Jacobs HS Homecoming Game Honors 9/11

Jacobs High School Homecoming Game, usually a festive occasion, was preceeded by solemnity Friday, falling as it did on September 11.

There was an element of razzmatazz with the game ball flown in via helicopter but that was immediately followed by a memorial ceremony and moment of silence. The Lake in the Hills American Legion Color Guard led a commemorative walk around the track along with several other groups honoring those who have served our country including police, fire, military veterans and active duty personnel.

A memorial recitation by Jacobs student Elizabeth Lampp summed up the occasion. "Today, we honor the lives of those lost, the families who lost them, and the brave women and men who toiled throughout the long days and nights to bring them closure and save lives. Today, we give them the only reward we can: our memories, our love, and our thanks."

In the pic: Our flag was still there. Friday at Jacobs' Homecoming Game.

Fox Valley Conference Friday Football Scores

Prairie Ridge 27, Jacobs 10
Huntley 47, Woodstock North 7
Johnsburg 55, Dundee-Crown 7
Crystal Lake South 35, Grayslake Central 0
Cary-Grove 60, Woodstock 6
Crystal Lake Central 28, Elgin 14
McHenry 42, Grayslake North 0

Algonquin Shutterbugs Get An Extension

Algonquin's annual photo contest was supposed to have closed Sept. 1 but the deadline's been extended to Oct. 15 to encourage more entries.

Winners in the contest will receive official accolades but the pics themselves will represent the village on its website and in a number of village print publications.

In the pic: Events and Recreation Coordinator Sara Stefan and Administrative Analyst Mike Kumbera pick their favorites so far in Algonquin's photo contest.

Roofing Relieves Forlorn Riverside Square

This week's addition of a few squares of architectural shingles were aimed at preserving Algonquin's Riverside Square from further physical deterioration. Cosmetically they slightly relieved the "hamburger stand with a pituitary problem"-look, as well, though.









Tucked away in the interior is this small section of what the brick facing was going to look like before someone pulled the joker out of Aspen Builders' fragile financial house of cards a year ago.

McHenry County Grand Jury 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.

KELLY L. ARTEL, DOB: 05/19/81, 1351 CUNAT COURT,LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL 60156. RETAIL THEFT.--ALGONQUIN PD
WASFI AWWAD, DOB: 11/18/93, 112 PHEASANT TRAIL,LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL 60156; MOHAMMAD AWWAD, DOB: 10/04/92, 112 PHEASANT TRAIL,LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL 60156. AGGRAVATED BATTERY, MOB ACTION, UNLAWFUL CONTACT WITH STREET GANG MEMBERS.--LITH PD
KUNAL K. VASHI, DOB: 01/08/86, 1131 STARWOOD PASS, LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL 60156. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.--McHenry County Sheriff

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
September 11
0110 HRS MENOMINEE DR. & APACHE TRAIL. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. CRACKEL, SANDRA KAY, F/W 48 YEARS OF AGE, 409 SANDRA ST., KINGSTON. CHARGES: Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving under the Influence of Alcohol with a Breath Alcohol Content Over .16, Improper Lane Usage, No Rear Registration Light. RELEASED ON BOND.
1525 HRS 0 BLOCK OF ROYAL OAK CT. DOMESTIC BATTERY. MARANTO, JAMES V., M/W 37 YEARS OF AGE, 1 ROYAL OAK CT., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Domestic Battery, Two counts. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
0545 HRS 3800 BLOCK OF WILLOW VIEW DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 37 years of age, with a high fever. Transported to Woodstock Hospital.
1303 HRS ACORN LN. & INDIAN TRAIL. LOST PROPERTY. Street sign stop sign combination missing from intersection.
1424 HRS 00 BLOCK OF HERON CT. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Husband vs. wife. No priors. FAIL TO FILE.
2133 HRS 00 BLOCK OF CLARK AVE. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Boyfriend vs. girlfriend. 3 priors. FAIL TO FILE.

Largest Foreclosure Meeting Yet As County Numbers Rise

More than 500 McHenry County homes went into foreclosure last month according to a report released yesterday. That might explain why Thursday's Mortgage Relief Project workshop drew over 70 people to talk to counselors at McHenry County College Thursday.

It was the fourth such Illinois meeting in as many months, and a spokesman said far the largest.

According to figures from Realty Trac, an online foreclosure database company, default, auction and agent-owned properties in McHenry County are up more than 80 percent from a year ago. They were up only 49 percent in the entire state and only 28 percent for the U.S. overall. More than 3,500 homes in McHenry County fell in the "distressed" category in the first eight months of the year, up from less than 2,000 during the same period last year.

