By Bethany Jaeger
It’s been nine months since Pat Quinn replaced Rod Blagojevich in the Governor's office. In that time, he’s had to lead Illinois through a bruised public confidence in government, a nationwide recession and a state budget deficit that once was projected at $12.4 billion.
This Spring, he urged legislators to approve a two-year flat income tax increase from 3 percent to 4.5 percent for all income levels, minus a personal exemption for low-income families, to stave off deeper cuts to state programs.
On a nine-city tour this week officially launching his bid for a full term as governor, Quinn did not mention the need for an income tax increase. Asked by reporters whether he had or would change his tax hike proposal, Quinn said: “The time to do that, I think, will be next year after the primary because there’s not going to be a General Assembly session until then, unless there’s an emergency. And I don’t think the votes are there today for that, so we just have to keep working on it.”
His opponent in the Democratic primary is three-term state Comptroller Dan Hynes, who announced his bid in September. Hynes has proposed that after a series of cost-saving initiatives in his first year in office, he would pursue a graduated income tax increase.
Neither Quinn’s nor Hynes’ income tax proposal would take effect and generate revenue soon enough to save the next fiscal year’s budget.
None of this seems to be going down well with voters. A recent Rasumussen poll found over half of voters disapproved of Quinn but only liked Hynes a little better. Cutting both ways, respondents didn't even know who most of the Republican gubernatorial candidates were.
Read Bethany's full report at:
http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/quinn-seeks-full-term-as-governor-in.html
Saturday, October 24, 2009
LITH Prepares For Dam Inspection
Lake in the Hills began its annual draw down of Woods Creek Lake Friday. That's to allow the Village Engineer to do the inspection of the dam required each year by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.The draw down, inspection and refill will take about three weeks. Ordinarily it would will take four to five days to lower the lake but with all the rain lately (.78 inches Friday alone) it may take longer. The target is six to eight feet below normal water levels by November 1. Engineers expect full recovery of the lake by Nov. 27, depending on the weather.
In any event, the lake will be at low levels for about a week and that will allow lakefront residents to complete maintenance, restoration, and repairs of their shorelines and docks. Officials reminded that new docks or improvements to old ones requires a permit.
In the pic: (More) water rushes though the siphon at Woods Creek Lake for next week's scheduled dam inspection. That's Eric Baillargeon at the big crank.
Ghost Stories Grandpa Never Told
Save for the Woodstock Opera House's supposed h'ant, McHenry County is sadly devoid of "ghosties and ghoulies and long-leggity beasties and things that go bump in the night." As a public service FEN has created some local ghost stories that ought to be true. Since this is on the Internet there's a good chance eventually they will be.One day in late October 1840 at their farm near where Cary and Allen roads meet today, Minerva Wilkins told her husband Azariah she'd like to vote for William Henry Harrison in the coming election.
Since this was eight years before the Seneca Falls Convention even raised the issue of women's suffrage, Azariah was taken aback. What really bothered him, though, was that he was a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat and he decided if his wife wanted to vote for a Whig she must be crazy. Therefore, he did what any good husband of the day would have done. He locked Minerva in the attic and threw away the key.
After a couple of hours Minerva decided she'd had enough of Azariah's nonsense, picked the lock with a hairpin, went back to her folks in Ohio, claimed Azariah had been trampled to death by the plow horse and married a well-to-do homeopathic physician. They had 17 kids and she lived to be 106.
Meanwhile Azariah, thinking his wife was still locked in the attic, each day shoved a couple of pieces of hardtack under the door for her sustenance. Eventually several hundred pounds of the stuff had piled up.
Sadly he wasn't as sedulous about maintaining the roof and leaking rain caused the hardtack to begin to swell. Eventually the pressure became so great the attic exploded. It was while Azariah was trying to stuff some more hardtack under the door and the knob gave him a fearful blow to the head. Amnesiac, he forgot not only that he'd ever had a wife but practically everything else he'd learned since early childhood.
Residents as late as 1902 occasionally spotted Azariah in the woods by the river grubbing for roots and berries. They said they could tell it was he because of the doorknob-shaped dent in his head and the tattered Van Buren campaign ribbon pinned proudly to his rags.
The old Wilkins homestead is long gone now. Nevertheless, it is said that on dark nights when the leaves skitter along the frosty ground where it once stood, a woman's voice can sometimes be heard calling, "Tippecanoe and Tyler, Too."
Winners Chosen In LITH Halloween House Contest
Hypothermia isn't supposed to be part of the job description for Halloween House Contest judges but Lake in the Hills Superintendent of Recreation Andrew Gemmell said he and his panel "were very wet and cold" by the time they'd examined all 17 of this year's entries Thursday evening.
That number was off by about 1/3 from a couple of years ago, according to Gemmell. He said there's no way to tell if it's another sign of recession economizing, crummy weather or just one of those things.The Scariest Halloween House belonged to the Wrolson Family at 340 Annandale Drive. The Cheeriest House was the Gizel Family's at 220 Cool Stone Bend. Other entries were at 21 Walnut Dr., 922 Brandt Dr., 135 Hilltop Dr., 1203 Birch St., 5 Clark St., 1162 Starwood Pass, 12 Barrington Ct., 2 Montclair Ct., 2770 Briarcliff Ln., 5722 Wildspring Dr., 411 Windermere Way, 5523 Chantilly Circle, 200 Stickley Ln., 290 Ferryville Dr., and 340 Annandale Dr.
In the pics: (Top) The "Scariest House". (Bottom) The "Cheeriest House".
Fox Valley Conference Football
Scores from Friday night...
Cary-Grove 57, Dundee-Crown 12
Crystal Lake South 36, McHenry 0
Huntley 16, Jacobs 6
Johnsburg 38, Grayslake North 0
Prairie Ridge 37, Woodstock North 0
Woodstock 37, Crystal Lake Central 36
Cary-Grove 57, Dundee-Crown 12
Crystal Lake South 36, McHenry 0
Huntley 16, Jacobs 6
Johnsburg 38, Grayslake North 0
Prairie Ridge 37, Woodstock North 0
Woodstock 37, Crystal Lake Central 36
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
October 23
2141 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & BOULDER DR. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. RESSLER, ANDREW, M/W 52 YEARS OF AGE, 1507 BASSWOOD RD., GLENVIEW. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, Illegal Transportation of Alcohol by the Driver, Expired Registration. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
0040 HRS 500 BLOCK OF ANDERSON DR. DOMESTIC. Several family members involved. No priors. BATTERY UNFOUNDED.
1222 HRS 9217 S. RT. 31. (DAVE MAYNARD AGENCY). TELEPHONE HARASSMENT. Complainant receiving threatening telephone calls from an unknown party.
1257 HRS 100 BLOCK OF ACORN LN. ASSIST OTHER AGENCY. Assisted McHenry County Animal Control with the service of a search warrant.
1611 HRS RANDALL RD. & MILLER RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicle property damage accident.
1749 HRS ADAMS ST. & ROOSEVELT RD. SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT. Subject approached by a suspicious person. PENDING INVESTIGATION.
1750 HRS 300 BLK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 55 years of age, having a seizure. No transport.
2015 HRS 6900 RAKOW RD. (RAKOW CURVE). ACCIDENT/ Two vehicles, property damage only.
2237 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & HANSON RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles, property damage only.
Lake in the Hills
October 23
2141 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & BOULDER DR. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. RESSLER, ANDREW, M/W 52 YEARS OF AGE, 1507 BASSWOOD RD., GLENVIEW. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, Illegal Transportation of Alcohol by the Driver, Expired Registration. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
0040 HRS 500 BLOCK OF ANDERSON DR. DOMESTIC. Several family members involved. No priors. BATTERY UNFOUNDED.
1222 HRS 9217 S. RT. 31. (DAVE MAYNARD AGENCY). TELEPHONE HARASSMENT. Complainant receiving threatening telephone calls from an unknown party.
1257 HRS 100 BLOCK OF ACORN LN. ASSIST OTHER AGENCY. Assisted McHenry County Animal Control with the service of a search warrant.
