Saturday, August 13, 2011
Sheriff's Attorney Claims Ex-Deputy Lied Under Oath
That latest development in the tortuous case claims Seipler was the man behind an anonymous blog that posted old Sheriff's investigations of bad deputy conduct, reports that were supposed to be a court secret. Nygren attorney James Sotos said they could only have come from Seipler or his attorney but Seipler's said under oath it wasn't his blog and he didn't know whose it was.
The motion to toss Seipler's case claims Google records Sotos subpoenaed show that was false. It charges the short-lived and now-defunct blog “The Real MCSO Exposed” belonged to a gmail account registered to "Zane Seipler" with an accompanying email address of "zaneseipler@yahoo.com". The motion says it was perjury when Seipler denied the blog was his so his suit against the Sheriff should be dismissed. Permanently. It also says Judge Michael Mahoney ought to have someone bring a criminal charge against Seipler for lying.
Sotos claimed Friday it was an open and shut case. "I don't know what they're going to do--say burglars entered (Seipler's) house and wrote the blog?"
No one answered the phone Friday at the office of Seipler's Attorney Blake Horwitz. Seipler emailed he wasn't supposed to talk to the media about it.
The records Sotos provided are, in fact, somewhat ambiguous. One set indicates “The Real MCSO Exposed” blog was set up May 27 from an Internet address which an FEN check could only narrow down to somewhere on the Comcast system in Woodstock. However, another Google record indicates the underlying gmail account "SKNout4good@gmail.com" was created Nov. 2, 2009, apparently from a different Internet address. That one, according to an FEN check isn't in Woodstock, but lies somewhere on AT&T's system in, depending on the source, Elgin, Franklin Park or Naperville.
Nov. 2, 2009, was the deadline to enter the Primary race for McHenry County Sheriff in 2010. Seipler ran against Nygren for the Republican spot but lost.
Google records for "The Real MCSO Revealed" are here:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/62219087/Exhibit-B
http://www.scribd.com/doc/62224525/Exhibit-D
In the pic: Former Deputy Zane Seipler this Spring.
Appeals Court Denies County Plea On Special Prosecutors' Bills
An Appellate Court Panel sent the McHenry County Board back to the drawing board Friday in its attempts to slash Special Prosecutors' bills in the failed States Attorney Lou Bianchi misconduct cases.
Circuit Judge Gordon Graham who appointed the prosecutors refused to consider a motion by Illinois States Attorney's Appellate Prosecutor Chuck Colburn to reduce the $250 per hour bills presented by Special Prosecutors Henry "Skip" and Thomas McQueen. Second Appellate Court Judge John J. Bowman in an opinion released Friday didn't have anything to say about whether Graham was right. Rather it said Colburn was knocking on a legal door that wouldn't open enough for the Appellate judges to even think about it.
Colburn said he wasn't surprised. "We're in an area of the law that's rarely been addressed," he said. "There isn't any clear route here."
Colburn would like to argue Special Prosecutors were limited to no more than $166,000 total compensation per year or a partial amount proportionate to that. Graham wouldn't let Colburn try, ruling it was too late to argue about the money.
Colburn said there were other ways to ask Appeals Judges to override Graham if the County wants to try. Board Chairman Ken Koehler said Friday he sure did. "The (appeals) decision was really just on procedure," he said. "We're not going to roll over dead on this deal," said Koehler.
Circuit Judge Gordon Graham who appointed the prosecutors refused to consider a motion by Illinois States Attorney's Appellate Prosecutor Chuck Colburn to reduce the $250 per hour bills presented by Special Prosecutors Henry "Skip" and Thomas McQueen. Second Appellate Court Judge John J. Bowman in an opinion released Friday didn't have anything to say about whether Graham was right. Rather it said Colburn was knocking on a legal door that wouldn't open enough for the Appellate judges to even think about it.
Colburn said he wasn't surprised. "We're in an area of the law that's rarely been addressed," he said. "There isn't any clear route here."
Colburn would like to argue Special Prosecutors were limited to no more than $166,000 total compensation per year or a partial amount proportionate to that. Graham wouldn't let Colburn try, ruling it was too late to argue about the money.
Colburn said there were other ways to ask Appeals Judges to override Graham if the County wants to try. Board Chairman Ken Koehler said Friday he sure did. "The (appeals) decision was really just on procedure," he said. "We're not going to roll over dead on this deal," said Koehler.
Attorney General's Decision Scolds County Board Members
Reporter Kevin Craver for Crystal Lake's Northwest Herald complained District One Member Marc Munaretto, District Three Member Nick Provenzano and District Five Member John Jung held what amounted to an illegal rump session of the Board's Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee before a regular one on redrawing Board Districts. The trio said they didn't plan to do it and as soon as they found out they already had, they took turns leaving the room so only two were there at any gien time.
Not good enough ruled Illinois Assistant Attorney General Steve Silverman in an opinion Friday. Silverman said Illinois Courts haven't addressed he question but in other parts of the country you can't beat open meeting rules with a revolving door. "'Contemporaneous interactive communication' does not require the continuous and uninterrupted presence of a majority of a quorum," Silverman wrote.
It was probably a technical foul, Silverman implied, since no one paid any attention to the alternative map Munaretto presented later. Even so, he warned against anyone trying it again.
In the pic: The official meeting after the improper one.
Governor Signs Franks' Government Consolidation Law
Governor Pat Quinn signed a bill to start forming a Local Government Consolidation Commission to scale back the multitude of governmental units that have proliferated in Illinois.“Illinois has over 7,000 units of local government," said McHenry County State Rep. Jack Franks who authored the bill, "thousands more than the next closest state."
“As we find ways to reduce the size of state government, we can also save millions of dollars by identifying opportunities for collaboration and consolidation in local levels of government,” said Franks.
Franks’ legislation creates a new Commission charged with reviewing the effectiveness and impact of local units of government. The Commission will be responsible for formulating recommendations to reduce the number of local governmental units and eliminate overlapping and duplicative responsibilities. “As families tighten their belts to make ends meet, we must ensure that government does the same,” Franks said.
The Commission will have 17 members consisting of representatives from counties, municipalities, townships and park districts, as well as state legislators. A final report will go to the General Assembly by next year's end.
“As we find ways to reduce the size of state government, we can also save millions of dollars by identifying opportunities for collaboration and consolidation in local levels of government,” said Franks.
Franks’ legislation creates a new Commission charged with reviewing the effectiveness and impact of local units of government. The Commission will be responsible for formulating recommendations to reduce the number of local governmental units and eliminate overlapping and duplicative responsibilities. “As families tighten their belts to make ends meet, we must ensure that government does the same,” Franks said.
The Commission will have 17 members consisting of representatives from counties, municipalities, townships and park districts, as well as state legislators. A final report will go to the General Assembly by next year's end.
Obituaries
Robert L. Richiardi, 76, of Huntley died Tuesday at Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights, following a lengthy illness. Visitation will be Sunday from 4 to 7 at the DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral Home, Huntley. Funeral services will beat 10:30 am Monday at the Home. Burial will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Joliet.
Richiardi was born March 1, 1935, in Chicago, the son of Otto J. and Edna V. (Stenquist) Richiardi. He married Gloria J. Fossum August 25, 1979 living with her in Hoffman Estates for many years. He is survived by his wife, of Huntley; his daughters, Linda (Mark) Valentine of Fort Myers, FL, and Julie (Ken) Welch of St. Charles; his grandchildren, Erin, Derek, Brian, Doug, Tyler & Cody; his great-grandson,Trevon, and his sister, Peggy Rushford of Green Valley, AZ. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Jr.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith In Action of McHenry County.
Richiardi was born March 1, 1935, in Chicago, the son of Otto J. and Edna V. (Stenquist) Richiardi. He married Gloria J. Fossum August 25, 1979 living with her in Hoffman Estates for many years. He is survived by his wife, of Huntley; his daughters, Linda (Mark) Valentine of Fort Myers, FL, and Julie (Ken) Welch of St. Charles; his grandchildren, Erin, Derek, Brian, Doug, Tyler & Cody; his great-grandson,Trevon, and his sister, Peggy Rushford of Green Valley, AZ. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Jr.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith In Action of McHenry County.
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
August 12
1349 HRS LAKEWOOD RD. & REED RD. NO VALID DRIVERS SADLER, TANYA L., F/W 22 YEARS OF AGE, LICENSE 4624 CORTNEY DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: No Valid Drivers License, Improper Registration. RELEASED ON BOND.
1510 HRS 3800 BLOCK OF PEARTREE DR. FOLLOW-UP ARRESTS: DOMESTIC BATTERY. BARUFFI, OLGA M., F/W 48 YEARS OF AGE, 3850 PEARTREE DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Domestic Battery. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
1620 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF HEAVENS GATE. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 19 years of age, having a panic attack. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1707 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF JEFFERSON ST. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. Complainant’s vehicle was keyed.
2326 HRS 100 BOULDER DR. (BOULDER GATEHOUSE) ACCIDENT. One vehicle. Property damage only.
Huntley
August 1
Darren Joseph Marino, age 48, 11250 Balmoral, Huntley, was arrested for driving while license suspended. Mr. Marino posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of September 16, 2011.
