OK, Huntley Route 47 Temp Pavement Starts NEXT Week

Huntley officials announced Friday earthwork will begin next week for the placement of temporary pavement on Route 47 in the village.  That means traffic will go down to one lane in the area where the work are with flaggers directing traffic. "Expect delays" as the saying goes, but don't try to noodle through residential neighborhoods to beat them.

"Local Traffic Only" signs are posted and Huntley Police Chief John Perkins has promised stepped up patrols to enforce them on the following Huntley streets:
 Dean Street & Route 47
 Mill Street (west) & Route 47
 Mill Street (east) & Route 47
 Lincoln Street & Main Street
 North Street/Woodstock & Route 47
 Church Street (south) & Algonquin Road
 Church Street (north) & Algonquin Road
 Joan Street & Route 47
 Haligus Road & Kreutzer Road

In fact Perkins has assigned an officer responsible for construction traffic problems in four separate Huntley zones.  Residents can contact them at the following numbers:
Sgt. Hewitt 847-515-5334
Village Limits on the South ~ Village Limits to the West
~ Kreutzer Rd on the North Route 47 to the West
(Includes all of Del Webb and the Huntley High School)
Sgt. Marak 847-515-5409
Main St on the North ~ Kreutzer Rd on the South
East of Route 47 South to the Village Limits
(Heritage – Cider Grove – Wing Pointe – Lion’s Chase)
Sgt. Sullivan 847-515-5413
Reed Rd on the South ~Village Limits on the North
(Talamore – Covington Lakes – Southwind)
Sgt. Williams 847-515-5331
Main St on the South ~ Reed Rd on the North
(Georgian Place – Huntley Meadows – Northbridge)

Once the temporary pavement is in place, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will be notifying commuters of new lane configuration dates on their electronic message boards.

Removal of the fuel tanks at the previous Marathon station will begin Monday.  That's supposed to be done by Thursday and then the pavement will be replaced with top soil and seeded.

In the pic:  "Local Traffic Only" routes in red.

Chesak Kids Chip In For Book Charity

During Chesak Elementary School’s annual book fair, students took part in a charity program, "One For The Books", that provides an opportunity for students to donate coins to purchase books from the Scholastic Book Fair.

The final tally for Chesak students was $1,575.37 - an incredible amount! The brand new books purchased were donated to the four Chicagoland Ronald McDonald Houses. In turn, Scholastic Books matched the school’s monetary donations and made a donation of one million books to three national non-profit organizations dedicated to helping kids and families in need: Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc., the National Center for Family Literacy, and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

As an added incentive, school principal, Mr. Chuck Lamb, hosted a pizza party for the classes with the highest participation and took several pies in the face from students.

In the pic:  Young Amanda Simmons was one of the Chesak Elementary students who ponied up almost $1,600 worth of change to buy books for the less privileged recently.

MCC Veterans Group Sends Used Books To Troops

McHenry County College’s Student Veterans Group, Chi Gama Iota (XGI, get it?), has collected more than 600 used hardcover and paperback books for U.S. troops in Afghanistan through a recent book collection drive at the college.

In the pic:  (Right) Paul Wheeler, president of XGI, and Don Curfman, faculty advisor for MCC’s Student Veterans Group, packing up a few boxes of reading material for soldiers overseas.

Local Lawmaker Calls For Legislature To Return

McHenry County State. Rep. Jack Franks (D-63) called on Governor Pat Quinn Friday to bring the General Assembly back to Springfield to work on the budget. “Illinois continues to face the worst financial crisis in the state’s history, yet lawmakers went home a week ago without a solution and there is no date scheduled to resume our work,” Franks said.

Franks claimed to be the only Rep to call for cuts in the State's main spending bill. One Franks amendment would, in effect, eliminate the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity which two years ago granted $1 million to a  politically connected private school that at the time wasn't registered with the State Board of Education and had no students, faculty or assets.

Another amendment would eliminate paid positions on boards commissions under the Governor's jurisdiction while a third would cut the salaries of General Assembly members, constitutional officers and agency heads, by 25 percent. "Our revenues match those from 2007, a time when our state was on relatively sound fiscal footing,” Franks said. “Illinois has a spending problem, not a revenue problem."

The State Constitution sets a deadline for the budget at May 31. It says it's supposed to be balanced, too.

Illinois Taxes: One Data Set, Two Conclusions

By Bill McMorris, Illinois Statehouse News
Illinois tax rates are the most talked about issue on the campaign trail and in the statehouse, as Gov. Pat Quinn pushes for a 33 percent income tax increase. That makes this week's report from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability important.

The figures from the bi-partisan legislative commission paint a picture of a state that hauls in a pretty penny, but is forced to stretch that money across a broad landscape.

Illinois is one of seven states in the nation with a flat income tax, and its 3 percent rate is the lowest among those states. Illinois collected more than $9 billion from the state's 13 million residents–about one third of total revenue.

That figure is the seventh highest in the country; but it can be deceptive, which is why the commission analyzed the tax data on a per-capita basis. Illinois dropped to 31st in terms of per-capita taxation because its tax dollars cover the nation's fifth most populous state.

Ralph Martire, executive director of the nonpartisan Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, said even then the numbers are “distorted.” He said the most appropriate figure to look at is total tax collection as a percentage of income. Illinois is ranked 46th according to the Federation of Tax Administrators.

Other groups, especially those which oppose the governor's borrow-heavy budget, are more concerned with debt levels than revenue.

The COGFA report looks at data from 2007–the latest available statistics on local governments–to analyze total debt outstanding. Illinois ranks fifth with more than $116 billion in debt, translating to about $9,000 per-capita for a ninth-place ranking.

Laurence Msall, president of the Civic Federation, said the state's rank has only increased since 2007, given the state's borrowing in 2008 and 2009, along with $6 billion in unpaid bills.

The Civic Federation has come out against Quinn's budget because of its reliance on borrowing and tax increases without matching spending cuts.

A Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability report looked at each of Illinois' tax systems at the local level, including the property and sales tax. Illinois' local tax systems bring in the most money overall at more than $20 billion–a little more than $5,000 per-capita.

Much of that money is spent on schools. Illinois' local governments cover nearly 56 percent of total school spending–the highest rate in the country. The state provides about one third of funds—one of the lowest rates in the nation.

Those figures get to the heart of the debate over Quinn's proposed tax increase, which he has dubbed the "one percent education surcharge." Quinn has said that he wants the state to increase its role in education funding to lessen the burden on local governments. Opponents to the tax increase say local funding allows local management of school districts, improving education.

Illinois held steady in most all categories year-over-year, despite mass drops in revenue. The state pulled in more than $29 billion in 2009, the sixth most in the nation–a ranking Illinois has held for years.

You can read Bill's full report at:  http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/2977/illinois-taxes-one-set-of-data-two-different-conclusions/

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.
  
