Kung Fu Out, Unique Products In This Week In Algonquin.

Mark the week a wash for Downtown Algonquin.  While workers took down the signs for Dick Gamboa's Main Street Action Kung Fu studio Louanne Erdmannsdoerfer waited for one to show up for her new Creative Occasions store more or less just across the street.  "The sign guy's coming next week," she said.

Gamboa moved his martial arts business to Crystal Lake at about the same time Erdmannsdoerfer opened her boutique featuring handmade one-of-a-kind products.  A former computer administrator and more recent stay-at-home Mom, she said even though the store's still "evolving" in her mind she opened about a month early in hopes of picking up some Christmas trade.  That and "I've got fire-sale rent," she said.

Erdmansdoerfer said she's always been a crafty sort of person.  "I used to do children's birthday parties where we made soap and candles and bath salts.  And I do papercrafts and jewelry and just always wanted to have a shop.  But I wanted it to be a shop with things from the local area."

Some of the art and craftwork at Creative Occasions is, indeed locally produced.  Even those that come from other countries are still one-offs, without a middleman said Erdmannsdoerfer.  "I buy directly from the artisan," she said.  "That way the people who made the product get to keep all the money."

An inventory of literally unique products is calculated to give a reporter fits trying to describe them but Erdmannsdoerfer sees it as the strength of her concept.  "I want this to be a different store every time a customer comes in," she said.

In the pics:  (above) Goodbye, Grasshopper.  The Kung Fu signs disappear.  (Below)  Luanne Erdmansdoerfer stocks a cabinet of one-of-a-kind art and curios at her Creative Occasions store just opened.

"Dig We Must" To Replace Algonquin Infrastructure

It sounded so easy.  "Boys, go turn off the water at (former) King's Motor Sales."  But when the crew from Algonquin Public works got there this week, they couldn't because the Buffalo Box shutoff valve was so long past its sell-by date it wouldn't work anymore.  It was another case of aging Downtown infrastructure.  Workers had to dig it up to shut the water off, according to Director Bob Mitchard, and put in a new one just in case anyone ever needs water there again.

LITH Senior Living Complex Moves To Final Planning

The Lake in the Hills Board gave the go-ahead Thursday for further development of a planned 92-unit senior living complex.  The Residences of Lake in the Hills is intended to go up on one of the Village's last developable sites in the Meadows Subdivision near Village Hall.

Construction's expected to begin this Spring after some more engineering and a hearing on the project.

In the pic:  The latest iteration of The Residences of Lake In the Hills.  The east elevation got a revamp after a version a couple of months ago was ruled too empty-looking.

D300 Board Honors District Music Students

Jacobs High School's Superscript 7 Vocal Jazz Ensemble demonstrated this week why District 300 students have fared so well in Illinois music competitions and recognition recently. (They were astonishingly good.)  The Board of Education honored a flock of student All-State Musicians at its meeting Monday:

From Jacobs
High School Goldenaires Chamber Choir--Hanna Azcui, Samantha Baran, Janos Csonka, Jr., Christina Cummins, Wojtek Czyz,
Mariah Donka, James Fletcher, Mick Gehr, Vince Glaviano, Erik Hansen, Matt Kelly, Maddie Kern, Megan Kern, Christine Kwak,
Marissa Lombardo, Andrew Martinez, J.T. Morrison, Anthony Ott, Lianne Piel, Alyssa Prasse, Claire Stahl, Anna Taylor, Aimee Tolman, Airin Virgilio, Michael Wade, Jeremy Wills, Lane Wilson, Jon Yan and Chris Zeglin.

All-State and Honors Chorus--James Fletcher, Erik Hansen, Christine Kwak and Andrew Martinez.

Orchestra--Kelly Halpin and Elisah VandenBussche.

Future Music Educators Seminar--Diana Willerth.

Young Composers Contest--2nd Place, Commercial Composition--Aimee Tolman.

From Dundee-Crown
Jazz Band--Bill Kidera.

All-State & Honors Chorus--Jackie Kelly, Dylan McCarthy, David Nellessen, Rogelio Realzola, Jessica Wendt and  Daniel Zozokos.

Orchestra--Chris Mendez and Lillian Reasor.

In the pic: Superscript 7 sang behind the audience since the Board of Education was occupying the auditorium stage.  The group included (not in order) Hanna Azcui,Janos Csonka, Jr., James Fletcher, Maddie Kern, Andrew Martinez,J.T. Morrison, Claire Stahl and Diana Willerth.

Quinn To Head Snarky Midwestern Governors

By Benjamin Yount, Illinois Statehouse News
There is sure to be some interesting small talk next month when Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn calls to order his first meeting of the Midwestern Governor's Association. Quinn, chosen by his fellow governors this week to head the group, will convene his first session Feb. 25 in Washington, D.C., where he is certain run into governors of neighboring states who have been shooting barbs at Illinois for its recent income tax hike.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker on Wednesday blew the dust off of an old travel slogan —  "Escape to Wisconsin" —  to entice business across the border. Similarly, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels poked fun at Illinois' tax hike, saying that being next door to Illinois is akin to living next to the Simpsons.

Illinois has not been quiet in this border war of words. The state is already reaching out to at least one Wisconsin company, Talgo, which makes high speed rail cars. Wisconsin recently turned down federal funding for high-speed rail. "If Wisconsin is losing its enthusiasm for its rail program and others are not, we could go to Illinois and manufacture world-class trains there," Nora Friend, Talgo vice president for public affairs and business development, said in published reports after the Wisconsin announcement was made public. "We certainly appreciate Gov. Quinn reaching out to us. We will consider very seriously states that want to grow their rail program."

With that back story, what will the first meeting of the Midwestern Governors Association be like with Quinn at the helm? Calm, according Quinn's office.  Spokeswoman Brie Callahan said, "He looks forward to serving the region."  Neither Gov. Walker's office in Wisconsin nor Gov. Daniels' office in Indiana returned calls from Illinois Statehouse News for their comments.

But Callahan said the Midwest has a lot more in common than the recent tough talk might indicate.
"It's time to work together as a region and lift all ships," she said.

You can read Ben's full report at:  http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/4945/quinn-to-head-midwestern-governors/

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.

NOEL R. LEVARIO JR.,DOB:  10/25/73, 1165 SAWMILL LANE, ALGONQUIN. AGGRAVATED BATTERY, DOMESTIC BATTERY, RESISTING A PEACE OFFICER.--Algonquin PD

LUIS A. ROSADO, DOB:  01/05/79, 334 TULSA AVENUE, CARPENTERSVILLE. RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY, CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, CRIMINAL TRESPASS TO RESIDENCE.--LITH PD

WAYNE E. KROLL, DOB:  08/16/52, 110 HIGGINS AVENUE, PARK RIDGE. DECEPTIVE PRACTICE(2CTS)--Marengo PD
  
CRAIG A. REBMAN, DOB:  10/16/84, 5918 MCCULLOM LAKE ROAD, WONDER LAKE. AGGRAVATED ROBBERY.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office
  
MATTHEW A. FREUND, DOB:  06/25/88, 2909 W. RINGWOOD ROAD, MCHENRY. RESISTING A PEACE OFFICER, OBSTRUCTING A PEACE OFFICER.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office
  
TIMOTHY J. STOUT, DOB:  03/03/91, LKA:  1120 DRAPER ROAD, MCHENRY. RETAIL THEFT.--McHenry PD

LISA A. GROTH, DOB:  04/04/66, 4305 SIOUX LANE, MCHENRY. AGGRAVATED BATTERY, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.--McHenry PD
  
DOROTHEA A. SAAVEDRA, DOB:  11/16/66, N11578 WASHINGTON AVENUE, LAKE GENEVA, WI. FORGERY.--Woodstock PD

DENNIS M. LINS, DOB:  01/08/79, 206 MILLARD AVENUE, FOX RIVER GROVE. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER CANNABIS, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.--Fox River Grove PD
  
HUMBERTO  BERNAL JR., DOB:  01/10/85, 45 ½ N. AYER STREET  #2, HARVARD. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS WITH INTENT TO DELIVER, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA(2CTS).--Harvard 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
January 14
0828 HRS 10115 ALGONQUIN RD., (SPRINGBROOK CHURCH). WANTED ON WARRANT. CANTU, JENNIFER M., F/W 36 YEARS OF AGE, 11609 DANIEL LN. UNIT D, HUNTLEY. CHARGES; Wanted on Warrant, Dupage County, Traffic Offense, $2500 @ 10%, & Expired Registration. RELEASED ON BOND.
1018 HRS 00 BLOCK OF SUSSEX CT. WANTED ON WARRANT. STORTS, CLAIRE L., F/W 33 YEARS OF AGE, 12 SUSSEX CT., LAKE IN THE HILLS CHARGE: Wanted on Warrant, McHenry County, Domestic Battery, No Bond. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
2359 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF VIEWPOINT DR. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL.  CLARK, SHAWN S. M/W 38 YEARS OF AGE, 1074 VIEWPOINT, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Improper Lane Usage, Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident with Vehicle Damage, Failure to Report, Illegal Possession/Transport of Liquor by a Driver, Operating Uninsured Vehicle, No Valid Registration, BAC Level Over .16. 25 year old female transported to Sherman Hospital. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
1200 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF HEARTLAND GATE. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 44 years of age, numbness in arm. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1451 HRS 310 N. RANDALL RD., (CHASE BANK). ASSIST AMBULANCE Female, 20 years of age asleep at the wheel. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1807 HRS RANDALL RD. & VILLAGE RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
2128 HRS 200 BLOCK OF COURSE DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 53 years of age, fell and possibly dislocated shoulder. Transported to Northern Illinois Medical Center.
2138 HRS 5000 BLOCK OF WINDGATE WAY. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. Rear window of Complainant’s vehicle was damaged. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
2222 HRS PYOTT RD. & ALGONQUIN RD. DOMESTIC. Boyfriend vs. girlfriend. Verbal only. No priors.