State Representatives Mike Tryon (R)64 and Jack Franks (D)63 sponsored the meeting with staffers from the Ilinois Department of Financial and Prosessional regulation and the Illinois Housing Development Authority.

The pair briefed troubled homeowners on that state's latest increased protection against foreclosure, the Homeowner Protection Act that gives property owners an extra 90 days to get their mortgages back on track.

At FEN's request IDFPR Director of Consumer Services Mario Pantoja compressed a lengthy presentation for troubled homeowners into 10 digits: 800-532-8785. "Oh, yeah," said Pantoja. "They're real people. We've got 12 of them all the time."

In the pics: Above-- Mike Tryon (left) and Jack Franks (right) tell McHenry homeowners what how the state can help them keep their homes. Below--Counselors were swamped with property owners seeking help.

LITH OK's Video Gambling

Lake in the Hills Trustees swam counter to a swelling tide of opposition to video gambling Thursday legalizing the use of the machines in the village.

Without debate and unanimously, trustees amended village ordinances that previously banned things like video slot machines to take advantage of Illinois' newly-enacted Video Gambling Law.

The law claims 30 percent of each machine's net profit for the state with 1/6 of the tax going to the municipality in which it's located. The state Gaming Board estimates the municipal take will average about $2250 per machine. (Trustees also enacted a $100 per machine local license fee.)

That figure only applies to installed machines, of course, and it's uncertain how many of the 10 Lake in the Hills establishments that now may install them will. Most are restaurants, not saloons, where video poker might not be a good business fit.

In an off-the-record interview last week, the manager of one establishment where the machines might make sense said they looked attractive on paper but he'd wait to see how much hassle the Gaming Board was going to put him though before making a decision. (Scroll down for yesterday's story.)

The next local video gambling development will involve McHenry County's plan to OK video gambling in about 60 unincorporated locations. A public hearing is set for 6 pm October 7 at the County Board Room in Woodstock.

Bond $20,000 In Fraudulent Urine Case

McHenry County Deputies Thursday arrested McHenry woman, 35 year-old Heather A. Derer, for defrauding a drug and alcohol screening test.

According to deputies, Derer reported to her McHenry County Adult Probation Officer Wednesday and was requested to perform a random urine screen. During the test, according to a report, Derer provided a urine sample from someone else that she had smuggled into the McHenry County Government Center.

The County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division arrested Derer and took her to McHenry County Jail pending $20,000 bail.

Garage Sales

Lake in the Hills
Friday, September 11
88 POLARIS DR #1A
2960 HILLSBORO LN 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
723 MOHICAN TR 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
4360 ROLLING HILLS DR 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
1202 W ALGONQUIN RD 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
9 GLASCOW CT 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
217 INDIAN TRL 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
305 OAKLEAF RD 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday, September 12
88 POLARIS DR #1A
180 HILLTOP DR 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
2960 HILLSBORO LN 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
4360 ROLLING HILLS DR 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
2780 HILLSBORO LN 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
723 MOHICAN TR 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
9 GLASCOW CT 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
1110 HEAVENS GATE 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
217 INDIAN TRL 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
305 OAKLEAF RD 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
1158 HEARTLAND GATE 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday, September 13
88 POLARIS DR #1A
180 HILLTOP DR 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
2780 HILLSBORO LN 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
1110 HEAVENS GATE 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
217 INDIAN TRL 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
305 OAKLEAF RD 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
1158 HEARTLAND GATE 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 free garage sale notices for those villages. Send address, date(s) and time(s) to garagesales@firstelectricnewspaper.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
September 10
0935 HRS 1301 PYOTT RD., (ILLINOIS STATE BANK). DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. PETERSON, RYAN J, M/W 28 YEARS OF AGE, 7716 E. SUNSET DR., WONDER LAKE. Charges: Driving While License Suspended, No Insurance, Failure to Transfer Registration. RELEASED ON BOND.
1328 HRS VILLAGE RD. & RANDALL RD. WANTED ON WARRANT. SIN, SAMUEL, M/W 18 YEARS OF AGE, 1642 WARRINGTON LN., CRYSTAL LAKE. Charges: Wanted on Warrant, McHenry County for Failure to Appear, Crimes against Person. Bond Amount: $5,000 at 10%. RELEASED ON BOND.
2230 HRS 6900 RAKOW RD., (RAKOW CURVE). DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. LORD, ERIC R., M/W 43 YEARS OF AGE, 782 OAK HOLLOW, CARPENTERSVILLE. CHARGES: Driving while License Suspended, Speeding, Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicle. RELEASED ON BOND.
FOLLOW-UP ARREST: 1424HRS 9625 HALIGUS RD., (MARLOWE MIDDLE SCHOOL).
POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. JUVENILE, M/W 13 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. RELEASED TO PARENT.
0352 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF HEAVENS GATE. SUICIDE ATTEMPT. Male, 42 years of age, swallowed drain cleaner. Transported to Saint Joseph’s Hospital.
0937 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & PYOTT RD. ACCIDENT. Delayed from 082709. Two Vehicles. Property Damage Only.
1232 HRS 5400 BLOCK OF CROSSVIEW LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 58 year of age, having trouble breathing. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1402 HRS 200 BLOCK OF APACHE TRAIL. INJURY ACCIDENT. Vehicle hit a tree. Male subject struck his head. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
2230 HRS 6900 RAKOW RD., (RAKOW CURVE).INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Officer had contact with a registered sex offender on a traffic stop.
Algonquin
September 7
17:39pm A fifteen-year-old male from Algonquin was charged with Possession of Stolen Property. He was taken into custody at 640 Ash Street. He was formally Station Adjusted and then released into the custody of his mother.
September 8
18:31pm Adrahtas, Thomas J. DOB: 09/26/41 of 342 Millard Street, Crystal Lake, was charged with Retail Theft. He was taken into custody at Meijer, 400 S. Randall Road. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 10/14/09, in McHenry County.
September 9
15:15pm Saenz, Masedonio D. DOB: 04/25/82 of 520 Webster Street, Algonquin, was Wanted on a Warrant out of McHenry County for Failure to Appear, on a DWLS charge. He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. He was released after posting $300, with a court date of 09/23/09, in McHenry County.
18:09pm Kaminsky, Joel M. DOB: 07/05/67 of 2941 Baldwin, Lake in the Hills, was charged with Battery. He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. He was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond, with a court date of 10/14/09, in McHenry County.
19:30pm Brinkman, William J. DOB: 10/21/77 of 11616 Halma Lane, Woodstock, was Wanted on a Warrant out of McHenry County for Failure to Appear, on a DWLS charge. He was taken into custody at 1000 Wesley Lane. He was released after posting $300, with a court date of 09/10/09, in McHenry County.
September 10
01:43am Petersen, Jessica L. DOB: 04/28/86 of 1010 Zange Drive, Algonquin, was charged with DUI, DUI Over and Improper Lane Usage. She was taken into custody at Edgewood and Cardinal Drives. She was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond, after posting her Illinois Driver’s License, with a court date of 10/21/09, in McHenry County.