TIMOTHY J. NOVY, DOB:  05/30/92, 6 RAXBURG COURT, LAKE IN THE HILLS.
JORDAN M. HERRERA, DOB:  05/08/91, 4120 S. COUNTRY CLUB ROAD, CRYSTAL LAKE.
MAXROY F. SEDLACEK, DOB:  09/05/90, 3721 TILCHE LANE, CRYSTAL LAKE.
BURGLARY, CRIMINAL TRESPASS TO MOTOR VEHICLE--LITH PD
  
ALONSO JUAREZ-BACILIO, DOB:  12/20/84, 100 SUNSET DRIVE  #109, CARY.
AGGRAVATED DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE(2CTS)--LITH PD
  
JAMES H. CHRISOPULOS, DOB:  03/09/52, 5610 IRISH LANE,HARVARD.
THEFT(OVER $300.)(BY DECEPTION)--McHenry County Sheriff's Office
      
JUSTIN A. LABBE, DOB:  01/25/93, 5201 LEAR STREET, WONDER LAKE.
AGGRAVATED UNLAWFUL FAILURE TO OBEY AN ORDER TO STOP, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLE, AGGRAVATED FLEEING OR ATTEMPT TO ELUDE A PEACE OFFICER(2CTS)--McHenry PD
  
KENNETH POINDEXTER, DOB:  06/22/76, 7534 SOUTH HARVARD AVENUE, CHICAGO.
FORGERY, THEFT--Marengo PD
  
AARON S. JOHNSON, DOB:  10/26/76, 585 EAST GRANT HIGHWAY, MARENGO.
AGGRAVATED DOMESTIC BATTERY, DOMESTIC BATTERY--Marengo PD
  
EDGAR M. VIVAS, DOB:  11/22/81,    729 JACKSON AVENUE, CARPENTERSVILLE.
UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A FRAUDULENT IDENTIFICATION CARD, OBSTRUCTING IDENTIFICATION--Crystal Lake PD
  
JAMES L. DIERZEN, DOB:  12/25/49, 602 AUSTIN AVENUE, WOODSTOCK.
RECKLESS DISCHARGE OF A FIREARM, POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITHOUT REQUISITE FIREARM OWNER’S IDENTIFICATION CARD, RECKLESS CONDUCT, AGGRAVATED ASSAULT--Woodstock PD
  
JOHN R. FILLIPP, DOB:  05/23/67, 3597 NEWPORT DRIVE, ISLAND LAKE.
RECEIVING DEBIT CARD OF ANOTHER--Island Lake PD
  
ESMERALDA REYES, DOB:  07/04/84, 10556 ROUTE 173  #13, CAPRON.
THEFT(2CTS), DECEPTIVE PRACTICE--Harvard PD
      
LENNIE D. GRAVES, DOB:  07/07/81, LKA:  2927 W. FULTON, CHICAGO.
UNLAWFUL USE OF A CREDIT CARD(2CTS), IDENTITY THEFT(2CTS)--Woodstock 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
May 14
0355 HRS 4700 BLOCK OF PRINCETON LN. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. BARSZCZ, CHRISTOPHER T., M/W 20 YEARS OF AGE, 2 MONTCLAIR CT., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Criminal damage to property. RELEASED ON BOND.
2158 HRS RANDALL RD. & ALGONQUIN RD. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL/INTOXICATING COMPOUND DRUG. SPLITT, MELISSA D., F/W 27 YEARS OF AGE, 14 MILLBROOK CT., ALGONQUIN. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Intoxicating Compound Drug, Endangering the Life or Health of a child, Improper Lane Use, Texting While Driving. RELEASED ON BOND.
0005 HRS 100 BLOCK OF WOODY WAY. DOMESTIC. Father vs. son. Verbal only. One prior.
0402 HRS 100 BLOCK OF INDIAN TRAIL. BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE. Stereo system taken from unlocked vehicle.
0421 HRS 4700 BLOCK OF PRINCETON LN. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Mailbox damaged. FAIL TO FILE.
0428 HRS 4700 BLOCK OF PRINCETON LN. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Mailbox damaged. FAIL TO FILE.
0742 HRS 200 BLOCK OF STICKLEY LN. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Parent concerned over relatives.
1053 HRS APACHE TRAIL. FOUND ARTICLE. Wallet found on sidewalk. Returned to owner.
1232 HRS RANDALL RD. & ACORN LN. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1732 HRS 220 N. RANDALL RD., (MORETTIS). ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1748 HRS 220 N. RANDALL RD. (MORETTIS) CONTACT WITH REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER. Officer had contact with a registered Sex Offender.
1834 HRS 400 BLOCK OF WINSLOW WAY. BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE. Laptop and Global Positioning System taken overnight on 05/14/10, vehicle was not secured.
2109 HRS 400 BLOCK OF PRIDES RUN. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Wife vs. Husband. No priors. FAIL TO FILE.
2232 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF NOELLE BEND. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 65 years of age, vomiting.  Transported to Sherman Hospital.
2233 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF BURR ST. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 40 years of age, difficulty breathing. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
2304 HRS 1500 BLOCK OF MONROE ST. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 28 years of age, needing evaluation. Transported to Northern Illinois Medical Center.
2314 HRS 211 N. RANDALL RD., (STEAK AND SHAKE). HIT AND RUN. A Gold truck hit a silver car in the parking lot, and left. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.

Grafton Township Meeting: Business As Usual

There was only one Grafton Township Board Meeting Thursday after all.  Supervisor Linda Moore canceled the one she called at Faith Community Church since she said attorneys reminded her in court earlier that day that the Board had voted in February to hold regular meetings at Huntley Park District.

Everything on the agenda for Moore's abortive meeting was on the agenda for the Park District meeting, anyway, although there were other items added by trustees and the Township Administrator.

The meeting got off to a slow start as Trustee Gerry McMahon in violation of one of the Board's few rules argued with and berated four of five residents making public comment. McMahon had to be aware he was violating the rules since he'd added an agenda item to change them later that evening.

Trustees and Moore squabbled again over which township bills to pay.  The Board forbade Moore to pay several bills they'd already told her not to pay and they directed her to pay several bills for last month's annual meeting she didn't want to pay.  They especially told Moore to pay the bill for Forensicon, the company investigating the township's missing financial records, but they'd already told her to pay that one, too.

Moore announced she'd worked up a draft of the 2010-2011 township budget whose deadlines are looming saying,  "We're $209,000 in the negative."

"That's before legal fees," she said, reporting the township is likely to only take in about $950,000 for the year. Trustees voted to hold a special budget workshop at a date unspecified next week.

Also booted to a later date was returning the Township back to square one on all the real estate transactions connected with canceled plans for new township offices.  Road District Commissioner Jack Freund, current owner of the present Township headquarters, had the papers all ready to sign but the Board decided they hadn't had enough time to scrutinize the seven-page package.

"I'm all for this, Jack," said Trustee Barb Murphy, "but I'm not an attorney."

Freund's lawyer, Pat Coen, was an attorney and said Monday was Harris Bank's deadline to pay off the loan that financed the aborted plan.

In the pic:  Trustee Gerry McMahon (right) castigates regular critic Tammy Leuth during her public comments.  Under the latest version of the rules passed Thursday night, next time he'll have to wait until all the residents have finished speaking.

Grafton Township Case Grinds Through Second Day

Supervisor Linda Moore ducked and dodged under questioning Thursday so much that Judge Michael Caldwell commented, "She hasn't answered a question directly since cross-examination began," but there were no smoking guns in Day Two of Moore's suit to win control of Grafton Township government.

Moore said things like not paying Assessor Bill Ottley's drinking water bill weren't payback, "just an error."

Ottley squirmed trying to explain his removal of Moore's page on the township website containing a link to video recording of a particularly fractious Board meeting. Ottley said the website actually belongs to the Assessor and the only reason he pulled Moore's page was because, "I just didn't want to get caught in the middle of a legal battle."

