Penny Pancake Day To Benefit Kettner Memorial Fund

The annual Penny Pancake Day at Algonquin's Colonial Cafe that was planned to benefit Huntley's young Carter Kettner next Thursday will, instead, benefit his memorial fund, Dad Joe Kettner told FEN Friday.

"It's something we're going to set up in Carter's name to help families affected the way we were," said Kettner whose six year-old son succumbed three weeks ago to an inoperable brain cancer.

Colonial Cafe had already held one benefit for Carter in February.  "They really liked him," said family friend Michelle Domino.  "We had this set up before Carter passed away.  We said, 'But what if he doesn't make it?' and they said, 'We don't care, this is something we want to do.'"

Domino said the Algonquin Colonial even agreed to add something new to its third annual Penny Pancake event: A pancake eating contest.  For a $10 donation competitors can wolf down as many pancakes as they can in two minutes with the top three winning prizes.

"Each of our restaurants can choose a local charity to support," said Colonial Spokesman Bob Meierhans.  "There are so many charities than can benefit from this," he said.

In the pic:  Little Carter Kettner liked pancakes.  Even pancakes in the hospital.

Memorial Day Parades

Here are the plans for Monday's Memorial Day Parades:

Algonquin--The parade will start with a short ceremony at the Veterans' Monument adjacent to Algonquin Cemetery at 10 am.  Marchers will line up on Cary Road and take that to Route 31,  then go south on 31 to Front Street,then east to Harrison Street,then north to end at River Front Park. The ceremony and parade is expected to last from 10 am to about 11 am.  Route 31 will be completely shut down while the parade itself is in progress.

Huntley--A little simpler.  The Parade begins at 11 am at the Municipal Complex heading west on Main Street to Woodstock Street, turn right to go north and disperse from there.  After the parade there'll be a ceremony at Town Square.

LITH Splash Pad Opens Today

Lake in the Hills new (last year) Splash Pad in Sunset Park officially opens today from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

It's wet, it's wild and the LITH Parks and Recreation Department says it's perfect for birthday party rentals during the summer months.  Private rentals are available between 9:30 and 11:00 am including exclusive use of the Splash Pad and Shelter.  For more information on that, the Parks and Rec number is (847) 960-7460.

AL Fire Protection Open House For EMS Week

In recognition of Emergency Medical Services Week and the emergency medical providers within its communities, the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District will be host its third Annual EMS Open House today from noon to 3:00 pm at the Headquarters Fire Station on  West Algonquin and Pyott Roads.
 
Some of the activities planned include the Flight for Life medevac helicopter from noon to 1:00 pm as well as a Masonic Lodge-sponsored Child ID Program.  The Lake in the Hills Police Department will also offer car seat safety checks and installations. There'll be station tours and refreshments, too.

House Kills Thomson Terrorist Prison Plan

The Obama Administration's plan to house Guantanamo terrorists amidst northeastern Illinois' melon fields failed Friday as the House voted two to one not to pay to house them at the state's Thomson Correctional Center.

Congressman Don Manzullo (R-16) in whose district Thomson is also located said, "It basically scuttles the President’s plan."  Gov. Pat Quinn said Friday it was "less likely" that Guantanamo detainees would be located there. Both were were still hopeful the Feds would buy the unused state detention center to become a U.S. prison for up to 1600 prisoners.

The state spent $140 million to build Thomson in 1999 but has never managed to scrape up enough money to run it.

Manzullo called the anti-terrorist vote "devastating" but said he was still all for making Thomson a federal prison.  Quinn said the state was in the middle of doing an appraisal to see how much the facility's worth.

In the pic:  Thomson now stands completely empty.  Two hundred low-security inmates were shipped out last month.

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.

JONATHAN K. JAVILLO, DOB:  05/06/82, 987 GOLF COURSE ROAD  APT #3, CRYSTAL LAKE. AGGRAVATED DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE.--LITH PD
  
DAVID J. CIENGI, DOB:  11/01/63, 4615 MACKINAC STREET, LAKE IN THE HILLS. AGGRAVATED BATTERY, DOMESTIC BATTERY(2CTS).--LITH PD

MARK S. SERANELLA, DOB:  06/28/88, 281 FOX CHASE DRIVE, OSWEGO. DRUG INDUCED HOMICIDE.--Crystal Lake PD

PAUL L. NAPHOLZ, DOB:  09/10/92, 1409 BLUE HERON DRIVE, CRYSTAL LAKE. AGGRAVATED BATTERY, RESISTING A PEACE OFFICER(2CTS).--Crystal Lake PD
  
