Layoffs Probable With LITH Cop Raise

An arbitrator for the Illinois State Labor Relations Board gave Lake in the Hills cops a new wage package announced Friday that guarantees most will take home more money but probably also means there won't be as many of them with a job in the first place.

Chicago arbitrator Harvey A. Nathan last week chose a complicated union wage proposal that defies easy summary, especially since it's retroactive to last year.  One way to look at it is that a one-year cop who made $53,000 under the old agreement will get $54,000 next year. However, an eight-year vet who made $78,000 will get $84,000 next year.  The Village's proposal would have boosted the junior officer to $55,000 this year, the vet to $80,000, and promised to talk salaries some more next year.

According to informed sources, the new contract means Lake in the Hills will have to cut 4 officers, 2 via layoff, two by hiring freeze, from the 37 covered by its contract with Chapter 90 of the Metropolitan Alliance of Police.  Nathan's decision said that's a shame but the Village didn't prove it would make the Lake in the Hills a riskier place to be.

LITH Director of Police and Public Safety Jim Wales couldn't be reached for confirmation on the cutbacks Friday.  Village Manager Jerry Sagona deferred comment to Village President Ed Plaza. Plaza was out of town Friday, however.

The Village Board went into executive session Thursday to discuss unspecified "collective bargaining".  If it was about how to balance the arbitrator's decision against declining village revenue,  trustees didn't reach a conclusion.  Lake in the Hills is already running a deficit budget this year.

Nathan's decision roasted both sides of the bargaining table saying, "This is a case where the arbitrator must choose from the lesser of two bad proposals."  It says he came down on the union side because the new village offer changed things so much from the old contract that it ended up giving two now-identical cops radically different paychecks during the transition period.

Facebook Bomb Hoax Disturbs Jacobs Households

An 18 year-old Algonquin Senior at Jacobs High School faces possible expulsion after a remarkably stupid bomb hoax Thursday.

District 300 had to activate its Rapid Communication System about 6 am Friday to robocall ever Jacobs student and staff household assuring everyone there was no danger, school would be in session and final exams would definitely not be postponed.

Thursday evening the boy posted comments to his Facebook page reporting he'd heard Jacobs staffers talking about a bomb threat at the school, that his parents had received a warning call, the school might be evacuated Friday and there probably wouldn't be any finals. Other kids picked the story up and began spreading it. Eventually it reached the Algonquin PD who soon tracked it back to the boy.

Considering that Facebook is all about "Friends", that didn't take a lot of detective work, said Deputy Chief Steve Kuzynowski.  "It wasn't very hard for our investigators to find out who did it," he said.

D300 spokesman Allison Strupek said administrators had talked to the boy Friday and were tyring to figure out what sort of punishment he deserved.  She said they were toting up the day's absences to figure out if the bomb hoax had any effect on attendance.

A spokesman for Facebook didn't return a call about the hoax but a search of news archives found nothing quite like it.  The closest incident was in the UK earlier this year where bobbies wildly overreacted to an obvious joking comment on Twitter that no one even noticed until several days after it was posted.  In that case the so-called hoaxer lost his girlfriend and his job and is currently appealing a prison sentence.

Algonquin Public Art To Be Unveiled Thursday

The Village of Algonquin will unveil the latest batch works for the sixth year of its Public Art Program Thursday at Village Hall. Light refreshments will be served during the opening reception and many of the artists will be on hand to talk about their artwork from 6 to 8 pm.

More than 30 new artworks will go on public display for the next year. In its first five years, the Algonquin's Public Art Program has won three awards from Urban Innovation in Illinois, the Illinois chapter of the American Planning Association, and the Illinois Municipal League.  After the open house, the public art pieces will be installed at a dozen locations across the Village.

In the pic: This watercolor by artist Jennifer Brow-Ullery is one of over 30 artworks that will be displayed at various public locations around the village.  It's entitled "Vermont West" but it could just as well be somewhere along the Fox.

Gov Candidates Talk Taxes, Jobs In Tepid Debate

By Kevin Lee, Illinois Statehouse News
The state’s second gubernatorial debate leading into the 2010 general election touched upon the economy, education, health care and public safety, but the candidates didn’t stray far from their talking points.

Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn and state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, were joined by Green Party candidate Rich Whitney at the studios of WSIU-TV in Carbondale. Moderated by Jak Tichenor, the debate was a mostly low-key affair filled with the candidates’ well-rehearsed campaign messages.

Quinn reiterated that while the state needed to further tighten its belt and appeal to the federal government for more federal dollars, a tax increase would help preserve education and other state services. “I supported the Taxpayer Action Amendment that would have a higher income tax on those who make more than $250,000. That money raised would be used for education and cutting property taxes,” he said.

But Brady said a tax increase would hurt families who have to cut back on their own spending. “Clearly the most dangerous place to be is between Gov. Quinn and a tax hike proposal. But the truth of the matter is, we cannot raise taxes. The people of Illinois understand that we need the courage to balance our budget without raising tax rates on Illinois families. It kills jobs,” he said.

Whitney denounced both candidates as purveyors of “fantasy economics.”

The latest poll results show Brady may have seized momentum in the race. In a poll conducted by Southern Illinois University of 758 likely voters released earlier this week, Brady earned 38 percent support while Quinn earned 30 percent. Rasmussen Reports released a poll of 750 likely voters Thursday that showed Brady with 46 percent support and Quinn with 40 percent support. Fourteen percent were split among other candidates or could not decide.

There are three gubernatorial debates remaining, but they will only feature the two front runners, Brady and Quinn. The incumbent and his GOP challenger will next feature in a debate at Elmhurst College Sunday evening.


You can read Kevin's full report at:  http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/4301/gov-candidates-talk-taxes-and-jobs-in-tepid-debate/

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 S. BAVESTER III, DOB:  03/12/83, 1108 BIRCH STREET, LAKE IN THE HILLS. BURGLARY.--Algonquin PD

FRANCESCO BUSANO JR., DOB:  04/04/90, 10652 POTOMAC DRIVE, HUNTLEY. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, CRIMINAL TRESPASS TO RESIDENCE.--Algonquin PD
  
SETH W. PEDERSEN, DOB:  04/14/79, 141 VILLAGE CREEK DRIVE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. AGGRAVATED FLEEING OR ATTEMPT TO ELUDE A PEACE OFFICER(2CTS), RECKLESS DRIVING, RESISTING A PEACE OFFICER.--Island Lake PD

ANTHONY E. DARNELL, DOB:  01/31/81, 11004 N. MYRTLE, HUNTLEY. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.--Huntley PD

KYLE A. STEWART, DOB:  05/01/79, 1264 MERRILL ROAD, ALGONQUIN. UNLAWFUL DELIVERY OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITHIN 1,000 FEET OF A CHURCH(3CTS), UNLAWFUL DELIVERY OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(3CTS), UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(3CTS).--North Central Narcotics Task Force

JAZMON C. NORSWORTHY, DOB:  10/12/89, LKA:  1208 HIGH STREET FREEPORT. FINANCIAL IDENTITY THEFT(2CTS), FORGERY(2CTS), THEFT(OVER $300.)--Crystal Lake PD
  
EULALIO ELIZARRARAZ, DOB:  08/02/87, 108 BERKSHIRE DRIVE, CRYSTAL LAKE. BURGLARY, RESISTING A PEACE OFFICER, OBSTRUCTING IDENTIFICATION, POSSESSION OF BURGLARY TOOLS.--Crystal Lake PD
  
STEVEN M. MANSON, DOB:  06/15/90, TRANSIENT. AGGRAVATED CRIMINAL SEXUAL ABUSE.--Woodstock PD
  
OSCAR GONZALEZ-GARCIA, DOB:  09/16/85, 830 ROOSEVELT, HARVARD. AGGRAVATED DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE(2CTS).--Harvard PD
  
KENNETH A. EHREDT, DOB:  10/21/89, 3310 BULL VALLEY ROAD, MCHENRY. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office
  
