

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 20
0032 HRS VIRGINIA RD. & PINGREE RD. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. INGMAN, STEVEN P., M/W 21 YEARS OF AGE, 834 SHAWNEE TRAIL, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Speeding, No Insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.
FOLLOW UP ARREST:1658 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (LAKE IN THE HILLS POLICE). CRIMINAL DEFACEMENT TO PROPERTY. JUVENILE F/W, 16 YEARS OF AGE, HUNTLEY. CHARGES: Issued a Citation under the Local Ordinance for Criminal Defacement. RELEASED TO PARENT.
1223 HRS ACORN LN. & RANDALL RD., ACCIDENT Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1513 HRS 300 BLOCK OF MEADOW LN. FORGERY. Ex-wife attempted to cash insurance check. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1913 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF MONROE ST. ASSIST AMBULANCE. 40 year old female in pain. Transported to Good Shepherd Hospital.
1948 HRS 00 BLOCK OF INDIAN TRAIL. ASSIST AMBULANCE. 15 year old male subject needing an evaluation. Transported to Saint Joseph’s Hospital.
2220 HRS 0 BLOCK OF CAMDEN CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE 40 year old female with extreme back pain. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
Algonquin
August 15
01:41am Arteaga, Abraham DOB: 01/19/89 of 139 N. Butrick, Waukegan, was charged with DWLS, Speeding and No Proof of Insurance. He was taken into custody at Route 31 and Arrowhead Drive. He was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond, with a court date of 09/16/09, in McHenry County.
August 16
00:01am Lorenz, Victoria DOB: 10/07/66 of 1230 Blue Ridge Parkway, Algonquin, was charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident and Improper Lane Usage. She was taken into custody at Tavern at the Bridge, 101 E. Algonquin Road. She was released after posting $100, with a court date of 09/30/09, in McHenry County.
20:17pm Raymer, Brittany A. DOB: 08/22/90 of 6363 Suttondale Road, Huntley, was charged with DWLS. She was taken into custody at Randall Road and Longmeadow Parkway. She was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond, with a court date of 09/23/09, in McHenry County.
August 17
19:11pm Brower, Shannon N. DOB: 02/09/78 of 500 Wilcox Avenue, Elgin, was charged with DWLR. She was taken into custody at Randall Road and Huntington Drive. She was released after posting $100, with a court date of 09/23/09, in McHenry County.
20:07pm Artel, Kelly L. DOB: 05/19/81 of 1351 Cunat Court, Lake in the Hills, was charged with Felony Retail Theft. She was taken into custody at Meijer, 400 S. Randall Road. She was transported to McHenry County Jail, to await a bond hearing.
August 19
12:32pm Morales-Patino, Macario DOB: 02/15/86 of 1166 Hunter Drive, Elgin, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License, No Proof of Insurance, Expired Registration and Improper Use of Registration. He was taken into custody at Randall Road and Stonegate Road. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 09/23/09, in McHenry County.
August 20
00:32am Claudio, Eduardo D. DOB: 01/02/80 of 117 S. Main Street, Algonquin, was charged with 2 counts of Unlawful Sale of Alcohol to a Minor. He was also Wanted on a Warrant, out of Kane County for Failure to Appear, on a DUI charge. He was taken into custody at Main Street Billiards, 113 S. Main Street. He was released on a Notice to Appear, on the Algonquin charges, with a court date of 09/30/09, in Algonquin and after posting $1000, on the Kane County Warrant, with a court date of 09/15/09, in Kane County.
16:46pm Adrahtas, Thomas J. DOB: 09/26/41 of 342 Millard Avenue, Crystal Lake, was charged with Retail Theft. He was taken into custody at Meijer’s, 400 S. Randall Road. He was released on a Notice to Appear, with a court date of 09/30/09, in Algonquin.
17:04pm Galindo-Nazques, Emmanuel DOB: 01/13/86 of 1315 Idlewood Drive, Round Lake Beach, was charged with Failure to Give Information After Striking an Unattended Vehicle. He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 09/23/09, in McHenry County.

McHenry County Indictments

A McHenry County Grand Jury returned the following indictments among others this week.

An indictment 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.

JIMMY J. DILL, DOB: 10/21/71, 10809 CAPE COD, HUNTLEY, IL 60142. POSSESSION OF FIREARM AMMUNITION WITHOUT FOID CARD, CHILDPORNOGRAPHY (9 COUNTS)--HUNTLEY PD

DAVID A. HARTMANN, DOB: 03/25/61, 11707 STONEWATER CROSSING ROAD,HUNTLEY, IL 60142. DECEPTIVE PRACTICES (OVER $150), (4 COUNTS)--WOODSTOCK PD

JONATHAN M. RODRIGUES, DOB: 06/16/91,151 VILLAGE CREEK DRIVE, LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL 60156. AGGRAVATED BATTERY, MOB ACTION--LITH PD

MAZIN AWWAD, DOB: 08/22/91, 112 PHEASANT TRAIL, LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL 60156. AGGRAVATED BATTERY, MOB ACTION, UNLAWFUL CONTACT WITH STREET GANG--LITH PD

