Dillard: Count the Votes

By Bill McMorris
The Republican primary for governor ain’t over til it’s over. And that may not happen for another 10 days, according to state Sen. Kirk Dillard at a Chicago news conference Friday.

Dillard trails state Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington by about 400 votes of the 75,000 cast in Tuesday’s primary election. The Hinsdale Republican held the press conference to remind voters that election officials are still counting provisional and absentee ballots, which his campaign estimates at more than 5,000

“I wish I could resolve this today," said Dillard, "but the reality is that it takes time for the election authorities to do their job and for all of the votes to be counted.”  He said he hasn’t ruled out a recount, saying his decision “depends on what the margin is.”

An official recount would take place in March.

Brady says he “respect’s Dillard’s decision…and is patient enough to wait until the 16th,” when all mail ballots must be in.

“Our victory margin will hold, we’ll probably pick up a few because the way absentees and provisionals go will break the same way the general election goes,” he said. “In a five-way race, to move that much with that few votes will be very difficult.”

As the primary’s only downstate candidate, Brady received more than 90 percent of his votes from southern and central Illinois.

Dillard, however, received half of his support from Cook County, and said he’s confident that uncounted votes from his suburban home turf will put him over the top.

In the pic: Dillard shows the difference between his vote total and Bill Brady's at Friday's conference.

You can read Bill's full report at: http://illinoisstatehousenews.com/2010/02/05/dillard-count-the-votes/

Area Politicians Say Scrap Early Primary

Quite apart from turning out another Bush, Franken-style votecount cliffhanger, this week's Groundhog Day election didn't find much support among local politicians for its timing, either.

"Having a Primary in the first week of February is insane," said District Three County Board member Kathy Bergan Schmidt, at the McHenry County Board's Thursday meeting. "We need to tell the Legislature." (Applause)

Bergan Schmidt is the County's Democratic leader but Republican County Board Chairman Ken Koehler was in complete agreement on that point.  "It's the most misbegotten thing in the world," he said. "We definitely want it back the way it was."

That would be in late March.  The primary was moved to early February two years ago when Illinois got caught up in the rush to be the first to name a leader among presidential candidates.  Twenty four states (and American Samoa) "won" that Super Tuesday competition.

No one was happy this year trudging through an Arctic landscape trying to gin up support but Bergan Schmidt said she was more concerned about safety in moving the primary forward again.

"In my precinct one of the judges slipped on the ice and you could tell he was hurt," she said.  "There was a lot of ice and people shoveling and salting to keep (voters) safe."

So when should the Primary be held, wondered Koehler?

"October," shouted District One's Marc Munaretto. (More applause)

Huntley Library To Ready For New Annex

The Huntley Area Public Library issued fair warning this week to lay in a good stock of late Winter reading material. The library's going to temporarily close for a while soon to relocate materials and furniture to the new mobile annex.

The Children’s Area will be closed from Sunday, Feb. 21 through Sunday, Feb. 28, and the entire library will be closed for three days, from Friday, Feb 26 through the 28th. Librarians need the time to pack and relocate materials, install shelving, rearrange collections and furniture, and organize the annex for the new Children’s Area.

“Library staff will be moving approximately 70,000 items, as well as computers and furniture.  It’s a very large undertaking,” said Library Director, Patrick McDonald. Some building maintenance activities will also be completed during the closure.

The library, including the temporary annex, will re-open to the public on Monday, March 1. The annex will house the Children’s Area, including books and computers, as well as a small program room. Most programs will be held in this new program room, but larger programs and events will still need to be held at other locations within the community, McDonald said.

In the pic: Huntley Area Public Library Director Patrick McDonald mulled plans Friday to fill 2,800 square feet of new library empty.

Huntley High School Biz Students Win Competition

Huntley High School’s newly formed chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) participated in their first conference and competition  last weekend  in New Lenox.

“We were very nervous going into Saturday's competition since it was our first one and being a new Chapter,” FBLA sponsor Tricia Eibl said.

Nevertheless, seniors Regina Achille, Chris Krawczyk, and Zaanish Pirani earned certificates and medals for their first place win out of five groups in the Business Presentation category. John Augustine, a junior at Huntley High School, competed in the Accounting event placing 14th out of 25 participants. Sujith Medari, senior, placed 7th out of 17 in the Business Law category.

Huntley was the only school from McHenry County at the Northern Area Conference and Competition.

In the pic:  (from left): John Augustine, Zaanish Pirani, Tricia Eibl (Sponsor), Regina Achille, Sujith Medare, and Chris Krawczyk.

MCC To Host Volunteer Fair

McHenry County College will host a Volunteer Fair Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 9 am to 1 pm.

The MCC Volunteer Fair will feature a wide range of volunteer opportunities for MCC students and community residents to explore and the chance to meet with representatives from more than 20 nonprofit organizations. Information about upcoming volunteer needs, projects and events in the community will also be available.

“Students volunteer to explore potential career paths and share specific talents,” said Emily Smith, coordinator of service learning and volunteerism at MCC. “The MCC Volunteer Fair is a great opportunity for students to learn more about the organizations that serve our county and how they can offer to help, while also giving them valuable community service experience.”

McHenry County area nonprofit agencies or organizations interested in participating in the Volunteer Fair or those who wish more information can contact Smith at (815) 455-8536 or email her at esmith@mchenry.edu.

Local Sports

Boys' Basketball
Wednesday
Cary-Grove 61, Dundee-Crown 51
Crystal Lake South 54, Huntley 45
Grayslake Central 78, Grayslake North 67
Johnsburg 72, Woodstock 41
Marian Central 63, Aurora Central 46
McHenry 51, Jacobs 34
Prairie Ridge 57, Woodstock 40
Tuesday
Grayslake Central 78, Glenbrook South 50

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
February 5
0112 HRS 100 BLOCK OF HUNTERS PATH. DOMESTIC. Boyfriend vs Girlfriend. Verbal only. No priors.
0156 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE Female, 36 years of age, having numbness on the left side. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1310 HRS 9625 HALIGUS RD. (MARLOWE MIDDLE SCHOOL) ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 12 years of age, feels weak and dizzy. No transport.
1423 HRS 600 BLOCK OF GRACE DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE Male, 47 years of age, having abdominal pains. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1913 HRS 2800 BLOCK OF BRISBANE DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 55 years of age, fell. Transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
L10-01646 2333 HRS 100 BLOCK OF NORTHLIGHT PASS. ASSIST AMBULANCE Female, 38 years of age, feeling suicidal. Transport to Sherman Hospital.

McHenry County Foreclosures Hit New High In 2009

A report released Thursday by the nonprofit Woodstock Institute found despite federal, state, and local interventions, home foreclosures continued to grow last year. The report said foreclosures increased most in the collar counties including McHenry.

The Chicago region saw 24,053 new foreclosure filings in last year's final quarter, according to the report.  That was the highest number since 2005. The fastest foreclosure growth came in north and northwest Cook County and Kane County.

The report said new foreclosure filings more than doubled in McHenry County between 2006 to 2009, increasing from 1,014 to 2,660 last year.  The village of McHenry saw the smallest percentage increase during the period but only because foreclosures were higher there to start with.  The same applies to Lake in the Hills' increase.

“With more and more homeowners becoming unemployed or owing more on their mortgage than their home is worth, foreclosures are likely to continue to be high in 2010,” said Geoff Smith, Senior Vice President of the Woodstock Institute.