Huntley FPD Plans New Fire Station In Algonquin

Huntley Fire Protection District Trustees approved a measure to design a fourth fire station in unincorporated Algonquin Wednesday.

Trustees will call soon for architect's bids to design the estimated $3 million station to the south of Algonquin Road between Square Barn Road and Wentworth Drive.

Huntley Chief Jim Saletta told trustees the district handled over 3,000 calls last year with an average response to location time of only 5 minutes and he'd like to keep it that way.

"We don't have dire need for this," Saletta told the board but he said that based on Huntley's patterns of development, eventually the district would. With the current slump in construction Saletta said the district could get more bang for the buck building now instead of later during a recovery.

"Economically this is not a gamble," said Saletta. "We're not throwing the dice. We can do it."

Trustees held off final approval for the station until building plans are finished next March in case the financial situation changes. "We can't do anything until next summer, anyway," remarked Secretary Bonnie Bayser.

In the pics: Huntley Fire Protection District Chief Jim Salettta lays out the pros and cons for a fourth fire station. The new station's location.

Rush To Video Game Bans Probably Not Necessary

The McHenry County Liquor and License Committee Wednesday called for a public hearing on a measure to ban video gambling next month before the County Board's evening meeting.

The committee unanimously voted to place the ban on the board agenda but just as unanimously refused to say whether they supported or opposed it until after the hearing.

The proposed ordinance is part of growing Opposition to Illinois' new Video Gaming Law. Three cities and Du Page county have already voted to ban video gambling machines, and another 17 municipalities are considering it according to the Illinois Gaming Board. In fact there are so many bans proposed that Board tally is already wrong. Elburn nixed video gambling yesterday. Lake in the Hills is expected to vote on a video gaming measure this evening.

In practical terms, there's no rush, though. Video gaming isn't coming soon no matter what counties and municipalities decide in the next few weeks and months.

Although the Gaming Board is supposed to issue new regulations tomorrow, its chairman Aaron Jaffe said two weeks ago that wasn't going to happen and even early next year wasn't looking too good.

In their haste to fund a $31 billion capital bill, Illinois legislators forgot to give the Board any staff or money to oversee the new gambling expansion they authorized.

Besides drafting new regulations, the Gaming Board and State Police are supposed to conduct background investigations of thousands of new machine operators. Even cursory checks will be a monumental undertaking, however.

