May The New Year Be A Better One

Let's hope 2011 will be an improvement on 2010. It shouldn't be very hard.

The final week of each year between Christmas and New Years is a dreaded one in the news biz.  Nothing happens and nobody'a around to talk about it, anyway. One way to paper (!) over the gap is to run a lot of "10 bests" and "most important" retrospectives.  Ickk.  Old news is old news.  Better to sleep late and make some cookies with the kids.

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.

MARC C. IMPEY JR, DOB:  01/19/81, 2121 CLAREMONT LANE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. AGGRAVATED DOMESTIC BATTERY, DOMESTIC BATTERY (2CTS), BATTERY, AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, ENDANGERING THE HEALTH OF A CHILD.--LITH PD

RENE HUERTA, DOB:  06/01/77, 3470 CHADWICK LANE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS SATIVA PLANTS, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.--North Central Narcotics Task Force
  
IVAN URIEL PICHARDO-CALIXTO, DOB:  04/15/91, 334 TIMBER DRIVE, HARVARD. AGGRAVATED FLEEING OR ATTEMPT TO ELUDE A POLICE OFFICER(2CTS).--Harvard PD
  
CHARLES A. CAMPO II, DOB:  07/04/85, 1005 GREEN STREET, MCHENRY. AGGRAVATED BATTERY.--Richmond PD

RUFINO MURRIETA, DOB:  02/28/79, 7406 PINGREE ROAD, CRYSTAL LAKE. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED.--Oakwood Hills PD

JAMES C. ISAACS, DOB:  01/28/63, 20325 N. HAZELCREST ROAD, PALATINE. AGGRAVATED DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE(2CTS).--McHenry County Sheriff's Office

TIMOTHY A. TOBIN, DOB:  06/07/86, 7124 CHIPPEWA DRIVE, WONDER LAKE. RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY, CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, THEFT (UNDER $300.00), BATTERY.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office
  
MICHAEL L. YOUNG, DOB:  02/18/70, 4709 PRAIRIE AVENUE, MCHENRY. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF WEAPON BY A FELON, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.--McHenry PD
  
JAKOB D. NELSON, DOB:  06/28/93, 23543 N. COTTAGE ROAD. LAKE ZURICH. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLE, AGGRAVATED BATTERY, CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO GOVERNMENT SUPPORTED PROPERTY, AGGRAVATED FLEEING AND ELUDING A PEACE OFFICER(3CTS), RECKLESS CONDUCT.--Crystal Lake PD
  
TIFFANY N. SMITH, DOB:  04/19/88, 531 CENTRAL PARKWAY  #302 WOODSTOCK. UNLAWFUL USE OF CREDIT CARD(3CTS), FORGERY(3CTS).
ZONDRE M. DURR, DOB:  12/14/84, ADDRESS UNKNOWN. UNLAWFUL USE OF A CREDIT CARD(3CTS).
TORAE A. LACKLAND, DOB:  12/19/86, 531 CENTRAL PARKWAY  #202, WOODSTOCK. UNLAWFUL USE OF A CREDIT CARD(2CTS).--Woodstock PD
  
MICHAEL R. ZAMORANO, DOB:  09/05/91, 1480 CORD GRASS TRAIL, WOODSTOCK. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER CANNABIS, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.--Woodstock PD
  
STEVEN M. SPARKMAN,DOB:  09/11/65, 1411 KISHWAUKEE VALLEY ROAD, WOODSTOCK. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (2CTS), RETAIL THEFT.--McHenry PD
  
CHARLES J. SEXTON, DOB:  04/09/81, 901 GARFIELD STREET  APT B, HARVARD. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS WITH THE INTENT TO DELIVER, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office
  
ANDREW S. TOWNSEND, DOB:  05/14/89, 811 BUTTONWOOD COURT, MARENGO. UNLAWFUL DELIVERY OF CANNABIS(2CTS), UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS(2CTS). UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS WITH INTENT TO DELIVER, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office
  
BRETT W. JUSTEN, DOB:  06/09/84, 930 CAMELOT DRIVE, CRYSTAL LAKE. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.--Crystal Lake 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
December 31
0221 HRS CRYSTAL LAKE RD. & OAK ST. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. ARRIAGA, DAVID, M/W 21 YEARS OF AGE, 2011 ROBIN WOOD DR., ALGONQUIN. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol with a Breath Alcohol Content Over .08, Improper Lane Use. RELEASED ON BOND.
0459 HRS 2700 BLOCK OF MELBOURNE LN. WANTED ON WARRANT.  GARCIA, JACOB F., M/W 21 YEARS OF AGE, 2781 MELBOURNE LN., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant McHenry County, Failure to Appear for Battery, $7500 @ 10%, Failure to Appear Dekalb
County, Unlawful Possesion of a Controlled Substance, $10,000 @ 10%. RELEASED ON BOND.
1524 HRS 400 BLOCK OF CRYSTAL LAKE RD. WANTED ON WARRANT. WIORA, SCOTT A., M/W 20 YEARS OF AGE, 74 DEER PATH, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant McHenry County, Trespassing, $2000 @ 10%, Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
0214 HRS 10 BLOCK OF BARHARBOR CT. DOMESTIC. Boyfriend vs. girlfriend. Verbal only.  No priors.
0441 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 33 years of age, having a hard time breathing. Transported to Woodstock Hospital.
0726 HRS 2700 BLOCK OF MELBOURNE LN. DOMESTIC. Male vs. mother and father. Verbal only. No priors.
0847 HRS 300 BLOCK OF PYOTT RD. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Male vs. mother and brother. No priors. UNFOUNDED.
1019 HRS 100 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1746 HRS 2300 BLOCK OF WEXFORD LN. FRAUDULANT ACTIVITY.  Unauthorized debit card transactions. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1955 HRS 5300 BLOCK OF SULLIVAN PASS. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Father vs. Son. One prior. FAIL TO FILE.

Hospital For Huntley Not So Sure Now

Centegra Health Systems' plan for a big new 128-bed hospital in Huntley ran into a complication this week.  Competitor Mercy Health Systems revealed a plan for a big new 128-bed hospital, too, only its version is in Crystal Lake.

Applications for both hospitals arrived at the Illinois Health Facilities and Services and Review Board Wednesday.  On paper the proposals are practically clones. Both call for 100 general beds, 20 obstetrical beds and 8 intensive care ones, although the cost for Centegra's facility is put at  $233 million while the Mercy one only carries a $200 million tag.  Proposed sites for the two hospitals are only six miles apart.

"In the past there have been applications that were similar to each other," said Review Board spokesman Melaney Arnold Thursday, "but never to this degree."