                    Properties with Foreclosure Filing   Change
Community          2006      2007      2008      2009    07-09

McHenry County    1,014     1,366     2,091     2,660    94.7%

Algonquin            72       106       173       199    87.7%

Lake in the Hills   131       192       294       315    64.1%

Huntley              51        63        96       117    85.7% 

Crystal Lake        110       157       245       304    93.6%

McHenry              98       139       228       194    39.6%

Marengo              25        33        52        60    81.8%

Woodstock            63        90        88       163    81.1%

Dan Hynes Concedes To Gov. Quinn

By Ashley Badgley
The Democratic race for governor is over. Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes conceded to Gov. Pat Quinn Thursday in the Democratic primaries and offered him full support for the general election in November. Hynes finished just a few thousand votes behind Quinn in Tuesday’s primary.

But Hynes, who was overcome with emotion, said a recount or further challenge would not be worth it.

“People have spoken and the votes have been counted and I’m here to report we rose up and fell just a little short,” Hynes said.  Hynes said although he disagrees in some philosophy with Quinn, he believes his campaign is offering much more than the still unknown GOP candidate.

“Gov. Quinn and I had disagreements, we have different philosophies and words get heated,” Hynes said. Quinn then held his own press conference accepting Hynes’ concession.

Democratic Governors Association Executive Director Nathan Daschle said with Quinn’s victory, the Democrats are ahead in terms of the working on the general election in November. “While the Republicans will likely spend the next several weeks talking to judges and lawyers, we look forward to talking to voters,” Daschle said in a statement.

In the pic: Hynes during the campaign.

You can read Ashley's full report here:
http://illinoisstatehousenews.com/2010/02/04/dan-hynes-concedes-to-gov-quinn/

Supreme Court Strikes Down Malpractice Caps

By Jamey Dunn
The Illinois Supreme Court ruled Thursday that caps set by the legislature on how much money juries can award victims of medical malpractice are unconstitutional.

The 2005 law limited jury awards for pain and suffering at $500,000 for doctors and $1 million for hospitals. In essence, the court said the General Assembly cannot limit the decision-making power of juries when it comes to awarding money for pain and suffering because it was one branch of government, the legislature, encroaching on the power of another, the judicial.

This is the third time the court has found caps on damages unconstitutional.

The law also contained some insurance reforms that were struck down because of a provision that said if part of the statute were found unconstitutional, all of it would be void. Patients' rights advocates and trial lawyers say the reforms should be put back through new legislation.

“Overturning this law further strains our state’s already-ailing health care system,” Dr. James Milam, president of the Illinois State Medical Society, said in a news release. “Losing medical lawsuit reform heaps even greater pressure on patients and doctors. Something has to give.”

You can read Jamey's full report here:
http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/supreme-court-strikes-down-med-mal-caps.html

Quinn: Cohen Response is Unsatisfactory

By Bill McMorris
Gov. Pat Quinn says his new running mate way want to step down.

Scott Lee Cohen, the party’s nominee for Lieutenant Governor, is dealing with revelations of a domestic abuse complaint from an ex-girlfriend with a history of prostitution.

The governor did not mention Cohen’s name once during a 45 minute press conference about the upcoming election on Thursday.  But Quinn says his running mate “has a lot of explaining to do.”

Cohen’s former girlfriend told police that the millionaire pawnbroker held a knife to her throat during an argument in October 2005. Cohen disclosed the arrest during the primary campaign. He claims the woman was drunk during the time of the argument and says he did not lay a finger on her.

Cohen says   “When the facts come to light, after my ex-wife and ex-girlfriend speak, the people of Illinois can decide, and I will listen to them directly,” he said.

Quinn says Cohen’s response, so far, has been “unsatisfactory.”

In the pic:  Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate Scott Lee Cohen.

You can read Bill's full report at:
http://illinoisstatehousenews.com/2010/02/04/quinn-cohen-response-is-unsatisfactory/

State Of The County: "Strong"

The State of McHenry County was the highlight of Thursday's County Board meeting except for those interested in nursing home governance or the arcana of bond issuance.

Board Chairman Ken Koehler pointed to plans to "significantly decrease (traffic) congestion" in the eastern part of the county, and April's upcoming unveiling of the county's 2030 Plan to manage growth as high points for last year.  Plans for this year boiled down to not losing ground.

"We all know many county residents are adversely affected by the economic downturn," Koehler said.  "We're all aware of how it's impacting all businesses and families."

That may have been why he laid out plans for continuing projects already on the table but didn't call for any new ones.

One of the projects already served up is taking back direct management of the County's Valley-Hi nursing home.  The board voted Thursday to junk board committee supervision of the facility in favor of an expert board of directors.  District 6 member Randy Donley thought it was a bad idea but District 5's Jim Kennedy said it worked in DeKalb County and there'd still be two County Board members on the new board of directors, anyway.

The Board inched closer to issuing $4 million in bonds to build a controversial expansion for the McHenry County Mental Health Board. Bond expert Eric Anderson told the Board he'd ask authorization at their next meeting to try to "time" the market to get the best rate.

Interest rates are low now, Anderson said. "We've not seen these rates in 42 years," he said.  Then again, "rates are very volatile," he said, the reason he hoped for flexibility in jumping at the best ones.

In the pic: Ken Koehler commends the County's "sound financial management".

More Financial Woes For D158

The District 158 Board of Education worked on squeezing more savings from the district's budget Thursday but found things were still in a two steps forward, one step back mode.

The Board hopes to save $700,000 by cutting back 40 percent on janitorial services. Controller Mark Altmayer said there wasn't any way to save money by slashing salaries since "people on the team are approaching minimum wage", anyway.

Member Kim Skaja was leery of the idea, worried that it might increase maintenance costs later.  "We don't want to end up spending $1 million (in the future) to save $700,000 now," she said.

Quite apart from theoretical savings down the road, Altmayer said the District faces an unexpected cashflow hit right now.  He said District legal firm Hinshaw & Culbertson had forgotten to bill them for 10 months' work and wanted $120,000 for it.  "Right now we're in pretty good shape," Altmayer said, "but in April we may not be."

Altmayer said Hinshaw offered to lop 10 percent off the total but "I want to see if we can get another $5,000 or $10,000 dollars."

McHenry County 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.

MARIO N. NUNEZ, DOB:  01/30/79, ADDRESS UNKNOWN.
UNAUTHORIZED VIDEOTAPING--Huntley PD

GUSTAVE S. KOZARZEWSKI, DOB:  05/27/67,    10680 PAINTED DESERT COURT, HUNTLEY.
FORGERY(4CTS)--Huntley PD

ROBERTO NEGRON, DOB:  07/06/71,    1221 FAIRWOOD, ELGIN.
RETAIL THEFT--Algonquin PD

MICHAEL A. CHERBAK, DOB:  08/18/65, 904 MOHICAN TRAIL, ALGONQUIN.
UNLAWFUL DELIVERY OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(2CTS), UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(3CTS), UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS, OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE
JODY A. MARTIN, DOB:  08/31/66, 904 MOHICAN TRAIL, ALGONQUIN.
UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA--North Central Narcotics Task Force

LASHIKA R. RIDDLE, DOB:  09/27/82, 1 MIDDLESEX DRIVE  #17, CARPENTERSVILLE.
COURTNEY T. STEPHENS, DOB:  09/24/80, 1 MIDDLESEX DRIVE  #17, CARPENTERSVILLE.
EBONY D. HEAD, DOB:  08/19/84, 2 MIDDLESEX DRIVE  #16, CARPENTERSVILLE.
FORGERY, THEFT--U.S. Postal Service