ERIC C. OLSON, DOB:  01/21/92, 8112 BRECKENRIDGE, WOODSTOCK. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office
  
RYAN D. TURNER, DOB:  12/17/83, 420 LARKDALE ROW, WAUCONDA. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office
      
JACOB R. GOORSKY, DOB:  03/13/89, 4230 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, CRYSTAL LAKE. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.--Crystal Lake PD
  
ANTONIO J. SCIARA, DOB:  06/13/89, 5323 LONGFORD DRIVE, MCHENRY; JONATHAN R. BOWLEY, DOB:  02/25/86, 605 E. MCKINLEY STREET, HARVARD; LEWIS O. PETERSON, DOB:  10/30/90, 812 SILVER GLEN DRIVE,MCHENRY. UNLAWFUL DELIVERY OF CANNABIS, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS, UNLAWFUL CALCULATED CRIMINAL CANNABIS CONSPIRACY.--McHenry PD

JEREMY P.S. JENKINS, DOB:  02/15/91, 1717 KNOLL AVENUE, MCHENRY. UNLAWFUL DELIVERY OF CANNABIS, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS, OBSTRUCTING A PEACE OFFICER.--McHenry PD

KURT D. LOEBLICH, DOB:  09/28/90, 1901 COBBLESTONE LANE, MCHENRY. UNLAWFUL DELIVERY OF CANNABIS, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS.--McHenry PD
  
ALEXANDER R. KING, DOB:  08/14/91, 3711 GENEVA PL.,MCHENRY. UNLAWFUL DELIVERY OF CANNABIS, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS.--McHenry PD

KELLAN L. BRUNE, DOB:  04/12/88, 4 ROSEWOOD COURT, CARY. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.--Cary PD

JENNIFER A. OCASIO, DOB:  04/27/83, LKA:  10519 CHARLES ROAD, WOODSTOCK. DECEPTIVE PRACTICE(2CTS).--Woodstock PD

Police Blotters

The filing of charges is not proof of guilt. A defendant charged is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lake in the Hills
October 15
1729 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (LITH POLICE). UNLAWFUL INTERFERENCE COURT ORDER VISITATION. BAILEY, TANYA A., F/W 33 YEARS OF AGE, 800 GREENLEE ST. UNIT 6, MARENGO. CHARGES: Unlawful Interference with a Court Ordered Visitation. NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED.
1324 HRS 5500 BLOCK OF CHANTILLY CIRCLE. CIVIL MATTER. Child custody investigation. TURNED OVER TO DCFS.
1524 HRS 300 BLOCK OF LOCUST DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 22 years of age, having a seizure. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1731 HRS PYOTT RD. & INDUSTRIAL DR. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
2109 HRS 4900 BLOCK OF THISTLE LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 46 years of age, with low blood sugar. No transport.

Grafton Township: Battery Charge After Township Meeting

Story Updated, 10:30 am Huntley Police said this morning they were called late Thursday evening to the Grafton Park District  when David Moore, 47, husband of Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore, allegedly pushed Trustee Gerry McMahon, about 67, after the Township Board had met.

Police said they were called  to the scene at 11:47 pm about a physical altercation. Two initial reports from apparent eyewitnesses described Moore as throwing a "punch".  However, a release from Huntley PD reads: "It is being alleged that David Moore approached Gerald McMahon outside the meeting room in the park district building and started videotaping McMahon’s conversation with other members of the Grafton Township administration. McMahon put his hand up and attempted to block the videotaping when Moore reacted and allegedly placed his hands on McMahon’s upper body and shoved him.  McMahon then slapped Moore as he was being pushed."

Linda Moore who was reportedly present at the altercation entered the Huntley Police Headquarters at about 12:30 am this morning but declined comment and entered an inteview room.  McMahon and other presumed witnesses were released from a locked interview room at about 1:15 am.

McMahon showed no evident injury as he left.  He said only, "My blood pressure's probably pretty high."

McMahon's wife, Donna; Trustee's Rob LaPorta and Betty Zirk; Township Administrator Pam Fender and Township Attorney Keri-Lyn Krafthefer were also released from the interview room but declined to offer any details.  "We've been advised not to say anything," was LaPorta's only comment, apparently speaking for the group.

The incident occurred  after the Grafton Township Board held a closed session to discuss a personnel matter.  The four-hour open session before that was unusually acrimonious even by Grafton Township standards. It included several lengthy high-decibel harangues of Moore by the leather-lunged McMahon.  "He'll give himself a heart attack," commented one newbie audience member who'd never watched McMahon before.

Another possible contributor to the incident was a dispute with McMahon's wife, Donna, earlier in the week. Supervisor Moore labeled the encounter "harrasement from trustees (sic) wife today" in an email to FEN. The message was sent Thursday but carried Wednesday's date internally. It recounted a dispute over a FOIA request to Moore ending, "This is the second consecutive day that Trustee McMahon (sic) has disrupted my office."

Huntley Police said Moore was charged with battery, and released this morning after posting $150 bond pending a court appearance November 19.

In the pic: Alleged violence victim Grafton Trustee Gerry McMahon leaving Huntley Police Headquarters early this morning.

Grafton Board Threatens Moore Assistant's Job

Before Trustee Gerry McMahon was reportedly punched Friday the Grafton Township Board meeting Thursday seemed to be shaping up to injure someone else, an apparent pawn in the long-running battle between Supervisor Linda Moore and the rest of the Board.

About the only thing both sides agree on is that Moore is in charge of Township General Assistance to the indigent.  Trustees have been simmering since February when Moore made a declaration that her assistant Trudy Jurs was a full-time GA employee.  That would have been fine except she added an in-your-face declaration that she was going to raise the line item covering Jurs' salary from $25,000 to $40,000.

Last month Trustee Betty Zirk noticed that Jurs was still being paid from the General Employees' fund and called Moore on it.  Moore replied Jurs wasn't a GA employee and she'd never claimed she was. Trustees blew a collective gasket and vowed to comb the records.

Thursday in a bizarre performance Trustee Gerry McMahon's wife, Donna, during audience public comment castigated Moore for denying she'd made Jurs GA.  She cited a video of the Feb. 22 meeting which Moore's own husband, David, had recorded and posted on the Internet.  Meanwhile in the background Administrator Pam Fender dragged out a laptop to play the relevant section while Mrs. McMahon spoke.

Later when Zirk wanted to transfer money to the GA salary line Moore again claimed Jurs was a regular employee.  With the entire Board talking at once Trustee Rob LaPorta's voice cut through all the others crowing, "Then we can fire her."

Moore ended the discussion to a chorus of trustee groans claiming that was one of the matters in the mutual suits between her and the rest of the Board awaiting a judgement in Circuit Court.

Sparks also flew in the rehash of another old dispute.  A year ago Trustee Barb Murphy questioned an assistance check submitted with someone's name on it instead of a case number.  She asked if the check had gone to a GA client or to a landlord.  Moore refused to answer claiming a duty to protect the identity of assistance clients. That's been her position very time Murphy's asked since even though the logic of the situation is that if the name belonged to a landlord there'd be no reason not to say so. She didn't answer Thursday, either, and Trustees raged it was because she herself had outed the name of one of the clients whose anonymity she's been claiming to protect.

Moore said that was another matter for the court to settle. Trustees groaned some more.

In the only broadly substantive business of the evening the Board voted to discharge all the members of its advisory Senior Transportation Committee and advertise for new ones.  Then it rolled back the Senior Bus fare increases it had approved at Moore's insistence last month.  Effective today the toll returns to $1 per ride in Huntley and $2 to outlying Randall Road and the hospital.

The constant Grafton Township conflict probably crystallized Thursday in a sign to advertise the now-unneeded property that would have been the site of new Township offices.  Last month Trustees instructed Fender in minute detail to find out how much a "For Sale" sign would cost from a local business.  Thursday after Fender made her report Moore told Trustees she'd already bought one online.

In the pic:  Donna McMahon, right, excoriated Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore while Township Administrator Pam Fender, left, played a YouTube video Moore's husband had recorded.

