County Y Bankruptcy To Close Camp Algonquin

After 103 years' operation Camp Algonquin on Cary Road in unincorporated Algonquin will close next month, according to a notice posted by the YMCA of McHenry County.  The shutdown is an aftereffect of the Y's bankruptcy filing late last month.

"That's shocking," said Algonquin Township Supervisor Dianne Klemm.  "I can't believe it.  Everybody uses it," she said.

YMCA of McHenry County took over operation of the camp in 2005 when the McHenry County Conservation District bought it.  Declining membership and mounting bills for facilities upgrades drove the Y into Chapter 11 reorganization bankruptcy Jan. 25.  At the time the Y issued a  statement saying the move would "not impact our daily operations".  However, MCCD Executive Director Elizabeth Kessler told FEN Friday the Y at the same time notified her district it planned to cease operating Camp Algonquin.

Y Director Bob Klein did not return a call seeking comment Friday.

The camp opened as the Tribune Hospital in 1888 when  tuberculosis was a Chicago scourge and newspapers were profitable, according to Jeff Jolitz, Chairman of the Algonquin Historic Commission.  It was renamed Camp Algonquin in 1907 when Chicago's United Charities took it over to serve poor youth.  "A lot of the names of the benefactors were given to the buildings, like the Chicago Board of Trade," said Jolitz. 

United Charities eventually became Metropolitan Family Services and sold the camp to MCCD six years ago.  That was the same year the camp served as a refuge for Hurricane Katrina families.

"At this point our Board is studying plans for the 116 acres of the camp to find what's best for it and best for the District," said Kessler.  She said whatever happens to Camp Algonquin has to fit into the District's Master Plan for the 395-acre Fox Bluff Complex that surrounds it, only it's never formulated one.  Now it's going to, she said.

Community Development Director Russ Farnum said closing down the camp probably won't have much impact on the Village of Algonquin.  Still, he said, "I hate to see any opportunity for outdoor recreation disappear," he said.

In the pic:  In retrospect it may have been an omen when a skidding car obliterated the sign for Camp Algonquin a few days ago.

Huntley OK's Comprehensive Plan Update, Sidewalk Replacement

Even though Huntley's breakneck growth has slowed to a snail's pace, planners still expect the village to add another 20,000 residents in the next 30 years.  That's why the Huntley Board Thursday gave final approval to an update of the Village's 2002 Comprehensive Plan.

The update process will be a lot like the one for the Village's Downtown Revitalization plan but without the consultants.  All the work will be handled in-house.  Soonest that will include preparing a community profile of what's there now and what other plans call for in the future while running a survey of what residents think they want to see happen (or not).

The survey will be like the one last year for Downtown Revitalization, a form to fill out on the Village website but it hasn't been added yet.

Another form soon to appear on the website will be a signup sheet for the Village's Sidewalk Replacement Program.  The Board OK'ed a $3.50 per square foot rebate which the Village estimates will be halfies on any sidewalk repair or replacement.  The program's first-come-first served, though, and there's only $20,000 in the budget for it so keep checking for it's addition.

In the pic:  Huntley Planners figure on a workshop in June for public fine tuning on the Village's Comprehensive Plan.  Something like this one last year for the Downtown Plan.

Manzullo Recruiting Local Suppliers For Rail Cars

The U.S. doesn't manufacture anything anymore?  Let's see ya outsource yer railroad cars, Pally.

There's a new rail car factory abuilding soon in Rochelle and 16th District Congressman Don Manzullo wants it supplied by northern Illinois businesses.  That's why he's co-sponsoring a March 7 meeting at NIU's Rockford Education Center to recruit some.

The $35 to $40 million factory will employ about 250 people to build the first passenger rail cars in Illinois since Pullman-Standard pulled out of the state 15 years ago.  The first order's for 160 Metra cars called for in the State's $31 million Capital Plan approved two years ago.

Prospective "local content" suppliers for the cars are supposed to RSVP Bryan Davis at Manzullo’s office at (815) 394-1231 or bryan.davis@mail.house.gov by Friday.

We don't make anything here, anymore, indeed. Tell that to factory owner Nippon Sharyo....

In the pic:  Construction of a 400,000 square foot rail car factory about here in Ogle County is expected to start late next month.

Addiction Treatment Still In Budget Limbo

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
Addiction treatment providers have some sense of relief now that members of Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration say they plan to scale back reductions to human services’ funding, but they continue to operate in a state of limbo until they get the specifics on the cuts.

Kelly Kraft, spokesperson for Quinn’s Office of Management and Budget, said human services would take a hit of about $100 million, as opposed to the $208 million that substance abuse treatment and prevention providers say the Department of Human services told them to prepare for last week. “On the surface, that’s a positive development, clearly,” said Sara Moscato Howe, chief executive officer of the Illinois Alcohol and Drug and Dependence Association. “However, there was not one detail given about where that $100 million would come from.”

Even though the income tax increase passed in January has brought in about $3 billion in new revenue, Kraft says it’s not enough to address the state’s fiscal crisis and plug the hole in Human Services. “Three billion dollars in additional revenue definitely helps, but we also have $6 billion in overdue bills (to providers, contractors and schools),” she said. “The list of bills that the state owes goes on and on.”

Kraft added that the state also owes $1.1 billion because it did not make the full payment on the group health insurance plan for state workers last year, as well as failing to dole out corporate income tax returns. Altogether, Quinn Budget Director David Vaught estimated in a briefing on the fiscal year 2012 budget that the state actually owes $9 billion to $10 billion.

But Howe says the administration's plan is counter intuitive. “Because the economy is so bad, the demand for services is grater … and because the demand for services is greater, they are now going to need to cut more? ... Why, then would you turn around and say to your citizens, ‘We know you really need this, but we may have to cut?’” Addiction treatment providers say cuts to their programs will only shift costs to other areas such as corrections and health care.

Kraft said the state spends about 45 percent of its general revenue funds on human services, and while cutting is a difficult process, some reductions must be made. “We value the commitment of all these providers. They serve Illinois' most vulnerable citizens,” Kraft said. “It’s a difficult balancing act.

You can read Jamey's full report at:  http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/addiction-treatment-in-limbo.html

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.

THEODORE J. LANG, DOB:  09/04/83, 3805 W. LAKE  SHORE DRIVE, WONDER LAKE. AGGRAVATED BATTERY, RESISTING A PEACE OFFICER--Wonder Lake PD

MATTHEW A. NELSON, DOB:  09/25/87, 10327 RIDGE LANE, MARENGO. BURGLARY, THEFT (UNDER $500.)--McHenry County Sheriff's Office.
  
