County GOP Gear Up For November Election

McHenry County Republicans held an open house Friday for their temporary campaign headquarters in Crystal Lake through the November election.  The GOP's regular headquarters is too small for whatever they plan to do in the temporary headquarters warren of offices in the next six weeks.

County Chairman State Rep. Mike Tryon predicted Republicans would take over the U.S. House of Representatives saying, "Speaker Pelosi isn't going to be Speaker very much longer," then added, "and it isn't looking very good for Harry Reid, either."

That highlighted a late appearance at the campaign headquarters earlier Friday by Senate candidate Mark Kirk who had a tough time getting out of Washington Thursday night.  Kirk and Democratic opponent Alexis Giannoulias are running for Barack Obama's old Senate seat now filled by Democratic appointee Roland Burris.  Not only are they seeking the seat for its next term, but also the few unexpired weeks left in this one.

In a good news/bad news scenario Republicans fear if they win big in November Democrats will try to to use their lame duck numerical edge to push through Parthian shot legislation they'd never even introduce in normal circumstances.  That makes replacing Burris with Kirk for those few days a high GOP priority.

In the pic:  State Sen. Pam Althoff mingles with Bill and Denise Cristy down from Ringwood and Teri Aullar and Ray Chisholm of Cary at the GOP's Campaign Headquarters open house in Crystal Lake Friday.

D158 Passes Stingy Budget But Still In Red

District 158 will run a $600,000 deficit for the 2010-11 fiscal year according to the budget approved Thursday by the Board of Education. However, CFO Mark Altmayer told the Board there's more than that left in the pot unspent from last year.  Even so there's at least the hint of an asterisk to over $1 million in federal money the budget counts as in the bag.

D158's fiscal year 2011 operating budget calls for $74.3 million in revenue but $74.9 million expenditures but there's $775,000 in federal stimulus funds carried over from the previous year.  The real question mark is $1.16 million the District figures it will receive from the Teachers Jobs stimulus bill Congress passed last month.  That's counted into the budget but by no means in the District's hand.

Altmayer said despite earlier fears Springfield would find some way to hijack the funds, "(The State Board of Education) has let us know it is not in lieu of State Aid," said Altmayer.  "It's essentially a pass-through."

Putting together the new budget the Board whacked almost $1.6 million in District expenses for things like janitors, maintenance and textbooks.  That was offset by a $500,000 increase in spending on teachers even though  faculty numbers held steady while the class sizes increased.

President Kevin Gentry wasn't happy about that saying,  "We have to remain cognizant of all of the things we're not doing."

"Later on we're going to have to dig ourselves out of a hole," he said.

Parents' Night Out: First In Six Months

Friday night's Algonquin Recreation Department Parents' Night Out was a hit with, among others,  Kevin and Fabiola Bruns.  They said they haven't had any time together without their small daughters for at least six months.

"We're going to go to that Three Vines place (in Sleepy Hollow)," said Fabiola.  "I'm really looking forward to it."

Friday's gang-babysitting fest was the kickoff for Algonquin's program for the next couple of months.  A similar program in Lake in the Hills had it's first evening Friday, too.  Details and hours are listed in a story below.

In the pic:  Caregiver Abby Armstrong holds 22-month old Sara Bruns while 3 year old sister Sara tries to figure out what the funny man is doing and parents Kevin and Fabiola try to quell a little separation anxiety at Algonquin's Parents' Night Out Friday.

West Nile Virus Found In Algonquin

The McHenry County Department of Health reported Friday a crow collected in Algonquin is the first bird in the County testing positive for West Nile virus since 2008. Ironically the bird was found Tuesday, the same day MCDH reported the first human case of the virus in the County this year in Marengo.

The crow may have been the more remarkable discovery if only because the virus has decimated Corvidae (crows, bluejays) populations.  Some counts have found 90 percent dieoffs.

West Nile tainted mosquitoes were found in a pool in the Kane County part of Huntley in August but until this year McHenry County hadn't seen a human case of West Nile since 2007.  The victim in Marengo, a 71 year- old man, was treated and recovered, according to MCDH.

Residents should call MCDH to have a bird submitted for testing since the risk for the virus remains until the first frost.

For additional information about West Nile virus, visit us on the web at www.mcdh.info or call MCDH’s Environmental Health Division at 815-334-4585.

Pancake Breakfast Set For Faith Food Pantry

Faith Community Church, Huntley, will have a Pancake Breakfast to support the church's Food Pantry next Sunday from 9 am  to noon.

Tickets will be available at the door:  $5 for adults, $3 for children 4 to 12. Kids three and under are free.

The Faith Community Church Food Pantry is open Wednesdays from 4 to 6pm.  Last month it served 114 households (468 people) and this month promises to be even worse, according to a spokesman.

Any one willing to donate any food items can deliver to the church at 10547 Faiths Way, Huntley.  Scouts, organizations or individuals with a donation can call the pantry at 224-569-6501 to make arrangements for food to be picked up.

Quinn Toots High Speed Rail’s Horn

By Bill McMorris.  Illinois Statehouse News
Illinois is slated to become the first state in the region to break ground on one of President Barack Obama's most ambitious initiatives to date–high speed rail.

Gov. Pat Quinn joined Illinois legislators in Alton Friday to usher in the era of bullet trains–so-called for their ability to travel at speeds of up to 110 mph. He called the project an economic boon in a region that has had a rougher time during this recession.

"Investing in (the rail system) can help with our transportation, getting people to and from where they want to go, and do it in a way that is positive for the environment, that reduces emissions and creates good paying jobs right here in Illinois," Quinn said.

The state has attracted a great deal of investment in the short term, because of the Stimulus package. The federal Department of Transportation pledged $1.1 billion to upgrade the rail line from Chicago to St. Louis. Quinn said passengers will notice the difference–it will shave about two hours off the trip.

More importantly for the self-described "jobs governor," who faces a tough November contest against Bloomington Senator Bill Brady, the project means putting people back to work. The Metro East region where Alton is located has seen 2,600 blue-collar jobs lost in the past year, according to the latest statistics from the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

"This is going to improve the passenger ridership from about half a million people…to about four times that amount," he said ). "More people will be taking this train because it is quicker and hopefully they'll have high-speed Internet, so they can do work…or whatever they want."

The federal government will spend nearly $100 million in the opening leg of the corridor, enhancing the rail line between Alton and Lincoln, located in central Illinois. The project will then make its way on to Chicago over the next two years.

You can read Bill's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/4168/quinn-toots-high-speed-rails-horn/

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
delayed
Huntley
September 6
Elizabeth Camacho, age 24, of 217 Uteg St, Crystal Lake, was arrested for driving with no valid drivers license and cited for speeding.  Ms. Camacho posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of October 15, 2010.
A burglary to motor vehicle report was taken in the 11600 block of Brittany Ave.  The victim states that sometime in the last month stereo equipment was stolen from the vehicle.
A theft report was taken in the 9900 block of Grimley Dr.  The victim states that her passport and jewelry were stolen.
James R. Pedersen, age 44, of 9768 Dalton Dr., Huntley, was arrested on an outstanding McHenry County warrant.  Mr. Pedersen posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of September 23, 2010.
September 7
Gonzalo Manual Lopez-Sanchez, age 24, of 2018 Berkshire, Carpentersville, was arrested for driving with no valid drivers license and cited for disregarding a traffic control light.  Mr. Lopez-Sanchez posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of October 15, 2010.
September 8
A vehicle theft report was taken in the 9000 block of Rt. 47.  A trailer loaded with landscaping equipment was stolen in the last 6 weeks.
Niko Valdez, age 20, of 11159 Douglas Ave, Huntley, was arrested for domestic battery and resisting a peace officer.  Mr. Valdez was transported to McHenry County jail to await bond call.
September 9
A burglary to motor vehicle report was taken in the 9500 block of Farley St.  Between 7 pm,  Sept. 8, and 8 am the following morning computer equipment was stolen from the unlocked vehicle.
Elijah Mitchell, age 28, 103 W. 112th St., Chicago, was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for failure to wear seatbelt and operation of an uninsured motor vehicle.  Mr. Mitchell posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of October 8, 2010.
September 10
William J. Beisner, age 25, of 11617 Davey #B, Huntley, was arrested on an outstanding McHenry County warrant for DUI.  Mr. Beisner was released to the custody of Barrington Hills Police Department.
September 11
Justin J. Roe, age 20, 9913 Glen Lane, Union, was arrested for driving with no valid drivers license.  Mr. Roe posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of October 15, 2010.
A 17 year-old female from Huntley was arrested on 4 counts of domestic battery.  The girl will be petitioned to McHenry County Juvenile Court.
September 12
Jose Sanchez, age 61, of 11609 Fourth St., Huntley, was arrested for driving with no valid drivers license and cited for improper signal.  Mr. Sanchez posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of October 15, 2010.
Jose J. Martinez, age 34, of 10524 Casselberry South, Huntley, was arrested for two counts of domestic battery.  Mr. Martinez was transported to McHenry County jail to await bond call.