1611 HRS RANDALL RD. & MILLER RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicle property damage accident.
1749 HRS ADAMS ST. & ROOSEVELT RD. SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT. Subject approached by a suspicious person. PENDING INVESTIGATION.
1750 HRS 300 BLK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 55 years of age, having a seizure. No transport.
2015 HRS 6900 RAKOW RD. (RAKOW CURVE). ACCIDENT/ Two vehicles, property damage only.
2237 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & HANSON RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles, property damage only.
Friday, October 23, 2009
County Unemployment Hits New High
McHenry County's unemployment rate rose again in September from 9.1 percent percent in August to a a new high of 9.3 percent, according to the monthly state Department of Employment Security report released Thursday. The Illinois unemployment rate last month reached 10.2 percent, a level unseen since 1983.The latest boost, once again, was a product of both more people out of work and a shrinking labor force defined as those working or "actively looking for work".
Despite the increase McHenry County remained the second-best unemployment rate of the collar counties. DuPage was still the least-marred by unemployment although its increase in September was greater than in most of the others.
In McHenry County Algonquin again showed the lowest rate of unemployment. Lake in the Hills marked the greatest increase in unemployment rate in September.
Here are selected figures from September's Illinois Department of Employment Security report:
UNEMPLOYMENT REVISED AUG. 2009 PRELIMINARY SEP. 2009 LABOR UNEMPLOYED LABOR UNEMPLOYED AUGUST FORCE NUMBER RATE FORCE NUMBER RATE 2008 U.S. (X1000) 154,897 14,823 9.6 153,617 14,538 9.5 6.0 ILLINOIS 6,624,738 655,434 9.9 6,604,860 674,692 10.2 6.4 COOK COUNTY 2,616,185 261,043 10.0 2,603,121 274,873 10.6 6.6 DUPAGE COUNTY 527,216 42,978 8.2 523,582 44,873 8.6 5.0 WILL COUNTY 361,456 34,424 9.5 358,961 35,663 9.9 5.7 MCHENRY COUNTY 178,806 16,198 9.1 177,305 16,554 9.3 5.5 KANE COUNTY 266,596 25,913 9.7 264,155 26,220 9.9 5.8 LAKE COUNTY 368,685 36,127 9.8 366,796 36,550 10.0 6.5 ALGONQUIN 16,804 1,417 8.4 16,660 1,449 8.7 5.2 LITH 17,081 1,471 8.6 16,969 1,538 9.1 5.2 CRYSTAL LAKE 22,386 2,067 9.2 22,163 2,076 9.4 5.3 MCHENRY 14,976 1,424 9.5 14,859 1,462 9.8 5.8
Blood, The Gift That Keeps On Giving
Cassandra Peterson was among those those who braved disgusting weather to donate blood at the Heartland Blood Centers' bloodmobile at Huntley Library Friday. Heartland Blood Centers is a not-for- profit blood center serving 33 hospitals in the 12-county area of northeastern Illinois and Lake county Indiana. It collects about 160,000 units of blood annually.
For those who missed it at the library, another drive is set for 8 am to Noon Nov. 1 at Faith Community Church and yet another is scheduled at Huntley High School Nov. 18.
House Panel Approves New Finance Protection Agency
In a nearly straight party-line vote Thursday a key House panel approved creation of a new federal agency to regulate U.S. consumer financial products. That left area Rep. Don Manzullo (R)16 in the minority railing against the measure.
“This bill is so broad and vague it could give the federal government the authority to impose regulations on children who, as power of attorney, handle their senior parent’s checkbooks, or churches and non-profit agencies that offer classes on personal finances,” said Manzullo.
Only one Republican supported the proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency. Two Democrats on the House Financial Services Committee defected.
The committee watered down the original White House plan and largely exempted all but the biggest of the country's 8,000 banks from regular compliance exams. Even so, all banks would have to follow the rules and the new agency would be able to investigate any consumer complaint against a bank and impose fines or penalties against any finance company.
“This bill has the reach to permeate nearly every sector of the economy and could strap millions of people and small businesses with regulations and new taxes disguised as fees," said Manzullo.
The bill would move power from the Federal Reserve and other banking regulators and centralize it in a new agency to police consumer financial products and practices including mortgages, credit cards and overdraft fees offered by almost any type of firm.
“This bill is so broad and vague it could give the federal government the authority to impose regulations on children who, as power of attorney, handle their senior parent’s checkbooks, or churches and non-profit agencies that offer classes on personal finances,” said Manzullo.
Only one Republican supported the proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency. Two Democrats on the House Financial Services Committee defected.
The committee watered down the original White House plan and largely exempted all but the biggest of the country's 8,000 banks from regular compliance exams. Even so, all banks would have to follow the rules and the new agency would be able to investigate any consumer complaint against a bank and impose fines or penalties against any finance company.
“This bill has the reach to permeate nearly every sector of the economy and could strap millions of people and small businesses with regulations and new taxes disguised as fees," said Manzullo.
The bill would move power from the Federal Reserve and other banking regulators and centralize it in a new agency to police consumer financial products and practices including mortgages, credit cards and overdraft fees offered by almost any type of firm.
McHenry County Grand Jury Indictments
A McHenry County Grand Jury returned indictments against the following individuals this week:
An indictment is not proof of guilt. A defendant 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.
ANTONIO AVITIA, DOB: 11/23/86, 616 ELSINOOR LANE, CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014.
RETAIL THEFT--ALGONQUIN PD
WALTER T. AMADOR, DOB: 03/23/90, 278 NOTTINGHAM COURT, CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014.
NICHOLAS D. BUZINSKI, DOB: 08/10/89, 1010 SHADOWOOD LANE, CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014.
CRIMINAL TRESPASS TO REAL PROPERTY, CRIMINAL TRESPASS TO MOTOR VEHICLE, BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE--LITH PD
SHANNON N. PULLIAM, DOB: 12/13/89, 2541 GLEASMAN ROAD, ROCKFORD, IL 61103.
RETAIL THEFT--ALGONQUIN PD
DANIEL BARBU, DOB: 03/08/91, 2615 PONDVIEW DRIVE, ALGONQUIN, IL 60102.
THEFT--ALGONQUIN PD
ORRON K. MARSHALL II, DOB: 06/05/89, 356 WABASH STREET, ELGIN, IL 60123.
UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, RESISTING A PEACE OFFICER--LITH PD
An indictment is not proof of guilt. A defendant 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.
ANTONIO AVITIA, DOB: 11/23/86, 616 ELSINOOR LANE, CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014.
RETAIL THEFT--ALGONQUIN PD
WALTER T. AMADOR, DOB: 03/23/90, 278 NOTTINGHAM COURT, CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014.
NICHOLAS D. BUZINSKI, DOB: 08/10/89, 1010 SHADOWOOD LANE, CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014.
CRIMINAL TRESPASS TO REAL PROPERTY, CRIMINAL TRESPASS TO MOTOR VEHICLE, BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE--LITH PD
SHANNON N. PULLIAM, DOB: 12/13/89, 2541 GLEASMAN ROAD, ROCKFORD, IL 61103.
RETAIL THEFT--ALGONQUIN PD
DANIEL BARBU, DOB: 03/08/91, 2615 PONDVIEW DRIVE, ALGONQUIN, IL 60102.
THEFT--ALGONQUIN PD
ORRON K. MARSHALL II, DOB: 06/05/89, 356 WABASH STREET, ELGIN, IL 60123.
UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, RESISTING A PEACE OFFICER--LITH PD
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
October 22
1600 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (LITH POLICE). WANTED ON WARRANT. DONOVAN, RICHARD J., M/W 36 YEARS OF AGE, 11 WANDER WAY, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant, McHenry County for Fraud, Illegal Use of Credit Cards, bond amount $20,000 / 10% applies. RELEASED ON BOND.
FOLLOW UP ARRESTS: 0719 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (LITH POLICE). DISORDERLY CONDUCT. JUVENILE, M/W, 14 YEARS OF AGE, HUNTLEY. CHARGES: Disorderly Conduct. RELEASED TO PARENT.