SANTOS DELGADO, DOB: 09/03/66, 1398 ESSEX, ALGONQUIN, IL 60102. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FICTITIOUS IDENTIFICATION CARD(2CTS), UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FRAUDULENT IDENTIFICATION CARD, DISORDERLY CONDUCT, INTERFERENCE WITH THE REPORTING OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE--ALGONQUIN PD

KYLE R. HAYES, DOB: 07/06/90, 26 NORTH RIVER ROAD, ALGONQUIN, IL 60102. MOB ACTION, AGGRAVATED BATTERY, AGGRAVATED ASSAULT(2CTS)--LITH PD

BRETT M. SEILER, DOB: 03/25/92, 270 TERRAMERE STREET, LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL 60102. UNLAWFUL DELIVERY OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE--McHenry County Sheriff

BRYAN L. HANSEN, DOB: 05/14/74, 308 PHEASANT TRAIL, LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL 60156. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE--WOODSTOCK PD

Garage Sales

Lake in the Hills
Friday, August 21
332 VILLAGE CREEK DR390 WINDERMERE WAY
470 WINSLOW WAY941 BRANDT DR 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
231 S ANNANDALE DR 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
330 WRIGHT DR 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
3800 PEARTREE DR 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
5421 SULLIVAN PASS 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
8 LITCHFIELD CT 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
1191 PRIDES RUN 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
918 CYNTHIA LN 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
1314 CLAYTON MARSH DR 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
654 DAVID ST 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
1403 MONROE ST 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
2691 CROFTON CIR 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
302 MEADOW LN 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
646 JOSEPH ST 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
12 HERON CT 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
342 HIAWATHA DR 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
4110 LARKSPUR LN 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
4831 BORDEAUEX DR 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
9 HUNTERS PATH 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday, August 22
310 WEDGEWOOD CIR
390 WINDERMERE WAY
470 WINSLOW WAY
1089 VIEWPOINT DR 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
941 BRANDT DR 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
231 S ANNANDALE DR 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
330 WRIGHT DR 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
3800 PEARTREE DR 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
5421 SULLIVAN PASS 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
5573 DANBURY CIR 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
8 LITCHFIELD CT 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
290 WEDGEWOOD CIR 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
918 CYNTHIA LN 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
1314 CLAYTON MARSH DR 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
654 DAVID ST 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
1191 PRIDES RUN 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
4110 LARKSPUR LN 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
2691 CROFTON CIR 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
302 MEADOW LN 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
646 JOSEPH ST 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
9 HUNTERS PATH 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
12 HERON CT 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
342 HIAWATHA DR 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday, August 23
310 WEDGEWOOD CIR
390 WINDERMERE WAY
1089 VIEWPOINT DR 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
5573 DANBURY CIR 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
290 WEDGEWOOD CIR 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
2691 CROFTON CIR 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Although Algonquin and Huntley regulate garage sales they don't require a permit. The First Electric Newspaper will publish listings free of charge in those villages as well. Send Day(s), address and time(s) togaragesales@firstelectricnewspaper.com

Sirens Sound On Tornado Sighting Wednesday

Warning Sirens sounded in Lake in the Hills and other communities about 6:30 pm Wednesday after a report of a tornado sighted by the public near Stark's Corner south of Huntley on Route 47.

The National Weather Service failed to confirm a tornado and the area this morning showed no widespread damage from high winds.

Further south near Elburn Route 47 was closed briefly Wednesday for a downed tree.

LITH Residents Plan Watch Groups Against Gangs

About 20 Lake in the Hills residents appeared Wednesday evening at the LITH Police Department to learn about creating neighborhood watch groups in their neighborhoods. The meeting was part of police plans to combat a recent outbreak of gang crime.

Most of the residents were from the neighborhood around Pheasant Trail and Oakleaf Road where trouble has centered but some were from other areas including the village's west side.

With regard to the Pheasant Trail neighborhood, "It's been very quiet since the arrests," about three weeks ago, according to Crime Prevention Officer Pete Albanese.

Sgt. Terri Vollmer reported there had been some scuffles at a fast food restaurant on Randall Road recently but that police attention had forced gang members to move on. "They're reshuffling a little bit further down Randall. It's unfortunate but it's not our problem anymore."

Vollmer said the idea of a neighborhood watch was simply for residents to keep an informed eye on each other's residences. "Neighbors know who you are. They know your car. They know who 'belongs' around your house," she said.

Albanese said if a watch member saw suspicious activity all that was necessary would be to call the police. "We would never ask you to put yourselves in harm's way," he said. "That's what we're here for. That's what they pay us for."

Albanese said LITH response to a 911 call was "less than two minutes". Non-emergency response might take longer, her said. "It depends on where the cars are and what else is going on," he said.

Vollmer said the idea of neighborhood watch groups was simply to keep a protective eye out for each block, "about 20 houses at the top for each block captain."