As for the timing, "Merely coincidental," said Tom Jensen, Mercy's VP for Marketing and Public Relations in a statement.  "The Mercy application would have gone in irrespective of the timing of others."  Centegra announced plans to build a full-service facility at its Huntley Campus last week and VP for Marketing Susan Milford said in a statement Thursday she hadn't even seen Mercy's request yet.

The Review Board will have to pick a winner between the two dueling applications. "There's a formula to determine the health needs and shortages for each area," said Arnold.  Two years ago a Board survey forecast a need for 135 new beds in its A-10 planning area, basically McHenry County.  At stake for the Board's pick are several hundred construction jobs and around 1,000 permanent staffing spots. The runner-up likely gets an empty lot.

"We still think the Huntley site is the perfect location," said Village Manager Dave Johnson. "It's where the growth is going to be."

Even though it's not actually stapled to it, Mercy's application carries a history, of course.  Although Mercy was never charged with wrongdoing, the kickback scandal over approval of an earlier hospital for its Route 31 and Three Oaks Road site in Crystal Lake helped bring down Governor Rob Blagojevitch's administration. It also led to the reorganization of the State's old hospital Planning Board into the present health facilities Review Board.

Complicating the application process for both Centegra and Mercy is the awkard position of Aaron Shepley.  Shepley is Centegra's Chief Counsel whose job, among others, would be to take legal potshots at Mercy's application and defend his own firm's.  However, Shepley's also the mayor of Crystal Lake, the city that has long sought Mercy's proposed new facility.  FEN was unable to reach Shepley to ask how he's going to handle that problem.

Surveying this week's unexpected turns after last week's celebration, Huntley's Johnson smiled and said drily, "I think it's going to be an interesting next six months."

In the pic:  An artist's concept of what Centegra's hospital would look like.  Mercy didn't provide a sketch of what theirs might look like even though FEN asked for one.

Lots Of Chritmas Tree Options In Huntley

Getting rid of Christmas trees in Huntley is more complicated than FEN originally reported Monday.

For one thing, Huntley Park District's Recycling Program has a dropoff spot at Warrington Park through the end of January. Starting tomorrow the District also has a no-cost pickup through the 15th.  You can call 847-669-3180 x330 about that.  Whether dropoff or pickup, the trees will be mulched for park use.

Meanwhile, Waste Management also has an optional Tree Recycling Program but only for Sun City residents. For the first two weeks in January the company offers free Christmas tree pickup for all residences there. Just take off all the decorations and put it out on the curb for free recycling.  If the decorations aren't removed the tree goes to the landfill, though.

For the rest of the residential areas in the Village MDC Environmental Services will be picking up  trees this Monday and next Monday, Jan. 10. None of the trees will be recycled so it doesn't matter if decorations are removed or not.  Trees bigger than 10 feet are supposed to be cut in half, however, so the drivers don't blow out a disc.

Dashing Through The Snow...Laughing All The Way

The January thaw's a little early this year but this, too, shall pass and odds are the snow will be back by January 19.  That's the date for Heritage Woods' sleigh ride o'er its fields in Huntley from 10 am to to 2 pm.  The assisted living facility has an open sleigh and horsies laid on along with some hot chocolate and winter refreshments and there'll be a Basket Raffle, too, with proceeds going to the United Way.   RSVP a spot at 847-669-5185.  Bring a lap robe. 

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
December 30
0818 HRS ROUTE 31. & KLASEN RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. JULIO, MARIA, F/W 29 YEARS OF AGE, 714 MCHENRY AVE., CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Driving While License suspended, No Valid Insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.
1509 HRS 4600 BLOCK OF HERON CT. DOMESTIC BATTERY. GOMEZ, VICTORIA K., F/W 33 YEARS OF AGE, 4625 HERON CT., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Domestic Battery. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
0126 HRS 800 BLOCK OF WEDGEWOOD CIRCLE. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 26 years of age, having a seizure. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
0741 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF HEAVENS GATE. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 87 years of age, chest pains and difficulty breathing. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
0823 HRS 2900 BLOCK OF GENEVA LN. DEATH INVESTIGATION. Male, 36 years of age, not conscious not breathing. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY CORONER.
1042 HRS 00 BLOCK OF RONAN CT. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Female subject receiving unwanted texts.
1045 HRS 600 BLOCK OF ANDERSON DR. HIT & RUN. Mailbox damaged by a vehicle that left the scene overnight.
1248 HRS 310 N. RANDALL RD., (CHASE BANK). PRIVATE PROPERTY ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1242 HRS 00 BLOCK OF PHEASANT TRAIL. BURGLARY FROM MOTOR VEHICLE. laptop computer, a digital camera, a 4G WIFI device, a wireless mouse, and a checkbook were taken from an unlocked vehicle. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1254 HRS 200 BLOCK OF HAWTHORNE RD. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 79 years of age, difficulty breathing. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1320 HRS 200 BLOCK OF CRYSTAL LAKE RD. TRESPASSING. Criminal defacement.
1336 HRS 310 N. RANDALL RD., (CHASE BANK). FORGERY. Checks written without owner’s knowledge.
1504 HRS RAKOW RD. & PYOTT RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles property damage only.
1640 HRS 3000 BLOCK OF RONAN DR. VIOLATION OF ORDER OF PROTECTION. Male subject possibly violating order of protection. UNFOUNDED.
1706 HRS 300 BLOCK OF PYOTT RD. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Brother vs. brother. No priors. FAIL TO FILE.
1806 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF VIEWPOINT DR. SUICIDE ATTEMPT. Female, 13 years of age, suicide attempt. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1807 HRS 200 BLOCK OF COOL STONE BEND. HIT AND RUN. Unknown vehicle vs. parked car.
1852 HRS 800 BLOCK OF JESSIE RD. THEFT OVER. Jewelry taken from residence. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.

Deputy Declines Comment on Nygren Corruption Allegations

The McHenry County Deputy who in a sworn deposition reportedly accused Sheriff Keith Nygren of ordering him to kill a political opponent and of running a scheme to import illegal aliens to the county has refused to say anything more about the allegations.

Scott Milliman, about 49, of Crystal Lake declined Monday to comment on the deposition; on who, if anyone, told him not to comment; on his current duty status at the McHenry County Sheriff's Office or about the state of his mental health.  On the last he said he would consult his attorney about whether he could respond but at close of business Wednesday FEN had received no reply.

Neither has FEN received a response to a FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office about Milliman's duty status nor any response to a request for the Sheriff to comment.