Former Supervisor John Rossi, now President of the Grafton Food Pantry, testified he used to keep the Pantry's records on a Township laptop computer.  He said he took them with him when he left. "It didn't belong to the township," he said.  "It belonged to the Food Pantry Corporation."  That, he said, was why there weren't any Pantry records on the laptop when he turned it over to Moore.

Former Township IT specialist Mark Peloquin said before Moore let him go he'd set up a system to back up the Township's computer server onto an external hard drive.  He said when he was called in by Administrator Pam Fender when the Township's financial records went missing in March, "The only thing that was really left (on either) was the Road District records."

Judge Caldwell had only scheduled two days to hear Moore's case and Trustees' countersuit but that wasn't enough time.  The hearing will resume Tuesday at 10 am.

Obituaries

By Joe Kettner
Carter Kettner, 6 of Huntley died peacefully Wednesday. He earned his Angel Wings at home, lying in bed between his Mom and Dad.

Carter loved singing, movies, and riding his John Deere tractor. His thoughtfulness and appreciation towards others was unbounded. He was a perfect gentleman, and met every girl with a kiss on the lips.

His illness didn't make him the boy he was; cancer was just something that happened to him. He continued to live every day, trusting his Mommy and Daddy. He loved his crazy brother Bowen, and he laughed though his antics, calling him a beast and a freak. He loved his hospitals, doctors, and nurses, and did everything that was ever asked of him. Carter was perfection in a son. He was the meaning of HOPE.

The Tortoise crossed the finish line, and then spread his wings and flew up to Heaven. He is at play with his brain tumor friends, whose souls were also too strong for their bodies.

Visitation will be on Sunday from 4 to 8 pm at DeFiore Jorgensen FuneralHome. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 am Monday at St. Mary Catholic Church. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Carter is survived by his parents, Joe and Cinnamon Kettner and his brother Bowen and grandparents Joe and Carol Scanio (Landa) of Melrose Park Steve and Barbara Tyler (Poreda) of Streamwood and Jim and Joan Kettner (Moskal) of Matteson. For information phone 847-515-8772 or on line condolences may be left for the family at www.defiorejorgensen.com.

Learn more about Carter and his courageous journey at www.carterkettner.org

Rains' Aftermath

There really was a whale of a lot of rain early Thursday morning.  It took more than sprinkles to sluice half a ton of Eric and Sabrina Seubert's driveway onto Route 31 in Algonquin.






And Ken Carpenter Park in Lake in the Hills isn't usually a good training site for the Henley Regatta.  Runoff was still coursing vigorously through ditches in eastern McHenry County well after noon Thursday and retention ponds, planned and impromptu, were full in late afternoon.

Touch A Truck Event At Algonquin Commons Saturday

A dozen fire and police vehicles and a whirlybird, not to mention the guys and gals who operate them will be at the first Touch a Truck event at Algonquin Commons tomorrow from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Touch a Truck  participants include the Algonquin Police Department, Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Department, Bartlett Fire Department, East Dundee Fire Department, Elgin Police, Hoffman Estates Fire Department, Huntley Fire Department, Kane County Emergency Management, Kane County Sherriff Office, Connie’s Pizza, Plote Inc., and other businesses.

Vehicles and exhibits include a Flight for Life helicopter, which will land and take off; a Fire Safety House interactive trailer that kids climb aboard to learn about fire safety; an ambulance; a police squad car and police bike; a fire truck, fire engine and fire truck tender (tanker); an air truck; a water rescue team display; a Too Good for Drugs Truck; a Pizza truck and an antique tractor.

Also on hand will be Ozzie from the Kane County Cougars mascot. A number of stores and restaurants will have special tables and cookouts during the afternoon, and Algonquin Commons will raffle gift cards and store prizes.

“Touch a Truck is an interactive, hands-on way for kids to learn more about the trucks and safety, while actually meeting the hometown heroes who drive these vehicles every day," said said Beth Hicks, marketing director for Algonquin Commons' owner. "It will give families the opportunity to explore all types of vehicles up-close. There is something for everyone.”

State’s Housing Market In Flux

By Kevin Lee, Illinois Statehouse News
The state’s housing market is going through a period of fluctuation marked by rising foreclosure rates along with an uptick in housing sales, according to two separate reports released this week.

A report by housing industry company RealtyTrac Inc. indicated that 18,870 properties in Illinois received a foreclosure filing in April 2010, the fourth-highest figure among all states.  Illinois avoided the brunt of initial foreclosures that was caused in large part by speculative loans and markets, according to Daren Blomquist, spokesman for RealtyTrac.

“What we’re calling a second wave of foreclosures is being caused now by underlying economic issues, namely unemployment, higher unemployment, which is driving more foreclosures in states like Illinois,” Blomquist said.

But the state’s housing market may be in line for a turnaround, according to statistics compiled by the Illinois Association of Realtors.

A recent IAR report indicated that home sales in Illinois totaled 21,242 in the first quarter of 2010, a 23.5 percent increase from the same time period last year.

Mike Onorato, president of the IAR and owner of a realty company in Coal City, attributed the uptick in sales to a federal tax credit for people buying their first homes which, paradoxically, depressed prices. “The price points at which first-time homebuyers buy is going to be typically the lower end of value in a typical marketplace. They are not the more expensive homes, they’re the more starter homes,” he said.

“We’re going to be looking to see how unemployment numbers do because we think that’s going to be real critical," Onorato added. "But if we can see a continued rise in consumer confidence, we think that will bode very well for the future of our industry,” he said.

You can read Kevin's full report at:  http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/2968/states-housing-market-in-flux/

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 13
1928 HRS 4590 W. ALGONQUIN RD., (BISTRO WASABI). CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. HUERTA, RENE, M/W 33 YEARS OF AGE, 503 LYNNAN, MARENGO. CHARGES: Criminal Damage to Vehicle. RELEASED ON BOND.
0050 HRS 300 BLOCK OF WINDERMERE WAY. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 44 years of age, having a diabetic reaction. No transport.
0542 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF MASON LN. ASSIST FIRE DEPARTMENT. Assisted the fire department with a structure fire.
1117 HRS POLARIS DR. & RANDALL RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1304 HRS MILLER RD. & PATTON AVE. ACCIDENT Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1352 HRS 1500 BLOCK OF WASHINGTON ST. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 17 years of age; in need of an evaluation. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
1812 HRS 2550 W. ALGONQUIN RD. (Algonquin Surgery). CHECK ON WELL BEING. Subject left Surgery Center after given high dose of narcotics for a procedure that was conducted.
1814 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF HALFMOON GATE. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 12 years of age, injury to his leg. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
2349 HRS 300 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. DOMESTIC. Verbal argument between father and son. 3 priors.
Algonquin
May 10
18:01pm Versgrove, Tyler W., DOB: 12/15/84, of 125 W. Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake, was charged with DWLS and Failure to Notify the SOS of Address Change.  He was taken into custody at River Road and Route 62.  He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 06/16/10, in McHenry County.
May 11
10:40am A seventeen-year-old female from West Dundee 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 a family member.
15:56pm Escobar, Luis DOB: 02/28/75 of 3386 Blue Ridge, Carpentersville, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License, No Proof of Insurance and Expired Registration.  He was taken into custody at Main Street and Washington Street.  He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 06/16/10, in McHenry County.
19:34pm Lucas, Nicole A., DOB: 08/13/85, of 2048 N. Nicole Lane, Round Lake Beach, was charged with DUI.  She was taken into custody at Jewel, 103 S. Randall Road.  She was transported to McHenry County Jail, when unable to post bond.
21:02pm A fifteen-year-old male from Algonquin was charged with Criminal Damage to Property and Theft.  He was taken into custody in the 500 block of Sussex.  He was formally Petitioned into Juvenile Court and then released into the custody of his parents.
21:20pm Roberts, Kenneth L., DOB: unlisted, 2053 Teton Parkway, Algonquin, was charged with Domestic Battery.  He was taken into custody at 2053 Teton Parkway.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail, to await a bond hearing.
May 13
07:55am Ramirez-Navarro, Karen, DOB: 03/01/89, of 1622 Marlboro Circle, Carpentersville, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License and Obstructing Identification.  She was taken into custody at McDonald’s, 125 S. Randall Road.  She was released after posting $100, with a court date of 06/16/10, in McHenry County.
13:15pm Lang, Charles E., DOB: 04/20/73, of 1551 Seminole Road, Algonquin, was Wanted on a Warrant out of West Dundee for 2 counts of Retail Theft.  He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department.  He was picked up by the West Dundee Police Department, when unable to post bond.
14:55pm Butler, Jessica L., DOB: 09/17/89, of 300 N. Oak Street, Crystal Lake, was charged with Retail Theft.  She was taken into custody at Kohl’s, 734 S. Randall Road.  She was released on a Notice to Appear, with a court date of 06/30/10, in Algonquin.