SCOTT R. LANMAN, DOB:  02/02/92, 6405 HIGHLAND ROAD, CRYSTAL LAKE.
ALEX J. KIERL, DOB:  11/15/91, 4319 DRAKE DRIVE, CRYSTAL LAKE.
CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY--McHenry County Sheriff's Police
  
HEATHER A. KLEMP-HAHN, DOB:  09/16/69, 833 BELOIT AVENUE, FOREST PARK.
THEFT
KEVIN J. SEDLAK, DOB:  04/16/92, 2226 S 9TH AVENUE, NORTH RIVERSIDE.
RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY--Island Lake PD
  
TERRY M. WASICAK, DOB:  02/26/86, 7605 BEAVER, WONDER LAKE.
UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF WEAPONS BY A FELON--Wonder Lake PD

CHRISTOPHER K. BROWN, DOB: 02/05/75, 26 BRIGHT OAKS CIRCLE, CARY.
CHILD PORNOGRAPHY(10CTS)--Cary PD

JASON A. DOODY, DOB:  01/19/77, 616 W RAND ROAD, LAKEMOOR.
UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS WITH THE INTENT TO DELIVER, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITHOUT FOID, UNLAWFUL USE OF A WEAPON(3CTS), POSSESSION OF FIREARM AMMUNITION WITHOUT  FOID--McHenry County Sheriff's Police
      
LARRY M. NICHOLS, DOB:  02/05/85, 126 ARMARILLO ROAD, CARPENTERSVILLE.
MEGAN V. MCMANUS, DOB:  04/10/84, 5601 TELEGRAPH ROAD, WONDER LAKE. UNLAWFUL DELIVERY OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(2CTS), UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(2CTS)--McHenry County Sheriff's Police
  
BRANDON M. SMEDLEY, DOB:  03/16/84, 10112 MAIN STREET  #1 HEBRON.
UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(2CTS), UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, CRIMINAL TRESPASS TO RESIDENCE--Hebron 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
February 4
0004 HRS PYOTT RD. & RAKOW RD. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. MOSUR, PAUL M., M/W 48 YEARS OF AGE, 204 WANDER WAY, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving under the Influence of Alcohol with Breath Alcohol Content over .08, Improper Lane Usage. RELEASED ON BOND.
0803 HRS HILLTOP DR. AT DAM #1, POSSESSION OF CANNABIS/POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. CHRISTENSEN, JASON E., M/W 20 YEARS OF AGE, 3 ELIZABETH COURT, LAKE IN THE HILLS. Charges: Possession of cannabis, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Improper use of Illinois registration. RELEASED ON BOND.
0956 HRS 20 BLOCK OF WALNUT DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 69 years of age, has difficulty walking. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1723 HRS 0 BLOCK OF ROCHELLE CT. DOMESTIC. Husband vs Wife. Verbal only. No priors.
1743 HRS 2450 ALGONQUIN RD. (BANK OF AMERICA). ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
2108 HRS 400 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Boyfriend vs Girlfriend. No priors. Female transported to Sherman Hospital for diabetic reaction. FAIL TO FILE.
Algonquin
February 1
08:07am Campbell, David P., DOB: 09/10/74 of 1237 Harvest Court, Crystal Lake, was charged with Criminal Trespass to Vehicle and DWLS.  He was taken into custody at 850 Bristol.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail, when unable to post bond.
10:24am A sixteen-year-old female from Algonquin was charged with Aggravated Battery.  She was taken into custody at Jacobs High School, 2601 Bunker Hill Drive.  She was referred to the Tri Area Court For Teens and then released into the custody of her parents.
February 2
09:58am A fourteen-year-old female from Carpentersville was charged with Aggravated Assault and 2 counts of Aggravated Battery.  She was taken into custody at Jacobs High School, 2601 Bunker Hill Drive.  She was transported to the Kane County Juvenile Detention Center to await a detention hearing, Wednesday, in McHenry County.
13:56pm A sixteen-year-old male from Algonquin was charged with Aggravated Battery.  He was taken into custody at Jacobs High School, 2601 Bunker Hill Drive.  He was Petitioned into Juvenile Court and then released into the custody of his grandmother.
17:14pm A seventeen-year-old female from Huntley was charged with Retail Theft.  She was taken into custody at TJ Maxx, 832 S. Randall Road.  She was referred to the Tri County Area Court For Teens and then released into the custody of her parents.
February 3
17:57pm Esteban, Medina, DOB: 05/18/81, of 1158 Royal Boulevard, Elgin, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License and Suspended Registration.  He was taken into custody at Randall Road and Corporate Parkway.  He was released after posting $300, with a court date of 03/10/10, in McHenry County.
February 4
11:41am Robelo, Abraham, DOB: 05/17/91, of 1249 Sebring Court, Elgin, was charged with Aggravated Battery.  He was taken into custody at Wal-Mart, 1410 S. Randall Road.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail, to await a bond hearing.  Also taken into custody during the same incident was DeLaRosa, Monica, DOB: 05/05/91, of 112 Ann Street, Elgin, who was charged with Reckless Driving.  She was released after posting her Illinois Driver’s License, with a court date of 03/10/10, in McHenry County.

Governor Recounts Possible, But Not Until March

By Ashley Badgley
With the results of the gubernatorial primaries still up in the air, many people are asking what’s next?  Democrat Dan Hynes is scheduled to make an announcement this morning but no one knows if he plans to concede the Governor's race to Pat Quinn who leads him by several thousand votes.  Over on the Republican side the margin between Kirk Dillard and Bill Brady is even tighter  with fewer than 500 votes separating the two when the count shut down Wednesday.

A Dillard update late Wednesday afternoon said the initial count for "several" precincts hasn't been reported yet. Even so, talk of a recount in the both races has been discussed, but no candidates have officially called for one yet.

Ron Michaelson, former director of the Illinois State Board of Elections, said if a candidate requests a recount, it won’t begin until after March 5. That's the date when all ballots are officially counted. The official count intludes absentee ballots postmarked the day before the election, deployed Armed Forces members’ ballots and any provisional ballots still have to be counted, Michaelson said.

Michaelson said candidates must weigh their options concerning a recount. He said recounts are expensive and time-consuming, and often steer voters away from the November general election.

“Candidates have to take these issues into account,” he said. “They want to exhaust all their options. It’s a difficult decision candidates have to make, but they don’t have to make it tomorrow.”

Michaelson said the only good thing he can see from Illinois’ early primary is that candidates have time to do a recount, if necessary. He said if both parties are undergoing an official recount, “neither party will be healing wounds” inflicted during the primary campaigns.

At a Republican unity breakfast Wednesday morning, Brady noted that, “any Republican is head and shoulders above any Democrat that is running,” and Dillard used the line,too. Brady said he’s ready for a recount, if necessary, and so did Dillard. However, both candidates said they would support each other, no matter what the outcome.
You can read Ashley's full report here:
http://illinoisstatehousenews.com/2010/02/03/recounts-possible-but-not-until-march/

Shhhh. Cable Competition Comes To Area.

AT&T confirmed Wednesday that after more than a year's delay cable TV competition has finally come to Algonquin, Lake in the Hills and Huntley.  Whether that will make any difference on residents' monthly cable bills is something else entirely.

Cable giant Comcast holds the franchises to serve the three villages.  More than two years ago AT&T won the right to offer its U-Verse "video service" on a statewide basis, however. The company scattered decoder cabinets around the villages but then ran into technical problems hooking them up to the rest of its system.