Milliman's charges were revealed last week in the transcript of a status check in Federal Court in  ex-deputy Zane Seipler's civil rights case. Seipler claims he was fired for complaining about racial profiling in arrests by the Sheriff's Office.  Seipler's attorney Monday moved the add the description of Milliman's allegations to Seipler's Circuit Court request for a Special Prosecutor to investigate the Sheriff.

In that latest filing Seipler claims he "has sound reasons to believe" a "cultural exchange program" between the Sheriff's Office and a police department in the Mexican state of Zacatecas was part of the alleged illegal immigrant scheme.  The program started in 2003 when a deputy and jailer spent a month in Mexico but Nygren suspended it two years ago when narcoterrorists threatened civil order in the northern Mexican state.  Just two weeks ago eight men were kidnapped, tortured and killed in the latest incident there. The state's Attorney General arrested the entire seven-man police force of a nearby town and said there had been other instances of police corruption in his jurisdiction.

As soon as Milliman's allegations became public anonymous commenters at McHenry County Blog and  Woodstock Advocate questioned his mental stability claiming he had suffered "brain cancer" or still does and had undergone an operation for it.  Milliman wouldn't say anything about that Monday.  However, FEN has found that in May, 2006, Milliman filed suit in Pennsylvania against the chemical Manufacturer Rohm and Haas charging pollution at McCullom Lake had caused him to suffer "a rare form of malignant brain cancer for which there is no known cure" and that he underwent brain surgery in 2002.

While declining to comment on his medical history Monday, Milliman was able to volunteer minutiae from a chance conversation he had with FEN's publisher over four months ago.  During that encounter Milliman showed no impairment of appearance or demeanor.

Seipler's motion to add the allegations turned up by his federal case to his request for a County Special Prosecutor indicates Milliman's deposition and those of at least three and as many as seven other deputies are sealed by a protective order.  A hearing on Seipler's motion and a countermotion to dismiss the request, now almost a year old, is scheduled for next Thursday.

Area Illinois State Scholars Honored

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission this month announced area high school students named Illinois State Scholars for the 2011 school year.

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in the top ten percent of the state’s high school seniors and hail from 749 high schools in Illinois. Selection is based on SAT, ACT and/or Prairie State Achievement Exam scores, and/or class rank at the end of the junior year.

The recognition doesn't directly include money but the winners are encouraged to cite the award on applications for college admission and scholarships. State Rep. Mike Tryon also encouraged them to fill out a free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after Jan. 1 for federal and state aid, including Illinois’s $400 million need-based Monetary Award Program (MAP).

“Competition for college admission and financial assistance is tough these days, and the Illinois State Scholar recognition gives these students an advantage in attending the college of their choice and being able to afford it as well,” Tryon said.

Here's a list of all the area's public high school Illinois State Scholars:

H.D. Jacobs High School Ademe, Michael Anderson, Collin Arceneaux, Kara Barilow, Sam Bieneman, Thomas Boehm, Casey Bogdan, Adam Brenner, Jonathon Buettner, Alexandra Bultman, Eric Cash, Elysa Cooper, Ryan Cramer, Sarah Cudney, Alexandra Czyz, Maciej Dominic, Anita Gilligan, Jennifer Goldberg, Alisa Hansen, Erik Hubner, Kevin James, Michael Janus, Robert Joshi, Kinchit Kaczar, Brian Kale, Brett Kern, Megan Kogan, Alex Kozak, Casey Krieser, Melissa Kruse, Michael Kwak, Christine Lee, David Lenzini, Stephen Livingston, Amber Magsamen, Cameron Maurice, Alaina McGreaham, Kelsey Miller, Aimee Modi, Sonia Moser, Emily Oberhauser, Rebecca Orjuela, Monica Pankau, Lindsey Patel, Parth Patel, Tejal Pierski, Emily Pignataro, Taylor Piotrowski, Susan Podczerwinski, Amanda Quach, Brian Rathjen, Cameron Richman, Collin Rider, Samuel Rung, Alana Schlosser, Kristen Searle, Bradley Shover, Alec Sloma, Devin Steele, Ryan Surges, Jacob Thomas, Patricia Tomany, Jennifer Vanvlierbergen, David Willerth, Diana Wolske, Jarrett Wroten, Katie

Huntley High School Aldape, Joslyn Andersson, Erik Beck, Alyssa Bengtson, Aaron Bocian, Brian Bockenhauer, Cory Bohme, Jordan Borhart, Grace Brunette, Cassady Bushnell, Erin Claussen, Melissa Cowart, Christopher Cron, Alexander Darnell, Cara De Losada, Rodrigo Demay, Tatum Deocampo, Melanie Duddy, Sean Fait, Adrian Flynn, Meagan Gelz, Julie Gorski, Martin Gowda, Suman Hanson, Neal Heiden, Matthew Huang, Shirley Husak, Edward Jiang, Lydia Koniewicz, Kristen Kwiecinski, Rafal Loprieno, Haley Lowery, Katherine Marsh, Jenna Martinez, Rachel McNeill, Cullen Mejia, Eduardo Molenda, Ashley Moore, Joshua Myers, Richard Navarro, Aidnel Geist Niles, Chelsea Patel, Umangi Patton, Stephanie Plansky, Allison Ramirez, Francis Rasheed, Amer Rodriguez, Zachary Roesslein, Dillon Rubino, Philip Schultz, Rebecca Schwartz, Cody Sciortino, Maria Sheehan, Sarah Solis, Lesly Svoboda, Amanda Swichtenberg, Danielle Urbanski, Peter Welch, Madison Wilkerson, Arianna Zobott, Samantha

Dundee-Crown High School Allen, Jeffrey Blonski, Andrew Bollman, Hannah Bosshart, Nicholas Brandstatter, Kevin Brodersen, Daniel Clark, Jason Demetriou, Nicholas Dhillon, Preen Dudley, Charlene Gilligan, Christina Goldberg, William Griffin, James Hairgrove, Michael Hanselmann, Kirk Hartland, Nicholas Hegel, Timothy Heredia, Nicole Hirsch, Molly Hof, Kelly Hofman, Mazy Humanski, Jessica Jaskowiak, Daniel Keable, Jonathan Kirchhoff, Nathan Lazo, Adam Lehrman, Olivia Maki, Amanda Marschke, Jeffrey Medina, Kasandre Medina, Robert Morganstein, Tyler Morse, Nikolai Mosher, Lauren Owano, Rhiannon Perna, Michelle Rakow, Shane Rau, Jennifer Reasor, Lillian Rice, Michael Stevens, Cody Stone, Brandon Thorne, Griffin Ulbert, Erin Wang, Kelly Wendt, Jessica Zozokos, Daniel

College Test Prep, Practice Available At MCC

One of the most important hurdles for college entrance is the ACT test and McHenry County College,  is offering  Prep classes for it on four consecutive Saturdays starting Jan. 8.