Grafton Supervisor Admits Having Missing Records

Supervisor Linda Moore testified Wednesday that she's had Grafton Township's missing financial records for the last two months while law enforcement agencies have been hunting for them and computer experts have been trying to reconstruct them.

The revelation came in the first day of a hearing in McHenry County Circuit Court on Moore's request for a preliminary injunction to undo just about everything the Grafton Township Board has done this year including hiring a township attorney, hiring a township administrator and trying to move Moore to a different office in the Township Hall.

The Township's financial and senior bus schedule records and their backups  were reported missing in early March after trustees voted to have the Township books audited due to alleged discrepancies in Moore's reports.  At least two police agencies and the State's Attorney's office began investigations and a computer forensics investigator was called in at an authorized $15,000 cost to try to recover the records and determine who wiped them off the township computers.

During direct examination by the Rockford lawyer Moore wants the court to appoint as the new Grafton Township Attorney, Moore said she had the records all along and there never were any backups.  She testified that each evening she would siphon the original records off the township's server onto what she called "thumbnail drives" and take them home with her.  Neither John Nelson, Moore's counsel, nor Thomas DiCianni, counsel for the rest of the Board, asked whyever she would do such a thing.

In other testimony, however, Moore repeatedly expressed concern about the security of records for township General Assistance clients.  "Those (financial) records," she said, "I'm accountable for them myself.  My office is not secure."

"I don't know who has other keys," Moore said. 

After the court recessed Wednesday, when FEN asked why she didn't tell anyone she had the supposedly missing records Moore was ready to reply but Nelson told her not to.

In opening arguments Nelson called the case a question of separation of powers between the executive and legislative arms of Grafton Township.  DiCianni said it was just about a power grab by the Supervisor.  On cross-examination DiCianni got Moore to claim that the only thing Trustees were good for was approving bills.

Testimony is scheduled to continue today. This evening there are, once again, two different Grafton Township Board meetings set for the same time. The one where Trustees will probably be is set at the Park District. The other, called by Moore, will be at Faith Community Church.

Local Salvation Army To Pack 1 Million Haiti Meals

The numbers sound impossible but a group in Champaign did it two weeks ago: The McHenry County Salvation Army is calling for more than 4,000 volunteers June 5 and 6 to package 1 million meals for earthquake victims in Haiti.

Major John Price, Commander for the McHenry County Salvation Army, recently served at the group's World Service Office as Operations Chief for the Haiti Command Center.  He told the local group's Second Annual Civic Dinner Tuesday, “One of my days serving as Operations Chief brought a call from Haiti, which I will never forget. The caller was our on scene Incident Commander who said, Major-we did not distribute food today as scheduled—we’ve run out of food.”

“I vowed then that I would do whatever I could to bring the Million Meals for Haiti Program to McHenry County so that we could help the folks in Haiti,” Price said.

The deal is: Any group, school, class, club, office, family or individual 7 years or older can volunteer to pack and heat seal bags of uncooked rice, soy protein, veggies and vitamins.  They're designed to support the immune systems of people suffering severe hunger and malnutrition.

The building owners of the now-vacant Fresh Foods Market In Crystal Lake have offered their space as the site for the mammoth event and a special planning committee has been formed to assemble everything and everyone, according to Price.

Volunteers can sign up here: http://www.3sihome.com/3ngine/sites/mcsalvationarmy/ or by calling 815-455-2769.

In the pic:  Volunteers packed meals for Haiti relief at a Salvation Army event in Syracuse, New York, like the one planned by McHenry County Salvation Army.

Fox River Flood Warning Called For Algonquin

A National Weather Service Flash Flood Warning was to remain in effect in McHenry and Kane counties until 8:15 am this morning and a Flood Watch called for the Fox River at Algonquin until Saturday morning.

NWS said a line of heavy storms that brought rain up to 2.5 inches in Riley Township moved through the area toward Wisconsin earlier this morning and the tail was expected to continue to bring rain throughout the morning.  Drivers were warned to look for standing water in low-lying areas early this morning.

The Weather Service said the week's rains were expected to push the Fox to the 3-foot flood stage at Algonquin by tomorrow morning, although the first effects, if any, would probably show up in Fox River Grove, Elgin and Holiday Hills.

Illinois Universities, Schools Waiting On Budget

By Jennifer Wessner, Illinois Statehouse News
Illinois’ public universities are struggling to plan for next year after lawmakers left Springfield last week without a budget in place.The Illinois General Assembly missed its scheduled adjournment date on Friday and lawmakers are now planning to come back to finish in the next few weeks.

The delay is problematic for Illinois universities that need the state’s final budget numbers to determine how many cuts are needed for next year.Dan Layzell, vice president of finance and planning at Illinois State University, said times are difficult, but school officials have enough money to keep ISU running while they wait.“We’ll start receiving tuition revenue for the fall during the summer and that will help with managing budget issues,” Layzell said.

“The Legislature did pass a short-term borrowing bill that would allow public universities to borrow a certain amount of money against their unpaid state appropriations, ” he said.

The college borrowing plan passed by lawmakers last week allows universities to borrow from a bank 75 percent of what they are owed by the state. The plan was designed to keep universities solvent while the state works out its fiscal problems.

K-12 public schools are also waiting on word from lawmakers before finishing their 2010-2011 school year plans, too.

The usual adjournment date for the legislative session is May 31. After midnight on May 31, all legislation requires a three-fifths majority vote — instead of a simple majority – to pass. That would prompt the need for Republican votes in the Democratic-controlled legislature.