Karl James Kolzow, age 23, of 291 Barclay, Glendale Heights,was arrested for unlawful use of registration and was cited for display of expired registration. Mr. Kolzow posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of September 16, 2011.
August 2
Two criminal damage to vehicle reports were taken at a business in the 11800 block of Rt. 47.
August 3
Juan N. Silva, age 18, of 717 Ridge, Marengo, was arrested for driving while license suspended and possession of a suspended drivers license and was cited for improper display of registration plate. Mr. Silva posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of September 9, 2011.
Brian J. Kennedy, age 32, of 946 Colfax St., Palatine, was arrested on an outstanding probation violation warrant. Mr. Kennedy was unable to post bond and was transported to McHenry County jail.
Joseph W. Schiola, age 33, of 10656 Allegheny Pass, Huntley, was arrested for driving while license suspended and unlawful use of a drivers license and was cited for failure to signal when required. Mr. Schiola posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of August 26, 2011.
A theft report was taken at a business in the 13200 block of Village Green Dr.
August 4
Gustave S. Kozarzewski, age 44, of 10680 Painted Desert Ct., Huntley, was arrested on an outstanding McHenry County warrant for contempt of court. Mr. Korarzewski posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of August 9, 2011.
Mario Perez Rivera, age 22, of 782 E. Oak St., Silver Lake, WI, was arrested for driving with no valid driver’s license and was cited for a window tint violation. Mr. Rivera posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of September 2, 2011.
August 5
Jay W. Klein, age 26, of 1212 Robert Dr., Maryville, was arrested for DUI.
Mr. Klein posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of September 16, 2011.
Tabatha L. Little, age 19, of 9405 Rainsford, Huntley, was arrested for possession of stolen property. In the same incident Anthony Ramond Jacobus, age 23, of 26 Faringdon Ln., Crystal Lake, was arrested for residential burglary, criminal trespass to property and theft. Both subjects were transported to McHenry County jail.
A burglary to a construction site in the 12300 block of Glazier was reported. Two air conditioning units, two furnaces and a hot water heater were stolen.
August 6
A criminal damage to property report was taken in the 10500 block of Hunter Trail. The flag on the mail box was pulled off of the mail box.
Jose M. Aguilar Alarcon, age 40, of 920 Park Ave #215, Beloit, WI, was arrested for driving with no valid driver’s license and was cited for expired registration. Mr. Aguilar Alarcon posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of September 23, 2011.
Joseph J. Pace Jr., age 23, of 11611 Bernice, Huntley, was arrested on an outstanding failure to pay fines warrant out of Boone County. Mr. Pace posted bond and was released with a Boone County court date of August 24, 2011.
August 7
Four criminal damage to property reports were taken. Paper was set on fire inside mail boxes.
Anthony Ramond Jacobus, age 23, of 26 Faringdon Ln. Crystal Lake, was charged with residential burglary and theft.
A hit and run crash report was taken in the 11800 block of Leland. A vehicle hit a tree, a mailbox and a vehicle.
Lake in the Hills
August 12
1349 HRS LAKEWOOD RD. & REED RD. NO VALID DRIVERS SADLER, TANYA L., F/W 22 YEARS OF AGE, LICENSE 4624 CORTNEY DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: No Valid Drivers License, Improper Registration. RELEASED ON BOND.
1510 HRS 3800 BLOCK OF PEARTREE DR. FOLLOW-UP ARRESTS: DOMESTIC BATTERY. BARUFFI, OLGA M., F/W 48 YEARS OF AGE, 3850 PEARTREE DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Domestic Battery. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
1620 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF HEAVENS GATE. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 19 years of age, having a panic attack. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1707 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF JEFFERSON ST. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. Complainant’s vehicle was keyed.
2326 HRS 100 BOULDER DR. (BOULDER GATEHOUSE) ACCIDENT. One vehicle. Property damage only.
Huntley
August 1
Darren Joseph Marino, age 48, 11250 Balmoral, Huntley, was arrested for driving while license suspended. Mr. Marino posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of September 16, 2011.
Karl James Kolzow, age 23, of 291 Barclay, Glendale Heights,was arrested for unlawful use of registration and was cited for display of expired registration. Mr. Kolzow posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of September 16, 2011.
August 2
Two criminal damage to vehicle reports were taken at a business in the 11800 block of Rt. 47.
August 3
Juan N. Silva, age 18, of 717 Ridge, Marengo, was arrested for driving while license suspended and possession of a suspended drivers license and was cited for improper display of registration plate. Mr. Silva posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of September 9, 2011.
Brian J. Kennedy, age 32, of 946 Colfax St., Palatine, was arrested on an outstanding probation violation warrant. Mr. Kennedy was unable to post bond and was transported to McHenry County jail.
Joseph W. Schiola, age 33, of 10656 Allegheny Pass, Huntley, was arrested for driving while license suspended and unlawful use of a drivers license and was cited for failure to signal when required. Mr. Schiola posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of August 26, 2011.
A theft report was taken at a business in the 13200 block of Village Green Dr.
August 4
Gustave S. Kozarzewski, age 44, of 10680 Painted Desert Ct., Huntley, was arrested on an outstanding McHenry County warrant for contempt of court. Mr. Korarzewski posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of August 9, 2011.
Mario Perez Rivera, age 22, of 782 E. Oak St., Silver Lake, WI, was arrested for driving with no valid driver’s license and was cited for a window tint violation. Mr. Rivera posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of September 2, 2011.
August 5
Jay W. Klein, age 26, of 1212 Robert Dr., Maryville, was arrested for DUI.
Mr. Klein posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of September 16, 2011.
Tabatha L. Little, age 19, of 9405 Rainsford, Huntley, was arrested for possession of stolen property. In the same incident Anthony Ramond Jacobus, age 23, of 26 Faringdon Ln., Crystal Lake, was arrested for residential burglary, criminal trespass to property and theft. Both subjects were transported to McHenry County jail.
A burglary to a construction site in the 12300 block of Glazier was reported. Two air conditioning units, two furnaces and a hot water heater were stolen.
August 6
A criminal damage to property report was taken in the 10500 block of Hunter Trail. The flag on the mail box was pulled off of the mail box.
Jose M. Aguilar Alarcon, age 40, of 920 Park Ave #215, Beloit, WI, was arrested for driving with no valid driver’s license and was cited for expired registration. Mr. Aguilar Alarcon posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of September 23, 2011.
Joseph J. Pace Jr., age 23, of 11611 Bernice, Huntley, was arrested on an outstanding failure to pay fines warrant out of Boone County. Mr. Pace posted bond and was released with a Boone County court date of August 24, 2011.
August 7
Four criminal damage to property reports were taken. Paper was set on fire inside mail boxes.
Anthony Ramond Jacobus, age 23, of 26 Faringdon Ln. Crystal Lake, was charged with residential burglary and theft.
A hit and run crash report was taken in the 11800 block of Leland. A vehicle hit a tree, a mailbox and a vehicle.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Release Revoked For Lawyer Charged With Trying To Hire Killer
Jason W.Smiekel, 29, is charged with trying to hire an undercover Federal agent to kill the father of his fiancee's child. Wednesday Magistrate P. Michael Mahoney granted Smiekel pretrial release but limited to his staying at his mother's house verified by an electronic monitor. Assistant U.S. Attorney John G. McKenzie argued Thursday that Smiekel was still dangerous, not because he himself might kill his intended victim, but because he could still try to get someone else to do it. In fact, McKenzie argued, Smiekel, who allegedly used a cellphone trying to hire a contract killer, could use the electronic monitor's land line to try to recruit someone else.
In supporting documents McKenzie charged Smiekel started looking for someone to kill his girlfriend's as yet-unidentified former lover in February and, counting the undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent, in the next six months solicited six different people to kill the man. Despite that, McKenzie's filings admitted, "the motivation for the defendant's desire to kill another individual is unclear."
Among the disconnected bits of information McKenzie set forth: The intended victim had been Smiekel's client in a custody dispute over the child of Smiekel's now-fiancee. Smiekel met the woman in a bar where they "made out". Smiekl told his client about it and said he couldn't represent him anymore because of "ethics". The client eventually filed a complaint against Smiekel with the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. The intended victim "has an affiliation with a violent motorcycle club."
Kapala ruled Thursday Smiekel should remain in custody until his trial. Smiekel attorney Mark Gummerson could not be reached for comment.
In the pic: Smiekel's Algonquin law office.
Appellate Court Overturns Judge's Order To OK Grafton Attorney
In May Caldwell ruled Trustees, locked in constant battle with Moore since she took office more than two years ago, were unreasonably refusing to confirm Rockford lawyer John Nelson's nomination to be the Board's attorney. Appeals Judge Donald C. Hudson writing for himself and two others noted in passing that attorney Nelson is suing the rest of the Board on Moore's behalf but said that didn't matter. "There are no standards for a court to apply in reviewing the propriety of the Board's decision."
The important thing, wrote Hudson, was that the judiciary can't exercise the powers of another branch of government. "Quite simply," said Hudson,"the legislature granted to the Board the power to consent (which, by implication, entails the power to withhold consent, otherwise consent would be meaningless)."
"Certain questions, deemed political in nature, are not (capable of being decided by a court)," said Hudson in sending the Grafton Attorney question back to Caldwell in case he could think of anything else to do about it.