0951 HRS 300 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. CRIMINAL DEFACEMENT. Black spray paint graffiti found on a dumpster and its enclosure.
HRS 4500 ALGONQUIN RD. (7-11). FOUND PROPERTY A wallet in the store. Entered into evidence. Returned to owner.
1352 HRS 100 BLOCK OF WOODY WAY. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Dispute over ownership of a dog.
Algonquin
October 19
16:19pm A fourteen year-old male from Algonquin was charged with Battery. He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. He was referred to the Tri Area Peer Jury and then released into the custody of his mother.
18:52pm Pereira, Felix J., DOB: 06/27/79, of 1660 Poplar Avenue, Hanover Park, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License and No Rear Registration Light. He was taken into custody at Route 62 and Route 25. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 11/25/09, in McHenry County.
22:17pm Romero, Juan, DOB: 02/12/74, of 461 S. Commonwealth, Elgin, was charged with Retail Theft and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. He was taken into custody at Meijer, 400 S. Randall Road. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 11/25/09, in McHenry County.
October 20
23:33pm O’Brien, James R., DOB: 08/06/67, of 1671 Yosemite Parkway, Algonquin, was Wanted on a Warrant out of McHenry County for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Child. He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 11/06/09, in McHenry County.
October 21
16:38pm Mistretta, Sean W., DOB: 10/26/88, of 651 Virginia Road, Crystal Lake, was charged with DWLS. He was taken into custody at Route 31 and Algonquin Road. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 12/02/09, in McHenry County.
October 22
11:48am Rosas-Isidoro, Juan Antonio, DOB: 02/06/80, of 229 Williams Street, Aurora, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License and Speeding. He was taken into custody at Square Barn Road and Wintergreen Terrace. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 11/25/09, in McHenry County.
13:35pm Theriault, Christopher J., DOB: 12/01/56, of 209 Dorothy Court, Island Lake, was charged with DUI, DUI Over and Disobeying Traffic Control Device. He was taken into custody at Hanson Road and Huntington Drive. He was released after posting $100 and his Illinois Driver’s License, with a court date of 12/02/09, in McHenry County.
15:29pm A fifteen year-old male from Lake in the Hills was charged with Theft over $300. He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. He was remanded to Kane County Juvenile Detention, to await a bond hearing in McHenry County.
Lake in the Hills
October 22
1600 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (LITH POLICE). WANTED ON WARRANT. DONOVAN, RICHARD J., M/W 36 YEARS OF AGE, 11 WANDER WAY, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant, McHenry County for Fraud, Illegal Use of Credit Cards, bond amount $20,000 / 10% applies. RELEASED ON BOND.
FOLLOW UP ARRESTS: 0719 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (LITH POLICE). DISORDERLY CONDUCT. JUVENILE, M/W, 14 YEARS OF AGE, HUNTLEY. CHARGES: Disorderly Conduct. RELEASED TO PARENT.
0951 HRS 300 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. CRIMINAL DEFACEMENT. Black spray paint graffiti found on a dumpster and its enclosure.
HRS 4500 ALGONQUIN RD. (7-11). FOUND PROPERTY A wallet in the store. Entered into evidence. Returned to owner.
1352 HRS 100 BLOCK OF WOODY WAY. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Dispute over ownership of a dog.
Algonquin
October 19
16:19pm A fourteen year-old male from Algonquin was charged with Battery. He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. He was referred to the Tri Area Peer Jury and then released into the custody of his mother.
18:52pm Pereira, Felix J., DOB: 06/27/79, of 1660 Poplar Avenue, Hanover Park, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License and No Rear Registration Light. He was taken into custody at Route 62 and Route 25. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 11/25/09, in McHenry County.
22:17pm Romero, Juan, DOB: 02/12/74, of 461 S. Commonwealth, Elgin, was charged with Retail Theft and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. He was taken into custody at Meijer, 400 S. Randall Road. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 11/25/09, in McHenry County.
October 20
23:33pm O’Brien, James R., DOB: 08/06/67, of 1671 Yosemite Parkway, Algonquin, was Wanted on a Warrant out of McHenry County for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Child. He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 11/06/09, in McHenry County.
October 21
16:38pm Mistretta, Sean W., DOB: 10/26/88, of 651 Virginia Road, Crystal Lake, was charged with DWLS. He was taken into custody at Route 31 and Algonquin Road. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 12/02/09, in McHenry County.
October 22
11:48am Rosas-Isidoro, Juan Antonio, DOB: 02/06/80, of 229 Williams Street, Aurora, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License and Speeding. He was taken into custody at Square Barn Road and Wintergreen Terrace. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 11/25/09, in McHenry County.
13:35pm Theriault, Christopher J., DOB: 12/01/56, of 209 Dorothy Court, Island Lake, was charged with DUI, DUI Over and Disobeying Traffic Control Device. He was taken into custody at Hanson Road and Huntington Drive. He was released after posting $100 and his Illinois Driver’s License, with a court date of 12/02/09, in McHenry County.
15:29pm A fifteen year-old male from Lake in the Hills was charged with Theft over $300. He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. He was remanded to Kane County Juvenile Detention, to await a bond hearing in McHenry County.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
No Charges In Neubert School Bus Accident
Algonquin police said Wednesday they will not file charges in Monday's incident in which a schoolbus wheel ran over the legs of a second-grader at Neubert School.
For the incident to have occurred the bus had to move when it wasn't supposed to at the same time the child was in a position in which he shouldn't have been.
On that latter, Deputy Chief Steve Kuzynowski said according to witness reports the boy "at some point lost his balance."
How the stopped bus moved is more of a mystery. The still-unidentified bus driver was assisting another student at the rear of the bus at the time. A check of the bus's parking brake Tuesday found it in working order and the driver told police she'd set it, Kuzynowski said. However, he added, in terms of driving law it didn't matter if she did or not.
"There's nothing in the Illinois Vehicle Code that says she had to do that," Kuzynowski reported.
Kuzynowski said police intend to interview the boy who was reported to have undergone surgery Tuesday but held little hope they'd learn much more than they already know. "He's only seven years old," he observed.
For the incident to have occurred the bus had to move when it wasn't supposed to at the same time the child was in a position in which he shouldn't have been.
On that latter, Deputy Chief Steve Kuzynowski said according to witness reports the boy "at some point lost his balance."
How the stopped bus moved is more of a mystery. The still-unidentified bus driver was assisting another student at the rear of the bus at the time. A check of the bus's parking brake Tuesday found it in working order and the driver told police she'd set it, Kuzynowski said. However, he added, in terms of driving law it didn't matter if she did or not.
"There's nothing in the Illinois Vehicle Code that says she had to do that," Kuzynowski reported.
Kuzynowski said police intend to interview the boy who was reported to have undergone surgery Tuesday but held little hope they'd learn much more than they already know. "He's only seven years old," he observed.
Airport Water Must Drain Fast, Too Fast Right Now
Lake in the Hills Airport once again is between a rock and a hard place thanks to FAA-mandated safety upgrades. The latest requirement involves making sure a new detention pond empties quickly, so quickly it would violate the village's stormwater ordinance.The new detention pond is supposed to catch the runoff from the FAA-required revamp of the airport's runway and taxiway. The problem is the pond will be next to them and the FAA wants it to empty within 48 hours, even after the worst rain.
It's not so much a problem with water as one with geese, said Airport Manager Dave Gregoria. January's U.S. Airways near-disaster on the Hudson proved geese and airplanes are a bad mix. Not to belabor the obvious, geese are waterfowl so they're drawn to water.
"We're surrounded by bodies of water," said Gregoria. Even so,"(The FAA) aren't going to let us have more problems with wildlife. They pay 95 percent of the bill so that's the rule."
Meeting the FAA's rule, though, would require detention pond runoff to flow into Crystal Creek at rates anywhere from roughly three to five times as fast as the stormwater ordinance allows.