McHenry County Indictments

A McHenry County Grand Jury returned indictments this week against the following individuals:
The charges against these defendants are merely allegations against them.  The defendants are presumed innocent of any crime until proven guilty in court.
DONALD J. SVEC, DOB:  03/21/65,    1300 PRAIRIE DRIVE, ALGONQUIN. AGGRAVATED BATTERY.--Crystal Lake PD

AMANDA C. DURRENBERGER, DOB:  05/08/87, 2413 W. ALGONQUIN ROAD  APT 311, ALGONQUIN. BURGLARY, THEFT, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office

ROCK M. BURMAN, DOB:  10/25/62,    275 INDIAN TRAIL, LAKE IN THE HILLS. AGGRAVATED DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE(2CTS).--Prairie Grove PD

STEPHANIE M. CAHILL, DOB:  03/14/70, 508 HERITAGE, OSWEGO. AGGRAVATED DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE.--Huntley PD

JOSEPH O. ZIEGLER, DOB:  08/22/89, 5221 W. CLEVELAND DRIVE, MCHENRY. BURGLARY, THEFT.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office

ANTHONY M. STEPINA, DOB:  06/29/75, TRANSIENT. THEFT(3CTS), AGGRAVATED RESISTING A PEACE OFFICER.--Woodstock PD
  
JANINE M. JENKINS, DOB:  12/16/87, 1717 KNOLL AVENUE, MCHENRY; ROBERT L. JENKINS, DOB:  05/29/65, 1717 KNOLL AVENUE, MCHENRY;
JEREMY S. JENKINS, DOB:  02/15/91, 1717 KNOLL AVENUE, MCHENRY. THEFT--Woodstock PD
  
ERIC M. STEFKO, DOB:  01/25/78, 31577 TALLGRASS DRIVE  #2, LAKEMOOR. DECEPTIVE PRACTICE.--McHenry PD
  
ELIZABETH CAMACHO, DOB:  08/27/85, LKA:  4010 OAK DRIVE  #1W, MCHENRY. LEAVING THE SCENE OF A PERSONAL INJURY ACCIDENT, OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE.--McHenry PD
  
MATTHEW J. MARCHBANKS, DOB:  08/06/86, 8512 VOCE COURT, CARY. AGGRAVATED BATTERY, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, RESISTING A PEACE OFFICER.--Cary PD

ERIK M. SCHNELL, DOB:  07/23/84, 3190 SHENANDOAH DRIVE, WOODSTOCK. THEFT.--Woodstock PD
  
PETER ANTHONY VALLONE, DOB:  10/04/71, 1720 TALL TREE LANE, JOHNSBURG. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.--SPRING GROVE
  
ADAM W. R. MEE, DOB:  01/03/86, 4003 W. MAIN STREET  APT 100, MCHENRY. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.
HEATHER L. SCHULTZ, DOB:  03/26/80, 3703 W. JAMES STREET  APT. 3D, MCHENRY. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.--McHenry PD
  
HEATHER L. SCHULTZ, DOB:  03/26/80, 3703 JAMES STREET  #3D, MCHENRY. UNLAWFUL DELIVERY OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(2CTS), UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE.--McHenry PD
  
JAMES D. THOMAS, DOB:  10/02/88, 4604 NORTHFOX LANE  APT #8, MCHENRY. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.--McHenry PD
  
THOMAS C. FREDRICK, DOB:  03/02/75, 23401 FLAT IRON ROAD, HARVARD. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office

Ethics Act Doesn't Cover State's Attorney

The lawyer for an ex-McHenry County deputy who wants a Special Prosecutor to look into the Sheriff's Office held a news conference in Chicago Friday to say that last week's indictment of State's Attorney Lou Bianchi proves it's a good idea.  Blake Horwitz charged Seipler's allegations against Sheriff Keith Nygren were the same thing Bianchi's supposed to have done and they both violated the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act.  That law isn't the one Special Prosecutor Henry "Skip" Tonigan charged Bianchi broke, however. It doesn't apply to State's Attorneys.

Seipler, since his unsuccessful campaign to replace Nygren in the Primary Election earlier this year, has claimed the Sheriff has been mixing business with politics.  He's said he's even turned up pay records that prove the Sheriff has used department personnel to drive him around in parades on the County dime. That's similar to Tonigan's main allegations that Bianchi had his secretaries type campaign material and maintain political databases.

Tonigan didn't charge Bianchi with violating the Ethics Act, though.  Rather, the indictments allege Bianchi committed conspiracy and the catchall offense of "official misconduct".

The Ethics Act says State executive or legislative branch constitutional officers aren't allowed to have their employees do campaign work on official time.  However, as murmured rumors around the Courthouse have had it for months, the State's Attorney isn't one of those. In the Illinois Constitution State's Attorneys are listed in the Judiciary. In case anyone's not paying attention, the Ethics Act includes the sentence, "'State agency' does not include the judicial branch."
 

The core of Tonigan's case against Bianchi is that he violated the Criminal Code which prohibits a "public officer" (which does include the SA) from "knowingly perform(ing) an act which he knows he is forbidden by law to perform."  The indictment doesn't specify exactly what law forbids what Bianchi's alleged to have done, though.

Terry Ikl, Bianchi's defense attorney, did not return a call seeking comment.

The Sheriff's Office isn't exempt from the Ethics Act, however, which is what Friday's news conference was all about.  The County State's Attorney is the nominal lawyer for the County Sheriff so Bianchi has argued on Nygren's behalf against Seipler's request for a Special Prosecutor.  Horwitz said Bianchi shouldn't do that because he's accused of the same thing as Nygren. In practical terms, maybe, but legally things might be different.

Seipler's request for a Special Prosecutor comes up in court again Sept. 28 but that's just supposed to be a check with the opposing attorneys to see how the case is coming along.

In the pic:  Nygren (above) and Bianchi (below)  in the Summer Sunset Parade--similar allegations but different laws may apply.

County Committee Rejects Islamic Refund Request

The McHenry County Board Planning and Development Committee Friday turned down a request by the Islamic Center of McHenry County to get back the money they spent to buy a building permit for a new masjid (mosque) and community center in unincorporated Crystal Lake.

The Islamic Center paid almost $3,000 for the permit earlier this year and then asked to have it refunded on the basis that it was a non-profit group.

Planning and Development Director Dennis Sandquist told the Committee that while the County had provisions for free permits for other governmental entities it didn't have one for any other groups and he couldn't find any records to show the County had ever made any exceptions.

District 6 Member Randy Donley, Union, argued starting now would be a bad idea.  "I'm wholeheartedly against it," he said.  "It's hard times for the County too," said Donley who asked if the committee forgave the Islamic Center permit, "When does it end?"

District 6 Member Mary McCann, Woodstock, sitting in on the meeting, had earlier illustrated the point reading a letter from the Illinois Railway Museum in Union.  It said, essentially, if you do this, we'd like "tens of thousands of dollars" back, too.

The committee didn't vote on the matter.  Discussion was about whether the refund request deserved to have a vote in the first place and no one thought it did.

Islamic Center Treasurer Arif Ahmad said he was disappointed at the outcome because money was tight for the new building.  "My two brothers after 30 years are out of work," he said.  Ahmad said he hoped construction could start before the end of the year, anyway.

Punt, Pass And Kick Competition Tuesday At LITH

The Village of Lake in the Hills will hold its annual NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition Tuesday at Sunset Skate Park on Haligus Road.  It's part of a national program marking its 40th anniversary this year.

The event for for boys and girls between 6 and 15 years old allows athletes to compete
separately against their peers. Over four million kids from around the
country taking part in the Punt, Pass, and Kick competition each year between July
and January making it one of the world's largest youth sports participation programs.

The event's free and will start at the Skate Park at 6:30 p.m. There's no registration necessary, but a parent has to sign a participation waiver provided at the event. No cleats, by the way, bring gym shoes, according to a release from the LITH Parks and Recreation Department.

Winners in each category will advance to a nearby sectional competition later on.

Illinois’ Jobless Picture Improving

By Benjamin Yount, Illinois Statehouse News
One in ten people in Illinois is still out of work, but the latest numbers show the jobless rate in the state is improving.

Unemployment numbers released Thursday show the jobless rate in August slipped to 10.1 percent, down from 10.3 percent in July.  In August of 2009, Illinois’ unemployment rate sat at 10.6 percent.  Illinois’ unemployment figures are still higher than the national average.  Across the country, the jobless rate ticked to 9.6 percent in August.

Greg Rivara with the Illinois Department of Employment Security said the new numbers are encouraging. "(Unemployment is) still stubbornly high but we have been dropping steadily for the past five months straight," said Rivara, "and we’ve had steady or dropping unemployment rates for eight consecutive months.”

Mark Denzler, vice president of the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association, said after many months of idled production, companies are ordering once again. “Manufacturing has picked-up slightly this year, we’ve added about 13,400 jobs since February.  Companies are filling those shelves again, they got low on goods and manufacturing orders are up.”

But many of those orders have been for companies that slashed productivity and workforce.
“I think in a lot of cases these are jobs [where] folks who’ve been laid off and companies are hiring people back,” said Denzler.

You can read Ben's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/4158/illinois-jobless-picture-improving/

Kilbride Tapped for Chief Justice

By Scott Reeder, Illinois Statehouse News
His colleagues picked Supreme Court Justice Tom Kilbride to be Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court Thursday. But whether his time as top judge will be for more than three years or just a few weeks will be up to the voters Nov. 2.

Every 10 years, Illinois Supreme Court justices must have to stand for retention. It's Kilbride's turn this year. Ordinarily these elections are uneventful affairs, but this year Kilbride is being targeted for removal from the court by groups unhappy with how the court has ruled.

Chief Justice Thomas Fitzgerald announced Monday that he will be retiring from the Supreme Court Oct. 25 because he has Parkinson’s Disease. Chief justices are selected by their colleagues to serve three year terms and traditionally it is rotated between Cook County justices and those from other parts of the state. Kilbride was expected to be next in line in the rotation.

“It was his turn,” said Ed Murnane, president of the Illinois Civil Justice League the main group opposing Kilbride. “I think the timing of Justice Fitzgerald’s retirement is interesting. He is retiring a week before the election and this should give Kilbride a nice PR boost right before the election.”