STEVEN D. ADAMS, DOB:  05/11/57, 124 PLAYFIELD  APT A, WALWORTH, WI. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, RETAIL THEFT, ENDANGERING THE LIFE OR HEALTH OF A CHILD.--McHenry PD

ASHLEY E. ADAMS, DOB:  10/23/85, 124 PLAYFIELD  APT B. WALWORTH, WI. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, RETAIL THEFT, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF HYPODERMIC SYRINGE.--McHenry PD

Police Blotters

The filing of charges is not proof of guilt. A defendant charged is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lake in the Hills
February 25
0405 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. &  CEDAR RIDGE. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. NAGAMINE, MICHAEL J., M/W 32 YEARS OF AGE, 300 ANNANDALE DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving under the Influence with a Breath Alcohol Content Over .08, Improper Lane Usage. RELEASED ON BOND.
1806 HRS RANDALL RD. & MILLER RD. NO VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE CHEVEREZ, JUAN J., M/W 28 YEARS OF AGE, 967 ABERDEEN DR., CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: No Valid Driver’s License, No Valid Insurance, Seatbelt Violation, Seatbelt Violation for Unbuckled Children Under the Age of Eight. RELEASED ON BOND.
0229 HRS 00 BLOCK OF CAMDEN CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 4 years of age, having difficulty breathing. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
0702 HRS 220 N. RANDALL RD. (MORETTI’S). ROBBERY PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
0823 HRS PYOTT RD. & INDUSTRIAL DR. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1352 HRS 700 BLOCK OF WHITE PINE CIRCLE. THEFT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE. Vehicle taken from driveway. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1833 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 41 years of age, with a racing heart beat. Transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
1935 HRS 1200 BLOCK OF BURR ST. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 38 years of age, with a back injury. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
2126 HRS 1200 BLOCK OF BURR ST. SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A CHILD. TURNED OVER THE INVESTIGATIONS.

Grafton: Supervisor, Pay Bills; Trustees, Don't Negotiate Contracts

McHenry County Judge Michael Caldwell reached another Solomonic decision Thursday giving each side in the running battle to run Grafton Township only half its heart's desire.  He said Supervisor Linda Moore has to pay a raft of bills she's had on hold but he also said that while Trustees can contract for the Township, it's Moore who's supposed to negotiate and sign them.

Notable among the bills Moore doesn't have to pay yet is the $19,000 one from Forensicon, Inc., to investigate how the Township's financial records went missing from its computers last year.  "I have a question on the legitimacy of the Forensicon Bill," said Caldwell.  "I don't know how the contract was entered into."  He'd earlier said he suspected someone had bypassed Moore to negotiate the contract.

As for the records Forensicon was supposed to find, Moore had earlier admitted she took them home on a flash drive but told Caldwell Thursday she'd returned them to the Grafton Township offices the way he said to, just not to the Township computer servers.  She said they're available for trustees' examination on a laptop computer she bought for the purpose.  Caldwell didn't address the adequacy of that but said he wouldn't order Moore to give trustees remote Internet access to the records even though some of them have day jobs.  He seemed to have hacker worries in mind saying, "There are all sorts of opportunities for mischief we don't need," if he ordered that.

As for the information in the financial records themselves, about half of the two and a half-hour hearing was devoted to who did or didn't do what when and how to secure a contract to audit them for the 2009-10 fiscal year. At one point even Caldwell lost track of the timeline.  "What's (former Township Attorney Keri-Linn) Krafthefer doing here?" he asked during a rehash of one meeting.  "That was before your order (removing her)," replied trustees' attorney Thomas DiCianni.

What the disputes eventually boiled down to, DiCianni concluded was, "it's moot."  Everyone agreed Woodstock firm Brown and Company has been hired to begin the much-delayed examination and will do it shortly.

Even so, Caldwell was unhappy with the way--no request for proposals, no Supervisor's signature--that the contract was arrived at and entered into.  "I shouldn't have to say this," said Caldwell saying it, "the trustees have the power to make a contract.  It is a ministerial function for the Supervisor to sign it."

Broadly, Caldwell's intent appeared to be to make the Grafton Township Board, individually and collectively, play by the rules as they're writ instead of trying to find ways to outmaneuver them.  He ended the session with a pointed warning although it wasn't clear at whom he was pointing it.  "I know there are people who think they're more clever than I am and they probably are.  The trouble is they get too cute.  I have found people in contempt who have gotten too cute," said Caldwell.  "I have put them in jail."

Caldwell gave the attorneys for the Supervisor and the trustees two weeks to draft an order enforcing his latest rulings.  It's due March 11.

In the pic: Grafton Supervisor Linda Moore and her attorney John Nelson leave the McHenry County Courthouse Thursday.

Wisconsin Political Circus Continues In McHenry County

Woodstock was reported as the latest McHenry County roost Thursday for some of Wisconsin's Wandering Democrats ducking a vote in Madison on a government workers union bill they don't like.  So, at least, the Crystal Lake  Northwest Herald  reported. McHenry County Blog publisher Cal Skinner suspected they might be holed up with the daughter of one legislator.

Meanwhile State Rep. Mike Tryon who has a dry sense of humor and happens to be Chairman of the McHenry County Republican Party filed a bill Thursday that would force legislators from other states to pay Illinois income taxes if they are lurking  here to prevent votes in their own legislature. The bill's an extension of a law closing a State tax loophole for people living elsewhere but physically present in Illinois doing business. “If a movie star comes to Illinois to work on a film, the Illinois Department of Revenue will send them a tax document letting them know they owe income taxes here,” said Tryon.

"These MIA legislators are earning their salaries while hiding out in Illinois,” said Tryon. “They say they are working, and I believe these legislators should be subject to the same laws as other people who come here in the name of doing business.”

Tryon almost kept a straight face as he said, "The 2007 law was initiated by Illinois Democrat lawmakers and I’m sure the Democrat legislators from Wisconsin will want to cooperate with the spirit and intent of our laws here in Illinois.”

In the pic:  Tryon as close to giggling as he gets.

LITH Teenager Arrested For Child Pornography

Lake in the Hills Police arrested a LITH teenager Thursday morning on two charges of aggravated child pornography and two of aggravated child pornography.  Taken to McHenry County Jail was 18 year-old  Joseph J. Szykowny-Biegel of 3 Rochelle Ct., Lake in the Hills

A police spokesman said the arrest came after an investigation  by the Lake in the Hills and  Huntley police departments and members of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. Police were armed with a search warrant and said they found material supporting the charges against Szykowny-Biegel. None of the children depicted in the pornography were known to Szykowny-Biegel, according to a spokesman.

The Attorney General's office is on a crusade against child pornography and has said investigators have identified about 5,000 Illinois residents buying and selling it over the Internet.

In the pic: Joseph J. Szykowny-Biegel.

Bill Would Limit Penalty For Some Sex Offenders

By Lauren N. Johnson, Illinois Issues
Some individuals convicted of criminal sexual abuse would have the chance to avoid being placed on the sex offender registry, under a measure that would give discretion to Illinois courts in certain cases.

A bill sponsored by State Rep. Robert Pritchard, addresses so-called “Romeo and Juliet” cases, where two teens have sexual contact, and one is under the legal age of consent. The measure, which a House committee approved Thursday, would also allow an offender not more than four years older than the victim to petition to be excluded from the sex offender registry if the victim consented and is at least 14 years old.

“I think the original intent of the registry was to protect children, and I believe it’s gone far and beyond that,” said Tonia Maloney, president of Illinois Voices for Reform.

In Illinois, child sex offenders are prohibited from residing near schools or loitering near school-related facilities that house anyone under 18 years old. They must also register with the state when they change their residence.

“We’re trying to find a way that we can turn this around and let these guys have another shot. Like (Rep. Pritchard) said, they did break the law, but it was consensual,” said Maloney. Pritchard said the bill is for youths who did violate the law of sexual consent and must live with the consequences of their errors. But after they have paid their debt, he said, they should not bear the restrictions meant to protect society from predators.

You can read Lauren's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/legislation-would-limit-penalty-for.html

Obituaries

Genevieve W. Gurns, 94, of Algonquin died Wednesday at Hospice of Northern Illinois in Woodstock.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am Monday at St. Mary Catholic Church, Huntley. Visitation will be Sunday from 3 to 7 pm at DeFiore Jorgensen Funeral Home, Huntley. Burial will be in St. Adalbert Cemetery.

