Home Sales Rise To Beat Subsidy's End

A burst of buying to beat the expiration of a federal subsidy pushed McHenry county home sales to a level unseen since since an earlier subsidy was due to run out last October, according to the latest figures supplied by the McHenry County Association of Realtors.

April sales of McHenry County homes, townhouses and condos totaled 316 as an $8000 credit for first-time home buyers and a $6500 credit for other qualified home buyers expired at the end of the month.  Sales hit the 366 level 6 months ago just before the first-time buyers credit received a last-minute extension.  Both  numbers represented volume unseen since housing sales started to collapse three years ago.

While April sales were up, the average price of a McHenry County home slid again, falling $1,500 from March to $188,000. Average prices have only been above the $200,000 level in 4 of the last 16 months and remain about $70,000 below their 2007 highs.

The April buying binge lowered the average home's length of time to sell, however.  That dropped below 6 months to 175 days.

No one is sure what's going to happen to home sales now that direct federal subsidies have run out.  The Cash For Clunkers auto subsidy last year turned out to have had little lasting effect.  In housing, though, several federal mortgage programs still remain to prop up the market.

Huntley Rt. 47 Temp Pavement Work Set For Monday

Prep work for Route 47 widening in Huntley  hasn't interfered with traffic much but it's scheduled to do so Monday when temporary pavement work begins. Village officials warned to watch for lane changes and flaggers Monday as work continues on a retaining wall near Huntley Car Wash.

Meanwhile work is continuing on dry utility relocation.  Nicor is working along Route 47 from Dean Street to Mill Street. When when the company changes over the service it will give notice to residents and businesses, according to officials. ComEd is still working on Route 47 from Main Street to Algonquin Road.
  
Actual road construction will begin once the utility companies complete their relocation work.

The village has a site to sign up to receive email updates on Route 47 work.  You'll find it here: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001beAL-N5vKfSI4VGOKkdLcQ%3D%3D
 

D300 Looks For New Board Member

In a release Friday District 300 confirmed that Board Member John Ryan of Algonquin will resign effective at the next Board meeting  Monday.  Ryan's departure is unrelated to Thursday's choice of a new Superintendent, however.

Ryan was absent from Thursday's special meeting to pick Jacobs HS Principal Mike Bregy to head the district come the 2011-12 school year because he was out of the country.  In fact that excursion and others to come are the reason for his resignation.  In a letter to the Board Ryan said a new job he took after being out of work for a year and a half requires a lot of travel that would interfere with Board work. “Although I leave with a tremendous sense of unfinished business, I have no choice but to do so,” Ryan wrote in his resignation letter.

Ryan's departure leaves a hole in the Board, though. Applications to fill it will be accepted beginning Tuesday from Algonquin Township residents. The term expires in April 2011.  Applicants should be warned that Board Members report they've probably been averaging 20 to 25 hours of work a week on District matters lately and they don't get paid for it, either.

During Monday’s Board meeting, President Joe Stevens will announce an application deadline, probably in about two weeks, and the schedule for the Board to interview and appoint Ryan’s replacement. 

The Springfield Blame Game

By Jamey Dunn and Rachel Wells, Illinois Issues
It seems everybody had someone to blame after a budget failed to pass both chambers of the General Assembly Friday.

Senate Democrats, with no Republican backing, passed a plan and are now looking to the House to finish the job. “The action is (going to move) over in the House. We have passed a budget. We have passed the revenues necessary to fund the budget, and it’s up to the House,” Senate President John Cullerton said.

The budget pieces the Senate passed include one that requires legislators, state constitutional officers and agency executives to forfeit one day's pay each month during the fiscal year. It also extends to December 31 the deadline to pay off its bills from the previous fiscal year,  It also gives Gov. Pat Quinn the power to borrow from special funds and includes the tobacco settlement “securitization.”

Another would let the state skip its employee pension payment until Quinn can find the nearly $4 billion needed.  A third would appropriate the money from a $1-a-pack cigarette tax increase, which passed in the Senate last year, to K-12 education, assuming that the increase passes in the House.

The Senate passed a spending bill early. That plan would require Quinn to make about $2 billion in cuts from last year’s spending. However, the House failed to pass any budget legislation or take up the bills the other chamber approved.

Sen. Donne Trotter sees the troubles in the House as a chronic problem. “The House, I believe, has dropped the ball for the past two years in trying to be a partner and trying to make Illinois whole again. And it’s not easy, the economy is still bad, but there are certainly things that can be done that make it better than what it is now.”

So far, like last year, the General Assembly plans to give Quinn lump-sum appropriations and let him make what are sure to be unpopular cuts instead of negotiating a budget that doles out money by line item. But the deadline that the General Assembly missed Friday was really only one that they imposed on themselves. Cullerton said both chambers will be returning before the end of the month.

You can read Jamey and Rachel's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/blame-game.html

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.

SHAWN R. SOUTH, DOB:  8/19/82, 4304 EAST DRIVE, WONDER LAKE. BURGLARY, CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, THEFT.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office.

JOSHUA M. O’HARA,DOB:  01/05/89, 1440 COMMONS DRIVE  #2D, WOODSTOCK. UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT, DOMESTIC BATTERY, CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, UNLAWFUL INTERFERENCE WITH THE REPORTING OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.--Woodstock PD
   
EDWARD J. WARREN, DOB:  06/22/80, 640 LEAH LANE  #2A, WOODSTOCK. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO GOVERNMENT SUPPORTED PROPERTY, RESISTING A PEACE OFFICER, DOMESTIC BATTERY.--Woodstock PD
   
JAMES I. INMAN, DOB:  05/23/78,    11014 SEAMAN ROAD, HEBRON. BURGLARY.--McHenry PD
   
JERRY P. SWEAT,    DOB:  04/13/64,    349 W. FOREST STREET,MARENGO. AGGRAVATED DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE(2CTS).--Marengo PD
   
JUAN MORALES, DOB:  05/19/91, 2702 BALDWIN, MCHENRY. BRINGING CONTRABAND INTO A PENAL INSTITUTION, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office
   
DANA M. WHITE, DOB:  10/11/78, 3009 W. CHESTNUT DRIVE, WONDER LAKE. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office

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
May 07
0947 HRS 9625 HALIGUS RD., (MARLOWE SCHOOL). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 12 years of age, with neck pain. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1125 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (POLICE DEPT.) INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Sex Offender Registration.
1302 HRS 5700 BLOCK OF LUCERNE LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 28 years of age, voluntary evaluation. Transported to Woodstock Memorial.
1456 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. VIOLATION OF ORDER OF PROTECTION. Petitioner received text message. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY OFFICER.
1623 HRS 8 PROSPER CT., (SUNSET CARTAGE). REPORT FOR INSURANCE.  SUV was damaged while parked in lot.

Jacobs HS Principal To Head District 300

The District 300 Board Thursday chose one of the District's own to succeed soon-to-retire Superintendent Ken Arndt.  After a year's getting up to speed, Jacobs High School Principal Mike Bregy will helm the District through what promise to be difficult financial waters.