But Mike Lawrence, past director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University, said he doubts it will have much impact. "Ultimately voters are going to make a decision based on Justice Kilbride’s qualifications and how well the judge has comported himself. Whether or not he is chief justice shouldn’t make a difference,” he said.

You can read Scott's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/4146/kilbride-tapped-for-chief-justice/

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
September 16
0300 HRS 4300 BLOCK OF BARHARBOR DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 40 years of age, having a seizure. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
0740 HRS 00 BLOCK OF WRIGHT CT. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. wife. Verbal only. No priors.
1116 HRS 00 BLOCK OF HILLTOP DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 77 years of age, in and out of consciousness. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1142 HRS 9256 TRINITY DR. (AUTO FOCUS) MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT. Motorcycle taken from property. LEADS ENTRY MADE.
1208 HRS 10920 REED RD., (HANNAH MARTIN). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 30 years of age, bleeding. Transported to Woodstock Hospital.
1636 HRS 400 BLOCK OF CEDAR ST. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 37 years of age, with hand cramps. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1830 HRS 10 BLOCK OF CLARK AVE. DOMESTIC Husband vs. Wife vs. Son. Verbal only. No priors.
1858 HRS 6900 RAKOW RD., (RAKOW CURVE). ACCIDENT Vehicle vs. Light pole. Property damage only.
2028 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (LAKE IN THE HILLS POLICE). FOUND ARTICLE. A debit card was found in a parking lot.
Algonquin
September 13
07:38am Martinez, Teodoro G., DOB: 08/30/51, of 1326 N. Harrison Street, Algonquin, was charged with Retail Theft.  He was taken into custody at Wal-Mart, 1410 S Randall Road.  He was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 10/27/10 in Algonquin.
09:49am Rodriguez, Elizabeth, DOB: 12/13/91. of 15 Arrowhead Drive #19, Algonquin, was charged with DWLS, Speeding and No Proof of Insurance.  She was taken into custody at Sandbloom Road and Terri Parkway.  She was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond with a court date of 10/20/10 in McHenry County.
13:13pm A fifteen year-old female from Algonquin was charged with Aggravated Battery.  She was taken into custody at Jacobs High School, 2601 Bunker Hill Drive.  She was referred to the Tri Area Court For Teens and then released into the custody of her parents.
16:25pm Victoria, Martha, DOB: 05/07/81, of 318 Maple Avenue, Carpentersville, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License and Improper Left Turn.  She was taken into custody at County Line Road and Randall Road.  She was released after posting $100 with a court date of 10/20/10 in McHenry County.
September 14
18:23pm Poliakon, John W., DOB: 03/03/73, of 6100 Dunroven Lakes Court, Carpentersville, was Wanted on two Warrants, out of McHenry County for Reckless Driving and Failure to Appear on a Leaving the Scene of an Accident charge.  He was taken into custody at the Shell Gas Station, 2 N. Main Street.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail when unable to post bond.
21:37pm Kramer, Joseph M., DOB: 10/23/91, of 507 Huron Trail, Lake in the Hills, was charged with DWLS.  He was taken into custody at 224 S. Randall Road.  He was released after posting $100 with a court date of 10/20/10 in McHenry County.
September 15
00:29am Wood, Donovan L., DOB: 11/10/66, of 3276 Homestead Lane, Geneva, was charged with Domestic Battery and Criminal Damage to Property.  He was taken into custody at 27 Woodview Lane.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail to await a bond hearing.
09:39am Schmidt, Richard J., DOB: 03/03/56, of 4741 Crystal Trail, McHenry, was charged with DUI, DUI Over, No Proof of Insurance, Improper Lane Usage and Illegal Transportation of Alcohol.  He was taken into custody at Route 31 and Greenwood Court.  He was released after posting $100 and his Illinois Driver’s License with a court date of 10/27/10 in McHenry County.
September 16
08:36am A sixteen year-old male from Elgin was charged with Concealing/Storage of a Weapon on School Ground and Criminal Trespass to State Supported Property.  He was taken into custody at Jacobs High School, 2601 Bunker Hill Drive.  He was formally Petitioned into Juvenile Court and then released into the custody of his mother.
20:27pm A sixteen-year-old male from West Dundee was charged with Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor.  He was taken into custody at Jacobs High School, 2601 Bunker Hill Drive.  He was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 10/27/10 in Algonquin.
20:35pm Hudson, Taylor B., DOB: 10/13/91, of 106 Hickory Lane, Lake in the Hills, was charged with Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor.  She was taken into custody at Jacobs High School, 2601 Bunker Hill Drive.  She was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 10/27/10 in Algonquin.
20:46pm Neilan, Alex P.,  DOB: 08/20/92, of 1112 Ash Street, Lake in the Hills, was charged with Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor.  He was taken into custody at Jacobs High School, 2601 Bunker Hill Drive.  He was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 10/27/10 in Algonquin.
20:50pm A seventeen year-old male from Algonquin was charged with Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor.  He was taken into custody at Jacobs High School, 2601 Bunker Hill Drive.  He was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 10/27/10 in Algonquin.
21:08pm A seventeen year-old male from Lake in the Hills was charged with Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor.  He was taken into custody at Jacobs High School, 2601 Bunker Hill Drive.  He was released on a Notice to Appear, with a court date of 10/27/10, in Algonquin.
September 17, 2010
04:19am Martinez, Ricardo, DOB: 06/03/82, of 362 N. Liberty Street, Elgin, was charged with Criminal Damage to Property and two counts of Domestic Battery.  He was taken into custody at 1755 Thornapple.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail, to await a bond hearing.

Sportsplex Seeks Grants For Bike Path, PV Road Reroute

The Village of Lakewood has already applied for the bulk of $5 million in grants it promised to help developers of a proposed huge sports complex obtain.  According to documents FEN obtained under a Freedom Of Information Act request, Lakewood is seeking $3,819,000 in two state and federal grants connected with the McHenry County Sportsplex planned at routes 47 and 176.

A third grant has already been turned down, according to Lakewood Village Manager Catherine Peterson.  That one was only for $50,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to cover "contractual service costs" to help start the $40 million Sportsplex.

Still in the hopper is a request for $819,200 from the IDOT's Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program to build a 7,000 foot bicycle trail through the Sportsplex property.  The late-August application says the 10 foot-wide path would connect Lakewood's bike path system with  the proposed Kishwaukee Headwaters bike trail when and if that gets built. 

The third grant request is the biggest, $3 million to reroute Pleasant Valley Road to debouch at the present Route 47/Route 176 intersection and revamp traffic lights there.  The application says the present unsignalized Pleasant Valley Road intersection north of 47 and 176 would "dangerously increase stacking of turning vehicles" and "force a significant amount of development traffic along the adjacent residential roadways" if the Sportsplex were built. IDOT regs won't let a signal go in at the present location, though, because it's too close to the State highways' juncture according the the application.

Both the bicycle and highway grants are matching-funds programs so if they came through Lakewood would have to put up $205,000 for the bike path and $750,000 for the Pleasant Valley Road reroute.  Peterson said that's just on paper, though, and her village has "an understanding" with the Sportsplex that developers will reimburse the match money to the village.

Lakewood has promised to help the Sportsplex raise $5 million in grant funding over a five-year period.  FEN asked for a list of other Sportsplex grants the village hasn't applied for yet but there wasn't one.

In the pic:  The Village of Lakewood is asking for a $3 million grant to reroute Pleasant Valley Road through the proposed McHenry County Sportsplex.

MCC Friends Finds More Scholarships Available

In the wake of a scholarship fiasco that first saw 180 McHenry Community College Students told they wouldn't get one but then 78 of those told they would after all, MCC Wednesday said it had found another 60 scholarships available, albeit small ones and only for select students.

The mixup came in awarding scholarships from the Friends of MCC Foundation's Promise program.  In the midst of the current economic doldrums the college saw record enrollment this year and roughly double the number of Promise applications it had expected.  Worse, the application process involves two parts, completion of a federal form and then filling out a local request.  "I don't think a lot of students understood that," said MCC's new President Vicky Smith.

Roughly half the students otherwise eligible for the Promise scholarships were notified they'd missed the local filing deadline.  When some of them complained they hadn't, however, the college discovered their applications had in fact come in under the wire but hadn't been processed in time.  "I said 'We need to look at all the students'," said Smith.  "There could have been a lot more that didn't appeal."

"(The Friends Foundation) worked very late that night," said Smith, and, indeed, found still more students whose scholarships were restored.

Even so about 100 hopefuls remained left out in the cold.  The Friends Foundation combed its files and found $16,500 worth of additional scholarships in 28 other programs available for the Spring semester.  Most have strings attached, though.  For instance the Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts scholarship offers $250 to a student but only if he or she is an Illinois firefighter.

A list of the scholarships is located here: http://www.mchenry.edu/scholarships/ViewScholarshipDetails.asp?ScholarshipId=36&ScholarshipName=Illinois+Association+of+Fire+Protection+Districts+Scholarship

McHenry County Health Schedules Flu Clinics

The McHenry County Department of Health has announced the schedule starting next week for its flu clinics for adults and children aged 9 and over and the really good news is that there's only one shot this year.

Last year there were two because the H1N1 Swine Flu threat developed after the cocktail of seasonal vaccines was already in production.  This year, "It's one shot; everything's in it," said MCDH spokesman Deb Quackenbush.

Even better, she said, with MCDH's online scheduler, "making an appointment is as easy as it gets."

Clinics will be held:
Wednesday September 22, 2 pm to 6 pm, McHenry County Dept of Health office, Woodstock
Monday, September 27, 2 pm to 6 pm, Algonquin Township office, Crystal Lake
Wednesday, September 29, 2 pm to 6 pm, McHenry County Dept of Health office, Crystal Lake
Monday, October 4, 2 pm to 6 pm, McHenry Township Office, Johnsburg

The appointments page is here: http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/health/Pages/FluComApptw2.aspx

The phone number for computerphobes is (815) 334-4510.