Gurns was born January 13, 1917, in Chicago, the daughter of John and Victoria (Antolak) Wojdyla. She married Peter Gurns on September 28, 1941. She is survived by her two daughters, Patricia (Jerry) Darow of Huntley and Karen (Stephen) Thacker of Hamilton, CN; her brother, Joseph Wojdyla; her sister, Frances Zagurski, and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, one son, George Gurns, and two sisters, Lorraine and Helen.

In lieu of flowers donations may be directed to M.A.D.D.- Mothers Against Drunk Driving-1430 Branding Lane Suite 151,  Downers Grove, Illinois 60515.

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
February 24
1538 HRS 00 BLOCK OF ROCHELLE CT. AGGRAVATED CHILD PORNOGRAPHY.  SZYKOWNY-BIEGEL, JOSEPH J., M/W 18 YEARS OF AGE, 3 ROCHELLE CT., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Two Counts of Aggravated Child Pornography, Two Counts of Child Pornography. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
1157 HRS 200 BLOCK OF FERRYVILLE DR. DOG BITE. Dog bit owner.
1708 HRS 400 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. wife. Verbal argument only. 6 priors.
2017 HRS 4300 BLOCK OF ROLLING HILLS DR. MISSING JUVENILE. Male, 17 years of age, left the residence. Entered into LEADS.
TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
2033 HRS 0 BLOCK OF CASTLE PINES CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE Male, 75 years of age, having chest pain. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
2100 HRS 100 BLOCK OF WOODY WAY. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Boyfriend struck girlfriend and his mother. Mother transported to Sherman Hospital. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
Algonquin
February 21
08:14am A 14 year-old male from Lake in the Hills was charged with Theft Under $300.  He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department.  He was referred to the Tri Area Court For Teens and then released into the custody of his parents.
February 22
10:20am Allen, Trevor D., DOB: 05/23/91, of 650 Chestnut Court, Algonquin, was charged with DWLS, Failure to Reduce Speed and No Proof of Insurance.  He was taken into custody at Route 62 and Countryside Drive.  He was released after posting $150 with a court date of 03/23/11 in McHenry County.
February 24
12:29pm Banaszak, Brian E., DOB: 03/28/71, of 161 Madera Circle, Carpentersville, was Wanted on a Warrant out of DuPage County for Contempt of Court.  He was taken into custody at Algonquin Road and Oakleaf.  He was released after posting $150 with a court date of 03/23/11 in DuPage County.
21:42pm Cantway, Brittney A., DOB: 02/22/93, of 9405 Rainsford Drive, Huntley, was charged with Retail Theft.  She was taken into custody at 9405 Rainsford.  She was transported to McHenry County Jail when unable to post bond.  Also taken into custody was Little, Tabatha L., DOB: 07/17/92. of 9405 Rainsford Drive, Huntley, who was charged with Retail Theft and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  She was released after posting $150 with a court date of 03/30/11 in McHenry County.
23:50pm Masterson, Kevin J., DOB: 04/20/64, of 18932 Riverbend Loop, Foley, AL, was charged with DUI, Improper Lane Usage, Improper Stopping and No Proof of Insurance.  He was taken into custody at Randall Road and Broadsmore Drive.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail when unable to post bond.
Huntley
February 7
Two 17 year-old males were charged with possession of tobacco by a minor.  Both juveniles were released with a notice to appear in McHenry County Court on  March 14, 2011.
A retail theft report was taken at a business in the 13200 block of Village Green.
February 8
A female juvenile from Carpentersville was arrested for driving with no valid driver's license and was cited for failure to yield the right of way at an intersection.  The juvenile posted bond and was released to her father with a McHenry County court date of February 25, 2011.
A theft report was taken at a business in the 10400 block of Algonquin Rd.  A cell phone was stolen then later recovered.
February 9
Two theft reports were taken at the High School.  An iPod and a cell phone were stolen.
February 10
Frank A. Buffa, age 33, of 8 Sweetwater Ct., Lake in the Hills, was arrested on an outstanding Elk Grove Village Police Department warrant for retail theft.  Mr. Buffa was released to the custody of Elk Grove Village Police Department.
Franciso Molina-Gil, age 41, of 4158 W. 25th St., Chicago, was arrested for driving with no valid driver’s license and was cited for disregarding a stop sign.  Mr. Molina-Gil posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of March 28, 2011.
A theft report was taken at a residence in the 13300 block of Michigan Ave.
February 11
Two 17 year-old females from Woodstock, IL were charged with retail theft.  Both females were released with a notice to appear in McHenry County court on  March 14, 2011.
A 17 year-old male from Brandon, FL, was arrested on an outstanding Hillsborough County, Florida, warrant.  The juvenile was transported to McHenry County Jail to await extradition to Florida.
Raquel M. Ferrante-Martell, age 30, of 11185 Fleetwood, Huntley, was arrested for aggravated battery to a police officer and resisting a peace officer.   Ms. Ferrante-Martell was transported to McHenry County jail to await bond call.

Judge Questions Bianchi Communications

Special Prosecutor Thomas McQueen wasn't happy Wednesday to find he'd have someone representing the County looking over his financial shoulder in the Lou Bianchi case.  "Can you spell 'No Comment'?," he asked eyeing a reporter's notebook, "'cause that's all you're getting out of me."

Judge Gordon Graham had just ruled that Illinois Appellate State's Attorney Charles Colburn still represented McHenry County's "financial interest" in the case even though he hadn't done so since Graham appointed McQueen and Henry "Skip" Tonigan as Bianchi Special Prosecutors.  "You were properly noticed," Graham told Colburn, " and didn't appear."

Colburn said he thought his role had ended until he received a filing in the case late last month from the Special Prosecutor.  McQueen said the filing had been merely "a courtesy" but it set Colburn to wondering if he was still supposed to be trying to ride financial herd for the County.  He found  McQueen and Tonigan are still investigating Bianchi even though a Grand Jury's already returned indictments against him for alleged conspiracy and official misconduct. That was why he'd asked for Wednesday's hearing to clarify matters.

Graham said Colburn was still on the case but, "Your function is still limited to the (County's) financial interest."

If that clarified things, Graham immediately made them murkier again.

"I received a phone call from the Director of the Appellate State's Attorney's office, Mr. (Patrick) Delfino about two weeks ago," Graham announced. During that conversation, he said  it became apparent Delfino had a copy of transcript of the court session ordering Colburn to represent McHenry County finances.  Graham said he checked who had asked for the transcript.

"The only person who requested it was Mr. Bianchi," he said.  "I don't know what issue that raised."

Colburn said he thought Delfino had received the transcript from Bianchi defense attorney Terry Ekl.

"Obviously Mr. Ekl represents Mr. Bianchi," said Graham.  "They're providing you information."

"I suggest there was an ex-parte (non-public) communication," said Graham but he didn't take that thread any further.

Ekl later said the implication there was collusion between Bianchi and Colburn's office was "Silly".  "Why didn't he concentrate on the vast expansion of the Special Prosecutor's investigation?" asked Ekl who's claimed that came through the Special Prosecutors'  ex parte communications with Graham.

"As I reconstruct it," said Ekl, "my best recollection is I got a phone call from Pat Delfino. Pat said he'd gotten a phone call from (County Board Chairman Ken) Koehler about the case because they were concerned about the cost.  Pat told me he wanted to find out about that and I told him about the transcript (appointing Colburn).  He wanted to see it and I said I would send it."