The Board chose the 44-year old Algonquin educator after a months-long  search by a national consultant firm found most district residents wanted someone local as Arndt's replacement.  The Board examined nine in-house candidates although at least one wasn't interested in the first place. Board President Joe Stevens said, "It took about 45 seconds," to agree on Bregy when Members were finally allowed to compare notes.

Bregy said he was offered the position last week but Communications Director Allison Strupek said the choice was kept under wraps until late Thursday to "preserve the privacy of all the candidates."

Arndt, the District's head for 10 years, won't retire until the end of next school year.  The plan is for him to mentor Bregy while he first occupies the slot as Associate Superintendent before taking over.  "I'm truly happy," said Arndt. "I was the one who recommended him to be principal at Jacobs High School."

Member Karen Roeckner had mixed feelings about bumping Bregy upstairs.  "We'll be sad to see you leave my daughters' school as principal," she said.

Member Chris Stanton warned Bregy he had some hard work ahead.  "I wouldn't want that job for twice what it pays," said Stanton.  "Ditto," chimed in Member Anne Miller.

The District's cut about $9.5 million from next year's school budget but still has to find at least $4 million more savings to make ends meet.  Current prospects are that the following year, Bregy's first as Superintendent, may be even tighter.

Bregy said even as he wrestles with finance and administration he plans to keep in touch with teaching.  "I wouldn't take the job if it wasn't part of my job to be in the classroom," he said.

In the pic:  D300 Superintendent-to-be Mike Bregy with his proud parents Bob and Joyce Thursday night.  Bregy credited them for forcing his attention to homework, "although I didn't really appreciate that until I was in college." 

Huntley Library Offers New Library2Go Service

Huntley Area Public Library has a new service for shutins.  Library2Go is a free, long-term service to make the library truly available to everyone.

“Sometimes an illness, injury or lack of transportation makes it difficult for people to get to the library, but with the Library2Go delivery service, the library can come to you”, Library Director, Patrick McDonald said.  

The new service is available to those with a qualifying condition (illness, injury, or lack of transportation) living within the library district.  Participants can either request specific items, or choose to have items selected for them from a list of their preferences. Items are delivered to and picked up from the participant’s home on a regular basis. 

If a participant does not already have a library card, one will be provided at the initial home visit.   To sign up or just inquire call (847) 669-5386, ext. 21.

The MCC Falcon (Very Abridged)

The cold rain dripped down the windows fracturing the glimmer from the neon lights beyond into a chiaroscuro portrait of despair.

"You've got to help me, Mr. Spade," the dame said.

"I would, Sweetheart, but I can't" I said. "I don't have a Private Investigation license.

"You're lying," she cried.

"No, Gutman and the Kid had me tied to a chair in a cheap hotel room when MCC was giving their Introduction to Private Investigation course from 6:30 to 9 pm Tuesdays, June 3 through July 22.

"So I never learned how to locate lost loved ones or investigate fraud or interview witnesses or be part of an undercover operation.

"I regretted never getting that Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC), necessary for anyone interested in pursuing this exciting and challenging profession. Life's full of regrets, though, isn't it, Baby?"

"But what can I do, Mr. Spade?" she said revealing a little more of a leg that she'd already revealed a lot.

"Tell you what, give me $209 as a retainer. That's the cost of the course and all materials. I'll contact a woman I know named Ruth Kormanak at (815) 479-7879 for more information.

"Meantime you go over and get a room at the Biltmore.  Wait for me there.  It'll take a while and we'll both be a little older by the time it's over but I want to take the course next Summer.   Summer, do you hear me!

"Sure I love you but I won't take the Fall."

Budget Plans Emerge In Each Chamber

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
On the night before their self-imposed adjournment date, the chambers of the General Assembly each unveiled its own budget bill. The Senate passed its legislation and sent it to the House, but the House did not take final action on its own spending plan.

Both the Senate and the House spending bills hinge upon an “emergency budget act” passing in the House. That bill would:

    * Suspend the $3.7 billion annual pension payment until January 31, 2011.
    * Extend the time the state has to pay any overdue FY2010 bills from August 31, 2010, to December 31, 2010.
    * Require lawmakers, constitutional officers and executive agency directors to take 12 furlough days.
    * Create an independent state agency to issue $1.7 billion in bonding against a national tobacco settlement.
    * Allow the governor to borrow from special funds for the General Revenue Fund and Common School Fund. That money would have to be put back in the special funds a year after it was borrowed.

The Senate spending bill which passed early this morning, would cut 5 percent from agency operating budgets, the bulk of which likely would come from the furloughs. The plan would give Gov. Pat Quinn lump-sum appropriations to spend as he sees fit. It would then be up to him to make difficult cuts, which would total about $2 billion. The House plan is similar but has yet to be called for a vote.

The Senate spending bill became the centerpiece for a rhetorical debate because it would appropriate the spending for capital construction projects that passed last session again. Senate Republicans accused the Democrats of  going back on hard-fought negotiations that had produced the first capital bill in a decade. Senate President John Cullerton said Senate Republicans were asked to vote again on their capital projects to highlight their “priorities.”

Both chambers are scheduled to continue work today.

You can read Jamey's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/budget-plans-emerge-in-each-chamber.html