"It's not meant to be a nuisance, not to make everybody busybodies. If you become friends that's fine but you don't have to be," she said.

Albanese said "This is a tool where you get to know everybody if you don't know everybody already."

Vollmer said that if half of the households on a given block or street would join a neighborhood watch group the village would install watch warning signs there.

In the pic: Pete Albanese and Terri Vollmer explained Wednesday how to form Neighborhood Watch groups to protect against crime.

D158 Beats State Test Averages A Lot

158 administrators were busy Wednesday preparing for the district's first day of school today but found time to release the results of last year's round of ACT college prep tests. Illinois requires for all students to take the test regardless of whether they intend to go to college. Even so, district results far exceeded state and national averages.

Huntley High School

Composite score  English      Math         Reading      Science

22.4             22.8         21.8         22.2         22.3
1.6 above state  2.3 above    1.1 above    1.4 above    1.6 above

Benchmark Scores
na               18           22           21           24

A benchmark score is the minimum score needed to indicate a 50% chance of obtaining a B or higher or a 75% chance of obtaining a C or higher in the corresponding college courses, according to ACT.

Individual ACT results for all school districts in Illinois won't be released until October according to a State Board of Education spokeswoman.

In the pic: Students faced a damp welcome on the first day back at Huntley High School today.

Quinn Signs New Reform Laws

By Bethany Jaeger

In a “week of reform,” Gov. Pat Quinn in the past three days has signed bills revamping public access to information and new ethics legislation tightening lobbying rules. Still to come is approval of a bill limiting campaign donations.

Freedom of Information Act = Senate Bill 189
Quinn signed SB 189, which rewrites the Freedom of Information Act. Starting in January 2010, the process of requesting public information is supposed to get faster and more accountable.

“The main thing this new act does is enforce many of the good words that were already part of Illinois law that were ignored by public officials,” said Hanke Gratteau, a member of Quinn’s Illinois Reform Commission and former investigative reporter and managing editor for the Chicago Tribune. “There is now recourse if that is avoided, and that’s why it’s good enough for me.”

Transparency = House Bill 35
The state also launched a new Web site where anyone with Internet access can look up state employee salaries, state contacts and state-issued licenses. It’s called the Illinois Transparency and Accountability Portal. The site is up at http://accountability.illinois.gov/ but has little content yet.

Ethics and lobbying reform = Senate Bill 54
Reports written by inspectors general will be made public record if the inspectors find wrongdoing and either suspend or terminate a state employee. Some information could still be blacked out, or redacted, if its release would harm an ongoing investigation.

The Executive Ethics Commission will house new procurement officers to oversee the way state agencies buy goods and services.Employees and candidates cannot promise compensated time off, benefits, raises, job promotions, favorable regulatory treatment or a state contract in exchange for a campaign contribution.

People who lobby state boards, commissions or retirement boards now will have to register as lobbyists. All lobbyists will have to abide by stricter disclosure requirements, including listing all expenditures related to lobbying activities, their clients and the subject matter of lobbying activities. The reports will have to be filed with the secretary of state on a weekly basis when the legislature is in session and monthly during the off-season.

Campaign finance reform = House Bill 7
Quinn indicated he also would act on legislation that would limit the amount individuals and political organizations could donate to political campaigns. HB 7 won legislative approval but was not the version recommended by the governor’s own Illinois Reform Commission. Quinn could use his amendatory veto power to change the legislation, although he said he uses that power judiciously. “I’m going to use that only where it’s needed and where it can advance the common good. I think that’s the way we have to do it. We don’t do it to kick the legislature in the shins. I don’t believe in that.”

In the pic: Governor Pat Quinn signed a bill for a new state "transparency portal".

Read Bethany's full reports at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/

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 19
1545 HRS 00 BLOCK OF ECHO HILL. WANTED ON WARRANT. SILBERBAUER, JASON M., M/W 19 YEARS OF AGE,1412 DOLDER LANE, SPRING GROVE. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant McHenry County for Failureto Appear for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Bond $3000. 10% applies. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
2151 HRS ACORN LN. & ACORN CT. WANTED ON WARRANT. KNUTSEN, ELIZABETH M., F/W 47 YEARS OF AGE,342 VILLAGE CREEK DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant, Boone County for Failure toAppear for Driving While License Suspended, Bond $673.00 Full Cash and Wanted on Warrant Rockford Police Department for Driving under the Influence $5,000. 10% applies. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
0728 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (LITH PD). CRIMINAL DEFACEMENT. Spray paint graffiti found on a power generator box located in thelower parking lot.
1045 HRS 200 BLOCK OF COOL STONE BEND. SSIST AMBULANCE. 43 year old female having difficulty breathing. No Transport.
1213 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & OAKLEAF RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1304 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. 49 year old male experiencing chest pains.Transported to Sherman Memorial Hospital.
1412 HRS 100 BLOCK OF INDIAN TRAIL. THEFT. Complainant advised an unknown subject withdrew moneyfrom her bank account. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
2114 HRS 100 BLOCK OF ELLIS RD. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Husband vs. wife. No priors. FAIL TO FILE.
DELAYED REPORT:0627HRS/072809 MILLER RD. & RANDALL RD. ACCIDENT. 2 vehicles. Property damage only.