End Campaign Calls--At A Privacy Price

Bothered by those phone calls from political campaigns?  The good news is there's a way to avoid a lot of them.  The bad news is you have to vote early and the only reason it  works is because Big Brother's watching you.

Early voting for the November Election began Monday and FEN has learned the McHenry County Democratic Party has asked for the names of everyone who's done it.  That way callers won't waste any time pitching people when it's already too late to change their minds.

"It's public information," said McHenry County Clerk Kathie Schultz.  "It has been as long as I've been here (50 years)," she said.  "Of course, it used to be on paper."

Indeed, Schultz said these days she's required to load the names of each day's early voters into an Illinois State Board of Elections database where Board attorney Ken Menzel reported they're available to all and sundry.

"Anyone can get information as to who's voted early or absentee," he said. "Political Action Committees can get them from the State Board of Elections website."

McHenry County Democratic Party Chairman Mike Bissett said Thursday his people aren't trying to invade voters' privacy.  By striking off the names of early voters from call lists, he said, his people were trying save time and money but, just as important, disturb people as little as possible.  "We know some people don't like to be called," he said, "especially if they've already voted, anyway."

In fact, Bisset said his county organization was trying to pass the names along to Democratic candidates who appear higher on the ballot so they won't call, either.

McHenry County Republican Chairman Mike Tryon said the County GOP isn't tracking local early voters.  "Some of the State campaigns might be, though," he said.

In the pic: No one was working the phones at McHenry County Democratic Headquarters in Algonquin Thursday evening.  It's a safe bet they will be soon, though.

Shoppers Descend On Huntley Fall Rummage Sale

Bargain hunters were, um, rummaging Thursday at the First Congregational Church's big Fall Rummage Sale in Huntley. 

Looking for a slightly used 1/2 sized plastic digital basketball hoop?  Sorry, it's probably gone.  Same for a Formica kitchen table and matching vinyl-upholstered chairs in cherry condition.  A bucket of pipe fittings looked as if it was on the way out, too, but there was still a lot of gently used merchandise left.

Rummage Sale hours at the Church today are 9 am to 5 pm.  Saturday's hours are 9 am to Noon and it's Bag Day, too.  That means a bag of stuff, whatever a buyer can stuff in, is only $3.

Judging Draws Nigh For LITH Halloween Houses

Here's something scary:  There's less than a week for Lake in the Hills residents to get their houses tricked out for the village Parks and Recreation Department's annual Halloween House Decorating Contest.

LITH homeowners can show off their creepy, creative side next Thursday when village judges will be touring Lake in the Hills neighborhoods between 5:30 and 9 pm looking for the scariest and funniest Halloween houses in the village.

Parks and Rec figures a lot of other people will be doing their own Halloween house tours, too, so all registered homes will be listed on the Village’s website at www.lith.org.

Contest winners have to keep up their displays through Halloween. Losers could take them down but why would they?  In any case, winners will receive a gift certificate to a Lake the Hills restaurant.

Registration for LITH's Halloween House contest is free by calling (847)-960-7460.

Poll: Recall Amendment Likely To Pass

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
A constitutional amendment that would allow voters the power to recall a sitting governor seems to be the only sure thing on the statewide ballot for the upcoming general election, according to one poll.

The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute’s recent poll of more than 700 likely voters found 65 percent of participants favored recall power that would be applied to governors. Only 27 percent were opposed to recall. While the amendment in front of voters in November is limited to the governor’s office, 66 percent of respondents in the poll approved voters having the power to recall other statewide elected officials. The measure on the ballot is one proposed by McHenry County State Rep. Jack Franks in the wake of former Governor Rod Blagojevich's disgrace.

John Jackson, a visiting professor at the public policy institute, said the convictions of former Gov. George Ryan on corruption charges and the impeachment and corruption trials of Blagojevich contribute to the public’s support of recall. “I think [recall] is a sure thing. ... [It’s] the scandal from the last two governors that drives this idea. [Recall is] a recourse that the voters could take,” he said.

Voters were in favor of open primaries, an issue the General Assembly will take up in its veto session. Almost three quarters of respondents would prefer not being required to declare a party affiliation to vote in primary elections. Gov. Pat Quinn used his amendatory veto power to tack an open primaries provision onto an elections bill. Jackson said he hears an “endless stream of complaint” from voters about having to publicly identify with a party to cast their votes.

More than 75 percent of respondents also disapproved of the state’s current redistricting plan.

More than 80 percent of participants backed term limits for legislators, as well as limiting the time an individual can be speaker of the House or Senate president. They also favored limits on the campaign money given by leaders to rank-and-file members. More than half of those surveyed supported public financing for judicial races.

Jackson said he thinks legislators may take notice of the strong public backing on some of these reform issues — especially the open primary amendatory veto — that will be before them in the near future. However, he said that does not mean any action on those issues is in the works. “When will the tide turn in Illinois? And what will make it turn? … That’s the bigger question, and the far the more important question.”

Jackson said the next installment of poll results, which comes out Monday, will address the public’s perception of the state budget.

You can read Jamey's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/poll-recall-amendment-likely-to-pass.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
October 14
0227 HRS 3200 BLOCK OF HARVARD LN. DOMESTIC. Mother vs. Son. Verbal only. No priors.
0239 HRS 900 BLOCK OF NOELLE BEND. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 46 years of age, not conscious. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
0322 HRS 300 BLOCK OF HIAWATHA DR. DOMESTIC. Boyfriend vs. Girlfriend. Verbal only. One prior. Male, 31 years of age, transported to Sherman hospital for an evaluation.
0652 HRS 300 BLOCK OF N. ANNANDALE DR. DEATH INVESTIGATION. Male, 46 years of age, found unresponsive.
0706 HRS 1200 HEARTLAND GATE, (KEN CARPENTER PARK). BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE. GPS and iPod taken out of vehicle sometime during the night. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
0731 HRS 100 BLOCK OF N. ANNANDALE DR. RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY. Entry made to the garage and items taken. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
0839 HRS 00 BLOCK OF SPRING GARDEN CT. BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE. Laptop computer taken out of vehicle during the night. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
0855 HRS 00 BLOCK OF HASTINGS CT. BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE. Briefcase and checkbook taken out of vehicle during the night. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS
1122 HRS ACORN LN. & RANDALL RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1133 HRS 500 BLOCK OF E. OAK ST. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 52 years of age, with severe abdominal pain. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1320 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY. Assist to the McHenry County Health Department.
1430 HRS 3100 BLOCK OF BRISBANE DR. LOST ARTICLE. Lost passport. Entered into LEADS.
1517 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & HILLTOP DR. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only
Algonquin
October 11
20:33pm Chatmon, Demetrius M., DOB: 05/01/84, of 855 Prairie View Lane, Woodstock, was charged with DWLS.  He was taken into custody at Algonquin Road and Main Street.  He was released after posting $150 with a court date of 11/17/10 in McHenry County.
October 13
16:44pm Sanchez, Juan, DOB: 07/03/73, of 811 Bent Street, Elgin, was charged with DWLS and Disregarding Traffic Control Device.  He was taken into custody at Main Street and Edward Street.  He was released after posting $150 with a court date of 11/17/10 in McHenry County.
20:01pm Voelker, Timothy M., DOB: 11/18/86, of 637 Lor Ann Drive, South Elgin, was charged with Expired Registration.  He was also Wanted on a Warrant, out of DuPage County for Failure to Appear, on a Speeding charge.  He was taken into custody at Harrison Street and Route 62.  He was released after posting $250, on the DuPage County Warrant with a court date of 11/18/10 in DuPage County.
October 14
16:14pm Martinez, Jahaziel, DOB: 08/23/87, of 4607 Orchard Lane, Crystal Lake, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License, Speeding and No Proof of Insurance.  He was taken into custody at Route 31 and Cary Road.  He was released after posting $150 with a court date of 11/17/10 in McHenry County.
18:14pm Cook, Paige N., DOB: 02/17/91, of 11602 East Main Street, Huntley, was charged with Retail Theft.  She was taken into custody at TJ Maxx, 832 S. Randall Road.  She was released after posting $150 with a court date of 11/17/10 in McHenry County.