RICHARD E. MORRIS, DOB:  11/26/57, 3308 W. ELM STREET  APT #16, MCHENRY. DOMESTIC BATTERY, AGGRAVATED BATTERY, UNLAWFUL USE OF A WEAPON.--McHenry 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 28
0122 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF HEARTLAND GATE. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. WEISMANN, ANTHONY V., M/W 27 YEARS OF AGE, 408 E. CHICAGO, ELGIN. CHARGES: Driving While License Suspended. RELEASED ON BOND.
0356 HRS 6900 RAKOW RD., (RAKOW CURVE). DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. TREU, JESSICA N., F/W 21 YEARS OF AGE, 10108 KENILWORTH AVE., ALGONQUIN. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Improper Lane Use.
RELEASED ON BOND.
1517 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Complainant’s Social Security number was utilized.
1553 HRS 300 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 2 years of age, having a reaction to a multi-vitamin.  No transport.
1638 HRS 20 BLOCK OF GRANT AVE. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 75 years of age, feeling disoriented. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1910 HRS 1111 PYOTT RD., (LARSEN PARK). CRIMINAL DEFACEMENT. Graffiti on bike path. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1925 HRS 00 BLOCK OF LITCHFIELD CT. DOMESTIC. Husband vs Wife. Verbal only. One prior.
1958 HRS 5200 MILLER RD., (SUNSET PARK). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 8 years of age, struck in the head with a baseball. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
2032 HRS 0 BLOCK OF FARMINGTON CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 44 years of age, with shortness of breath. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
2200 HRS RAKOW RD. & PINGREE RD. INJURY ACCIDENT One vehicle accident involving a motorcycle. Airlifted to Condell Memorial Hospital, Libertyville. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
2315 HRS 5700 BLOCK OF WILDSPRING DR., DOMESTIC BATTERY Boyfriend vs Girlfriend. No priors. FAIL TO FILE.
Huntley
May 10
A 15 year old male from Huntley was arrested at a business in the 10400 block of Rt. 47. The juvenile took two cans of energy drink valued at $4.38 and left the business without paying for the items. The juvenile was released to the custody of his parents with a McHenry County court date of June 28, 2010.
May 11
A criminal damage to property/theft report was taken at the High School. A gym locker door was damaged and a gym uniform was stolen. The value of the uniform is $20.00. The cost to repair the locker is unknown at this time.
A bicycle valued at $175.00 stolen from a park in the 11700 block of Blue Bayou. The bicycle is described as an orange and white Tony Hawk brand bike.
2010 Henry A. Ramirez, age 27, of 185 Prairie View, Woodstock, was arrested for driving with no valid drivers license and cited for no rear bumper. Mr. Ramirez posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of June 18, 2010.
May 13
Angel Zaval Lopez, age 64, of 1212 Apple Ln. #J, Elgin, was arrested for driving with no valid drivers license and cited for failure to yield right of way at an intersection and operation of an uninsured motor vehicle. Mr. Lopez posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of June 18, 2010.
A criminal defacement report was taken at the high school. Gang graffiti was found in the boys' restroom.
A 14 year old male from Huntley was arrested for disorderly conduct. The boy was released to his parents and will attend peer jury.
A business in the 12000 block of Princeton reported an armed robbery. The subject left the business with an undisclosed amount of money.
May 15
A residential burglary report was taken in the 11600 block of Leland Ave. The victim states a window was broken, a bicycle was stolen and several items in the home were disturbed.
A theft report was taken at a business in the 10400 block of Algonquin Rd. The victim states his blackberry was stolen.
May 16
Brett A. Saintaubin, age 42, of 218 Pleasant, Woodstock, was arrested for driving with no valid drivers license and an outstanding McHenry County warrant for failure to appear in court. Mr. Saintaubin posted bond and was released with a McHenry Count court date of June 25, 2010 for the traffic charges and May 28, 2010 for the warrant.
A theft report was taken at the High School. A student stated that on May 7 her cell phone was stolen from her bag.
May 17
A theft report was taken at the High School. A student stated her cell phone was stolen from her locked gym locker.
Jessica J. Zielinski, age 20, of 11340 Fitzgerald Lane was charged with consumption of alcohol by a minor. Ms. Zielinski was released with a McHenry County court date of June 28, 2010.
A theft report was taken at the High School. School officials reported approximately $35.00 worth of candy and soda were stolen from the concession stand.
A criminal damage to property report was taken at a business in the 12800 block of Del Webb Blvd. A window was broken.
A retail theft report was taken at a store in the 11800 block of Factory Shops Blvd. The manager of the business reported that approximately $1,800 worth of merchandise was stolen.
May 18
Irene A. Kok, age 39, of 10651 Wheatlands Way, Huntley, was arrested for driving while license suspended. Ms. Kok posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of June 18, 2010.
A theft report was taken in the vicinity of Noah St. and Rt. 47. The victim states that a part on a piece of construction equipment was stolen.
A criminal damage to property report was taken at a business in the 12800 block of Del Webb Blvd. A window was broken.
Joaquin U. Aguilar-Rodriguez, age 34, of 592 Darlington Ave. #2, Crystal Lake, was arrested on a Huntley Police warrant for obstructing identification and an outstanding DuPage County Warrant. Mr. Aguilar-Rodriguez posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of June 14, 2010 and DuPage County court date of June 15, 2010.
A criminal defacement report was taken in the 10600 block of Church St. Gang graffiti was found on a fence.
May 19
Shawn M. Roth, age 18, of 2533 New Milford Church Rd., Rockford, was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for no rear registration light and operation of an uninsured motor vehicle. Mr. Roth posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of June 18, 2010.
David A. Daniels, age 32, of 321 N. Main St., Algonquin, was arrested for retail theft at a business in the 11900 block of Kreutzer Rd. Mr. Daniels was transported to Kane County jail to await bond call.
May 20
Jennifer L. Borecek, age 27, of 12403 Cooney, Woodstock, was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for improper passing and driving an uninsured motor vehicle. Ms. Borecek posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of June, 26, 2010.
May 21
A criminal damage to property report was taken in the 9500 block of Bristol Lane. A lock was damaged.
A 17 year old male from Algonquin was arrested for possession of cannabis. The juvenile was issued a notice to appear in McHenry County court on July 12, 2010 and was released to his mother.
May 22
A criminal damage to property report was taken in the 12400 block of Copper lane. A rock was thrown through a window.
John Gonzalez, age 24, of 1926 S. Miller Place, Chicago, was arrested for driving with no valid drivers license and cited for loud muffler. Mr. Gonzalez posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of June 18, 2010.
A 15 year old male from Huntley was arrested for consumption of alcohol by a minor. The juvenile was released to his mother with a McHenry County court date of June 28, 2010.

Investigator Claims Destruction Program On Grafton Computer

In a short but bitter special session Thursday the Grafton Township Board posted a draft budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year. Only when it was over did township officials receive a report from a computer investigator that he'd found an information destruction program had been installed on the computer from which the township's financial records went missing two months ago.

With what she said was a May 31 budget deadline approaching, Supervisor Linda Moore offered the Board a draft budget she'd prepared.  Trustee Rob LaPorta moved to post it but with an extended series of qualifications that trustees didn't trust it since they have questions about township finances and haven't been able to examine them.  "The actual budget may vary from this tentative budget," was the conclusion of his motion. "Call it an asterisk," said LaPorta during bickering before the measure passed unanimously.

Another attempt to unwind the complicated real estate and loan package behind the now-defunct new Township Offices failed again since no one appeared Thursday from Ancel-Glink, the Grafton Township Attorney firm.

It was after the meeting ended that LaPorta found an email on his smartphone from computer investigator Lee Neubecker complaining about his unpaid bill and containing for the first time some of the things he said he's found.

Neubecker said in probing  one Township computer he found a program called Eraser 5.8 had been installed February 15. That was President's Day, a holiday when the township office was closed.  It was also the day before Township Administrator Pam Fender began her new job.

Eraser 5.8 is a program that purges information by actively overwriting it instead of just telling the computer to forget where it stored it. The program was obtained from a professional security site, although that information was only evident in a screenshot included with the email.

Neubecker said he also found evidence that a folder named "Quickbooks" was sent to the computer's Recycle Bin. Quickbooks is the program the Township uses to keep its financial records straight. He said in his email it wasn't accidental.

Moore declined to comment on the email saying she hadn't seen it and citing "ongoing litigation".

"We have a report to file that the judge deserves to hear and we need to be paid for our work," concluded Neubecker who attached a statement with the email for over $15,000 in services so far.

In the pic:  Investigator Lee Neubecker said he found the records of a destruction program in Linda Moore's Grafton Township computer files. 

McHenry County Unemployment Improves But Still High

In a sign things are getting better, McHenry County unemployment fell .9 percent in April, according to a report Thursday from the Illinois Department of Employment Security.  That still left it at a painful 10.4 percent level, though.

The state unemployment rate announced last week was 10.8 percent, 11.2 percent seasonally adjusted, even though employers added almost 20,000 new jobs for the month. That was the fourth straight month of Illinois jobs growth and the first time the rate has dropped since October 2006. "As jobs are created and people re-enter the workforce encouraged about their ability to find a job, the unemployment rate might fluctuate for several months before stabilizing,” IDES Director Maureen O’Donnell said.

While the jobs picture improves, IDES Communications Manager Greg Rivara told FEN the plight of the unemployed may be worsening.  He said more than 22,000 people have exhausted all unemployment benefits. Most of them after being on the rolls for for 99 weeks.

Many labor experts worry the unemployed may become trapped in a Catch 22: Unable to find work because they haven't had a job and and jobless because they wouldn't find anywhere to work.

Among McHenry County municipalities Algonquin still shows the lowest unemployment, although still at 9.1 percent.  McHenry still shows the highest at 10.8 percent although that was down .8 percent from March.

UNEMPLOYMENT             
               REVISED MARCH 2010        PRELIMINARY APR. 2010               
               LABOR    UNEMPLOYED      LABOR   UNEMPLOYED      APRIL
               FORCE    NUMBER  RATE    FORCE   NUMBER     RATE  2009   
U.S. (X1000)   153,660  15,678  10.2    153,911   14,609   9.5   8.6 
ILLINOIS     6,652,076 777,235  11.7  6,669,566  717,184  10.8   9.4

COOK COUNTY  2,612,254 295,995  11.3  2,628,831  287,516  10.9  10.0 
DUPAGE COUNTY  524,079  48,011   9.2    527,924   46,706   8.8   8.2 
WILL COUNTY    368,854  44,222  12.0    368,825   40,681  11.0  10.0 
MCHENRY COUNTY 181,542  20,544  11.3    181,725   18,986  10.4   9.6 
KANE COUNTY    272,731  33,355  12.2    271,999   30,034  11.0  10.2 
LAKE COUNTY    363,315  47,181  13.0    361,548   40,334  11.2   8.5 

ALGONQUIN       16,730   1,579   9.4     16,854    1,539   9.1   8.4 
LITH            17,116   1,738  10.2     17,209    1,665   9.7   8.9 
CRYSTAL LAKE    22,397   2,371  10.6     22,556    2,313  10.3   9.5   
MCHENRY         15,283   1,779  11.6     15,302    1,652  10.8  10.4 

Huntley Lib Helps Unemployed Look For Work

As the employment picture slowly improves, officials at the Huntley Area Public Library reported Thursday their new Jobs Assistance Station is getting a heavy workout.