Moore didn't mention the decision at Thursday's Grafton Township meeting. When Trustee Rob LaPorta finally brought it up to complain that, "We need to get (a Township Attorney) as soon as possible, she said, "OK. I'll work on it."
Later she told FEN that meant, "I'm going to talk to some attorneys." Pressed for more detail she said they'd be attorneys she might nominate to fill the spot that's been empty since Caldwell confirmed her right last year to fire the last Township Attorney without the rest of the Board's say so.
In the pic: Lawyer John Nelson who Appellate judges ruled doesn't have to be confirmed as Grafton Attorney.
Widespread Conflict At Latest Grafton Board Meeting
Moore began with Trustee excitable Gerry McMahon to whom she proffered a bottle of White Out correction fluid with a demand that he use it to remove big scribbles he'd made across a bill from her personal attorney in her suit against the rest of the Board. "This is defacement," she said "and I don't think they'll accept payment." McMahon predictably began to rant but fellow-trustee Rob LaPorta cut him short and calmed him down.
Next up was Assessor Bill Ottley who wanted the Board to approve a down-payment on new windows to ventilate his stifling but computer-filled offices. Moore claimed it shouldn't be paid because it wasn't a bill and, besides, it didn't carry a notice that the contractor would pay mandated "prevailing wages" and, besides that, he was just trying to break up a big job into little pieces so it wouldn't have to be bid out. Eventually Ottley figuratively and, perhaps, literally lost his cool saying, "I don't want the damn windows."
Next was a spat over whether minor repairs to the Township Offices roof ought to be charged to the Township or the Road District which actually owns the building. Moore said the Road District was responsible as the landlord. Highway Commissioner Jack Freund said his attorney'd advised that the lease agreement makes it the Township's bill.
Moving right along, Moore claimed Trustees all had to fill out an IRS form declaring a free dinner they ate at a McHenry County Council of Governments meeting was "income". LaPorta said he'd asked for gratis advice from an lawyer who told him the dinner was legal small potatoes and didn't have to be reported. Moore said he should have checked with "a person from the IRS."
Township Clerk Harriet Ford complained she wasn't properly notified of a Special Board Meeting called and posted because of Open Meeting Law requirements so Moore could attend a Senior Services Committee meeting two other Trustees had to attend. Trustee Barb Murphy tried to figure out a way to avoid triggering a Special Meeting again since it meant Moore and the two Trustees all had to be paid for attending but the discussion didn't get very far.
The session ended with Freund taking possession of the ball to complain that Moore's scrambled the Road District's payroll checks and moved around "a large amount" of the District's investment money without his permission. At the same time he demanded she move the supplies she now may be calling "The Grafton Township Food Pantry" out of a storage room so he can make use of the space. "I've been trying to do that for over a year," Freund said.
In the pic: How Trustee McMahon objected to lawyer Nelson's bill.
"No Child Left Behind" Waivers Part Of Washington Gridlock
By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
President Barack Obama called for a rewrite of the No Child Left Behind Act before the beginning of the school year, but gridlock in Congress has forced a stopgap measure to keep thousands of schools in Illinois and other states from failing under the law's standards.
The act, passed under former President George W. Bush, requires that all students reach math and reading proficiency goals by 2014. As the requirements ramp up, schools nationwide that are making improvements are still failing under the act. Once a school fails to meet the goals for three years in a row, it can face drastic corrective measures, such as mass firings or even closing. “The law, NCLB, as it currently stands is four years overdue for being rewritten. It is far too punitive; it is far too prescriptive. It led to a dumbing down of the standards, led to a narrowing of the curriculum,” Duncan said at a news conference in Washington, D.C., last month.
Instead of a rewrite, the administration is going around Congress for the time being to offer states waivers so they do not have to meet the ever-increasing goals of the act. The Department of Education plans to announce the requirements for waivers in September. That doesn't mean State's won't have to make chanes, though. "States are going to have to embrace the kind of reform that we believe is necessary to move our education system forward,” Melody Barnes, director of the Domestic Policy Council at the White House, said at a Washington, D.C,. news conference.
In essence, waivers could leave state officials choosing between making the reforms the department requires, or watching hundreds of schools fail and possibly become subject to some drastic consequences. Mary Fergus, a spokesperson for the Illinois State Board of Education, said the board does not want to commit to seeking a waiver until the full plan is unveiled.
You can read Jamey's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/no-child-waivers-are-product-of.html
President Barack Obama called for a rewrite of the No Child Left Behind Act before the beginning of the school year, but gridlock in Congress has forced a stopgap measure to keep thousands of schools in Illinois and other states from failing under the law's standards.
The act, passed under former President George W. Bush, requires that all students reach math and reading proficiency goals by 2014. As the requirements ramp up, schools nationwide that are making improvements are still failing under the act. Once a school fails to meet the goals for three years in a row, it can face drastic corrective measures, such as mass firings or even closing. “The law, NCLB, as it currently stands is four years overdue for being rewritten. It is far too punitive; it is far too prescriptive. It led to a dumbing down of the standards, led to a narrowing of the curriculum,” Duncan said at a news conference in Washington, D.C., last month.
Instead of a rewrite, the administration is going around Congress for the time being to offer states waivers so they do not have to meet the ever-increasing goals of the act. The Department of Education plans to announce the requirements for waivers in September. That doesn't mean State's won't have to make chanes, though. "States are going to have to embrace the kind of reform that we believe is necessary to move our education system forward,” Melody Barnes, director of the Domestic Policy Council at the White House, said at a Washington, D.C,. news conference.
In essence, waivers could leave state officials choosing between making the reforms the department requires, or watching hundreds of schools fail and possibly become subject to some drastic consequences. Mary Fergus, a spokesperson for the Illinois State Board of Education, said the board does not want to commit to seeking a waiver until the full plan is unveiled.
You can read Jamey's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/no-child-waivers-are-product-of.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
August 11
0209 HRS 2200 BLOCK OF DAYBREAK DR. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Husband vs. Wife. Sister vs. Sister. UNFOUNDED.
0746 HRS 2200 BLOCK OF DAYBREAK DR. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Contact with registered sex offender.
1238 HRS 1107 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (SKATE PARK) CRIMINAL DEFACEMENT. Graffiti on the ramps.
1606 HRS FRANK RD. & WILLOW VIEW DR. SUSPICIOUS PERSON. Male subject approached two juvenile subjects and asked to use their cell phone.
1742 HRS 311 N. RANDALL RD. (AMC SHOWPLACE) THEFT. Theft of a backpack containing an iPod. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1807 HRS 200 BLOCK OF HAWTHORNE RD. DEATH INVESTIGATION. Male, 50 years of age, found unresponsive. TURNED OVER TO CORONER.
2014 HRS 2 E OAK ST. (LAKE IN THE HILLS POLICE ANNEX) ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 14 years of age, fell off her bike. No transport.
August 10
1937 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & SQUARE BARN RD. SPEEDING. JUVENILE, M/W 17 YEARS OF AGE, CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Speeding (40 miles Over Posted Speed Limit), No Insurance and Too Many Passengers/Graduated Drivers License. RELEASED TO PARENT.
1148 HRS 4300 BLOCK OF ROSEWOOD COURT. FOLLOW-UP ARREST: CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. JUVENILE, F/W 11 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Criminal Damage to Property. RELEASED TO PARENT.
0239 HRS 2900 BLOCK OF HILLSBORO LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 32 years of age, needing an evaluation. Transported to Woodstock Hospital.
1034 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. DOMESTIC. Mother vs. daughter. Zero priors.
1657 HRS VILLAGE RD. & RANDALL RD. INJURY ACCIDENT. Vehicle vs. pedestrian. Male, 19 years of age, head and back injury. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1706 HRS 0 BLOCK OF GAIL CT. FRAUD. Complainant had money taken from her savings account. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
2140 HRS 0 BLOCK OF HAWTHORNE RD. THEFT A boys' Mongoose bicycle was stolen. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
2153 HRS 900 BLOCK OF TARALON TRAIL. HARASSMENT BY TELEPHONE. Complainant being harassed by ex-boyfriend. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
2307 HRS 1400 BLOCK OF WASHINGON ST. DOMESTIC Husband vs. wife. Verbal only. Zero priors.
Algonquin
August 8
13:37pm Wellman, John W., DOB: 07/04/63, of 768 W. Jackson Street Apt #425, Chicago, was charged with Harassment by Telephone. He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. He was released after posting $150 with a court date of 09/07/11 in McHenry County.
15:17pm A 17 year-old male from Algonquin was charged with Possession of an Explosive Device. He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. He was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 09/28/11 in Algonquin.
August 9
15:16pm Best, Joel A., DOB: 12/01/87, of 17 Walker Place, Elgin, was charged with DWLS, No Proof of Insurance and Following Too Closely. He was also Wanted on a Warrant out of Cook County for Failure to Appear on a DWLS charge. He was taken into custody at Main Street and Algonquin Road. He posted $400 on the Cook County Warrant and was given a court date of 08/31/11 in Cook County. He was then transported to the McHenry County Jail when unable to post on the Algonquin charges.