IDOT Secy, Congressman Promise To Speed Huntley Construction

Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Secretary Gary Hannig held a news conference at Route 47 and Kreutzer Road Wednesday to announce widening the state highway through Huntley "will approach the halfway mark at the end of the month."

FEN spoiled the set piece a little, however, by asking what Hannig planned to do to speed things up. According to knowledgeable sources, the project is actually four to five months behind schedule because utility relocation crews can't stay out of each other's way, much less that of construction crews.

Congressman Don Manzullo, also on hand because the project is funded with Motor Fuel Tax money, stepped in to say, "We just found about about that.  Gary and I will put pressure on the utility companies."

Hannig, whose people on site have been complaining about the problem for months said, "The Congressman and I will get together with the companies to push them to get the job done."

After the conference one contractor commented, "Before we just had private assurances. At least now it's on the public record."

In the pic: Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig held a media event in Huntley Wednesday complete with portable dais, flags, a PA system and a box van to power everything. An IDOT spokesman said it had nothing to do with the election less than three weeks away.

Algonquin Township To Seek Trustee Replacement

Algonquin Township will soon advertise for applicants to fill the remainder of the term of Trustee Nils Sorensen Supervisor Dianne Klemm announced Wednesday.  The 13-year Township Trustee and Algonquin resident died Monday after a long battle with diabetes and then cancer.

Hospitalized about two months ago, Sorensen had rallied enough to attend last month's Township Board meeting via conference telephone.  "It was nice that he was able to participate and vote one last time" said Klemm. "I liked that a lot."

The Township will place a legal notice within 60 days and then hold interviews to select someone to take Sorensen's seat.

The other news in Wednesday's Board Meeting was a briefing by Highway Commissioner Bob Miller on the long-range outlook for this winter's weather.  Miller said according to his weather expert it's going to be "horrible", especially in December with 18 to 25 inches of snow expected. 

"How are we doing with salt?" asked Trustee Linda Lance.

"We've got plenty," replied Miller, "and we can always get more."

Obituaries

Niels E. Sorensen, Algonquin, 84, died Monday at Hospice of Northeastern Illinois, after a long Illness. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Friday at Wait Ross Allanson Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel, Algonquin. A memorial service will be at 12:30 pm Saturday at Cary Grove Evangelical Free Church. Burial will be private Saturday.

Sorensen was born Feb. 4, 1926, in Chicago, to Danish immigrants Niels C. Sorensen and Kristiane Hansen Sorensen. A WWII and Korean War Veteran and pattern maker,Sorensen married his wife, Betty, in 1965 in Oak Park.

He is survived by his wife; his children, Sharyl (Michael) Gliva of Longmont, CO, and David (Sheila York) Marold of Northville, MI; his grandchildren, Eric (Andrea) Gliva of Loveland, CO, Samuel Gliva of Loveland, Christopher Marold of Berkley, MI, Erick (Marisa) Marold of W. Bloomfield, MI, and Kevin (Samantha) Marold of Beaverton, OR.and his sisters, Karen Kallis and Ethel Patrick.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cary-Grove Evangelical Free Church in Cary or Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois in Barrington.

Abused Hold Annual McHenry County Violence Vigil

Victims and their supporters held McHenry County's annual Candlelight Vigil against domestic violence at Woodstock's Square at dusk Wednesday with about 100 people in attendance.

Bev Thomas, Coordinator for the 22nd Judicial Circuit's Family Violence Coordinating Council said the point of the McHenry County event and others around the country during Domestic Violence Awareness Month is to tell victims "You are not alone."

The message was meant to convey that there are avenues of support.  Victims aren't alone in being victims, either. According to Jane Farmer, Executive Director of Turning Point, McHenry County's domestic violence agency said victims.  According to her figures the group has had to help 1,800 residents including 200 children, some under the age of five.

"We are here to be silent no longer," Thomas told those assembled.  "We're here for you."

Gluten Free Event Saturday At Algonquin Store

Celiac disease, an allergy to gluten in grains, used to be pretty rare but complaints have been growing and the latest research now suggests it's possible to "grow into" the allergy in adulthood.  That's one reason the Meijer store chain is putting on gluten-free Healthy Living events at all its stores Saturday including the location on Randall Road in Algonquin.

From 11 am until 1 pm each Meijer store will feature a sampling demonstration of food and products that are gluten-free. The food demonstrations vary by location but guests can expect to see samplings of brands such as Rustic Crust Pizza, Thai Kitchen, Nature’s Path, Lundberg, Tasty Bite and others.

Meijer spokesman Claire Vartabedian said visitors can pick up a free "Healthy Living Naturally" booklet containing recipes and tips on living gluten-free. There will also be a money-saving coupon handout and a list of all Meijer products that are labeled gluten-free.

Gluten allergy can afflict anyone but is most prevalent among Caucasians, especially those of northern European, particularly Scandinavian or Celtic ancestry.  It involves a broad array of digestive and sometimes more general disturbances.

Whitney Demands Debate Invitations

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
With only a few weeks before the general election, Rich Whitney, the Green Party candidate for governor, has launched a campaign to be included in public debates. Whitney is pushing to be invited to three planned gubernatorial debates, which now only include Republican candidate Sen. Bill Brady and Democrat Gov. Pat Quinn.

The debates, scheduled for later this month, are sponsored by Elmhurst College, the League of Women Voters of Illinois and the City Club of Chicago.

Whitney said all candidates should be invited to debate, but he thinks he has the strongest appeal for inclusion because he won more than 10 percent of the vote in the 2006 governor’s race. He added that he is the only candidate who has detailed a specific plan to address the state's current budget crisis.

Whitney said that candidates who collect enough signatures to get on the ballot should not then face a polling requirement to be included in debates. “We shouldn’t be relying on the polling numbers. What is the purpose of a civic organization? It’s to allow the citizens to choose,” Whitney said.” It’s to inform the voting public so that they have an opportunity to decide who the best candidate is. Then you will see the polling numbers change.”

Jan Czarnik, executive director of the League of Women Voters, said the purpose of a debate held shortly before the election is to give voters a chance to find out more about the candidates who are likely to bring in votes. “It’s not our job to build support for candidates that the public doesn’t seem to be very interested in.”

You can read Jamey's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/whitney-demands-debate-invitations.html

In the pic:  Green Party gubernatorial candidate Rich Whitney campaigning in a coffee shop.

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
October 13
0049 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & SQUARE BARN RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE REVOKED. PAUL, JOHN J., M/W 46 YEARS OF AGE, 12475 COPPER LN., HUNTLEY. CHARGES: Felony Driving While License Revoked, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Improper Lane Usage,
Speeding, Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicle. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
1637 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. WANTED ON WARRANT. BURKE, MICHAIL W., M/W 22 YEARS OF AGE, 501B PEMBROOK CT., CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant, Boone County for Failure to Appear, Possession of Narcotic Equipment. Bond Amount: $483.00 Full Cash. RELEASED ON BOND.
0739 HRS 2500 BLOCK OF WATERFORD LANE. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
0923 HRS 2126 W ALGONQUIN RD., (CONVENIENT). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 63 years of age, difficulty breathing and chest pain. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1020 HRS 400 BLOCK OF STARWOOD PASS. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 78 years of age, possibly having a stroke. Transported to Good Shepherd Hospital.
1219 HRS OAKLEAF RD & PHEASANT TRAIL. FOUND ARTICLE. Plastic bag containing several .32 cal rounds of ammunition found in roadway.
1226 HRS 600 BLOCK OF HURON TRAIL. FIRE INVESTIGATION. Assisted the fire department with a dryer fire.
1517 HRS 1500 BLOCK OF CLAYTON MARSH DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 80 years of age, having difficulty breathing. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1537 HRS 30 BLOCK OF W. OAK ST. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. Wife. Verbal only. Eight priors.
HRS 4200 BLOCK OF LARKSPUR LN. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Brother vs. Sister. No priors. FAIL TO FILE.
1755 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & OAKLEAF RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1850 HRS 100 BLOCK OF DEER PATH. ASSIST OTHER AGENCY. Assisted McHenry County Court Services.