Dave Strahl, AT&T's Director of External Affairs said Wednesday those problems have finally been solved and without any publicity the villages were linked to the U-verse system several weeks ago.

"We were notified late last year that AT&T planned to offer the service soon," said Algonquin Management Assistant Mike Kumbera.

A problem that remains, though, is that it's still not available everywhere.

"A couple of years ago we talked of a Phase I rollout of 50 percent throughout the state," said Strahl. "I think we're on track for that.  Some places have more, some have less. No community has 100 percent."

Huntley Management Assistant Barb Read said, "They'd put the boxes in one neighborhood and then they'd put them in another.  We couldn't see any pattern."

How to find out if you have a choice?  AT&T has a handy dandy locator:
http://www.att.com/u-verse/availability/

The market's been changing in the last couple of years while AT&T worked out its technical bugs, however. Both Comcast and AT&T have switched from pushing standalone services to "bundling" different packages of video, telephone and Internet access. The upshot is now it almost takes an advanced degree in accounting to figure out any potential savings.

A quick FEN comparison of "barebones" bundles between the two companies finds Comcast's regular rate is $129.99 per month for all three services together while AT&T's package comes in at $137.00 per month. "But wait," as the late night commercials say, "There's more."

Comcast has a promotion right now that puts the price at $99.00 per month for the first 12 months and $114.99 per month for the next 12. Unless you cancel early. In that case it's hard to tell what happens but probably not something good.

Meanwhile AT&T has a special offer that rebates $400 on a promotional card, whatever that is. Plus, it'll cut its monthly rate $10 per month if you sign up for automatic billing. Oops, only if you sign up online, though.

Strahl said price comparisons might be misleading, anyway, since Comcast's cable and AT&T's U-verse are technical apples and oranges with different capabilities.  For example, with U-verse he said, "You can record and watch up to four programs simultaneously.  In most cable setups to you need to have a dual feed to do that."

Comcast's spokesman couldn't be reached Wednesday.

In the meantime, if the AT&T service locator says you don't have a choice after all, just wait. "In 2000 we began offering our DSL Internet service," said Strahl. "We're up to 93 percent coverage now."

Whichever service a viewer picks doesn't make any difference to villages' revenues.  Under either the local or state franchise they get a 5 percent cut of the gross.  "It's a nice but not major revenue source," said Algonquin's Kumbera.

MCDH Promotes The Lady In Red

The McHenry County Department of Health joins the American Heart Association Friday in its nationwide campaign “Go Red for Women”, to encourage Americans to wear red in support of women’s heart health awareness.  Anyone can participate by showing off a favorite red dress, shirt, scarf, tie or Red Dress pin, according to spokesman Deborah Quackenbush.  Cardiovascular disease is the primary killer among women claiming more than 500,000 lives each year, she said.

To empower women  to take charge of their health, the AHA has created the “My Life Check” health assessment tool to help Americans take steps to change their behavior and reach personal health goals. You can find it here:
http://mylifecheck.heart.org
 
The Web site also describes “Life’s Simple 7” which focuses on ways to improve health – controlling cholesterol, managing blood pressure, reducing blood sugar, stop smoking and making a plan to eat better and lose weight.  Each health factor is a clickable tab.

MCDH is offering a cardiovascular screening on Thursday, Feb. 18, from 8:30 to 11 am, at McHenry County College.  The screening requires a 12-hour fast and includes total cholesterol (HDL and LDL), fasting blood sugar, triglycerides and blood pressure measures and cardiovascular education.  New this year is a body composition analysis.  Call MCDH at 815-334-4536 to schedule an appointment. The cost is $35.00. 

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
February 03
0959 HRS 4500 BLOCK OF ALGONQUIN RD. NO VALID DRIVERS LICENSE. MURRAY, MARISSA D., F/W 19 YEARS OF AGE, 420 S. ANNANDALE DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. Charges: No Valid Illinois Drivers License, No Proof of Valid Insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.
1321 HRS E OAK ST. & CHERRY ST. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. STADLER, JAMIE A., M/W 30 YEARS OF AGE, 7401 HEMLOCK ST., CRYSTAL LAKE.  Charges: Driving while License Suspended. RELEASED ON BOND.
1633 HRS 200 BLOCK OF WEDGEWOOD CT. DOMESTIC BATTERY. GUEVARA, MARITZA, F/W 31 YEARS OF AGE, 201 WEDGEWOOD CIRCLE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. Charges: Domestic Battery. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
0805 HRS 3500 BLOCK OF CHADWICK LN. DOMESTIC. Husband vs Wife. Verbal altercation only. Three priors.
1127 HRS 300 BLOCK OF PYOTT RD. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 42 years of age, not feeling well. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1202 HRS 300 N. RANDALL RD. (LOWE’S). ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1344 HRS 400 BLOCK OF CEDAR ST. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 62 years of age, having difficulty breathing. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1401 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (LITH PD) IDENTITY THEFT. PENDING INVESTIGATION.
1848 HRS 200 BLOCK OF FERRYVILLE DR. SEXUAL ABUSE. Sexual abuse investigation. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
2203 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. DOMESTIC/ Boyfriend vs Girlfriend. Verbal only. No priors

Quinn Clings To Slim Lead, Hynes Refuses Defeat

By Kevin Lee 
Gov. Pat Quinn claimed victory late Tuesday night in his bid for the Democratic nomination for governor. But his rival Dan Hynes refused to admit defeat.

With almost 890,000 votes tallied in Tuesday’s Democratic primary race for governor, fewer than 7,000 votes separated the incumbent Quinn from the challenger Hynes as of this morning.

McHenry County was almost equally split with Hynes drawing 4,835 votes against Quinn's 4,697.

Hynes said he would continue to fight at least through today.

“If democracy means anything, we need to count all the votes,” Hynes said among supporters at his campaign headquarters.

Not to be outdone, Quinn declared himself the outright primary winner and called for the Democratic party to unite behind him.

“One more than the last guy is a landslide in my book,” Quinn said.

The Democratic race did not look like it would be close in December, when a poll indicated Quinn held a comfortable, double-digit point lead over Hynes.

But the Hynes’ campaign rallied following attacks on a controversial early-release prisoner program spearheaded by Quinn as well as on Quinn’s competence.

Quinn tried to strike back by questioning Hynes’ supervision of burial grounds after a scandal involving the sale of grave sites.

You can read Kevin's full report here:
http://illinoisstatehousenews.com/2010/02/03/quinn-clinging-to-slim-lead-as-hynes-refuses-defeat/

No Winner Yet For Republicans In Gov’s Race

By Benjamin Yount    
Two Republican candidates for governor say they’re the winner of yesterday’s primary, and a third says he might be. It could be days, at least, before Illinois Republicans will know who their candidate for governor will be this Fall.

Bloomington State Senator Bill Brady claimed the GOP’s top spot as his own in a victory speech to supporters.  Brady says it’s only “halftime” but says he is ready for the Democratic candidate.  Whoever that may be.

But State Senator Kirk Dillard went to bed saying he expected to be the nominee by the time he woke up.  Dillard says the remaining precincts, which were still unknown early this morning, should push him over the top.  Brady and Dillard are separated by just a few hundred votes.

Andy McKenna was a few thousand votes behind the pack, but he says he’s also still in the race.  McKenna wants all the votes counted, even if that takes a while.

The vote was fragmented in McHenry County but McKenna was the clear local leader polling 6,525 votes, followed by Dillard with 5,907 and Ryan with 5,302 votes.