"I didn't know how helpful the library would be," said patron Melissa Kane who's trying to find an administrative position.  Kane said she was having trouble with online job applications.  "Every time I would get to the download it would kick me out of the system. I didn't know what I would do," she said without the help of Huntley's reference librarians.

"This was one of the first things Patrick (McDonald, Head Librarian,) did when he started in December," said Communications Coordinator Leigh Ann Porsch.  "We began this in January."

Liz Steffenson, head of Information Services said residents are using the library's Jobs Station regularly now to look for jobs.  "I'd say we have a half dozen to a dozen on a daily basis," she said.

Steffenson said librarian assistance ranges from advice on the best jobs databases to search to tips on how to cut and past info into a jobs application.

In the pic:  In five months Huntley Library's Jobs Assistance Station has become a magnet for local job-seekers.

Senate Skips Pension Borrowing Vote

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
The Senate wrapped up some major issues before leaving Springfield Friday but avoided one of the largest components of the budget framework approved by the House this week.  Democratic leaders hinted that if the borrowing doesn’t pass, the governor might have to make do without the cash and make the payments anyway.

Senate President John Cullerton said his chamber did not take up the borrowing proposal because it lacked the votes to pass. “We don’t have any Republican votes like they did in the House,” he said. He added that two Republican votes probably would be necessary to pass the bill.

House Speaker Michael Madigan said even if the Senate doesn’t pass borrowing, it is not guaranteed that a “pension holiday” vote would follow. “Without the borrowing to make the pension payment, pension payments get in line with everybody else (owed money by the state), and they become a matter for the governor and the comptroller in terms of managing the cash flow,” Madigan said.

Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno said Republicans voted to borrow for the payment last year, only to find that nothing has changed this time around. “It didn’t work last year, and in fact, all it did was encumber the revenue we needed to pay bills this year. It’s precisely what’s going to happen again because there’s no overall plan to deal with this. It’s just borrowing again — no way to pay it back.”

Radogno said she thinks Quinn will offer members of her caucus “perks” and projects for their districts to try to get “yes” votes for borrowing, and such tactics would put him on “very shaky” legal ground.

The Senate passed all the other components of the House’s budget: the “Emergency Budget Act,” a “tax amnesty plan,” the spending bill and a budget implementation bill.

You can read Jamey's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/senate-skips-pension-borrowing-vote.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 27
0200 HRS 300 BLOCK OF N. ANNANDALE DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 42 years of age, low blood sugar. No transport.
0632 HRS 4400 BLOCK OF BARHARBOR DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 33 years of age, having back pain. Transported to Woodstock Hospital.
0925 HRS 1111 PYOTT RD., (LARSEN ISLAND). CRIMINAL DEFACEMENT. Graffiti on the tunnel. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1344 HRS 00 BLOCK OF LITCHFIELD CT. ACCIDENT. Parked car struck by a truck; property damage only.
1845 HRS 311 N. RANDALL RD., (LAKE IN THE HILLS THEATER). HIT & RUN. Complainant’s vehicle was hit by another vehicle that left the scene.
1931 HRS 3200 BLOCK OF RONAN DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 45 years of age, highly intoxicated. Transported to Woodstock Hospital.
2112 HRS 0 BLOCK OF MARGATE CT. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Father vs. Son. No priors. UNFOUNDED.
2159 HRS 9244 TRINITY DR., (SKATE PARK). ACCIDENT Two vehicles. Property damage only.
Algonquin
May 24
15:37pm Mathis, Robert R. Jr., DOB: 12/04/62, of 636 S. Humphrey, Oak Park, was charged with DWLS and No Seat Belt.  He was taken into custody at Randall Road and Harnish Drive.  He was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond, with a court date of 06/30/10, in McHenry County.
16:05pm Koltuniuk, Slawomir D., DOB: 09/02/70, of 629 Grace Drive, Lake in the Hills, was charged with DUI, DUI Over, Illegal Transportation of Alcohol, Speeding and Endangering the Life/Health of a Child.  He was taken into custody at Algonquin Road and Indian Trail.  He was released after posting $400, with a court date of 07/07/10, in McHenry County.
23:28pm Wills, Christopher D., DOB: 04/17/91 of 3231 Nottingham Drive, Algonquin, was charged with DWLS.  He was taken into custody at Dorchester Avenue and Wynnfield Drive.  He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 06/30/10, in McHenry County.
May 25
14:07pm Duenas,  Jaime, DOB: 11/08/73, of 1705 Windjammer Drive, Hanover Park, was Wanted on a Warrant out of DuPage County for Failure to Appear, on a DWLS charge. He was taken into custody at 2100 Huntington Drive, #A.  He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 06/25/10, in DuPage County.
20:27pm Sabella, Angela M., DOB: 05/29/75, of 424 Lawrence Avenue, Elgin, was charged with Retail Theft.  She was taken into custody at Wal-Mart, 1410 S. Randall Road.  Also taken into custody during the same incident was Adler, Amanda J., DOB: 07/21/81, of 117 North Jackson Street, Elgin, who was also charged with Retail Theft.  Both were released after posting $100 each, with a court date of 06/30/10, in McHenry County.
May 27
07:57am Flores-Recillas, Maricela, DOB: 10/13/77, of 106 Elmhurst Street, #204, Crystal Lake, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License, Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident and Failure to Give Aide or Information.  She was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department.  She was released after posting $100, with a court date of 06/30/10, in McHenry County.
12:14pm Walker, Jerrell D., DOB: 06/29/83, of 2388 Dawson lane, Algonquin, was charged with DWLS, Fleeing/Eluding, No Proof of Insurance, No Seat Belt, Failure to Yield, Failure to Signal and Resisting a Peace Officer.  He was taken into custody at Souwanas Trail and Sandbloom Road.  He was released after posting $300, with a court date of 06/30/10, in McHenry County.
16:03pm Camarena, Bertha, DOB: 03/10/88, of 760 Pleasant Drive, #2A, South Elgin, was Wanted on a Warrant, out of Elgin, for Obstructing Justice.  She was taken into custody at Main Street and Algonquin Road.  She was released after posting $300, on the Elgin warrant, with a court date of 06/18/10, in Kane County.

County Prepares To Minimize Nature's Hazards

McHenry County Emergency Management Agency head Barry Valentine had bad news for an unincorporated Lake in the Hills resident seeking aid after torrential rain two weeks ago: while Woods Creek undeniably flooded, the damage was only to his garage and that doesn't count for emergency federal and state aid.

The good news was that McHenry County is getting ready to find ways to minimize floods and other natural hazards. Wednesday the county's Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee held the last of a half dozen hearings in Woodstock on the draft of a county plan to reduce the impact of  natural hazards on people and property. Previous meetings drew mostly government officials from around the county and went unreported in the regional press.

Passing the proposed plan later this year would be the first step in getting Federal aid to figure out how to minimize Mother Nature's occasional wrath upon the county.  "I've wanted this for a long time," said Valentine.