Jobs Money Proposed To Cover Bill For Big Classes

District 300 money managers Tuesday proposed using $1 million from the federal teachers' jobs bill to cover some of the extra money instructors get for teaching oversized classes.

Teachers' union President Kolleen Hanetho was incensed.  "They want to use the money that's supposed to be for more teachers to pay the bill for the teachers they laid off," she said.  "I don't know if they can legally do that," said Hanetho who vowed to find out today.

Two months ago Congress passed a last-minute $26 billion appropriation that was supposed to prevent cop and teacher layoffs around the country.  Finance Director Cheryl Crates  said the Illinois State Board of Education told her District 300's share of the money will be $1.05 million.

After a round of layoffs and rehires for the new year the school district opened its doors in August more than 100 teachers short from last year.  That meant class sizes shot up and now Crates estimates the District will have to shell out about $2.3 million  in "overload pay".  By terms of the teachers' contract, on average the District has to pay instructors about $1,500 extra for each child over a 28-kid class limit.

Relations between the District and LEAD 300, the teachers' union, have been strained since at least April when negotiators asked the union for contract concessions to help balance a budget going into the red because of falling revenue.  Teachers voted against the concessions claiming the district was happy to lay off teachers but refused to cut administrators.

That soured matters even more for new negotiations.  The teachers' contract runs out at the end of the this school year.

In the pic:  District 300 and the teachers' union differ on who should help balance the budget.  Teachers got a raise this year but only those who still had a job.

Test Floated As New Graduation Requirement At D300

District 300 high school students did pretty well last year on tests they have to pass so the District won't lose federal aid but next year's going to be tougher because the bar's going to be higher.

That was the simple version of a report Tuesday from the District's assessment officer Carole Cooper.  The unsimplified one was very complex, indeed, and what to do about it even more so.

Everything keys on the state's Prairie State Achievement Test given to juniors.  That's a two-day combo of the ACT test to check if they're ready for college and another one called the Work Keys test to see if kids know enough to work in an office.  The two scores are mushed together in a way that makes sense to the State Board of Education and that's the measure of how well each school is doing to meet federal No Child Left Behind standards.  The District's high schools met the standard last year but they'll have to score 7.5 percent better this Spring or all sorts of new state and federal restrictions might kick in.

The District's three high school principals outlined 15 new measures to raise scores. Some of them, like mainstreaming handicapped students and extra help for foreign language speakers and economically disadvantaged kids aimed at teaching students more stuff.  Some of the others, however, seemed aimed at teaching students how to pass the test.

Cooper said students are actually doing pretty well on the ACT test but the overall Prairie State Score gets dragged down again by poor numbers on the Work Keys test.

Board Member Karen Roeckner said anecdotally students understand passing the latter test has nothing to do with getting into college or getting a job so they don't try very hard on it.  "Some of them just 'Christmas tree' the test," she said, filling in the circles more or less and random.

Member Ann Miller floated a solution to that problem.  "Maybe we can mandate they have to pass it for graduation."  She said not only would it concentrate student's minds on passing the Work Keys test but they might even learn something getting ready for it.

"I want to give us some evidence of that," she said.

In the pic:  Families of D300 high school students will receive student test reports and projections similar to this one this week.

Fish And Wildlife Officials Try To Allay Fears

More than 75 residents popped up in the first hour Tuesday of a US Fish and Wildlife Service briefing on a new study for a proposed wildlife refuge for part of McHenry County.

The meeting at the McHenry County Government Center, one of two scheduled this week in McHenry County, was supposed to help identify possible locations within the 55 square-mile study area for the proposed Hackmatack wildlife refuge on the Illinois/Wisconsin border.  USFWS officials seemed to spend most of their time calming residents' fears, however.

Charlie Eldridge, Chairman of the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation's transportation committee wanted to know if a wildlife refuge could complicate improving the County's highways.

"For example the Richmond Bypass.  If this (refuge) is in place would there be higher environmental standards if it went nearby?" he asked.

No, not at all, said officials.

"We've been advised by (an attorney) to be concerned," said Eldridge.

Some residents were all for the refuge.  "I grew up in Chicago," said Bull Valley resident Carol Lahti. "The closest thing I had was the Cook County Forest Preserve.  It was awful."

USFWS spokesman Gary Muehlenhardt admitted once upon a time the service had taken land by condemnation.  "That was back in the 30's and 40's," he said.  "It wasn't a great idea. It just fills people with fear and apprehension," Muehlenhardt said.

Still, the feds retain the power to condemn property, he admitted.  "But so can your county government and munipcal government."  He said USFWS simply wouldn't.

That was good enough for Lahti.  "I'd rather believe them than my crazy neighbor," she said.

In the pic:  USFWS Planner Gary Muehlenhardt explains how the feds plan to decide whether a wildlife refuge in part of McHenry County would be a good idea.

Health Department Sets Flu Clinic For Huntley

The McHenry County Department of Health has added 3 new locations including one in Huntley next Tuesday to its flu clinic schedule for adults and children aged nine and over.

A walk-in flu clinic will be offered from 3 to 6 pm at the Huntley Area Publc Library Oct. 19. There's no appointments necessary for the clinic which costs $30.  Medicaid and Medicare Part B will be accepted, too.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this year recommends the vaccine for anyone over six months of age.  This year’s flu vaccine includes the H1N1 strain that struck younger victims disproportionately last year.  MCDH spokesman Joe Gugel said flu can make anyone sick but some groups have a greater risk for complications, hospitalizations or even death.  He singled out people 50 years and older; Pregnant women;  Children 6 months and over and people with chronic medical conditions.

New Poll Shows Brady Gaining In Governor's Race

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
A poll released Tuesday by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute shows Republican candidate for governor, Sen. Bill Brady, with a greater lead than other recent polls.

The poll of more than 700 likely Illinois voters — conducted between September 30 and October 10 — shows Brady with 38.4 percent of the vote and Gov. Pat Quinn with 29.8 percent. The survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

Two polls released at the end of September showed a much closer race for the governor’s seat. A Chicago Tribune poll had Quinn in the lead at 39 to Brady’s 38, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent.

Charles Leonard, a visiting professor with the institute who oversaw the poll, said  that all the polls paint a picture of a two tight races and — with the high level of undecided respondents — a group of candidates that voters are not very enthusiastic about. “It is a volatile, fluid race. It doesn’t look like people are very firmly committed,” he said.

Leonard said it is still fairly early for observers to latch onto poll numbers. “They should take every poll with a grain of salt until we get into the last couple days. … People either overstate what polls can do, or they ignore them and say they are all bogus. The truth is obviously somewhere in between.”

You can read Jamey's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/poll-shows-brady-gaining-in-governors.html

Gubernatorial Candidates Tour As Election Day Nears

By Jennifer Wessner, Illinois Statehouse News
With the general election only three weeks away, Illinois’ gubernatorial candidates are crisscrossing the state in a last minute effort to connect with voters.

Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn spent the beginning of the week on a seven-city fly around.  Republican candidate Bill Brady, a state senator from Bloomington, has spent the last week and a half focused on downstate voters on his so-called “Clean Break Express” bus tour.

Jim Nowlan, a former state lawmaker who now works with the University of Illinois' Institute of Government and Public Affairn said Brady might be touring in downstate Illinois – where he is leading by double digits – to lock down his early lead in the area. “He needs to maintain that strong support downstate,” Nowlan said. “People don’t like to feel they’re forgotten, so with his apparently strong lead downstate, he wants to reinforce that."

Quinn's and Brady’s “meet the folks” tours have come later in the election season than during campaigns in years past. Statewide bus tours during late summer fair season used to be common practice among top of the ticket candidates.