The four-day comprehensive class is supposed to improve student ACT scores. Each class section focuses on specific subject matter including math, science, reading and English. The instruction book (Barron's) is included in the class cost.

Another four-day Prep class will starts Jan. 15.  Additional Prep classes are scheduled throughout the school year.

The class does not include the actual ACT exam. Students should register separately for the exam and should consult their school guidance counselor.  However, MCC also offers the ACT Practice test, designed to give students the experience of taking all four tests at one sitting and to see where they may need some additional study times.  An  ACT Practice test for Saturday, Feb. 5. Cost of the test is $20.

Students can register for the ACT Prep classes or practice tests by calling the MCC Registration office starting Jan. 4 at (815) 455-8588. For more information, call Marie V. Frostman, educational opportunities coordinator for McHenry County College, at (815) 479-7559 or mfrostma@mchenry.edu.

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
December 29
0144 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & OAKLEAF RD. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. ALONSO, JUAN CARLOS A., M/W 44 YEARS OF AGE, 160 COPPER MOUNTAIN DR., GILBERTS. Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, following too closely, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, failure to give information & failure to dim headlights. RELEASED ON BOND.
0246 HRS MILLER RD. & LAKEWOOD RD. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 22 years of age, highly intoxicated. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
0338 HRS 1500 BLOCK OF CLAYTON MARSH DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 38 years of age, severe pain in her side. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
0732 HRS 5200 MILLER RD., (SUNSET PARK). THEFT. A barricade was taken from the parking lot.
1205 HRS 400 BLOCK OF MASON LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 91 years of age, in and out of consciousness. No transport.
1738 HRS 00 BLOCK OF CASTLE PINES CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 75 years of age, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Transported to Sherman Hospital
1810 HRS 700 BLOCK OF GRANITE CT. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Report for insurance, structure fire.
Algonquin
December 28
08:32am A 17 year-old male 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 01/26/11 in Algonquin.
13:35pm Korth, Kelly E., DOB: 10/15/92, of 3513 Blue Ridge Court, Carpentersville, was charged with Battery.  He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department.  He was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 01/26/11 in Algonquin.
December 30
01:52am Brockmeyer, Brooke M., DOB: 10/08/87, of 2314 Day Break Drive, Lake in the Hills, was charged with DUI, DUI Over, Following Too Closely and Improper Lane Usage.  She was taken into custody at Algonquin Road and Hanson Road.  She was released after posting $100 and her Illinois Driver’s License with a court date of 02/02/11 in McHenry County.
Huntley
December 22
Brianna R. Peter, age 18, of 21013 West Coral, Marengo, was arrested for consumption of alcohol by a minor and was cited for disobeying a traffic signal.  In the same incident Karissa R. Montanez, age 18, of 600 N. East St. #5, Marengo, was arrested for consumption of alcohol by a minor.  Both subjects were released with a notice to appear in McHenry County Circuit Court on January 31, 2011.
Elfego Abarca, age  41, of 5353 Lansbury Circle, Lake in the Hills, was arrested for driving with no valid drivers license and was cited for improper signal.  Mr. Abarca posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of February 18, 2011.
A theft report was taken at a business in the 11800 block of Factory Shops Blvd.  A bank deposit was missing.
December 23
Victor R. Stupa, age 60, of 11661 Beacon Ave, Huntley, was arrested for two counts of domestic battery.  Mr. Stupa was transported to McHenry County Jail to await bond call.
Maria M. Ramirez, age 23, of 240 Maple Ave, Carpentersville, was arrested for hit and run.  Ms. Ramirez posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of January 28, 2011.
Yanyro Hernandez Reyes, age 26, of 10606 Phillip Dr, Huntley, was arrested for driving with no valid driver’s license, and was cited for failure to obey a stop sign.  Mr. Reyes posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of January 28, 2011.
December 26
A criminal damage to property report was taken in the 11300 block of Timer Dr.  A front door was damaged.
Francisco J. Rodriguez, age 20, of 1004 8th St., Harvard, was arrested for driving while license suspended and was cited for driving with one head light.  Mr. Rodriguez posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of January 21, 2011.

Drama Ends In D158 Board Race

Algonquin CPA Tony Quagliano only beat the deadline by minutes Tuesday but that was still enough time for him to withdraw one of his two District 158 Board of Ed nominating petitions. Earlier Huntley businessman Mike Skala had done the same thing. Together the withdrawals changed the April 5 election for seats on the Board from what might have been a complicated race into a beauty pageant.

Four seats will be on the ballot and four men filed to fill them.  Those were President Kevin Gentry, hopeful Bill Geheren, and incumbents Quagliano and Skala. The problem was three of those seats will be for four-year terms and one for two and Quagliano and Skala both filed petitions for both long and short-term seats. Both had to withdraw one petition or be struck from the ballot entirely. ("You can't hold two offices at the same time," said State Election Board attorney Ken Menzel.) The question was who'd get the short term?

It turned out to be Skala who withdrew his petition for a four-year seat.  Quagliano withdrew his for the two-year seat.  That left four men running for four seats, neat but devoid of drama.

"We (Skala and Quagliano) talked to each other," Quagliano reported, "and said, 'Do you have a preference?'  We didn't."

"Mike said 'We've been in the same situation before,'" said Quagliano, "only he ran for the four-year term then so he said 'I'll give you first choice.'"

If any of that carried a whiff of private club atmosphere Quagliano hastened to add, "We didn't circulate petitions until late in case someone else would step up."  But no one did other than Geheren. He, in effect, will replace Member Aileen Seedorf who didn't file this time.

In the pics: (above) Quagliano.  (below) Skala.

New LITH Citizens' Police Academy Next Month

Next month the Lake in the Hills PD will host its 34th Citizens' Police Academy on crime scene investigation, firearms, law overview, and gangs and community relations.  There's even a hands on approach in some classes.  (Yes, you get to fire a gun.)

The Citizen’s Police Academy runs for ten weeks, with three-hour courses each Monday night from 6:30 to 9:30 pm.  It's taught at the Lake in the Hills Police Station with the exception of classes that require field locations.  Instructors for the course are members of LITH PD who include a lot of hard-bitten side comments with their PowerPoint presentations.

The next Academy starts Jan, 24, with applications available at the PD.  You have to be:

1.  At least 18 years of age
2.  Free of felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions that question your moral character
3.  Willing to commit to attending a 3-hour each week for all 10 weeks
4.  Able to deal with material that may be graphic at times

For info call Sgt. Teri Vollmer at the community relations division, 847-658-5676.