Some hazards are predictable, like flooding on the Fox.  "Mostly we're limited to keeping people away from the river," said Algonquin Deputy Police Chief Ed Urban who was at Wednesday's hearing.  "There was a family and the child was walking along the edge (of the floodwall) a couple of weeks ago," he said.

Consultant Molly O’Toole said longer term strategies, however, might include raising structures in flood-prone areas. Measures for less predictable dangers like tornadoes might include "safe rooms" for schools and requiring hurricane ties for roofs on new housing construction, she said.  McHenry County has seen 14 twisters in the last 50 years, two in the last five, according to records O'Toole examined.

O'Toole prepared the County's draft natural hazard mitigation study which will go to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for review this summer.  If FEMA says it's OK there will be another hearing before it goes before the County Board for adoption late this year.

The Draft McHenry County Natural Hazards Mitigation study (224 pages) is here: http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/emergencymanagement/pdfDocs/McHenry%20Mitigation_Public%20Review%20Draft_May%202010.pdf

In the pic:  In 1967 a tornado killed 24 people in nearby Belvidere while a brother whirlwind glanced off Woodstock.  "I remember 9-inch hail that day in Richmond," said County Emergency Management head Barry Valentine who wants the County to plan ahead for such natural hazards.

Route 47 Construction Recommendation: "Avoid It"

As traffic engineers expected, the new temp lanes for Route 47 construction in Huntley are slowing down traffic.  According to commuter comments the dust from the work isn't helping things much either.  The Village's latest update says "Major delays are currently being experienced. Please avoid this area if possible."

The village also announced this week that Dwyer Street between Main and Coral, closed  as railroad crews began work on the control cabinet there, will stay that way for the rest of Phase 1 construction.

Mahon Vows To Forgo Salary Increase--If Elected

As a fight shapes up over raising the salaries of some McHenry County officeholders, Lake in the Hills Democratic Sheriff's candidate Mike Mahon vowed Wednesday that if he's elected he won't take a raise for the next two years.

Next week the County Board will decide whether to scotch a planned 2.7 percent cost of living salary hike for, among others, the Sheriff.  Incumbent Keith Nygren hasn't said he's for or against the hike but Mahon said that's not good enough since Nygren gets a police pension besides his Sheriff's salary.

"Right now many of our citizens are hurting, and there is a sense that public employees of all types are immune from the downturn," Mahon said.

The salary raise rescission coming before the County Board is only for one year but Mahon said he'd skip two years' raises just to make a point.

Golden Diner For Seniors Opens In Huntley

The opening day for the Salvation Army's Golden Diner seniors' lunch program at Huntley First Congregational Church drew a sparse turnout Wednesday. Organizer Kolleen Rojas said she planned to make the rounds among local organizations in Huntley and Sun City to help publicize the nutrition program's new availability.

Meals will be available to seniors over 60 and spouses at the Church from 11 to 11:45 am Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for a suggested donation of $3.50.
The number to reserve a diner spot or volunteer to help is 630-232-6676.

In the pic:  Fred and Dorothy Vrenios and Lorraine Roth tucked in to some chicken salad Wednesday at the Salvation Army's new Huntley Golden Diner.  "We have a steam table and we'll be using that when we get more geared up," said the Diner's Kolleen Rojas.

Lawmakers Split Along Party Lines On Budget

By Mary Massingle, Illinois Statehouse News
SPRINGFIELD – House lawmakers Wednesday split along party lines over the state budget and pension borrowing plan approved Tuesday.

McHenry County Republican State Rep. Mike Tryon was fit to be tied. "The fact of the matter is that our economy is contracting, while government continues to expand, a fact that our leaders are failing to recognize," said Tryon in what for him is pretty intemperate language.

Democrats took the attitude that sometimes you just have to go with what you’ve got. “Was it a perfect budget – no,” said state Rep. Pat Verschoore, D-Rock Island. “But I think it was the lesser of two evils.”

Republicans took the stance that more deliberation and cooperation were needed to avoid borrowing that only increases the state’s red ink. And the state still owes approximately $6.5 billion in unpaid bills through June 30.

“We’re just adrift, we’re not dealing with it,” said Rep. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy. “I feel like we’re on the Titanic and we’re making decisions we wouldn’t normally make and . . . we’re being put into a corner.”

"Before we even begin to discuss borrowing or new revenues, we need to roll back spending in the form of reducing our Medicaid eligibility which is one of the most liberal in the country, said Tryon after the House approved a plan allowing the state to borrow up to $4 billion to make the annual payment to its five public employee pension systems.

However, Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, maintained the state has already trimmed any excess fat. “There have been $2 billion or $3 billion cuts that have taken place in state government already, taken place over the last year,” said Bradley. “The actual amount of state spending appropriations is down significantly over the last couple of years."

You can read Mary's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/3043/lawmakers-split-along-party-lines-on-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 26
0712 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & WENTWORTH DR. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. MOTA, CESAR, M/W 31 YEARS OF AGE, 10548 OXFORD, HUNTLEY. CHARGES: Driving while license suspended. RELEASED ON BOND
1854 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (LAKE IN THE HILLS PD). FOLLOW-UP REPORT: THEFT/ Subject’s personal check was fraudulently cashed.
0644 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF PRIDES RUN. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. Car windows broken.
1037 HRS OAK ST. & CHERRY ST. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 31 years of age, cut fingers. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1607 HRS PYOTT RD. & RAKOW RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1824 HRS RAKOW RD. & PYOTT RD. ACCIDENT. Two cars. Property damage only.
2104 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF SWEETWATER RIDGE. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. wife. Verbal only. No priors.
2338 HRS 20 BLOCK OF RONAN CT. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Husband vs. wife. One prior. FAIL TO FILE.

County Board Committee Votes No On Salary Increases

Work on McHenry County's next budget won't officially begin for another week but a battle is already shaping up over what both sides admit would be a largely symbolic increase in County politicians' wages.

The County Board's Finance and Audit Committee deadlocked Tuesday on rescinding a scheduled 2.7 percent increase in the 2011-12 salaries for the County Clerk, Sheriff and Treasurer.  It approved eliminating the same scheduled increases for the County Board Chairman, Vice Chairman and members. All together the scheduled increases would amount to about $24,000

Even though the Board has cut the county budget by $10 million over the past two years, the best guess is more will be necessary in the next fiscal year and the only place to find it will be in county salaries.  "That's the next stop on the train, folks," said Committee Chairman, District One Member Marc Munaretto, Algonquin.

District Two's Scott Breeden, Lakewood, claimed credit for the salary freeze idea. "I see the economy heading not for a positive situation for the next two years," he said.  "I wanted to be way ahead of the situation at contract time." Breeden admitted there wasn't much money directly involved in the salary freeze but said, "This is a matter of perception."

"I dare anyone in an election year to vote against this," said District Five's Tina Hill, Woodstock.  "Just say, 'Come get me.'"

Munaretto drew chuckles with the comment that the total savings involved amounted to "beer money."  But it incensed District Three Member Kathy Bergan Schmidt, Crystal Lake. "There are lots of people out there who don't even have beer money," she cried from the audience and rushed to take a seat at the committee table for the rest of the debate.

The Committee approved rescinding the Board increases, so that part advances to the County Board's June 1 Agenda.  But so does the part about rescinding increases for County officers, even though it failed in Finance and Audit.  The Human Resources Committee had already given the plan its go ahead.

In the pic:  "Personally I'd like to see every official come up and say 'I don't care, whatever (the salary increase) is, I won't take it,'" said District Three's Mary Donner, Crystal Lake.  "I wish everyone would have the cojones to do that.  (Cojones? Is that right?)"

D300 Announces New Bosses At Jacobs HS

Promoting Jacobs High School Principal Mike Bregy to Superintendent-In-Training last week set off a domino series of personnel changes that District 300 announced Tuesday.