Court Decision Fails To Soothe Grafton Township Meeting

The Grafton Township Board met Thursday for its first regular meeting since Judge Michael Caldwell handed down a preliminary decision trying to straighten things out there. Despite 36 pages of the judge's findings and orders the Board still found plenty to argue about.

One of the few areas that didn't seem open to interpretation was Caldwell's instruction in the case of dueling meeting agendas.  He said the Board should vote to pick one. Thursday Supervisor Linda Moore submitted one agenda, the rest of the trustees offered a different although similar one.  Moore announced that meant the Board had to vote on each individual agenda item and, furthermore, if they nixed an item on one agenda they had to remove it from the second agenda, too.

As trustees tried to wrap their minds around that interpretation observer Tom Halat stamped out of the room shouting, "You people are worse than ever."  Eventually the trustees overrode Moore to adopt their own agenda as a package.

Moving on to bickering over bills, Trustees again directed Moore to pay a bunch she hasn't paid from as far back as a year ago including the one for a computer investigator,  the bills for several attorneys including now-special counsel Ancel-Glink and those from vendors called in for the Township's annual meeting last April. Trustees balked, however, at paying a $30,000 bill for Moore's personal attorney in her suit against them.  Moore reminded them the judge said they had to so they did.

Township Assessor Bill Ottley charged Moore had bungled two of his paychecks and threatened she wouldn't fix them if he ever complained again.  Moore said that wasn't so but Ottley gave trustees a letter from Moore that sounded a lot like that.

The Board finally turned to trying to take back Grafton Township Offices from the Township Road District, the only clear outcome at the Annual Meeting last year.  Moore insisted the Township had to do it right now.  Trustees argued the Township doesn't have the $611,000 that would take and still wanted to do it in three installments while assuming interest and principal payments on the loan the Road District took out to buy the offices.

Pat Coen, attorney for the Road District, said as far as he was concerned that would be fine since the electors at the annual meeting only voted to "unwind" the deal but didn't say exactly when.  He repeatedly emphasized, however, "I represent the Road District," not the Township.

In fact the Township doesn't have an attorney since Caldwell ratified Moore's firing of Ancel-Glink.  As far as hiring a new one was concerned, Moore told Trustees "At this time I'm not prepared to appoint a Township attorney" Trustees told Cohen to prepare an agreement and said they'd find a lawyer to go over it for them.

The final battle of the evening was over the long-delayed audit of the Township's financial records. "We need an audit done and we need it done now," fumed Trustee Barb Murphy.  Trustees voted to award the contract to area firm Brown & Company.  Moore said she had a letter from the firm last April declining to do the job. Trustee Rob LaPorta said he had a letter last month saying they would and he'd sent a copy of it to Moore.

Presumably there are records to audit now.  Moore siphoned them off Township computers eight months ago and took them home on a thumb drive, but the Supervisor told trustees Thursday she'd restored them as Judge Caldwell ordered.  Moore said trustees could examine them at the Township office any time.  Not good enough, trustees said, since trustee Rob LaPorta has a full-time job. They demanded "read only access" to the records which they seemed to believe was the same thing as remote access on their home computers.

Moore said that wasn't technically possible.

In the pic:  Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore Thursday invited Assessor Billy Ottley to "come to my office" if there's ever another problem with his paycheck.

Schools Win On Income Tax Deal, Whose Still Unclear

Gov. Pat Quinn signed the bill Friday enacting a massive increase in Illinoisans' personal and corporate income tax rates. A calculator at the nonpartisan Illinois Policy Institute website (http://www.illinoispolicy.org/) figures a family of four making $90,000 per year will see their tax bill rise from $2,460 to $4,108.

The measure was failing in the Senate late Tuesday evening but according to reports Quinn cut a deal with the chamber's Black Caucus to push the tax over the top by a single vote. Quinn promised the Caucus an extra $250 million for schools. The question is, did he mean $250 million for schools in their districts or $250 million for all Illinois Schools?  By Thursday afternoon the only person sure was still Quinn.

"I don't know that it's necessarily for Chicago Schools," said McHenry County State Sen. Pam Althoff Thursday. "All I can tell you is they all backed down then."

"At about a quarter to 11 they didn't have the votes," said Althoff who opposed the increase.  "Then they came in to try to save it." Althoff said the eight-person Caucus abandoned the tax package after defeat of a measure to boost the tax on a pack of cigarettes $1 to raise $370 million for Illinois Schools.  "The cigarette tax failed and failed big," said Althoff. "The Black Caucus wasn't pleased about it."

So at literally the 11th hour Quinn offered a deal, Althoff said.  But was it just for them?  "I don't know," she replied but thought there might be a clue in another bill.  "There was $4 million in it for a school in Marty Sandoval's District."  Sandoval's not a Black Caucus member but did vote yes on the increase. "I thought it was funny we had a school in the middle of a supplemental resolution for healthcare,"said Althoff.  "I find that very indicative."

The tax increase is supposed to raise $6 billion in new revenue but it won't solve the State's financial woes which before the hike were estimated at a $15 billion shortfall.  Another part of the increase package extended Quinn's time to exercise "emergency" powers shuffling money around the State Budget but right now the State's about $700 million in arrears to its school districts and the fiscal year's already half over.  

Part Of Sportsplex Site Now Stalled In Bankruptcy Court

Plans for a controversial sports complex at routes 47 and 176 between Huntley and Woodstock encountered another setback Thursday as a key piece of land for the project became tied up in a bankruptcy proceeding.

About 35 acres within the 160 that backers of the McHenry County Sportsplex have been eyeing  were due to go on the Sheriff's auction block Thursday morning. However, a Sheriff's spokesman said they were notified about an hour before the sale that the owner or owners had filed bankruptcy so the auction was canceled.

Remote access to District Court records was reported down Thursday afternoon so FEN was unable to obtain details of the bankruptcy proceeding. One local specialist said as a general principle, however, the land would probably be tied up now for "from four to six months".

Harvard State Bank filed foreclosure on the land owned by Donald Swanson a year ago and obtained a $1.17 million judgement in May.  The auction to satisfy it had already been delayed twice before, all while Sportsplex backers sought approval from the McHenry County Board to use stimulus funding to build the project.  The deadline for that ran out two weeks ago, though, but a regional development authority had said it might issue different bonds to finance the deal.

AAYO In-Person Signup Set For Westfield Saturday

The Algonquin Area Youth Organization will have a walk-in registration for teams Saturday at Westfield School from 9 am to 1 pm. It's the only in-person registration set this year.

The 54-year old group has more than 1,000 youthful players in 5 baseball leagues, 4 softball leagues and travel baseball and softball teams.  Changes this year include extending Pony League eligibility to age 15  and Major Softball eligibility to 17.

Online registration's available, too.  The place for that is here:

http://www.active.com/baseball-league/algonquin-il/algonquin-baseball-and-softball-2011

AAYO could use some more managers and coaches, by the way.  The place to volunteer for that is here:

http://www.active.com/baseball-league/algonquin-il/algonquin-baseball-and-softball-managers-and-volunteers-2011

Jacobs "Spirit Night" Jams Algonquin Restaurant

There was no word yet on how much the Jacobs High School supporters raised in the "Spirit Night Challenge" Algonquin's Buffalo Wild Wings Thursday.  However, if long lines were any indication it was probably a goodly amount.  Part of a multi-part multi-store promo to find the area high school with the most spirit, 15 percent of lunch, dinner and carryout food sales with an accompanying coupon was earmarked for Jacobs Boosters Thursday.