18:54pm Ransom, Glen S., DOB: 12/31/82, of 104 S. Main Street Apt. #9, Algonquin, was Wanted on a Warrant out of McHenry County for Failure to Appear on a Resisting a Peace Officer charge. He was also Wanted on a Warrant out of DuPage County for Contempt. He was released after posting $750 on the McHenry County Warrant with a court date of 09/13/11 and after posting $400 on the DuPage County Warrant with a court date of 09/09/11.
August 10
15:37pm Liuzzi, Thomas L., DOB: 07/14/90, of 610 Gaslight Drive, Algonquin, was Wanted on a Warrant out of Cook County for Failure to Appear on an Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor charge. He was taken into custody at 610 Gaslight. He was released after posting $500 with a court date of 08/31/11 in Cook County.
20:59pm Chapala, Daniel J., DOB: 04/18/69, of 750 Hackberry Lane, Algonquin, was Wanted on a Warrant out of East Dundee for Criminal Damage to Property. He was taken into custody at 750 Hackberry. He was transferred to the East Dundee Police Department when unable to post bond.
August 11
14:10pm Cortez-Guadalajara, Claudia, DOB: 09/22/84, of 370 North Street, Elgin, was charged with No Valid Driver’s and Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid Accident. She was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. She was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond with a court date of 09/14/11 in McHenry County.
16:22pm A 16 year-old female was charged with Retail Theft. She was taken into custody at Gordmans, 1500 S. Randall Road. She was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 09/28/11 in Algonquin.
August 12
03:13am Qureshi, Mohammad B.m DOB: 05/08/86m and Qureshi, Mohammad S., DOB: 02/09/93, both of 4911 Kimball Lane, Carpentersville, were charged with Aggravated Assault. Both were taken into custody at 4911 Kimball Lane. Both were released after posting $150 with a court date of 09/14/11 in McHenry County.
Lake in the Hills
August 11
0209 HRS 2200 BLOCK OF DAYBREAK DR. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Husband vs. Wife. Sister vs. Sister. UNFOUNDED.
0746 HRS 2200 BLOCK OF DAYBREAK DR. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Contact with registered sex offender.
1238 HRS 1107 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (SKATE PARK) CRIMINAL DEFACEMENT. Graffiti on the ramps.
1606 HRS FRANK RD. & WILLOW VIEW DR. SUSPICIOUS PERSON. Male subject approached two juvenile subjects and asked to use their cell phone.
1742 HRS 311 N. RANDALL RD. (AMC SHOWPLACE) THEFT. Theft of a backpack containing an iPod. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1807 HRS 200 BLOCK OF HAWTHORNE RD. DEATH INVESTIGATION. Male, 50 years of age, found unresponsive. TURNED OVER TO CORONER.
2014 HRS 2 E OAK ST. (LAKE IN THE HILLS POLICE ANNEX) ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 14 years of age, fell off her bike. No transport.
August 10
1937 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & SQUARE BARN RD. SPEEDING. JUVENILE, M/W 17 YEARS OF AGE, CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Speeding (40 miles Over Posted Speed Limit), No Insurance and Too Many Passengers/Graduated Drivers License. RELEASED TO PARENT.
1148 HRS 4300 BLOCK OF ROSEWOOD COURT. FOLLOW-UP ARREST: CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. JUVENILE, F/W 11 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Criminal Damage to Property. RELEASED TO PARENT.
0239 HRS 2900 BLOCK OF HILLSBORO LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 32 years of age, needing an evaluation. Transported to Woodstock Hospital.
1034 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. DOMESTIC. Mother vs. daughter. Zero priors.
1657 HRS VILLAGE RD. & RANDALL RD. INJURY ACCIDENT. Vehicle vs. pedestrian. Male, 19 years of age, head and back injury. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1706 HRS 0 BLOCK OF GAIL CT. FRAUD. Complainant had money taken from her savings account. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
2140 HRS 0 BLOCK OF HAWTHORNE RD. THEFT A boys' Mongoose bicycle was stolen. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
2153 HRS 900 BLOCK OF TARALON TRAIL. HARASSMENT BY TELEPHONE. Complainant being harassed by ex-boyfriend. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
2307 HRS 1400 BLOCK OF WASHINGON ST. DOMESTIC Husband vs. wife. Verbal only. Zero priors.
Algonquin
August 8
13:37pm Wellman, John W., DOB: 07/04/63, of 768 W. Jackson Street Apt #425, Chicago, was charged with Harassment by Telephone. He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. He was released after posting $150 with a court date of 09/07/11 in McHenry County.
15:17pm A 17 year-old male from Algonquin was charged with Possession of an Explosive Device. He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. He was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 09/28/11 in Algonquin.
August 9
15:16pm Best, Joel A., DOB: 12/01/87, of 17 Walker Place, Elgin, was charged with DWLS, No Proof of Insurance and Following Too Closely. He was also Wanted on a Warrant out of Cook County for Failure to Appear on a DWLS charge. He was taken into custody at Main Street and Algonquin Road. He posted $400 on the Cook County Warrant and was given a court date of 08/31/11 in Cook County. He was then transported to the McHenry County Jail when unable to post on the Algonquin charges.
18:54pm Ransom, Glen S., DOB: 12/31/82, of 104 S. Main Street Apt. #9, Algonquin, was Wanted on a Warrant out of McHenry County for Failure to Appear on a Resisting a Peace Officer charge. He was also Wanted on a Warrant out of DuPage County for Contempt. He was released after posting $750 on the McHenry County Warrant with a court date of 09/13/11 and after posting $400 on the DuPage County Warrant with a court date of 09/09/11.
August 10
15:37pm Liuzzi, Thomas L., DOB: 07/14/90, of 610 Gaslight Drive, Algonquin, was Wanted on a Warrant out of Cook County for Failure to Appear on an Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor charge. He was taken into custody at 610 Gaslight. He was released after posting $500 with a court date of 08/31/11 in Cook County.
20:59pm Chapala, Daniel J., DOB: 04/18/69, of 750 Hackberry Lane, Algonquin, was Wanted on a Warrant out of East Dundee for Criminal Damage to Property. He was taken into custody at 750 Hackberry. He was transferred to the East Dundee Police Department when unable to post bond.
August 11
14:10pm Cortez-Guadalajara, Claudia, DOB: 09/22/84, of 370 North Street, Elgin, was charged with No Valid Driver’s and Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid Accident. She was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department. She was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond with a court date of 09/14/11 in McHenry County.
16:22pm A 16 year-old female was charged with Retail Theft. She was taken into custody at Gordmans, 1500 S. Randall Road. She was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 09/28/11 in Algonquin.
August 12
03:13am Qureshi, Mohammad B.m DOB: 05/08/86m and Qureshi, Mohammad S., DOB: 02/09/93, both of 4911 Kimball Lane, Carpentersville, were charged with Aggravated Assault. Both were taken into custody at 4911 Kimball Lane. Both were released after posting $150 with a court date of 09/14/11 in McHenry County.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Sales Effort Underway For Riverside Plaza Condos
No, wait. First let's talk about the signs. They're big, lit at night and kind of noirish. Against a dark background a darkly-dressed blond with plunging decolletage stares at passersby, her lips half-parted, her lids half-lowered. Sean Connery's might be off-camera somewhere loading his PPK.
"We wanted something people would talk about," said Algonquin sales agent Cindy Scholly Wednesday. She's the lady at the phone number on the signs and she says that part sure worked. "We've gotten a lot of attention," she said.
But did all that attention sell any condos yet? How much do they cost?
"We had a meeting about that today," said Scholly who reported prices still aren't nailed down. The smaller condos will be in "the mid $200,000's", she said, the larger ones in "the mid $400,000's."
"We'll announce the prices at our grand opening Sept. 8," she added.
The range of prices Scholly quoted are about the same as the ones billed for what was then called Riverside Square when construction began in 2006. Since that time, however, the S&P Case Shiller index for Chicago condominium prices has plummeted 33 percent. They're down so much some developers have thrown in the towel. Just two weeks ago the new owners of the stalled 90-story Waterview Tower project in Chicago's Downtown announced they're going to stop construction halfway up and turn all the units into apartments.
FEN tried to contactRiverside Plaza Developer John Breugelmans for his take on the condo market but the call wasn't returned.
Meanwhile Algonquin Community Development Director Russ Farnum told FEN Wednesday Breugelmans still hasn't submitted proof to the Village that he has the money to finish building Riverside Plaza inside. That was due May 30 but last month the Board extended the deadline until the end of the year.
In the pic: Other promotions for Riverside Plaza sales included guys handing fliers to spectators during Algonquin's Founders' Days Parade recently.
Editor's note: An earlier version of this story placed the low price on the condos "in the mid $300,000's" Ms. Scholly reports that was a misquote and she actually said as the revised quote now reads.
Huntley Blitz Discourages Construction Area Cellphone Driving
The reason talking on a cellphone's against the law in a construction zone, Fulton said, is simply because it's dangerous. "One officer (pulling people over) this morning had a couple of near-misses because people were talking on their phones," he said.
Huntley resident Laura Huffman flagging traffic a few blocks to the north said she's had so many hairsbreadth escapes from cellphone drivers that they all blur together. She said the only one that stands out came last month when "I got hit and the woman wasn't talking on a cellphone."
Fulton said Wednesday's dragnet was intended to do more than just to put the fear of HPD into drivers. He said he'd be looking for patterns today among the tickets issued to see if he could identify some group or groups especially unable to lay their phones down.