Likewise each of the 45,000 machines legislators envisioned is supposed to be somehow hooked up to an as-yet-uncreated Gaming Board Central so it can monitor or even shut down machines by remote control. Jaffe said his board can't so much as put out a request for proposals for a system until next month, much less design and install it.

"We will do it, but at our own pace when we are funded and when we have the people to do it," said Jaffe.

"No Serious Injuries" In Algonquin Schoolbus Accident

Paramedics from Algonquin and seven other departments swarmed Algonquin's Westfield Community School Wednesday morning after what police, fire and school district officials all called a minor bus accident at the school's dropoff area.

As students were disembarking from a pair of buses, the rear one rolled foward into the front. Algonquin Police Wednesday afternoon said they still weren't sure if the accident was driver error or mechanical malfunction.

Fire officials said 16 children were taken to area hospitals for examination. D300 Superintendent Ken Arndt said the rest of the 62 kids on the buses went to class.

A Conversation At FEN Wednesday

"What do you mean the pictures won't upload?" roared the publisher.

"I mean, Sir," said the IT manager cringing under his desk, "that when I try to post the pictures to Google, all I get is a message that it didn't work. I found some user forum messages that something went blooie about 4 am our time and they haven't fixed it yet."

"Certainly proves the worthlessness of Clodware," the publisher muttered.

"You mean Cloudware, Sir, where your personal computer is reduced to a dumb terminal and remote servers on the Internet actually host and carry out program operations," said the IT manager peering hopefully up between his knees.

"And if something goes wrong you can't do a thing about it, can you?" thundered the publisher. "It's Clodware! When's Google going to fix it?"

"Well, they're out in California, your Worship," said the IT Manager in his most servile tone. "Their tech guys probably won't be in until at least 11 am our time."

"Probably take 'em an hour to get through their latte lites and seaweed croissants before they get to work," the publisher grumbled. (In fact it was one hour, five minutes.) "William Randolph Hearst wouldn't stand for it."

"William Randolph Hearst is dead, Sir," said the IT manager.

"I'm not feeling too good myself," the publisher muttered.

"Then gather ye Rosebud while ye may, Sir," said the IT Manager.

He's still hiding under the desk.

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
September 9
0027 HRS FRANK RD. & ALGONQUIN RD. POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. MARSHALL, ORRON K., M/B 20 YEARS OF AGE, 356 WABASH ST., ELGIN. CHARGES: Possession of a Controlled Substance, Resisting a Police Officer. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
1631 HRS 10 BLOCK OF BALDWIN CT. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. MCLEAN, SAMANTHA J., F/W 36 YEARS OF AGE, 5 BALDWIN CT., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Disorderly Conduct. RELEASED ON BOND.
2012 HRS CRYSTAL LAKE RD. & LEE AVE. WANTED ON WARRANT. HINKLE, TRAVIS J., M/W 21 YEARS OF AGE, 574 DARLINGTON LN., CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant, McHenry County for Probation Violation, Traffic Offense. Bond Amount: $3,000 at 10%. RELEASED ON BOND.
0458 HRS 400 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. 44 year old male having a panic attack. No Transport.
0720 HRS 200 BLOCK OF INDIAN TRAIL. ASSIST AMBULANCE. 59 year old male needing lift assist. No Transport.
0934HRS 9625 HALIGUS RD.,(MARLOWE MIDDLE SCHOOL). ASSIST AMBULANCE. 14 year old male having an asthma attack. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
0940HRS 400 BLOCK OF E OAK ST. DOMESTIC Husband vs Wife. Verbal only. Two priors.
1036HRS 800 BLOCK OF WILLOW ST. IDENTITY THEFT. Fraudulently obtained credit card with victim’s identification.
1215HRS 5200 MILLER RD., (SUNSET PARK). FOUND PROPERTY. Found items turned in from the Summer Sunset Festival.
1400HRS 5500 BLOCK OF DANBURY CIRCLE. INFORMATION Report for Insurance.
1747 HRS 200 BLOCK OF COOLSTONE BEND. ASSIST AMBULANCE. 38 year old female having chest pain. Transported to Saint Joseph’s Hospital
1739 HRS 4300 BLOCK OF LARKSPUR LN. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Boyfriend vs Girlfriend. Four priors. FAIL TO FILE.
Huntley
August 31
A male juvenile at the high school was charged with possession of tobacco by a minor for smoking on school grounds.
Salvador S. Garcia age 47 of 10411 Northbridge was arrested for no valid driver’s license. Mr. Garcia posted bond and was given a court date.
September 2
Luis E. Zapata age 18 of 10790 Cape Cod was arrested on an outstanding Kane County warrant for unlawful use of credit card.
September 3
Bobby E. Hubbs age 41 of 11715 Daniel Lane was arrested for criminal damage to property. Mr. Hubbs posted bond and was given a McHenry County court date of October 9, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.
September 5
Marcelino Loera age 51 of 1631 Buckingham Avenue, Westchester, IL. was arrested for driving under the influence and cited for improper lane usage. Mr. Marcelino posted bond and was released.
Kevin Bardwell age 22 of 10820 Church Street was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court out of McHenry County. Mr. Bardwell posted bond and was released.
Richard G. Gauthier age 30 of 283 Wildmeadow Lane, Woodstock, IL. was arrested for driving while license suspended. Mr. Gauthier posted bond and was given a McHenry County court date of October 16, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.
September 5
Two male juveniles were charged with consumption of alcohol by a minor and possession of tobacco by a minor.
September 6
David A. Irvine age 34 of 35429 N. Sheridan Drive, Ingleside, IL, was charged with possession of fireworks.
Reyna E. Guerra age 48 of 520 N. Madison, Woodstock, IL, was arrested on an outstanding McHenry County warrant. Mr. Guerra posted bond and was released with a court date.
William Nufer age 39 of 4015 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL. was arrested for driving while license revoked and possession of drug paraphernalia. Mr. Nufer was also cited for expired registration.