In the pic: The order line at Buffalo Wild Wings was so long at 6:45 pm some of these students were standing in the restaurant's entryway.

Top Illinois Lawmaker To Wisconsin Gov.: Bring It On

By Kevin Lee, Illinois Statehouse News
The interstate bickering over tax policy continued Thursday between Wisconsin and Illinois politicians.

After Wednesday's income tax hike, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker made the rounds with Illinois and Chicago media, chanting an old state tourism slogan: "Escape to Wisconsin." But one powerful Illinois lawmaker has not taken Walker's aggressive tactics lying down. Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, turned the tables Thursday afternoon with a slogan of his own: "Bring it on."

In a statement, Cullerton thanked Walker for pointing out that even with the tax hike, Illinois still has lower personal income tax and corporate income tax rates. “Between our investments in infrastructure, our recent moves to stabilize our budget and now Governor Walker leading the marketing effort, we hope to see a lot of interest in Illinois from businesses,” said Cullerton. “I’d like to thank Wisconsin’s governor for helping spread the word.”

Walker campaigned on, and since taking office has reiterated, a promise to not raise taxes during his administration. He emphasized his special session priorities of business tax credits and longer-term goals of tax cuts in a news conference on Wednesday.

"They've sent a message as to which direction they are headed. We're sending a message that not only now in the special session, but in the budget when we start to hone in on property taxes and subsequent actions we take when we start lowering the income and corporate tax over the next couple of years, that we're headed in a positive direction for employers. Illinois is headed in a negative direction," he said.

Under the Illinois tax package, the state's individual income tax rate would jump from 3 percent to 5 percent. Illinois' corporate income tax would jump from 4.9 percent to 7 percent, not counting a separate 2.5 percent tax. Wisconsin has 5 income tax brackets ranging from 4.6 percent to 7.75 percent, depending upon income levels. Wisconsin also has a flat corporate income tax of 7.9 percent.

You can read Kevin's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/4941/top-illinois-lawmaker-to-walker-bring-it-on/

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
January 13
0710 HRS RANDALL RD.& ACORN LN. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1343 HRS 2400 BLOCK OF STANTON CIRCLE. ASSIST AMBULANCE Male, 49 years of age, diabetic reaction. No Transport.
1619 HRS 300 BLOCK OF WINDERMERE WAY. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Father struck son. 3 Priors. FAIL TO FILE.
1629 HRS MILLER RD & RANDALL RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1640 HRS 300 BLOCK OF PLUM ST. DEATH INVESTIGATION. Male, 71 years of age was found deceased.
1727 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF HALFMOON GATE. VIOLATION OF ORDER OF PROTECTION. A Complaint receiving harassing telephone calls from Respondent on the Order of Protection. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY OFFICER.
2245 HRS 300 BLOCK OF WINSLOW WAY. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Father vs. son. 6 Priors. FAIL TO FILE.
January 12
1251 HRS 20 BLOCK OF HARRISON ST. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. URBAN, MICHELLE L., F/W 27 YEAR OF AGE, 3021 RONAN DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving While License Suspended. Expired Registration. RELEASED ON BOND.
2152 HRS PINGREE RD. & MCARDLE DR. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. ELIZARRARAZ SOTO, JUANA R., F/W 20 YEARS OF AGE, 108 BERKSHIRE DR., CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Driving While License Suspended and Speeding. RELEASED ON BOND.
0924 HRS 9625 HALIGUS RD., (MARLOWE MIDDLE SCHOOL). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 12 years of age, possible neck injury. Transported to Woodstock Hospital.
1155 HRS 400 BLOCK OF MASON LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 91 years of age, having a hard time talking. No transport.
1320 HRS REED RD. & HALIGUS RD. ACCIDENT. Car vs. light pole. Property damage.
1618 HRS 1400 BLOCK OF MONROE ST. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 36 years of age, in extreme pain. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
Algonquin
January 10
15:54pm Kublank, Eric A., DOB: 10/08/87, of 32 Jayne Street, Algonquin, was charged with DWLS and No Valid Registration.  He was taken into custody at Route 31 and Main Street.  He was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond with a court date of 02/16/11 in McHenry County.
January 12
08:56am Onofrio, Nicholas J., DOB: 11/26/92, of 1601 Southridge Trail, Algonquin, was charged with Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor.  He was taken into custody at Jacobs High School, 2601 Bunker Hill Drive.  He was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 02/23/11 in Algonquin.
January 14
01:34am Gray, Roy C., DOB: 12/17/86, of 1285 Abbott Drive #4, Elgin, was charged with DWLS.  He was taken into custody at Route 31 and Wilbrandt Street.  He was released after posting $150 with a court date of 02/16/11 in McHenry County.

Tax Crusader Warns Against "Gold-Plated" Pensions

Only one local municipal retiree made professional tax-scold Jim Tobin's list of top 25 McHenry County pensions funded by property taxes released Wednesday.  However District 300 principals and administrators figured prominently in a similar list of top 100 Kane County State-funded pensions released by Tobin's National Taxpayers United last month.

"These retired government employees are sucking the system dry," warned Tobin who rose to prominence in a battle against Cook County property taxes in 1977 and has made the crusade against higher taxes his life's work since.

His warning carried extra weight after Tuesday's late-night legislative session raised income taxes 67 percent but still had to OK borrowing $4 billion to meet pension system obligations.

Recently-retired Huntley Village Engineer Bill Geegan was only 17th on Tobin's list of McHenry County government employees who "receive lavish, gold-plated pensions that far exceed average annual wages of workers in the private sector.  Geegan gets a $67,000 per year pension by Tobin's reckoning.  Just retired Crystal Lake Parks and Rec Director Kirk Reimer headed the local list with a $103,000 pension.

The sixth entry on the list was Crystal Lake's new Assistant Police Chief, Gene Lowery.  Lowery resigned as McHenry County Undersheriff last year and  draws nearly $83,000 per year in  pension payments from his county work besides his current salary.

Tobin agreed one reason more retirees from Algonquin, LITH and Huntley don't show up on his list is those villages have grown so rapidly there hasn't been time for staffers to reach retirement age yet.  Geegan, for example, put in most of his years with Crystal Lake, not Huntley.

Over on education side, Norman Wetzel, deposed as District 300 head a decade ago, led the list of Kane County retirees with a pension of nearly $213,000 per year. Tobin's list for McHenry County released Wednesday had no entries for District 158, again, probably because it's grown so fast there aren't many retirees, yet.  Crystal Lake retirees predominated.

In the pic:  Jim Tobin, head of Natinoal Taxpayers United, was a voice in the wilderness against rising taxes at a press conference at MCC Wednesday. 

Weak Turnout For Area Conservative Group

A Patriots United rally drew a smaller than hoped for crowd Wednesday following Illinois' historic tax hike.  Only about 50 people turned up in a Crystal Lake meeting hall set for 200.

Group organizer Joe Edwards thought people might view the two percentage-point personal income tax hike was a wash against the two percentage-point stimulus decrease of Social Security taxes.  Even if that were true, he said, it still left a near-doubling of the state's corporate income tax to cripple business expansion.

"I'm national sales director for a manufacturing company," he said. "I've got a guy in (Seattle) who still remembers when Boeing moved to Chicago to escape an anti-business climate there. I wonder how long they're going to say in Chicago now?" Edwards asked.

In the pic:  Political consultant Jim Thacker was the headline speaker at Wednesday's Patriots United meet.  Congressman Don Manzullo spokesman Rich Carter (seated) was second on the marquee.

Algonquin Township To Explore Funding For New Senior Bus

Township Road Commissioner Bob Miller warned the Township Board Wednesday that its Senior Bus with over 150,000 miles on the clock was itself getting pretty near retirement. He said he wasn't sure where the money was going to come from to replace it, though.

Supervisor Dianne Klemm reminded Miller that the Senior Bus isn't just for the elderly.  "We have the seniors; we have the challenged, too, physically and mentally."  She wondered if that might qualify it for funding from more sources.

Miller said, maybe, and promised to see if maybe there wasn't some money out there somewhere to help those people.

In other action the Board approved releasing minutes from its Nov. 22 closed session.  That's the one in which it picked former Fox River Grove President and former County Board Member Dan Shea to fill out the term of late Trustee Nils Sorensen.  Shea said it might make interesting reading.

Meijer Gives $3,000 In Gift Cards To Pantry

In a move to help restock shelves at the Algonquin Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food pantry, the Algonquin Meijer store handed over $3,000 worth of gift cards donated by local shoppers during the holidays.

The cards were the result of family-owned chain of stores "Simply Give" campaign to support food pantries in the communities in which it operate.