In the pic: Huntley PD ticketed about 50 drivers Wednesday morning alone for driving in a construction area while talking on a cellphone.
Algonquin Township Accepts Audit, Plans For Next Blackout
Road Commissioner Bob Miller said he's looking at prices on backup generators to kick in the next time Township and Road District get hit with the kind of power outage that hit the area last month. Without power to run the District's gas pumps, "We had to drive to the other side of Barrington to get fuel" putting sort of a crimp in efforts to clear all the downed trees and limbs in the area.
Speaking of which, now there's not a lot of wood chip mulch at Algonquin Township, there's a LOT of wood chip mulch at Algonquin Township. It's Free for the pickup to Township residents and at the moment no one's likely to check that very closely.
In the pic: Commissioner Bob Miller was pretty happy with the new Algonquin Township News mailed to residents recently since it featured the Road District's Recycling programs.
MCC Announces Lectures On Beekeeping
The Sept. 9 session features guest speaker Randy Oliver who manages 700 bee colonies in California for migratory pollination. Nov. 4 will include the latest on Colony Collapse Disorder a disease mysteriously decimating the bee population by Dennis VanEngelsdorp from the Department of Entomology at Penn State. Dec. 9's lecturer on organic apiculture will be Ross Conrad, a regular contributor to Bee Culture - The Magazine of American Beekeeping.
Cost for each lecture is $25 or $60 for all three. To register, call the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588. The course numbers are: NCC S70 001: Queen Breeding and the Logic of Nature with Randy Oliver; NCC S71 001: The Bee Informed Partnership with Dennis VanEngelsdorp; NCC S72 001: Natural Beekeeping with Ross Conrad; and NCC S73 001: entire three-speaker series.
Quinn Wants "Perk'' Scholarships Scotched
By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
Gov. Pat Quinn used his veto pen Wednesday to urge lawmakers for the second time in two years to end the State's legislative scholarship program.
The governor rejected a bill last year that would have banned lawmakers awarding the scholarships to campaign contributors or their families saying the whole program should be abolished. This time around, Quinn changed the legislation himself to make the program end next June 1. “You can’t put perfume on a skunk," said Quinn. "This system has had too many problems for too many years, and it’s time to abolish the legislative scholarship program and go forward with a better program.”
Quinn wants any money saved by ending the program funneled into the Monetary Awards Program (MAP) for needy students. According to Quinn, 147,210 students received MAP grants in Fiscal Year 2011, but 151,367 were turned away due to a lack of funds.
You can read Jamey's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/quinn-to-lawmakers-eliminate-perk.html
Gov. Pat Quinn used his veto pen Wednesday to urge lawmakers for the second time in two years to end the State's legislative scholarship program.
The governor rejected a bill last year that would have banned lawmakers awarding the scholarships to campaign contributors or their families saying the whole program should be abolished. This time around, Quinn changed the legislation himself to make the program end next June 1. “You can’t put perfume on a skunk," said Quinn. "This system has had too many problems for too many years, and it’s time to abolish the legislative scholarship program and go forward with a better program.”
Quinn wants any money saved by ending the program funneled into the Monetary Awards Program (MAP) for needy students. According to Quinn, 147,210 students received MAP grants in Fiscal Year 2011, but 151,367 were turned away due to a lack of funds.
You can read Jamey's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/quinn-to-lawmakers-eliminate-perk.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
delayed
Lake in the Hills
delayed
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
LITH History Buffs Raising Funds For Ford School Move
Don and Patti Lev told trustees the Society's begun raising funds to preserve the school, temporarily spared from the wrecker's ball when the rest of the buildings at the former Stonegate Nursery were pulled down a couple of weeks ago. In 1946 the then-owner of the property dragged the abandoned school across the road to its current location in Algonquin but now the land's for sale and vandals have invaded the school raising liability concerns for its present owner.
Even though Don Lev only spoke to the Board about saving Ford School in general terms, he said after Tuesday's meeting that Society members hope to raise $25,000 to return the building to its original location. One possible problem with that idea, though, is that Ford School hasn't been located in Ford School Park for longer than LITH has been a village.
"When we put new playground equipment in a park we notify everybody (nearby) about it at the start of planning to get their input and their thoughts," said Village Administrator Jerry Sagona after the meeting.
Even if local residents approved the relocation, there might be other practical concerns like meeting Village codes and ordinances, additional parking, making the school ADA accessible, and just fitting one more building's worth of operations and maintenance into the LITH Village budget.
Trustee Steve Harlfinger may have been alluding to some of those potential stumbling blocks when he told the Lev's, "I'd like to see you keep us up on the project. It'd be a shame if at the last moment everything fell apart."
In the pic: Don and Patti Lev handed out T-shirts Tuesday to recruit support for plans to save LITH's (or Algonquin's) old Ford School.
More Paving, More Shutdowns In Huntley Route 47 Construction
New temporary entrances to businesses on the east side of Route 47 between Main Street and Reed Road will also be under construction, according to the latest info.
In the pic: New 47 pavement south from Algonquin Road; gonna be nice when it's done, huh?
Final (Sort Of) LITH Summer Concert Saturday
Continuing this year's "Little Ravinia" Summer Concert theme, starting at 6 pm, The People for Parks Foundation will be selling a variety of beverages to wash down the tasty comestibles for sale by Jersey Mikes and Papa Saverio's.
Saturday's concert was supposed to have be the last in this year's summer concert series but
July's appearance by Billy Croft & the 5 Alarm Band was canceled on account of blast furnace heat so that group's been rescheduled for Aug. 27.
In the pic: "We used to have a different name," said guitarist Paul Mulcahy, "but the bassist didn't like it so we argued about it for about eight months until we came up with No Left Turn and nobody objected to that."
New Furniture And Decor Store Now Open In LITH
Wasilko said new store's a one-stop center for quality used furniture and home decor. "Most of it's been very well-cared for and brought back to life," Wasilko said. "If somebody's setting up an apartment and you need tables and chairs, we've got tables and chairs," he said.
Also lamps, shelves, endtables, and bric-a-brac. "We have gifts, too," said Wasilko.
In the pic: Owner George Wasilko sheds some light on some of the wares at LITH's new furniture and decorating store The Attic Shoppe.
Forgotten Paychecks Available Sooner Under New Law
By Andrew Thomason, Illinois Statehouse News
Abandoned paychecks will go into Illinois Treasurer’s Office coffers more quickly, just 12 months after issuance, instead of five years, thanks to a new law Governor Pat Quinn signed Monday. That means owners can get them back sooner, too.
The Treasurer’s Office handles abandoned property banks and businesses and banks turn over to the State, whether it’s a forgotten paycheck or an unused checking account. Until recently, the state didn’t consider unused accounts of paychecks abandoned, until they were untouched for five years. That's still the case for banks but now deserted payrolls get sent in sooner so the Treasurer can look for rightful owners.
The state receives about 37,000 unclaimed payroll checks every year that add up to about $5 million. Currently, the state has about $1.5 billion of abandoned property, including uncashed paychecks, said Catie Sheehan, a spokeswoman for Treasurer Dan Rutherford’s office. Including bank accounts, on average, about $80 million in unclaimed property is returned to the rightful owner every year, Sheehan said.
The new law means the Treasurer's going to get three extra years' worth of unclaimed paychecks all at once but Sheehan said it wasn't a money grab by the State. “The idea was just to be able to notify people in a more timely fashion that they have this unclaimed paycheck.” Even so, the change means a harder time keeping the books straight at businesses this year, according to David Vite, president of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “It just speeds up the process. Do we like it? Probably not. Is it a big deal? No,” he said.
You can check to see if the State has any money you forgot about at: https://www.treasurer.il.gov/programs/up/up_search.asp
You can read Andrew's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/6671/uncashed-checks-to-be-curated-by-state-quicker/
Abandoned paychecks will go into Illinois Treasurer’s Office coffers more quickly, just 12 months after issuance, instead of five years, thanks to a new law Governor Pat Quinn signed Monday. That means owners can get them back sooner, too.
The Treasurer’s Office handles abandoned property banks and businesses and banks turn over to the State, whether it’s a forgotten paycheck or an unused checking account. Until recently, the state didn’t consider unused accounts of paychecks abandoned, until they were untouched for five years. That's still the case for banks but now deserted payrolls get sent in sooner so the Treasurer can look for rightful owners.
The state receives about 37,000 unclaimed payroll checks every year that add up to about $5 million. Currently, the state has about $1.5 billion of abandoned property, including uncashed paychecks, said Catie Sheehan, a spokeswoman for Treasurer Dan Rutherford’s office. Including bank accounts, on average, about $80 million in unclaimed property is returned to the rightful owner every year, Sheehan said.
The new law means the Treasurer's going to get three extra years' worth of unclaimed paychecks all at once but Sheehan said it wasn't a money grab by the State. “The idea was just to be able to notify people in a more timely fashion that they have this unclaimed paycheck.” Even so, the change means a harder time keeping the books straight at businesses this year, according to David Vite, president of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “It just speeds up the process. Do we like it? Probably not. Is it a big deal? No,” he said.