Stadium Developer Asks More Time For Financing

The McHenry County Board Finance and Audit Committee told a Libertyville baseball stadium developer Tuesday he'd have to play by the rules if he hoped to receive $15 million in county facilities stimulus bonds.

Mark Houser's Equity One Development Corporation plans to erect a minor league baseball stadium on Route 14 at the east edge of Woodstock and submitted an application last week asking to receive more than half the county's authorized $27.5 million in facilities recovery bonds. Houser's application didn't list a bank to buy the bonds, however.

"I'm in kind of a Catch 22 here," Houser told the committee. "It's very hard to sell these bonds with (just) the backing of the private entity." That, however, is the essence of the bonds which would be backed only by revenue generated by the projects they finance.

Houser said that although two investment banks were willing to market the bonds for him they wanted the County Board to authorize them first. That is the reverse of the process the committee set up in the first place, though.

"It sounds like everybody wants somebody to be the one who says 'Yes' first," commented Board Member Mary Donner.

Member John Hammerand quizzed Houser on his background. Notably absent in Houser's reply was his role as developer of the divisive minor league baseball stadium finally rejected by McHenry County College last year. Prominent was his history as developer of the Libertyville Sports Complex. Coincidentally a regional newspaper profiled that facility this past weekend as a chronic money-loser for the Lake County village.

"We want some letter of commitment from (the bank)," said Committee Chairman Marc Munaretto. Otherwise, he said, the committee might be forced to reject stronger applications while Houser was still trying to line up financing for his own project.

Houser had requested six months to do that. The Finance committee gave him two more weeks.


In the pic: After asking the county for $15 million, baseball stadium developer Mark Houser said the project would return 9 percent to investors its first year. The MCC version wasn't projected to reach breakeven for five years. Houser called it "a completely different project."

Ex LITH Trustee Warns Against Video Gaming

Former Lake in the Hills Trustee Paula Yensen urged her ex-fellows not to legalize video gambling in the village Tuesday.

Yensen, now a McHenry County Board member, told trustees her own bitter experience should warn against gambling in the village.

"My ex-husband impoverished our family because of his addiction to gambling," Yensen said. "Professionals agree video poker is a fast track to addiction," Yensen told trustees. "I can only tell you the problem has had a profound impact on our family."

Legislators in July legalized video gambling in Illinois as one way to fund the state's capital projects bill. Lake in the Hills village ordinances currently outlaw gambling machines and trustees are considering opting in to the new regime.

In an informal survey the village found only 10 businesses eligible to install the machines in the first place and none with an especial burning desire to do so.

Nevertheless, "It's a revenue source," said Village Administrator Gerald Sagona. "Right now we can't afford to overlook any revenue source."

The McHenry County Board's Liquor and License Committee will consider a similar plan to legalize video gambling today with the question planned to go before the full board no matter what the committee recommends.

The Lake in the Hills board is expected to make their decision Thursday.

Villages Split The Difference On Stimulus Bonds

Goodwill and a little jawboning saw two McHenry County villages divvy up what was left of $18.3 million in development stimulus bonds Tuesday.

The County Finance and Audit Committee had already assigned $10.6 million of the total to Crystal Lake, Cary and the McHenry Library District planning to to keep $4 for the county when the villages of McHenry and Fox River Grove put in simultaneous requests totalling $5 million. That was more than was left to give out.

Committee Chairman Marc Munaretto said he brokered a deal for the two villages to equitably split what was left of the pie. McHenry gave up $1 million of it's $3.5 million request so Fox River Grove could have $1.23 million.