"It's a pretty stringent ordinance so we've had to ask for a variance," said Gregoria.
According to engineer's estimates the worst storm in 100 years would raise the creek's water level west of the airport 1.2 inches, said Gregoria. By the time the creek had reached Willow Lane it would only be .6 inches higher than otherwise.
Village Trustees will have to rule on the variance but that hasn't been scheduled yet.
No Decision Yet On Appeal Of Deputy's Reinstatement
Contrary to published reports McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren Wednesday said he hasn't decided yet whether to appeal an order re-instating fired Deputy Zane Seipler.
Nygren said that's what he'd like to do but reported he still had to check with the county's labor counsel to see if there was any realistic hope of succeeding.
Seipler was fired almost a year ago for giving a driver a by on a traffic ticket and then issuing one to the driver's passenger when she took the wheel. A federal arbitrator ruled last week that was only worth a three-day suspension, not termination.
Nygren said, "I disagree."
"That's not police discretion," said Nygren. "It's a serious mistake. He violated a trust."
Seipler has said that whatever sort of mistake it was, the real reason he was fired was because he'd been complaining about racial profiling in the Sheriff's Office.
Seipler announced last month he was going to run against Nygren in the upcoming GOP primary with that as one of his major issues. He said last week he had enough petition signatures to make the ballot.
Nygren said that's what he'd like to do but reported he still had to check with the county's labor counsel to see if there was any realistic hope of succeeding.
Seipler was fired almost a year ago for giving a driver a by on a traffic ticket and then issuing one to the driver's passenger when she took the wheel. A federal arbitrator ruled last week that was only worth a three-day suspension, not termination.
Nygren said, "I disagree."
"That's not police discretion," said Nygren. "It's a serious mistake. He violated a trust."
Seipler has said that whatever sort of mistake it was, the real reason he was fired was because he'd been complaining about racial profiling in the Sheriff's Office.
Seipler announced last month he was going to run against Nygren in the upcoming GOP primary with that as one of his major issues. He said last week he had enough petition signatures to make the ballot.
Everest, Anapurna, K1, K2 and Mt. Hanson
Maybe the asphalt scraped up from reconstructing Algonquin's Hanson Road isn't really a mountain but, notwithstanding, it's a HECK of a big pile.
Standard practice would be to truck off the 8 million pounds of pavement but instead contractor Curran construction plans to process the stuff on-site for recycling into Hanson Road V.2.
Huntley Library Hires New Director
The Huntley Area Public Library Board announced Wednesday it had picked Arlington Heights librarian Patrick McDonald to be its new Library Director.
Current Director, Virginia Maravilla, will retired next month after 11 years at the Library's helm.
McDonald is the Director of Library Experiences at Arlington Heights and previously was circulation manager and information services manager there.
Huntley Library spokeswoman Leigh Ann Porsch said McDonald had experience with construction and remodeling projects and technology upgrades. That could come in handy since McDonald will take over in the midst of the library's adding a temporary addition to relieve overcrowding.
Current Director, Virginia Maravilla, will retired next month after 11 years at the Library's helm.
McDonald is the Director of Library Experiences at Arlington Heights and previously was circulation manager and information services manager there.
Huntley Library spokeswoman Leigh Ann Porsch said McDonald had experience with construction and remodeling projects and technology upgrades. That could come in handy since McDonald will take over in the midst of the library's adding a temporary addition to relieve overcrowding.
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
October 21
1711 HRS MILLER RD. & LAKEWOOD RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. FINN, JEFFREY S., M/W 49 YEARS OF AGE, 5050 HIGHWOOD LN., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving while License Suspended. RELEASED ON BOND.
FOLLOW-UP ARRESTS: 1430 HRS 00 BLOCK OF ROYAL OAK CT. HARASSMENT BY ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS.
HAMMELEY, TANJA D., F/W 38 YEARS OF AGE, 511 MIDLANE DR., CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGE: Harassment by Electronic Communications. RELEASED ON BOND
0952 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & HILLTOP DR. ACCIDENT. Three vehicles. Property damage only.
1317 HRS REED RD. & LAKEWOOD RD. FOUND PROPERTY. Digital camera found in roadway.
1339 HRS 00 BLOCK OF REDBUD CT. FOUND PROPERTY. A sock containing bullets was found in a foreclosed residence.
1415 HRS RANDALL RD. & POLARIS DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 34 years of age, in need of being checked out following a minor traffic accident. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1646 HRS 600 BLOCK OF ANDERSON DR. MISSING JUVENILE. 11 year old child reported missing. Juvenile was located and turned over to parents.
1655 HRS RAKOW RD. & VIRGINIA RD. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Police Officer had contact with a registered sex offender.
Lake in the Hills
October 21
1711 HRS MILLER RD. & LAKEWOOD RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. FINN, JEFFREY S., M/W 49 YEARS OF AGE, 5050 HIGHWOOD LN., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving while License Suspended. RELEASED ON BOND.
FOLLOW-UP ARRESTS: 1430 HRS 00 BLOCK OF ROYAL OAK CT. HARASSMENT BY ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS.
HAMMELEY, TANJA D., F/W 38 YEARS OF AGE, 511 MIDLANE DR., CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGE: Harassment by Electronic Communications. RELEASED ON BOND
0952 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & HILLTOP DR. ACCIDENT. Three vehicles. Property damage only.
1317 HRS REED RD. & LAKEWOOD RD. FOUND PROPERTY. Digital camera found in roadway.
1339 HRS 00 BLOCK OF REDBUD CT. FOUND PROPERTY. A sock containing bullets was found in a foreclosed residence.
1415 HRS RANDALL RD. & POLARIS DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 34 years of age, in need of being checked out following a minor traffic accident. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1646 HRS 600 BLOCK OF ANDERSON DR. MISSING JUVENILE. 11 year old child reported missing. Juvenile was located and turned over to parents.
1655 HRS RAKOW RD. & VIRGINIA RD. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Police Officer had contact with a registered sex offender.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
County Plans Quarter-Billion Dollar Budget
The McHenry County Board Tuesday approved posting the county's proposed 2009-2010 budget for public comment for the next month. The $253 million measure calls for a 3.8 percent expenditure increase but a property tax levy increase of only 1.8 percent to not quite $75 million.
"There are a lot of things that grow even when you don't grow the government," said County Admininstrator Peter Austin in an interview.
"Labor probably accounts for a significant percentage of (the increase)," he said. "We have contracts with seven labor units."
"Insurance is another. We did a terrific job of holding down those costs," said Austin, "but they still went up."
"Another one is technology. It's wonderful but it's got a cost to it," Austin said remarking that the county's IT service contracts contain built-in escalators.
The proposed budget is available for examination at the County Clerk's Office.
"There are a lot of things that grow even when you don't grow the government," said County Admininstrator Peter Austin in an interview.
"Labor probably accounts for a significant percentage of (the increase)," he said. "We have contracts with seven labor units."
"Insurance is another. We did a terrific job of holding down those costs," said Austin, "but they still went up."
"Another one is technology. It's wonderful but it's got a cost to it," Austin said remarking that the county's IT service contracts contain built-in escalators.
The proposed budget is available for examination at the County Clerk's Office.
Rumors Charge Riverside Square Short On Parking
A year now since work ceased on Algonquin's Riverside Square condo/retail project, the only visible improvement to the prominent eyesore is a few squares of shingles and a couple of copper lightning rods. The latest rumor why goes like this:"You know why? There's only (insert a number between 50 and 100) parking spaces. Those (stupid/corrupt) Algonquin (trustees/staffers) really fouled up."
It's almost understandable. The number of parking spaces at Riverside Square has only been reported once and that not very prominently. A double check with the Algonquin Community Development department reveals 114 parking spaces were planned for a two-level underground garage to serve 54 upscale condos and four retail shops.
At the time the project was approved the Village Board wrestled with whether that was enough and how the spaces ought to be allocated.
"Parking is an important consideration," said Village Manager Bill Ganek Monday. "When it was approved we made the decision that it was one per unit or one-and-a-half with the balance for commercial."