The cost for the shot is $30 through MCDH and  Medicaid and Medicare Part B is accepted.

Flu shots are also available at a lot of local pharmacies.  This is the first year that pharmacists in all 50 states are allowed to give flu shots and drug chains are pushing them hard because they carry an estimated 30 to 50 percent profit according to analysts.

LITH Legion Luau Set For Sat

Lake In the Hills Sons of the American Legion and Auxiliary  will have a Luau dinner and dance Saturday at Post 1231 on Algonquin Road.

The release says it'll be a "lulu", although that may have been a typo for "luau". Then again, maybe not: two bands are scheduled to play for the dance, 50/50 raffles are featured and big drafts will be only $2.

The Luau starts at 6 and will run through 11 pm.  Dinner and the dance will cost $11, just the dance $5. Tickets are available at the door or by calling the Legion at 847-658-2010 or emailing alp1231@att.net.

Obituaries

Jean E. Helsper, 85 of Huntley died Wednesday after a lengthy illness. A visitation will be held Friday from 2 to 8 pm with a service at 7 pm at DeFiore Jorgensen Funeral Home Huntley. Burial will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

Helsper was born August 27, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois the daughter of Walter J. and Maybelle (Duske) Ellis. She married Mathew Helsper Agust 8, 1945, and worked as a school secretary in the Schaumburg school district for many years. She is survived by her husband, three children, Sandra Helsper of Elgin; Gail (Rod) Rich of Tubac, AZ, and Thomas (Laura) Helsper of Elgin, and six grandchildren, Christine Johnson, Dan Leonhardt, Maggie Purtell, Matt Hills, Neil Helsper and Eric Helsper. She is also survived by her sisters, Betty Helsper and Ruth Ellis and her brother, Walter Ellis. She was preceded in death by her parents.

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
September 15
0449 HRS 10 BLOCK OF LINDEN ST. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 70 years of age, dizzy and tightness in chest. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
0714 HRS 3100 BLOCK OF RONAN DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 76 years of age, awoke on the bedroom floor, incoherent. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
0844 HRS ANNANDALE DR. & ALGONQUIN RD. CRIMINAL DEFACEMENT. Graffiti found on the back of the subdivision sign. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
0959 HRS MILLER RD. & GOLF COURSE RD. FOUND ARTICLE. Silver boy’s bicycle found on sidewalk. ENTERED INTO EVIDENCE.
1211 HRS CHADWICK LN. & BANBURY LN. SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT. Female greeted by an unknown subject.
1430 HRS 5400 BLOCK OF CHANCERY WAY. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 18 years of age, took an unknown amount of medication. Transported to Woodstock Memorial.
2001 HRS 1400 BLOCK OF JEFFERSON ST. DOMESTIC Husband vs. wife. Verbal only. No priors.
2043 HRS 100 BLOCK OF PHEASANT TRAIL. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Window was damaged by an air rifle. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
2336 HRS 2000 BLOCK OF LICHFIELD LN. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. wife. One prior. FAIL TO FILE.

Committee Approves New $100,000 Entry For Bianchi Prosecution

McHenry County's Finance and Audit Committee Monday OKed another $100,000 bookkeeping entry devoted to the cost of Special Prosecutor and consultant fees in the case of indicted State's Attorney Lou Bianchi.

Special Prosecutor Henry "Skip" Tonigan last week charged Bianchi with conspiracy, 19 counts of official misconduct and one of unlawful communication with a Grand Jury witness. Bianchi's administrative assistant Joyce Synek was also charged with conspiracy, four counts of perjury and one of obstruction of justice.  The indictments came just days after Tonigan submitted a $74,000 bill for services which, added to an earlier $35,000 chit, used up all and more of an earlier $100,000 worst-case-scenario budget placeholder.

District 5 Member Tina Hill, Woodstock, worried the same thing would happen again.  "If we approve this they'll just go ahead and they'll spend that much," she said.

"The Special Prosecutor has to justify his expenses to the judge," said County Administrator Pete Austin.

Austin, riding herd on an $83 million budget, clearly wasn't happy at the prospect of another unexpected $100,000 outlay, though. "It is what it is," he told FEN.  "At least," he added, "we have a large contingency fund ($750,000) for these things."

"They happen and they will again," Austin said.

Algonquin To Take Over Open Space In Failed Grand Reserve

The Algonquin Village Board Tuesday passed along accepting chunks of its failed Grand Reserve subdivision as public open space for final approval next week.

"Typically we would not accept the property in its current condition," Public Works Director Bob Mitchard told trustees but since developer Grande Pointe fell into bankruptcy two years ago he said there wasn't much choice. Mitchard said taking over the Grand Reserve's open space would involve some wetlands restoration that his department itself would undertake.

That and some sewer and landscaping work approved last week would exhaust the funds available from a $750,000 letter of credit which funded last year's completion of streets in the largely unsold subdivision.  That project cost about $600,000.  Mitchard said when that was finished the hard part was figuring out what the money left was enough to pay for.

"This isn't what the developer planned," he said.  "It's what we can do."

"It's Our River" Cleanup Saturday At Algonquin

Saturday environmentalists at Algonquin will clear the Fox of crud to the tune of the Max Hotterson Band's music in the village and McHenry County Defenders' third annual "It's Our River Day" cleanup.

The event will kick-off at Cornish Park with two speakers, Algonquin Trustee Debby Sosine and retired educator Gary Swick with Friends of the Fox River.  That'll be followed by a kayaking demo by Prairie Coast Paddlers.

At 2:15 pm it'll be time to pay the piper (Hotterson often has one in the band) by picking up all the detritus the mighty Fox has brought down from the littered lands up north. Gloves and bags will be provided by The Sierra Club. The estimate is the cleanup will run to about 4 o'clock.

Organizers say it's educational and fun (kind of like a yucky treasure hunt) and volunteers have to sign a waiver and release form. Minors must have the signature of a parent or guardian. A copy of the form will be available at the river but you can download one ahead of time here: http://www.mcdef.org./Documents/Release%20and%20Waiver%20of%20Liability%20EDMC.pdf

In the pic:  Music to clean a river by--provided two years ago by the Hotterson Band.

Simon: We’re Not Trailing Badly Downstate

Benjamin Yount  Illinois Statehouse News
If the Quinn/Simon ticket is not competing in downstate Illinois that’s news to Sheila Simon.
The southern Illinois native, and Gov. Quinn’s handpicked running mate, said she has not seen what a pair of recent polls claims is a sizable gap between the Democratic ticket and the  GOP’s Bill Brady and Jason Plummer.

A recent Rasmussen poll showed Brady leading Quinn 50 percent to 37 percent. A Chicago Tribune poll had the race at a five point spread, but gave the GOP ticket a 25 point lead  among downstate voters.

Simon said Tuesday that she’s criss-crossed the state and hasn’t seen that lack of support.
“I’d challenge anyone who says that we are trailing badly downstate. I’ve been campaigning all over the state and I’ve been getting a good response wherever I’ve been…Not everyone is  happy, but I’m running into a good number of folks that makes me encouraged about our support  across the state.”

David Yepsen from the Public Policy Institute said picking Simon wasn’t about downstate geography, but  rather her appeal compared to the Brady/Plummer ticket. “Her main appeal is to suburban  women," he said.

Simon was picked by Democratic party officials after Scott Lee Cohen withdrew from the race. Cohen won the February primary but then bowed to pressure over his past actions. He's now running for governor as an independent.

"I think it’s pretty clear to me that no matter what the outcome (Simon) has been elevated in this state’s politics,” Yepsen said.

You can read Ben's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/4143/simon-were-not-trailing-badly-downstate/

In the pic:  Sheila Simon wore a turtleneck rather than a Paul Simon bowtie in this shot with Governor Pat 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
September 14
0116 HRS PYOTT RD. & ALGONQUIN RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE REVOKED. LA BARBERA, CHRISTOPHER J., M/W 33 YEARS OF AGE, 118 ACORN LN., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving while License Revoked. RELEASED ON BOND.
1154 HRS 101 N. RANDALL RD., (DOMINICK’S). RETAIL THEFT. JUVENILE, F/W 17 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Retail theft. RELEASED TO PARENT.
1931 HRS QUAIL RUN & OAKLEAF RD. RESISTING ARREST. JUVENILE, M/W 17 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Resisting Arrest and Obstructing a Peace Officer. TURNED OVER TO KANE COUNTY JUVENILE CENTER.
0455 HRS 900 BLOCK OF MCPHEE DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 47 years of age, possible broken ankle. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
0749 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE. Global Positioning System, MP3 player and $25 in US coin taken.
TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
0846 HRS 9625 HALIGUS RD., (MARLOWE MIDDLE SCHOOL). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 12 years of age, injury to the head. Transported to St. Joseph Hospital.
1324 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & CRYSTAL LAKE DR. HIT & RUN Black Chevy struck by another black Chevy vehicle that left.
1616 HRS 600 BLOCK OF ANDERSON DR. HARASSMENT BY TELEPHONE. Complainant receiving harassing phone calls. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1649 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 16 months old, having a seizure. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1759 HRS 200 BLOCK OF COOLSTONE BEND. ASSIST TO MCHENRY COUNTY SHERIFF. Assisted McHenry County Sheriff, with serving an Order of Protection.
2045 HRS 20 BLOCK OF SIERRA CT. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Wife vs. Husband. Four Priors. FAIL TO FILE.

D300: No Money Yet To Solve "Too Big" Class Problem

Four weeks into the new school year the District 300 Board of Education is still uncertain what to do about school class sizes or even if there's much it can do.