FEN was unable to contact Delfino to see how he remembered things.  He was reported in a meeting all afternoon.

In the pic:  Judge Gordon Graham

Gordmans Guts Wickes Store For Remodel Expansion

Demolition to remodel the former Wickes Furniture store in Algonquin moved outdoors this week to create a startling new vista on Randall Road.  The building will be expanded by about one third to accommodate a new Gordman's value department store by the end of summer.

Crews are moving fast said Community Development Director Russ Farnum.  "Gordman's wants to open Aug. 1," he said.  That's a few weeks' advance on the company's timetable when the project was approved late last year.  Then it was "in time for back-to-school."

Gordman's spokesmen have said the store will employ about 70 people but FEN hasn't been able to find out yet when the company will start recruiting them.

Algonquin Preschool Open House Set Sat.

Algonquin Preschool will have an Open House Saturday for prospective youngsters and parents from 9:30 to 11:00 am.

The preschool's for kids three to five years old and organized to encourage each child to explore, experiment, and develop skills at his or her own level of ability.  Information about the preschool's available at  847-658-2232.  Or you could check out its Facebook page at:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Algonquin-Preschool/184066071614079

LITH Parks And Rec Schedules Spring Program Showcase

Lake in the Hills Parks and Rec has a sort of two for one Family Fun Night set for next Friday, March 6.  It's supposed to be a fun event all by itself but also showcase some of the Spring classes the Department has on offer.

Kid Rock, Sports R Us, Focus Martial Arts, Pump it Up and Pen & Mouse Design House will be on hand to show samples of what their classes are like. Kids can also take advantage of the open gym space to shoot hoops, jump rope, hula hoop and burn off some of that “cabin fever” energy that's been accumulating along with all the snow.

Family Fun Night will take place at Chesak Elementary School on Friday, March 4 from 6 to 8:30 pm. Pizza, drinks, and organized activities are included in the low registration fee of $10 per family of 4 or $3 per person. The number to do that is 847-960-7460. Or you can do it online here:
https://jobs.lith.org/webtrac/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/wbar0220.html?search-name=3070

In the pic: Family Fun Night last time.

Addiction Treatment Cuts Could Close Doors

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
Providers of addiction treatment in Illinois say they have stopped taking new patients, and some plan to end programs such as residential care and detox as early as tomorrow.

Eric Foster, chief operating officer for the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association (IADDA), said members of the Quinn administration told treatment providers last week that the governor plans to cut all state funds for substance abuse treatment and prevention programs not backed by federal Medicaid dollars.

According to IADDA, the budget reductions, which they say would come by March 15, would cut off treatment to 55,000 of the 69,000 people currently in the system and result in the layoffs of more than 5,000 workers. Quinn is also proposed substantial cuts to drug and alcohol dependency treatment and prevention programs in his budget for next fiscal year.

Foster said Michelle Saddler, secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services, confirmed the plan to cut and said that providers would get new contracts spelling out the cuts last Tuesday, but he said the department never followed up with the information. “Secretary Saddler’s verbal notification immediately triggered a shutdown of intakes, closing the doors to new clients, closures of other addiction prevention and treatment services across the state, and shutdowns of programs serving Illinois’ neediest citizens,” Foster said.

Foster accused Quinn of playing politics with funding to human services — referring to Quinn’s 2009 push for an income tax increase, which at the time he said could prevent draconian cuts to social service providers. “Gov. Quinn promised to save human services if the state passed an income tax increase. We think the governor’s pledge to protect the most vulnerable in Illinois has been a cruel hoax.”

Chicago Democratic Rep. Sara Feigenholtz and Jacksonville Republican Rep. Jim Watson have introduced a nonbinding resolution urging the governor not to make the cuts. Lawmakers can do little more than that because they signed over budgeting powers to Quinn when they passed him a lump sum budget for the current fiscal year, leaving it up to the governor to make cuts. The General Assembly approved extending Quinn’s special budgeting powers until the current fiscal year ends in June.

You can read Jamey's full report at:  http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/addiction-treatment-cuts-could-mean.html

Police Blotters

The filing of charges is not proof of guilt. A defendant charged is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lake in the Hills
February 23
2206 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & FRANK RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. DOUGHERTY, BRITTANY M., F/W 21 YEARS OF AGE, 1685 YELLOWSTONE DR., CRYSTAL LAKE. Charges: Driving While License Suspended, Suspended registration & no insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.
0829 HRS 6900 RAKOW RD., (RAKOW CURVE). ACCIDENT Vehicle vs. deer. Property damage only.
1240 HRS 250 N. RANDALL RD., (COSTCO). INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Information report taken by officer.
1550 HRS 90 BLOCK OF POLARIS DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 57 years of age, having difficulty breathing. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1827 HRS 311 N. RANDALL RD., (AMC THEATERS). ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
2035 HRS 6900 RAKOW RD., (RAKOW CURVES). ACCIDENT. Car vs. guardrail. Property damage only.

Judge Says County Has "Financial Representation" In Bianchi Case

McHenry County has what it wanted, some kind of voice in the expense of investigating and prosecuting State's Attorney Lou Bianchi.  In a hearing this morning Judge Gordon Graham said the County's always had "financial representation" in the case and it was just a misapprehension that everyone thought it didn't.

"You dropped the ball," Judge Graham told Illinois Appellate Prosecutor Charles Colburn.  The judge said Colburn whom he'd appointed an Assistant State's Attorney to represent the County's financial interests a year and a half ago didn't appear in court two different times to do so. Nevertheless, he said, the appointment stands.

"I didn't think we were in (the case), and (Special Prosecutor Thomas) McQueen didn't think were were in it," said Colburn, "but we're in it."

That will probably please the County Board which a week ago politely asked the Circuit Court to please tell it what it's bought so far with $230,000 in expense bills from Special Prosecutor Henry "Skip" Tonigan.  That was the total three weeks before Tonigan's Grand Jury indicted Bianchi for conspiracy and official misconduct in allegedly ordering his County secretaries do campaign work.  According to Tonigan, he's still not through investigating, either.

Graham left it up to Colburn and McQueen to try to work out what the County gets to know about the investigation's financing.  McQueen wouldn't comment on that and Colburn said he was about to meet with McHenry County Administrator Pete Austin to find out what the Board would wants to find out.

In a  hearing before Winnebago County Judge Joseph McGraw in Rockford Tuesday Bianchi waived his earlier request to a jury trial next month.  "We'll have a bench trial (before McGraw only)," said his defense attorney Terry Ekl, this morning.

Winds Shift On D300 Generating Proposal

Distict 300's Wind Consortium isn't ready to abandon plans for a $50 million windfarm in Western Stark County.  It's just ready to abandon Stark County according to the Consortium Board's latest meeting in Carpentersville Tuesday.

Wind Consortium Chief Cheryl Crates said after seven months of work, building a windfarm near tiny Toulon still looks doable technically but wiring it up to the electrical power grid is an open question that can't be answered for another nine months.  The latest plan is to abandon a standalone windfarm in Stark County and go in on another windfarm somewhere else that's already made hookup arrangements.

An obscure but vital company called PJM is the one that actually moves wholesale electricity around in a 13-state area including Illinois.  To make the Stark County windfarm work, PJM would have to figure out how to interconnect it with Com Ed's power grid and how much that would cost.  The problem is there are so many renewable energy plants under development right now that PJM's swamped.  "They're not able to do a study before the first of next year," said Crates.