Illinois HS Students Score Higher But Fall in D300

Illinois students increased their overall scores this year in the ACT mandatory college-prep test but D300 kids fell behind according to information released this morning by the test service and the district.

D300 composite scores summarizing English, Math, Reading and Science tests fell .2 of a point from last year, .4 of a point below the state average according to a press release the district sent out yesterday at 4:49 pm. D158 sent no release at all. Breakouts by district and school were unavailable this morning at the ACT website. Nor was a report available at the Illinois State Board of Education site although the test is required of all students in Illinois.

According to ACT's state report Illinois scores increased for the third year in a row to 20.8 points but remained below the national average of 21.1. A score of 36 points is the maximum possible.

Jacobs High School's composite score was unchanged from last year at 21.5, still .7 points above the state average. Hampshire's increased .3 points to 20.8, par for the state. Dundee-Crown fell .3 points to 19.3, 1.5 points below the state average.

The D300 press release included 10 different things the district plans to increase ACT scores in the coming year including use of a new computerized student testing program yet to be approved by the district's board.

Here are the 2009 test results D300 released:

Composite score  English    Math       Reading    Science

D300 OVERALL
20.4             20.0       20.3       20.6       20.4       
Down .2 from 08  Down .5    Up .1      Steady     Down .1
.4 below state   .5 below   .4 below   .2 below   .3 below  

Jacobs HS
21.5             21.2       21.3       21.7       21.3
Same as 08       Down .4    Up .4      Down .2    Up .1
.7 above state   .7 above   .6 above   .9 above   .6 abov

Hampshire HS
20.8             20.4       20.4       21.2       20.6
Up .3 from 08    Down .2    Up .2      Up .8      Up .1
Meets state avge .1 below   .3 below   .4 above   .1 below

Dundee-Crown HS
19.3             18.7       19.2       19.2       19.4
Down .3 from 08  Down .6    Down .4    Down .2    Down .4
1.5 below state  1.8 below  1.5 below  1.6 below  1.3 below

ACT's report on Illinois test results is here:
http://www.act.org/news/data/09/pdf/states/Illinois.pdf

In the graph: Although Illinois student ACT scores improved this year they still remain behind the national average (green bars)

Huntley Chevy Closed But Not Forgotten

Confusion over the closing of Huntley Chevrolet can probably be summed up by a report from a guard at the site Monday. "There was a guy from GM here a couple of days ago and he said he didn't even know what was going on."

The guard who declined to identify himself said he was standing by to make sure no one hauled off the three dozen new (2008) cars and trucks that remain at the ex-dealership. The building is locked, phone calls reach a constant busy signal and a Kane County Sheriff's Office notice on the door suggests no one has been there since at least last Thursday.

The guard declined to say for whom he was working but the best bet is that it was MB Financial Bank, Chicago. The bank has a case pending in Kane County Circuit Court to recover the cars whose purchase from GM it financed for Huntley Chevrolet.

That case is one of five pending against Huntley Chevy in Kane County. Besides the car case there are two suits for back taxes, a mortgage dispute and a foreclosure for nonpayment of site fees. A group of mechanics filed suite against Huntley Chevrolet in Federal Court last week in an insurance dispute.

Despite the blizzard of legal paper it isn't clear just who closed Huntley Chevrolet and who's left holding the bag. Despite being specifically named in some of the cases and still listed as Huntley Chevrolet President in online records at the Secretary of State, Jeffrey Wulbert said Monday it wasn't he.

Reached at his new Infiniti dealership in Ft. Myers, FL, Wulbert claimed he hadn't been associated with Huntley Chevrolet for the past year and a half. Wulbert said he had to talk to a customer and would call back but didn't.

Attempts to contact the attorney listed for Huntley Chevrolet in the bank case were unsuccessful. The phone number listed in the official court records for Douglas Drenk belonged to a flower shop in Wheaton. (It was closed.) A call to Drenk's office in Addison reached only an answering machine.

James Mullally at Jack Franks' Marengo law firm was listed as MB Banks' attorney. He said Tuesday Huntley Chevrolet is now owned by an LLC but that he was only hired as local counsel in the case and referred other questions to the bank's Chicago lawyer. Attorney Aaron Stanton said that a client had just come in and he would call back shortly. He didn't.

Other attorneys listed in some of the suits were either out of the office or declined comment.

A search of Secretary of State records was unable to locate at LLC owner for Huntley Chevrolet.

Available online docket records in the various cases against Huntley Chevrolet appeared to indicate none was scheduled for further action until November.

Tryon Briefs Algonquin Board

Tuesday's Algonquin Board of Trustees Committee of the Whole meeting dwelled on plans for Hanson Road reconstruction (see story below). The board's regular session immediately following was largely devoted by a legislative briefing from State Rep. Mike Tryon, (R)-64.