Kent Redfield, a professor of political science at the University of Illinois Springfield, said tours have become more beneficial in the fall. “When you get to the end of the campaign, all the commercials are cut, all the TV time is bought,” Redfield said. “The candidates' time is the only commodity left that you can make decisions about. And you might not be able to do an ad buy in an area, but you can go make a visit if you can put it together in a way that makes sense.”

You can read Jennifer's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/4267/gubernatorial-candidates-tour-the-state-as-election-day-nears/

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
October 12
1649 HRS RANDALL RD. & ACORN LN. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. VASHI, KIRAN I., M/W 59 YEARS OF AGE, 1131 STARWOOD PASS, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving While License Suspended, No Insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.
1756 HRS 5200 MILLER RD., (SUNSET PARK). WANTED ON IN-STATE WARRANT. SCHLAISS, MARC D., M/W 38 YEARS OF AGE, 10 HOLLYHOCK CT., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGE: Wanted on Warrant, McHenry County for Failure to Appear for a Traffic Offense, $5,000 @ 10%.
RELEASED ON BOND.
0816 HRS 81 N. RANDALL RD., (CHAZIO’S SALON) ACCIDENT Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1018 HRS 250 N. RANDALL RD., (COSTCO) DECEPTIVE PRACTICES. Fraudulent check activity.
1019 HRS 164 N. RANDALL RD., (NANCY’S PIZZA) DECEPTIVE PRACTICES. Fraudulent check activity.
1019 HRS 4660 ALGONQUIN RD., (BUTCHER ON THE BLOCK) DECEPTIVE PRACTICES. Fraudulent check activity.
1137 HRS 600 BLOCK OF DAVID ST. INFORMATION/ Phone calls to resident advising he won money overseas.
1339 HRS 231 N RANDALL RD., (TACO BELL). FOUND ARTICLES. Seven credit/debit cards & one drivers license left behind by customers.
1410 HRS RAKOW RD. & PYOTT RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
2127 HRS 3000 BLOCK OF FAIRHAVEN LN., ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 35 years of age, injury to his eye. No transport.
2149 HRS 5000 BLOCK OF BRIARFIELD LN. DOMESTIC. Boyfriend vs. girlfriend. Verbal only. Fifty-six priors.
2306 HRS 4800 BLOCK OF HIGHWOOD LN. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. wife. Verbal only. No priors.

Sheriff Candidate "Deputy Director" Is A Sergeant

When Democrat Mike Mahon announced last November he was running for Cook County Sheriff he billed himself as "a Deputy Director" in the Cook County Sheriff's office.  It sounded like an impressive credential but no one ever checked it.  According to a Cook County Sheriff's spokesman Mahon is, indeed, a Deputy Director. However, that's only in the one-man Office of Policy and Accountability.  His rank, said another spokesman, is Sergeant.

Mahon's cop credentials turn out to be another of those things the political in-group has been gossiping about for months but haven't bothered to share with anyone else.  "He's a sergeant at the Jail," said Sheriff Keith Nygren last week.  "He has never been a police officer one day of the time," he said.

Not so, Mahon told FEN Monday. "I'm a deputy," he said. "It's different (from McHenry County) in Cook County.  Deputies (there) have arrest powers.  Nygren can't get that through his head."

Mahon said he arrested a lot of criminals during 12 years chasing fugitives. Then he switched to investigating bad deputies, Mahon said, before moving to his current spot reporting directly to Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart on policy and procedure planning.

Mahon said starting in Cook County Corrections was nothing to be ashamed of,  anyway. "The (Cook County) Jail has 10,000 prisoners," said Mahon. "I'm proud of my time there."

Mahon confirmed holding the rank of Sergeant but said earlier in his career put him in charge of more than 50 other deputies.

In the pic:  Democratic Sheriff's Candidate Mike Mahon at Monday's candidates' forum.

No Shows Abound At Candidate Forum

There were a lot of empty seats at a Candidate Forum at McHenry County College Monday.  Only about 100 citizens turned out for the joint event called by the McHenry County Tea Party, the Illinois Turnaround Tour and the Illinois Policy Institute.  But a lot of candidates didn't show up, either.

Democratic Congressman Melissa Bean from the 8th District including northern McHenry County, not surprisingly, took a by.  Tea Partiers in the Cook County part of her district have been almost frothing at the mouth all summer every time her name comes up and charges by challenger Joe Walsh indicated she might have expected a similar reception at the college. 

Freeport Democratic mayor George Gaulrapp wasn't there to advance his bid to bounce incumbent 16th District Congressman Don Manzullo.  Manzullo said his top three priorities next term would be "jobs, jobs and, third, jobs" and kept patting seatmate Walsh approvingly.

Democratic State Rep. Jack Franks who represents the rest of McHenry County was absent, too, even though challenger John O'Neill made an appearance.

Bob Kaempfe who wants to unseat Republican State Rep. Mike Tryon (who was there) didn't understand why Democrats would skip the event despite its Tea Party sponsorship.  "If they don't vote for me they probably wouldn't have, anyway, so I haven't lost anything.  And if I do convince a few people to vote for me that's more than I had."

Based on audience exits immediately following, the main forum event was the appearance of all three candidates for McHenry County Sheriff.  Green candidate Gus Philpott blasted Republican incumbent Keith Nygren for a $350 per-month County allowance for a deputy who commutes to Woodstock from Lake County.  Democratic hopeful Mike Mahon picked that up, too, and reiterated his plan to save the Sheriff's office $1 million a year in supervisory and back-office personnel cuts.  Nygren said he needed all his people and said he'd earned the county $1.5 million in extra revenue, anyway, by leasing out space at the Jail.

In the pic:  In a supercharged election year there was a lot of empty, onstage and off, at Monday's Candidate Forum at McHenry County College.

Huntley RR Crossing, Route 47 Reopen

The Union Pacific Railroad finished work on the Route 47 rail crossing on Route 47 Monday so the highway is open to through traffic again.  Crews finished paving around 10 am Monday but had to wait for hot soft asphalt to cool down before they were able to open the crossing.

Meanwhile other work to widen Route 47 in Huntley continues. Starting today look for lane changes at the Reed Road and Route 47 intersection and lane reconfigurations on Reed itself as crews prepare to widen the south half of the intersection.

Thursday if everything is on schedule the newly constructed section of Joan Avenue between Rt 47 and Vine Street will be permanently opened and the Vine Street/Route 47 intersection will be permanently closed. When that happens drivers will only be able to get to Vine Street from Joan Avenue and Reed Road and the change will be permanent.

Website Offers Info On New Adoption Law

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
People seeking information on a new adoption law allowing adult adoptees greater access to their birth certificates can find it at a new website.

The law which Gov. Pat Quinn signed last May allows people adopted before 1946 access to their birth certificates. The new website is part of a yearlong education campaign, after which adults older than 21 who were born after January 1, 1946, will be able to request their birth certificates, too.

Parents who have placed children up for adoption have the option to remain anonymous if they submit paperwork to the state, and new mothers will be asked what level of disclosure they would prefer. Rep. Sarah Feigenholtz, a Chicago Democrat, said parents always have the option to add or remove their names at a later date. She added that only 18 parents have requested anonymity so far.

She said, as the largest state to pass such a measure, Illinois has become an example for other states considering similar laws. Feigenholtz is an adoptee and plans to apply for her own birth certificate when she is eligible in November 2011. “I am just ticking off the days,” she said.