"Each comes away with something," said Munaretto.

Cops Close 31 After Fatal Accident

Algonquin Police closed traffic on northbound Route 31 for several hours Tuesday morning after a fatal accident. A Fox Lake man died when his truck struck a truck and a trailer as he was coming off the curve south of Carpentersville.

Alleged LITH Gang Members Out On Bail

Lake in the Hills Police announced Tuesday that 18 year-old Mazzin Awwad, charged with aggravated battery and mob action in a July LITH gang fight, had been released on bail.

Awwad's younger brothers, Mohammad, 16, and Wasfi, 15, also charged in the incident, had been released earlier.

LITH Chief of Support Services Mary Frake said Tuesday her department has beefed up patrols in the Pheasant Trail and Oakleaf Road neighborhood where gang activity has been prevalent.

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
9209 S. RT. 31 HIGHWAY, (AERO FORZE HEATING). MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT. A 1999 Mazda pickup truck was taken from the business.
0858 HRS 2250 W. ALGONQUIN RD., (PROVENA MED CARE). DEATH. Female, 85 years of age, was found unresponsive. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 58 years of age, needed an evaluation. Transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
1125 HRS 1200 BLOCK OF PYOTT RD. CRIMINAL DEFACEMENT. Graffiti found on a viaduct.
1230 HRS ACORN LN. & RANDALL RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1331 HRS 2900 BLOCK OF GENEVA LN. DOMESTIC. Daughter vs Mother. No priors.
Huntley
delayed

Virginia Road To Close Through October

Virginia Road will close today from Route 31 to Rakow Road for the next two months. Detours will be along 31 and Rakow.

Virginia will be totally rebuilt in the part near its intersection with Pingree Road in front of Waste Management's new transfer facility and partial reconstruction of the road's intersection at 31. A new water main will also be installed from Rakow down to the waste facility.

Depending on the weather, the work is expected to last through October. That creates a possible overlap with the nearby relocation of Pyott Road in front of the Lake in the HIlls Airport. A new section there will relocate Pyott 300 feet east and 12 feet lower. Connection of the new section is expected in October with final paving in November.

MCDH Offers Shots For Regular Flu

While everyone is concentrating on the H1N1 flu virus concern about the old familiar seasonal flu is getting short shrift in the press, even though it accounts for 30,000 to 40,000 deaths each year according to the Centers For Disease Control.

However, the McHenry County Department of Health has its eye on the seasonal flu ball, too, and will be offering seasonal flu vaccinations at the Algonquin Township Offices October 1 and 5. The shots are recommended for Persons 50 years of age and older, pregnant women, children 6 months through 18 years old and people of any age with chronic medical conditions, according to a department spokesman.

Seasonal flu shots are $25 and appointments can be scheduled online here:

http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/common/countydpt/hflushots/

In the chart: Flu of all types is up this year (red line) according to the Centers For Disease Control.

LITH Parks and Rec Punt, Pass And Kick Saturday

Is it football season already? Must be. The Lake in the Hills Parks and Recreation Department will hold its annual Punt, Pass and Kick Competition Saturday, 11 am at Woods Creek Park, on the corner of Ackman & Golf Course Roads in Crystal Lake.

Established in 1961, The NFL Punt, Pass and Kick program is a national skills competition for boys and girls between the ages of 8 to 15. With over four million girls and boys from around the country taking part, one of the world's largest youth sports participation programs. Kids compete in four separate age divisions (8-9, 10-11, 12-13, and 14-15).

There's no registration but a parental waiver signature is required Saturday. Gym shoes only, by the way.

In the pic: Intense concentration makes for good kicks at the Punt, Pass and Kick competition, not to mention a good quadriceps muscle group.