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
May 6
1838 HRS 260 N. RANDALL RD., (COSTCO GAS). DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. SUTTOR, JONATHAN V., M/W 20 YEARS OF AGE, 537 EAGLE ST., CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Driving while license suspended. RELEASED ON BOND.
2038 HRS 600 BLOCK OF ANDERSON. THEFT. MCQUADE, TIMOTHY P., M/W 40 YEARS OF AGE, 668 ANDERSON DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Theft.
0427 HRS 200 BLOCK OF INDIAN TRAIL. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 60 years of age, unable to move his legs. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
0803 HRS 1200 BLOCK OF SPRUCE DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 83 years of age injury to a knee. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
0833 HRS 00 BLOCK OF SUGAR CREEK. HARASSMENT BY ELECTRONIC MEANS. Female subject being harassed via the Internet. FAIL TO FILE.
0956 HRS 00 BLOCK OF GRANT AVE. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 68 years of age, having difficulty breathing. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
0955 HRS 2800 BLOCK OF BRIARCLIFF. MISSING PERSON. Female subject has not been seen or heard from in two days. LEADS ENTRY MADE.
1238 HRS 310 N. RANDALL ROAD, (CHASE BANK). ACCIDENT Two Vehicles. Property Damage Only.
1457 HRS 00 BLOCK OF SWEETWATER CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 83 years of age, having difficulty breathing. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1712 HRS 00 BLOCK OF WOODLAND RD. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Son vs. mother. No priors. FAIL TO FILE.
1846 HRS 700 BLOCK OF WHITE PINE CIRCLE. FOUND ARTICLE. Mini-bike found in the bushes.
1900 HRS ACORN CT. & ACORN LN. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
2021 HRS 2600 BLOCK OF STANTON CIRCLE. DOMESTIC. Father vs. son. Verbal only. No priors.
2204 HRS 3600 BLOCK OF SONOMA CIRCLE. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Check well being on a female. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
2250 HRS 2900 BLOCK OF BALDWIN LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 82 years of age, severe stomach pain. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
2355 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE Male, 60 years of age, heart problems. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
Algonquin
May 4
11:21am Zhicay, Wilson, DOB: 03/28/78, of 3301 S. 58th Avenue, Cicero, was charged with No Seat Belt, DWLS and Violation of Classification.  He was taken into custody at Algonquin Road and Meyer Drive.  He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 06/09/10, in McHenry County.
11:43am Roman, Leonardo, DOB: 04/03/84, of 11219 Reed Road, Huntley, was charged with Disobeying Traffic Control Device and DWLS.  He was taken into custody at Route 62 and Route 31.  He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 06/22/10, in McHenry County.
20:45pm Schreier, Timothy H., DOB: 11/29/67, of 1225 Old Mill Lane, Algonquin, was charged with Domestic Battery.  He was taken into custody at 1225 Old Mill Lane.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail, to await a bond hearing.
May 5
00:55am Wegrzyn, Cheryl A., DOB: 05/14/67, of 19802 Route 173, Harvard, was charged with DUI, Improper Lane Usage, Illegal Transportation of Alcohol and Endangering the Life/Health of a Child.  She was taken into custody at Route 62 and Hubbard Street.  She was transported to McHenry County Jail, when unable to post bond.
14:50pm A fifteen-year-old male from Algonquin was charged with 2 counts of Criminal Damage to Property.  He was taken into custody at Jacobs High School, 2601 Bunker Hill Drive.  He was formally Petitioned into Juvenile Court and then released into the custody of his mother.
18:55pm Carter, Lisa A., DOB: 02/13/70, of 337 Delaware Street, Carpentersville, was charged with DUI & DWLS.  She was taken into custody at Sandbloom Road and Hickory Lane.  She was transported to McHenry County Jail, when unable to post bond.
May 7
18:09pm Bowe, Michael F., DOB: 08/07/81, of 5760 Lucerne Lane, Lake in the Hills, was charged with DUI, DUI Over, Improper Lane Usage, Unlawful Possession of Cannabis and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  He was taken into custody at Square Barn Road and Algonquin Road.  He was released after posting $300, with a court date of 06/16/10, in McHenry County.

D300 To Vote On New Superintendent Tonight

District 300 is expected this evening to name a replacement for Superintendent Ken Arndt when he retires.

The D300 Board has been conducting a nationwide search for the last couple of months but Communications Director Allison Strupek in a release to news media Wednesday evening confirmed the board will be voting on an in-district candidate.

Speculation during the past week has centered on three possibilities:  Associate Superintendent Dave Scarpino, Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Crates and Jacobs Principal Mike Bregy.  Scarpino has chief executive experience while Crates knows how to juggle dwindling dollars but Bregy's closer to the trenches than either.

In good times the choice would be an important one but D300 figures it's riding a financial downdraft as support for education falls in Springfield.

Tonight's Special Board Meeting will be at 6:30 pm in the District's Carpentersville headquarters Board Room.

Huntley Businesses Plan To Cope With Construction

About two dozen Huntley business owners began making plans Wednesday to get through the next couple of years of Route 47 construction.

They met in the first of a three-part series of business seminars at Huntley Village Hall sponsored by the Village, the Illinois Small Business Development Center in McHenry and the Huntley Chamber of Commerce.

Wednesday's session was supposed to center on understanding where businesses are now but, inevitably, it also dealt with tactics to combat what's expected to be construction gridlock.

"You know how you do business right now.  But you may have to come up with a new way for the next 18 months," adjured Mary Margaret Maule, Development Center Coordinator.

Among the ideas tossed out were adjusted hours, extra promotions and more free services.

Brainstorming and innovation are the topics for another meeting May 26, while figuring out how to actually carry out brilliant ideas is on tap for the third meeting June 16.

Maule sent attendees off with homework to do but some of the business people were tardy for the 6 pm start, anyway, so late registrants can probably do makeup work.  Margo Griffin Village Business Development Coordinator probably has an answer at (847) 515-5269.

In the pic:  Business expert Mary Margaret Maule tells Huntley business owners they can't change construction and they can't change the economy but they can change the way they deal with those problems.

Winds Slow Algonquin Water Tower Rehab

Continual high winds the past week and a half have hampered blasting the last of the old paint off Algonquin's Jacobs High School tower but that doesn't mean work has stopped.  It's just gone inside.  Painters report they're about two thirds done relining the inside of the tower which also needed a rehab.

The crew managed to blast a little more of the exterior Wednesday but 20 mile per hour winds forced them to stop again.  The wind through all the blast curtain cables on the tower makes a noise bordering on the unearthly by the way.

Randall Widening Project Resuming

After almost a year Randall Road widening at Harnish Drive look as if it'll be completed soon.  At least the warning signs and cones are up again.

McHenry County Division of Transportation engineers report this year's work involves removing the concrete barrier wall, putting in a storm drain and adding a southbound right turn lane plus some more lighting and a guardrail.  A left turn lane was completed late last construction season.

The whole project was a safety upgrade package the village and MCDOT demanded when the Oakridge Court shopping center was approved.  The project stuttered along during most of last season waiting on utility relocation and final work had to be postponed to this year when the weather closed in and the asphalt plants shut down.

MCDOT Design Manager Wally Dittrich said if everything works right construction should be done "in a couple of weeks."  Meanwhile, as the saying goes, "allow for extra travel time."

More Support For McHenry County Amtrak Stop

The Belvidere City Council Monday evening joined in the call for an Amtrak stop in McHenry County at either Huntley or Marengo.

Congressman Don Manzullo, R-14, has been drumming up support from communities west of McHenry County for the stop on a newly-approved route from Chicago to Iowa. Earlier this week he persuaded the Rockford Metropolitan Agency for Planning (RMAP) to climb aboard with a similar support resolution. RMAP board members include the Mayors of Rockford, Belvidere, Loves Park and Machesney Park as well as the county board chairs in Winnebago and Boone counties.

Manzullo said a McHenry County stop would be good for Amtrak's route from Chicago through Elgin, Belvidere, Rockford, Freeport and Galena on the way to Dubuque. More to the local point, Manzullo said, "It will also expedite the eventual extension of Milwaukee District/West Metra commuter rail service from Big Timber to Huntley and Marengo and beyond to Belvidere and Rockford since they will traverse the same tracks."

The $60 million to upgrade the tracks for the new route were included in the state capital bill last year and construction is expected to take 18 months with service scheduled to begin in 2012.

Pension Borrowing Plan Before House Today

By Kevin Lee, Illinois Statehouse News
House lawmakers agreed Wednesday to put a $4 billion pension borrowing plan up for a vote as early as today but whether the contentious proposal makes it to the Illinois Senate is another matter.

Lawmakers want to issue bonds to fund the legally required annual payment to the state’s five public employee pension systems. Last year, lawmakers used a similar borrowing tactic. A recent study by the Pew Center for the States indicated that Illinois had the worst unfunded pension liability in the nation at $80 billion.