The Board of Education chose Bregy to replace Ken Arndt at his retirement at the end of next year and put him in the Associate Superintendent's slot for the 2010-11 year.  Tuesday the District announced Shelley Nacke, Principal at Oak Ridge, the district's school in Carpentersville for kids with behavioral and emotional problems, will replace Bregy as principal at Jacobs July 1.

The District had already announced that current Associate Superintendent Dave Scarpino will take over Hampshire Elementary but Tuesday's release included  a cascade of four other transfers.  Among them are switching Jacobs' current Associate Principal, Sarah Kedroski, over to District Associate Superintendent for Operations.   Division head for health, PE, and drivers' Ed at D300's three high schools, Rick Johnson, will take over Kedroski's Associate Principal spot.

Meanwhile Bregy plans to hit the ground running when he leaves Jacobs.  The announcement included 16 "points of focus" he has planned when he becomes Associate Superintendent.

In the pic: Shelley Nacke will become Principal at Jacobs High School July 1.

Grafton Township In A Nutshell: Stalemate

The computer investigations company analyzing the disappearance of Grafton Township's financial records in March told FEN Tuesday it still hasn't seen any money even though the Township Board told Supervisor Linda Moore to pay it two weeks ago.

Lee Neubecker of Forensicon, Inc., said he hasn't seen a cent for the work he's done figuring out who did what to the township computer records, missing, along with their backups, March 4.

Moore told FEN Tuesday instead of money she'd sent a letter to Forensicon saying she was withholding payment because of "pending litigation."  That's what she told the Grafton Board May 13, too, before it voted a second time to have her pay Forensicon's bill.

"Linda Moore said we were hired by (Township Attorney) Ancel-Glink and we have to collect from them," said Neubecker.  "(When we were started) she could have said the Board wasn't authorized to hire us, but she didn't," he said.

Moore said other township vendors have received letters similar to the one she'd sent Forensicon and that all of them went out on the advice of her attorney.

Meanwhile the Township Board has another special meeting set tomorrow to try to finish unwinding the real estate transfers involved in its forbidden plan to build a new headquarters. Also scheduled is work on a budget for the new fiscal year.

LITH Board To OK Airport Safety Settlement

The Lake in the Hills Board Tuesday approved a Thursday vote on a settlement that would finally allow a mandated safety upgrade at Lake in the Hills Airport.

The village has been embroiled for three years in court battles over a chunk of the parking lot for next-door Sierra Petroleum which the Federal Aviation Agency says the airport needs as a buffer area for errant aircraft.  The matter finally boiled down to how much the village would have to pay owner George Athans for the 3/4 acre sliver of land and changing the driveway into the company. The answer turns out to be $780,000.   

That's about $125,000 more than the village planned on but village president Ed Plaza was quick to note that the Feds will be paying 97.5 percent of it all.

Even if the Board gives formal approval tomorrow, Plaza said, "There are still some fine points that have to be worked out," on the settlement.  "All the Board is being asked to do is approve the general terms here," he said.

House Passes A Budget

By Jamey Dunn and Rachel Wells, Illinois Issues
Legislators voted Tuesday to borrow billions to the make the pension payment for next fiscal year and to give Gov. Pat Quinn “emergency powers” to shift funds and cut the budget.

The largest and most contested component of the budget, $4.09 billion in borrowing to make the pension payment, narrowly passed. It failed by one vote the first time it was called. The House also passed its version of the “Emergency Budget Act,” introduced earlier in the month, with some new cost-saving measures tacked on. The bill would:
    * Extend the time the state has to pay any overdue FY2010 bills from August 31, to December 31.
    * Require lawmakers, constitutional officers and executive agency directors to take 12 furlough days.
    * Transfer its future payments from a national tobacco settlement to a new agency, which would issue $1.7 billion in bonds.
    * Allow the governor to borrow from special funds for the General Revenue Fund and Common School Fund for up to 18 months.

The new cuts in the bill would:
    * Require state agencies to review contracts for opportunities to renegotiate, terminate or re-bid to save $300 million.
    * Eliminate cost of living increases for legislators, state’s attorneys, constitutional officers and some state agency employees and members of boards of commissions for the next fiscal year.
    * Reduce the per diem payments legislators get on session days from $139 to $111 and reimbursement for car travel from 50 cents a mile to 39 cents a mile.

A “tax amnesty” bill the House passed Tuesday would bring in an additional estimated $250 million. It would allow anyone owing past due taxes without penalties and interest. If tax deadbeats don't step up, they would be charged double the penalties.

The House passed the Senate’s spending bill, HB859, which would cut 5 percent from agency operating budgets. Other than those cuts, the measure appropriates lump sums equal to last year’s spending to Quinn, giving him the power to cut where he sees fit.

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

Lawmakers Reject Cuts Proposed Earlier

By Mary Massingale, Illinois Statehouse News
A day after a coalition of Democratic lawmakers proposed $1.3 billion in cuts to dig the state out of a $13 billion hole, all but $200 million were slapped down in House committees Tuesday.

Measures calling for cuts to elementary and secondary education, executive and state agency operations, and salaries for part-time boards and commissions were either vigorously rejected or simply removed from consideration. Cuts calling for $200 million to the state’s Medicaid program, however, were approved.

A call for “tough love” for state retirees by requiring them to contribute to paying their health insurance premiums got a thumb’s down.

The package of cuts was touted by the group of Democrats as a credible option, and seemed to have the blessing of Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, However, some Republicans called his proposals a stunt, since Madigan oversaw the “no vote” withdrawal of his proposals.

House lawmakers returned to the state Capitol on Monday, after both chambers temporarily adjourned two weeks earlier after a budget stalemate. Finding a way to make the state’s nearly 44 billion pension payment has been the primary focus of the two days.

The Senate is scheduled to return to Springfield today.

You can read Mary's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/3031/lawmakers-reject-cuts-proposed-earlier/

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 25
2315 HRS 1400 BLOCK OF WASHINGTON ST. DOMESTIC BATTERY/CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. KING, SARA BROOKE, F/W 29 YEARS OF AGE, 1405 WASHINGTON ST., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Domestic Battery (Fail to File), Criminal Damage to Property. RELEASED ON BOND.
0433 HRS 3100 BLOCK OF RONAN DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 46 years of age, lost consciousness. No transport.
0638 HRS RANDALL & MILLER. ACCIDENT. Three vehicles. Property damage only.
1024 HRS 300 BLOCK OF E. OAK ST. FOUND ARTICLE. Suspected marijuana was found by a resident. Entered into evidence.
1124 HRS 00 BLOCK OF LINCOLN ST. DOMESTIC. Mother vs. daughters. Verbal only. Three priors.
1433 HRS 0 BLOCK OF SPYGLASS CT. FOUND ARTICLE Suspected marijuana was found by a resident. Entered into evidence.
1757 HRS 200 BLOCK OF INDIAN TRAIL. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 21 years of age having chest pain. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1925 HRS 5200 MILLER RD., (SUNSET PARK). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 38 years of age struck in the head by a baseball. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1945 HRS 5200 MILLER RD., (SUNSET PARK). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 9 years of age struck in the neck with a baseball. No transport.
2240 HRS 300 BLOCK OF LOCUST DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 21 years of age needing an evaluation. Transported to Sherman Hospital.

Salvation Army To Open Huntley Golden Diner Wednesday

Huntley First Congregational Church's new pastor, Rev. Lance Lackore, confirmed Monday the church will be the site a Salvation Army Golden Diner for seniors beginning tomorrow.

Lackore who preached his first sermon at the church Sunday was scrambling to figure out the phone system while trying to help get the Salvation Army food service for the elderly up and running smoothly.