PJM spokesman Paula Dupont-Kidd said PJM is trying to plow through 40,000 Megawatts of new renewable energy proposals, enough to theoretically power 3 to 4 million  homes.  "Probably only half of that will be built," said Dupont-Kidd but connecting each proposed plant has to be studied and costed out, anyway.  That in itself costs money.  "We require they have to file a request and pay for that study," she said.

Instead, "We're working to do a project with another user where that's already been worked out," said Crates.

Where?  The Consortium Board went into closed session on that but Crates said two windfarms are under consideration.  "They're both in Illinois," she said.  "We're negotiating with both."

D300 has the 80 percent lead position in the Wind Consortium which includes two smaller school districts.

In the pic:  Windfarms proposed for the PJM electrical interconnect area in the Midwest.  Its eastern area's even more clogged.

$1.65 Million Cost In McHenry County For Blizzard

The McHenry County Board Finance and Audit Committee toted up the costs of the Blizzard of '11 Tuesday and passed along a resolution "commending" a Mercy Health Systems proposal for a hospital in Crystal Lake.

The bill for all the blizzard snow in McHenry County adds up to about $1.65 million so far.  The Illinois Emergency Management Agency's asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster area designation in the state so the feds can reimburuse up to 75 percent of the expense. "We're working hard to build a strong case for federal assistance to help local governments recoup some of their costs related to this historic winter storm," said IEMA Acting Director Jon Monken earlier this week.

McHenry County Division of Transportation spent about $175,000 trying to keep clear and then reopen County roads and highways during the blizzard.  So far the Village of Algonquin's put in a chit for almost $87,000.  Lake in the Hills' figure was $58,000 and Huntley's was $45,000. Algonquin Township figured it spent $50,000. Grafton Township came in at $13,000.

The hospital resolution's similar to one the County Board passed last week "commending" Centegra's proposal for a 128-bed facility in Huntley.  The Board decided it didn't want to pick between dueling proposals for new hospitals currently before the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board so it just passed a resolution saying the County would like a new hospital and Centegra's a good healthcare provider.  The new resolution says essentially the same thing except about Mercy.

Editor's note:  In an earlier version of this story the decimal point was in the wrong place.  Correct: $1.65 million, not $16.5 million.  Fen regrets  the error.

LITH Home Business Revisions For Vote Thursday

The Lake in the Hills Board Tuesday passed along for final approval Thursday revisions to tighten up the Village's Zoning Ordinance on home-based businesses.  The Board and the Village's Community Development Department have been crafting the changes for the past two and a half months.

The additions expand the impact of a home-based business from just the individual residence to the surrounding neighborhood and prohibits lights and signs that might indicate the house was anything except a home.  Likewise, whatever the business is selling isn't allowed to be seen from outside and the sales or instruction have to be done inside.

The business area is capped at 600 square feet or 25 percent of the home, whichever's smaller.

Singing, dancing and musical instrument students are limited to no more than four per day, two at a time, but students in anything else and limited to no more than eight per day, four at a time.

The Board and Planning and Zoning Commission have been trying to walk a tightrope between riding herd on LITH home businesses and accidentally treading on the toes of people who sometimes have a non-family get-together.

"Occasional" gatherings, meetings or classes are OK but no more than four times a month and only if there aren't so many people their cars clog nearby parking.  "This would allow for the occasional Boy Scout or church group meetings to occur as well as gatherings where goods are sold like Mary Kay and Tupperware," said Community Development Director Dan Olson.

Fugitive Dems Milk Attention In Harvard Tuesday

About half of Wisconsin's Flying Dutchman Democrats were sighted in Harvard Tuesday still trying to avoid a vote they expect to lose in the Wisconsin Senate to the GOP.

The Dems decamped Madison Thursday to short circuit a bill to limit collective bargaining rights for public workers in Wisconsin.  Republicans have enough votes to pass it but they're one short of enough legislators to form a quorum for the vote in the first place.  If the Democrats had stayed in Madison the Senate Sergeant at Arms could have dragged them back so they left the state Thursday.  Eight were believed to have been in the hotel in Harvard Tuesday after earlier stopovers in scenic Rockford and Freeport over the weekend.

The Sergeant at Arms can't get them in Illinois but the Wisconsin senators have been lying low, anyway, because they claim they fear threats from Tea Party advocates.  One showed up Tuesday and, according to reports, three Harvard PD squad cars rolled up with lights blazing to tell her she had to go away.

Outed again, the senators were thought to have left Harvard Tuesday afternoon for parts even more unknown.

In the pic: McHenry County Blog identifies this protester as a member of the Crystal Lake Tea Party.

House, Senate Bills Could Reinstate Death Penalty

By Lauren N. Johnson, Illinois Issues
Governor Pat Quinn still hasn't signed a bill passed in the last Legislature's lame duck session to abolish the death penalty in Illinois.  But in case he does, two Republican legislators have proposed legislation to restore it.

A House bill sponsored by Rep. Dennis Rebolettiof Addison, would place a referendum on the 2012 general election ballot  asking Illinois voters if they are favor of capital punishment. Reboletti said the public had little to no input in the voting process that he said was rushed through the lame-duck legislative session in  January. While the death penalty cannot be abolished or reinstated through a voter referendum, Reboletti said he would respect the choice of voters. The only way the public could directly decide whether Illinois has the death penalty would be through a constitutional amendment passed by the legislature and approved by voters.

“Gov. Quinn has always been an advocate of letting the people's voice be heard through referendums  throughout his four decades of service to this state, so we are hopeful that he would be supportive of  this measure,” Reboletti said.

Sen. Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale introduced a Senate bill to reduce eligibility for the death penalty to what he called the “worst of the worst” of crimes, a group of criminals he defined as killers of police officers and  correctional guards, heinous child murderers and serial murderers. “Some of my colleagues on the other side were forced to take [Senate Bill 3539] or leave it. The death  penalty to me is not a ‘take it or leave it’ situation; it’s to be used very judicially in limited circumstances,” Dillard said.

Dillard introduced a second bill, which calls for creation of a panel – prosecutors, state’s  attorneys from Cook County and downstate Illinois, a representative from the attorney general’s office  and a retired judge – intended to guarantee that Illinois' judicial system would use more discretion in applying the death penalty.

Quinn has until March 18 to take action on the death penalty abolition bill, according to his office. If he fails to act, the measure automatically becomes law.

You can read Lauen's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/house-senate-bills-could-reinstate.html

Obituaries

Larry D. Flesher, 75, of Huntley, died at his home of cancer Friday. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 2 to 4 pm Saturday at the DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral Home, Huntley, with a Service of Remembrance at 3pm.

Flesher was born November 1, 1935, in Ashland, OH, the son of Charles and Rose (Stearns) Flesher. He married his high school sweetheart, Sue A. Clark, on August 5, 1955. He survived by his wife of Huntley; his children, Lori (Mark) McMahon of Elburn, Mike (Joel) Flesher of Cortland and Pam (Rob) Kunzelman of Geneva; seven grandchildren, Debra, Craig, Jake, Kevin, Jeff, Justin & Shawn and two sisters, Pat Finn and Linda (Jim) Kota both of Wooster, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Larry Flesher Kids for Kamp c/o Harris Bank, 12920 S. Route 47, Huntley IL 60142. That's a fund to send boys in Scouting to summer camp.