The vote to put the borrowing plan up for a full debate was a close one, 61-56. Seventy need to approve the plan to forward it to the Illinois Senate.

State Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago, said she did not like to borrow billions of dollars but felt lawmakers had no choice. “There is no appetite for a tax increase. There is no appetite thoroughly to destroy the social safety net,” she said. “I think we don’t have an alternative that is better.”

But McHenry County state Rep. Jack Franks, D-Woodstock, said it was irresponsible. “This is a death spiral, folks,” he said.

State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, said the state is nowhere close to closing its estimated $13 billion budget deficit.

“We’re talking about one-time fixes, sweeping funds, implementing a cigarette tax which would be devastating for border communities like ours, and it doesn’t generate that much money. In the end, they’re really relying on billions of dollars in borrowing and no real cuts,” he said.

In the pic:  Unfunded public pension liability growth in Illinois.

You can read Kevin's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/2894/contentious-pension-borrowing-plan-to-come-before-illinois-house/

Quinn, Brady Spar At Business Lunch

By Benjamin Yount, Illinois Statehouse News
Election Day is months away, but Gov. Pat Quinn and Republican challenger Bill Brady provided a preview of the race Wednesday at a Springfield lunch of the Illinois Retail Merchant’s Association and Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. Both spoke about the state budget, cuts, spending, and taxes but had very different things to say.

Both candidates said they were all for business and job creation. Quinn continued to call his proposed 33 percent jump in state income tax a surcharge for education. Brady said it was just a tax increase.

Quinn pushed for a sales tax holiday for back-to-school shoppers and merchants. “As we come into the second-largest shopping season next to Christmas, that’s the school-supply-buying season…We want to make sure we have a school supply tax holiday in Illinois,” said Quinn.

“I think we need to anything we can to reduce the tax burden on families and businesses,” Brady said. “But an eight-day holiday doesn’t make near as much sense as overall reduction.”

After the tax and business speeches, the two candidates clashed with each other on what the governor said is Brady’s “down” attitude about the state.

“I think there’s a lot of hand-wringing on the part of Sen. Brady and others,” Quinn said. “I think it’s important to have a governor who is a positive person about the Illinois economy.”

But Brady said Quinn has little to be positive about, “Gov. Quinn wants to mask the fact that his first 12 months cost Illinois over 250,000 jobs."

You can read Ben's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/2893/quinn-brady-spar-at-business-lunch/

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
May 5
1629 HRS 8415 S. ROUTE 31. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. BEACH, JOSEPH M.,    M/W 25 YEARS OF AGE, 1721 S. COUNTRY CLUB #203,DECATUR. CHARGES: Driving while license suspended, registration suspended for no insurance and no insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.      
0035 HRS 5300 BLOCK OF BRIARFIELD LN. DOMESTIC.    Boyfriend vs. girlfriend. Verbal only.  19 priors.
0747 HRS 5500 BLOCK OF DANBURY CIRCLE. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Four year-old female having difficulty breathing and a fever. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1451 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (LITH PD). SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION VIOLATIONK. Failure to register. PENDING INVESTIGATION.
1707 HRS 3000 BLOCK OF RONAN DR. HARASSMENT. Harassing e-mail received.  
1812 HRS 00 BLOCK OF GRANT AVE.  ASSIST AMBULANCE. 68 year old female with pain in her nose. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1929 HRS 500 GRACE DR., (PLOTE FIELD).  CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Burn mark inside the 3rd base dugout.
2123 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF MCPHEE DR.  ASSIST AMBULANCE. 38 year old female passed out. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
Huntley
April 26
A 17 year old female from Algonquin, IL was arrested for battery at the High School.  The juvenile was released to the custody of her parents and will be petitioned to McHenry County Juvenile Court.
April 28
John E. Crosby, age 35, of 5117 W. Washington #1N, Chicago, was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for improper display of registration, driving an uninsured motor vehicle and improper transportation of alcohol.  Mr. Cosby posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of May 21, 2010.
Juan M. Baza-Rodriquez, age 29, of 420 Bowen Court, Elgin, was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for disobeying a stop sign.  Mr. Baza-Rodriquez posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of May 21, 2010.
Noah C. Woolever, age 21, of 17304 Fieldstone, Marengo, was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for expired registration and unlawful use of a drivers license.  Mr. Woolever posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of
June 18, 2010.
A 16 year old male from Huntley was arrested for criminal defacement of property and disorderly conduct at the High School.  The juvenile was released to the custody of his parents and will be petitioned to McHenry County Juvenile Court.
April 29
Lacey R. Roberts, age 34, of 2222 Claremont Dr., Lake in the Hills, was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for speeding.  Ms. Roberts posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of June 4, 2010.
Tyrus P. Kavanaugh, age 34, of 9638 Compton Dr., Huntley,  was arrested for violation of order of protection.  Mr. Kavanaugh was transported to McHenry County jail.
April 30
Guadalupe Arellano-Berber, age 18, of 10767 Oregon Trail, Huntley, was arrested on two counts of  domestic battery.  Ms. Arellano-Berber was transported to McHenry County Jail.
Eduardo Macias, age 48, of 3239 S. Keeler, Chicago, was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for display of expired registration and operation of an uninsured motor vehicle.  Mr. Macias posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of May 28, 2010.

Yensen Wants Mental Health Board Called On Carpet

The McHenry County grapevine's been griping for at least the past two weeks about the controversial planned expansion of the County Mental Health Board headquarters.  Complaints surfaced at Tuesday's County Board meeting as District 5's Paula Yensen, Lake in the Hills, called for Mental Health to explain why construction isn't underway.

"I was under the impression they were a lot further along than they were," Yensen charged.

Two months ago the County Board approved issuing $4 million of federally subsidized stimulus bonds to expand the Mental Health Board's headquarters in Crystal Lake. "My understanding was this was to get our people back to work," said Yensen. "I've discovered they're not 'shovel ready'," complained Yensen. Worse, she said, "They've hired someone out of the County" when it is ready to build.

"I think they need to come back to give us a report," said Yensen.

Mental Health Board Director Sandy Lewis told FEN Tuesday, "We've been very clear that we only had preliminary design plans" for the project.  Lewis said the Mental Health Board had recently hired Kluber Architects, Batavia, to manage designing and building the headquarters addition.  That's the company that designed the County's proposed Public Safety Center. So far, said Lewis, the Mental Health Board hasn't even put out a call for a design architect, much less hired one. "I'm hoping that will be in the next week to 10 days," she said.

Yensen said her concern came after she and other Democratic County Board members met recently with area labor leaders.  "There are a lot of (construction tradesmen) hurting out there," she said.

Lewis said "We'll start construction (of the headquarters expansion) this year. I'd have liked it to be at the start of this summer but certainly by the end."

Yensen didn't put her call for a Mental Health Board comeback in the form of a motion and it wasn't met with a round of cheers.  Neither, however, did anyone contradict her call.