Friends Tell Friends About The First Electric Newspaper

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
September 7
0950 HRS 900 BLOCK OF BRANDT DR. RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY/THEFT. NEUMANN, PHILIP D., M/W 21 YEARS OF AGE, 106 DEERPATH LN. LAKE IN THE HILLS. Charges: Residential Burglary, Theft over $300, Criminal Trespass to Residence. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL. DROZEK, PRISCILLA S., F/W 20 YEARS OF AGE, 1752 BRADFORD LN., CRYSTAL LAKE. Charge: Theft over $300. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
0544 HRS 3500 BLOCK OF SONOMA CIRCLE. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. wife. Verbal only. No priors.
0652 HRS 00 BLOCK OF WEXFORD DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 2 years of age, was having an asthma attack. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
1024 HRS 20 BLOCK OF ECHO HILL. BURGLARY FROM MOTOR VEHICLE. Several tools were taken from a vehicle.
1836 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF HORIZON RIDGE. INJURY ACCIDENT. Vehicle vs. pedestrian. No transport.
1930 HRS LAKEWOOD RD. & REED RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
HRS 100 BLOCK OF DEERPATH LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 46 years of age, pale and incoherent.Transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Algonquin
September 5
13:37pm Neumuller, Ronald F. DOB: 01/15/58 of 1605 Glengarry, Algonquin, was Wanted on a Warrant, out of McLean County for Failure to Appear, on a Contempt of Court charge. He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. He was released after posting $100, with a court date to be set by McLean County.
September 6
16:11pm Tabel, Matthew F. DOB: 05/05/86 of 170 Wildwood, Algonquin, was charged with DWLS, Failure to Reduce Speed and No Proof of Insurance. He was taken into custody at Division Street and Main Street. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 10/07/09, in McHenry County.
16:41pm Hawryla, Dariusz K. DOB: 09/30/89of 1022 Larkspur Court, Pingree Grove, was charged with DWLS, Failure to Signal, No Proof of Insurance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was taken into custody at Bunker Hill and Randall Roads. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 10/14/09, in McHenry County.
Huntley
delayed

Legislators Say Routes 31 And 47 Funding Safe

An apparent swell of opposition to video poker machines has many asking if there's going to be enough money to pay for the Legislature's $29 billion capital bill. State Rep. Mike Tryon (R) 64 and State Sen. Pam Althoff (R) 32 told a members-only meeting of the Huntley Chamber of Commerce last week there ought to at least be enough to widen Route 47 in Huntley and bypass Algonquin on Route 31.

Revenue from newly-legalized video gaming machines is supposed to pay for those and other projects but many counties and communities say they may not go along with the idea. DuPage County has already opted out, and Cook is considering it as are the villages of Schaumburg and Naperville.

McHenry County hasn't considered the matter yet but County Board Chairman Ken Koehler said this week he had planned to introduce the matter even before State Rep. Jack Franks (D) 63 called for a ban.

It's hard to gauge the depth of opposition to video gaming because in many municipalities it's already outlawed by local ordinance. That's the case in Lake in the Hills where a revision is set to come up tomorrow. In effect, Trustees are considering not whether to "opt out" of a gambling expansion but whether to "opt in".

Tryon said even if video gaming doesn't fly very well in Northern Illinois it will probably do well downstate and produce some revenue. He said that will mean Route 47 and the Western Bypass should remain assured.

The capital bill authorized $88.5 million for the bypass and $40.3 million for the Huntley widening. "These projects are ready to go," said Tryon. "They're first in line. There are lots of other projects that aren't. I think we'll see the funding."

Creeks Crossing Completion Hits Snag

Village of Algonquin plans to install sewers and detention ponds in the failed Creeks Crossing subdivision on Sleepy Hollow Road had to be put on hold when Barrington Bank and Trust refused to honor a $1.8 million letter of credit that was supposed to pay for the work.

"It's supposed to be like a certified check," said Village Manager Bill Ganek. "You present it and they pay it. They didn't and we don't know why."

The village filed suit in McHenry County Circuit Court against the bank. Meanwhile the bank is still in the process of foreclosing on the project in Kane County Court.

Lith Summer Sunset Ends With Bang Sunday

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
September 6
1517 HRS 600 BLOCK OF JUNIPER LN. DOMESTIC BATTERY. STANDLEY, RYAN P., M/W 17 YEARS OF AGE
167 CARPENTER, CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Domestic battery. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
2217 HRS ALBRECHT RD. & MILLER RD. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. PARGIELLO, HEATHER M., F/W 37 YEARS OF AGE, 3090 RONAN DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol,No valid Insurance, Unsafe Backing on Roadway. RELEASED ON BOND.
2357 HRS 10 BLOCK OF W. OAK ST. ILLEGAL CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL BY MINORS. BIFKE, DANA L., F/W 17 YEARS OF AGE, 991 PAR DR., ALGONQUIN. CHARGES: Illegal Consumption of Alcohol. NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED. HUFFMAN, ALEX P., M/W 19 YEARS OF AGE, 584 GASLIGHT DR., ALGONQUIN. CHARGES: Illegal Consumption of Alcohol. NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED. JUVENILE, F/W 16 YEARS OF AGE,LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by A Minor. NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED. JUVENILE, F/W 16 YEARS OF AGE,LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by A Minor. NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED.
0048 HRS 0 BLOCK OF WALNUT GROVE CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 16 years of age, having a seizure. Transported to Woodstock Hospital.
0420 HRS 231 N. RANDALL RD., (TACO BELL). FRAUD. Unlawful use of a credit card.
1128 HRS MILLER RD. & LITCHFIELD LANE. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 16 years of age, with fish hook stuck through thumb. Transported to Woodstock Hospital.
1257 HRS 700 BLOCK OF WHITE PINE CIRCLE. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Husband vs. wife. No priors
1407 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF NOELLE BEND. AMBULANCE ASSIST. Female, 64 years of age, having chest pains. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1719 HRS 1212 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOC). BATTERY. Male was hit in the face by a patron. UNFOUNDED.
1913 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Boyfriend vs. girlfriend Three priors. FAIL TO FILE.
2012 HRS HERON DR. & MILLER RD. INJURY ACCIDENT. 2 vehicle accident, female with back injury. Transported to Woodstock Memorial.
2133 HRS 5200 MILLER RD., (SUNSET PARK). AMBULANCE ASSIST Male, 16 years of age, with back injury. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
Algonquin
delayed