On its face that seems skimpy. The latest report from Experian Automotive, for example, found in 2008 that the average U.S. household owned 2.8 cars. Deeper in the report, however, it turns out that number was skewed by about a third of households that had a whale of a lot of cars. One third of households owned only two vehicles, the other third only one.
"We did recognize a reduced (parking) standard," for Riverside Square, said Ganek. He said it seemed justified for the location. "There's plenty of on-street parking and there's a public parking lot only a block away."
So, if parking isn't the problem, why hasn't somebody bought Riverside Square? It's simple, said Ganek. "So far, nobody has any money."
Fall Is Cider Donut Season In Huntley
Back in Great-grandpa's day two things marked the Fall: frost on the pumpkin and cidering time. Lotsa pumpkins and lotsa cider. What to do with it all? Use it up! Pumpkin and cider pies, cakes, donuts. Donuts like those seasonally featured every year at Tom's Farm Market in Huntley.Each year from October through December Tom's makes cider donuts. Pumpkin, too, but not so many, and special order after Halloween. On an October weekend with the kitchen cooking seasonal sinkers from well before dawn to dusk, Tom's sells on the order of 500 dozen cider donuts and 120 dozen pumpkin each day.
There are a couple of secrets to Tom's donuts. One is Dolores Nunez and her eight years of experience making the things. She knows the tricks like putting the jugs of cider out way ahead of time to warm up to room temperature. "If they're too cold the donuts won't rise right," she said.
The other secret is a Belshaw Donut Robot. Mark V. (Honest, we didn't make up that name.) And even at that experience counts. Nunez has the exact spot on the temperature control ticked off with a Magic Marker and periodically adds or subtracts oil so the donuts sit properly.
The Robot takes one minute and (flip) 20 seconds to fry a donut, about 20 seconds more to dain it and drop it on a cooling plate. Nunez and her helpers dredge the cider ones in cinnamon sugar and dip the pumpkin in spiced frosting.
Even in Great-grandpas day kitchen's had labor-saving devices. Usually they were named Morna or Catherine and the Robot's undoubted improvement over them is there's practically no chance it'll run off with the hired man two farms over.
In the pic: Dolores Nunez prepares another five quarts of batter, soon to become 40 cider donuts at Tom's Farm Market.
No Mechanical Defect In School Bus Accident
Police reported Tuesday a school bus that rolled over the legs of a Neurbert Elementary School student Monday had no mechanical defect. Public Information officer Chris Filippini said an examination found the vehicle's parking brake was in working order.
Filippini said investigators still don't know how the bus began to move when its driver was at the rear helping another student. How the second-grader came to be in a position that the bus could roll over his legs is also yet undetermined. Filippini was unable to say whether investigators have interviewed the child who reportedly remains hospitalized.
Filippini said investigators still don't know how the bus began to move when its driver was at the rear helping another student. How the second-grader came to be in a position that the bus could roll over his legs is also yet undetermined. Filippini was unable to say whether investigators have interviewed the child who reportedly remains hospitalized.
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
October 20
0138 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & MEYER DR. POSSESSION OF CANNABIS. TORRES, CAROLINA, F/W 21 YEARS OF AGE, 1003 E. CAMP MCDONALD RD., PROSPECT HEIGHTS. CHARGES: Possession of Cannabis, Speeding, Improper LaneUsage, No Valid Insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.
1716 HRS 600 E. OAK ST. (LITH FOOD PANTRY). DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. WITTERS, DANIELLE L., F/W 35 YEARS OF AGE, 1311 CUNAT CT., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving While License Suspended, No Front License Plate, No Valid Insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.
0014 HRS 00 BLOCK OF BALDWIN CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 81 years of age, fell and had left side pains. Transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
0315 HRS 5500 BLOCK OF WILDSPRING DR. THEFT. Guest of complainant possibly took prescription medications. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
0705 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 31 years of age, having severe stomach pain. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1131 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (LITH POLICE). UNLAWFUL USE OF CREDIT CARD. Credit card was used for unauthorized purchase.
1211 HRS 00 BLOCK OF LARKSPUR CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 33 years of age, with a severe headache. Transported to Woodstock Memorial.
1351 HRS 2200 W ALGONQUIN RD. (SUPERWASH). ACCIDENT. Two Vehicles. Property Damage Only.
1411 HRS 200 BLOCK OF INDIAN TRAIL. ASSIST OTHER AGENCY. Officer assisted the Department of Children and Family Services. TURNED OVER TO DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERICES.
0119 HRS 600 BLOCK OF JUNIPER LN. SEXUAL ASSAULT. Complainant advised she was sexually assaulted in 2008. PENDING INVESTION BY REPORTING OFFICER
1553 HRS 4600 BLOCK OF ROLLING HILLS DR. FOUND ARTICLE A wallet. Entered into evidence.
1553 HRS 00 BLOCK OF LINCOLN AVE. DOMESTIC DISPUTE. Father vs Son. Verbal only.
1740 HRS 200 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. LOST PLATE. Complainant advised he lost his license plate on 101809. Entered into the Law Enforcement Agency Data System.
1756 HRS LAKEWOOD RD. & ALGONQUIN RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1937 HRS 00 BLOCK OF CLARK AVE. DOMESTIC DISPUTE Boyfriend vs Girlfriend. Verbal only.
2007 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF HEAVENS GATE. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
Lake in the Hills
October 20
0138 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & MEYER DR. POSSESSION OF CANNABIS. TORRES, CAROLINA, F/W 21 YEARS OF AGE, 1003 E. CAMP MCDONALD RD., PROSPECT HEIGHTS. CHARGES: Possession of Cannabis, Speeding, Improper LaneUsage, No Valid Insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.
1716 HRS 600 E. OAK ST. (LITH FOOD PANTRY). DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. WITTERS, DANIELLE L., F/W 35 YEARS OF AGE, 1311 CUNAT CT., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving While License Suspended, No Front License Plate, No Valid Insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.
0014 HRS 00 BLOCK OF BALDWIN CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 81 years of age, fell and had left side pains. Transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
0315 HRS 5500 BLOCK OF WILDSPRING DR. THEFT. Guest of complainant possibly took prescription medications. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
0705 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 31 years of age, having severe stomach pain. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1131 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (LITH POLICE). UNLAWFUL USE OF CREDIT CARD. Credit card was used for unauthorized purchase.
1211 HRS 00 BLOCK OF LARKSPUR CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 33 years of age, with a severe headache. Transported to Woodstock Memorial.
1351 HRS 2200 W ALGONQUIN RD. (SUPERWASH). ACCIDENT. Two Vehicles. Property Damage Only.
1411 HRS 200 BLOCK OF INDIAN TRAIL. ASSIST OTHER AGENCY. Officer assisted the Department of Children and Family Services. TURNED OVER TO DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERICES.
0119 HRS 600 BLOCK OF JUNIPER LN. SEXUAL ASSAULT. Complainant advised she was sexually assaulted in 2008. PENDING INVESTION BY REPORTING OFFICER
1553 HRS 4600 BLOCK OF ROLLING HILLS DR. FOUND ARTICLE A wallet. Entered into evidence.
1553 HRS 00 BLOCK OF LINCOLN AVE. DOMESTIC DISPUTE. Father vs Son. Verbal only.
1740 HRS 200 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. LOST PLATE. Complainant advised he lost his license plate on 101809. Entered into the Law Enforcement Agency Data System.
1756 HRS LAKEWOOD RD. & ALGONQUIN RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1937 HRS 00 BLOCK OF CLARK AVE. DOMESTIC DISPUTE Boyfriend vs Girlfriend. Verbal only.
2007 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF HEAVENS GATE. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Fired Deputy Says He Won Arbitration To Return To Job
There was no comment Monday from McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren to the announcment that a federal arbitrator had ordered the reinstatement of former deputy and current Republican Sheriff's candidate Zane Seipler.Seipler was fired almost a year ago, ostensibly, in a complicated incident involving a minor traffic stop. Seipler claimed it was the end of over a years' harrassment because he'd complained about racial profiling in the Sheriff's office.