The Interfaith Food Pantry serves about 200 families right now in Algonquin and Lake in the Hills.

In the pic:  Algonquin store director John Jacobsen (left) presents ALITH Pantry Board Member Kay Boyer (center),  with $3,000 worth of Meijer gift cards. That's Meijer retail administrative assistant Kathi Phillips on the right.

Quinn Ambivalent On Death Penalty Abolition, Fine On Tax Increase

By Andrew Thomason, Illinois Statehouse News
The day after the busiest lame-duck session of the General Assembly in recent history, Gov. Pat Quinn said Wednesday he was unsure whether he would approve the abolition of the death penalty.

The Chicago Democrat has in the past advocated for capital punishment. Quinn said Wednesday that he would follow his conscience, but would take into consideration what the residents of the state want, too. “I think it’s important to listen to other people, to make sure all opinions are voiced. I do think the opinion of the members of the General Assembly expressed in the House and Senate is one that’s very serious indeed,” Quinn said.

Quinn said if he vetoes the abolition, it will die on the spot. Normally, the Legislature would have the chance to override a governor’s veto. But since the new General Assembly sworn in on Wednesday didn’t pass the law, it can’t override a veto, Quinn said.

While the death penalty twisted slowly in the wind, Quinn did say he would give his signature to a 67 percent personal income tax increase. “We have an emergency, a fiscal emergency. Our state was careening towards bankruptcy and fiscal insolvency. Even in the last couple of months the situation got seriously more dire,” Quinn said.

The new tax is estimated to bring in more than $6 billion, which will be used to pay down what could be a $15 billion deficit.

You can read Andrew's full report at:  http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/4923/quinn-ambiguous-about-death-penalty-abolition-2/

In the pic:  Quinn at a Wednesday conference.

Unpaid Bills Left to Linger Despite Spending Caps

By Benjamin Yount, Illinois Statehouse News
With billions of new dollars expected to come into state government, Illinois lawmakers are trying to give taxpayers some assurance that a 66 percent income tax hike will be enough. There are serious questions as to whether it will be, though.

The General Assembly expects to raise more than $6 billion from the 66 percent increase in the flat rate income tax, from 3 percent to 5 percent. Lawmakers expect close to $1 billion more from an increase in the corporate income tax that will boost that rate from 4.8 percent to 7 percent.
But lawmakers failed to approve other plans that would have generated billions more.

The Illinois House could not agree on a borrowing package that would have raised more than $8 billion to pay down the state’s monstrous back log of bills. The House also turned down legislation that would have raised $377 million a year for public schools. That leaves Illinois with a little more than $7 billion to pay $6.2 billion in past due bills and cover the gap in state government money. That task could be made more difficult by a spending cap in the tax increase legislation.

Under the spending restrictions, Illinois government would be limited to 2-percent growth during the next four years. State spending would be capped at $36.8 billion for the next budget, $37.5 billion in 2013, $38.3 billion in 2014 and $39 billion in 2015.

The spending caps, however, do not apply to education, human services and property tax relief. Quinn also has power to shift money from pensions or other areas if he believes he needs the money.

Senate GOP Leader Christine Radogno R-Lemont said that’s not controlling state spending.
“All during (last year's campaign) when we talked about cutting spending, all it was was not paying bills. I appreciate the fact that you’re finally admitting that’s was a big lie,“  Radogno said.

McHenry County Democratic State Rep. Jack Franks said Illinois’ unpaid bills are going to linger, and the state’s fiscal health isn’t going to improve much. “Gov. Quinn got what he wanted,” said Franks “Now he’s going to have to make it work.”

You can read Ben's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/4901/illinois-okays-spending-caps-unpaid-bills-left-to-linger/

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
moretocome

Lame Duck House, Senate Work Late To Raise State Income Tax

In a late-night session the Illinois Senate raised State income taxes 66 percent early this morning by 30-29 vote. The hike had earlier squeaked past the House Tuesday evening by a 60-57 margin.  Even the lame duck vote there split on party lines but more Democrats than Republicans will become civilians again later today. The measure drew no GOP support in either chamber.

McHenry County State Sen. Pam Althoff said before the final vote, "I have yet to witness any spending cuts and see no reason to raise taxes on people forced to make their own personal budget cuts while the state of Illinois continues to spend and spend."

The hike means a $1,000 income tax bill this April will become an almost $1,700 one next year.  In fact, the hike is retroactive to Jan. 1 so tax withholding will rocket immediately.

The tax hike raises the personal income tax rate from three to five percent for four years when the rate would drop to four percent again if legislators don't vote to make it permanent. “Illinoisans know from experience that temporary tax hikes turn into permanent ones here in Illinois,” fumed McHenry County State Rep. Mike Tryon. The momentarily-current three percent rate was a temporary hike made permanent in 1989.

The bill also calls for a corporate income tax rate jump from 7.3  to 9.5 percent  including the 2.5 percent personal property pseudo-income tax. "This vote could be a fatal blow to our state’s struggling economy. Its no wonder the Governor of Indiana is salivating over this deal,” Tryon fulminated.

Both increases together were estimated to bring in more than $6 billion annually.  The State's deficit remains around $15 billion, however, so the General Assembly also extended the Governor's emergency budget powers. Granted last Summer they allow Quinn to make cuts and allocate lump-sum appropriations in lieu of a line-item budget.

In a move to win over reluctant Democrats the measure also included spending caps for the next four fiscal years. Budget growth would be limited to two percent per year, compounded. If the budget busts that, the tax increases would be nullified. House Democratic leaders called the provision a “hammer” to keep future budgeting in line.

However, the Senate likewise approved nearly $4 billion in borrowing to cover payments to public employee pension systems for this fiscal year. A plan to borrow another $8.75 billion to pay state’s giant backlog of unpaid bills for this fiscal year failed to win approval.

Likewise falling by the wayside was a “property tax relief” giveaway that would have sent $325 annual checks to property owners. Republicans complained that it wasn't fair to give someone who pays a higher level of property taxes the same amount of relief as someone who pays less.

Also junked was a $1 a pack increase in the tax on cigarettes and a big and complicated plan to expand Illinois gambling casinos.

In the pic:  McHenry County's Pam Althoff (upper left) speaking on the Illinois Senate Floor.

Jobless Flock To Interviews For New Huntley RV Store

Hiring interviews for Huntley new General RV superstore weren't supposed to begin until 9 am Tuesday at the Courtyard Marriott in West Dundee but at 8:45 almost twenty applicants already crowded the lobby, some already finished filling out their forms.

General RV planned to spend Tuesday and today getting ready to staff their center now under construction at Route 47 and I-90.  Spokesman Wade Stufft said he planned to hire about 30 initial staff, eventually to expand to about 45 when sales ramp up.

Job-seeker Linda Anderson, Huntley, was hopeful.  "I'm looking for management, clerical, billing, any of those," she said.  Anderson recently returned to Huntley from California and has been trying to get by as a teaching substitute but hasn't had much luck at that.  "There are too many people, now," she said.

Brothers Juan and Rito Davillo drove through the falling snow from Marengo looking for jobs.  Any jobs.  Juan's been out of work for two years, Rito for almost three.  "I'd like to have any job," said Rito.

Eddie Reyes, Elgin, used to be a print chemist but he's been out of work for 17 months.  He, too, was looking for almost anything to pay the bills.  "I was trying to find work in the same industry, he said, but work there's just getting too scarce."

Stufft said General RV probably will probably be ready to open in April.

In the pic:  Job seekers flocked to the first day of interviews for positions at Huntley's new General RV superstore Tuesday.

LITH To Take Over Marengo, Union Police Dispatch

The Lake in the Hills Board Tuesday passed along for final approval a plan to take over police dispatching services for the City of Marengo and the village of Union Tuesday. Marengo. beset with budget problems decided last Fall to shut down its own dispatch center and contract out emergency calls.

LITH Director of Police and Public Safety Jim Wales told trustees the department hasn't come to terms with all of the emergency responders cast adrift by the Marengo move yet but Marengo and Union PD's were ready to sign contracts.  He said that would boost costs for LITH's dispatch center but not as much as the village will earn on the $107,000 per-year contract.  "We're going to have to hire another full-time dispatcher but there'll be a positive revenue stream (profit)," he said.

Wales also asked for and received an OK to be ratified Thursday to buy three new squad cars and a supervisor's SUV.  "The last cars were bought were in 2007," Wales said, "and the fleet is getting older."  Wales said the Village could get a deal piggybacking on the State's purchase contract for cop cars and then get another bite of the discount apple by buying all four vehicles "off the dealer lot."  That last meant the village would have to add a few extra bits and pieces but Wales said the whole package would still save the village about $6,000 on an otherwise near-$100,000 buy.