The website is at: http://www.newillinoisadoptionlaw.com/

You can read Jamey's full report on this story at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/website-offers-info-on-new-adoption-law.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
October 11
0208 HRS 300 BLOCK OF COUNCIL TRAIL. DOMESTIC BATTERY. DE FRANCISCO, DANIEL V., M/W 24 YEARS OF AGE, 341 COUNCIL TRAIL, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGE: Domestic Battery. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
0935 HRS 1025 ALGONQUIN RD., (VALLEY AUTO BODY) DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. HERNANDEZ, LAZARO CARLOS, M/W 24 YEARS OF AGE, 425 SILVER LAKE RD., CARY. CHARGE: Driving While License Suspended. RELEASED ON BOND.
1524 HRS ROUTE 31 & VIRGINIA RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. OCAMPO, MARIA L., F/W 43 YEARS OF AGE, 1320 ALPINE CT., WHEELING. CHARGES: Driving While License Suspended and No Insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.
0111 HRS 3000 BLOCK OF BALDWIN LN. DOMESTIC. Boyfriend vs. girlfriend. Verbal only. No priors.
0804 HRS 1216 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (RYDER PARK). CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Damaged screen on concession stand.
0906 HRS 1480 IMHOFF, (M & A TRUCK). PRIVATE PROPERTY ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
0951 HRS 1500 BLOCK OF CLAYTON MARSH. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 80 years of age, low oxygen count. No transport.
1014 HRS 700 BLOCK OF JUNIPER LN. LOST ARTICLE. Lost passport. RETURNED TO OWNER.
1050 HRS 4000 BLOCK OF LARKSPUR LN. DOMESTIC. Mother vs. daughter. Verbal only.
1055 HRS 3219 ALGONQUIN RD., (EVERGREEN). ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1205 HRS 100 RANDALL RD., (WALGREENS). PRIVATE PROPERTY ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1358 HRS 9341 PYOTT RD., (BARBARA KEY PARK). CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Observation deck was damaged on Dome Hill.
1631 HRS COUNTRY CLUB DR. & BOULDER DR. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1642 HRS 4600 BLOCK OF ROLLING HILLS DR. UNLAWFUL USE OF A CREDIT CARD. Credit card being used without owner's consent. TURNED OVER TO OTHER JURISDICTIONS.
1925 HRS 231 N. RANDALL RD., (TACO BELL). THEFT. A bicycle was stolen. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
2035 HRS 100 BLOCK OF NORTHLIGHT PASS. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Items removed without permission from residence by husband.

ALFPD Shows Off New And Taller Tower Truck

An Open House Sunday at Algonquin Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District's Station 1 Headquarters was the District's first chance to show off its new 100-foot tower truck.

One hundred foot in Algonquin and Lake in the Hills?

"People think height but it's more for buildings because of the offset from the street," said Fleet Manager Bill Neuner.  If the new truck can't get close enough to a building it can stand off up to 100 feet away and still effect a rescue he said.  "We had a 75-foot tower (without a basket) and it wouldn't reach some lots."

The District also bought a new heavy duty rescue truck. Besides a 750-gallon tank the truck carries all the life support gear that would be in an ambulance.  "Everything except transport," said Neuner.


The two trucks were part of a $1.5 million package delivered last month.  "They make it cheaper if you buy two," Neuner said.

Otherwise the District Open House included the usual hands-on familiarization with fire procedure for the kids, fun with a serious subtext.
In the pic:  Young Braeden Hayes, Algonquin, had a devil of a time with the "burning" wiring maze before he emerged triumphant at the other end.

Meeting Tuesday On Proposed Giant Wildlife Refuge

Tuesday staff members from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will hot a public meeting in Woodstock to get input from residents and user groups on the proposed Hackmatack Wildlife Refuge including part of McHenry County.

The meeting and another Wednesday in Ringwood will allow people one-on-one time with Service staff members to ask questions, offer comments and provide ideas about the proposed refuge.  The Fish and Wildlife Service is looking for comments on the following questions:

Are there natural resources that you believe need to be conserved?
What are the threats to conservation?
What are the best means to conserve the resources of the area?
Are there specific issues that should be addressed in planning?

Both open houses will run from 4 to 8 pm. Tuesday's meeting, will be at the McHenry County Government Center Administration Building.  Wednesday's will be at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park.

In the pic:  Now there's a specific boundary for the two-year study to see if a wildlife area in northeastern Illinois and southeastern Wisconsin is a good idea.

Early Voting Begins Today

Early voting officially begins today for the Nov. 2 General Election. There may be a difference between official and actual, however, since it's Columbus Day and some of the early voting sites aren't open.

Here are the local sites:

Lake in the Hills Village Hall
600 Harvest Gate, Executive Conference Room
(Enter thru Board Room)
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Monday, Oct 11th thru Thursday, Oct 28th
Monday thru Friday
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday, Oct 16th
Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Saturday, Oct 23rd
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Sunday, Oct 17th and Oct 24th
Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Algonquin Township Offices
3702 US Hwy 14, Clerk's Office
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Tues, Oct 12th thru Thursday, Oct 28th
Monday thru Friday
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday, Oct 16th and Oct 23rd
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Grafton Township
Huntley Park District
12015 Mill St.
Huntley, IL 60142
Tuesday, Oct 12th thru Thursday, Oct 28th
Monday thru Friday
Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday, Oct 16th and Oct 23rd
Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM


State law requires that a registered voter show valid photo identification before voting early. That would be a current driver's license, a state-issued ID card, or another government-issued ID with a photograph.

You don't have to give a reason for voting early.  Personal whim is fine.  However, once you vote there's no takeback.  You voted.  You're stuck with it.

HHS FABulous, Inc Variety Show Set

More than eighty District 158 high school and middle school students, alumni and community members will stage Huntley High School FABulous, Inc's  eleventh annual two-hour variety show Sunday.

Senior Maria Sciortino will emcee the show from the first act featuring seniors Jordan Bohme and Sean Duddy all the way to the final performance featuring Dance Force's Elite performers.

Tickets for the show will be available at the door, $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.  For more information, contact Kim Skaja 815-923-8810
or kskaja158@foxvalley.net .

In the pic: HHS FABulous, Inc's variety show was a high-energy event last year.

Study Finds Nonprofit Payments Worst In Nation

Illinois Issues
Illinois ranks worst in the nation in delaying payments to human services providers, according to a study released by the Urban Institute.

Seventy-two percent of Illinois’ nonprofit organizations face delays in state payments for services, compared with 41 percent nationally, the study found. “Illinois is failing its residents just at the time when they need high-quality services the most,” Laurel O’Sullivan, a vice president for the Donors Forum, said in a written statement.

As a result, 54 percent have reduced their staff, and 65 percent have cut or frozen employee salaries, according to the report.

The Urban Institute also said that Illinois was the third worst in the nation in changing the terms of existing contracts with nonprofit providers, and third worst in issuing payments that don’t cover the full cost of services. Other problems for human service providers include complex and time-consuming application and reporting requirements, the report noted.

For its study, the institute surveyed 9,000 human services organizations nationwide that have more than $100,000 in expenses.

You can read the full report on this story at:  http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/payments-to-nonprofits-worst-in-nation.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
October 10
0113 HRS FRANK RD. & ALGONQUIN RD. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. KOGUT, JAMES F., M/W 55 YEARS OF AGE, 9609 S. MUIRFIELD DR., LAKEWOOD. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Speeding. RELEASED ON BOND.
1513 HRS 0 BLOCK OF WEXFORD CT. FOLLOW UP REPORT:BATTERY Female, 18 years of age was assaulted. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
0050 HRS 400 BLOCK OF OAK ST. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Father vs. daughter. No priors. FAIL TO FILE.
1010 HRS MILLER RD. & RANDALL RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1027 HRS 4500 LAKEWOOD RD.., (7 ELEVEN) FOUND ARTICLE. A purse in the roadway.
1107 HRS 200 BLOCK OF OAKLEAF RD. BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE. Craft supplies taken from an unlocked vehicle overnight. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1454 HRS 201 LAKEWOOD RD., (LEROY GUY PARK). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 16 years of age fell struck her head. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1535 HRS ACORN LN. & RANDALL RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1634 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF STARWOOD PASS. BATTERY. Two male subjects were fighting. FAIL TO FILE.
1646 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF BRITTANY BEND. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Documentation for items exchanged per court order.
1727 HRS 300 BLOCK OF PLUM ST. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 90 years of age in and out of consciousness.  No transport.
1845 HRS 2300 BLOCK OF CLAREMONT LN. DOMESTIC. Ex husband vs. ex wife. Verbal only. Five priors.
2226 HRS 3700 BLOCK OF CHADWICK LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 11 years of age, possible allergic reaction. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
Algonquin
October 9
11:34am A 16 year-old male from Algonquin was charged with Speeding 40+ Over.  He was taken into custody at Fairway View Drive and Greensview Drive.  He was released after posting his Illinois Driver’s License with a court date of 11/10/10 in McHenry County.
12:42pm Bouboulinis, Antigoni, DOB: 11/02/52, of 1127 Patton Avenue, Lake in the Hills, was charged with Retail Theft.  She was taken into custody at Caputo’s & Sons, 100 S. Randall Road.  She was released after posting $150 with a court date of 11/17/10 in McHenry County.
October 10
11:58am Stevenson, Paul B., DOB: 07/20/66, of 35W839 Parsons Road, Dundee, was charged with Disorderly Conduct.  He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department.  He was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 11/24/10 in Algonquin.
15:14pm O’Brien, James R., DOB: 08/06/67, of 1671 Yosemite Parkway, Algonquin, was charged with Unlawful Interfering with the Reporting of Domestic Violence.  He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department.  He was released after posting $150 with a court date of 11/17/10 in McHenry County.