Seipler said Monday the arbitrator had ordered his full reinstatement with back pay except for three days which the arbitrator felt would have been the appropriate punishment for the traffic stop.
Local political commentator Cal Skinner advised Seipler not to bother reblocking his Smokey Bear hat, though. "Based on what happened last week I don't think the Sheriff's Department's going to put him back on the payroll."
Skinner was referring to the case of another fired deputy, Robert Schlenkert whom a court ordered reinstated after he was fired four years ago for a panic disorder. Schlenkert said he'd been treated and recovered suing for and winning an order to return to duty. The Sheriff's Office said that was fine but first the 17-year veteran had to go through retraining and pass a physical fitness test. Schlenkert couldn't and now he's in the middle of a second suit to get his old job back.
In the pic: Seipler
Skinner Sidebar
Cal Skinner's popular McHenry County Blog should be back up any day now, he said Monday.
The site was shut down almost two weeks ago without any understandable explanation or effective method of appeal by host, Blogger.com, according to Skinner.
Skinner said he'd arranged to transfer the blog to a new host but it turns out that's not a fast process. "I've got 7,700 stories to transfer and, apparently, that doesn't happen overnight," he said.
The site was shut down almost two weeks ago without any understandable explanation or effective method of appeal by host, Blogger.com, according to Skinner.
Skinner said he'd arranged to transfer the blog to a new host but it turns out that's not a fast process. "I've got 7,700 stories to transfer and, apparently, that doesn't happen overnight," he said.
"Hast Thou Considered My Servant Will?"
The first four months of Will Rogers' Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Parlor at Square Barn and Algonquin roads, Algonquin, sound like a modern-day tale of Job.As soon as the shop opened in June the cocoa crop failed in Africa and chocolate prices went through the roof. Then the sugar crop failed in India and sugar prices made another hole next to the first one. Then milk prices which had been falling began to rise again as dairy producers went out of business. Oh, yeah, the summer turned out to be the coldest in 25 years and there was some sort of economic slump going on. You might have read about it.
Rogers smiled Monday considering the litany of apparent bad news. "We use Belgian chocolate," said Rogers. That's pretty expensive stuff, anyway, so the cocoa and sugar prices don't add much, he said. The milk? "I just dropped my supplier. I can go to the Aldi and buy it a buck a gallon cheaper."
The weather doesn't matter and the economy actually works for him, according to Rogers. "For $20 an entire family of five can come here and have a great night out. Where else can you do that?" he asked.
"We have a great family following." Indeed, Rogers said seeking a family trade was the strategy behind choosing The Chocolate Shoppe's location. "We put this here to be by the homes. And it works. It contributes to that neighborhood feel."
It helps, of course, that he's next door to his other business, Clueless in the Kitchen, a school for, well, people who are clueless in the kitchen. That's a family thing, too, Rogers said. "The wife comes in and her husband comes too and they learn about cooking together."
Another iron in Rogers' culinary fire may turn out to be on the cable television show Hell's Kitchen. Rogers said he's due for final interviews soon to appear on the program in which a celebrity chef abuses hapless assistants.
Just the thing for a guy who can roll with the punches.
In the pic: Jennifer Pearl orders up a bowl of Snickers ice cream Monday from Will Rogers at his Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Parlor, Algonquin.
Bus Rolls Over Youngster's Legs At Neubert School
Algonquin Police are investigating a bizarre incident at Algonquin's Neubert Elementary School Monday morning in which a school bus rolled over a second-grader's feet and legs.
The seven year-old was being treated by the school nurse when an ambulance from the Algonquin Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District arrived and the child was taken to Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge.
Reports vary but there's agreement that a bus wheel rolled over the child's legs. Police planned an inspection of the bus for mechanical defects but Monday afternoon were still uncertain of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The seven year-old was being treated by the school nurse when an ambulance from the Algonquin Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District arrived and the child was taken to Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge.
Reports vary but there's agreement that a bus wheel rolled over the child's legs. Police planned an inspection of the bus for mechanical defects but Monday afternoon were still uncertain of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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
October 19
FOLLOW-UP ARREST: 1535 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (LITH POLICE). FRAUDULENT USE OF A CREDIT CARD. PFISTER, MICHAEL S., M/W 20 YEARS OF AGE, 1479 WILLOW TREE, CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant, McHenry County Sheriff’s Office for Unlawful Use of Credit Card. Bond amount: $10,000 at 10%. RELEASED ON BOND.
0804 HRS PYOTT RD. & RAKOW RD. ACCIDENT. Two Vehicles. Property Damage Only.
1006 HRS 5200 MILLER RD. (SUNSET PARK). CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Picnic table damaged.
017 HRS RANDALL RD. & MCHENRY AVE. OVERWEIGHT TRUCK. Citation issued. Fine paid.
1124 HRS 5500 BLOCK OF GRACE DR. IDENTITY THEFT. Nicor Gas account was opened by unknown subject with complainant’s information.
1436 HRS 5300 BLOCK OF BRIARFIELD LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 42 years of age, having an allergic reaction to a bee sting. Transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Lake in the Hills
October 19
FOLLOW-UP ARREST: 1535 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (LITH POLICE). FRAUDULENT USE OF A CREDIT CARD. PFISTER, MICHAEL S., M/W 20 YEARS OF AGE, 1479 WILLOW TREE, CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant, McHenry County Sheriff’s Office for Unlawful Use of Credit Card. Bond amount: $10,000 at 10%. RELEASED ON BOND.
0804 HRS PYOTT RD. & RAKOW RD. ACCIDENT. Two Vehicles. Property Damage Only.
1006 HRS 5200 MILLER RD. (SUNSET PARK). CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Picnic table damaged.
017 HRS RANDALL RD. & MCHENRY AVE. OVERWEIGHT TRUCK. Citation issued. Fine paid.
1124 HRS 5500 BLOCK OF GRACE DR. IDENTITY THEFT. Nicor Gas account was opened by unknown subject with complainant’s information.
1436 HRS 5300 BLOCK OF BRIARFIELD LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 42 years of age, having an allergic reaction to a bee sting. Transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Area Commercial Construction May Be Picking Up
A lot of name brand economists pawing through the nation's numerical entrails think maybe the recession's over. Or close to over. Or not as bad as it was getting to be, anyway. Economists all wear magic spectacles, though. Is there anything ordinary folk can see to support the thesis?Well, there are bulldozers snorting around Huntley again, for one thing. Three new commercial construction projects are underway at the moment and a fourth is in the works.
Meanwhile, over in Algonquin, one suspended project is planned to resume next Spring and two brand new ones that will probably earn final approval next month.
Huntley Business Development Coordinator Margo Griffin describes her village's growth as two-tracked. One track is residential and Huntley's had a lot of that. The other is business development to serve all those people living in newly-constructed homes.
"We don't have a lot of that yet," said Griffin. She said she expected to see more commercial growth in Huntley because "They know we're going to grow. We don't have a lot of (commercial) vacancies."
Algonquin does have a lot of vacancies but that's not completely bad news, according to Community Development Director Russ Farnum. The slack puts downward pressure on rentals and Farnum says he's seeing an uptick lately in inquiries from new businesses looking for retail space.
"These are people who know a business and are trying to start their own," said Farnum. "I think you're going to see a lot of entrepreneurs rather than the corporate franchises," he said.
The phenomenon, if it is one, makes sense. A lot of area business closings at the start of the recession came when national chains collapsed and may not have had anything to do with local business activity at all. Algonquin's Wickes store is thought to have been doing well when it shut its doors, for example.
Indeed, of the three projects pushing dirt in Huntley now, one is home-gown and so is the one set for spring. Two of the Algonquin projects currently pushing paper are local or at least regional propositions. Meanwhile in Lake in the Hills the half-dozen latest businesses to open or soon to do so are entrepreneurial affairs.