Brady, Dillard, and McKenna are all expected to attend a Republican unity breakfast in Chicago later this morning.

Ben's full reports are at:
http://illinoisstatehousenews.com/2010/02/03/squeaker-in-gop-race-for-gov/
http://illinoisstatehousenews.com/2010/02/03/no-winner-yet-for-republicans-in-gov%E2%80%99s-race/

In the pic:  Downstater Bill Brady wasn't even on the radar a few days ago.  Not unlike Scott Brown in Massachusetts.

Sheriff Defeats Deputy Only Two To One

Three-term McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren, as expected, beat challenger Zane Seipler in the Republican Primary Tuesday.  Seipler pulled almost one third of the GOP vote, however, a lot for an unknown ex-deputy without any campaign experience.

Nygren drew 16,942 votes against Seipler's 7,924. He'll face Tuesday's (unopposed) Democratic Sheriff's nominee, Lake in the Hills' Mike Mahon who pulled 7,778 votes on his side.

Seipler with little more than some yard signs and a website raised issues about Nygren's attention to his office and efficiency running it that Mahon's bound to take up. Mahon, better credentialed than Seipler, appears to have a more sophisticated campaign organization, too.

Woodstock blogger Gus Philpott won the spot on the Green Ticket.

In the pics: (above) Nygren. (below) Mahon.

Signs And Portents Everywhere In County Board Races

A skimpy voter turnout that didn't meet even Tuesday's morning's low (20 percent) expectations produced some surprises in McHenry County's Board races.

Since Democrats didn't put up candidates in most board races the primary contests are mostly the final results. The numbers posted by the County Clerk don't include votes that might still be in the mail but there'd have to be an unlikely number in transit to make a difference.

District One incumbent Yvonne Barnes appears to have been bumped by newcomer Bob Nowak, Cary's Director of Building Planning and  Zoning. Incumbent Anna May Miller seems to have retained her spot.
The vote was Nowak, 2,093; Miller, 1,990 and Barnes 1,799.

District Two incumbent Lyn Orphal was bounced by (among others) a newbie, Crystal Lake financial advisor Donna Kurtz.  Board President Ken Koehler retained his seat.

Kurtz came to prominence leading the opposition in MCC's minor league baseball stadium embroglio two years ago.  Koehler's been dogged by suspicions there must be something fishy about Metra's decision to (maybe) build a commuter station on land he bought 40 years ago but voters seem to have shrugged that off.The vote was Kurtz, 1,832; Koehler, 1,665; Ellen Brady Mueller, 993; Sandy DePaul, 608, and Orphal, 524.

John Jung, Jr., won nomination for the seat he lost last time in District 5.  Tina Hill won the same for her current spot.  The vote was Jung, 2,495; Hill, 2,410; Dave Frederick, 1,812.  Lake in the Hills' Jim Kennedy drew 1,404 Democratic votes to win nomination over on the other side.

In District Six incumbent Mary McCann kept her seat but Alden Road activist Diane Evertsen bounced Huntley's Dan Ryan.  McCann polled 2,541 votes; Evertsen 2,141; Vic Narusis 1,623; Ryan 1,589 and Dick Draper 1,045.

In District Three Nick Provenzano won nomination for the seat he lost last time as did incumbent Barb Wheeler. Ed Dvorak is retiring so didn't run. Democrat Lori McConville will contest with them in the general election.

In District Four incumbents Sandy Salgado and Pete Merkel won their nominations handily since no one else ran. Democrat Jeff Thirtyacre will provide some opposition in November.

Algonquin Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman Maggie Auger won the Republican nomination for Kane County Board District 23 Tuesday. She'll face Democrat Linda M. Nuneman in November.
Details on other McHenry County races, including committeemen, are here:
http://www.mcvote.org/

Details for Kane County including Board Districts 23,24 and 25 are here:
http://www.kanecountyelections.org/ElectionResults/electionresults.asp

In the pic:  Voting Tuesday at Algonquin Precinct 57 (across the room from Precinct 58) at Lake in the Hills Village Hall.

Giannoulias To Face Kirk In U.S. Senate Race

By Kristi Eaton
The gubernatorial race may still be up in the air, but Illinois residents already know who will be battling for the U.S. Senate seat in November’s election. Democrat Alexi Giannoulias and Republican Mark Kirk will face each other after winning their Tuesday primaries.

With 98 percent of the precincts reporting, Giannoulias had 39 percent of the vote.  His opponents, David Hoffman and Cheryle Jackson, had 34 percent and 19.5 percent, respectively.

With 56 percent, Kirk led the GOP race. Patrick Hughes trailed with 19 percent. The remaining candidates had single digit numbers.

Kirk was the plurality winner in McHenry County pulling 48 percent of the vote.  Giannoulis was likewise the county Democratic leader with a 37 percent total.

The seat is open after U.S. Senator Roland Burris decided not to run for re-election. Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich appointed Burris. Before that, the seat was held by President Barack Obama.

Kristi's full report can be read here:
http://illinoisstatehousenews.com/2010/02/03/giannoulias-to-face-kirk-in-u-s-senate-race/

Wal-Mart Wins Algonquin Community Impact Award

Presenting Algonquin's 2009 Business Awards was the order or business at the Algonquin Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday.

The Randall Wal-Mart won the village's Community Economic Impact Award for the store's recent 40,000 square-foot expansion which boosted both area employment and the village's tax receipts.  "In this economy we certainly appreciate any investment that brings people much-needed jobs in the village," said Village President John Schmitt.

Likewise honored and for the same reasons was the Randall Road Brunswick Zone XL.  Planners gave the center extra points for trying to fix neighbors' complaints about light and sound nuisances after it went into operation.

The village's Rehab and Improvement Award went to Mitch Weisz's East Side "Strandell Buiding" on Algonquin Road.  Weisz revamped the ex-horse and pet facility into a multi-tenant commercial center.  Also honored was Mike Marotta who, in a project detailed in FEN, spruced up his Main Street commercial/residential building for no better reason than that it didn't quite meet his own standards.

The Downtown Algonquin Partnership won the village's Community Service Award.  The group of more than 20 small business in the downtown area have been carrying most of the load recently trying to keep the village's historic commercial center viable.  The Partnership sponsores the Algonquin Farmers' Market and the Village's Old Time Country Harvest Festival.

In the pic:  Algonquin Wal-Mart Store Manager Jason Weisenberger (left) receives the village's Community Impact Award from President John Schmitt Tuesday.  Adding 130 jobs while other businesses shut their doors put the megaretailer at the top of the impact list.

Simon Cowell Has Left The Building

Tuesday saw auditions at Huntley High School for The District 158 Education Foundation's third annual variety showcase.  Tickets for the show at 2 pm  March 7 are $10.  The Education foundation funds scholarships for District 158 graduating seniors and supports classroom projects and programs.  Call Kim Skaja at 815-923-8810 or email her at kskaja158@foxvalley.net for details.

In the pic:  This group of third through seventh grade tap dancers is called Candy Man.  (FEN's a sucker for tap.)