Tryon often conducts such briefings for local village boards when the Legislature is in recess. Especially when a primary is coming up as is the case in less than six months.

Tryon said he was proud of the work he'd done securing funding for the Route 31 Bypass and Route 47 widening but warned that the money depended on revenue from new video gambling machines. DuPage County banned them from unincorporated areas this week and Will and Peoria and considering similar measures. Tryon's fellow representative, Jack Franks (D)-63, in a letter to County Board President Ken Koehler, called for McHenry County to do the same.

Tryon said the state's recent budget compromise didn't really solve its financial problems. "We've got a $9.6 billion deficit on a 12-month budget. We can't tax our way out of that," he said.

Tryon said this year's state spending was stuck because most federal stimulus funds came on the condition that last year's levels remain in place. He said he didn't expect such restrictions on budgeting next year and that cuts would probably be made in education and Medicaid spending.

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 18
1645 HRS RAKOW RD. & ROUTE 31. WANTED ON WARRANT. GERMAN, CHARLES, M/W 25 YEARS OF AGE, 1100 W. LINCOLN HIGHWAY, DEKALB. CHARGES: Wanted on warrant; DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office failure to appear-driving on suspended license. Bond amount $5,000. 10% applies. Driving while license suspended. RELEASED ON BOND.
0818 HRS 1070 ALGONQUIN RD., (HANDLE WITH CARE). DOMESTIC. Ex boyfriend vs. ex girlfriend. Verbal only. No priors.
1339 HRS 400 BLOCK OF THUNDER RIDGE. ASSIST AMBULANCE. 46 year old female experiencing non-stop vomiting. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
2129 HRS 100 BLOCK OF E. ACORN LN. BURGLARY FROM MOTOR VEHICLE. Passenger side window broken, stereo taken.
2254 HRS 1400 BLOCK OF WASHINGTON ST. MISSING JUVENILE. Female 16 years of age did not return home. Entered into LEADS.

Algonquin's Hanson Road To Close For A Year

Algonquin residents will have a week to figure out alternative routes on the village's west side before Hanson Road shuts down for about a year. Reconstruction on Hanson will begin Monday the 24th, probably for a year.

Plans to rebuild the main north-south feeder route on the village's north end have been in the works for several months but were only approved by the Illinois Department of Transportation last week. "The contractors are champing at the bit," said Algonquin Public Works Director Bob Mitchard before the final conference. A final IDOT OK was required for the project since 80 percent of its funding will funnel through that agency.

Assistant Village Manager Jenna Kollings said, "This isn't just a resurfacing project. We have to rebuild the whole road from the base up."

Like many thoroughfares in McHenry County Hanson road was never intended for the number of vehicles it now carries. At several locations pounding from heavy traffic has caused the base under the pavement to fail and now the whole road needs to be dug out and rebuilt better. While that's underway the village also plans to upgrade the thoroughfare with storm sewers, curbs and gutters. A bike path to the west of the road is also planned.

The reconstruction will complicate Algonquin commuting, however. Starting Monday Hanson will be closed from south of Huntington Drive to the north of Edgewood Drive. In the first phase the shutdown will cut east-west feeder Harnish Road in two. Access to the west end of Zange Drive and the east end of Westbury Drive will also be shut off.

Traffic planners expect the construction to throw more traffic onto Randall Road, Route 31 and Algonquin Roads. Just what effect that will have is open to speculation. Generally, slack gasoline sales indicate people have cut back on driving during the recession. Anecdotally officials think local traffic volume has has fallen somewhat as well.

In the pics: Hanson Road in Algonquin will close for a year starting Monday. Sections of the road have failed past the point of simple resurfacing. The village has provided a detour map. (Click for a bigger version.) Link to the Village's .pdf map is here:
http://www.algonquin.org/egov/docs/1250273565_275512.pdf

Commission Seats Open At Huntley

The village of Huntley is looking for a few good men. Or women. And only two if you get right down to it. The village has vacant seats on its Planning Commission and on the Historic Preservation Commission.

Neither spot is a salaried position although the Planning Commission spot carries a $30 per diem compensation. Service on either commission is just "another way of paying the community back," said Village Clerk Rita McMahon.

The Planning Commission meets for an hour or two at 7 pm on the second and fourth Mondays each month and sometimes on the Wednesdays following those nights when there's a joint session with the village Zoning Board of Appeals. The Preservation Commission meets on the third Tuesday after the first Monday of each month.

Huntley residents who would like to join either advisory board should contact McMahon at the Village Hall.

In the pic: Huntley residents can play Sim City for real on the Planning Commission.