In the pic: LITH's police dispatch center currently has eight operators for the village and for Huntley and Fox River Grove PD's which it also serves.  

Long Snow Keeps Trucks Out All Day Tuesday

The Inuit supposedly have 50 words for snow and so do the men who run snowplows.  Unfortunately, most of them aren't fit to print in a family newspaper.  Tuesday's lingering snowfall  was probably at least a dratted snow. Maybe even a doggone one.

"It was kind of a long snow," said LITH Public Works Director Fred Mullard.  "There wasn't enough of it to stay on it constantly but there wasn't enough to let it go, either," he said.  By the end of the day streets seemed clear and he said he'd sent his boys home.  Even then a few flakes were still drifting down but there was no accumulation.

In the pic:  This was an McDOT truck plowing plowing and salting West Algonquin Road at midday.

Special Prosecutor Bills Go To Board For Separate Vote

McHenry County's Finance and Audit Committee Tuesday passed along another $113,000 of bills to pay for the Lou Bianchi Special Prosecution.

"It just looks like they think we have a bottomless pocket," griped District 5 Member Tina Hill.

"It is what it is," said newly-named Chairman Scott Breeden, District 2.

Breeden, Hill and District 2's Jim Heisler thanks to vacations and work conflicts were the only members who showed up for Tuesday's meet so the latest batch of bills from the investigation of the McHenry County State's Attorney will go on the County Board's agenda next week as an item for separate vote rather than buried in the routine consent items.

So, too, will another measure Finance and Audit looked at Tuesday, the County's yearly $30,000  payment for the services of the Illinois State's Attorney Special Prosecutor who could have been appointed to investigate Bianchi.

Some Board members have been getting restive at bills now in excess of $200,000 to investigate charges Bianchi had his secretaries do campaign work for him.  Those bills came before Special Prosecutor Henry Tonigan said last week he's still not through, yet, either.

In the pic:  The McHenry County Board Finance and Audit Committee couldn't make up a quorum Tuesday so everything set for consideration goes to the full Board next week without a recommendation.

Death Penalty Abolition To Governor’s Desk

Diane S.W. Lee , Illinois Statehouse News
The state Senate voted to kill the death penalty  Tuesday which could lead to Illinois becoming the 16th state to do away with the ultimate punishment. The Senate passed the measure on a 32-25 vote after a nearly two-hour long emotional debate on the floor. The state House approved the proposal last week.

State Sen. Toi Hutchinson, D-Olympia Fields, said countless examples of exonerated death row inmates show that the criminal justice system is broken. “Executing one innocent person is too high a price to pay,” she said.


However, several lawmakers argued for keeping the death penalty. State Sen. Kirk Dillard, R-Hinsdale, said the law should be kept for the “worst of the worst” crimes. “Those who murder law enforcement officials or prison guards or children, or the mass murderers, to me, need to have the death penalty in most, if not all, cases,” Dillard said.

However, sponsor Sen. Kwame Raoul, D-Chicago, told colleagues they need to make a distinction between the crime and the accused. Former death row inmate Randy Steidl was exonerated after being wrongly convicted of killing two people in 1986. “Stabbing a victim multiple times — that’s what they accused that man of doing, but he didn’t do it,” Raoul said, pointing to Steidl, who was sitting in the Senate gallery.

Former Gov. George Ryan placed a moratorium on the death penalty in 2000, following news reports of innocent people serving on death row. Three years later, Ryan commuted the death sentences of 167 inmates to life in prison. There are now 15 inmates sitting on death row.

The governor has 60 days to decide on whether to approve or veto the legislation. If Quinn signs the measure, the legislation will be effective July 1.


You can read Diane's full report at:  http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/4892/death-penalty-abolition-moves-to-governors-desk/

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
January 11
1708 HRS 100 BLOCK OF CRYSTAL LAKE RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. TELLO, GUILLERMO, M/W 37 YEARS OF AGE, 102 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Improper lane usage, no insurance and driving while License revoked. RELEASED ON BOND.
2117 HRS 5300 BLOCK OF BRIARFIELD LN. VIOLATION OF BOND. MAGNUS, RAYMOND J., M/W 45 YEARS OF AGE, 5332 BRIARFIELD LN., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Violation of bail bond. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
0730 HRS ANDERSON DR. & WILLOW ST. ACCIDENT. Two vehicle. Property damage only.
0903 HRS 200 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 57 years of age, having difficulty breathing. Transported to Good Shepherd Hospital.
1117 HRS JESSIE RD. & PYOTT RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicle. Property damage only.
1228 HRS 2116 W. ALGONQUIN. (METRO YELLOW CAB). ASSIST OTHER AGENCY. Assisted the Woodstock Police Department, in locating a male subject for questioning. TURNED OVER TO WOODSTOCK POLICE.
1233 HRS 800 BLOCK OF MENOMINEE DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE.Female, 77 years of age, injury from a fall. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1431 HRS 4660 ALGONQUIN RD.,(BUTCHER ON THE BLOCK). ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 31 years of age, having a seizure. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1532 HRS 164 N. RANDALL RD., (NANCY’S PIZZA). DECEPTION. Bad check. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY OFFICER.
1601 HRS 164 N. RANDALL RD., (NANCY’S PIZZA). DECEPTION. Bad check. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY OFFICER.
1644 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD., (LAKE IN THE HILLS POLICE). SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A CHILD. PENDING INVESTIGATION.
1831 HRS 101 N. RANDALL RD., (DOMINICKS). INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Subjects attempted liquor theft.
1925 HRS 2265 W. ALGONQUIN RD. (THORNTONS). ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
Huntley
December 27
Sabrina M. Broxterman, age 20, of 5774 Foxfield Ln., Lake in the Hills; Vanessa Napoles, age 19, of 971 Noelle Bend, Lake in the Hills; Mark A. Gourley II, age 19, of 10511 Northbridge, Huntley; Christopher J. Matsie, age 20, of 11704 Woodcreek #F, Huntley; Oluwademilade T. Aderiye, age 20, of 6225 Providence, Carpentersville, and two juveniles were charged with consumption of alcohol by a minor.  All subjects were released with a notice to appear in McHenry County court on January 31, 2011.
Theresa F. Nuccio, age 58, of 1720 Rexford Dr. #12A, Las Vegas, NV, was arrested on two outstanding DuPage County warrants.  Ms. Nuccio was transported to McHenry County jail to await bond.
A criminal damage to property report was taken at a gas station in the 11200 block of Rt. 47.  The screen on a gas pump was damaged.
December 28
A criminal damage to property report was taken at a community center in the 10100 block of Central Park Blvd.  Furniture and carpeting were damaged.
Richard J. Butts, age 50, of 170 Charlston Ln., Gilberts, was arrested for aggravated DUI and an outstanding Cook County warrant.  Mr. Butts was transported to McHenry County jail to await bond call.
December 29
Katlan P. Sego, age 21, of 1445 Riverwood Dr., Algonquin, was arrested for battery.  Ms. Sego posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of  January 31, 2011.
Richard L. Faber, age 58, of 244 Edgewood Ave., Hampshire, was arrested for driving while license suspended.  Mr. Faber posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of February 18, 2010.
Syed Hussaini, age 20, of 2345 Stepstone Lane, Hanover Park; Isaac Avila, age 19, of 11 Barrington Ct, Lake in the Hills, and Robert Bryant, age 20 of 175 Patrick St,  S. Elgin, were charged with sale of tobacco to a minor.  All subjects were released with a notice to appear in McHenry County court on February 14, 2011.
December 30
Sandra Valadez, age 34, of 893 Harvest Circle, Crystal Lake, IL was arrested for driving with no valid drivers license, and cited for operating a vehicle with registration suspended for no insurance.  Ms. Valadez posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of January 21, 2011.
Tacora N. McIntosh, age 19, of 11712 Woodcreek #A, Huntley, was arrested for driving while license suspended and was cited for no rear license plate and possession of a suspended license.  Ms. McIntosh posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of January 21, 2011.
January 1
A 16 year-old female, from Lake in the Hills, was charged with a curfew violation and consumption of alcohol by a minor.  The juvenile was released to her mother with a McHenry County court date of January 31, 2011.
Thomas A. Manley, age 25, of 201 Prairie Ridge Dr., Huntley, was arrested for driving while license suspended.  Mr. Manley posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of February 18, 2011
January 2
Albert Bennett, Jr., age 21, of 7029 Westwood Dr., Carpentersville, was arrested for driving while license suspended, possession of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia and an outstanding Carpentersville Police Department warrant.  Mr. Bennett posted bond and was assigned a McHenry County court date of  February 18, 2011.  Mr. Bennett was released to Carpentersville Police Department.
A wallet containing credit cards and cash was reported stolen at a business in the 12300 block of Rt. 47.
Officers took a criminal damage to vehicle report in the 10100 block of Bennington Dr.  The victim’s car was keyed.
January 3
A theft report was taken in the 11300 block of Bellflower Ln.  The victim states his car stereo system was stolen from his vehicle.
James C. Foster, age 41, of 13710 White Oak, Huntley, was arrested on an outstanding Buffalo Grove Police Department warrant and was cited for improper display of license plates and operation of an uninsured vehicle.  Mr. Foster posted bond on the traffic charges and was released to the custody of Buffalo Grove Police Department.
January 4
A theft report was taken at a business in the 10400 block of Haligus Rd.  A watch was stolen out of an unlocked locker.
January 5
A 16 year-old male from Huntley was charged with possession of tobacco by a minor.  The juvenile was released to his mother with a McHenry County court date of February 14, 2011.
Luis E. Zapata, age 20, of 10790 Cape Code Lane, Huntley, IL was arrested for driving while license suspended, possession of cannabis, and possession of drug paraphernalia and was cited for no rear registration light and possession of a suspended license.  Mr. Zapata posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of February 4, 2011
January 8
Nicole L. Holstein, age 33, of 10820 Oregon Trail., Huntley, was arrested on an outstanding Kane County warrant. Ms. Holstein posted bond and was released with a Kane County court date of January 28, 2011.
January 9
A 16 year-old female from Lake in the Hills was arrested for failure to notify police of an accident.  The juvenile was released to her father with a McHenry County court date of January 28, 2011.