You can check to see if the State has any money you forgot about at: https://www.treasurer.il.gov/programs/up/up_search.asp
You can read Andrew's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/6671/uncashed-checks-to-be-curated-by-state-quicker/
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
August 9
0738 HRS RAKOW RD. & PYOTT RD. NO VALID DRIVERS LICENSE/ACCIDENT. MALDONADO, FRANCISCO A., M/W 21 YEARS OF AGE. 342 CRYSTAL ST APT D, CARY. CHARGES: No Valid Drivers License, Citation Issued for Following too Closely. RELEASED ON BOND.
1204 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (LAKE IN THE HILLS PD) WANTED ON WARRANT. KROMM, PATRICK S., M/W 24 YEARS OF AGE, 1847 W. ADDISON AVE #2, CHICAGO. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant McHenry County for Failure to Appear on Possession of Cannabis. Bond amount $1,000, 10% applies. RELEASED ON BOND.
1148 HRS 4300 BLOCK OF ROSEWOOD CT. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Motor oil in swimming pool. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
2116 HRS 00 BLOCK OF GENEVA CT. DOMESTIC. Husband vs Wife. Verbal Only. 2 priors.
Lake in the Hills
August 9
0738 HRS RAKOW RD. & PYOTT RD. NO VALID DRIVERS LICENSE/ACCIDENT. MALDONADO, FRANCISCO A., M/W 21 YEARS OF AGE. 342 CRYSTAL ST APT D, CARY. CHARGES: No Valid Drivers License, Citation Issued for Following too Closely. RELEASED ON BOND.
1204 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (LAKE IN THE HILLS PD) WANTED ON WARRANT. KROMM, PATRICK S., M/W 24 YEARS OF AGE, 1847 W. ADDISON AVE #2, CHICAGO. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant McHenry County for Failure to Appear on Possession of Cannabis. Bond amount $1,000, 10% applies. RELEASED ON BOND.
1148 HRS 4300 BLOCK OF ROSEWOOD CT. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Motor oil in swimming pool. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
2116 HRS 00 BLOCK OF GENEVA CT. DOMESTIC. Husband vs Wife. Verbal Only. 2 priors.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Changes To Come For D300 Schedules, Online Student Access
The District almost abandoned the current class regime called block scheduling this year as it battled with its teachers' union over a new contract. Lost in the welter was the message that it has to go pretty soon, anyway, because of new national performance tests that begin in the 2014-15. Adopted at D300 in 1996 when it was all the educational rage, block scheduling promised better instruction through longer classes, just not the same ones every day. As much as a year's instruction could be crammed into four months.
The problem, according to Assistant Superintendent for High Schools Ben Churchill, is that if the kids take, say, all their algebra first semester they tend to forget it by testing time third semester. That's going to be a big problem with new tests more or less mandated by the No Child Left Behind Law that kick in two years from now. "The...assessments will be spread throughout the school year," said Churchill, and the current scheduling "isn't structured for that."
Churchill and Middle School Assistant Superintendent Kara Vicente told the Board new scheduling could shake up the length of the school day and bell schedules but might also affect the availability of electives, buses times and staff requirements. They said they were shooting for October for a new high school schedule and January for the middle schools.
New tests, this batch online and starting in 2013-14 pose another problem, Chief Technology Officer Eric Willard told the Board. The simple matter is the District doesn't have enough computers so each kid can have his own, nor, probably, enough money to buy them. The solution, he said, was to configure the District's systems so the kids could get on with their own iPads and Android tablets. "Student computers aren't the focus," said Willard, "but our obligation to (student) access is what's important."
The trick will probably be working all the bugs out of that idea. Willard's presentation Monday was somewhat hampered when the high-tech whiteboards he was using went on the fritz.
In the pic: District 300's tech chief Eric Willard Monday starting to sketch out a plan for students to use their own digital doodads to access instructional materials and tests.
Senior Complex Construction Underway At Lake In The Hills
In the pic: The Residences of Lake In the Hills is developing one of the last spaces in Lake in the Hills that isn't meant to stay empty.
Algonquin Lions Seek Teams For Second Charity Bean Bag Tourney
The Tournament to be held at Algonquin's BuffaloWild Wings will also include a raffle
featuring $2500 in prizes. "Raffle prizes will range from four White Sox tickets to a golf outing at the Golf Club of Illinois to gift cards from local businesses," said Don Purn, Raffle Director.
Buffalo Wild Wings will also contribute 15 percent of the food proceeds to the Algonquin Lions during the Tournament.
The Charity Tournament benefits the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry and the Lions' Ted Spella Education Award. Last year's tourney earned $1,500 for the food pantry and Lions $2,000 to a District 300 student.
Cost to enter the Bean Bag Tournament is $30 per team, Players under 18 to be accompanied by a parent. Entry forms are available at Buffalo Wild Wings or you can find one online here:
http://lionsclubofalgonquin.org/Events/EntryForm.pdf
In the pic: Flyin' beans at last year's Algonquin Lions Bean Bag Tourney
Algonquin Aces/Storm Travel Tryouts Scheduled
The Algonquin Aces 12U tryouts will be Aug. 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm and Aug. 13 and 14 from 11 am to 1 pm at Presidential Park (Field C), Algonquin. Email Leo Bernardi at leo.bernardi@att.net.
The Aces 14U and 16U tryouts will be Aug. 14 from 10 am to 12 pm at Presidential Park, Algonquin. Players must pre-register. Email 14U Aces - Scott Richman at Richman8564@sbcglobal.net; 16U Aces - Larry Eissler at Ice929@aol.com
The Algonquin Storm 12U tryouts will be Aug. 13 at 10 am at Algonquin Lakes Park, Algonquin. Email Ray Ledinsky at jeanneandray@comcast.net
The Algonquin Storm 13U & 13U Blue try will be Aug. 13 from 9 am to 12 pm at Presidential Park Field B, Algonquin. Email 13U Storm - Rich Riedel at richriedel@sbcglobal.net ; 13U Storm Blue - Mike Duffy at aayomduffy@hotmail.com
Tryouts for the 14U Aces and 10U and 11U Storm have been completed.
Feds To Continue Immigration Checks Without State OK
By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
The federal government says it does not need the state’s permission to continue an immigration enforcement program that Gov. Pat Quinn in May said out to go. Quinn wanted to pull Illinois out of the Secure Communities program, which calls upon participating jurisdictions to submit fingerprints of arrestees to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) to be reviewed for immigration violations.
Quinn argued that the program was sold as a way to remove hardened criminals from the country but was instead deporting people who were not guilty of any serious crimes and sometimes not guilty of any crime at all. He told the feds that the state was quitting the program through a termination clause in the contract the state signed.
However, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency recently notified Quinn and 37 other governors, that it does not need permission to continue the program. “ICE will continue to operate Secure Communities for jurisdictions where it is already deployed and will continue to activate the program for new jurisdictions,” said a letter sent to governors from John Morton, director of ICE. Before Quinn froze enrollment in the program last November, 26 Illinois counties had signed on. ICE plans for national participation by 2013.
The letter went on to say that ICE has shifted the focus of its “limited resources” to those individuals who “pose a threat to public safety or who have flagrantly violated the nation’s immigrations laws.” It also says the Department of Homeland Security plans to consider changing the way the program “addresses” people arrested for minor violations, such as traffic offenses.
Immigration advocates in Illinois say ICE led states and local jurisdictions to believe that the program was voluntary and they could opt out at any time. They say the feds are trying to strong-arm state and local governments now that there are rumblings of participants quitting. “Once again [the Department of Homeland Security] is trying to rule by fiat,” Fred Tsao, policy director for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, said in a prepared statement. “This is not Libya, where security agencies make up the rules as they go along.”
You can read Jamey's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/feds-to-quinn-we-dont-need-your.html
The federal government says it does not need the state’s permission to continue an immigration enforcement program that Gov. Pat Quinn in May said out to go. Quinn wanted to pull Illinois out of the Secure Communities program, which calls upon participating jurisdictions to submit fingerprints of arrestees to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) to be reviewed for immigration violations.
Quinn argued that the program was sold as a way to remove hardened criminals from the country but was instead deporting people who were not guilty of any serious crimes and sometimes not guilty of any crime at all. He told the feds that the state was quitting the program through a termination clause in the contract the state signed.
However, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency recently notified Quinn and 37 other governors, that it does not need permission to continue the program. “ICE will continue to operate Secure Communities for jurisdictions where it is already deployed and will continue to activate the program for new jurisdictions,” said a letter sent to governors from John Morton, director of ICE. Before Quinn froze enrollment in the program last November, 26 Illinois counties had signed on. ICE plans for national participation by 2013.
The letter went on to say that ICE has shifted the focus of its “limited resources” to those individuals who “pose a threat to public safety or who have flagrantly violated the nation’s immigrations laws.” It also says the Department of Homeland Security plans to consider changing the way the program “addresses” people arrested for minor violations, such as traffic offenses.
Immigration advocates in Illinois say ICE led states and local jurisdictions to believe that the program was voluntary and they could opt out at any time. They say the feds are trying to strong-arm state and local governments now that there are rumblings of participants quitting. “Once again [the Department of Homeland Security] is trying to rule by fiat,” Fred Tsao, policy director for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, said in a prepared statement. “This is not Libya, where security agencies make up the rules as they go along.”