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
February 02
1655 HRS ACORN LN. & CRYSTAL LAKE RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. KOWAL, AMBER E., F/W 20 YEARS OF AGE, 945 GOLF COURSE RD UNIT 7, CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Driving while License Suspended, No Valid Insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.
2214 HRS 4300 BLOCK OF LARKSPUR LN. VIOLATION OF ORDER OF PROTECTION. RAMOS, JR., JOSE A., M/W 36 YEARS OF AGE, 4347 LARKSPUR LN., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Violation of Order of Protection. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
0211 HRS 130 BLOCK OF NORTHLIGHT PASS. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 38 years of age, not feeling well. No transport.
0236 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF ADAMS ST. BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE. DVD system taken from vehicle and located. PENDING INVESTIGATION.
0613 HRS 4800 BLOCK OF THISTLE LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 48 years of age, with low blood sugar. No transport.
0815 HRS 10 BLOCK OF WOODLAND RD. BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE. Global Positioning System and unknown amount of change taken from an unsecured vehicle. PENDING INVESTIGATION.
0820 HRS 9325 HALIGUS RD. (MARLOWE MIDDLE SCHOOL). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 14 years of age, injured on bus, having lower back pain. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
0948 HRS 4300 BLOCK OF BARHARBOR DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 39 years of age, not feeling well. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1327 HRS PYOTT RD. & INDUSTRIAL DR. ACCIDENT. Vehicle vs Pole. Property damage only.
1516 HRS 4500 BLOCK OF BARHARBOR DR
ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 14 years of age, needing an evaluation. Transported to Woodstock Hospital.
1851 HRS 300 BLOCK OF WANDER WAY. BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE. Money, iPod, and CD Player taken out of a vehicle last night.
2049 HRS 4700 BLOCK OF PRINCETON LN. DOMESTIC Step-Father vs Step-Son. Verbal only. No priors.
2128 HRS 800 BLOCK OF WILLOW. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 73 years of age, having a hard time breathing. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
Huntley
January 26
Criminal damage to property occurred at 10450 Algonquin Road, Centegra Healthbridge, in the men’s sauna.
January 27
Christopher J. Pucci, age 36, of 10483 Casselberry North was charged with domestic battery and domestic battery bodily harm and transported to McHenry County jail and issued a court date of February 19, 2010 at 8:30 a.m.
David A. Wuich, age 28, of 9927 Amanda Lane, Algonquin, was arrested for battery.
January 29
John Roepenack, age 32, of 4903 West Street, McHenry, was arrested for suspended registration and on an outstanding McHenry County warrant.  Mr. Roepenack posted bond and was released with two McHenry County court dates.
Burglary from motor vehicle occurred near 12200 Oakcrest.  A resident reported theft of a wallet from an unlocked vehicle.
Hector A. Zapata, age 21, of 10790 Cape Cod was arrested for theft.  Mr. Zapata posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of February 26, 2010 at 8:30 a.m.
January 30
Jesus Ruiz, age 24, of 519 Standish Street, Elgin, was arrested for driving while license revoked and on seven outstanding warrants.  Mr. Ruiz was also cited for no registration light and no insurance.
Pedro Alonso-Cerda, age 38, of 366 Prairie Street, Unit 5, Elgin, was arrested for driving while license suspended and on an outstanding warrant.
January 31
A male juvenile was charged with no valid driver’s license, curfew violation, disobeying a traffic control device, and more than one passenger in vehicle.  Two female juveniles were also charged with curfew violation.
Erin A. Ortiz, age 22, of 2660 Cesario Drive, Hampshire, was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for speeding.
Criminal damage to property occurred near 12200 Glazier.  Damage to the door frame and door occurred.

Candidates Criticize Economics Disclosure Form

Although the Alliance For Land, Agriculture and Water's proposed economic transparency ordinance hasn't been adopted yet, two thirds of candidates for McHenry County offices and Board seats have voluntarily filled out the group's disclosure form. Only 3 of the 8 county office seekers submitted the form but 20 of 27 board candidates did.

Notable among the non-filing officer seekers were Sheriff Keith Nygren and County Board Chairman Ken Koehler.  Nygren's three homes and Koehler's land holding where Metra plans a new commuter station have figured in the Sheriff's and District 2 Board battles.  Nygren did not return a call Monday seeking comment.  Koehler did but was gone again by the time FEN was able to check voicemail.

FEN spoke with three of the seven board candidates who haven't submitted the ALAW form.

District 1 incumbent Anna May Miller said she hadn't submitted the form because it asks for more than she knows without research.  "They're asking for a bunch of information that I'm trying to put together," she said.

"It talks about the property interests of family members," Miller said.  "I know what my daughters own and my sons own but I don't know the property ID numbers. And I'm not sure about brothers and sisters.  My husband has both."

"If they just wanted to know what I own that would have been simple," said Miller.

Dave Frederick, looking to take a District 5 seat on the Board, said, "I feel that it's very poorly written.  I've left messages three times with (ALAW)."

"I own 25 acres between Woodstock and Crystal Lake and I don't think they'll ever be developed." said Frederick.

Frederick said he thought ALAW's form would just discourage participation in local government.  "It's really hard to get someone to run for (office)," he said.

District 6 incumbent Dan Ryan said he was trying to keep an open mind on ALAW's proposed ordinance but thought the disclosure form was both intrusive and probably redundant.  "In the state of Illinois you can put real estate into a land trust," he said.  "It may not have to do with the government.  Whose business is that?"

Anyway, said Ryan, "We all have to file a state disclosure form. You fill it out when you run for office. It's there already. I filed it with Kathy Schultz."

An examination of the 23 disclosure forms submitted so far reveals little about the candidates' economic interests.  A relatively impecunious bunch, most said they had nothing to report in the areas ALAW wants to know about.

Primary Turnout Expected To Be Light

A predicted inch of snow this morning isn't expected to help turnout for Illinois' Groundhog Day Primary where turnout was predicted to be light, anyway.  Late polls on both sides of the ballot in the important Governor's race indicated the biggest bloc of voters still favored "undecided".

Here's a quick cheat sheet for just getting to your polling place and filling out a ballot.

McHenry County
Here are precinct maps for Algonquin Township:
http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/countyclerk/pdfDocs/Precinct%20PDF%27s/Algonweb.pdf
Grafton Township:
http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/countyclerk/pdfDocs/Precinct%20PDF%27s/Grafton.pdf
Dorr Township:
http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/countyclerk/pdfDocs/Precinct%20PDF%27s/Dorr.pdf

But it's probably easier to use this locator in the first place:
http://mchenry-il.connect.clarityelections.com/precinctfinder.aspx

Here's where to find your polling place:
http://mchenry-il.connect.clarityelections.com/ElectionPollingPlaces.aspx

Here's the GOP Ballot:
http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/countyclerk/pdfDocs/PDF%20Docs/REP.pdf

Here's the Dem Ballot:
http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/countyclerk/pdfDocs/PDF%20Docs/DEM.pdf

Here's the Greens:
http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/countyclerk/pdfDocs/PDF%20Docs/GRN.pdf

Here are instructions on McHenry County's regular Optical Scan Accuvote machines:

http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/countyclerk/Pages/VotingInstructions.aspx

And here are instructions on McHenry County's Touch Sceen Accuvote machines:
http://ssm.nwherald.com/voters-guide/2010/Page35.pdf

Kane County
Here's where to find your precinct:
http://www.kanecountyelections.org/VoterInfo/Search.asp

Here's where to find your polling place:
http://www.kanecountyelections.org/PollingPlaces/PollingPlaces.aspx

Here's a list of GOP candidates on Kane County Ballots:
http://www.kanecountyelections.org/Candidates/PrimaryCandidates.aspx?PartyCode=REP
(and here's the committeemen:)
http://www.kanecountyelections.org/Candidates/PrimaryCommitteemen.aspx?PartyCode=REP

Here's a list of Dem Candidates on Kane County Ballots:
http://www.kanecountyelections.org/Candidates/PrimaryCandidates.aspx?PartyCode=DEM
(and here's the committeemen:)
http://www.kanecountyelections.org/Candidates/PrimaryCommitteemen.aspx?PartyCode=DEM

Ditto, the Greens:
http://www.kanecountyelections.org/Candidates/PrimaryCandidates.aspx?PartyCode=GRN
http://www.kanecountyelections.org/Candidates/PrimaryCommitteemen.aspx?PartyCode=GRN

Here are instructions on using Kane County's eSlate voting machines:
http://www.kanecountyelections.org/VotingSystem/eSlate.asp

In the pic:  Election Judges found some assembly required to put together their polling places.  Grafton Township's Scott Gabel and Tom Poznanski dropped off the gear for Precinct 12 and Chesak Elementary Monday.