In the pic: DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral & Cremation Service on Dundee Road, Huntley, is racing to have its new facility closed in by the end of November.
Halloween A Scary Time For Algonquin Costume Business
If Halloween is a spooky season for most people, imagine how it must be for Ron Ferraro at Algonquin's Fantasy Festival. Halloween alone generates about 1/3 or his yearly costume and magic business. Now that's scary. It's hard to imagine a more discretionary expenditure than, oh, a Scooby Doo Velma suit. (Much less, Shaggy, Fred and Daphne, also available.)So how's the Halloween business in the midst of a recession? "It's not fantastic, but it's not bad, either," said Ferraro Sunday. "It's picking up."
"One good thing is Halloween's on a Saturday," Ferraro. "There are a lot of parties scheduled that weekend. There are some next weekend, too."
Ferraro's less worried about the economy than about temporary Halloween competitors springing up in empty storefronts, there being a plenitude of both right now. "They take the money and run," said Ferraro. "We're here all year."
Indeed, Fantasy Festival has costumes for all the holidays. Lots of Santa suits and the Easter Bunny jumpers, for instance. "We've got about 12,000 costumes," Ferraro said, not to mention clown, magician and theatrical supplies.
Appropriately for Halloween, Fantasy Festival is just across the street from the Algonquin Cemetery. The address Ferraro displays is 901 SCary Road.
In the pic: Fantasy Festival's Fran Pecoraro helps Debbie Bolinder find some cammo makeup for her Halloween debut as GI Jane.
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
October 18
0904 HRS 100 BLOCK OF DEERPATH RD. HIT AND RUN. Unknown vehicle caused damage to landscaping.
1121 HRS 2800 BLOCK OF IMPRESSIONS DR. BURGLARY FROM MOTOR VEHICLE. A toolbox was taken from an unlocked vehicle overnight.
1535 HRS RAKOW RD. & PINGREE RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1621 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF STARWOOD PASS. THEFT. Delayed from 101109. Bicycle taken from residence.
1841 HRS LAKEWOOD RD & ALBRECHT Rd. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
2038 HRS 5400 BLOCK OF CROSSVIEW LN. DOMESTIC. Husband vs Wife. Verbal only. Seven priors.
Algonquin
October 16
15:42pm Bahena, Sunshine E., DOB: 03/20/77, of 13 Hunters Path, Lake in the Hills, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License, Leaving the Scene of an Accident and Failure to Yield at an Intersection. She was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. She was released after posting $100, with a court date of 11/18/09, in McHenry County.
15:55pm A fifteen-year-old female from Algonquin was charged with Aggravated Battery. She was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. She was formally Petitioned into Juvenile Court and then released into the custody of her mother.
18:16pm Santoro, Fred R., DOB: 12/14/71, of 4662 Magnolia Lane, Lake in the Hills, was charged with DWLS and No Proof of Insurance. He was taken into custody at Costco, 250 N. Randall Road. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 11/18/09, in McHenry County.
19:35pm Parson, Freddie L., DOB: 07/12/68, of 118 Del Rio, Carpentersville, was charged with Retail Theft. He was taken into custody at 3 Oxford Lane, Carpentersville. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 11/18/09, in McHenry County.
October 18
04:07am Baykan, Levent, DOB: 02/22/65, of 2010 Wessel Court, St. Charles, was charged with DUI, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Unsafe Tires, Driving on the Wrong Side of the Roadway and No Proof of Insurance. He was taken into custody at Edgewood Drive and Harper Drive. He was released after posting $100 and his Illinois Driver’s License, with a court date of 12/09/09, in McHenry County.
15:56pm Behnke, Justin W., DOB: 06/14/85, of 2435 Neil Armstrong Drive, Lafayette, Indiana, was charged with DWLS, Speeding and No Proof of Insurance. He was taken into custody at Randall Road and Longmeadow Parkway. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 11/25/09, in McHenry County.
Huntley
October 12
David R. Laninga, age 25, of 10860 Great Plaines Court was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and cited for disobeying a traffic light. Mr. Laninga posted bond and was issued a court date of November 6, 2009.
A resident near 11000 Bayou Court reported theft from motor vehicle.
October 13
Steven Hammond, age 35 of, 610 Busse Road, Marengo, IL was arrested for no valid driver’s license and expired registration. Mr. Hammond posted bond and was given a court date.
A resident near 12800 Oak Grove reported burglary. A GPS unit was stolen from an unlocked vehicle.
A resident reported that a bike was stolen from the Huntley Library at 11000 Ruth Road.
Jeffrey S. Finn, age 49, of 5050 Highwood Lane, Lake in the Hills, was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for expired registration and no insurance. Mr. Finn posted bond and was released with a November 20, 2009 McHenry County court date.
October 17
James J. Kemp, age 40, of 1535 E. 65th Street, Chicago, IL was arrested for driving while license suspended.
A resident near 11500 Fredrick Way reported theft from motor vehicle. Overnight a radar detector was taken from an unlocked vehicle.
Lake in the Hills
October 18
0904 HRS 100 BLOCK OF DEERPATH RD. HIT AND RUN. Unknown vehicle caused damage to landscaping.
1121 HRS 2800 BLOCK OF IMPRESSIONS DR. BURGLARY FROM MOTOR VEHICLE. A toolbox was taken from an unlocked vehicle overnight.
1535 HRS RAKOW RD. & PINGREE RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1621 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF STARWOOD PASS. THEFT. Delayed from 101109. Bicycle taken from residence.
1841 HRS LAKEWOOD RD & ALBRECHT Rd. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
2038 HRS 5400 BLOCK OF CROSSVIEW LN. DOMESTIC. Husband vs Wife. Verbal only. Seven priors.
Algonquin
October 16
15:42pm Bahena, Sunshine E., DOB: 03/20/77, of 13 Hunters Path, Lake in the Hills, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License, Leaving the Scene of an Accident and Failure to Yield at an Intersection. She was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. She was released after posting $100, with a court date of 11/18/09, in McHenry County.
15:55pm A fifteen-year-old female from Algonquin was charged with Aggravated Battery. She was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. She was formally Petitioned into Juvenile Court and then released into the custody of her mother.
18:16pm Santoro, Fred R., DOB: 12/14/71, of 4662 Magnolia Lane, Lake in the Hills, was charged with DWLS and No Proof of Insurance. He was taken into custody at Costco, 250 N. Randall Road. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 11/18/09, in McHenry County.
19:35pm Parson, Freddie L., DOB: 07/12/68, of 118 Del Rio, Carpentersville, was charged with Retail Theft. He was taken into custody at 3 Oxford Lane, Carpentersville. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 11/18/09, in McHenry County.
October 18
04:07am Baykan, Levent, DOB: 02/22/65, of 2010 Wessel Court, St. Charles, was charged with DUI, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Unsafe Tires, Driving on the Wrong Side of the Roadway and No Proof of Insurance. He was taken into custody at Edgewood Drive and Harper Drive. He was released after posting $100 and his Illinois Driver’s License, with a court date of 12/09/09, in McHenry County.
15:56pm Behnke, Justin W., DOB: 06/14/85, of 2435 Neil Armstrong Drive, Lafayette, Indiana, was charged with DWLS, Speeding and No Proof of Insurance. He was taken into custody at Randall Road and Longmeadow Parkway. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 11/25/09, in McHenry County.
Huntley
October 12
David R. Laninga, age 25, of 10860 Great Plaines Court was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and cited for disobeying a traffic light. Mr. Laninga posted bond and was issued a court date of November 6, 2009.
A resident near 11000 Bayou Court reported theft from motor vehicle.
October 13
Steven Hammond, age 35 of, 610 Busse Road, Marengo, IL was arrested for no valid driver’s license and expired registration. Mr. Hammond posted bond and was given a court date.
A resident near 12800 Oak Grove reported burglary. A GPS unit was stolen from an unlocked vehicle.
A resident reported that a bike was stolen from the Huntley Library at 11000 Ruth Road.