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
February 22
0042 HRS 700 BLOCK OF WHITE PINE CIRCLE. DOMESTIC. Mother vs. Son. Verbal only. No priors.
0116 HRS 1200 BLOCK OF CHERRY ST. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. Wife. Verbal only. No priors.
1533 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF VIEWPOINT DR. IDENTITY THEFT. An unauthorized person is illegally using complainants’ information. PENDING INVESTIGATION.
1550 HRS 700 BLOCK OF WHITE PINE CIRCLE. AMBULANCE ASSIST. Male, 58 years of age, evaluation. Transported to Woodstock Memorial hospital.

Algonquin: Village For Hire, Inquire Within

Algonquin's Village Board will examine a proposed third intergovernmental agreement this evening that would put the village further along the road to becoming the area's municipal handyman.

On the agenda for today's Committee of the Whole meeting is a plan to take over fleet maintenance for the tiny Pingree Grove PD.  (The fleet has five vehicles.)  The plan's similar to one last September in which Algonquin began servicing the Algonquin Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District's vehicles.

"We've been looking at working with other government agencies," said Village Manager Bill Ganek at a meeting earlier this month.  The idea's to get more revenue to cover the overhead on some of the village's departments.

The most interesting matchup would be one in which Algonquin building inspectors would help out in Carpentersville.  "Carpentersville's looking for cost savings," said Ganek.  "They're shorthanded since they're not having any more development than we are."  Rather than C'ville's hiring more people without enough work for to do, Algonquin personnel would perform inspections for the neighboring village on an as-needed basis with Carpentersville paying for the service.

Assistant Building Commissioner Tom Jacobs said technically there'd be no problem.  "The codes are almost the same.  Probably ninety five percent.  They have a few tweaks."

The building inspection deal's still up in the air, though. At last report the lawyers for the two municipalities were still trying to figure out who'd be liable for what, not to mention when.

What else might Algonquin go in on with another village?  It depends on what pops up during conversation at confabs Ganek periodically attends with his counterparts.  "We're experimenting," he said.

In the pic:  Assistant Building Commissioner Tom Jacobs examines plans for a commercial remodel in Algonquin.  Retail's picking up, he said, although residential hasn't very much yet.

Such A Deal: Grafton Haligus Property For Sale

While Grafton Township tries to hammer out an agreement with the Township Road District to put things back the way they were before ill-fated plans for new offices, it managed to put up a sign to sell the land where the offices would have gone.  The ground was frozen, though, so it fell over last week.

A flier sent to area media by Supervisor Linda Moore remarks the 2.77 acre parcel on Haligus Road is zoned "Open Space" which sounds pretty unrestricted.  However, a perusal of the Lake in the Hills zoning ordinance finds that's not really the case.

Permitted uses include: arboretum, band shell, community center, conservatory, government office/service facility or building (well, it says), government owned and operated park, government owned and operated utilities, village owned and operated uses, petting zoo.

Conditional uses if OK'ed by the Planning and Zoning Commission and Village Board would include: amphitheater, amusement park, auditorium, commercial bathing beach, botanical or zoological garden, commercial day camp, commercial campground, cemetery, equestrian sports facility, fish hatchery, forest preserve, golf course or country club, driving range or mini golf, horse farm, indoor ice skating rink, museum, commercial orchard, public parking area, cell phone facilities or tower, planned development, indoor rec center, privately owned or operated resort, self-serve petwash,  indoor or outdoor shooting  range, planned shopping or business center, sports arena or stadium, livery stable,  tennis or racquetball club, small ground-mounted windmill generator.

"There are other considerations regarding if a use can locate on a site such as setbacks, parking requirements and height standards," observed Community Development Director Dan Olson.

Grafton Township bought the land for $100,000 at roughly the height of the real estate bubble. The Grafton Board voted to ask for $120,000 for it now.

In the pic:  FEN jammed Grafton Township's sign back into the ground but it was kind of soupy.

Huntley Culver's for Kids Today

This Just In: Today from from 4 to 8 pm Huntley Culver's and the Huntley Park District are teaming together to provide funds for programs and financial assistance.  Culver's will donate 10 percent of your pre-tax order to the Huntley Park District.  You can eat-in, get it to go, or use the drive-thru. Just remember to mention the Huntley Park District.

Newspapers Fight For Printed Public Notices

By Melissa Leu, Illinois Statehouse News
Local newspapers are fired up over a measure introduced in the House last week that they say would cut government transparency. Supporters say it would just cut government newspaper subsidies.

The bill would change the law to allow local governments and school districts to post public notices online, instead of printing them in newspapers. Local governments and school districts would still be required to place newspaper advertisements that include a website address and a location where print notices would be available. Public notices are announcements that involve any action using public property or tax dollars, such as upcoming public meetings, bids for government contracts and assessment notices for taxes.

“With the growth of technology, traditional newspaper publication is just a less effective way — in terms of accessibility of the information and the cost effectiveness,” said Ashley Niebur, attorney for the Illinois Municipal League, an organization composed of Illinois cities, villages and incorporated towns.

“Under the tight budgets (and) cost-cutting measures, it’s really a guise to disenfranchise the taxpayers and to make your elected officials and public bodies less accountable to the taxpayers,” said Dennis DeRossett, executive director of the Illinois Press Association.  “They’ve not filed any financial statement that shows how much it’s going to save taxpayers and how much it’s going to cost additionally to have this put on their website.”

During the past four years, metropolitan counties spent about $5 million on publishing public notices, Niebur said. For instance, a recent full-page public notice in a Springfield newspaper cost about $3,000, Niebur said. “Providing a smaller notice is obviously going to be more cost effective. They’re not spending the money on a full-page ad, and they can have the information on their website at no cost to them,” Niebur said.

“Newspapers provide a service. Just like construction companies get paid for building roads, we get paid for publishing public notices,” said DeRossett, who noted concern over lost advertising dollars.

Internet venues like Craigslist and Monsterboard have decimated classified advertising, once an important newspaper revenue source.  Eliminating lucrative legal notices would be another crippling blow.  Against that, newspaper circulation has been dwindling for decades.  Rep. Frank Mautino, sponsor of the plan, said it was meant to be a conversation starter. “The bill is introduced for the purposes for negotiations and talks on an issue that’s kind of been boiling beneath the surface for 10 years,” Mautino said.

Mautino pointed to various public agencies who asked the previous General Assembly to exempt them from the Notice by Publication Act which obligates public entities to publish notices in newspapers.  “Changing technologies, changing newspapers business, and transparency and government don’t have to be at odds, but it does deal with revenue so it will be controversial,” Mautino said.

You can read Melissa's full report at:  http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/5151/newspapers-fight-for-government-accountability-in-printed-public-notices/

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
February 21
0250 HRS RAKOW RD. & PINGREE RD. ACCIDENT One vehicle rolled over. Property damage only.
0830 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF BRITTANY BEND. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 66 years of age, with a back and head injury.  Transported to Woodstock Hospital.
0853 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF RIDGEWOOD CIRCLE. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 72 years of age, with a head injury. Transported to Good Shepherd Hospital.
1037 HRS 81 N. RANDALL RD., (CHAZIO’S HAIR). ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1109 HRS 200 BLOCK OF OAKLEAF RD. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 75 years of age, having difficulty breathing. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1203 HRS 900 BLOCK OF CYNTHIA LN. DOMESTIC. Father vs. Son. Verbal only. No priors.
1400 HRS 200 BLOCK OF COOL STONE BEND. DOMESTIC. Mother vs. Son. Verbal only. No priors.
1735 HRS 4900 BLOCK OF HIGHWOOD LN. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY Windows damaged. FAIL TO FILE.