Grafton Senior Bus To Transport Voters

Besides the usual Tuesday (and Thursday) runs to Jewel and Wal-Mart, Grafton Township's Senior Bus will be available today from Noon until 3 pm to transport golden age voters to and from their polling places.  The charge is $1 each way.  Call 847-669-8500.

The latest rules for the Senior Bus are here:
http://premium.fileden.com/premium/2009/9/15/2575972/grafton%20rider%20flier.pdf

Professional Regulation Actions

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
announced, among others, the following disciplinary orders in the month of December 2009:

Susan Miller, Crystal Lake – registered nurse license placed on indefinite probation with work restrictions for a minimum of three years due to diversion of, and addiction to, Darvocet.

Alissa Natavpsky, Morton Grove – nursing home administrator license placed in refuse to renew status for unprofessional conduct of a character likely to harm the public.

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
February 01
0925 HRS 6900 BLOCK OF RAKOW RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED.  BRENDLE, PHILLIP D., M/W 44 YEARS OF AGE, 519 BROWN ST., WAUCONDA. Charge: Driving While License Suspended. RELEASED ON BOND.
0326 HRS 300 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 44 years of age, having a panic attack. No transport.
1152 HRS 228 INDIAN TRAIL (INDIAN TRAIL BEACH). ASSIST AMBULANCE Female, 82 years of age, possibly had a stroke. Transported to Centegra Hospital.
Algonquin
January 25
09:56am Arellano, Jori, DOB: 10/01/89, of 211 Bolz Road, Carpentersville, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License and Speeding.  He was taken into custody at Sandbloom Road and Souwanas Trail.  He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 02/24/10, in McHenry County.
15:58pm Sanchez, Roberto C., DOB: 11/28/89, of 425 Berkshire Drive, Apt #35, Crystal Lake, was charged with DWLS and No Proof of Insurance.  He was taken into custody at Randall Road and Harnish Drive.  He was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond, with a court date of 03/03/10, in McHenry County.
January 26
05:04am Scherer, Heidi M., DOB: 03/24/82, of 701 Evergreen Court, Algonquin, was charged with 2 counts of Domestic Battery.  She was taken into custody at 701 Evergreen.  She was transported to McHenry County Jail, to await a bond hearing.
16:26pm Wassell, Kevin R., DOB: 01/05/86, of 186 Timber Trails Boulevard, Gilberts, was charged with DWLS, Expired Registration and No Proof of Insurance.  He was taken into custody at Stonegate Road and Randall Road.  He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 03/03/10, in McHenry County.
18:55pm A seventeen year-old male from Algonquin was charged with Burglary and Theft.  He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department.  He was formally Petitioned into Juvenile Court and then released into the custody of his parents.
January 27
21:27pm Shipley, Michael J., DOB: 04/18/82, of 21 Gates Street, Apt #25, Crystal Lake, was charged with DWLS and Expired Registration.  He was taken into custody at Stonegate Road and Randall Road.  He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 03/03/10, in McHenry County.
January 29
16:45pm Shipley, Michael A., DOB: 12/27/54, of 800 Riverview Drive, Algonquin, was Wanted on a Warrant, out of Sangamon County for Failure to Appear, on a DWLS charge.  He was taken into custody at Harrison Street and Edward Street.  He was released after posting $300, with a court date of 03/01/10, in Sangamon County.
22:39pm Krol, Violetta M., DOB: 05/18/76, of 1218 S. Patton Avenue, Arlington Heights, was charged with DUI, Improper Lane Usage and No Proof of Insurance.  She was taken into custody at Route 62 and High Point Ridge.  She was released after posting $100 and her Illinois Driver’s License, with a court date of 03/10/10, in McHenry County.
23:37pm Cabanas, Eleucterio, DOB: 08/04/86, of 315 Amarillo, Carpentersville, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License and Suspended Registration.  He was taken into custody at Route 62 and Sandbloom Road.  He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 03/03/10, in McHenry County.
January 30
04:37am Howard, Scott T., DOB: 01/28/87, of 891 S. Westgate Road, DesPlaines, was charged with DUI, DUI Over and Driving in the Wrong Lane.  He was taken into custody at Route 62 and Eastgate.  He was released after posting $100 and his Illinois Driver’s License, with a court date of 03/10/10, in McHenry County.
20:08pm Plazbert, Nicole F., DOB: 02/15/70, of 1136 Cary Road, Algonquin, was charged with DWLS, Suspended Registration, Improper Display of Registration and No Front Plate.  She was also Wanted on a Warrant, out of Winnebago County for Suspended Registration.  She was taken into custody at W. Algonquin Road and Dennis Street.  She was released after posting $300, on the Algonquin charges, with a court date of 03/10/10, in McHenry County and after posting $300, on the Winnebago Warrant, with a court date of 02/12/10, in Winnebago County.
January 31
00:05am Linder, Michael D., DOB: 02/02/85, of 307 S. Hubbard Street, Algonquin, was charged with Domestic Battery.  He was taken into custody at 307 S. Hubbard.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail, to await a bond hearing.

Exelon Signs On To FutureGen Project

By Jamey Dunn
FutureGen, a “clean” coal plant proposed for construction in Mattoon, got backing today Chicago-Based utility company, Exelon has joined the group of investors, known as the FutureGen alliance, that support a “clean” coal plant proposed for construction in Mattoon.  Excelon announced it was joining the alliance over the weekend.

As originally proposed the plant would use a first-of-its kind combination of technology to capture and trap underground carbon dioxide from burning coal.

The project stalled two years ago when the Bush aAdministration pulled support because of concerns about growing costs and increasing risks to taxpayers. A federal report by the Government Accountability Office, however, later indicated that accounting errors overestimated the cost by $500 million.

“People were upset. Upset that we went through five years of competition for this coal research project and they pulled the rug out from under us as soon as Illinois won,” U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said at a Chicago news conference.

The project awaits approval of more than $1 billion in stimulus funds from the U.S. Department of Energy. Including the cost of materials, recent estimates have said the total price could exceed $2 billion. The feds asked the alliance to find cost savings to reduce that price and more private investors to back the plan. Durbin said that is why support from Exelon helps the plant’s chances for moving forward.

“Exelon — in joining the FutureGen alliance — not only brings more credibility to the project, more resources to the project, they bring their expertise to the project and move us closer to approval,” Durbin said.

Two investors, Electric Power Co. and Southern Co, dropped out of the project last year, citing concerns over rising costs. With Exelon on board, the alliance is up to 10 members.

The goal of the plant is to capture 90 percent of the carbon emissions by the third year of a five-year test period, according to the Department of Energy.  A decision from  DOE is expected in February.