In the pic: Paula Yensen

International Family Night At Algonquin Neubert School

About 60 people from a range of national derivations came to Neubert Elementary School's Fourth Annual International Family Night in Algonquin Tuesday.

"It's for all of our families that have another language spoken at home or that have another national origin," said ESL teacher Kristy Carioscia.

"We can open up to different ethnic foods we've never had before or artifacts," added Principal Darlene Warner.

OK. You probably won't find Grbanica, a Serbian  pastry of cheeses and phyllo dough, at the Jewel.  How about Bulgarian pumpkin pie, though?  Never mind the pie (a definite hit, by the way), who even knew pumpkins grew in Bulgaria?  Part of the point of International Family Night.

Algonquin Annual Board Meeting Makes Appointments

The Algonquin Board accepted two resignations from and made a raft of appointments to village commissions and boards at its annual meeting Tuesday.

Michael Agee will leave the Economic Development Commission but Linda Laipert was reappointed.

Lori Cole, Louise Nee and Bruce Zange, Sr., were reappointed to the Historic Commission.

Andrew Neuhalfen and James Patrician wee reappointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Edward Tepper was reappointed to the Police Commission and David Comstock was reappointed to the Police Pension Board.

Ellen Rodman will leave the Public Arts Commissin but Lynn Carlson, Jeanine Soldner and Karen Werle were reappointed.

Police Chief Russ Laine will continue as village Emergency Services and Disaster Agency Coordinator.  Jack Walde will likewise continue to Village Treasurer.  Stephen Karaba will continue to chair the Economic Development Commission, Brian Martin the Electrical Commission, Jeff Jolitz the Historic Commission and Steve Kaniewski the Public Arts Commission.

Kelly Cahill continues as Village Attorney and Mike Kerr as Village Engineer.

In another housekeeping measure the village amended its open burning ordinance. The short version is you can still burn branches and bits of lumber in a burn pit no more than 3 feet in diameter but all the other restrictions printed out would nearly fill one.

Gov Asks For Healthcare Reforms By Week's End

By Benjamin Yount, Illinois Statehouse News
Add health insurance reform to the long to-do list for Illinois lawmakers.
Gov. Pat Quinn Tuesday said he wants lawmakers in Springfield to pass a package of reforms, including a health insurance consumer's bill of rights, before the legislature adjourns at the end of the week.

Quinn's plan would extend coverage to individuals who are uninsured and have pre-existing conditions.  His "bill of rights' would guarantee coverage for children with pre-existing conditions, require coverage for adult children to age 26, and require insurance companies to be more open about their premiums and costs.  The plan is similar to many of the provisions in the federal health care reform law, some of which will take effect before the end of this year.

Quinn said Illinois is at the top of the list of states with the most people dropped or excluded by health insurers. "This is an area that we need to really look into.  We don't want people who are most needing of health insurance, at that moment of need, being told that they don't have coverage by their health insurance coverage."

The governor is eyeing $200 million from the federal government to pay for the expansion in Illinois.  Quinn is insistent that the new provisions be adopted quickly, so that Illinois can be ready for provisions of the new federal law.

But lawmakers are preparing to leave the Capitol by Friday, and Quinn's Tuesday announcement seems a little late in the game.

State Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, said that even though there would be some support for the idea of health insurance reform, there doesn't appear to be any room for it on the legislative agenda.

"We've got a couple days left of the scheduled session in which we have to pass a state budget, deal with a $13 billion revenue shortfall, relieve [home] owners of undue burdens in the county of Cook, reform McCormick Place so that it can continue to bring billions of dollars of revenue to the state, possibly deal with school vouchers, and a couple of other small odds and ends.  So I don't know what the timing of this is going to be."


You can read Ben's full report at:  http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/2860/gov-asks-for-health-care-reforms-by-end-of-week/

Senate Says Tire Burning Not Green

By Benjamin Yount, Illinois Statehouse News
Illinois lawmakers have apparently decided that burning tires is not green energy. One day after the Illinois House approved a plan to give green energy credits to a suburban Chicago company, the state Senate scuttled the plan.

Geneva Energy in Ford Heights incinerates tires to fuel its power plant.
Geneva Energy wanted to change the definition of reusable energy, another green term, to include tire burning.  If lawmakers had gone along, the company would have then been eligible for thousands of dollars in federal credits.

Environmentalists say the plant has a history as a polluter, and have been insulted by the idea of classifying tire burning as green.

Many downstate lawmakers said they supported the tire burning credit, not because of any environmental concern, but because they want to get rid of the hundreds of thousands of tires littered across the state.  They said those tires are a public health concern during every West Nile virus season, when water collects in the abandoned tires.

You can read Ben's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/2861/senate-says-tire-burning-not-green/

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
May 04
0218 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF HEAVENS GATE. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. LEE, BRANDON R., M/W 21 YEARS OF AGE, 1303 JEFFERSON ST., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol with a Breath Alcohol Content over .08, Screeching Tires, Improper Passing. RELEASED ON BOND.
0745 HRS 1200 BLOCK OF ASH ST. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1023 HRS 2700 BLOCK OF BRISBANE DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 18 years of age, was feeling ill after taking caffeine pills. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
1506 HRS 4500 BLOCK OF BARHARBOR DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. 14 year-old female in need of an evaluation.  Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
1928 HRS 400 BLOCK OF WINSLOW WAY. DOMESTIC. Mother vs. Son. Verbal only. No priors.
2010 HRS 300 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. DOMESTIC. Son vs. Father’s girlfriend. Verbal only. Three priors.
2059 HRS 9355 VIRGINIA RD., (RAYSCAPE INC). INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Report for insurance.

Harris Bank Confirms Owning Algonquin's Riverside Square

A spokesman for Harris Bank confirmed to FEN late Monday that it had assumed possession of the decaying Riverside Square condominium project in Algonquin's Downtown District.

More than a week ago Harris purchased most of the assets of Rockford-based Amcore Bank which won the deed to the project when developer Aspen Builders plunged into bankruptcy two years ago. However Amcore had about $3.8 billion in assets when the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation decided it was failing and initially neither Harris nor FDIC officials were sure who'd been stuck with the Tyvek-white elephant.

The Village of Algonquin after more than a year of negotiations with Amcore filed suit in March asking an injunction to tear down the moldering project as a safety hazard.  The village also filed a lis pendens notice with the McHenry County Recorder which is a legal measure to preserve the Village's right to sue somebody about Riverside Square in the event of an ownership change. The suit against Amcore wasn't scheduled to come before a judge until late July, anyway.

Harris spokesman Rachel Gerds could only say that "we are in the early stages of working to find a solution" to Riverside Square. Algonquin officials could not be reached because it was so late in the day.

Gerds said "It is still early in the integration process and right now we're focused on making sure our new customers and colleagues have all the information they need to make their transition to Harris as smooth as possible."  That transition hit a bump Monday when the Harris website was unexpectedly curtailed for maintenance denying some customers online access to their accounts.