You can read Jen's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/2947/illinois-universities-schools-waiting-on-lawmakers-for-budget/

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 12
1652 HRS DENNIS RD. & ALGONQUIN RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. BARRERA, JESUS J., M/W 34 YEARS OF AGE, 101 MEADOWDALE APT 107, CARPENTERSVILLE. CHARGES: Driving While License Suspended and Expired Registration. RELEASED ON BOND.
2249 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (LITH POLICE DEPT). FOLLOW UP ARRESTS: THEFT OVER $300. JOHNSON, SCOTT, M/W 24 YEARS OF AGE, 4 TORREY PINES CT., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Theft over $300. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL
0835 HRS 2800 BLOCK OF BRIARCLIFF LN. FOUND ARTICLE. Cell phone turned in to the police department.
1228 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & HARVEST GATE. INJURY ACCIDENT. Two vehicles.  Fire Department responded to the scene. No transport.
1412 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (LITH POLICE DEPT). ORDINANCE VIOLATION. Tobacco compliance checks.
1758 HRS 200 BLOCK OF COURSE DR. THEFT. Items were removed from the complainant’s residence. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
2038 HRS 1500 BLOCK OF WASHINGTON ST. DOMESTIC. Father vs Daughter. Verbal only. No priors.

Young Carter Kettner Succumbs

Six year-old Carter Joseph Kettner, son of Joe and Cinnamon Kettner of Huntley, died at his home at 1:52 am this morning after a year-long battle with an inoperable brain cancer. He is survived by his parents and his brother, Bowen.

Funeral arrangements have not been officially announced yet.

In the pic: Carter Kettner with Dad Joe at Carter Kettner Day in Huntley last August.

LITH Board Worries About Ribfest Biker Plan

Lake in the Hills Trustees fretted Tuesday that a plan to draw hundreds of motorcyclists to this year's Rockin Rotary Ribfest in July might make things a little too rockin' for the village.

Lake in the Hills Rotary Club, the event organizer, wants to raffle off a Harley Davidson motorcycle at the Ribfest figuring that might draw anywhere from 300 to 1000 bikers.  Even though the price of Harleys favors accountants over Angels these days, the idea worried Trustees.

President Ed Plaza said "It's not that I have a perception regarding motorcycle enthusiasts."  The problem was, he said, that many motorcycles en masse or even singly thundering down Miller Road to the Ribfest "would be somewhat disruptive."

Rotary Service Director Ron Magrini countered, "The rides that I've been on the community was behind that.  The kids love it."

Trustee Bob Huckins said, "It's a Rotary event, not a Lake in the Hills one.  If something happens I don't want that to be another problem with Lake in the Hills."

Trustee Paul Mulcahy was similarly troubled. "Everything that happens at the Ribfest reflects on Lake in the Hills. I'm a little concerned that you're saying there's no problem."

"I've talked to people at other events that failed because there were too many motorcycles," said Mulcahy. "You guys have got to be careful with this."

Despite reservations,  trustees OK'ed a full Board vote on authorizing the Ribfest motorcycle raffle.

County Approves Loan For Business Relocation To LITH

McHenry County's Finance and Audit Committee Tuesday approved a modifying a loan from the County's Revolving Loan Fund to allow Crystal Lake's Hobbytown store to relocate to Lake in the Hills.

The Committee had earlier approved a roughly $250,000 loan for the radio-controlled models store to rehab a location on Pyott Road in Lake in the Hills but that fell through.  Tuesday's loan, $56,000 larger, was to locate to a fresh field spot nearby on Pyott.

A Crystal Lake bank will finance the bulk of the $1 million project but the County's Loan Fund for economic development will take the rest secured by a second mortgage and a personal guarantee from Hobbytown's owner.  That worried District Two Member Scott Breeden, Lakewood, who complained the store itself had negligible equity in the deal.  "We've got the skin in the game and they don't."

Even so the Committee approved the loan by a four to two vote.  Committee Chairman District One Member Marc Munaretto, Algonquin, on the advice of the State's Attorney's office, absented himself from the Hobbytown discussion and vote since he's brokering the land deal.

Deputy County Administrator John Labaj told the Committee Hobbytown did about $1 million in sales in Crystal Lake last year and expected to do about $1.3 million in Lake in the Hills. 

Visitation Set For Terry Hoeft, Huntley

Visitation will be held Friday from 3 to 9 pm in the Board Room at Huntley Village Hall for Terry Hoeft, 55 of Huntley who died on May 6 California.  Visitation will continue Saturday morning from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, prior to the Celebration of Life service at 11:00 am at DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral Home  Huntley at 10763 Dundee Road. Burial will follow in the Huntley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Terrence Hoeft Memorial Fund.

Born June 16, 1954 in Elgin, Hoeft was a lifelong citizen of Grafton Township and President of TJH Contracting. He served on the Village of Huntley Board in a career that spanned three decades, beginning with his appointment in ’87 and retirement in ’05.

Terry is survived by his wife of 33 years, Janice, his son, Tim and his wife Melissa, and their daughter, Miranda, all of Huntley. He is survived by three brothers, Kevin Huntley, Tom (Lori) of Crystal Lake, Patrick (Melodi) of Crystal Lake and by one sister, Suzi (Mike) North of St. Petersburg, FL.

He was preceded in death by his father, Merle and brother, Daniel.

Former Lawmakers Wary Of Emergency Powers For Quinn

By Kevin Lee, Illinois Statehouse News
Governor Pat Quinn may have to shoulder the bulk of budget responsibilities for the upcoming fiscal year, and former lawmakers aren’t sure that’s a good idea.

Illinois is facing a $13 billion budget deficit for the next fiscal year set to begin July 1, a massive backlog of unpaid bills, and declining tax revenues. In addition, the General Assembly has not decided on whether or not the state should immediately make its annual contribution to its pension systems, an investment that could be tie up about $4 billion, a significant portion of the state’s finances.

“We do not have the benefit of the federal stimulus money this time around and the revenues have continued to be anemic, so it appears that we’re in a deeper hole than ever,” said Jim Nowlan, a fellow with the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs and a former lawmaker.

Because Illinois is mired in an economic crisis, lawmakers may grant Quinn emergency authority to manage the budget. The General Assembly has granted emergency budget authority to one other governor – Republican Gov. Jim Edgar in 1992.

Back then, Illinois was also facing economic problems and a budget deficit, though the deficit was then measured on the scale of hundreds-of-millions of dollars. The General Assembly gave Edgar the power and flexibility to enforce spending cuts to agencies and programs, and in some instances bypassing legislative approval.

Denny Jacobs, a former state senator who represented the Quad-Cities who voted for the 1992 emergency budget authority, said the discretion lawmakers gave Edgar back then would not be as much as the authority lawmakers are proposing granting to Quinn.

“His powers weren’t quite as extensive as they want to do now with Quinn…(Under the proposal,) Quinn can say, ‘I’m going to take from this one (program) that you appropriated the money for, and I think this program’s more important and I’m going to take (the money) over there,” he said.

Nowlan said this year’s lawmakers would be shirking their duties if they granted Quinn emergency powers.

Jacobs said Quinn’s attempts to manage the budget with emergency authority could hurt the governor’s political prospects. “It kills him because there’s no way he can make everyone happy,” he said.

“I think that it is an abdication of responsibility. (Legislators) want to take credit for the good things that are done, but they don’t want to take responsibility for the difficult decisions,” he said.

Lawmakers will return to Springfield later this month but have not established a specific return date or schedule.