MCC Nursing Grads: 100 Percent Licensed, Employed

McHenry County College’s 25 registered nursing graduates who earned their associate’s degrees in nursing in May have all received a 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Exam and all are employed as nurses, according to a recent MCC release.

Seven MCC nursing graduates are employed at Centegra Health System, one at St. Joseph’s in Elgin, one at St. Alexius in Hoffman Estates, and the remaining 16 work at nursing homes in various communities between McHenry County and Chicago. “It’s fabulous that they have come as far as they have,” said Joan Flanagan, director of Health Care Careers. “I’m so proud of all of them to have found jobs so quickly in this economy.”

Most of graduates were employed by the end of August, Flanagan said, noting that some of the graduates were hired as nurses at nursing homes where they previously worked as certified nurse assistants. Some of the graduates have already started or will continue their education toward a bachelor’s degree in nursing, she said.

 “The majority of our new hires this year came from MCC’s nursing program,” said Steve Osborne, nurse recruiter at Centegra Health System.  He said the MCC graduates were placed at the McHenry and Woodstock hospitals. “That says a lot about MCC’s fledgling program, because we found the students extremely capable, motivated and passionate about nursing,” he said.

State Medicaid System Gets $15 Million Bump

By Andrew Thomason, Illinois Statehouse News
Illinois will receive a $14.9 million bonus grant from the federal government for improving enrollment in the state’s Medicaid program.

“ We will use this money to further implement enhancements to our programs,” said Stacey Solano, spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Solano said there aren’t any specific plans for the money, yet, though.

The $14.9 million injection of cash into the state’s Medicaid system – a joint state-federal program that provides health insurance mostly for pregnant women and children in low-income families – comes six months before the end of federal stimulus dollars that have helped keep the system above water for the past two years. Medicaid, along with other health care programs, makes up about a third of  Illinois’ current budget.

During the past month, lawmakers in the state have been holding hearings to discuss reforms to Medicaid that could rein in costs. Changes talked about include tightening the process for checking a child’s eligibility by making guardians come into a health care and human services office to register. Another reform would end a system of passive enrollment.

If either of these changes were in place this year, the state would have been bumped out of the running for the grants.

In order to get a bonus, an applying state had to streamline its enrollment and renewal processes and show a significant increase in the number of children in their Medicaid program during the past year.For its part, Illinois approved a plan that loosened All Kids– the state’s children's insurance program that includes those in Medicaid – eligibility. The legislation, which goes online Jan. 1, ends a state requirement that a child be kicked out of the program for at least three months after their guardian misses a premium payment.

The number of children in Illinois hasn’t increased that much, and the percentage of uninsured children has actually gone down since 2006. However, the number enrolled in Medicaid went from 25.5 percent in 2006 to 32.4 percent in 2009, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. The shift comes mainly from children moving from private insurance to Medicaid.

You can read Andrew's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/4783/states-medicaid-system-gets-15-million-bump/

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
December 28
1521 HRS ALGONQUIN RD, & INDIAN TRAIL. NO VALID DRIVERS LICENSE. CASIMIRO, LEODAN, M/W 35 YEARS OF AGE, DRIVERS LICENSE 116 ADOBE CIRCLE, CARPENTERSVILLE. CHARGES: No Valid Driver’s License, Improper Lane Usage. RELEASED ON BOND.
0800 HRS 100 BLOCK OF PHEASANT TRAIL. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 64 years of age, experiencing a fever and feeling weak. Transported to Northern Illinois Medical Center.
1016 HRS 00 BLOCK OF FEATHERSTONE CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 4 years of age, having a seizure. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
1508 HRS RANDALL RD. & POLARIS DR. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1840 HRS 4300 BLOCK OF PRINCETON DR. ACCIDENT. Vehicle vs. Fire Hydrant. Property damage only.
2005 HRS 300 BLOCK OF TERRAMERE LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 2 years of age, having difficulty breathing. No transport.
2005 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 50 years of age, having chest pains & difficulty breathing. Transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Grafton Township Fixes Tax Levy Blunder

A day ahead of the filing deadline the Grafton Township Board Monday reduced their levy for real estate taxes due in 2011 because they bungled it last week.

The levy the Board approved at a special meeting last Monday violated the ritual of the Illinois Truth in Taxation Act and Trustee Barb Murphy worried that would invalidate the Township's levy for the 2010 tax year.  "We'd have been screwed," she said.  "We'd have got nothing."

The Truth in Taxation act (oversimplified but not much) limits any collective tax increase due next year to no more than five percent above what was collected this year.  That's unless the taxing body wants to increase it more than that. Then there has to be a hearing where residents can complain about it after which the body can go ahead and do it anyway.  At last Monday's meeting the Board thought they were OK'ing a 4.99 percent increase but the next day Assessor Bill Ottley figured out they'd blundered past the limit without the hearing.

Supervisor Linda Moore declined at this Monday's meeting to explain how that happened but afterwards sent out an email admitting she'd made her calculations using last year's imaginary  levy figure (what the Township officially asked for) instead of its tax extension figure (what it really collected).  Even so, there was bickering over the error.  "We took it for granted the figures were accurate," said Trustee Betty Zirk.  "Did you not have 20 days to examine the figures?" replied Moore.

It was probably another tempest in a teapot since the Truth in Taxation Act says if all the right bases aren't touched for a more-than-five percent levy increase it defaults to the five percent limit.  However, the newer Property Tax Extension Law Limit (oversimplified again) doesn't allow a levy higher than the 2009 inflation rate in the first place. That was 2.7 percent so the 5 percent ceiling would have been irrelevant, anyway.

Even so, there was another confused debate about whether Grafton Township's new levy increased taxes. Moore said it did and in nominal dollar figures she was right.  Trustees said it didn't and, adjusted for 2009's debasement of the dollar, they were right.  But both sides probably started out arguing about Grafton Township residents' collective tax bill and likely ended up talking about an average individual one without noticing the switch.  Neither will be settled until the County Assessor and Clerk finish a lot more green eyeshade work in April.

Monday's outcome: Grafton Township's 2011 tax levy in theory will increase $50,000 to $1.054 million.  Ottley estimated the increase in practice will probably work out to about an 11-cent tax  boost on a $100,000 home.

In the pic:  There was no meeting of the minds Monday among Grafton Supervisor Linda Moore (left) and Trustees Barb Murphy and Rob LaPorta as an amended tax levy was discussed.