You can read Jamey's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/feds-to-quinn-we-dont-need-your.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
August 8
1534 HRS 8415 ROUTE 31. (BERQUIST MARINE) AGGRAVATED BATTERY TO A PEACE OFFICER. ZICK, JAMES D., M/W 38 YEARS OF AGE, HOMELESS, CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGE: Aggravated Battery to a Peace Officer, Resisting a Peace Officer. TURNED OVER TO CRYSTAL LAKE POLICE.
0228 HRS 300 BLOCK OF PHEASANT TRAIL. FOLLOW UP ARREST: ILLEGAL CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL. JUVENILE, F/W 17 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGE: Hosting an Underage Drinking Gathering. RELEASED TO PARENT.
1056 HRS 500 GRACE DR. (PLOTE FIELD) CRIMINAL DEFACEMENT. Black spray paint graffiti on bleachers. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1258 HRS 250 RANDALL RD. (COSTCO) DECEPTIVE PRACTICE. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1315 HRS 00 BLOCK OF CYPRESS CT. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Telephone harassment.
1431 HRS 200 BLOCK OF RANDALL RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1759 HRS 600 BLOCK OF SEMINOLE TRAIL. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Report for insurance. House damaged by fallen tree limb.
2006 HRS 0 BLOCK OF MCKINLEY ST. SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT. Male subject made unwanted comments to a female. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
2011 HRS PYOTT RD. & OAK ST. INJURY ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Female, 52 years of age, having chest pains. Transported to Woodstock Hospital. Female, 15 years of age, with head pain. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
Lake in the Hills
August 8
1534 HRS 8415 ROUTE 31. (BERQUIST MARINE) AGGRAVATED BATTERY TO A PEACE OFFICER. ZICK, JAMES D., M/W 38 YEARS OF AGE, HOMELESS, CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGE: Aggravated Battery to a Peace Officer, Resisting a Peace Officer. TURNED OVER TO CRYSTAL LAKE POLICE.
0228 HRS 300 BLOCK OF PHEASANT TRAIL. FOLLOW UP ARREST: ILLEGAL CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL. JUVENILE, F/W 17 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGE: Hosting an Underage Drinking Gathering. RELEASED TO PARENT.
1056 HRS 500 GRACE DR. (PLOTE FIELD) CRIMINAL DEFACEMENT. Black spray paint graffiti on bleachers. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1258 HRS 250 RANDALL RD. (COSTCO) DECEPTIVE PRACTICE. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1315 HRS 00 BLOCK OF CYPRESS CT. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Telephone harassment.
1431 HRS 200 BLOCK OF RANDALL RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1759 HRS 600 BLOCK OF SEMINOLE TRAIL. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Report for insurance. House damaged by fallen tree limb.
2006 HRS 0 BLOCK OF MCKINLEY ST. SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT. Male subject made unwanted comments to a female. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
2011 HRS PYOTT RD. & OAK ST. INJURY ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Female, 52 years of age, having chest pains. Transported to Woodstock Hospital. Female, 15 years of age, with head pain. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Still No Date To Select Regional Superintendent Of Schools
Wood, who, like all the Regional Superintendents in the State, hasn't been paid since July 1, has been doing her job but signing all the McHenry County paperwork Illinois Statutes say a Superintendent has to issue, too. "It started with GED certificates, and then there were a lot of teaching certificates," she said. Now she's going to have to process all the County's bus driver certifications and she says there are quite a few remodelling projects to which she has to affix her signature soon.
In a way the problem's all about paperwork but it's important paperwork. If DeKalb County Regional Superintendent Gil Morrison, for instance, hadn't issued a certificate of occupancy last week for DeKalb's new 80 million high school, the kids couldn't have used it. Morrison, an educator, admits he doesn't know much about plumbing and wiring but he's still the guy who had to sign off on the project. "I've taken some workshop sessions," he said.
Indeed, some critics claim Illinois' Regional Superintendents whose office traces back to 1828 have become vestigial since the Illinois State Board of Education was created in 1975. Wood admitted it might be possible to assign their responsibilities to Springfield but said all that would really do is shift the money problems from one budget line to another. "They would have spend a lot of money beefing up the Board," she said.
Anyway, "People don't want to go to Springfield with their (education) problems," said Wood They'd rather come to our offices and get it done effectively and conveniently," she said.
Lots Of Blood Drives Locally In August
Servicing 38 hospitals in the Chicagoland area, Heartland Blood Centers, for instance, must collect 600 units of blood every day to meet the hospitals' transfusion demands. “Our member hospitals' use of blood products remains high during the summer due to surgeries, emergencies, and care of cancer patients," sad Ann McKanna, Heartland Blood Center's Vice President of Marketing.
LifeSource blood center is the other blood agency serving the Chicago area. Here's a combined list of local drives for both:
ALGONQUIN - Aug. 13 from Noon to 04 pm at FitRx, 2302 Esplanade.
ALGONQUIN - Aug. 14 from 8:15 am to 1:15 pm at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 100 Hanson Road
HUNTLEY - Aug. 14 from 8 am to Noon at Shepherd Of The Prairie Lutheran Church, 10805 Main Street
ALGONQUIN - Aug. 20 from 8 am to Noon at Algonquin Chiropractic, 2210 Huntington Drive North
ALGONQUIN - Aug. 21 from 7:30 am to 1pm Knights of Columbus Council 11091, Saint Margaret Mary Ministry Center 119 S. Hubbard Street
HUNTLEY - Aug. 21 from 8 am to Noon at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way
Car Show Ends LITH National Night Out, More Tues, Though
If you missed Sunday's car show you can still ogle some old iron at the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce final Cruise Night for the summer on Tuesday 5:30 to 8:30 pm. at Oakridge Shopping Center in Algonquin.
To help the local food pantry, visitors and car enthusiasts are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item and as a “thank you” will receive a coupon for a FREE ice cold treat from Sonic Drive-In. During the previous two Cruise Nights, the Chamber has collected over 100 pounds of food.
No Kill Shelter Promotes Adoption At Petco
Animal House places 200 to 300 dogs per month, more than any other shelter in Illinois, she said. Cats, too. You can see all of them, here: http://www.animalhouseshelter.com/
Empty Homes Proliferate In Chicago Area
Late last week the U.S. Census Bureau released additional 2010 census data for Illinois, providing more details than were available before. The data shows that the number of vacant units as well as overall vacancy rates grew region-wide by 22 percent from 2000.
The number of vacant units including rental and owner-occupied housing rose from 146,766 to 179,587 units. While vacant unit counts and vacancy rates are highest in Chicago and suburban Cook County, the total number of vacant units increased fastest in Kane and Kendall, two of the region’s most-rapidly growing counties. Vacancy rates similarly increased in Kane and Kendall counties. Will County showed the only overall decrease in vacant units and vacancy rates.
The City of Chicago contains a disproportionate share of the region’s vacant housing units, about 51 percent, compared to a 35 percent share of total housing units and 34 percent share of total population. Suburban Cook County, however, contains a comparatively smaller share of total vacant units given its population, with 23 percent of total vacant units versus 29 percent of both total housing units and total population.
The City of Chicago maintained an essentially constant vacancy rate (7.5 percent to 7.6 percent). Most townships in Will County, as well as several townships in McHenry, Kane, and Kendall Counties, also saw vacancy rates decline over the past several years. However, several other townships in those same three counties saw substantial growth in vacancy rates.
The number of vacant units including rental and owner-occupied housing rose from 146,766 to 179,587 units. While vacant unit counts and vacancy rates are highest in Chicago and suburban Cook County, the total number of vacant units increased fastest in Kane and Kendall, two of the region’s most-rapidly growing counties. Vacancy rates similarly increased in Kane and Kendall counties. Will County showed the only overall decrease in vacant units and vacancy rates.
The City of Chicago contains a disproportionate share of the region’s vacant housing units, about 51 percent, compared to a 35 percent share of total housing units and 34 percent share of total population. Suburban Cook County, however, contains a comparatively smaller share of total vacant units given its population, with 23 percent of total vacant units versus 29 percent of both total housing units and total population.
The City of Chicago maintained an essentially constant vacancy rate (7.5 percent to 7.6 percent). Most townships in Will County, as well as several townships in McHenry, Kane, and Kendall Counties, also saw vacancy rates decline over the past several years. However, several other townships in those same three counties saw substantial growth in vacancy rates.
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
August 70228 HRS 300 BLOCK OF PHEASANT TRAIL. ILLEGAL CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL. CAPOBIANCO, ANTONIO G., M/W 18 YEARS OF AGE, 2323 GLENMOOR DR., WEST DUNDEE. CHARGE: Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor. NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED.
0935 HRS 2300 BLOCK OF CLAREMONT LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 12 years of age, bleeding from head after falling off bike. No Transport.
1400 HRS LAKEWOOD RD. & LITCHFIELD LN. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. Wife. Verbal only. No priors.
1439 HRS 9300 VIRGINIA RD. (RAYSCAPE INC) ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1559 HRS 100 BLOCK OF OAK ST. FOUND ARTICLE. Bicycle found in backyard of residence.
1614 HRS 100 BLOCK OF POLARIS DR. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1707 HRS 149 HILLTOP DR. (LABAHN-HAINE HOUSE) ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 74 years of age, fell. No Transport.