Golden Diner Assistant Director Lori Hoots said the Huntley operation would be similar to the Army's food services in Cary, Harvard, Marengo, McHenry, Woodstock and Crystal Lake.  "We noticed there was a gap in Huntley, she said.

The Salvation Army has been delivering to meals to about 20 Huntley area residents from the Crystal Lake Center but Hoots said the mileage operating that way was murder.  For the past couple of weeks the in-home meals have been distributed from First Congregational and now the center is ready to serve on-site, too.

Meals will be available to seniors over 60 and spouses even if they aren't at the Church from 11 to 11:45 am Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for a suggested donation of $3.50.

The number to reserve in-home meals, on-site meals or to volunteer to help ("We need more volunteers," said Hoots) is 630-232-6676.

In the pic:  One of Salvation Army's other Chicago-area Golden Diners.

D300 Board Delays Non-Teacher Cuts

The District 300 Board of Education with little discussion Monday postponed plans to cut the district's janitors, secretaries and support staff until a special meeting next Wednesday when the Board will fill its empty slot.

Board President Joe Stevens said 10 residents have requested application packets for the spot vacated John Ryan but one had already decided not to go ahead after all.

The Board has already slashed the money for the non-teaching positions out of the 2010-11 budget.  The vote planned for Monday would have executed the cuts.

Separately the Board gave a big thankyou to the Dundee Township Rotary Club for 30 years' scholarship donations totaling more than $600,000.  The club donated more than $37,000 in scholarship money this year.

In the pic:  D300 Superintendent Ken Arndt thanks Dundee Rotarian Andy Alpeter for three decades of scholarships.  Alpeter is a former D300 Board Member.

Dundee Township Warns Against Utility Scammers

The Dundee Township Park District with the help of a pile of township police departments dramatized the "Hi, I'm from the (name of utility here)" scam at the Township's Senior Center Monday.

ComEd Spokesman Jeff Burdick told FEN the scam seems to be increasing.  "ComEd has received and confirmed 12 reports so far this year from throughout the Chicagoland area about scam artists attempting to impersonate a ComEd worker. This is an increase over last year when 7 incidents were reported for the whole year," said Burdick.

The problem isn't confined to ComEd, though.  Scammers have reportedly impersonated cable guys, gas company employees and deliverymen.

"Different cases have involved the scammers asking for cash to perform unneeded electrical repairs, gaining entry to steal goods and money, or requesting to see the customer’s bill to lift personal information off the bill," said Burdick.

The tipoff?  Real utility employees have ID and don't ask for a customer's Social Security and Drivers License numbers.

In the pic: A bogus guy from the gas company occupies a resident while his confederate makes off the with silver in a dramatization Monday at the Dundee Township Park District.

Green Wins Gold For Huntley Library Friends

After two years of collecting paper recyclable as a fundraiser, Friends Foundation for the Huntley Area Public Library is among the top 100 or 1500 Chicagoland Paper Retrievers. Thanks to the help of local families and businesses, the library paper recycling bins collect more than 5 tons of paper per month, according to  Pamela Kampwerth, Friends Foundation liaison. cars.”

The Gold Level status entitles the library to special incentives and promotions, but especially  even more money for the paper recycled as part of this fundraising program.

The yellow and green “Paper Retriever” bins owned by Abitibi Bowater, are located on the east side of the library parking lot near Parisek Park.

The library ranks:
96 out of all 1,445 Paper Retriever accounts in the Chicagoland Area
128 out of all 1,472 Paper Retriever accounts in the State of Illinois
1,042 out of all 21,320 Paper Retriever accounts nationally

“With summer coming, we encourage residents, children, and service organizations to collect newspapers, magazines, and junk mail to be recycled through the library’s paper bins.  The only things we can’t accept are cardboard, food boxes, and telephone books,” Kampwerth said.

Manzullo Says Fill Thomson With Regular Cons

It's looking more and more as though Congress won't buy an Obama plan to use Illinois' mothballed Thomson Correctional Center for Guantanamo terrorists so Congressman Don Manzullo (R-14) Monday called for a new plan for the feds to buy the mothballed prison for regular prisoners instead.

In a letter to the President, Manzullo said “It is my understanding that the federal prison population is expected to grow by 10,000 to 14,000 inmates over the next two years."

"I strongly urge the President to fully utilize Thomson as a federal prison without the terrorists,” said Manzullo

Last week the House Armed Services Committee voted 59-0 for a defense bill that effectively blocks the Thomson terrorist plan. Friday Governor Pat Quinn told the Chicago Tribune the idea seems to be fading.

Separately Manzullo has announced plans to appear at a Rockford Tea Party Town Meeting next Tuesday.

Democratic Lawmakers Pitch Deep Cuts

By Bill McMorris Illinois Statehouse News
A coalition of Democratic lawmakers from the Illinois House and Senate Monday pitched more than $1.2 billion in budget cuts, while continuing to advocate for Gov. Pat Quinn’s 33 percent income tax increase.

Lawmakers returned to the state Capitol to patch together a budget plan to fix a $13 billion deficit for the fiscal year set to begin July 1. Legislators face a May 31 deadline to pass a budget before a supermajority vote is needed, requiring Republican support.

Although Quinn’s budget proposal calls for $1.3 billion in education cuts, the governor developed the income tax hike as a way to avoid the budgetary loss. But the group of lawmakers said the state’s education expenses need to be reined in to match budgetary realities.

State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia, D-Aurora, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education, said, “When I talk to the budgeteers they’re saying that for every dollar we spend on education, 80 percent goes into administration, only 20 percent goes to the kids.” All told, the group wants to cut $400 million from elementary, secondary and higher education.

The group is also looking to enact several budgetary reforms to save the state money in both the short- and long-term. State Sen. Susan Garrett, D-Highwood, said the state can save $300 million by renegotiating, cutting and or rebidding existing state contracts, a process that can continue to generate savings in the future.

The group of lawmakers have yet to reach out to the other side of the aisle, saying they want to focus on the “majority” in the General Assembly. If they are unable to win over other Democrats, more compromise may be needed to attract Republican support, they said.

You can read Bill's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/3015/democratic-lawmakers-pitch-deep-cuts/

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 24
1130 HRS 100 BLOCK OF WOODY WAY. DOMESTIC BATTERY. EVERTSEN, DAVID W., M/W 42 YEARS OF AGE, 120 WOODY WAY, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGE: Domestic Battery. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
1648 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & RANDALL RD. NO VALID ILLINOIS DRIVERS LICENSE. ZARATE-HERRHRA, JUAN C., M/W 24 YEARS OF AGE, 6038 HAMPTON DR., CARPENTERSVILLE. CHARGES: No Valid Illinois Drivers License and Obstructed Driver’s View. RELEASED ON BOND.
0034 HRS 4800 BLOCK OF THISTLE LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 48 years of age, low blood sugar. No transport.
0904 HRS 9625 HALIGUS RD., (MARLOWE). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 11 years of age, injured back during class presentation. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
1246 HRS 9180 TRINITY DR. INJURY ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only. No Transport.
1337 HRS 4365 BARHARBOR DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 6 years of age, fever and vomiting. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital
1425 HRS 0 BLOCK OF FOXFIELD CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 10 months old, possibly ate wall paper. No transport.
1449 HRS CRYSTAL LAKE RD. & HILLTOP DR. INJURY ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only. No transport.
1722 HRS 0 BLOCK OF BONNIE CT. ACCIDENT. Vehicle vs. parked vehicle. Property damage only.
1942 HRS 35 HILLTOP DR., (LA BUY PARK). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 15 years of age, breathing but unresponsive. Transported to Sherman Hospital.