LITH Summer Sunset Ends This Evening

Scroll down for the full Summer Sunset schedule.

Manzullo To Hold Local Official Town Hall Meeting

Having already expressed his opposition to at least one of the five national health care bills in Washington, Congressman Don Manzullo (R)-16 will seek constituent opinions with an official hall meeting Sept. 20 in Crystal Lake.

Manzullo will spend the first part of the meeting explaining the health care reform proposals before Congress, his concerns with H.R. 3200, the alternatives he supports to make health care coverage more affordable and accessible and the outlook for passage of anything at all. After that he'll take questions and comments with speakers limited to 1 ½ minutes each.

The MCC town hall will be Manzullo’s eighth town hall meeting in northern Illinois this summer. Nearly 2,000 residents attended Manzullo’s previous town hall meetings in Sycamore, Oregon, Elizabeth (2 meetings), and Rockford (3 meetings). Several hundred attended Manzullo's appearance before the Patriots United group in Crystal Lake in mid-August.

The meeting will be from 12 to 2 pm Sunday, Sept. 20 in the large gymnasium in Building A at McHenry County College. Signs will not be allowed in the building.

In the pic:  Manzullo at an official town hall meeting in Oregon last month.

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
September 5
0116 HRS 220 N. RANDALL RD., (MORETTI’S). DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. PODKOWA, BLAINE JOHN J., M/W 28 YEARS OF AGE,904 TAYLOR RIDGE, BELVIDERE. CHARGES: Improper Lane Usage, Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving under the Influence with Breath Alcohol Content over .08. RELEASED ON BOND.
0628 HRS 100 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. ILLEGAL CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL BY A MINOR. HUNN, BRIANNA C., F/W 17 YEARS OF AGE, 132 VILLAGE CREEK DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGE: Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor. NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED.
2215 HRS 1200 BLOCK OF POPLAR ST. WANTED ON WARRANT. COONEY, TINA M., F/W 29 YEARS OF AGE, 1209 POPLAR ST., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant, McHenry County for Probation Violation, Traffic Offenses. Bond amount is $5,000 at 10%. RELEASED ON BOND.
0754 HRS 5400 BLOCK OF WHITMORE WAY. ASSIST AMBULANCE. 48 year old male experiencing severe back pain. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
0855 HRS 00 BLOCK OF ROOSEVELT ST. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. The tires of two vehicles were punctured overnight.
1009 HRS 5200 MILLER RD., (SUNSET PARK). ASSIST AMBULANCE. 12 year old female fell off a golf cart and hit her head. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
1300 HRS 3000 BLOCK OF BALDWIN LN. SUICIDE ATTEMPT. 35 year old female took a non-prescribed medication. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
1501 HRS 220 N. RANDALL RD.,(MORETTI’S). ACCIDENT. Three vehicles. Property damage only.
1815 HRS 2900 BLOCK OF MILLER RD. FOUND PROPERTY. A bicycle was found and entered into evidence.
1831 HRS 4700 BLOCK OF PRINCETON LN. HIT & RUN. Complainant’s vehicle was struck and offender left the scene.
2124 HRS 5200 MILLER RD., (SUNSET PARK). ASSIST AMBULANCE. 12 year old female light headed and incoherent. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
2139 HRS 500 BLOCK OF CHEYENNE DR. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Ex-girlfriend vs Ex-boyfriend. No priors. FAIL TO FILE
2228 HRS 5200 MILLER RD., (SUNSET PARK). ASSIST AMBULANCE. 26 year old female highly intoxicated. Transported to Woodstock Memorial.
2248 HRS 231 N. RANDALL RD., (TACO BELL). HIT & RUN. Complainant’s vehicle was struck and offender left the scene.
2251 HRS 300 BLOCK OF HARVEST GATE. MISSING JUVENILE. 16 year old female ran away from home. Entered into Law Enforcement Agencies Data System.