In a whirlwind briefing Monday Human Resources Director John Light told the board maximum class sizes were already "higher than any of us feel comfortable with" and some classes have turned out to be even bigger than that.  "Roll numbers", the number for each classroom that mark it as "too big", range from 33 in kindergarten to 38 in seventh grade.  The problem's particularly acute in the high schools where about 50 classes approach 40 students and two exceed it according to a chart Light briefly threw on a screen.

The District's share of a $26 billion federal teachers' jobs bill signed in mid-August might help balance things but none of that money's showed up yet Light said.  In fact, he said,
it was only last week that the State Board of Education put out rules on how to get any of it.

Apart from the presumed negative effect on learning, the big classes have a negative impact on the District's budget, too.  According to contract, teachers get what Light estimated is an average $1,500 per year for each student over a class size of 28.

Board Members John Stanton and Karen Miller told Light it would have been nice if he'd annotated his list of too-big classes with the overload pay cost for each one to help decide if it would really be cheaper to hire another teacher or aid.  Light said he'd do that for the next Board meeting.

In the meantime Light said the District was coping as best it could.  A late registration, for instance, pushed a first grade class at Algonquin's Neubert School over the roll number.  The problem at Neubert, however, is not only big classes but small classrooms and Light said the District solved the problem by getting some parents to voluntarily send their kids to another school.

In other action the Board approved the year's snow removal contract for the 2010-11 year.  The Board had planned to continue the old contract with Elgin's Tovar Snow Professionals but Huntley contractor Jim Greve claimed they'd save money rebidding it.  Tovar still came in with the low bid but Greve appeared Monday to pat the Board on the back claiming the new contract was about 40 percent lower than before and could save the District as much as $300,000.

District 300 Recognizes High School Test Top Students

The District 300 Board of Education honored Seniors who turned in scores of 30 and higher last Spring on the 2010 ACT exams.  The maximum ACT score is only 36 so 30 or better ranks in the top 5 percent.  Ami Engel, Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction at Jacobs said some of the kids were bummed they didn't do even better.

Here are the Jacobs top ACT scorers:

Not in order and not all present they included Collin Anderson, Sam Barilow, Thomas Bieneman, Adam Bogdan, Eric Bultman, Maciej Czyz, Jennifer Gilligan, Erik Hansen, Michael James, Brian Kaczar, Brett Kale, Megan Kern, Alex Kogan, Melissa Krieser, Michael Kruse, Stephen Lenzini, Amber Livingston, Cameron Magsamen, Alaina Maurice, Aimee Miller, Sonia Modi, Emily Moser, Revecca Oberhauser, Monica Orjuela, Parth Patel, Emily Pierski, Amanda Podczerwinski, Brian Quach, Samuel Rider, Alanga Rung, Kristen Schlosser, Bradley Searle, Ryan Steele, Jennifer Tomany and David VanVlierbergen.

Here are Dundee Crowns' top ACT scorers:

Not in order and not all present they included Nicholas Bosshart, Kevin Brandstatter, Nicholas Demetriou, William Goldberg, James Griffin, Michael Hairgrove, Timony Hegel, Nicole Heredia, Daniel Jaskowiak, Olivia Lehrman, Jeffery Marschke, Kasandre Medina, Nikolai Morse, Lauren Mosher, Michael Rice, Cody Stevens, Griffin Thorne and Kelly Wang.

Hampshire High School had 6 students who scored 30 or above the on the ACT's.

Click a pic to make it come up fullscreen.

Wind Group Works To Craft New County Ordinance

McHenry County's Wind Energy Task Force began to focus Monday at a meeting in Woodstock on what they need to do to write an ordinance to deal with an expected explosion of windmills.
Thanks to an energy bill three years ago 25 percent of the state's electricity is supposed to come from renewable sources by 2025.  Right now it's one or two percent even though it's already supposed to be five.

The Task Force started out ahead of the game last month with the selection of Lake in the Hills Community Development Director Dan Olson as Co-Chair along with County Planning Director Dennis Sandquist.  Olson just finished crafting a windmill ordinance LITH adopted early this summer.

Since there's no room for them the LITH ordinance didn't cover giant windmill farms like the ones springing up downstate and whether the County needs to deal with those was the first issue facing the Task Force.  Consultants Emily Tuzson from international equipment supplier Siemens and Sam Gilberto from Batavia renewables developer New Edison Energy agreed McHenry County isn't a very good place for wind.

"Do we need to develop an ordinance for something that's not going to happen?" Sandquist asked.  Essentially, yes, argued Tuzson, who said that larg-scale windfarms have less to do right now with practicality than subsidies and regulations like Illinois'.

As 20 volunteer members kicked issues and ideas around it was clear Monday that regulating small consumer-scale windmills will be a thorny problem for the task force.  There was a clear trend toward banning homemade contraptions made from a 57 Chevy alternator and some number 10 bean cans.  "You could discourage innovation," warned Don Jarrett, President of Round Lake Beach company DORJE Renewable Energy Systems.

McHenry County's Defenders President Nancy Schietzelt worried there'd be opposition to whatever the Task Force comes up with and thought it would be a good idea to hear some of it before the group tries to write and ordinance.

Sandquist invited anyone with an interest to join the Task Force, a largely ad hoc group, anyway.  Its next meeting is set for Oct. 4.

In the pic:  Siemens consultant Emily Tuzson briefed McHenry County's Wind Energy Task Force on giant turbines and windfarms at the group's meeting Monday in Woodstock.

Nature Walk, Seed Collection Coming Up At LITH Fen

Local nature lady Barb Wilson said she expected a big crowd at the park in a couple of weeks for National Public Lands Day Sept. 25.  Sunday she put on on another Lake in the Hills Fen nature walk at Barbara Key Park

Besides the metaphorical dogs and ponies the walk featured some real-life animals or at least their skulls.  Those included  a deer, a raccoon with fangs like you'd never imagine and a hawk.

The Public Lands Day walk will run from 4 to 8 pm on the 25th.  Volunteers will collect wild seeds in the fen but there's  also a Twillight Hike with flashlights set for 6:30 pm followed by a hot dog and marshmallow roast.

Wilson's number for details is 847-658-0024, email LITHFen@aol.com

In the pic:  LITH resident (for 53 years) Bernadine Moll signed in at Sunday's nature walk at Lake in the Hills Fen.  Daughter Therese Davis (right) lives in Crystal Lake now but she came along, too.  Barb Wilson, left, was the walk's guide/docent.

Video Gambling Stalled Again

By Kevin Lee, Illinois Statehouse News
Bar patrons hoping to gamble on video gaming machines in Illinois may have to wait until next summer for the opportunity. Last summer, Gov. Pat Quinn approved using a cut of video gaming revenues would go towards providing funding for a $31-billion multi-year statewide construction program.

More than a year later, state government is still struggling to get video gaming off the ground. This August, the Illinois Gaming Board awarded a contract to a company, Scientific Games International, to help develop a communications system for video gaming. Earlier this month, the board retracted that contract and will redo the bidding process at a date yet to be determined.

“In evaluating the price portion of the proposals, miscalculations were made, due, in part, to assumptions made by the Gaming Board and by vendors that were not uniform and not clarified,” the Gaming Board said in a statement.

Once the board finalizes a contract, the state still has to complete construction and statewide installation of gaming machines. A spokesman with the board said the delay could push back the launch date for video gaming until next July.

State Sen. John O. Jones, R-Mt. Vernon, wants the state agency and the Quinn administration to move with urgency on video gaming.

“Quite frankly, if we don’t have it up and running until July of next year and can’t sell additional bonding until July of next year…we will have failed in another construction season because we won’t have the bond money to pay for it,” he said.

The $31-billion construction program Quinn inked into law last summer named several funding sources, including video gaming expansion, the private management of the Illinois State Lottery, online lottery receipts, hikes in alcohol taxes and upticks in motor vehicle fees.

Together, these sources were supposed to bring in $1 billion that would be used to borrow more money by issuing bonds, funding the slate of construction projects over several years. A legislative commission originally estimated that video gaming expansion would bring in between $280 million and $533 million.

But the original estimates assumed all eligible communities and the city of Chicago would “opt in” to video gaming expansion. A recent memorandum from the Illinois Gaming Board indicated that 72 communities and 4 counties have banned video poker. The city of Chicago has also not allowed video gaming. Those omissions could mean at least a reduction of $100 million from the initial estimates.

You can read Kevin's full story at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/4123/video-gaming-stalled-again/

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
September 13
0746 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & CINDY JO AVE. WANTED ON WARRANT. KING, ADAM J. M/W 37 YEARS OF AGE, 1522 MONROE ST., LAKE IN THE HILLS, CHARGE: Wanted on Warrant, McHenry County, for Possession of Cannabis. Bond Amount: $20,000 at 10%. RELEASED ON BOND.
1936 HRS 0 BLOCK OF PHEASANT TRAIL. BATTERY. JUVENILE, M/W 15 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Battery. RELEASED TO PARENT
0843 HRS 2100 W. ALGONQUIN RD., (CASTLE BANK) INFORMATION FOR POLICE. A counterfeit bill was found in an Algonquin restaurant deposit bag.
0936 HRS HARVEST GATE & COOL STONE BEND. FOUND ARTICLE. Set of keys found at intersection.
1030 HRS 231 N. RANDALL RD., (TACO BELL). BATTERY. Male, 16 years of age, was struck at Taco Bell on 09/10/10. FAIL TO FILE.
1146 HRS 200 BLOCK OF WARWICK LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 40 years of age, feeling dizzy and sweating. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1343 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (LITH POLICE). FOUND ARTICLE.
1354 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & HILLTOP DR. HIT & RUN. Vehicle hit by a dark gray vehicle (may have passenger side damage) that left.
1657 HRS 2265 W. ALGONQUIN RD., (THORNTONS GAS). FRAUDULENT ACTIVITY. Complainant’s stolen credit card was used at a gas station. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
2046 HRS 3300 BLOCK OF SONOMA CIRCLE. ACCIDENT. A truck struck a mailbox. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
2129 HRS 3500 BLOCK OF SONOMA CIRCLE. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. Wife. Verbal only. Two priors.