Grafton Pantry Finally Gets Own Website

More than a year after moving out the Grafton Township Offices and being kicked off the Grafton Township website several times (there's a link there again) the Grafton Township Food Pantry has its own website.  It finally lit up Monday after a couple of weeks' delay switching domain name registrations.

Having its own site will probably help residents who either need help or want to provide it find out where the Pantry is now and how to contact it.  When it moved in August, 2009, a regional newspaper misprinted the address and between that, the move itself and the on-again-off-again Grafton Township website pages and links, a Google search for the Pantry for more than a year has led only into a welter of conflicting and often incorrect information.

Volunteer Chrissy Hoover who designed the site said she still has a few tweaks to make.  "We'll have PayPal set up so people can make donations online in a few days," she said.

The new Grafton Township Food Pantry website is at: http://www.graftonfoodpantry.org/

Algonquin Offers Online Registration For Events And Rec Programs

Algonquin residents can now register for Events & Recreation programs 24 hours a day from the comfort and privacy of their own homes (or offices) with the Village's new online registration website. The new site allows registered users to sign up and pay for classes, view enrollment history, update contact information, and add family members.

The new website and a PDF version of the Events & Recreation Guide is at: https://rec.algonquin.org 
Anyone who's registered for programs in the past with a current email address, will already have online access. Information for logging into an online account is listed on the Home Page. Questions about online registration should go to  recreation@algonquin.org or (847) 658-2700.

Sheriff's Trouble: Nobody's Talking

There was essentially no progress Monday in seeking details on allegations of murder orders and corruption in the McHenry County Sheriff's Office.

A spokesman said both Sheriff Keith Nygren and Undersheriff Andy Zinke were busy Monday when FEN called seeking comment.  Neither called back.

There was no response to an email FEN Freedom of Information Act request for the duty status of Deputy Scott Milliman who, according to court transcripts, made the allegations.

An Illinois State Police spokesman would neither confirm nor deny that it was conducting an investigation of the Sheriff's Office as indicated in the transcript.  "That's our policy.  We never confirm or deny an investigation," he said.

An examination of Rockford Federal Court records revealed depositions of three other McHenry County deputies were completed last week in the civil case in which Milliman's charges surfaced but FEN hasn't been able to determine yet if they're available for examination or if they've been sealed by judge's order.

Obituaries

June Browne Tookey, 87, of Sun City, Huntley, died passed at her home last Wednesday following a lengthy illness. A memorial gathering will be from 1 to 2:30 pm Sunday, January 9 with a memorial service at 2:30  at the DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral & Cremation Service, Huntley, followed by private inurnment in St. Mary Cemetery, Huntley.
Tookey was born March 24, 1923 in Lima, Ohio, the daughter of Julius and Avanelle (Browne) Carney.  She married Walter B. Tookey on July 29, 1972. She is survived by her daughter, Jan (Richard) Carlstedt of Crystal Lake and grandchildren, Gregory and Kristen and Suzanne (David) Pugh of Lamont. She was preceded in death by her husband.


Frank Hehn, 88, of Sun City, Huntley, died at St. Joseph Provena Hospital in Elgin Monday from complications of a stroke. Visitation will be 3 to 8 pm with a wake service at 7:30  Wednesday at DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral Home, Huntley.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am Thursday at St. Mary Catholic Church, Huntley, with visitation after 9am at church.

Hehn was born November 3, 1922, in Yugoslavia, the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Kutanzi) Hehn.  He married Katharina J. Jaeger on May 10, 1950 in Germany.  In 1958 the couple moved to the United States. Hehn is survived by his wife; his children, Erica (John) Unterreiner of Hampshire, Guenther (Victoria) Hehn of Prospect Heights; his grandchildren, Brian, Mark, Karen, Matthew and Dan and his brother, Stefan (Mary) Hehn of Lake Villa and sister, Elizabeth Preckel of Round Lake.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Josef and Peter.

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
December 27
1644 HRS RANDALL RD. & ROOSEVELT ST. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE EXPIRED OVER ONE YEAR. NEGAS, CRIS, M/W 45 YEARS OF AGE, 315 S. ELMHURST AVE., MOUNT PROSPECT. CHARGES: Driving while License expired over one Year, No Valid Insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.
1927 HRS 00 BLOCK OF INDIAN TRAIL. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. ELLER, JOSEPH M., M/W 30 YEARS OF AGE, 10 INDIAN TRAIL, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Criminal Damage to Property. RELEASED ON BOND.
2107 HRS LAKEWOOD RD. & ALGONQUIN RD. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. LA ROSA, DEREK, M/W 29 YEARS OF AGE, 993 CAMELOT DR., CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, Improper Traffic Lane Use, Illegal Transportation of Alcohol. RELEASED ON BOND.
0109 HRS 220 N. RANDALL, (MORETTI’S). DOMESTIC Boyfriend vs. girlfriend. Verbal only. No priors.
0558 HRS 6900 RAKOW RD., (RAKOW CURVE). ACCIDENT. Car vs. deer. Property damage only.
0704 HRS 00 BLOCK OF CROSSVIEW CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 52 years of age, with flu-like symptoms. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
0847 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & HILLTOP DR. INJURY ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Male, 74 years of age, with chest pain. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
0949 HRS 1200 BLOCK OF POPLAR ST. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 81 years of age, with a possible stroke. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1443 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF STARWOOD PASS. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 11 years of age, with difficulty breathing. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1701 HRS 1400 BLOCK OF JEFFERSON ST. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 62 years of age, hands tingling and feeling nauseated. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
2238 HRS 100 BLOCK OF PHEASANT TRAIL. CIVIL MATTER. Landlord has not fixed the furnace for the tenant. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.

Boxing Day Turnout: Good, Bad, Indifferent

The early word on retail sales this Christmas won't be out until Wednesday.  Anecdotally, the week before saw a rush of last-minute shoppers but the day after, at least locally, wasn't marked with hordes of bargain hunters.

For the week ending Dec. 18, the last for which numbers were available, the International Council of Shopping Centers figured sales were up 4.2 percent from last year. The group forecast a 3 to 3.5 percent increase for the month.  Market research company Shopper Trak made the Super Saturday weekend increase 5.5 percent and figured the week before Christmas would see about one third of the entire month's shopping.

A survey of local mall parking lots found lots of empty spaces the day after Christmas, traditionally a madhouse.  On the other hand, it was an atypical Boxing Day, falling on a Sunday. For a Sunday, traffic in the afternoon seemed brisk.  For what was technically the day after Christmas, not so much.