Obituaries

Lawrence R. Hagner, 77, of Sun City, Huntley died Sunday, January 09, 2011 at Sherman Hospital.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30am Friday at St. Mary Catholic Church, Huntley.  A Visitation will be held Thursday, from 4 to 8 pm at DeFiore Jorgensen Funeral Home, Huntley.  Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery.

Hagner was born June 28, 1933, the son of Richard P. and Agnes H. (Kubicek) Hagner. He is survived by his wife, Darlene Hagner; his three children, David (Denise) Hagner of Bolingbrook, Laura (Ray) Browder of Chesterfield, MO, and Steven (Valeska) Hagner of Graefelfing, Germany; three step- children, Dawn (Stephen) Schwahn of Bolingbrook,  Donald (Gerrianne) Cameron of Villa Park, and Denise (Joel) Pesola of Joliet,and 15 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.  He is survived by  two sisters, Dorothy (Ken) Kortendick of Racine, WI, and  Marie (Richard) Mattes, of Tulsa, OK, and two brothers, Thomas Hagner, of New Berlin, WI, and Jim (Joan) Hagner of Shorewood, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Richard.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to American Lung Association, American Prostate Cancer Research or the American Heart Association.

Harsh Cuts Proposed If No D300 Wage Concessions

In Illinois "We a revenue problem, we do not have an expenditure problem," said District 300 Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Crates Monday outlining $8.3 million in budget cuts to make up for doubtful State funding. She made the presentation of "Proposal #1" with Superintendent-elect Mike Bregy who said meaningful reductions would be difficult because "We are already a lean machine."

The first draft cuts differed only a little from those in an administration rough draft a month ago.  More than half the cuts still rely on teacher wage and benefit concessions for the 2011-12 school year.

One program marked for the provisional chopping block if the District can't get the concessions would be its Preschool For All program. "We're not required to have a preschool," said Bregy. "But we're at a point where we just can't afford it."

Teachers' union President Kolleen Hanetho said that was penny wise and pound foolish.  "The $1 million we spend on preschool is the best money we can invest," she said.

In last month's rough draft, without concessions as many as 74 teachers including were marked for possible layoffs at a $2.6 million savings. In Monday's draft the number at risk was less clear, the former categories of "reduce electives" at high schools and middle schools, apparently subsumed by a new one called "restructure secondary schools" but still penciled in at $2.5 million. What exactly restructuring meant wasn't specified but Member Dave Alessio told the rest of the Board that a survey of neighboring districts found D300 offers students a lot more electives than any others.

Crates said concessions would essentially amount to no teachers' salary increases for the 2011-12 year.  Although she and Hanetho counted differently both agreed that for the last two years teachers saw salary boosts at least in the two percent per year range.

Hanetho didn't sound very optimistic about teachers accepting a freeze.  "They've given us (no specific proposals)," she said.  "We haven't been to the (bargaining) table.  I just don't know you're going to get to $4.3 million."

Board members don't have much time to make up their minds.  Layoffs for administrators and tenured teachers have to be made by March 25 or not at all.  "You have to back off about two Board meetings to make that deadline," said Communications Director Allison Strupek.

Board President Joe Stevens wanted to rank cuts within the next couple of weeks. "I assume you'll work that out?," he asked Bregy.  "Absolutely," was Bregy's reply.

The District's First Draft cut list is here:
http://www.d300.org/files/Reductions.pdf

A Powerpoint exegesis is here:
http://www.d300.org/files/2011%2001%2010%20Proposed%20Administrative%20Budget%20Reductions%20for%202011-12.pdf

In the pic:  Superintendent-elect Mike Bregy and CFO Cheryl Crates Monday outlined potential harsh budget cuts for District 300's next school year.

Algonquin Clinic LITH's Latest New Business

Opening a business is hard but moving one may even be harder.  Ask chiropractor "Dr. Bob" Hollett who's still trying to sort things out after relocating from Algonquin's Merchant Drive to Lake in the Hills' Polaris Drive last week.  "I still don't have a sign.  Do you know someone who does signs?"

Hollet's Expert Health and Rehabilitation clinic was doing fine at its old digs he said but they were cramped.  "This (location) has better exposure and a lot less to pay, too." he said.  "We don't want to wait for the economy to bring things back to life.  We want to be in a position to be prepared for it."

Office Manager Laurie Lucchesse figures that'll happen about the time Dr. Bob's new cabinets and countertops show up.  They're already six weeks late.  "We've lost everything at least twice," at his new office, she said.  "We even lost Dr. Bob a couple of times."

In the pic:  Bob Hollett in his new LITH clinic Monday realigns some bones for Crystal Lake's Nancy Effert who had a whoopsie on the ice recently.

Algonquin Sponsors Snowman Contest

If the world hands you a lemon make lemonade.  That's in the Summer.  In the Winter, if it snows like today, make a snowman.  Through March 1 the Village of Algonquin Events and Recreation Department is sponsoring a Best Snowman contest.

Build a snowman, stand next to it and have a parent, spouse or significant other take a picture of it and you.  Go in and have some cocoa, little marshmallows optional.  Then submit the pics to recreation@algonquin.org. (Electronic photos only, obviously.) Photos are due by March 1. Winners will be published in an Algonquin Village Events & Recreation Guide later on.

In the pic:  Or if you can't make the best snowman, how about the most snowmen?

Income Tax Increase Still Evolving

By Andrew Thomason, Illinois Statehouse News
Democratic leaders are still looking to raise Illinois' income tax to close a potential $15 billion deficit.  What that increase would be, however, is still a moving target.

State Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley, said that after hearing input from other House members, there is a tentative plan to reduce the original 75 percent personal income tax increase to 66 percent. He said that the corporate tax increase originally outlined would be lowered, too. Both increases would end after four years. The taxes would be used to pay off debt incurred to pay down the state’s backlog of bills and make this year’s pension payment

“We’re looking at a structural deficit, where before the end of next year, the state will be out of money and that has strong implications on our bond ratings. Folks, we’re one step above junk (bond rating) right now,” Mautino said.

Sen. President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, floated the original tax increase plan last week, and Sen. Donne Trotter, D-Chicago, confirmed Monday that lowering the increase has been talked about on the Senate side, too. But in order to pass the increase, Republicans would have to put down votes, something they have so far said they are not willing to do.

House Republican Jil Tracy said the timing is off for a tax increase. She added that tax increases scare off employers and jobs, the opposite of what needs to happen right now. Cut spending to deal with Illinois’ fiscal problems, Tracy said. “ I truly believe we need to do an assessment of so many things in state government and look for cost saving measures there,” she said.

A new General Assembly is sworn in at noon tomorrow, and with it comes a larger number of Republicans in both chambers. The shrinking number of Democrats would likely make it more difficult to find the votes needed to make the tax hike a reality.

Cullerton said that everyone is aware of the ticking clock. "I think people know that we're still in session, there's a proposal out there that we're still working on," Cullerton said.

You can read Andrew's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/4881/income-tax-increase-still-evolving/

Quinn Takes Oath For Full Term, Offers Few Details

By Mary Massingale, Illinois Statehouse News
Governor Pat Quinn  Monday took the oath of office for his first full term as governor, complimenting practically every aspect of the state and touching only briefly on the state’s dire fiscal problems.