You can read Kevin's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/2946/former-lawmakers-wary-of-emergency-powers-for-quinn/

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 11
1734 HRS RANDALL RD. & ACORN RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. GAGEN, WHITNEY F., F/W 22 YEARS OF AGE, 700 AUBURN CT., CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Driving while License Suspended. RELEASED ON BOND.
2244 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (LITH POLICE DEPT). FOLLOW UP REPORT: ILLEGAL CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL BY A MINOR. JUVENILE, F/W 14 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor. TURNED OVER TO PARENT & NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED.
0502 HRS 500 BLOCK OF CRYSTAL LAKE RD. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 37 years of age, having a seizure. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
0818 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & HILLTOP RD. INJURY ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Female, 69 years of age, transported to St Joseph hospital.
0921 HRS 3100 BLOCK OF IMPRESSIONS DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 52 years of age with severe pain in left shoulder. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1717 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (LITH POLICE DEPT). INFORMATION FOR POLICE. An officer had contact with a registered sex offender.
1821 HRS 200 BLOCK OF OAKLEAF RD. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 49 years of age, having chest pain. Transported to Woodstock Memorial.
1837 HRS COUNTRY CLUB Rd. & BOULDER DR. INJURY ACCIDENT. Car v. light pole. Female, 78 years of age, had an injury to her face. Transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
2035 HRS 1400 BLOCK OF WASHINGTON ST. MISSING JUVENILE. Female juvenile did not return home after school. Female returned home and needed an evaluation. Transported to Woodstock Hospital.
2324 HRS 300 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. DOMESTIC. Boyfriend vs. girlfriend. No priors.
Huntley
May 3
Juan C. Delgado, age 23, 904 Lavoi, Elgin, IL was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for expired registration.  Mr. Delgado posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of May 28, 2010.
Henryka Chwieduk, age 67 of 15118 S. Wood St., Harvey, IL was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for driving while registration suspended for non-insurance, improper use of registration, display of expired registration, and driving an uninsured motor vehicle.  Ms. Chwieduk posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of June 18, 2010.
May 4
A 16 year old female from Lake in the Hills was arrested for battery at the High School.  The juvenile was released to her parents and will attend peer jury.  In the same incident a 16 year old female from Huntley was arrested for battery.  The juvenile was released to her parents with a McHenry County court date of June 14, 2010.
A criminal damage to property report was taken in the 11700 block of Coral Street.  The victim states his car was damaged during the night.
May 5
Jodi S. Schultz, age 45, of 11683 Joan St., Huntley, was arrested for driving while license suspended.  Ms. Schultz posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of June 18, 2010.
Frank K. Ocampo, age 27, 1312 Northfield Ct., Harvard, was arrested for public indecency and possession of cannabis.  Mr. Ocampo posted bond and was released with a Kane County court date of June 7, 2010.
A bicycle was reported stolen at a park in the 11700 block of Blue Bayou.  The bike is a silver, twenty inch boys Magna brand Intruder model, with black lettering and front and rear foot pegs.
May 6
A criminal damage to property report was taken in the 9800 block of Riverside Dr.  The victim’s mail box was damaged.  The damage was estimated at $25.00.
A theft report was taken at a business in the 10400 block of Algonquin Rd.  A pair of shoes valued at $60.00 was stolen.
May 7
A burglary to motor vehicle report was taken in the 12200 block of Arlington Dr.  The vehicle’s side window was smashed and a GPS unit and a pair of sunglasses were stolen.
A burglary to motor vehicle report was taken in the 13600 Block of Moonlight Ridge Ct.  Jewelry was stolen from an unlocked vehicle.
Reyna R. Francisco, age 42, of 11507 Douglas Ave. #406, Huntley, was arrested for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Mr. Francisco posted bond and was released with a Kane County court date of June 7, 2010.  In the same incident a 16 year old male from Huntley was arrested for possession of alcohol by a minor.  The juvenile was released to the custody of his legal guardian and will attend peer jury.
May 8
Lillian M. Costigan, age 22, 8107 S. Park, Burr Ridge, was arrested for DUI and cited for improper turn signal.  Ms. Costigan posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of June 18, 2010.
Oscar L. Horteales, age 42, of 1630 Foxfield, Belvidere, was arrested for battery.  Mr. Horteales posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of
June 18, 2010.
May 9
Leah M. Byard, age 30, 272 Harmon, Mansfield, OH, was arrested for leaving the scene of an accident and unlawful use of a weapon and was cited for following too closely.
Ms. Byard was assigned a June 18, 2010 court date and was transported to McHenry County Jail to await bond.
Thann T. Trinh, age 40, of 892 Foley, Belvidere, was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for possession of a suspended drivers license and speeding.
Ms. Trinh posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of June 18, 2010.

Savings Elusive In D300 Extracurricular Budget

District 300 Superintendent Ken Arndt has repeatedly sworn whatever else gets cut from the District's new budget extracurricular activities will remain.  Board members wondered if maybe there wasn't 10 percent fat to sweat out of the programs, though.  According to a report to the Board Monday, there isn't.

The best that staff recommendations could come up with was a $35,000 savings around the edges of the district's roughly $1.75 million roster of extracurricular and co-curricular activities like school clubs, theater and sports.

According to a report revealed Monday the bulk of the  district's extracurricular cost. $1.3 million is in its high school programs.  The bulk of that cost is personnel, more than $800,000 in "stipend costs" for coaches and sponsors and part of the districts' teacher contracts.

"That 10 percent was basically picked out of the air," said Arndt to explain why savings that size couldn't be found.  But Board Member Karen Roeckner zeroed in on one largish cost that might be shrinkable, $24 per hour the district pays teachers for crowd control and other supervision for high school sports. The total is $96,000 and Roeckner wondered if parent volunteers couldn't lessen the cost.

The report on extracurriculars starts at page 6 here:
http://www.d300.org/files/Board%20of%20Education%20Meeting%20Packet%2005.10.10.pdf

In another report to the Board, Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Crates recommended the district skip new building and major remodeling for the next fiscal year.  She said there wasn't very much money in that fund to start with and an unexpected requirement to fix a leaky retention pond near Dundee Crown is going to cut it in half.

Algonquin Gas Leak Stopped After Afternoon Shutdown

It took about four hours for Nicor crews to shut off a leaking gas main in Algonquin Monday.  Police and firemen blocked off Bunker Hill from Sherman to Stonegate for most of the afternoon.  A Nicor spokesman said the leak came when workers for another utility company accidentally breached Nicor's line near Jacobs High School.  Police and School officials said no students were endangered.

ALITH Citizen Fire Academy Taking Applications

When you were a kid did you want to grow up to be a fireman?  Do you ever wonder what you missed? There's more to it than eating smoke and the Algonquin Lake in the  Hills Fire Protection District’s Citizen Fire Academy starting next month lays it out.

Beginning June 3, the nine-week hands-on course will give residents a chance to learn about and perform the same duties that firefighters are faced with every day, including fire suppression, truck operations, auto extrication, and emergency medical services.  Students will also become CPR certified.

The class is open to folks who live or work in Algonquin or Lake in the Hills, and are at least 18 years old.  You can download an application at:  http://www.alfpd.org/Pub%20Ed/Citizen%20Fire%20Academy%20Application.pdf or pick up a hard copy at Station 1. They're due by May 24, though.  For more information, contact Public Education Officer, Lt. Julie Didier, 847-658-8233 extension 134.

LITH American Legion To Host Armed Forces Day Breakfast

Saturday is Armed Forces Day so Lake in the Hills American Legion Post 1231 will host a celebratory breakfast from 8 am to noon that day at the post on West Algonquin Road. The all-you-can-eat breakfast will run $6 for adults, $4 for children 12 and younger with proceeds to support Legion community activities.

Pretty simple, but for information, the post number is 847-658-2010.