Meanwhile shareholders in Amcore Financial, Amcore Bank's holding company, will find out today what their shares are worth at the company's annual meeting in DeKalb.  It probably won't be much. Stock's been trading around $.50 a share and the NASDAQ exchange is delisting it effective tomorrow.

ECC Founder Leaves Half Million For Scholarships

A half-million dollar bequest from a founding faculty-member will help ECC History students go on to  a four-year degree the Elgin Community College Foundation announced Monday.

The gift from the estate of ECC Professor Emeritus Karl M. Lehr will be added to the Foundation’s $1.88 million endowment to establish a new annual scholarship for a high-ranking ECC student transferring to a four-year college or university to complete a degree in U.S. history.

Lehr, who died last year in Pennsylvania at age 93, was the college’s first full-time faculty member when ECC was created in 1949 at Elgin High School. ECC Professor Emeritus John Near of Algonquin, who worked under Lehr in 1967, said he “was an extremely dedicated professional historian” who loved history “more than life itself.”

Besides teaching history Lehr had been part of it.  He was a tech sergeant in signals during the Sicily and Normandy invasions in World War II and published a book about it based on scraps of paper and other notes he'd kept from the period.

“He’s an icon at ECC,” said Near. “The college is very fortunate to have had him as one of its founding fathers.”

In the pic:  Founding faculty-member Karl Lehr teaching a class at ECC.

Young Dems, Others Plan Petition For Gays In Military

The first of what McHenry County Young Democrats hope will be a series of issue presentations drew a small number of gay veterans to Algonquin's Eastgate Library Branch Monday who plan to circulate a local petition against the "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy for gays in the military.  The rule is up for review at the end of this year.

"We didn't want the usual boring meeting," said Young Dem's President Ed Rotchford. "We're trying to come up with events that challenge thought."

The thought was mostly about strategy to change the military's policy toward gays.  One Huntley couple said they were both vets, except one partner wasn't for very long. "I was only in about a day and a half," he said. "I told."

In the pic:  Young Dems President Ed Rotchford discusses plans for a petition supporting gays in the military during an issue presentation in Algonquin Monday.

Big Truck Pull Coming To Centegra Huntley

Teams of 12 will flex their muscles drag around an 18-wheel truck at Centegra Huntley Sunday, May 23.  The Second Annual Big Truck Pull is a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County.

Teams will compete for the traveling trophy by trying to pull a truck 75 feet in the fastest time. Winners will receive a free party at Buffalo Wild Wings in Lake in the Hills after the event and a one-month classic membership to Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center. There will also be a prize for the team that raises the most money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County.

The entry fee for the 12-person team is $100 per person, or $1,200 and fundraising is encouraged. If your lats and delts are pumped, contact  Dena Hernandez at dena.hernandez@bbbs.org  or 815-385-3855 to register a team.

In the pic:  Pulling trucks seems to be a strangely popular pastime. This was a bunch of firemen in Manitoba recently.

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
May 3
0331 HRS 211 N. RANDALL RD., (STEAK AND SHAKE). BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE. GONZALEZ, JONATHAN, M/W 19 YEARS OF AGE, 131 VILLAGE CREEK RD., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Burglary from Motor Vehicle, Criminal Damage to Motor Vehicle, Criminal Trespass to Motor Vehicle, Theft. TURNED OVER TO MCHENY COUNTY JAIL.
2142 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & HARVEST GATE. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. SOTELO, SEGURA JAEL, F/W 21 YEARS OF AGE, 2430 STANTON CIRCLE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving while license suspended, suspended registration and no insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.
FOLLOW-UP REPORT:  1616 HRS RANDALL RD. & MILLER RD. ACCIDENT. Accident happened on 042810.
0015 HRS 600 BLOCK OF ANDERSON DR. AMBULANCE ASSIST. Male, 25 years of age, severe abdominal pain. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
0616 HRS VILLAGE RD. & RANDALL RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicle. Property damage only.
0726 HRS 10 BLOCK OF WALNUT DR. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. A brick was thrown through a car window.
0836 HRS RANDALL RD. & MILLER RD. REPORT FOR INSURANCE. Roadway debris damaged a vehicle.
0926 HRS 4500 W. ALGONQUIN RD., (7-ELEVEN) AMBULANCE ASSIST. Male, 48 years of age, fell and injured his face. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
1144 HRS 250 N. RANDALL, (COSTCO). DECEPTIVE PRACTICE. Investigation of deceptive practice. PENDING INVESTIGATION.
1217 HRS 9625 HALIGUS RD., (MARLOWE). AMBULANCE ASSIST. Female, 12 years of age, having difficulty breathing. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1222 HRS RANDALL RD. & ACORN LN. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1527 HRS 00 BLOCK OF CRYSTAL DOWNS CT. BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE iPod taken out of vehicle on 042310.
1820 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & LAKEWOOD RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles; property damage only.
1824 HRS 700 BLOCK OF ELDERBERRY CT. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Investigation of fraud. PENDING INVESTIGATION
2151 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. FOUND ARTICLE. Toshiba television found.

Census Takers Start Followups On Nonresponders

The census takers are coming.  Local interviewers began to fan out Saturday to find out about residents who, despite dire warnings about "The Law" on their census forms, didn't send them in.

Huntley residents got the local gold star for participation.  According to estimates 88 percent of them sent in their forms.  Algonquin and Lake in the Hills residents sent in 83 percent of theirs, the same as McHenry County overall and far better than the 75 percent rate for the entire state.

The Bureau warns that "the 2010 Census taker will not ask for social security number, bank account number or credit card number and will never solicit for donations or contact you by e-mail." In other words, beware of scams. Census interviewers are supposed to display official ID cards like the one above.

You won't see any non-staged pictures of census-takers at work, though.  Just to prove the whole process is on the up-and-up, the Census Bureau forbids news media from actually observing it, much less taking pictures. It's so secret, in fact, the link to media rules about it on the Census website is dead.

LITHYAA Season Getting Underway

Sunday was 2010 picture day for LITH Youth Athletic Association teams at Village Hall. About 800 kids aged 5 to 18 are enrolled in the group's baseball and softball programs.

LITHYAA President Mark Lonigro said registration's over now but there are still some late slots available in ponyball, 13-15; major girls, 13-16 and boys 15-18. Check for openings at registration@lithyaa.org .

In the pic:  Did Honus Wagner start out this way? The LITHYAA D-Backs have the poses down pat.

McHenry County Wins Aaa Bond Rating

McHenry Count officials patted themselves on the back last week for receiving an Aaa bond rating, as good as it gets, from Moody's Investor's Service.

In terms of interest rates the County would have to pay on bonds, there's not a lot of difference between the Aa1 rating its carried for the last three years and the new Aaa one.  It's more like a seal of budgetary approval since only two other counties in the state, DuPake and Lake, are as highly rated.

"It means we're the best of the best," said County Administrator Pete Austin.  Indeed, said Austin, McHenry County had to be even better than that since rating agencies don't like to give out top rank to small counties.

Finance and Audit Committee Chairman March Munaretto, agreed, Moody's has been holding back just because of the County's size and was pleased at the endorsement.