In a somewhat rambling, 30-minute speech, Quinn applauded the state’s education, transportation, manufacturing and agricultural systems. But the state’s nearly $15 billion budget deficit  — including a stack of more than $5 billion in unpaid bills — got only a brief mention.

“I’m here today to say that we will pay our bills, that we will stabilize out budget,” Quinn said. “We will strengthen our economy. We will do that, and we will do that very, very soon.”

Lawmakers since Thursday have been negotiating a potential 75 percent increase in the state’s personal income tax, a boost in the corporate tax to 8.4 percent and a loan of at least $12 billion before the lame-duck session ends on Wednesday at noon.

State Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, said that although Quinn’s speech lacked focus, he believes the governor will keep the best interests of Illinois residents at heart. “He’s probably not the world’s greatest orator but that’s not what we need at this point,” Koehler said. “We need somebody who’s humble, who understands the importance of how government affects the ordinary lives of people all over the state.”

State Sen. Pam Althoff, R-Crystal Lake, she said Quinn’s speech offered no clue of what to expect in the coming months. “I heard a very moving tribute to his family, to the experiences as he campaigned around the state of Illinois, but what was really lacking, once again, was a plan – where do we go from here?” she said.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan was sworn into her third term of office, while fellow Democrat Secretary of State Jesse White took the oath of office for the fourth time. Former state treasurer Republican Judy Baar Topinka returned to statewide office as comptroller, while state Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, was sworn in as treasurer.

Reporters Melissa Leu and Diane Lee contributed to this report. You can read Mary's full story at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/4878/quinn-takes-oath-for-full-term-as-governor-speech-offers-few-details/

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
January 10
1545 HRS 343 N. RANDALL RD., (STARBUCKS). THEFT DAVIS, DOMINICK JR., M/B 18 YEARS OF AGE, 599 FLORA DR., ALGONQUIN. CHARGES: Theft under. RELEASED ON BOND.
JUVENILE M/W 17 YEARS OF AGE, ALGONQUIN. CHARGES: Theft under, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Hypodermic Needle. RELEASED TO PARENT.
2245 HRS 5300 BLOCK OF BRIARFIELD LN. DOMESTIC BATTERY. MAGNUS JR, RAYMOND J., M/W 45 YEARS OF AGE, 5332 BRIARFIELD LN., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Domestic Battery, two counts. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
0716 HRS MILLER RD. & LAKEWOOD RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
0820 HRS PYOTT RD. & RAKOW RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
0851 HRS PYOTT RD. & ALGONQUIN RD. ACCIDENT. Vehicle vs. School Bus. Property damage only.
1316 HRS 2300 BLOCK OF CLAREMONT LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 2 years of age, having a seizure. Transported to Woodstock Hospital.
1901 HRS 500 BLOCK OF BLACKHAWK DR. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Grandfather vs. Granddaughter. No priors. UNFOUNDED.
2305 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 42 years of age, having difficulty breathing. Transported to Sherman Hospital.

Huntley General RV Hiring Interviews Set Tues., Wed.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security doesn't break out the unemployment rate for Huntley but, based on Algonquin and LITH numbers, it's probably well above 7 percent.  That bodes for a strong turnout tomorrow and Wednesday at an Open Interview for jobs at Huntley's General RV Center set to begin operation this Spring.

Notices from the Wixom, MI,-based company promise "over 30 positions to be filled" in management, sales, service, parts, clerical and billing with nice bennies like medical, matching 401k contributions and paid vacations.

General RV's Huntley superstore now under construction south of the Auto Mall is planned as its first entry into the Chicago market.  The company claims it's the fourth-largest RV dealer in the nation.

Interviews for jobs at the new center are scheduled tomorrow and Wednesday from 9 am to 6 pm at West Dundee's Courtyard Marriott West off Route 31 just south of the cemetery and just before the tollway.  Applicants are advised to "dress for interview", according to one notice. 

As FEN reported last month, online applications for a job at General RV are available here:

http://www.generalrv.com/contact-us-employment.aspx  


In the pic:  General RV's supercenter in Grand Rapids, MI.

D300 Meet Moved As Board Takes Up Next Year's Cuts

In what may be acknowledgment that District 300's new calendar year will start out rough and probably get rougher, this evening's Board of Education meeting's been moved from its normal spot at District headquarters to the auditorium at Carpentersville Middle School next-door.

The District's Board Room can hold about 75 people if most of them scrunch together and a lot of them stand in the doorway.  There's almost that many students scheduled for recognition tonight, though, and after that the Board has to start figuring out how to stretch too little income over too many expenses.

District Superintendent-to-be Mike Bregy and Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Crates are scheduled to unveil "Proposal #1" in a plan to cut another $8.3 million out of District operations next school year.  An Educational Program Review Technique Committee report to the Board last month identified possible cuts in  high school clubs,  foreign language instruction, guidance counseling, career counseling, nursing, maintenance, media, buses, English education, and admin staffing. It also called for wringing savings out of insurance payments and the District's bus company.

More than half the possible savings depended on winning wage and benefit concessions from teachers or else making another round of cuts in teachers and teachers' aids.  The District chopped more than 100 of those positions for the current year.

Crates has complained the State already owes the District about $9 million for this school year with another $9 million coming due this Spring but looking doubtful. Crates will also ask permission tonight to issue $19 million in Tax Anticipation Warrants, something like payday loans for school districts.

Details of possible cuts under consideration last month are shown starting on page 144 at:

http://www.d300.org/files/Board%20of%20Education%20Meeting%20Packet%2012.13.2010.pdf

This evening's District 300 Board of Education meeting will be a 7:30 pm.

County Board Reviews Energy Savings

The McHenry County Board patted itself on the back last week for saving a bunch of energy and, it hopes, some money, too.

Director of Facilities John Hadley and Siemens Account Executive Becky Werra reviewed the past three years of McHenry County upgrades and plans for this year to come up with about $2.7 million in energy savings for the County over a 10-year period.  But the new high efficiency boilers and lights and solar panels will probably last 10 or 20 years after that, according to Hadley, so the savings will probably end up being lots more over the life of the equipment.

In the pic:  Workers have been installing solar panels on the McHenry County Administration building this winter.  Siemens consultant Werra figured they'd provide enough power for the building's lights inside.

New Website Aids Grafton Assistance Applicants

Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore has put up a website to help applicants for Township General and Emergency assistance.  It's  at http://www.graftontownshipga.us. Essentially it's just a place to download the required application forms but that's a lot simpler than driving to the Township offices to pick up hard copies that have to be filled out and then brought back, anyway.

There's a lot of information required to apply for township assistance.  Questions about it all can be answered by Moore at 847-669-3328 or lindamooregt@hotmail.com.

Support Scarce, Tax Hike Vote Delayed

By Benjamin Yount, Illinois Statehouse News
Democratic leaders in Springfield may have an agreement on a 75 percent income tax.  What they don't seem to have is the votes to pass it yet. Lawmakers, at the Capitol for a rare  Sunday lame-duck session, didn't even talk about the plan to raise taxes and borrow money so Illinois can get out from under a $15 billion deficit.  They now face today's Governor's inauguration  and a deadline Wednesday to do something.

Legislators were quick to say there is little support for the current plan, and there is little agreement on a Plan B.  State Rep Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley, said hundreds of millions of dollars in new money for schools is as much of a problem as the 75 percent income tax increase.
"The main concern is that there can't be any new spending.  All of our members know that the structural deficit here is equal to a two percent income tax [hike]."

The current plan would raise the personal income tax 2.25 percentage points, or 75 percent.  There is money earmarked for schools and social services.  The tax package also includes property tax relief that would result in $325 checks being mailed to home owners.  And then there is the corporate income tax hike.

McHenry County Rep. Mike Tryon, R-Crystal Lake, said once you add those taxes into the mix, Illinois businesses will be paying over 10 percent to the state. "I think to put a 10.9 percent increase on the income tax on businesses really puts us at a disadvantage in comparison to where we need to with Indiana, and Missouri, and Wisconsin," said Tryon.

But for many lawmakers the problem with the tax increase is not in the math, it's on the phone.  State Rep Mike Boland, D-East Moline, said his phone rang off the hook with complaints about the 75 percent hike. "I've had hundreds of calls both to my office down here and district office, and even my home.  And I've only had one call that was for a tax increase."

Few Republicans, if any, are expected to vote for the income tax increase.  That could leave  Democrats to do it on their own.  Some, like McHenry County's other Rep. Jack Franks, don't sound very supportive, though.  "You have to look at the guy who's getting sworn-in (Monday) who campaigned on a (one percentage point) tax increase.  We've never even seen that proposal.  I presume that if that's what he was campaigning on, and really believed in it, we'd have seen legislation to that effect.  But we haven't," said Franks.