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 17
0147 HRS ANNANDALE DR. & ALGONQUIN RD. AGGRAVATED DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. TRAN, VINH VAN, M/W 32 YEARS OF AGE, 3722 EASTMONT DR., SOUTH BEND, INDIANA. CHARGES: Aggravated Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving under the
Influence of Alcohol with Breath Alcohol Content Over .16, Driving while License Revoked, Disobeying a Stop Sign. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
1648 HRS ROUTE 47 & ACKMAN RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. JUAREZ, VICTOR J., M/W 44 YEARS OF AGE, 6150 STATELINE RD., WALWORTH, WISCONSIN. CHARGES: Driving while License Suspended, Suspended Registration, Defective Windshield, No Insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.
0338 HRS 300 BLOCK OF MEADOW LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 54 years of age, dazed and confused from not taking his medication. Transported to Northern Illinois Medical Center Hospital.
0810 HRS 800 BLOCK OF TARALON TRAIL. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 54 years of age, was breathing, but not responsive. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1108 HRS 4600 BLOCK OF SAGINAW ST. THEFT. A patio umbrella and vase taken from the back yard of a home.
1122 HRS 2700 BLOCK OF BRISBANE DR. BATTERY. A 15 year old male juvenile struck another male juvenile. FAIL TO FILE.
1217 HRS 9625 HALIGUS RD., (MARLOWE MIDDLE SCHOOL). THEFT. A bicycle was taken while the victim was inside registering for school.
1239 HRS 100 BLOCK OF ASH ST. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 76 years of age, lost consciousness. No transport.
1737 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. DOMESTIC. Wife vs Husband. Verbal only. No priors.
1817 HRS 200 S ANNANDALE DR., (LEROY GUY PARK). CRIMINAL DEFACEMENT. Profanity written on a slide.
2029 HRS 100 BLOCK OF OAKLEAF RD. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 42 years of age, fell and injured his head. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
Huntley
August 11
Alex L. Ochoa, age 31, of 233 Orange Street, Elgin, IL, was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for no seat belt and uninsured motor vehicle.
Criminal damage to property occurred near 11600 Daniel. A resident reported a windshield broken by a rock.
Jason T. Koski, age 29, of 1025 Juniper, Libertyville, IL, was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for loud muffler. Mr. Koski posted bond and was released with McHenry County Court date of September 18, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.
A male juvenile was arrested and cited for no valid driver’s license, no insurance, and failure to yield to avoid an accident. The juvenile was issued a McHenry County court date of September 11, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.
A member of Centegra Healthbridge reported that a gym locker was broken into and a wallet and gift card was stolen.
August 13
Troy J. Darnell, age 26, of 11004 N. Myrtle Street was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court out McHenry County. Mr. Darnell posted bond and was released.
Two juveniles were in Ol Timers Park after dark and were issued citations.
August 14
Rafael M. L. Moore, age 26, of 8511 Dafred, Rockford, IL, was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for improper lane use. Mr. Moore posted bond and was released with a McHenry County Court date of September 18, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.
Two individuals were in Weiss Park after dark and were issued citations.
August 15
Salvador Jacobo-Rangel, age 25, of 5830 W. 64th Street, Chicago, IL, was arrested for no valid driver’s license. Mr. Jacobo-Rangle posted bond and was released with a McHenry County Court date of September 18, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.

Region Engineers Create Business Incubator

Lake in the Hills software engineer Ardel Keil is out of work. That's no distinction in McHenry County (or Lake or Cook) where layoffs from the incredible shrinking Motorola have hit hard. Most of the week Keil slugs it out with his fellows in the crowded tech job market but each Thursday he tries something different: pulling himself up by his bootstraps.

Keil is part of a small group of laid off hardware and software engineers trying to invent new tech businesses. It's a subset of an imromptu support group for laid off Motorola workers called ExMoto.info. The group began when organizer Rober Gonnering, Schaumburg, was laid off from Motorola and began networking to find a new job. "I was talking with this guy and after a while he finally mumbled, 'I got laid off, too'," said Gonnering. "You could feel the shame and sense of failure he had. I found a few more in the next couple of days."

Gonnering set up what began as a Motorola support group early this year. It quickly spawned a program to help unemployed engineers improve their certifications. That, in the past month has in turn spun off a tech business incubator, the one to which Keil commutes every Thursday in Schaumburg.

"I'm working on an idea for the next meeting," Keil said last week. If the group approves it Keil said he was prepared to become an entrepreneur. "I'm single, motivated and I don't have any major expenses."

"We had two new ideas today," said Gonnering. "We have to evaluate them now for feasibility--technological and marketing. If they still hold water we'll develop business plans."

Keil said he didn't plan to put all his eggs in one basket yet, though. "I'll continue to look for a job with an established company. There's more security in it."

In the pic: Former Motorola engineers, including Ardel Keil, far right, debate the merits of the latest business scheme generated in their business incubator.

McHenry County Tops State In Rabid Bats

The McHenry County Department of Public Health confirmed the county's 13th rabid bat this weekend. That makes McHenry County far and away the rabid bat capital of the state. The latest report shows the dounty with fully 1/3 of all reported cases this year, twice as many as neighboring Cook County, four times DuPage's number.

McDH spokeswoman Debra Quackenbush dismissed the spectre of sky full of slavering insectivores. "I think we've done a good job of educating people about rabies and it may be that we're just better at reporting them than the other counties," she said.