One store advertised 60 percent markdowns but the sign didn't say whether that was on anything anyone in his right mind would want and it had obviously been printed at least a week ago.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, How Pesky Are Thy Branches

Sweet Angie the Christmas Tree Angel's packed in tissue paper and tucked away in the closet again but what to do with that poor old Christmas tree, already shedding needles, she graced?

In Algonquin, Waste Management will collect holiday trees on normal collection days January 3 through 14 at no extra charge. All lights and decorations must be removed, no bags and trees over six feet tall should be cut in half. Waste Management Customer Service is 800-796-9696.

In Lake in the Hills, Christmas trees can go out for regular trash pickup until January 31.
No decorations or tinsel. Republic Services (formerly Arc Disposal) customer service is 847-429-7370.

In Huntley, at least in Sun City, starting Jan. 3, the Park District will collect live Christmas trees free of charge (also free of tinsel, decorations, & lights) every Monday and Tuesday throughout January. The Park District will convert the trees to mulch to be used in the district parks.  Waste Management will not be collecting trees as part of their regular trash pickup.

Algonquin Township has a Christmas tree dropoff at its recycling center for residents open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week now through Jan. 31.  Eventually the trees will be ground into mulch which residents can pick back up again in Spring, also for free.

In the pic:  Trees piled up fast last year at Algonquin Township's Recycling Center. 

Munaretto Out As Finance Committee Chairman

Nobody's much remarked it yet but 2011 will see one big change in the McHenry County Board.  After four terms as Chairman of the powerful Finance and Audit Committee, Algonquin Commercial Realtor Marc Munaretto will no longer head the group.  Indeed, he won't even be on it.

Last week the Board's Committee on Committees drew up the list of who's to do what.  According to District 3 Member Mary Donner, Crystal Lake, "We were already out of the building before (District 6 Member) Mary McCann (,Woodstock) said, 'You know, nobody said anything about Marc.'"

"There's a hierarchy (to committee assignments)," said District 1 Member Anna Mae Miller.  "It's entirely subjective," she added but most Board members would probably put Finance up at the top of the power list.  That's the one that can dole out $200,000 business loans and, in 2010 at least, had $46 million in stimulus bonds to hand out. Munaretto's headed it since 2003. Now he won't.

What happened?  Was this the "retribution" of which Munaretto spoke darkly when he ran and lost against Ken Koehler for Board Chairman three weeks ago?  Was it a rebuke from the rest of the Board for only managing to use up about $9.5 million of $27.5 million in bonding authority to stimulate county businesses?  By all accounts available in the shortened week before Christmas it was neither.  Committee on Committees members said Munaretto simply didn't put his name in the hat.

The selection process involves a questionaire listing each member's top three areas of interest.  Munaretto reportedly didn't submit one. "I put X's (on the form) for the committees he's been on," said Koehler.

Each district also has a meeting of each one's members with Koehler.  Munaretto reportedly didn't attend District 1's. "I even had the meeting at Algonquin Township Offices (where Munaretto is Clerk) for convenience's sake," Koehler reported.

Munaretto's apparent refusal to participate in the selection process just moves the question over, though; "What happened?"  Calls to his office and home seeking comment were not returned.

In the pic:  Mark Munaretto presiding over the McHenry County Board's Finance and Audit Committee when the State's Attorney asked for more money.

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
December 26
1340 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF MCPHEE DR. POSSESSION OF CANNABIS. KOZLOWSKI, HEATHER G., F/W 18 YEARS OF AGE, 1052 MCPHEE DR.., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Possession of Cannabis. RELEASED ON BOND.
1926 HRS VIRGINIA RD. & RAKOW RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. AVELINO, RAFAEL, M/W 23 YEARS OF AGE, 7406 PINGREE, Crystal Lake. CHARGES: Driving while license suspended, defective windshield, Child under age of 8 years of age not in a child restraint. RELEASED ON BOND.
2250 HRS HALIGUS RD. & SCOTT DR. ASSIST OTHER AGENCY. Assisted the Crystal Lake Police Department with locating and arrest of a subject wanted for Retail Theft. TURNED OVER TO CRYSTAL LAKE POLICE DEPT.
1522 HRS 3000 BLOCK OF BALDWIN LN. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. wife. Verbal only. Three priors.
1759 HRS 3000 BLOCK OF BALDWIN LN. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. wife. Verbal only. Four priors.
1904 HRS 400 BLOCK OF THUNDER RIDGE. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 47 years of age, difficulty breathing. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
2011 HRS 220 N. RANDALL RD., (MORETTI’S). BATTERY Between a male and female. FAIL TO FILE.
Algonquin
December 23
02:03am Levario, Noel R., DOB: 10/25/73, of 1165 Sawmill Lane, Algonquin, was charged with Resisting, Aggravated Battery and 2 Counts of Domestic Battery.  He was taken into custody at 1165 Sawmill.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail to await a bond hearing.
10:00am Martin, James P., DOB: 12/31/82, of 807 Osceola Drive, Algonquin, was charged with Aggravated Assault.  He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department.  He was released after posting $150 with a court date of 01/26/11 in McHenry County.
14:32pm Perrott, Douglas A., DOB: 06/18/80, of 910 Susan Drive, Algonquin, was Wanted on a Warrant, out of McHenry County for Criminal Damage to Property.  He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department.  He was released after posting $150 with a court date of 01/18/11 in McHenry County.
20:42pm Kosowicz, Marcin, DOB: 10/12/65, of 225 S. Rohlwing Road, Palatine, was charged with DUI, Improper Lane Usage and Failure to Signal.  He was taken into custody at Eastgate Drive and Route 62.  He was released after posting $100 and his Illinois Driver’s License with a court date of 01/26/11 in McHenry County.
December 24
01:16am Hursey, Kody J., DOB: 10/13/88 of 2700 Westwood Circle, Carpentersville, was charged with DUI, DUI Over and Failure to Yield.  He was taken into custody at Corporate Parkway and Randall Road.  He was released after posting $100 and his Illinois Driver’s License with a court date of 02/02/11 in McHenry County.
12:00pm Kelly, Kristen R., DOB: 01/14/75, of 3 Charminster Court, Algonquin, was charged with Retail Theft.  She was taken into custody at Kohl’s, 734 S. Randall Road.  She was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond with a court date of 01/26/11 in McHenry County.
December 25
15:30pm Barlow, William B., DOB: 10/15/47, of 308 S. Collins, South Elgin, was charged with Domestic Battery.  He was taken into custody at Route 72 and Randall Road.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail to await a bond hearing.

Court Transcript Reveals Sheriff's Alleged Murder Order

A three-part posting over the holiday weekend by McHenry County Blog publisher Cal Skinner revealed that a McHenry County Deputy claims Sheriff Keith Nygren told him to kill a political opponent.  Meanwhile Woodstock Advocate blogger Gus Philpott reports that same deputy was placed on administrative leave last week.