You can read Jamey's full report here:
http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/futuregen-gets-new-backer.html

In the pic:  "Look, Ma.  No CO2." An artist's concept of the FutureGen  powerplant. 

Good Weather Brings Hundreds To LITH Ice Fishing Derby

The ice was about a foot thick Sunday at Woodscreek Lake Sunday, site of the Lake in the Hills Sportsman's Club's 25th Ice Fishing Derby.  About 150 adult anglers hiked out on the ice for a go at some of the northerns, bluegill, croppies, bass and perch.  At least 50 kids turned out to try their hands which was part of what the tournament was all about according to club VP Ray Novak.

The Sportsmans Club has supported the conservation of Woodscreek Lake and donated the pavillion on the Indian Trail Beach.

Top fish this year was a 27-inch northern caught by a derby regular around so long everyone just calls him Cooper. No word on whether he was using the new "exploding chum". 

In the pic:  (above) Fishin' Hole has a completely different meaning for Ray Novak during the winter. (below)  It was the first time fishing at all for the Mirshak family: Mom, Wendi, and kids Taylor, Trevor and Zachary.

Candidates Make Last-Minute Weekend Rounds

It was a busy weekend for candidates drumming up last-minute support for Tuesday's Groundhog Day Primary. District 2 hopeful Donna Kurtz, for example, was busy knocking on doors in Lake in the Hills and Algonquin hoping to win a seat from incumbent Board Members Ken Koehler and Lyn Orphal.  Ellen Brady Mueller and Sandy DePaul have the same idea, though, in a game of political musical chairs where there isn't anyone on the Democratic ballot.

In the pic:  Donna Kurtz makes her pitch to LITH's Tony Ognibene, a publicly-engaged citizen who turns out to be an FEN "subscriber".

Friends Tell Friends About The First Electric Newspaper

Marlowe Hydraulics Team Earns Plaudits

The District 158 Board honored a group of Marlowe Middle School eighth graders last week for winning the Overall Champion Award in a 12-team competition at Harper College last month.  Students Peter Campbell, Michelle Caputi, Joanna Gourley, and Adam Sundling designed and built the winning prototype of a machine using hydraulic power.

The competition challenged students to solve an engineering problem using fluid power technology by designing and constructing fluid power mechanisms. The gizmo had to pick an object from one platform, rotate and place it on another. Besides thenumber of pick-and-place cycles a team's mechanism completed, each team's design approach and teamwork skills were evaluated.. 
  

In the pic:  The winners at the Harper competition, from left, Joanna Gourley, Adam Sundling, Peter Campbell, Michelle Caputi and Coaches Lori Knasiak and Elaine Lorinczi.

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
January 31
0112 HRS 0 BLOCK OF CRIMSON CT. SUICIDE ATTEMPT. Female, 19 years of age, with a cut to her leg.  Transported to Woodstock Hospital.
0856 HRS 100 BLOCK OF DEERPATH LN. MISSING JUVENILE. Female, 16 years of age, did not return home. Entered into LEADS. Returned home. Removed from LEADS.
1120 HRS 400 BLOCK OF STARWOOD PASS. LOST LICENSE PLATE. Front plate lost. Entered into LEADS.
1204 HRS 0 BLOCK OF LAKE DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. 82 year old male subject possible stroke. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1241 HRS 3000 BLOCK OF IMPRESSIONS DR. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles delayed from 012910.
1423 HRS 800 BLOCK OF SHAWNEE DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. 87 year old male subject having difficulties moving. Transported to Saint Joseph’s Hospital.
1515 HRS 208 N RANDALL RD. (BLOCKBUSTER VIDEO). ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1941 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & OAKLEAF RD. INJURY ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Female, 24 years of age, with head & neck injuries. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
Algonquin
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Rebates For Appliances--Please Don't Call It Cash For Clunkers

Five months after the  "Cash For Clunkers" car program starting today the Feds are rolling out a similar program for appliances. It's called the "Energy Star Rebate" program and if you haven't heard about it, you're not alone.

Nationally the program will dole out about $300 million to purchasers of high efficiency furnaces, water heaters and "white goods" with $12 million of that to Illinois. The first $3 million goes to the furnaces and water heaters.

Big box retailers are all set to hand out 25 percent rebates at the register on the water heaters.  "Familiar with it?," chuckled one retailer.  "Heck, we helped write it."

The furnace side's a different story. There's up to $1,200 available for each furnace, depending, but it works through installers and one large local firm contacted Friday hadn't even heard about it.

Tom Parbs had heard about it and was pretty peeved. Parbs is head of sales at Approved Comfort Heating and Air, Lake in the Hills, and said, "The way they've disseminated it is godawful."

State Rep. Mike Tryon (R-64), put out a press release to publicize the program last week.  He said he wasn't sure if it will really stimulate anything. "I just want to make sure our retailers and contractors know about it so they don't lose sales to Cook County," he said.

Parbs stumbled over the Energy Star Rebate for furnaces two weeks ago.  "We were fairly livid," he said.  Approved Comfort won't be able to offer furnace discounts until Feb.9 he said and only then because he pulled strings to get in line early for special required training.

Rebates (only 15 percent) on washers, dryers, fridges and air conditioners won't start for another two months.  That may allow time for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to put together the other $9 million part of the Energy Star Rebate program.  Consumers are supposed to get a $50 or $100 mail- in rebate for recycling their old appliances.  DCEO's website says it doesn't have a system yet to actually recycle the things, though.  A spokesman at partner agency the Illinois Retail Merchants Association reports it's working on the forms, however.

In the pic: Sales Specialist Damon Zimmer posts Energy Star Rebate info for water heaters at Lowes, Lake in the Hills, Saturday.

Algonquin Township Prepares For Tuesday Primary

Algonquin Township Road District workers parceled out voting machines and supplies Saturday for Tuesday's Primary Election in the Township's 68 precincts. Here they're loading up Election Judge Chuck Parker's gear for Algonquin Precinct 32 (Algonquin Middle School). He's been a judge for four years now. "I didn't have time for it until after I retired," he said.

People In Need Forum Tops Last Year

Thirty seven human service agencies drew a crowd of more than 400 to Saturday's People In Need Forum at McHenry County College.

There are far more than 400 "people in need" in the County, of course.  The 400 were just some of the people whose job it is to help them and the forum was a way to get the word to the pros about what sort of help is available and where to get it.

"We knew we'd have at least 100 more people this year (than last)," said Forum organizer Lori Belzer. "The need is there," she said.  "That's why these people are here."

Local Sports

Boys' Basketball

Saturday
Hampshire 73, Woodstock North 44
Marian Central 62, Crystal Lake South 51
Hoffman Estates 38, Huntley 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
January 30
1143 HRS 2265 W. ALGONQUIN RD. (THORNTONS GAS).DISORDERLY CONDUCT. RACHTCIOUKIAVITCHIOUS, SAOULIOUS M/W 44 YEARS OLD, 570 WOODS CREEK LN., ALGONQUIN. CHARGES: Disorderly Conduct. RELEASED ON BOND.
1110 HRS 00 BLOCK OF ELDORADO CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. 84 year old male with high blood pressure. Transported to Saint Joseph’s Hospital.
2110 HRS 600 HARVEST GATE. (VILLAGE HALL). FOUND ARTICLE. Music stand left at the building.
2116 HRS 200 BLOCK OF INDIAN TRAIL. DOMESTIC. Boyfriend vs. Girlfriend. Verbal only. No priors.