Algonquin Cemetery Hosts Stroll Through Local History

Algonquin's eighth annual Historic Commission Cemetery Walk was about as good as it gets for getting a little local history while taking an Autumn stroll. Docents and costumed re-enactors from the Commission regaled visitors to the Algonquin Cemetery with stories of early village residents.

FEN's favorite bit of local history centers on the discovery of seven skeletons during the excavation of a ditch to the cheese factory in 1873.  "This circumstance, for a time, threw the community into quite a state of excitement and many conjectures were made, but having nothing tangible to base their theories on they at last settled down upon the opinion that they knew nothing about it."  (1885 History of McHenry County)

Algonquin Harvest Day Draws Droves

Algonquin's Downtown Partnership Old Time Country Harvest Day packed the village's Washington and Harrison parking lot with a capacity crowd Saturday.

The line to go through the inflatable maze was 20 kids deep around noon and more than a dozen crafters and farmers' market vendors did a brisk business.

Small fry put on a short pre-Halloween costume parade from Main down Washington to the lot where there was also a beanbag tournament, face painting, a pumpkin decorating contest, a build-a-scarecrow station and, for the adults, a pumpkin baking contest.

The Old Time County Harvest Day celebration also harvested some donations for the Algonquin Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry.

Tomaso Run Raises Funds For Shop With Cop

Huntley's third Coach Tomaso 5K Walk and Fun Run raised a small fortune, $1,850 for the McHenry County Police Charities' Shop With A Cop program Saturday.

There were about as many walkers as runners. The former included three village trustees out to support the event.  Mayor Chuck Sass was there too but only walked from his car to the headquarters tent.  "That's pretty good for me today," he said.

The Run through the village's Talamore development was just for fun but even so someone had to come in first.  That was Huntley resident Matt Kidd who completed the course in 19 minutes, 5 seconds.  Hawthorne Woods runner Justin Merkys came in second at 24:32.

On the distaff side Huntley's Calah Goehring had the fastest time at a 25:20 clocking.  Woodstock runner Julie Diamond followed her at 28:42.

In the pic:  Huntley's Coach Tomaso 5K Fun Run raised a lot of money for upcoming County Shop With A Cop events. 

Algonquin Argonauts Footballers In The Pink

The Algonquin Argonauts youth football team took the Westfield School field sporting slightly non-standard uniforms Saturday. Their socks were pink to show support for breast cancer awareness.

"At first we wondered if all the boys would do it," said Melissa Porter, wife of  Coach Craig Porter and (full disclosure) a woman.  "But they were happy to wear them."

"We had to explain (breast cancer) to some of the smaller groups but then they were all for it," said Porter.  "Some of the kids even bought pink mouthguards."

Algonquin's Argonauts, only in their third year of existence, are the third-largest Pop Warner football group in the Chicago area.  Ex-Bear Marcus Robinson coaches one team.

In the pic: At the Argonauts' halftime conference you have to look pretty closely but the boys' socks have a definite pinkish cast to them.  So does Coach Porter's polo shirt.  It's national breast cancer awareness month.

Last Performance For "Pillow Talk" At HHS

Huntley High School's All School play ends a three-day run of Pillow Talk today at 2 pm.

The comedy is based on a 1959 film starring Rock Hudson and Doris Day who share a telephone party line. (For an explanation of party lines go to Wikipedia here or it won't make any sense to anyone born after, oh, about 1959.)

In the pic:  Senior Melissa Claussen played the wholesome Doris Day role at Friday's performance of Pillow Talk while Junior Christian Aldridge channeled hunky Rock Hudson.

Doggy Daycare Center Is Algonquin's Newest Business

Algonquin's newest business, the Dog Waggin canine daycare center on south Route 31  , held a grand opening Saturday.

Doggy daycare?  "We cater to owners of a dog who work long hours and the dogs are home alone and they feel guilty," said owner Mark Harvey.  Harvey and his wife Lisa sub for the absent owners during the day, then "we send home a tired and happy puppy," he said.

The Dog Waggin was actually Lisa's dream said Harvey who left a 10-year gig as a history teacher in DeKalb to help make it happen.  "Sometimes you've just got to take a chance," he said. "And when you do you have to jump with both feet.  You can't stand halfway in the door."

In the pic: Lisa and Mark Harvey are the owners of a new doggy daycare center in Algonquin. Toby, a husky/Lab mix, visiting Saturday probably sniffed every inch of the remodeled 4,000 square-foot facility. 

Local Sports

Boys' Football
Friday
Johnsburg    13
Crystal Lake Central    51

Prairie Ridge    26
Grayslake Central    7

Woodstock    23
Woodstock North    26

Cary-Grove    23
McHenry    (OT) 20

Crystal Lake South    48
Huntley    14

Jacobs    41
Dundee-Crown    0

Marian Central    33
St. Francis    26

Obituaries

Dolores J. Hynes, 79 of Huntley died peacefully Saturday.  Visitation will be Monday from 10 am to 12:45 pm at DeFiore Jorgensen Funeral Home, Huntley. A funeral Mass will be held 1 pm Monday at St. Mary Catholic Church-Huntley.  A private burial will be at  at St. Adalbert Cemetery.

Huynes was born July 18, 1931, the daughter of Edward and Sophia (Lang) Schabell.  She married Joseph Hynes August 29, 1951.  She is survived by her children, Joe Hynes (Dawn) of Chicago; Patty Waterman (Jim) of Mt. Prospect; Karen Daly of Chicago; Donna Zielinski (Joe) of Bartlett and Ken Hynes (Eileen) of Park Ridge and her grandchildren, Tom, Kate, Laura, Matt, Jill, Joey, Alicia, James, Margaret and John. She was preceded in death by her husband and an infant son.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Mary Catholic Church, Huntley, or Loving Hands Hospice, Chicago.

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
October 09
1033 HRS 1200 BLOCK OF CHERRY ST. DOMESTIC. Father vs. daughter. Verbal only.Two priors.
1033 HRS 164 N. RANDALL RD., (NANCY’S PIZZA). BURGLARY. Forced entry. Currency taken overnight.
1157 HRS LAKEWOOD RD. & MILLER RD. ACCIDENT Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1344 HRS 00 BLOCK OF BALDWIN CT. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Window broken on a vacant house.
1415 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & PYOTT RD. INJURY ACCIDENT. Vehicle vs. motorcycle. Male driver and female passenger transported to  Sherman Hospital.
1449 HRS RAKOW RD. & PINGREE RD. ACCIDENT. Three vehicles. Property damage only.
1455 HRS 8407 PYOTT RD., (AIRPORT). ACCIDENT Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1501 HRS 200 BLOCK OF ACORN LN. REPORT FOR INSURANCE. Tree fell on the residence.