Sales Steady, Prices Down In McHenry County Homes For Aug.

Sales of homes in McHenry County continued to flop back in August in the absence of a first-time buyer tax credit that boosted them earlier this year.  The number of homes sold increased slightly but their average price dropped seven percent, according to the latest report from the McHenry County Association of Realtors.

In that report McHenry County homes closed in August but at an average price of only $198,000.  The average home took 5 1/2 months to sell, it said.

Critics charged a First Time Homebuyers Credit from the IRS would turn out just like last year's Cash For Clunkers auto program:  It would juice the numbers but only by speeding up sales that would have happened anyway.  Indeed, home sales slumped when the program effectively expired although they bounced up a little again as fixed-rate mortgages hit record lows. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported the average rate last week on a 30-year mortgage was 4.50 percent, slightly above a 20-year low.

Here's a look at this year's home sales in McHenry County:

Month      Units  Average    Time 
           sold   price      to sale

Jan '10    152    $193,497   162 
Feb '10    175    $177,260   187 
Mar '10    258    $189,152   184 
Apr '10    316    $187,713   175 
May '10    323    $195,770   183 
Jun '10    357    $199,142   168
Jul '10    214    $207,950   173 
Aug '10    236    $192,793   168

Developer Sees Commercial Upswing For Huntley

There was a time and not so long ago when commercial space under construction wouldn't rate a yawn.  These days the market's so far in the tank that the Huntley Professional Center a-building on Ruth Road is something of a marvel.

Developer Jim Doherty told FEN his latest project is all about Huntley.  He said residential development grew so fast in Huntley that commercial space never had a chance to catch up.  "The group of doctors (who'll be moving in to Huntley Professional Center) were looking for 10,000 square feet," he said.  "There isn't anything with 10,000 square feet in Huntley."

Things have changed, though, Doherty believes.  "Crystal Lake and Algonquin have 10,000 feet.  That's because they were overbuilt," he said.  But Doherty thinks the days of driving half an hour each way just to have your teeth cleaned are past. He said he believes people are going to do their business a lot closer to home in future. So do his tenants and so does his bank, he said.

Doherty actually laid the foundations for the building three years ago, "right before the bottom dropped out of the market," he said.  "Everything just stopped."

"I'm building again because I spent two months on my knees begging a bank to lend me the money," said Doherty.  "The bankers are almost my partners now."

In the pic: The Huntley Professional Center last week where work on the commercial property resumed after a three-year lull.

Big Time Bingo Tonight At Huntley American Legion

"Can you use $500?" asked the late release from the Huntley American Legion announcing a special Winner-Take-All Bingo Game and Raffle at the Hall this evening.  "Oh, heck no," thought FEN's Editor, "I like eating dog food."

Anyway, the event's at 7 pm at the Legion.  The release doesn't say what the regular price is but there's supposed to be a coupon for Grafton Township Seniors with a special $11 price including all games and specials.

The coupon didn't come through the Internet very well, though. Tell the boys things used to be a lot better when coupons came on paper, telephones were made of Bakelite and $1 was still worth at least 50 cents.

Tuesday, by the way, Grafton Township will hold a Seniors Dominoes tournament at Citizens National Bank.  It's mostly for fun from 1 to 3 pm.

LITH Bass Tourney Brings Top 16-inch Catch

About 40 fishermen entered the Lake in the Hills Sportsmen's Club Bass Fishing Tournament at Nockles Park on the Lake Sunday.  Lakewood angler Jesse Waldron reeled in the winning largemouth, a 16-incher.  After measuring the "bucket" Waldon let him (or her) go again.

In the pic:  In the Digital Age fishermen can now prove how big the one was that "got away" or, in the case of the winner of the Sportsmen's Club Bass tourney, that was caught and released.  Jesse Waldon shows a shot of Moby Bass, top catch at Sunday's tournament at Lake in the Hills.

Bianchi, Supporters March In Johnsburg

McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi showed Sunday he doesn't plan to crawl into a hole following Friday's indictment for conspiracy and multiple counts of official misconduct.

Over the weekend the regional newspaper called for Bianchi to take a leave of absence until he could clear himself but Sunday Bianchi marched in the Johnsburg Community Club's Saufen und Spiel parade. In contrast to appearances earlier this summer at Algonquin and Lake in the Hills, this time he was surrounded by a squadron of supporters sporting "Bianchi, State's Attorney" T-shirts.

Algonquin Candidate Plugs For Kane County Board

With seven weeks until the election, Algonquin candidate for Kane County's District 23 Board seat Maggie Auger made the rounds Sunday at the Dundee Township Republican Picnic.  Algonquin dips its southern pseudopod into Kane County and Auger, a attorney, wants to give local residents a voice in that county.  She's up against Sleepy Hollow Democrat Linda Nuneman.

In the pic: Kane County Board  candidate Maggie Auger (center) chats with Elgin's Cathy Hurlbut (right) running for the Board's District 19 seat.  Dundee Township GOP Central Committee President Margaret Scalfaro is on the left.

Counties Pay Millions For State, Federal Cash

By Bill McMorris, Illinois Statehouse News
Illinois counties spent millions of taxpayer dollars to lobby other government agencies, according to a recent study. Sunshine Review, a non-profit organization dedicated to transparency, reports that 10 of the state's largest local governmental bodies spent $6.6 million on lobbying in the past five years. But that is an incomplete picture, according to the study's author, Diana Lopez.

"That is a very conservative estimate," she said. "There is a lack of disclosure laws, which makes it really easy for them to not report lobbying."

Lopez spent months filing Freedom of Information Act requests to large governing bodies, including Cook, Champaign and Lake counties. Many government agencies balked at the specifics of her requests, including copies of lobbying contracts, and in several cases took months to respond.

Local governments are increasingly turning to lobbyists to help secure money and grants from Springfield and Washington, D.C. Small towns and large cities alike turn to lobbyists to help lend them a voice in the legislative process. One of those, Ferguson Group, has found its niche in the D.C. lobbying world, representing dozens of local governments, including the counties of Peoria, Lake and McHenry. "Smaller governments have to compete for federal money and it is complicated to deal with the federal government," said David Grenham, director of client services at the Ferguson Group.

The lobbying group helps local governments understand which types of projects and legislation will help qualify them for money inside a plethora of legalese. The service comes at a price, but it is well worth it, according to Scott Sorrel, assistant to the county administrator in Peoria County, which has paid the Ferguson Group more than $250,000 in the past five years.

McHenry County has paid Ferguson Group $395,000 for lobbying since 2005 according to the Sunshine report. The tab for the 2009-10 fiscal year was $93,000 according to minutes of the County Finance and Audit Committee.

Some opponents, including Lopez, say tax dollars do not belong in the hands of lobbyists.
"This is extra lobbying," she said. "We already have lobbyists in the form of state and congressional representatives who carry the interests of their constituents."

The full report can be found at www.sunshinereview.org.

You can read Bill's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/4111/illinois-counties-pay-millions-to-get-state-fed-cash/

Obituaries

Ernestine M. Burk, 79, of Huntley died Friday at the Fountains At Crystal Lake following a lengthy illness. A memorial gathering will be held from 4 to 7 pm Tuesday with a 7 pm service of remembrance on Tuesday at the DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral & Cremation Service, Huntley.

Burk was born May 5, 1931, in Boston, the daughter of Frederick and Mary Margaret (Gouthro) Rose.  She married John E. Burk Aug. 5, 1950.  The couple made their home in Okinawa, Japan, and Massachusetts before moving to Illinois in 1975.

Burk is survived by her children, Kathleen (Timothy) Newman of Huntley; Christina (Kevin) Weeks of Plympton, MA, John (Kimberly Hugelier) Burk of Rochester Hills, MI; Maureen (Tom) Skawski of Elgin; Sally (Ignatius) Colella of Lombard; Mary Burk of Hull, MA, and Joanna Bitto of Carver, MA, and 20 grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband and two grandchildren.