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 10
1524 HRS 100 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. VIOLATION OF BAIL BOND. PANKNIN, TERRY L., M/W 33 YEARS OF AGE, 141 VILLAGE CREEK DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Violation of Bail Bond. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
1722 HRS RANDALL RD. & ALGONQUIN RD. WANTED ON WARRANT. BOTTCHER-SMITH, LISA R., F/W 41 YEARS OF AGE, 421 ORIOLE TRAIL, CARY.
CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant, McHenry County for Probation Violation, Traffic Offense. Bond Amount: $6,000 at 10%. RELEASED ON BOND.
1926 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (LITH POLICE). FOLLOW-UP ARREST: BATTERY. CARRASQUILLO, CHRISTY A., F/W 39 YEARS OF AGE, 109 WOODY WAY., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Battery. RELEASED ON BOND.
0723 HRS RAKOW RD. & PINGREE RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
0834 HRS 9625 HALIGUS RD., (MARLOWE MIDDLE SCHOOL). ASSIST OTHERA GENCY. Assisted the Middle School, with a K-9 search. Nothing found.
0933 HRS 200 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 89 years of age, bleeding from his head. No transport.
1104 HRS 617 ANDERSON DR., (STONEYBROOK PARK). CRIMINAL DEFACEMENT. Graffiti found on the Ameritech box.
1404 HRS 00 BLOCK OF RIVERA CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 73 years of age, having chest pain. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1606 HRS 0 BLOCK OF PRINCETON CT. DOMESTIC. Daughter vs. Father. Verbal only. No priors.
1819 HRS 3000 BLOCK OF RONAN DR. VIOLATION OF AN ORDER OF PROTECTION. Complainant stated her ex violated an order of protection. UNFOUNDED.
1918 HRS 0 BLOCK OF TORREY PINES CT. THEFT. Complainant advised her jewelry was stolen and taken to a pawn shop. FAIL TO FILE.
2001 HRS 10 BLOCK OF DANBURY CT. BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE. Global Positioning Unit taken from a vehicle.
2040 HRS 3100 BLOCK OF MELBOURNE LN. DOMESTIC. Son vs. Parents. Verbal only. No priors.
2103 HRS 311 N. RANDALL RD., (LITH THEATRES). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 52 years of age, having abdominal pains. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
2223 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF MAPLE ST. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Husband vs. wife. One prior. FAIL TO FILE.

IEPA Reports Contamination Near Two Algonquin Homes

An Illinois EPA spokesman said there's still no date set to issue a report about Algonquin homes that may be threatened by chemical contamination near the village's decaying Toastmaster factory.  However, she summarized testing results for FEN last week this way: Readings outside two residences were just over the limit and both homeowners have been notified.

IEPA and the Illinois Department of Health announced in November that a plume of groundwater extending south east from the area of the factory was contaminated with elevated levels of volatile organic compounds.  Experts said the water didn't pose a risk to residents but, since volatile means "easy to vaporize", they wanted to check to see if outgassing from the chemicals was contaminating area residences. Samples were taken late last year and the results were supposed to have been announced in February.

"We expected that to be out already," said IEPA spokesman Tammy Mitchell who said the final draft of the report has been delayed because of personnel problems.  "It'll be out very soon," she said.

Mitchell said residents whose property was tested were notified of the results and the two locations that tested high have been contacted by the Illinois Department of Health.

Village of Algonquin officials, also beginning to wonder about the tests, likewise contacted IEPA two weeks ago, and received a similar summary.  Village Manager Bill Ganek said, "It sounds like it's basically OK."

Mitchell said the test results didn't actually show contamination at the two residences identified.  She said the sampling was taking of soil outside the homes since everyday emissions from things inside like carpet, paint, cosmetics and cleaning supplies could have confused inside readings.  Mitchell said in the two cases where outside readings were high they only raised the possibility of inside contamination.

Illinois Department of Public Health spokesman Melaney Arnold said possible contamination from gaseous volatile organic compounds could be controlled in the same way as radon gas contamination.  "We would recommend that they could put in a basement exhaust fan," she said "or a sub-slab suppression system."

In the pic:  Illinois EPA checked Algonquin properties above this plume of contaminated ground water for gaseous contaminants, finding two above the safety mark.

LITH Public Works Open House Saturday

The annual Lake in the Hills Public Works Open House will be Saturday from  11:00 am to 2:00 pm to give residents a chance to see what goes on behind the scenes in the daily tasks of maintaining the village infrastructure.

Informational material, interactive work demonstrations (you can ask the guys questions), and facility tours will be offered by Department staff. An extensive selection of vehicles and equipment such as snow plows, tractors, loaders, and excavators used by the Department staff will be on display for the kids to climb all over. There will be tours of the adjacent water treatment facility, too.

The Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department and Community Development Department and the Huntley Fire Protection District will also be on hand to answer questions about services they provide.

Free Hot dogs, burgers, chips and soda are planned, too.

The Public Works Department is located at 9010 Haligus Road about one block south of the intersection with Miller Road at the Bark Park.

Centegra Huntley Offers Mammo Monday May 17

Centegra Health System is sponsoring special Mother’s Day Mammo Monday events throughout McHenry County, including one at Huntley next Monday.

Moms are encouraged to attend on their own or bring their daughters, sisters and friends to take control of breast and bone health. Offerings include screening mammograms, bone density screenings, free expert bra fittings, light snacks and a free spring gift. Digital mammography is available from 8 am to 7 pm  Monday, May 17 at Centegra Health Center-Huntley.

A physician's order is requested if available and all insurance will be billed. Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are welcome. The number for an appointment is 815-334-5566 to schedule an appointment or go to centegra.org/mammo.

Quinn Gets Telecom Rewrite

By Benjamin Yount, Illinois Statehouse News
Gov. Pat Quinn will decide the fate of the massive telecommunication re-write headed for his desk. The proposal that would change the regulations for companies like AT&T and Verizon zoomed through the General Assembly, going from an idea to a law in less than a month.

AT&T officials say the changes will allow the company to focus more on new technologies like wireless phones and broadband Internet.

The biggest change included in the proposal would allow AT&T to shift its focus away from land lines. The company says fewer and fewer people have a single line at their house. AT&T tempted lawmakers with the thought of what new technologies, and new jobs, could be fostered if the company wasn't shackled to home phones.

Consumer groups, and for a while the Illinois Attorney General's office, worried about the cost of that shift in focus for the people who do have land lines.

State Sen. Randy Hultgren, R-Wheaton, said the regulation re-write ensures that people will not see an instant increase on their phone bill. "There is consumer protection for people who want to continue to use their land line — mostly for senior citizens who want to have the protection of knowing that land line will be there."

Only about 40 percent of people in Illinois still have only a land line for telephone service. But those numbers are higher in lower income areas, and among seniors.

State Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline, said the real need for the re-write is modernization. AT&T said Illinois has missed out on new technology, and the jobs that go with it, because the state's laws are several years old.

"Some of our neighboring states have already passed this kind of legislation, a modernization. It's important that we keep up with those states," Jacobs said. "But it's not important that we keep up with them — we have to surpass them. And I think (Illinois' law])will become a model for the rest of the country on how to do this."

Quinn's office said they are reviewing the legislation, but wouldn't guess at when or if the governor will sign the measure.