Apocalypse Soon For Gypsy Moths

The wind was right (there wasn't too much) at LITH Airport this morning for helicopters from Roselle's Hendrickson Flying Service to begin this year's spraying to kill gypsy moths.  Today's targets were in LITH and Crystal Lake.

A 1/2 gallon per acre aerosol spray of bacillus thuringiensis stops up gypsy moths' tummies so, even though they eat as much as they want, they starve to death.  For humans and pets there's no effect at all.

Hendrickson will be back with another dose for LITH moths in a week to 10 days. 

Shop Lake in the Hills Program Growing Fast

LITH's newly inaugurated Shop Lake in the Hills Campaign is enrolling businesses so fast Assistant Village Administrator Shannon Andrews reported Friday she can't keep up with putting them on the list on the village website.

"The last week we've had a lot of businesses sign up," said Andrews.  The campaign opened last week with 17 businesses pledging to offer discounts to village residents but by Friday the number had climbed to 34.  They're all listed on the village's "Shop Local" page but Andrews said she hadn't had time to add the program logo to the latest signups.  "I have to do that by hand," she said.

The way the program works this: Residents sign up online to receive periodic emails offering print-your-own discount coupons from participating LITH businesses.  The idea is to keep sales and sales tax revenue in the village. Sales taxes were about 17 percent of LITH's general revenue last year and the village expects an increase this year with LITH's sales tax increase to 7.75 percent July 1 to match the rate of Algonquin and Crystal Lake.

Income taxes are a less-direct part of the Shop Lake in the Hills program.  Local sales support local employment and the village gets a cut of the state's tax on employee's income.  How much is a little fuzzy right now since the Governor wants to help balance the state budget by keeping 70 percent of the share that would go to municipalities.

Andrews admitted the list of businesses signed up for Shop Lake in the Hills is heavy on service companies right now but said she expects that to change as word of the program spreads.  "As that happens we expect the retailers will jump on board," she said.

Residents and businesses both can sign up for the Shop Lake in the Hills program at
http://www.lith.org/shoplocal.html .

HHS Graduation: Welcome To A Brave New World

Huntley High School handed out more than 400 diplomas at graduation ceremonies Sunday "and that number is going to go up in the next few years" as Superintendent John Burkey observed at D158's Board of Education meeting earlier in the week.

The soon-to-be seventh-grade class is the biggest bulge ever in the D158 educational anaconda.

Michelle Lisack was the Class of 2010 Valedictorian at HHS.  Chris Nguyen was the Salutatorian.

Immigration Reformers March Though McHenry County

A group of marchers estimated from dozens to hundreds trooped through Crystal Lake and Woodstock Sunday to protest what they said were deportations of law-abiding immigrants and "inhumane separation of families."

The Pilgrimage of Hope walk began in Chicago Friday to end Sunday at the McHenry County Jail whose Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contract Detention Center is full of inmates being held on immigration charges.

While the Pilgrimage walkers wanted immigration reform one way, a handful of protesters looking for reform the other way showed up when they reached the jail.  Two of those were reported detained but otherwise the confrontation was said to be without incident.

Legislative Preview

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
The main focus when the Illinois General Assembly reconvenes today will be working out a budget that lawmakers can find politically tolerable. Gov. Pat Quinn said at a Chicago news conference Friday that the plan is not final yet. “I think we have made some good process. We aren’t there yet, but we’re very close,” Quinn said.

In addition to the budget, both chambers may still address some legislative issues. Here are a few possibilities:

Both chambers
HB 5873 The proposal would create a two-tiered pension system for firefighters and police officers. If the measure is signed into law, those hired after it takes effect would have to wait until age 55 to be eligible for full pension benefits. They would also be able to receive 72 percent of benefits after 30 years of service instead of the current 75 percent.

SB 377 This “tax amnesty” plan would allow citizens and businesses that owe back taxes to pay them off from October 1 to November 15 of this year without facing penalty. Chicago Democratic Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, a sponsor of the bill, estimates the plan could bring in about $250 million. Gov. Pat Quinn said last month that he was not in favor of the plan. So even if it passes both chambers, it may not become law.

Senate
SB 2093 Creates a plan for Sales Tax Revenue or STAR bonds. The plan allows for state sales tax dollars from a certain area to go toward a local development project. In this bill, the area is Marion and the project is an entertainment and shopping complex being built by Holland construction.


You can read Jamey's full report at:  http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/legislative-preview.html

Obituaries

Patrick J. O’Malley, 79 of Huntley, formerly of Chicago, died at his home in Huntley Thursday following a lengthy illness.

O'Malley worked for Allstate Insurance Company for 41 years.

Survivors include his wife, Catherine ‘Pat”; three sons, Michael (Nancy) O’Malley, Timothy O’Malley, Daniel (Ellen) O’Malley; his two daughters, Margaret “Peggy” (Kevin) Haile and Karen (Kevin) Maxwell and 13 grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am Monday at St. Mary Catholic Church,Huntley, with viewing and visitation after 9:30 am at the church. A private family burial will be held in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Hillside. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association.

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 23
1635 HRS HARVEST GATE & ALGONQUIN RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. CARACHURE, SERGIO, M/W 20 YEARS OF AGE, 2430 STANTON CIRCLE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving while license suspended. RELEASED ON BOND.
1920 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & APACHE TRAIL. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. LARSEN, JOHN E., M/W 44 YEARS OF AGE, 550 TANGLEWOOD CT., ALGONQUIN.  CHARGES: Driving while license suspended, no insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.
2221 HRS RANDALL RD. & ANGELA LN. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. CRUZ-PACHECO, VICTOR G., M/W 28 YEARS OF AGE, 343 BRANDY DR. #A, CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Driving while license suspended, driving without Headlights. RELEASED ON BOND.
0217 HRS 10 BLOCK OF LINCOLN ST. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 52 years of age, chest pain. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
0939 HRS 2400 BLOCK OF STANTON CIRCLE. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Mother vs. daughter. No priors. UNFOUNDED.
1741 HRS 228 INDIAN TRAIL, (INDIAN TRAIL BEACH). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 26 years of age, head injury due to fall. Transported to Sherman Hospital
1743 HRS 300 BLOCK OF CLEAR SKY TRAIL. DOMESTIC. Mother vs. son. Verbal only. No priors. 1756 HRS 2900 BLOCK OF BALDWIN LN.
DOMESTIC BATTERY. Husband vs. wife. Verbal only. No priors. FAIL TO FILE.
1823 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF HEARTLAND GATE. ASSIST OTHER POLICE. Domestic battery occurred in Belvidere. REFERRED TO BELVIDERE. POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Algonquin
May 21
13:44pm Rosario, Apsara T., DOB: 04/21/74, and Rosario, Jose A., DOB: 10/30/71, of 2612 Williamsburg, were charged with Child Endangerment. They were taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. They were released after each posting $100, with a court date of 06/30/10, in McHenry County.
20:09pm Rachtcioukiavitchiou Saoulious, DOB: 03/30/66, of 570 Woodscreek, Algonquin, was charged with DWLS. He was taken into custody at Pyott and Algonquin. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 06/23/10, in McHenry County.
23:52pm Massaro, Brian J., DOB: 10/11/82, of 650 Braewood, Algonquin, was charged with Obstructing. He was taken into custody at 1001 S. Main St.; He was transported to the McHenry County Jail to await bond court.
May 22
18:47pm Calderon, Luis A., DOB: 12/06/62, of 715 W. Braeside Dr., Arlington Heights, was charged with DWLS. He was taken into custody at Algonquin and RT 31. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 06/23/10, in McHenry County.
May 23
01:14am Fortiz, Steve, DOB: 01/11/76, of 159 College, Crystal Lake, was charged with DUI, Improper Lane Use and DUI BAC over .08. He was taken into custody at Rt. 31/Klasen. He was released after posting $100 and his driver’s license, with a court date of 06/30/10, in McHenry County.
07:37am Haensel, Paul G., DOB: 09/23/63, of 203 Pell Ave., Romeoville, was charged with Theft. He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. He was released after posting $100, with a court date of 06/30/10, in McHenry County.
17:26pm Massimo, Kelli D., DOB: 01/25/72, of 1480 Millbrook, Algonquin, was charged with DWLS and No Insurance. She was taken into custody at Hanson and Zange. She was released after posting $100, with a court date of 06/30/10, in McHenry County.