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
September 12
0048 HRS 0 BLOCK OF BARONET CT. POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. JUVENILE, M/W 17 YEARS OF AGE, HUNTLEY. CHARGES: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Cannabis, Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor. RELEASED TO PARENT & NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED.
JUVENILE, M/W 16 YEARS OF AGE, ALGONQUIN. CHARGES: Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor. RELEASED TO PARENT & NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED.
JUVENILE,  M/W 17 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor. RELEASED TO PARENT & NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED.
0119 HRS 5400 BLOCK OF WHITMORE WAY. ILLEGAL CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL. LEARY, JOSEPH P., M/W 19 YEARS OF AGE, 5478 WHITMORE WAY, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor. NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED.
1239 HRS 1500 BLOCK OF WASHINGTON ST. DOMESTIC BATTERY. JUVENILE, F/W 16 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Domestic Battery, two counts. RELEASED TO PARENT.
1643 HRS 61 OAKLEAF RD., (JAYCEE PARK). TRESPASS. JUVENILE, M/B 16 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Trespass to Land. RELEASED TO PARENT.
0137 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. HIT & RUN An unknown vehicle hit the complainant’s parked vehicle.
0249 HRS 250 N. RANDALL RD., (COSTCO). INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Officer had contact with a registered sex offender.
0327 HRS 220 N. RANDALL RD., (MORETTIS). HIT & RUN. An unknown vehicle hit the complainant’s parked vehicle.
0419 HRS 8415 S. ROUTE 31, (BERQUIST MARINE). ACCIDENT. Vehicle drove into a ditch.
0954 HRS 211 N. RANDALL RD., (STEAK ‘N SHAKE). THEFT. One hundred dollars was taken from the nightly deposit drop. FAIL TO FILE.
1131 HRS 100 BLOCK OF E. ACORN LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 82 years of age, difficulty breathing. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1451 HRS 400 BLOCK OF HARVEST GATE. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 47 years of age, feeling ill. Transported to Good Shepherd Hospital.
1542 HRS 5500 BLOCK OF CHANTILLY CIRCLE. MISSING JUVENILE. Male, 16 years of age, left the residence. Entered into LEADS.
1735 HRS 100 BLOCK OF HICKORY RD. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 67 years of age, fell. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1833 HRS 2900 BLOCK OF BALDWIN LN. MISSING JUVENILE. Male, 14 years of age, left the residence. Entered into LEADS.
1957 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Ex-Boyfriend vs. Ex-Girlfriend. No priors. FAIL TO FILE.
Algonquin
September 10
18:21pm Haiges, Jake D., DOB: 10/11/89, of 101 Woody Way, Lake in the Hills, was charged with DWLR.  He was taken into custody at Route 62 and Countryside.  He was released after posting $100 with a court date of 10/13/10 in McHenry County.
September 11
03:14am Kamka, Thomas, DOB: 04/06/47, of 2020 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates, was charged with 2 counts of Domestic Battery and Interfering with the Reporting of a Domestic Battery.  He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail to await a bond hearing.

9/11 Girder Unveiled At Huntley Station Four Ceremony

A tortured girder from the World Trade Center wreckage will grace Huntley Fire Protection District's new Fire Station Number Four when it's built.  Grace in its original sense is the proper word to use for the piece of twisted piece of steel that saw the deaths of 343 firefighters on the horrible day nine years previous to its unveiling Saturday at the station's groundbreaking ceremony.

After a moment of silence Chief Jim Saletta called for an honor guard to remove a black shroud from the girder's crate at the same moment the first plane struck the first tower on 9/11.  A crowd of area firefighters bowed their heads under gloomy skies while a fine mist drifted down during a prayer for those who died doing their duty in the event's aftermath and for those who surely will die similarly in other times and places.

Initial construction on Fire Station Four at Algonquin and Square Barn Roads in Algonquin will begin shortly.

In the pic:  (above) Pastor Kangse Lee of Christ United Methodist Church prayed Saturday at the side of a girder from the destroyed Twin Towers as Huntley Fire District Chaplain Ronald Woodruff and an Honor Guard of Huntley firefighters attended.  (below)  Huntley firefighter Bryan Szymczack rang a silver bell to commemorate the men and women who have lost their lives going in harms' way to protect their fellows.

"Paintathon" Restores Apartments For Huntley Elderly

Even Pam Fender wasn't sure how many volunteers turned out Saturday for the grassroots "Paintathon" she organized to spruce up five apartments at the McHenry County Housing Authority Greentrees apartments in Huntley.  About 50 had signed in by mid-morning but the effort was so impromptu half again that number might have been at work without anyone knowing it.

"We are a blessed community, with so many caring, wonderful volunteers willing to pitch in and help out," said Fender who scurried from apartment to apartment juggling people, supplies and work that needed doing.

Among groups who volunteered were Sun City Lions, Shepherd of the Prairie Church, Huntley Jaycees, two groups from St. Mary's Church and Elgin paint contractor Suburban Improvement but there were lots of singleton workers, too.

McHA supplied the paint and Sherwin Williams, LITH, supplied the rollers and other paint impedimenta.  Fender's fellow monthly "bunco babes" brought breakfast for the volunteer crew and the Walleye Grill did lunch.

Pack-Rat Chicagoland provided pods to shelter residents' furniture and tsotchkies from the drizzle while Heritage Woods of Huntley assisted living facility sheltered and entertained the four non-hospitalized residents themselves.

In the pic: (above) Carole and Walter Roth were just two among dozens of volunteers who cleared, washed, painted and restored five Greentrees apartments Saturday.  (below) Organizer Pam Fender multitasked while rustling up more paint when the supply ran low late Saturday morning.

LITH Young Eagles Flights Bumped To Today

A 300-foot ceiling scratched Saturday's scheduled EAA Young Eagles Flights at Lake in the Hills' Airport's Open House Saturday so pilots agreed to come back today to offer free small-plane flights for area youngsters.

"General aviation is challenged in the U.S.," said Airport Manager T.J. Moore.  "The Young Eagles give young people an opportunity to learn about it and have access to it."

EAA 790, Barrington, Young Eagle flights will run from 9 to 11 am today at LITH Airport.  The final Young Eagles flights of the year there are set for Oct. 9.

In the pic:  Even though they were grounded a lot of small aircraft were on static display Saturday at LITH Airport.  EAA's Brad DeLisle explained the cockpit on one to LITH residents John, Baylie and Noah Rogge.

Pie Contest Tops Huntley Farmers' Market Saturday

Huntley Farmers' Market's third annual homemade pie contest included apple, blueberry and raspberry (?)(!) entries Saturday.  Judges spent a suspiciously long time sequestered in Huntley's Old Village hall picking the winners before they emerged with pie crumbs cascading down their fronts.

Eight year-old Baylee Allen of Poplar Grove won the junior competition and Sally Rasmussen of Huntley had the top adult entry.  Both were awarded gift bags of produce and crafts available for sale Saturdays at the Huntley Farmers' Market.

Obituaries

Virginia B. Eickemeyer, 74,  of Sun City, Huntley, formerly of Crete, died at Sherman Hospital in Elgin on Friday after a lengthy illness.  Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 pm at DeFiore Jorgensen Funeral and Cremation Service, Huntley. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 am Thursday with visitation one hour prior at Trinity Lutheran Church, Huntley.  Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or the any charity.

Virginia B. Eickemeyer was born September 22, 1935, in Dawson, Minnesota, the daughter of Vernon and Berniece (Sillerud) Lund. She was united in marriage to Daniel B. Eickemeyer on February 22, 1958, in West Lafayette, IN.  The couple moved to Huntley in 2000.

Eickemeyer is survived by her husband, Daniel, of Huntley, her children, Richard J.(Mary) of Rochester, MN; David W. of Chicago and Karen B. Eickemeyer of Palatine; two grandchildren; Jonathan and Christopher, and her siblings, Kathryn Bormann of Madison, MN; Richard (Ann) Lund of Edmonds, WA; Elizabeth (Ronald) Erickson of Dawson, MN; Nancy (Russell) Kerwin of Bothell, WA; Steven Lund of Kirkland, WA, and Gregory (Suzanne) Lund of Snohomish, WA.

'Carp Czar' Greeted With Some Scepticism

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
The selection of a federal so-called carp czar to help solve the debate over the best way to protect the Great Lakes from Asian carp was met with concern from stakeholders on both sides of the issue.

President Barack Obama chose John Goss, former head of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Indiana Wildlife Federation, to coordinate the federal response to the potential spread of the invasive species into the Great Lakes.

Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota and Pennsylvania are seeking an injunction in federal court to have the Chicago’s navigational locks closed immediately to keep the carp from reaching the lakes. Hearings for the case are expected to wrap up tomorrow. Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox argues that the carp, which eat plankton that serves as a food source for other species, could decimate the fishing industry and cause serious environmental and economic damage. The U.S. Supreme Court has twice denied his request to close the locks.

Cox has said several times that he is worried Obama will not remain impartial in the issue because it involves his home state. "We hope [Goss] shows independence from what is essentially a Chicago-based White House, one which protects Illinois' interests over those of the Great Lakes. Will he even be allowed to advocate for closure of the locks? Time will tell, but the experts say we don't have much time left," John Sellek, a Cox spokesperson, said in a written statement.

U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin said a “carp czar” would help organize national efforts to address a problem that affects several states. Durbin is pushing legislation that would require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a study on carp containment. “The Asian carp threatens the native fish and natural wildlife of the lake and in turn, the economy of the entire Great Lakes region. If allowed to enter Lake Michigan, the Asian carp have the potential to not only to devastate a national ecological treasure but to debilitate a multibillion-dollar fishing industry and significantly impair the tourism industry as well,” Durbin said in a written statement.

In the pic:  Just some guy, not the "Czar", with an Asian Carp.

You can read Jamey's full report at:  http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/carp-czar-greeted-with-some-skepticism.html

Local Football

Saturday
Crystal Lake Central 7
Peoria Richwoods 14

Woodstock 6
Cary-Grove 48

Friday
Crystal Lake South 34
Grayslake Central 3

Grayslake North 20
McHenry 17 OT

Huntley 20
Woodstock North 7

Jacobs 6
Prairie Ridge 33

Johnsburg 38
Dundee-Crown 35

Marian Central 20
Aurora Christian 6

McHenry County Indictments

A McHenry County Grand Jury returned indictments against the following individuals this week:
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.