You can read Ben's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/2907/quinn-gets-telecom-re-write/

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 09
0204 HRS 4600 BLOCK OF MACKINAC ST. DOMESTIC BATTERY. CIENGI, DAVID J., M/W 46 YEARS OF AGE, 4615 MACKINAC ST., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Aggravated Battery a Class 3 Felony, Domestic Battery, Domestic Battery of a Provoking Nature. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
1352 HRS LAKE DR. & PHEASANT TRAIL. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. HALLBERG, MARK J., M/W 32 YEARS OF AGE, 1214 SARASOTA DR., WHEELING. CHARGE: Driving While License Suspended. RELEASED ON BOND.
2354 HRS 700 BLOCK OF MASON LN. FOLLOW UP ARREST: ILLEGAL CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL. JUVENILE, M/W 17 YEAR OF AGE, CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Unlawful delivery of Alcohol. RELEASED TO PARENT.
0359 HRS 00 BLOCK OF ACORN LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 24 years of age, severe stomach pain. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1047 HRS 00 BLOCK OF LARKSPUR CT. RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY. Item returned to owner. FAIL TO FILE.
1140 HRS APACHE TRAIL & ALGONQUIN RD. FOUND ARTICLE. A red bicycle was found along side the road.
1437 HRS 9341 PYOTT RD., (BARBARA KEY PARK). AGGRAVATED ASSAULT. Two juveniles possibly threatened another group of juveniles. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
1523 HRS 3100 BLOCK OF IMPRESSIONS DR. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. Vehicle had graffiti done on it overnight.
1527 HRS 5200 MILLER RD., (SUNSET PARK). ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1703 HRS 100 BLOCK OF COOL STONE BEND. DOG BITE. Complainant was bitten by a dog.
1855 HRS 5700 BLOCK OF LUCERNE LN. DOMESTIC. Mother vs. Son. Verbal only. One prior.
2026 HRS 2700 BLOCK OF MELBOURNE LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 47 years of age, possibly having a stroke. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
2051 HRS 10 BLOCK OF WOODLAND RD. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Husband vs. Wife. One prior. FAIL TO FILE.
Algonquin
May 8
13:30pm Torres, Efrain, DOB: 09/15/86, of 5 Times Square Road Apt #306, Elgin, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License, No Proof of Insurance and Expired Registration.  He was taken into custody at Hanson Road and Algonquin Road.  He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 06/16/10, in McHenry County.
14:35pm Cheff, Bryan J., DOB: 12/25/61, of 9941 Thornton Way, Huntley, was charged with DWLS and No Proof of Insurance.  He was taken into custody at Algonquin Road and Randall Road.  He was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond, with a court date of 06/16/10, in McHenry County.
May 9
18:24pm Ayala-Leon, Pedro, DOB: 09/04/65, of 1600 North Avenue, Crystal Lake, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License and Suspended Registration.  He was taken into custody at Algonquin Road and Pyott Road.  He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 06/09/10, in McHenry County.  Also taken into custody during the same incident was Avalos-Garcia, Jaime, DOB: 05/27/62. of 4710 Rose Street, Crystal Lake, who was Wanted on a Warrant out of McHenry County for Failure to Appear, on a DUI charge.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail, when unable to post bond.

Cold, Clouds Damp Huntley Farmers' Market

A high in the 40's and sullen clouds discouraged attendance at Huntley's preview Farmers' Market this year.

"It's too bad the weather had to turn," said Randy Book, down from Belvidere with a load of scallions, radishes and tomato seedlings to sell.  He shrugged and put his hands in the pockets of his winter jacket.

"The sun came out and there were a lot of people," said market coordinator Barb Read. "It was busy. For about 10 minutes."

The theme of the opening market was "Plant Your Garden Day" but the weather didn't really favor that.  There was frost in some areas this morning.

Temps will presumably be better when the regular market begins June 5. Read plans e-news bulletins early each week to help locavores plan their weekend shopping.

Wind Nixes LITH Flight Event

High winds Saturday canceled the EAA Chapter 790 Young Eagles flights at Lake in the Hills Airport.

The program, designed to introduce young people to the joys and thrills of flying in a small airplane, is open to all children from the ages of 8 to 17.  And it's free.

Remaining Young Eagles dates at LITH Airport this year are Saturdays, June 12, Sept. 11 and  Oct. 9. In the meantime there are other programs for Young Eagles.  Information is here: http://www.youngeagles790.com/

In the pic: A Young Eagles Mission at LITH Airport last year.

New LITH Bike Path Map Available

A full-color comprehensive map of Village bike paths is included in the Summer 2010 Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department brochure.  The map shows existing and future off-street bike paths, on-street paths, Village parks and lakes and links to neighboring community trails. The center insert is designed to be removed from the brochure and folded so residents can take the map with them on rides.  Extra copies are available at Village Hall, too. Or you could click the pic here and download a copy.

Former Huntley Trustee Dies Unexpectedly

Former Huntley Trustee and businessman Terry Hoeft died at his California winter home according to an announcement Thursday by Mayor Chuck Sass.

Hoeft, 55, served for two periods on the Huntley Board, from 1988 to 1993 and again from 2001 to 2005. He did not seek re-election in 2005 although he remained active in community affairs.

Services for Hoeft are pending at Defiore Jorgensen Funeral Home, Huntley.

Busy End To Legislative Session

By Benjamin Yount, Illinois Statehouse News
Illinois lawmakers didn't give Gov. Pat Quinn his income tax increase, but they did push tax "reforms" as the legislative session wound down.

The General Assembly rushed through a back-to-school sales tax holiday and a measure of property tax relief for residents in Cook County. Lawmakers also took last minute action on a number of issues from lobbyist regulation to telecommunication re-regulation.

The governor asked just this week for a back-to-school sales tax holiday. Quinn said parents could use the help, and the state could use the boost in business.

State Rep. Jack Franks, D-Woodstock, said stores should start planning now for what could be a very busy August. "It's creating sales. This helps school children and their parents," Franks said. "The average family is paying about $400 per child before they go back to school."

Families can expect the sales tax holiday in early August but State Rep. Bill Black, R-Danville, said the tax break will cost the state.

"The estimates are $20 to $50 million in lost revenues to the state treasury," Black said. "Would it benefit sales? I think it would. Would it benefit to the point where the volume would make up some of the difference? I don't think so."

Quinn is expected to quickly sign the sales tax break. He's also expected to sign the so-called "7 percent solution." That property tax relief measure would cap the growth of tax bills in Cook County. Lawmakers have grappled with the same idea for years, and the current cap was set to expire.

The end-of-session rush also saw lawmakers approve a re-write of the state's telecommunications law, as well as a resolution to lingering questions about lobbyist reforms in Illinois.

Lawmakers created new rules and a new fee last year regarding lobbyists. But that law was, in part, struck down. The fix from the legislature this spring would roll back the lobbyist registration fee from $1,000 to $300 a year.

You can read Ben's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/2905/busy-end-to-legislative-session/

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 08
0313 HRS RANDALL RD. & ROOSEVELT ST. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. JAVILLO, JONATHAN K., M/W 28 YEARS OF AGE, 987 GOLF COURSE RD #3, CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol a Class 4 Felony, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving While License Revoked, Not Wearing a Seat Belt, Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
2354 HRS 700 BLOCK OF MASON LN. ILLEGAL CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL. JUVENILE, M/W 17 YEAR OF AGE, CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor. RELEASED TO PARENT.
JUVENILE, M/W 17 YEARS OF AGE, CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor. RELEASED TO PARENT.
JUVENILE, M/W 16 YEARS OF AGE, CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor. RELEASED TO PARENT.
JUVENILE, M/W 17 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor, Hosting an Underage Drinking Party. RELEASED TO PARENT.