Huntley Clarifies "Local Traffic Only"

The Village of Huntley is trying to clarify the meaning of the "Local Traffic Only" signs posted in neighborhoods nearby to Route 47 Construction.  In an email to residents who've signed up construction bulletins officials said Friday the signs are more admonitory than legal warning.

Residents have been asking if it's OK, for example, to use Church St. to drive to the Post Office and the answer is, you bet.  "Everyone has the legal right to drive on these streets and you can't get a ticket for Local Traffic Only," said the release.

Police Chief John Perkins said Saturday he'd like to limit traffic cutting through residential neighborhoods to avoid construction but said, "It's unenforceable".  What is enforceable is the speed limit, 25 mph, on residential streets.  "We're really spending a lot of time in the neighborhoods enforcing the limits," said Perkins.  The PD is using black and whites on patrol, unmanned scarecrow cars and unmarked undercover cars to keep speeds down.

Perkins said Huntley PD has been busy writing tickets for speeding in the Route 47 construction zone itself, too, and also for using cellphones in the construction zone, a practice banned in Illinois at the start of this year.

The signup page for Route 47 construction updates is at: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001beAL-N5vKfSI4VGOKkdLcQ%3D%3D

LITH Gypsy Moth Spraying Monday

LITH residents may wake Monday to the sound of a whirlybird overhead dusting to control Gypsy Moths.  Mostly it depends on the weather, especially the wind, which Sunday morning is predicted to be on the high side for aerial application.

The first dusting is planned for daybreak Monday with an application of Btk, a bacterium nontoxic to people but which stops up the moths' little digestive tracts.  The spraying usually starts early in the morning but it can happen at any time of the day if the wind is light and there is no rain  forecast.

Although Btk is not toxic and has an excellent safety record, The LITH Department of Public Works recommends a few precautions:

People and pets should remain indoors for at least 30 minutes after the application.

Children should wait until moisture from the spray and dew has dried on grass and shrubs before they play outside and wash their hands afterwards.  Gardeners, too.

Wet spray should be washed off with soap and water or if in the eyes, flushed with water for 15 minutes.

Huntley Jaycees' Fishing Derby Hauls 'Em In

Six year-old Zachary Lowe tackled the intricacies of angling at the Huntley Jaycee's Annual Fishing Derby at Deicke Park Saturday. (That's dad Bob behind him.) Young  Daniel Amin caught the biggest fish of the day, a 14 1/2 incher. Little Lily Rempala caught the smallest, a finny 4 1/2 inch midget.

Algonquin Dance Marathon Raises Ministry, Social Work Funds

Algonquin's St. Margaret Mary Youth Ministry caught a second wind as 11 pm approached Saturday night after almost 12 hours of a 12 hour dance marathon at the Education Center.  Proceeds from the Maraton will go toward a Youth Ministry pilgrimage to Spain next year for the World Youth Day and also to the social support program of the St. Margaret Mary St. Vincent de Paul Society.

In the pic:  The Youth Ministry kids at St. Margaret Mary only had to jitterbug for 45 minutes out of each of the marathon's 12 hours.  DJ Nick Kacena, in the background had two hours of setup before the dancing even began.

Sun City Bicycle Club Holds Huntley Bike Rodeo

Huntley PD's Eric Lee inspected bikes and Citizen's Police Academy grad Ronda Goldman recorded their serial numbers at Sun City’s bike club, Cyclepath's, bike rodeo at Huntley Library Saturday.  Some of the kids on the rodeo skills course won bicycle helmets provided with the support of the Village Pedaler bicycle shop.

American Legion Meat Raffle Raises Scholarship Money

The guys at Lake in the Hills American Legion post 1231 were pooped from selling Poppies so the Auxilliary did all the work at the post's Meat Raffle Saturday.  Proceeds from the raffle of ribs and brats and even a small grill will support the Auxilliary's scholarship program and the local Hearts of Gold charity.

In the pic:  Shelly Walenga sends forth daugther Kelsey and Jessica Panknin with fistfulls of raffle tickets for a chance at quite a large cooler full of meaty delights.

U of I Trustees Approve Tuition Hike

Freshmen starting school at the University of Illinois in the fall will face higher costs.

Facing $381 million worth of late payments from the state, the university’s board of trustees voted today to raise tuition for the incoming class by 9.5 percent and give schools the power to borrow.

The base tuition for freshmen at the U of I in Urbana will increase $902 per year to $10, 368. At the Chicago campus, it will jump $792 to $9,134. Students attending U of I Springfield will pay $706 more for a total of $8,108.

This increase can only apply to freshman because the state's truth-in-tuition law guarantees incoming students steady rates for the next four years. The board approved fee increases that included raising the application fee for prospective students by $10.

President Stanley Ikenberry said in a news release that the university could not wait any longer on the legislators to pass a budget because students and their families need to be prepared for the increased tuition costs. "We decided to set tuition so students and their families can plan realistically for the next school year," Ikenberry said in the release.

The board also authorized the schools to take out short-term loans, under SB 642 which passed both chambers, in anticipation of receiving state funds.

You can read the full report on this story at:  http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/u-of-i-board-approves-tuition-hike.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 22
0036 HRS RAMBLE RD. & LAKE RD. WANTED ON WARRANT. AWKA, DANIEL M., M/W 44 YEARS OF AGE, 2220 COURT ST., PEKIN. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant, McLean County for Failure to Appear for contempt of Court. Bond: $200 Full Cash. RELEASED ON BOND.
0120 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & FRANK RD. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. BARRY, KEVIN C., M/W 26 YEARS OF AGE, 909 RUSSET ST., RACINE. CHARGES: Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving under the Influence of Alcohol with a Breath Alcohol Content over .08, Speeding. RELEASED ON BOND.
0216 HRS RANDALL RD. & ACKMAN RD. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. MATIJEVIC, ROBERT R., M/W 44 YEARS OF AGE, 1 BALDWIN CT., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving under, the Influence of Alcohol with a Breath Alcohol Content over .08, Improper Lane Usage. RELEASED ON BOND.
0300 HRS PYOTT RD. & VIRGINIA RD. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. HARDERSEN, COLIN R., M/W 28 YEARS OF AGE, 817 N. 4TH ST., SHEBOYGAN. CHARGES: Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving under the Influence of Alcohol with a Breath Alcohol Content over .08, Speeding. RELEASED ON BOND.
0123 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE Female, 50 years of age, needing an evaluation. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1447 HRS 0 BLOCK OF PRINCETON CT. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Father vs. son. No priors. FAIL TO FILE.
1545 HRS 2700 BLOCK OF BRISBANE DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 3 years of age, injury to foot. No transport.
1638 HRS 327 N. RANDALL RD., (LITTLE CESARS). ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
2317 HRS 400 BLOCK OF WINSLOW WAY. DOMESTIC. Mother vs. son. Verbal only. One prior.
2336 HRS 0 BLOCK OF BANFORD CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE.  Male, 55 years of age, injury to back. Transported to Woodstock Hospital.