Skinner's postings are based on transcripts of court conferences in ex-deputy Zane Seipler's federal suit claiming he was fired two years ago for complaining about racial profiling. The full 48-page (technical and hard-to-follow) transcript obtained by FEN is here:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/45909300/Seipler-121510-1

The transcript is the official record of a conference among Judge Michael Mahoney, Seipler attorney Blake Horwitz and McHenry County Sheriff's Office attorney James Sotos about witness depositions in Seipler's First Amendment case.  The former deputy maintains Sheriff Keith Nygren fired him two years ago when he complained the Sheriff's Office was targeting Hispanics for arrest. Nygren maintains it was over a pair of botched traffic tickets even though a federal arbitrator and a Circuit Judge have both ruled they were only worth a three-day suspension.

Revealed in the discussion are allegations Nygren and Crystal Lake businessman and political supporter Jose Rivera ran a ring to bring illegal aliens to McHenry County; that some of Nygren's deputies regularly staked out a Woodstock apartment complex where the aliens were kept so they could rack up promotion points for arrests and that Nygren told veteran Deputy Scott Milliman to kill the Sheriff's political opponent Dave Bachmann by hanging him and to "push (another) guy in front of a train."

Not included in Skinner's summary of the conference was yet another Milliman allegation that local attorneys used to cut deals with then-McHenry County State's Attorney Gary Pack in return for money paid to Rivera.

According to the transcript, Milliman has spoken to both the FBI and Illinois State Police who are investigating Nygren.  That latter would confirm a Better Government Association report in late September that ISP investigators were looking into things at the Sheriff's Office. At that time State Police did not return FEN calls and a U.S. Attorney's spokesman declined to say whether his office was conducting an investigation. When Bachmann first charged, also in September, the Sheriff had put out a hit on him Nygren chided FEN for even inquiring about that allegation.

At the time of the conference, Dec. 15, Milliman was still on regular duty, according to the transcript  That was despite rumors naming him as the source of charges about supposed Sheriff's Office wrongdoing since last month. There's still no official word on his duty status now.

Bachmann's often-edited and sometimes unavailable blog reports this morning he intends to file  "the biggest law suit in the history of the McHenry County Board".  Bachmann's been in seclusion, apparently in the Galena area, for several months.

All of the allegations in the transcripts are hearsay, Horwitz's and Sotos's descriptions of what they say witnesses have said in sworn statements, not the depositions themselves.

Editor's note:  In the transcript, Federal evidentiary rule 404(b) is about admissibility as proof of motive.  Rule 608 is about the character of a witness.  "Monell claim" relates to a 1978 Supreme Court case holding governments responsible for damages if bad training was due to "policy".  All of these things relate to Horwitz's trying to link material to support Seipler's claim that the Sheriff's Office engaged in racial profiling and fired him for protesting.

Still Time For A Christmas Lights Tour

The novelty's already worn off the new Bakugan figures, the kids have killed all the bad guys (apparently everybody) in Assassin's Creed and the best thing on TV tonight is a Perry Como Christmas Special from 1962--in black and white.  Time to bundle up and look at Christmas lighting.

In LITH be sure to check the Savage Family home at 10 Kurt Court.  It won the Village's Holiday Lights Contest this year.  (And, no, FEN isn't real sure what that
blurry circle is on Santa's sleigh, either.) The winner of LITH's Griswold Award over-the-top category was the Coghill family at 340 Council Trail.  It wasn't lit Christmas Eve but maybe it's on now.

Algonquin ran a similar contest.  The home at 1320 Prairie Drive won the top award in that village.

There was also a division for the best "green" house decoration, LED lights and recycled decorations, only nobody entered that one.  Hint, hint for next year's entrants.

Huntley didn't have a lighting contest (hint, hint for next year) but there's a great 60's style display at a home on North Church Street.

Renewable Energy Meets Trash Reduction

Bet there's a big bag of wrapping paper out in the garage from all those Christmas presents, huh? Don't you wish Santa'd brought you an industrial-strength solar-powered trash compactor?  Like the one in the lobby at Algonquin Village Hall.

Waste Management sells the things and offered one for Algonquin to play with for a while.  "Who's going to turn down a free trash compactor?" asked Deputy Village Clerk Michelle Weber.  The Village isn't going to buy any of the things ("They're very expensive.") but Weber figured the solar-power angle would make for a good conversation starter.  She spearheads the Village's eco-committee.

Residents can even try the thing out if they want to on a BYOT basis.  That means Bring Your Own Trash.

In the pic:  The new Waste Management Solar Powered Trash Compactor looks a little like a Dr. Who Dalek.  "Compact.  Compact.  Compact."  Michelle Weber plays Romana.

Obituaries

George H. Paradies Jr., 62, of Huntley, died Friday evening at Sherman Hospital in Elgin following a short illness. A memorial service will be at 10:30 am Wednesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, East Dundee.  A visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 8:00  at the DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral Home, Huntley.

Paradies was born July 28, 1948, in Chicago,the son of George H. and Alma C. (Gerhardt) Paradies, Sr.  On April 6, 1968, he married Jeanne R. Carnesecchi in Rolling Meadows. He is surived by his wife; his children, Sheila (Keith) Carlson of Brownsburg, IN, and Dan Paradies of DeKalb; his grandchildren, Caprice & Spencer Carlson, Brandon & Annabella Paradies and Mike Sears; his mother and his sister, Sue (Steve) Holzer, both of Genoa City, WI.  He was preceded in death by his father.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Union Railway.

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
December 25
0029 HRS 3500 BLOCK OF SONOMA CIRCLE. DOMESTIC Boyfriend vs. girlfriend. Verbal only. No priors.
0311 HRS 4500 BLOCK OF ROLLING HILLS DR. ACCIDENT. Snow plow vs. basketball net. Property damage only.
0354 HRS 220 N. RANDALL, (MORETTIS). BATTERY. Female was struck by another female. FAIL TO FILE.
0507 HRS 4300 BLOCK OF GREENFIELD LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 50 years of age, lost consciousness. Transported to Woodstock Hospital.
1802 HRS 5400 BLOCK OF CROSSVIEW LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 34 years of age, head injury. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
2213 HRS PYOTT RD. & VIEWPOINT DR. ACCIDENT. Two vehicle. property damage only.
2235 HRS ACKMAN RD. & HALIGUS RD. ACCIDENT INJURY. Car vs. pole. Male subject with possible injury to his hand.  No transport.