JOSEPH V. RECCHIA, DOB:  03/27/85, 1773 WOODHAVEN DRIVE, CRYSTAL LAKE. AGGRAVATED BATTERY. FRANKIE A. RECCHIA, DOB:  04/14/88, 1773 WOODHAVEN DRIVE, CRYSTAL LAKE. AGGRAVATED BATTERY(2CTS).--LITH PD

RICHARD T. KOIDAHL, DOB:  03/31/92, 2501 BITTERSWEET AVENUE, MCHENRY. BURGLARY, THEFT. RICHARD T. KOIDAHL, BURGLARY, THEFT.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office

BRIAN M. BLUM, DOB:  12/24/79, 4706 JOYCE LANE, MCHENRY. AGGRAVATED BATTERY, AGGRAVATED BATTERY OF A CHILD(2CTS), UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT, DOMESTIC BATTERY.--McHenry PD
  
CHRISTINA M. STANKUS, DOB:  07/07/80, 4511 HOME AVE., MCHENRY. RETAIL THEFT.--McHenry PD

ROBERT E. GERHKE JR., DOB:  08/16/64, 540 JOHNSON STREET, MARENGO. AGGRAVATED DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE, UNLAWFUL USE OF A WEAPON.--Marengo PD

RYAN K. KOSCH, DOB:  06/04/90, 1102 8TH STREET, HARVARD. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF STOLEN VEHICLE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS, UNLAWFUL CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BY A MINOR.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office.
  
DAVID D. MCDOW, DOB:  02/08/92, 2802 NORTH SHOREWOOD DRIVE, MCHENRY. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, AGGRAVATED ASSAULT.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office.
  
DANETTE R. KOELLING, DOB:  07/02/68, 711 METZEN STREET, HARVARD. RETAIL THEFT.--Crystal Lake PD

HELEN A. RODRIGUEZ, DOB:  12/03/87, 318 PORT SIDE, LAKEMOOR. AGGRAVATED BATTERY, AGGRAVATED ASSAULT.--Crystal Lake PD

TOD C. LARSON, DOB:  06/06/60, 144 WALLACE AVENUE, CRYSTAL LAKE. UNLAWFUL RESIDENCY OF A CHILD SEX OFFENDER.--Crystal Lake PD

BRANDON A. ISCHAR, DOB:  03/03/86, 460 WESTWOOD COURT, CRYSTAL LAKE. AGGRAVATED BATTERY, RETAIL THEFT.--Crystal Lake PD
  
CEFERINO RODRIGUEZ JR., DOB:  09/16/79, 439 BERKSHIRE DRIVE  APT #25, CRYSTAL LAKE. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS WITH INTENT TO DELIVER, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS(2CTS).--North Central Narcotics Task Force
  
SCOTT A. JOYNER, DOB:  12/30/74, 1807 DONOVAN STREET, MCHENRY. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.--Woodstock PD
  
JAUNICE S. MITCHELL, DOB:  09/20/86, 1080 BRIDEN DRIVE  APT 4, MARENGO. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION WITH THE INTENT TO DELIVER A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION WITH THE INTENT TO DELIVER CANNABIS, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS, OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE.--Marengo PD
  
SCOTT J. BREHM, DOB:  06/04/79, 6408 SHANNON DRIVE, CARY. UNLAWFUL DELIVERY OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(2CTS), UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(3CTS), UNLAWFUL POSSESSION WITH THE INTENT TO DELIVER A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.--McHenry Count Sheriff's Office
  
TIMOTHY M. HEALY, DOB:  07/07/92, 2010 FREMONT LANE, JOHNSBURG. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS WITH THE INTENT TO DELIVER, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS.--McHenry PD
      
DARRYL CONNER, DOB:  06/10/80, 2035 BERKSHIRE CIRCLE  #H, CARPENTERSVILLE. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITH INTENT TO DELIVER, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.--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
September 11
0126 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF MCPHEE DR. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. Windshield broken.
0259 HRS 400 BLOCK OF MASON LN. DOMESTIC. Father vs. Son. Verbal only. One prior.
0745 HRS 2000 BLOCK OF NOELLE BEND. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 45 years of age, feeling dizzy. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
1105 HRS 400 BLOCK OF GRACE DR. DOMESTIC. Son vs. Mother. Verbal only. No priors.
1319 HRS 400 BLOCK OF GRACE DR. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Son vs. Mother. One prior. FAIL TO FILE.
1351 HRS 100 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 31 years of age, found unresponsive. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1436 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Boyfriend vs. Girlfriend. 12 priors. FAIL TO FILE.
1526 HRS 2200 BLOCK OF DAYBREAK DR. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. Wife. Verbal only. One prior.
1548 HRS 600 BLOCK OF LORREE LN. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. Vehicle was keyed. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1626 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Boyfriend vs. Girlfriend. 13 priors. FAIL TO FILE.
1747 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. DOMESTIC. Boyfriend vs. Girlfriend. Verbal only. 14 priors.
1923 HRS 1200 BLOCK OF POPLAR ST. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 44 years of age, in extreme pain. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1955 HRS 2265 W. ALGONQUIN RD., (THORNTONS). ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
2250 HRS 900 BLOCK OF VIEWPOINT DR. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Husband vs. Wife. No priors. FAIL TO FILE.
September 10
1301 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & SCOTTY AVE. WANTED ON WARRANT. SMITH, PETER B., M/W 45 YEARS OLD, 740 GLACIER PARKWAY, ALGONQUIN. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant, Kane County for Failure to Appear, Retail Theft, $5000 @ 10 %. RELEASED ON BOND.
1619 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (LAKE IN THE HILLS POLICE). FOLLOW UP ARREST: CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. JUVENILE, M/W 16 YEARS OF AGE, LAKEWOOD. CHARGES: Criminal Damage to Vehicle. RELEASED TO PARENT.
2149 HRS 5300 BLOCK OF BRIARFIELD LN. POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. COZZI, ANTHONY A., M/W 20 YEARS OF AGE, 5306 BRIARFIELD LN., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Cannabis more than 2.5 grams, Possession of Hypodermic Needles, Wanted on Warrant, Dupage County, Failure to Appear, Criminal Damage to Property, $5000 @ 10%. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
0818 HRS PYOTT RD. & E. OAK ST. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
0844 HRS 4680 W. ALGONQUIN RD., (DENTAL SHOPPE). FOUND PROPERTY. Two bicycles behind business. Both returned to owners.
0947 HRS 164 N. RANDALL RD., (Nancy’s Pizzeria). DECEPTIVE PRACTICE. Bad Checks.
0955 HRS RANDALL RD. & ACORN LN. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1144 HRS 2700 BLOCK OF HILLSBORO LN. Delayed from 090910. DOMESTIC. Boyfriend vs. girlfriend. Verbal only.
1621 HRS MILLER RD. & RANDALL RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1801 HRS 100 BLOCK OF PHEASANT TRAIL. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Probation violation.
1950 HRS 101 N. RANDALL RD., (DOMINICKS). RETAIL THEFT A bottle of liquor was taken.
2131 HRS 2200 BLOCK OF DAYBREAK DR. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. wife. Verbal only. No priors.
Huntley
August 30
Steven R. Simmons, age 31, of 157 Nichols Dr., Sycamore, was arrested for aggravated battery and resisting a peace officer.  Mr. Simmons was transported to McHenry County jail to await bond call.
August 31
Officers took a theft of a bicycle report in the 10300 block of N. Vine St.  The bike is described as a light blue, Hercules, 10 speed bike.
A criminal damage to property report was taken at a business in the 10500 block of Rt. 47.  The glass on the front door was damaged.
September 1
A 15 year-old male from Huntley was charged with possession of tobacco by a minor.  The juvenile was released to his parents with a McHenry County court date of September 13, 2010.  In the same incident a 16 year old male from Huntley was charged with possession of cannabis and possession of tobacco by minor.  The juvenile was released to his parents and will attend peer jury.
Timothy J. Foss, age 43, of 10544 Lancaster., Huntley, was arrested for public indecency.  Mr. Foss posted bond and was released with a McHenry county court date of October 15, 2010.
September 2
Jason P. Nykaza, age 25, of 10705 E. Timer Dr., Huntley, was arrested for DUI and cited for improper lane use.  Mr. Nykaza posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of October 15, 2010.
Timothy J. Foss, age 43, of 10544 Lancaster, Huntley, was arrested for disorderly conduct.  Mr. Foss posted bond and was released with a McHenry County Court date of October 8, 2010.
Regal M. Leonard, age 51, of 10408 Evandale, Huntley, was arrested for disorderly conduct.  Mr. Leonard posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of October 15, 2010.
John Kotenko, age 45, of 10133 Ashley St, Huntley, was arrested for domestic battery.  Mr. Kotenko was transported to McHenry County Jail to await bond call.
A delayed burglary to motor vehicle report was taken in the 10700 block of Sante Fe Ct.  The victim states that her vehicle was burglarized between the night of Aug. 31, and the early morning hours of Sept. 1..  A Zune MP3 player and adapter were stolen from the unlocked vehicle.
September 3
Larry D. Moore, age 51, of 14326 S. Lowe, Riverdale, was arrested on two outstanding Indiana warrants.  Mr. Moore was transported to McHenry County Jail to await extradition to Indiana.
Kyle D. Platt, age 19, of 204 W. Lynn St, South Elgin, was arrested for driving over 40 mph above the speed limit.  Mr. Platt posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date.
September 4
Katelynn C. Pesek, age 20, of 1179 Wilson St., Batavia, was arrested for driving while license suspended and cited for no proof of insurance and loud muffler.  Ms. Pesek posted bond and was released with a McHenry County Court date of September 24, 2010.
Dennis McGee, age 48, of 829 Sims Ave., Saint Paul, MN, was arrested for driving while license suspended and driving without headlights when required.  Mr. McGee posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of October 8, 2010.
September 5
John Kotenko, age 45, of 10133 Ashley St, Huntley,was arrested for violation of bail bond.  Mr. Kotenko was transported to McHenry County jail to await bond call.
A theft report was taken at a business in the 13200 block of Village Green Dr.  The victim states that he left his wallet in the restroom. When he went to retrieve the wallet it was missing.