Quackenbush warned once again that if a bat is found where it shouldn't be, especially if it can't fly, it may be rabid and should be reported to her department. She said any bat indoors should be isolated and reported.

Local Artist Chosen Best At Batavia

Algonquin artist Ken Webster was still tickled this weekend over being awarded the "Best of Show" blue ribbon at Batavia's recent Art In Your Eye exhibition. Especially since it came with a handsome check.

"It'll help me stay in painting," Webster said. "My wife gets on my all the time. 'Why don't you paint what people will buy?' I want to paint something that has meaning to me."

In the pic: Webster celebrates recognition of his latest painting series exploring the past, in this case the 1950's.

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 16
0510 HRS 211 N. RANDALL RD.,(STEAK N SHAKE). WANTED ON WARRANT. GABBERT, JAMES, M/W 26 YEARS OF AGE, 1125 WINDSLOW CIRCLE, CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant, DeKalb County for Failure to Appear, Unlawful Delivery of Cannabis. Bond Amount: $20,000 at 10%. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
0847 HRS ACORN LN. & RANDALL RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. PLEASANT, TERRANCE B., M/B 41 YEARS OF AGE, 305 OREGON RD.,WEST DUNDEE. Charge: Driving While License Suspended. RELEASED ON BOND
0044 HRS 10 BLOCK OF CROSSVIEW CT. DOMESTIC. Ex-girlfriend vs Ex-boyfriend. Verbal only. No priors.
1043 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF SWEETWATER RIDGE. RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY. Two bicycles were taken from a garage on 081409. One of the bicycles was recovered.
1240 HRS RANDALL RD. & POLARIS DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 52 years of age, having a diabetic reaction. No transport.
1354 HRS 9341 PYOTT RD., (BARBARA KEY PARK). ACCIDENT. Car vs telephone pole. Property damage only.
1423 HRS PYOTT RD & OAK ST. ORDINANCE VIOLATION. Unauthorized signs.
1638 HRS LAKEWOOD RD. & REED RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1750 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF MONROE ST. DOMESTIC. Husband vs Wife. Verbal only. No priors.
1845 HRS 20 BLOCK OF CLARK AVE. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Boyfriend vs Girlfriend. One prior. FAIL TO FILE.
1905 HRS 500 BLOCK OF WRIGHT DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 83 years of age, bleeding from the rectum. Transported to Saint Joseph’s Hospital.
1939 HRS 20 BLOCK OF CLARK AVE. DOMESTIC. Boyfriend vs Girlfriend. Two priors.
2140 HRS 231 N RANDALL RD., (TACO BELL). BATTERY. Subject was punched in the face by an unknown offender. FAIL TO FILE.
Algonquin
August 14
13:10pm Jones, Bradley M. DOB: 07/12/88 – Homeless – was charged with Obstructing Justice. He was taken into custody at Randall Road and Stonegate Road. He was transported to McHenry County Jail, to await a bond hearing.
18:06pm Conner, Eddie D. DOB: 10/09/81 of 15 Oakcrest Street, Carpentersville, was charged with DWLS, No Proof of Insurance and No Seat Belt. He was taken into custody at Route 62 and Sandbloom Road. He was transported to McHenry County Jail, when unable to post bond.
22:09pm Giese, Pepper DOB: 01/27/69 of 5304 W. Washington Blvd, Chicago, was charged with DUI, Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid Accident and No Proof of Insurance. She was taken into custody at Route 62 and Towne Center. She was released after posting $100 and her Illinois Driver’s license, with a court date of 09/23/09, in McHenry County.
August 15
01:41am Arteaga, Abraham DOB: 01/19/89 of 139 N. Butrick, Waukegan, was charged with DWLS, Speeding and No Proof of Insurance. He was taken into custody at Route 31 and Arrowhead Drive. He was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond, with a court date of 09/16/09, in McHenry County.
August 16
00:01am Lorenz, Victoria DOB: 10/07/66 of 1230 Blue Ridge Parkway, Algonquin, was charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident and Improper Lane Usage. She was taken into custody at Tavern at the Bridge, 101 E. Algonquin Road. She was released after posting $100, with a court date of 09/30/09, in McHenry County.
20:17pm Raymer, Brittany A. DOB: 08/22/90 of 6363 Suttondale Road, Huntley, was charged with DWLS. She was taken into custody at Randall Road and Longmeadow Parkway. She was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond, with a court date of 09/23/09, in McHenry County.
Huntley
delayed

Area Resident Protests Bank Fees

Westbound on Algonquin Road past Wander Way traffic was too fast Saturday morning to make out the homemade protest signs. They said "Castle Bank".

Somebody was mad about something at the Lake in the Hills bank there but the traffic light at Crystal Lake Road forced most motorists to shift eyes left again before absorbing any more detail.

"Somebody" was Lake in the Hills resident Mike Meadows, his mother, wife and daughter. What he was mad about was service fees. Lots of them, he said, about $1,000 worth. "I just got a job again and basically, they took my first paycheck," said Meadows.