Quinn is set to be sworn in this afternoon.  A new legislature will take its oath on Wednesday.

You can read Ben's full report at:  http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/4867/support-scarce-tax-hike-vote-delayed/

Workers’ Comp Reform Would Cut Back Benefits

By Melissa Leu, Illinois Statehouse News
Employees receiving benefits from workers’ compensation may soon find themselves staying at home with less money in their pockets. Legislators could vote as early as today on a proposal that will revamp the workers’ compensation system by reducing benefits for injured workers and beefing up measures to reduce fraudulent claims.


The initiative would limit the amount those claiming workers’ compensation can receive in wage differentials. Currently, employees on workers’ compensation can claim the difference of the amount they earned before and after their injury. The measure limits eligibility for the benefit to the age of 67, rather than to life expectancy. Other major reforms outlined in the proposal include strengthening the Workers’ Compensation Fraud Unit by allowing the Illinois attorney general to prosecute fraud cases.


“(The proposal) still leaves us as the second-highest state in the United States, in terms of what we pay doctors and hospitals on comp claims. For us to have gone to third, we would have had to reduce our fee schedule by 50 percent,” said sponsor said Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion.

however Michael Carrigan, AFL-CIO president, said labor’s demands haven’t changed. He wants to see better benefits and access to quality health care for injured workers.


You can read Melissa's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/4865/employees-lose-out-in-workers%E2%80%99-compensation-reform/

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
January 9
0209 HRS 220 N. RANDALL RD., (MORETTIS). ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
0824 HRS 300 BLOCK OF STEEPLECHASE WAY. ACCIDENT. Vehicle vs. Tree. Property damage only.
1652 HRS 100 BLOCK OF LAKE DR. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Boyfriend vs. Girlfriend. One prior. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
1657 HRS 500 BLOCK OF E. OAK ST. REPORT FOR INSURANCE. Vehicle struck mailbox and left.
Algonquin
January 7
06:23am Arellano-Mondragon, Omar, DOB: 10/05/84, of 2147 W. Coulter Street, Chicago, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License, Failure to Yield and No Proof of Insurance.  He was taken into custody at Harnish Drive and Randall Road.  He was released after posting $150 with a court date of 02/09/11 in McHenry County.
January 8
15:56pm Hawryla, Dariusz K., DOB: 09/30/89, of 1022 Larkspur Court, Pingree Grove, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  He was also Wanted on a Warrant out of McHenry County for DWLS.  He was taken into custody at Sleepy Hollow Road and Highmeadow Lane.  He was released after posting $150 on the Algonquin charge with a court date of 02/17/11 in Kane County and after posting $500 on the McHenry County Warrant with a court date of 01/25/11 in McHenry County.
16:21pm A 15 year-old female from Elkhorn, WI, was charged with Retail Theft.  She was taken into custody at Kohl’s, 734 S. Randall Road.  She was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 02/23/11 in Algonquin.
17:12pm A 16 year-old male from Crystal Lake was charged with Possession of Alcohol by a Minor and Obstructing a Peace Officer.  He was taken into custody at Huntington Drive and Rolls Drive.  Also taken into custody during the same incident was a 17 year-old male from Crystal Lake who was charged with Retail Theft and Possession of Alcohol by a Minor.  Both subjects were released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 02/23/11 in Algonquin.
January 9
16:12pm Jones, Brenton D., DOB: 06/19/87, of 4503 Carthage Court, Crystal Lake, was charged with DWLS and No Proof of Insurance.  He was taken into custody at Route 31 and Edward Street.  He was released after posting $150 with a court date of 02/16/11 in McHenry County.

Local Blood Drives Set For "Difficult Month" (This One)

January is National Blood Donor Month and three blood drives are scheduled in the area in the next two weeks.

In Huntley next week, Faith Community Church will host a blood drive Saturday, from 8 am to noon.  The following Tuesday, Jan. 18, Huntley Park District's Fitness Center will host another drive from 3 pm to 6:30 pm.  Donors at both of those will receive a $10.00 Fandango gift certificate(Fandango's a ticket-selling website), good for $10 toward movies at participating Fandango ticketing theatres.

Another blood drive is set the next day, Jan. 19, from 4 to 9:30 pm at Lifetime Fitness in Algonquin.
    
A spokesman at Heartland Blood Center called January a "difficult month to maintain adequate blood inventory levels due to the holidays, inclement weather, and illnesses of typically healthy blood donors."

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with written parental permission); weigh at least 110 pounds; be symptom-free of cold, flu and allergies and be in general good health. Donors who've traveled outside the U.S. within the past 12 months should call either 1-800-7TO-GIVE or 1-877-LIFESOURCE to see if it's OK to make a blood donation.

In the pic:  Responsible folks donating blood during a drive at Faith Community last year.

Jacobs Spirit Night Thursday Starts Region Fundraiser

Partisans in Buffalo, NY, still dispute whether Frank Bellissimo (his wife actually) or John Young invented the chicken wing. (All Calvin Trillin could ever figure out is they both started selling a lot of them in the mid-60's.) In Algonquin the dispute Thursday will be over whether Jacobs High School Boosters can eat more of them than supporters of some other schools in the region.

In the "Spririt Night Challenge", Algonquin's Buffalo Wild Wings on Randall Road will donate 15 percent of its lunch, dinner and carryout food sales Thursday to Jacobs as long as they're made with this coupon:

http://www.d300.org/files/JHS%20Spirit%20Night%20Challenge%20.pdf

It's the first of a multi-stage chicken wing round-robin (!) eatoff among some (but not all) Fox Valley Conference High Schools that'll see the winner garner an additional $3,000 donation from the Buffalo Wild Wings company.

The first round running into February pits Jacobs, Huntley, Prairie Ridge, Crystal Lake (South and Central) and Woodstock (Plain and North) against each other. Then there'll be a semifinal round and a final round to see who's the region's chicken wing champ, according to Wild Wings spokesman Vicki Frantz.  Even more than most competitions, the trick in this one is clearly going to be "beating the spread."

In the pic:  Wings flew off the serving shelf even without a fundraiser at Algonquin's Buffalo Wild Wings Saturday.

Huntley Historical Society Seeks More Members

The Huntley Historical Society met this week to plan for the coming year's activities.  The main conclusion was the group needs more members and more money.

For example, in a chicken-and-egg situation, a cookbook of vintage Huntley recipes would probably raise a lot of money and shine a light on the way the world was when eating mock turtle soup wasn't a game of Russian Roulette. Only it would take a lot of members to put one together and at the moment the Huntley Historical Society only has about 45.

Its mission is to preserve and promote Huntley history through educational events and community activities. History buffs can call Frances Kreutzer at (847) 669 - 5952 or email John Bierlein at jmpbierlein@comcast.net for more info or download a membership form here:

http://huntleyhistoricalsociety.org/images/HHSform.jpg

Hynes: Lawmakers Must Act To Prevent Fiscal Slide

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
If lawmakers fail to act on budget solutions, the state could face $7 billion to $10 billion in unpaid bills by the end of the current fiscal year, according to a quarterly fiscal report issued today by Comptroller Dan Hynes this week.

At the midpoint of this fiscal year, the backlog of unpaid bills is higher than it was at this time last year. That's in part because the General Assembly and Gov. Pat Quinn haven't yet put a plan in place for making this fiscal year’s payment into the public employee pension system. More than $6 billion in bills from fiscal year 2011 have yet to be paid, including $1.8 billion unpaid pension obligations. The oldest bill dates back to the middle of last July, the first month of the current fiscal year.

Since legislators are considering several pieces of budget-related legislation while also mulling a possible tax increase package, Hynes’ future projections aren't specific. The reports notes that a borrowing plan to make pension payments would prevent the need to take the money out of this fiscal year’s general revenues. Hynes cautions that borrowing would also limit future budget flexibility. According to Senate President John Cullerton, a tax package would also likely include borrowing almost $4 billion for the pension payment and more than twice that amount to pay down the unpaid bills for this fiscal year.

However, Hynes warned that if legislators don't move some combination of new revenues, bonding and “budget restructuring,” the situation will only decline. Illinois received $600 million in federal funds for education in FY2010, which will not be coming again this year. The feds are also ramping down an elevated Medicaid match that was part of the stimulus package.

“Absent any significant budgetary developments, such as the initiatives currently under discussion in the General Assembly, the outlook for the state’s fiscal condition does not look to show any improvement and in fact is expected to weaken further,” Hynes said.

You can read Jamey's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/hynes-lawmakers-must-act-to-prevent.html

In the pic: Hynes on the campaign  trail.