Huntley PD Searches For Fifth Stolen Vehicle

Huntley police were still looking this morning for the last of five vehicles stolen Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Police said thieves had an easy time driving off since in every case the keys were in the vehicles.  In a release this morning the PD reminded residents it's not a very good idea to leave your keys in your car.  Or anything else, for that matter, it added.

"We have no suspects at this time," said Huntley Deputy Chief Todd Fulton.  "We believe these were random crimes of opportunity," Fulton said adding no one's sure yet what the motive was.

The four vehicles already recovered were found undamaged scattered around the village. Fulton said they've already been returned to their owners.

Fox Forecast: Peak Below Flood Stage Friday

Warm weather and rain have melted a lot of the snow from the Blizzard of  '11 so Fox River levels are rising.  The gauge at Algonquin now stands at just short of 2 feet 3 inches and forecasters expect readings to peak Friday morning  at about 2 feet 9 inches.  That's still short of the river's official flood stage at Algonquin, 3 feet, when it begins to spill into the most low-lying areas along the banks.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources engineers open the hinged gate at Algonquin Dam Friday afternoon.  "Most of the snow has melted and the tributaries to the Fox River are rising," said Project Engineer Rita M. Lee.

The National Weather Service figures there's a 50 to 60 percent chance of the Fox hitting flood stage at Algonquin at some point within the next 30 days.

In the pic:  This graph of the gauge at the Algonquin Dam shows what happened when the hing gate was lowered Friday.

Algonquin Business Awards Spotlight Local Economy

Not too surprisingly the Algonquin Founder's Days Committee won one of the Village's Community Service Awards presented this past week.  But two others were also awarded to Algonquin's Super Target and to Algonquin Commons.

The Algonquin Founders’ Days festival began in 1961 as largely potluck summer celebration for the residents. In the intervening decades three main sponsoring organizations came to plan the festival each year: Algonquin Lioness, Algonquin Lake in the Hills Jaycees and Algonquin Founders’ Committee Inc. Even so, the festival's still run 100 percent run by volunteers.

Target opened in Algonquin eight years ago and has been a corporate citizen ever since. The company itself, for instance, helps support Algonquin’s National Night Out by sending volunteers and donating  prizes and ice cream. Last year it also provided an $1,800 grant from Target to help the Village PD's bicycle patrol. Target employees helped out at the Algonquin Lake in the Hills Food pantry with donations and helping stock shelves. Other employees were involved with a fundraiser for a local animal shelter, served Thanksgiving dinner at a women’s shelter and  collected gifts for needy families.

Algonquin Commons opened in 2004 but the idea from the start was that it ought to be more than just a shopping center.  That led to the Commons' extremely popular children’s Halloween Event but when Inland Real Estate bought the center in 2008 it began a lot more. For example, in 2009 the Commons started its five-week Sunday night concert series.  Last year it added a Touch-A-Truck event.

For the past three years Algonquin Commons has supported the District 300 Foundation for Educational Excellence by serving on its Board of Directors for the past three years and makes available resources to enhance learning for all District 300 students through classroom grants. Algonquin Commons has partnered with the Foundation to help generate funds by hosting an annual Juried Art Fair.

In partnership with District 300 last year, the Commons donated $25,000 worth of gift cards to those who needed the gift cards or those would truly deserved to be rewarded. In the Homeless Holiday program the center donated $15,000 worth of gift cars to homeless students in Distric 300 and last year it jumped in to host a coat drive to ensure all students had a coat to keep them warm.

Community Impact Awards went to Kenmode Tool and Engineering and Plote Homes.  Kenmode's been an Algonquin employer since 1964 and now has 130 workers at its Algonquin Road facility.  Plote's also a large Algonquin employer via its construction arm which has built a big chunk of the village  for the company's development division.  Some of the developments aren't even fully built out yet so Algonquin figures Plote's going to be involved in the village for quite a while yet.

In the pic: (above) Algonquin President John Schmitt hands Founders' Days head Jeff Krajewski a Village award for community Service. (below) Plote Construction, Par Development, Repco, Plote Property Management, and Plote Homes have built a lot of Algonquin subdivisions (not to mention roadways).

Grafton Township Offering Senior Driver Safety Classes

Grafton Township is sponsoring an AARP Driver Safety Program Class at the Township Offices.  The class starting Friday's full up but there's another  available sbeginning Saturday, April 16th and Tuesday, April 19th from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm each day.

The comprehensive course is designed especially for drivers 50 and above. Participants learn how to operate their vehicles more safely in today’s increasingly challenging (read: horrible) driving environment and receive a thorough review of the “rules of the road” and a chance to identify individual problem areas.

Under Illinois law, completing the course entitles a driver over 55 to a reduction in auto insurance premiums for three years. Participants must attend both classes but there are no tests.The cost of the course is $14. (AARP members get a $2 discount). To register or for more information, please contact Supervisor Linda Moore at the Grafton Township Office by calling 847-669-3328 or email at lindamooregt@hotmail.com .

Some Education Cuts Will Take Time

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
Some close to education say that realizing savings through Gov. Pat Quinn’s proposed cuts could be a long uphill climb. While Quinn proposed an increase to general state aid for schools as part of the budget plan last week, he also pitched some controversial cuts to education. Quinn called for the creation of a commission to reduce the number of school districts in the state. Illinois has 868 school districts. Quinn says reducing the number could save $100 million.

“Illinois has one of the largest number of school districts in the nation,” said Matt Vanover, a spokesman for the State Board of Education. Vanover said he thinks Quinn’s commission will work on proposals to reduce that number by combining districts with “an eye to 300 districts.”

First there'd have to be a change in the law. “Right now, the way the statutes are, local governments have to initiate or approve (district consolidation.) I think the idea would be, at least based on what I heard yesterday, some type of legislation that would allow for a mechanism for it to be forced by the state,” said Rep. Roger Eddy, a Hutsonville Republican and also superintendent of Hutsonville School District 1. “This is a very emotional issue, and one that’s been studied and studied and studied. And we’ve never really moved very far because of Illinois being such a local control state,” he said.

He added that studies show that many smaller school districts spend less and get better student achievement results. “The purpose and the foundation for why we’re doing it is just backwards to what the data and the results show.”

Quinn also proposed a $95 million cut to transportation funds for schools. The state cut the money it gives local districts to bus students to and from school by $146 million for the current fiscal year, according to a budget analysis by House Democratic staff members.  “Is it a state responsibility to make sure the kids get to school?," asked State Budget Director David Vaught. "We think the districts and the parents can handle that on their own.”

“At a time when we are talking about making larger geographic districts, we won't have transportation money," snorted Eddy. "They are kind of in conflict.”

The plan also calls for cutting all funding for regional superintendents. Quinn says that would save $13 million, which he says should be spent in the classroom. “We don’t think that extra administrative layer adds much."

Eddy said regional education offices provide many functions, such as professional development for teachers, safety checks on schools and criminal background checks on employees. “Who’s going to do that? $14 million — can you do it cheaper from a higher level?”