At issue was the bank's charges for bounced checks. Meadows who said he'd been out of work for several months was coy about the circumstances but admitted he'd written "about 30" insufficient funds checks. "It was my fault. I screwed up," he said.

His gripe was the banks charges for each bounced check. "They started at $28 and then went up to $30." Meadows said he argued about the fees and the bank agreed to cut him some slack. "They gave me $60 back," he said.

Meadows, holding his protest sign, said he felt abused. "We've bailed the whole banking industry out and I think they need to work with their customers a little bit now," he said.

Inquiries at Castle Bank were turned away with the explanation that no one was authorized to comment on them until at least Monday.

In the pic: Mike Meadows and Fran Mandernack protest local bank charges Saturday.

Rabbits Multiply At No Splitting Hares Shelter

Saturday saw McHenry County's Animal Control shelter hold a big adoption event for cats and dogs in Crystal Lake but finding a home for rabbits was the focus at an adoption event on Cary Road in unincorporated Algonquin.

"After dogs and cats, rabbits are the third most abandoned animals," said Lisa Reemer, founder of No Splitting Hares animal rescue. "People buy them for the kids but after a few weeks the kids lose interest," she said. The luckier ones are turned in to animal shelters, she said, the less fortunate are just turned loose. "They don't know how to live in the wild," said Reemer. "They've never been there. They've spent their whole lives in cages."

Most animal shelters won't keep rabbits for more than a week, according to Reemer, so she and her corps of volunteers have become to go-to group in the Chicago area to care for abandoned bunnies. "The City of Chicago hasn't euthanized any rabbits in 12 months since we've been picking them up there," she said.

Whole Foods in Hoffman Estates donates wilted greens to feed her fuzzy charges said Reemer but, "I'm going through 12 40-pound bags of rabbit food a week." It's not that bunnies are big eaters. The problem is that No Splitting Hares now has about 200 rabbits on hand.

"Rabbits aren't pocket pets," said Reemer.

In the pic: Volunteers Maggie McElyea, Streamwood, and Tabitha Lindquist, Elgin, help set up No Splitting Hares' rabbit adoption event Saturday in Algonquin.

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 15
0812 HRS CARLEMONT DR. & VILLAGE RD. NO VALID DRIVERS LICENSE. AGUILAR-ARGUELLES, JAVIER, M/W 37 YEARS OF AGE,810 ELESTON DR.,CRYSTAL LAKE. Charges: No Valid Drivers License, Disobeying a Traffic Device. RELEASED ON CASH BOND.
FOLLOW UP ARRESTS: 1435 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (LITH POLICE). AGGRAVATED BATTERY. JUVENILE, M/W 15 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Battery. TURNED OVER TO KANE COUNTY JUVENILE
DETENTION CENTER. JUVENILE, M/W 14 YEARS OF AGE, ALGONQUIN. CHARGES: Aggravated Battery with a Weapon. TURNED OVER TO KANE COUNTY JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER.
0904 HRS HALIGUS RD. & GRAFTON FARM DR. ABANDONED VEHICLE. A wooden trailer was left behind at the intersection.
1059 HRS 5500 BLOCK OF WINDGATE WAY. FOUND PROPERTY A bicycle. Bike was placed into evidence.
1742 HRS 1500 BLOCK OF WASHINGTON ST.
DOMESTIC BATTERY Mother vs Daughter. No priors.FAIL TO FILE.
1809 HRS 101 N. RANDALL RD., (DOMINICKS). INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Car fire in the parking lot of Dominick’s. Report for insurance.
1844 HRS 800 BLOCK OF WEDGEWOOD CIRCLE. CHILD CUSTODY PROBLEM. Complainant was not allowed his court ordered visitation of his children. NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED.
2000 HRS 300 BLOCK OF HIAWATHA DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 40 years of age, fell off her bike.
Transported to Saint Joseph’s Hospital.
2115 HRS 201 LAKEWOOD RD., (LEROY GUY PARK). DOG BITE. Complainant was bitten by neighbor’s dog.

LITH Loud Cars Event

At Street Legal Car Audio's 4th Annual Loud Car Competition in Lake in the Hills Saturday dozens of cars with loud sound proved once again that if some is good, more is better and too much is just enough.

Street Legal's business is pumping up car sound systems and the day's test was to see whose was the most steroidal. "The average car can do about 125 decibels (the unit of sound measurement)", said owner Miguel Rodriguez. "To push anything above around 130 decibels, it starts to get hard."

If a five-point jump sounds skimpy, the decibel scale is a peculiar one in which every 10 points represents a doubling of sound energy. "You get up around 150 you have to have double alternators and stuff like that," said Rodriguez.

The loudest car Saturday belonged to area resident Mike Strassburg whose car sound system clocked 153.1 decibels. Rodriguez said that's about as much noise as a jet fighter puts out on takeoff. Strassburg's car was loud, Rodriguez said, but didn't set a competition record. "A couple years ago the winner made 156."

In the pic: Spare tires and luggage space were in short supply at Saturday's Loud Car Competition in Lake in the Hills.