Jeffrey S. Finn, age 49, of 5050 Highwood Lane, Lake in the Hills, was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for expired registration and no insurance. Mr. Finn posted bond and was released with a November 20, 2009 McHenry County court date.
October 17
James J. Kemp, age 40, of 1535 E. 65th Street, Chicago, IL was arrested for driving while license suspended.
A resident near 11500 Fredrick Way reported theft from motor vehicle. Overnight a radar detector was taken from an unlocked vehicle.
Huntley Holiday Craft Show For Safe Families Saturday
Keep Them Safe holiday craft show will be collect coats and troop supplies for the Huntley Jaycees this Saturday Oct. 24. The event will be at Niko’s Grill and Pub in Huntley from noon to 4pm.
The affair will feature a mix of crafters and home-based businesses and admission will be free. Any donation will receive raffle tickets for goodie baskets from area businesses and crafters but tickets will also be sold for $1 apiece. Winners don't need to be present to win. Money from registration and raffles will be donated to the Safe Families for Children Program.
In that program volunteers open their homes to children whose parents are experiencing a short-term emergency like hospitalization, or a longer-term crisis like as drug abuse. Safe Families is conceived as an alternative to the government al child welfare system, allowing parents to work out their problems without losing custody of their youngsters.
For details about the program or the show call Teri Altpeter at 630-205-6013 or Gary Minor at 847-421-9191.
The affair will feature a mix of crafters and home-based businesses and admission will be free. Any donation will receive raffle tickets for goodie baskets from area businesses and crafters but tickets will also be sold for $1 apiece. Winners don't need to be present to win. Money from registration and raffles will be donated to the Safe Families for Children Program.
In that program volunteers open their homes to children whose parents are experiencing a short-term emergency like hospitalization, or a longer-term crisis like as drug abuse. Safe Families is conceived as an alternative to the government al child welfare system, allowing parents to work out their problems without losing custody of their youngsters.
For details about the program or the show call Teri Altpeter at 630-205-6013 or Gary Minor at 847-421-9191.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Franks' Recall Amendment Approved For 2010 Ballot
By Bethany Jaeger
When voters head to the polls November 2, 2010, they’ll vote on whether they want the ability to recall a governor. That's thanks to a bill introduced by McHenry County State Rep. Jack Franks (D)63 and approved by both Illinois houses last week.
Franks' bill creates a ballot question on whether to amend the state constitution to allow a recall. It would require at least 60 percent of voters in the 2010 general election to vote “yes” for the amendment to become law.
Franks' proposal would only apply to governors. Previous versions proposed much broader powers to recall all elected officials, including county board chairs and judges. That proposal passed the House last spring but stalled in the Senate.
Gov. Pat Quinn said he has supported recall proposals for 33 years and described Thursday’s version as “the ultimate ethics measure.”
Some legislators warned, however, that the fear of being recalled by unhappy voters or by organizations with narrow interests would make governors only do what is popular at the time, not what is in the best interest of the state in the long-run.
Under the amendment 20 House members and 10 Senate members from both parties would have to sign off on an initial recall proposal. Once approved, individuals seeking to remove the governor would have 150 days to round up enough signatures to put the question before voters.
Franks said the number of signatures currently needed would be 750,000 based on the number of voters in the 2006 election.
Franks was a leader against deposed Governor Rod Blagojevitch and, based on a news conference in Springfield Thursday, he's not very happy with Quinn, either.
Read Bethany's full report at:
http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/power-to-recall-governors-up-to-people.html
When voters head to the polls November 2, 2010, they’ll vote on whether they want the ability to recall a governor. That's thanks to a bill introduced by McHenry County State Rep. Jack Franks (D)63 and approved by both Illinois houses last week.
Franks' bill creates a ballot question on whether to amend the state constitution to allow a recall. It would require at least 60 percent of voters in the 2010 general election to vote “yes” for the amendment to become law.
Franks' proposal would only apply to governors. Previous versions proposed much broader powers to recall all elected officials, including county board chairs and judges. That proposal passed the House last spring but stalled in the Senate.
Gov. Pat Quinn said he has supported recall proposals for 33 years and described Thursday’s version as “the ultimate ethics measure.”
Some legislators warned, however, that the fear of being recalled by unhappy voters or by organizations with narrow interests would make governors only do what is popular at the time, not what is in the best interest of the state in the long-run.
Under the amendment 20 House members and 10 Senate members from both parties would have to sign off on an initial recall proposal. Once approved, individuals seeking to remove the governor would have 150 days to round up enough signatures to put the question before voters.
Franks said the number of signatures currently needed would be 750,000 based on the number of voters in the 2006 election.
Franks was a leader against deposed Governor Rod Blagojevitch and, based on a news conference in Springfield Thursday, he's not very happy with Quinn, either.
Read Bethany's full report at:
http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/power-to-recall-governors-up-to-people.html
Legion Wii Tourney Draws a Crowd
A Lake in the Hills American Legion Wii bowling tournament raised about $250 Saturday to support the Legion Auxiliary's scholarship program, Children's Christmas Party and Hearts of Gold.The way bowlers handled their controllers they might have been pitching softballs instead of virtual bowling balls but the imaginary pins toppled on the monitors as if they'd been clobbered by a 16-pounder.
In the pic: Tim Smith put a lot of body English into his digital throws at the Lake in the Hills American Legion Wii Bowling Tournament.
Teachers Support D300 Foundation, United Way
About 30 Jacobs High School teachers donned "Live United" T-shirts Friday to promote the Northwest Suburban United Way and the D300 Foundation. The Foundation which supports district schools through grants to teachers is one of nearly 80 health and human service agencies supported by the campaign.The D300 effort has raised more than $70,000 in staff donations in the past three years, according to a spokesman.
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
October 17
0037 HRS 400 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. DOMESTIC BATTERY. ALEXANDER, STEPHEN J., M/W 25 YEARS OF AGE, 422 VILLACE CREEK DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Domestic Battery. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
FOLLOW-UP ARREST:(101209) 1002 HRS 5200 BLOCK OF GREENSHIRE CIRCLE.
BATTERY. JUVENILE, M/W 14 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Battery. Petition to Peer Jury. TURNED OVER TO PARENT.
0853 HRS 9241 S. ROUTE 31. (AXIS INSURANCE). BURGLARY. Forced entry to rear door.
0930HRS STARWOOD PASS & HEAVENS GATE. FOUND PROPERTY. Purse.
1348 HRS RANDALL RD. & ACORN LN. INJURY ACCIDENT. Three vehicles. Passenger of unit three transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital for chest pains.
1422 HRS 3000 BLOCK OF BALDWIN LN. ACCIDENT. Vehicle vs. mailbox. Property damage only.
1505 HRS MILLER RD. & RANDALL RD. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Two year old male having a seizure. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
2308 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (LAKE IN THE HILLS POLICE). FOUND PROPERTY. Key turned in to the Police Department.
Lake in the Hills
October 17
0037 HRS 400 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. DOMESTIC BATTERY. ALEXANDER, STEPHEN J., M/W 25 YEARS OF AGE, 422 VILLACE CREEK DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Domestic Battery. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
FOLLOW-UP ARREST:(101209) 1002 HRS 5200 BLOCK OF GREENSHIRE CIRCLE.
BATTERY. JUVENILE, M/W 14 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Battery. Petition to Peer Jury. TURNED OVER TO PARENT.
0853 HRS 9241 S. ROUTE 31. (AXIS INSURANCE). BURGLARY. Forced entry to rear door.
0930HRS STARWOOD PASS & HEAVENS GATE. FOUND PROPERTY. Purse.
1348 HRS RANDALL RD. & ACORN LN. INJURY ACCIDENT. Three vehicles. Passenger of unit three transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital for chest pains.
1422 HRS 3000 BLOCK OF BALDWIN LN. ACCIDENT. Vehicle vs. mailbox. Property damage only.
1505 HRS MILLER RD. & RANDALL RD. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Two year old male having a seizure. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
2308 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (LAKE IN THE HILLS POLICE). FOUND PROPERTY. Key turned in to the Police Department.
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