Munaretto said that while the upgrade won't make much direct difference in bond rates right now, it also means, "we don't have to buy bond insurance." Munaretto figured that will be worth anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 the next time the County needs to do some borrowing.

Quinn Throws Property Tax Into the Mix

By Bill McMorris, Illinois Statehouse News
Legislators have a lot on their plates as they enter the final week of session, including stalemated budget talks. But that didn't stop Gov. Pat Quinn from adding one more issue to the mix. The governor unveiled a new proposal to reform the property tax system.

Quinn said he is compelled to act by the crisis situation homeowners are facing. "The assessment process is not keeping up with the real estate market," he said. "The market has gone down for many people…and lo and behold they get a higher property tax bill." Quinn's proposal would extend a $20,000 credit on a home's taxable value, which was set to expire in January,  for another year. Legislators increased the credit in Cook County from $5,000 to $20,000 in 2007.

The General Assembly is entering its final week of session with budget talks still in turmoil, due in part to Quinn's proposed 33 percent income tax increase. But Quinn said he wants to change the way school districts are funded by increasing Springfield's presence in local education.

"I believe that there should be more state funding from Springfield for education so it isn't relied upon so much at the local level by using the property tax," he said.

Quinn's measure does not dramatically alter the make-up of the property tax system in Illinois, but it would purportedly increase transparency in the process. If passed, the proposal would allow for the creation of citizen watchdog boards through petition drives or ballot referendums. The groups, which Quinn dubbed Taxpayer Actions Boards, would mirror the structure of the Citizens Utility Board, which Quinn championed nearly three decades ago.

You can read Bill's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/2830/quinn-throws-property-tax-into-the-mix/

House Nixes Redistricting Legislation

By Ashley Badgley, Illinois Statehouse News
The Illinois House fell two votes short of a super-majority needed to pass a Democratic redistricting plan last week. Some Republican representatives said the Democratic redistricting plan, which would have allowed some lawmakers to have a say in the redrawing of district maps was not reform but just a way for lawmakers to draw maps to their own advantage.

The GOP have advocated a plan that would allow a nine-person committee containing no lawmakers to draw district maps. However, four party leaders would choose eight of the nine members and Democrats have said that aspect to the amendment would be too biased.

State Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago, sponsor of the failed Democrat plan said, “I would have thought in fact that leaving the decision in the hands of 177 people who are elected by the geographic diversity that is the state of Illinois is more democratic than giving it instead to the hands of four legislative leaders,” Currie said.

Now that the Democratic plan has failed in the House, the redistricting process in the state will most likely stay the same. The GOP-favored Fair Map Amendment probably won't draw enough signatures to be placed on November’s ballot, Pam Czarnik of the League of Women Voters said.

You can read Ashley's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/2805/house-votes-down-redistricting-legislation-nixing-reform-for-this-year/

Professional Regulation

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced Friday that directors signed the following disciplinary orders in the month of March:

Carol Schacherer, Lake in the Hills – registered nurse license automatically and indefinitely suspended for a minimum of 12 months for failure to comply with the conditions of probation, namely submitting negative random toxicology screens.
Kimberly Dool, Barrington – pharmacist license restored to indefinite probation for a minimum of five years.
Robert Musolino, McHenry – pharmacist license placed in refuse to renew status for being convicted of an offense requiring sex offender registration.
Steven Sherbondy, Fox River Grove – clinical professional counselor license revoked and fined $2,000 after he engaged in dual relationships with clients and for unlicensed practice.
Jennifer Flood, Woodstock – (unlicensed) ordered to cease and desist the unlicensed practice of massage therapy and assessed a $500 civil penalty.

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
May 02
0239 HRS JESSIE RD. & PYOTT RD. UNLAWFUL CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL. PARTIPILO, NATHAN D., M/W 20 YEARS OF AGE, 104 SIESTA RD., CARPENTERSVILLE. CHARGES: Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol, Changing Lanes When Prohibited, Improper Lane Use, Zero Tolerance.
NOTICE TO APPEAR.
0255 HRS RANDALL RD. & MCHENRY AVE. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. SORIANO, AILEEN R., F/W 21 YEARS OF AGE, 593 RYAN WAY, CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol with a Breath Alcohol Content Greater than .08, Improper Lane Use. RELEASED ON BOND.
0341 HRS 4600 BLOCK OF SAGINAW ST. WANTED ON WARRANT. TORRES, JIMMY J., M/W 25 YEARS OF AGE, 4675 SAGINAW ST., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant, DuPage County, Failure to Appear Driving While License Suspended, Inactive Drivers
License, Bond $2000.00 @ 10%. RELEASED ON BOND.
0811 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF BURR ST. BATTERY. QUIGLEY, PATRICK J., M/W 42 YEARS OF AGE, 1108 BURR ST., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Battery, Aggravated Assault - 3 counts, Disorderly Conduct – 3 counts. RELEASED ON BOND.
1526 HRS 4400 BLOCK OF HERON DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 78 years of age, feeling very weak.  Transported to Sherman.
2159 HRS 4500 BLOCK OF ROLLING HILLS DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 54 years of age, having severe stomach pains. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
2201 HRS 100 BLOCK OF ELLIS RD. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 55 years of age, took an unknown amount of medication. Transported to Woodstock Hospital.
2218 HRS 310 N. RANDALL RD., (CHASE BANK). ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
Algonquin
April 30
10:00am Brach, John A., DOB: 05/17/62, of 1331 Parkwood Circle, Algonquin, was Wanted on a Warrant, out of Kane County for DLWR.  He was taken into custody at 1331 Parkwood Circle.  He was released after posting $500, with a court date of 05/26/10, in Kane County.
11:58pm Hoffman, Carrie S., DOB: 01/29/85, of 1612 Seminole Lane, Carpentersville, was charged with DWLR and 2 counts of felony Retail Theft.  She was taken into custody in the area of County Line Road and Randall Road.  She was transported to McHenry County Jail to await a bond hearing.
May 1
02:47am Odzana, Gabriel T., DOB: 10/15/83, of 1715 Silverstone Drive, Carpentersville, was charged with DUI, DUI Over, Speeding and No Proof of Insurance.  He was taken into custody at Randall Road and County Line Road.  He was released after posting $100 and his Illinois Driver’s License, with a court date of 06/02/10, in McHenry County.
May 2
13:49pm A fifteen-year-old female from Carpentersville and a sixteen-year-old female from Algonquin were both charged with Retail Theft.  Both subjects were taken into custody at TJ Maxx, 832 S. Randall Road.  Both were released on a Notice to Appear, with a court date of 06/30/10, in Algonquin.
16:18pm Wassell, Kevin R., DOB: 01/05/86, of 186 Timber Trail, Gilberts, was Wanted on a Warrant, out of McHenry County for Failure to Appear, on a DWLS charge.  He was taken into custody at Meijer’s, 400 S. Randall Road.  He was released after posting $1000, with a court date of 05/12/10, in McHenry County.
17:29pm Aparicio, Jesus J., DOB: 08/08/81, of 2301 Glendale Terrace Apt #4, Hanover Park, was charged with Endangering the Life/Health of a Child.  He was taken into custody at Ashley Furniture, 2451 S. Randall Road.  He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 05/27/10, in Kane County.
May 3
00:02am Barsellotti, Renato D., DOB: 12/09/84, of 37W126 Brookside Drive, Elgin, was charged with DUI and Improper Lane Usage.  He was taken into custody at Route 31 and Edgewood.  He was released after posting $100 and his Illinois Driver’s License, with a court date of 06/09/10, in McHenry County.