You can read Jamey's full report at:  http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/some-education-cuts-will-take-time.html

Police Blotters

The filing of charges is not proof of guilt. A defendant charged is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lake in the Hills
February 20
1748 HRS 1500 BLOCK OF CLAYTON MARSH POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. JUVENILE, F/W 13 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGE: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. RELEASED TO PARENT.
0246 HRS 200 BLOCK OF COURSE DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 54 years of age, having chest pains and tingling arms. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1356 HRS 700 BLOCK OF MOHICAN TRAIL. DOMESTIC. Brother vs. Sister. Verbal only. No priors.
1745 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 56 years of age, feeling light headed. No transport.
1954 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 56 years of age, not feeling well. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
Algonquin
February 19
02:34am Scott, Halley A., DOB: 10/10/88, of 828 Washington Street, Woodstock, was charged with DWLS and Failure to Dim Headlights.  She was taken into custody at Randall Road and Acorn Street.  She was released after posting $150 with a court date of 03/23/11 in McHenry County.
02:51am Ihrke, Jennifer N., DOB: 02/18/85, of 8617 W. Sunset Drive, Wonder Lake, was charged with Possession of Cannabis.  She was taken into custody at Randall Road and Acorn Street.  She was released after posting $150 with a court date of 03/23/11 in McHenry County.
18:01pm Peterson, Jeffrey C., DOB: 05/21/73, of 27 Washtenaw Street, Algonquin, was Wanted on a Warrant out of Kane County for DUI.  He was taken into custody at Harrison Street and Wildwood Drive.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail when unable to post bond.
23:36pm Leske, Leroy J. Jr., DOB: 11/08/63, of 3962 Honeymoon Ridge, Lake in the Hills, was charged with DUI, Improper Lane Usage, Improper Stopping and No Proof of Insurance.  He was taken into custody at Square Barn Road and Algonquin Road.  He was released after posting his Illinois Driver’s License and $100 with a court date of 03/23/11 in McHenry County.
February 20
00:51am Kristensen, Sharon P., DOB: 12/06/66, of 730 Vista Drive North, Algonquin, was charged with DUI, DUI Over and Improper Lane Usage.  She was taken into custody at Route 62 and Eastgate Drive.  She was released after posting her Illinois Driver’s License and $100 with a court date of 03/23/11 in McHenry County.
01:08am DiFiore, Anthony M., DOB: 03/02/82, of 1551 Seminole Drive, Algonquin, was charged with 2 counts of Domestic Battery.  He was taken into custody at 1551 Seminole.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail to await a bond hearing.
18:13pm Ryan, Scott M., DOB: 05/10/73, of 3407 Green Pastures Road, Carpentersville, was charged with DUI and Disorderly Conduct.  He was taken into custody at Edgewood Road and Hanson Road.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail when unable to post bond.
20:26pm Zavala, Juan C., DOB: 06/25/81, of 350 Leah Lane, Woodstock, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License and Failure to Reduce Speed.  He was taken into custody at Square Barn Road and Algonquin Road.  He was released after posting $150 with a court date of 03/23/11 in McHenry County.

Ice Storm Now Probably Not In Cards

A storm system moved into the area about 7 am this morning with a sprinkling of sleet and freezing rain but forecasters said they were about to drop a warning of snow and freezing rain for the day.

At 8 am meteorologist Ben Deubelbeiss at the National Weather Service Chicago center in Romeoville said, "Surface temperatures have warmed up and that pretty much eliminates the freezing rain threat.  It looks like there might be some sleet and then just rain for the day."

"That will probably transition this evening," said Deubebeiss.  "Then we might see some snow again."

Forecasters earlier had feared up to one quarter inch of freezing rain accumulation, enough to endanger tree limbs and power lines.

In the pic:  The storm at 7 am.

Hybrid Pace Bus Displayed At Planning Workshop

The Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute,the Delta Institute, the Defenders of McHenry County, the Land Conservancy of McHenry County and Chicago Wilderness put on a Transportation Planning Workshop at McHenry County College Friday. The title was "Understanding Transportation Funding and How to Have Effective Environmental Input into the Transportation Planning Process."  Just to add a little zip, RTA  brought along one of the 10 new hybrid Pace buses it recently bought with stimulus money.

With regenerative braking and an extra electric motor the hybrids cost about $130,000 apiece, roughly twice the price of an ordinary bus, but they get "30 percent better mileage".

Really?  City? Highway?  Loaded or empty?

"(The manufacturer) won't tell us," said the Metra driver.

The question's probably moot as far as the area's concerned, anyway. McHenry County isn't scheduled to get one.

In the pic:  District 3 McHenry County Board Member Mary Donner, Crystal Lake, poses with one of Metra's new hybrid buses and one of the old ones at MCC.  She'd like to get more of either running in the County.

Tax Help For Seniors At LITH, Grafton Twp.

AARP is offering Tax Preparation for Seniors in McHenry County. They will prepare and electronically
file your 2010 Federal and State of Illinois Income Tax Returns for free. This is available for seniors age60 and older of moderate to low income that live in McHenry County. Call the Lake in the Hills
Parks & Recreation Department at 847-960-7460 to make an appointment.

These services will be offered in the Community Room at LITH Village Hall Mondays and Fridays from
9am to  Noon. The last appointment will be taken at 11 am and you should allow at least one hour.

AARP tax help for seniors is also available at Algonquin Township Offices Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 am to 4 pm.  Call 847-639-2700 for more on that.

Illinois GOP Worry About Redrawing Political Maps

By Mary J. Cristobal, Illinois Statehouse News
Illinois Republicans are concerned they will be drawn out from the upcoming political map. Suburban areas in the northeastern part of the state gained population in the past 10 years while the Chicago area lost some residents, according to the latest U.S. Census data. That means the shape of congressional and legislative districts will change and impact voters' representation.

State Sen. Kirk Dillard, R-Westmont, a member of the Senate Redistricting Committee, said he is concerned that the Chicago power could extend to the suburban areas. "The census data shows that there's incredible growth in the suburbs – and what are now referred to as "the ex-Burban areas,"' Dillard said. "Plainfield and areas out there that the suburbs have their proportionate share of members of the General Assembly. And that the tentacles of Chicago don't so far reach out in skinny districts to the suburbs that it dilutes the true representation of suburbanites."

State Rep. Darlene Senger, R-Naperville, said the Republicans basically have no say in the remapping of the districts. It's rare in history that one party – in this instance the Democrats in Illinois — controls both houses of the Legislature and the Office of the Governor.

Robert Rich, director of the University of Illinois's Institute of Government and Public Affairs, said redistricting is very important because it's effective for 10 years.  "The way rules work in Illinois, the political party that has control of the Legislature and the governor's mansion is the one who controls the map," Rich said. "I think the concerns that are being expressed are not distinctive and unique in Illinois."

Mary Schaafsma, census and redistricting coordinator for League of Women Voters of Illinois, said her organization would like to see more transparency in the redistricting process. "We know in Illinois that the districts are also drawn by legislative leaders to protect incumbent legislators," Schaafsma said. "There's partisan data that's used to determine the drawing of what we call 'the safe districts.' A safe district is one that's drawn to maximize that incumbent's opportunity to be re-elected from that district, so there's a big advantage both for the legislator but also for the legislative leadership."

State Sen. Michael Noland, D-Elgin, vice-chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee, said his committee's work will be fair and objective because it adheres to federal law. "I think what you're going to find is that it's balanced," Noland said. "And the end result will be an objective opportunity for the other side, the Republicans, to have folks elected to office that are truly representative and whose values reflect those that are their friends and neighbors."

You can read Mary's full report at:  http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/5157/redrawing-of-political-maps-worry-the-illinois-gop/

Police Blotters

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