Firefighters Prepare For The Worst At HFPD

Firefighters from eight area departments and Huntley ran through a scary exercise Saturday at the Fire Protection District's training center on Ernesti Road. The scenario was a school bus accident.

"We set up one with three cars, side impact," said Huntley Training Officer Scott Ravagnie.  That sounds simpler than it really was.  HFPD jacked up the derelict school bus and shoved an old VW Rabbit under it before letting it down again to make extraction practice a little trickier.

"We've had a couple of school bus accidents," said Huntley Lt. Bill Kresal. "Nothing like this, though."

Besides Huntley, teams from Algonquin, Hampshire, Marengo, Crystal Lake, Rutland, West Dundee, Woodstock and Genoa-Kingston.

In the pic: Firefighters rush a school bus crash "victim" to an ambulance in an exercise Saturday at HFPD's training Center.

Huntley Town Square Exhibit Set For Saturday

Huntley residents and history buffs will be able to explore the village’s town square as it existed a century ago ago in a special exhibit next Saturday at the Old Village Hall on Coral Street.   

Once the bustling hub of the local community, Huntley’s town square featured several general stores, a meat market, hotels, a harness shop, drug stores, and an ice cream parlor. Horses and wagons lined the streets as farmers brought their milk to local factories and stayed to shop for goods.

Historic photographs and memorabilia, some rarely seen in public, will be on display from 8 am to 1 pm. Free self-guided walking tour brochures detailing the square’s historic locations will be available at the exhibit.

The free exhibit is a joint project of the Huntley Area Public Library’s Local History Department and the Village of Huntley’s Historic Preservation Commission as part of the McHenry County “Look at Local History Month” held each May.

For more information on Huntley’s historic town square exhibit, contact the library’s Local History Department at (847) 669-5386, ext. 33.

MCCD Bird Intro A Bust In LITH

A handful of avian fans were disappointed Saturday when a McHenry County Conseration District program for beginning bird watchers at LITH's Exner Marsh was a no-show with no explanation.

"We registered for it," said one disgruntled man who brought his family from Cary.  "They could have called us if they weren't going to have it."

FEN heard about 20 different kinds of birds twittering and chirping around the Miller Road marsh entrance but was only able to (probably) identify a golden finch, mainly because it was yellow.  In fact, your reporter was going to ask the bird experts what sort of bird makes a noise like a really cheap electronic door chime because one sat in his yard last week and did it.

In the pic:  Some would-be birders wandered off into Exner Marsh to spot birds on their own when an MCCD expert didn't appear Saturday.  "We saw a goose," said this family.

Public Employee FOIA Exemption Heads To Governor

By Ashley Badgley, Illinois Statehouse News
The Illinois Senate approved (45 to 9) a measure barring public employee performance evaluations from Freedom of Information Act requests sending the legislation to Gov. Pat Quinn’s desk.

Open government advocates view the new legislation as a step backward and a Governor's spokesman said he hasn't decided whether he will sign it or not.

Sponsor state Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D-Westchester, said job evaluations should remain confidential and unavailable to the public to protect the privacy of public employees. She also said the exemption would prompt public employees to put more faith and trust in their public officials. "As public elected officials, let our state employees, our local employees know that we do appreciate their efforts," she said.

State Sen. Matt Murphy, R-Palatine, voted against the bill and said it takes away transparency of government for Illinois residents. "They’re my tax dollars," she said. "I want to know where they’re being spent. If there is an employee that’s not doing their job with my tax dollars, I want the right to know it.”

The measure comes on the heels of a similar initiative exempting job evaluations of Illinois teachers from FOIA requests, approved as part of a legislative package to bolster the state’s application for federal education dollars in the Race to the Top program.

You can read Ashlely's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/2812/foia-exemption-for-public-employee-evaluations-heads-to-gov/

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
May 01
0329 HRS PYOTT RD. & OAK ST. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. SHEARER, JOSHUA R., M/W 22 YEARS OF AGE, 84 FARINGDON DR., CRYSTAL LAKE.  CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol with a Breath Alcohol Content Greater than .08, Improper Lane Use. RELEASED ON BOND.
0430 HRS 900 BLOCK OF BRANDT DR. UNLAWFUL CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL. JUVENILE, M/W 16 YEARS OF AGE, WEST DUNDEE. CHARGES: Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor, Curfew Violation. NOTICE TO APPEAR.
JUVENILE, F/W 16 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor, Curfew Violation.NOTICE TO APPEAR.
JUVENILE, F/W 15 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor, Curfew Violation.NOTICE TO APPEAR.
1350 HRS PYOTT RD. & MCPHEE DR. NO VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE. TAPIA, MIGUEL A., M/W 24 YEARS OF AGE, 4514 GARDEN QUARTER #18, MCHENRY. CHARGES: No Valid Driver’s License, No Valid Insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.
FOLLOW-UP
ARREST: 042910@1519 HRS 91 RANDALL RD., (GNC NUTRITION). CHILD ENDANGERMENT. MASSONG, JULIANNE M., F/W 20 YEARS OF AGE, 1340 GLACIER PKWY., ALGONQUIN. CHARGE: Child Endangerment. RELEASED ON BOND.
0253 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF ASH ST. AMBULANCE ASSIST. Female, 77 years of age, having a seizure. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
0535 HRS 300 BLOCK OF N. ANNANDALE DR. AMBULANCE ASSIST. Female, 42 years of age, having a seizure. No transport.
0737 HRS HERON DR. & BARHARBOR DR. DRIVING COMPLAINT. Stop –Arm violation. Citation issued.
1535 HRS 1200 HEARTLAND GATE, (KEN CARPENTER PARK). FOUND ARTICLE. A bicycle was found along bike path.
1646 HRS 101 RANDALL RD., (DOMINICKS). CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. A rock was thrown at the complainant’s door. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
1651 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 50 years of age, with a rapid heart beat. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1657 HRS ALGONQUIN RD & HILLTOP DR. INJURY ACCIDENT Two vehicles. 12 year old male hurt his hip. 77 year old female hurt her arm. 37 year old female hurt her knee and neck. All three were transported to Sherman Hospital.
1707 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & HILLTOP DR. ACCIDENT Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1832 HRS 00 BLOCK OF MELBOURNE CT. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Husband vs. wife. Three priors. FAIL TO FILE.
2034 HRS 5200 MILLER RD., (SUNSET PARK). FOUND ARTICLE A paycheck stub was found in the park. Returned to owner.
2205 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. DOMESTIC. Boyfriend vs. girlfriend. Verbal only.