2113 HRS 3800 BLOCK OF PEARTREE DR. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Wife vs. Husband. No priors. Female, 48 years of age, having difficulty breathing. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
Algonquin
August 5
10:59am Howse, Dante D., DOB: 04/07/93, of 1135 Fulton Avenue, Streamwood and a 16 year-old male from Elgin were both charged with Residential Burglary and Criminal Damage to Property. They were taken into custody in the area of Washtenaw Lane and Sandbloom Road. Howse was transported to McHenry County Jail to await a bond hearing and the 16 year-old male was transported to the Kane County Juvenile Detention Center to await a bond hearing in McHenry County.
22:40pm O’Shea, Suzanne D., DOB: 10/24/80, of 4915 Glenbrook Trail, McHenry, was charged with DUI, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, No Proof of Insurance and Expired Registration. She was taken into custody at Randall Road and Acorn Road. She was released after posting $150 and her Illinois Driver’s License with a court date of 09/14/11 in McHenry County.
August 6
21:14pm A 17 year-old male from Algonquin was charged with Obstructing a Peace Officer and Possession of a Homemade Explosive Device. He was taken into custody in the 500 block of Sussex Lane. He was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 09/28/11 in Algonquin.
August 7
Carpenter, Christopher J., DOB: 05/08/88, of 625 Claymont Court, Algonquin, was charged with Speeding Over 40 mph, No Proof of Insurance and Expired Registration. He was taken into custody at Highland Avenue and Tanglewood Drive. He was released after posting $200 with a court date of 09/14/11 in McHenry County.
Lake in the Hills
August 70228 HRS 300 BLOCK OF PHEASANT TRAIL. ILLEGAL CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL. CAPOBIANCO, ANTONIO G., M/W 18 YEARS OF AGE, 2323 GLENMOOR DR., WEST DUNDEE. CHARGE: Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor. NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED.
0935 HRS 2300 BLOCK OF CLAREMONT LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 12 years of age, bleeding from head after falling off bike. No Transport.
1400 HRS LAKEWOOD RD. & LITCHFIELD LN. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. Wife. Verbal only. No priors.
1439 HRS 9300 VIRGINIA RD. (RAYSCAPE INC) ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1559 HRS 100 BLOCK OF OAK ST. FOUND ARTICLE. Bicycle found in backyard of residence.
1614 HRS 100 BLOCK OF POLARIS DR. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1707 HRS 149 HILLTOP DR. (LABAHN-HAINE HOUSE) ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 74 years of age, fell. No Transport.
2113 HRS 3800 BLOCK OF PEARTREE DR. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Wife vs. Husband. No priors. Female, 48 years of age, having difficulty breathing. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
Algonquin
August 5
10:59am Howse, Dante D., DOB: 04/07/93, of 1135 Fulton Avenue, Streamwood and a 16 year-old male from Elgin were both charged with Residential Burglary and Criminal Damage to Property. They were taken into custody in the area of Washtenaw Lane and Sandbloom Road. Howse was transported to McHenry County Jail to await a bond hearing and the 16 year-old male was transported to the Kane County Juvenile Detention Center to await a bond hearing in McHenry County.
22:40pm O’Shea, Suzanne D., DOB: 10/24/80, of 4915 Glenbrook Trail, McHenry, was charged with DUI, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, No Proof of Insurance and Expired Registration. She was taken into custody at Randall Road and Acorn Road. She was released after posting $150 and her Illinois Driver’s License with a court date of 09/14/11 in McHenry County.
August 6
21:14pm A 17 year-old male from Algonquin was charged with Obstructing a Peace Officer and Possession of a Homemade Explosive Device. He was taken into custody in the 500 block of Sussex Lane. He was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 09/28/11 in Algonquin.
August 7
Carpenter, Christopher J., DOB: 05/08/88, of 625 Claymont Court, Algonquin, was charged with Speeding Over 40 mph, No Proof of Insurance and Expired Registration. He was taken into custody at Highland Avenue and Tanglewood Drive. He was released after posting $200 with a court date of 09/14/11 in McHenry County.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
New Healthful Restaurant Opens In Huntley
That was the reasoning behind Ward and husband Mike's decision to go into the high-risk restaurant business. "Mike had a (computer programming) business but sold it. We were semi-retired but we were too young," she said. "Mike said, 'I think I've got one more left,'" so the Union couple began casting about to see what it might turn out to be.
"(The Village of Huntley) took a survey and what people said they wanted most was more restaurants," said Ward which dovetailed nicely with their fondness for a small chain beginning to expand out of Florida.
The restaurant's name implies an emphasis on the fruit purees churned out by the restaurant's four industrial blenders but Ward said a full line of sandwiches, wraps and salads was just as important. "It's like a (Panera Bread) with awesome smoothies," she said.
Last weeks economic news wasn't very good and the restaurant biz has a murderous attrition rate but Ward said she and her husband were undaunted. "We don't know a lot about restaurants yet," she said, "but we know how to work hard."
In the pic: Terri Ward's Tropical Smoothie Cafe creations can be made with Splenda sweetener or turbinado raw sugar.
Huntley High Announces AP Scholar Winners
The College Board’s Advance Placement Program (AP) provides motivated and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advance placement, or both for successful performance on the AP exams.
National AP Scholar: Granted to any student who scores a 3 or higher on eight or more AP exams and earns an average score of at least 4.00 on all AP exams taken. This is the highest honor available to students and went to to Rodrigo de Losada and Arianna Wilkerson, 2011 graduates.
AP Scholar with Distinction: Granted to any student who scores a 3 or higher on five or more AP exams and earns an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken. Awards here went to: Erik Andersson, Cory Bockenhauer, Cassady Brunette, Christopher Cowart, Lydia Jiang, Kristen Koniewicz, Haley Loprieno, Cullen McNeill, Eduardo Mejia, Richard Myers, Francis Ramirez, Philip Rubino, Peter Urbanski, Samantha Zobott and to HHS junior Stephanie Gavert.
AP Scholar with Honor: Granted to any student who scores a 3 or higher on four or more AP exams and earns an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken. This category included: Aaron Bengtson, Grace Borhart, Alexander Cron, Tatum DeMay, Shirley Huang, Edward Husak, Rafal Kwiecinski, Aidnel Navarro, David Novalinski, Zarana Patel, Sarah Sheehan, Lesly Solis, Amanda Svoboda, Danielle Swichtenberg; and to HHS juniors: Lauren Adamick, Kristen Allen, Nichole Best, Mohammed Faisal, Trey Morris and Michael Varrige.
AP Scholar: Granted to any student who has earned a 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. Included here were: Joslyn Aldape, Ian Finckle, Martin Gorski, Suman Gowda, Brittany Hartnett, Matthew Heiden, Rebecca Kapolnek, Eric Loboda, Joshua Moore, Umangi Patel, Stephanie Patton, Allison Ritzert, Zachary Rodriguez, Maria Sciortino, Bruce Tharp, Madison Welch, Amber Yedniak; HHS juniors: Hailey Andersson, Amy Antonsen, Charles Ayemoba, Brandon Bencko, Priyanka Damarla, Evan Flynn, Shawn Meyer, Andrew Nichols, Zachary Polentini, Jessica Rapp, Amanda Rosso, Sara Scarbro; and HHS sophomores: Bryce Beschorner, Preet Dhillon and Aesha Talia.
LITH Legion Sons Fish Fry Friday
Fish Fry. The fish feast will run from 4 to 8 pm at the post. Adults are $9, Seniors $7 and children 10 and under $6, with 14 oz Miller Draft to wash it down (well, not for the kids, of course) only $2.25.
There's still time to sign up for the Post's 2nd Annual Charity Golf Classic Aug. 26. Single entry fee is $95 with a foursome entry fee at $340. Proceeds go to Veterans and Disabled Veterans. For more information on that, call Kerry Ellison at 847-515-2495.
In the pic: Fish--It's what's for dinner.
Fed Cases Against Illinois Gun Laws Pending
A two-front push is being made in Illinois to weaken some of the most restrictive gun regulation laws in the country. Since Wisconsin passed a concealed carry law earlier this year, leaving Illinois the only state that prohibits nearly everyone from carrying a firearm, concealed or not, anywhere that is not their property or another person’s property with permission.
Gun-rights advocates claim that Illinois is violating the Second Amendment by prohibiting Illinois residents from being able to, in some fashion, carry a firearm in public. One such case pits Michael Moore of Champaign and the Second Amendment Foundation Inc., a gun-rights advocacy group, in a suit against Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office and the state of Illinois in the U.S. District Court in Springfield. A nearly identical lawsuit with nearly identical arguments is unfolding in a U.S. District Court in southern Illinois. The Illinois State Rifle Association, or ISRA, a group dedicated to furthering firearm rights and affiliated with the National Rifle Association, or NRA, is backing both cases but is only a plaintiff in the southern Illinois instance.
Madigan’s office argues in court filings that the state is following constitutional law, because a person isn’t outlawed from owning a firearm, just limited in the manner he can wield it. “The laws being challenged here are reasonable measures to ensure public safety and do not violate the constitution,” said Maura Possley, a spokeswoman for Madigan.
A recent court decision indicates how gun bans are being found to be unconstitutional. One such case happened in Chicago where the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the city's handgun ban in a ruling that recognized a person's right to have a handgun that can be used for self-defense in the home. In response, the Chicago City Council required people to be trained at a shooting range if they wanted to own a handgun. Then the council made shooting ranges illegal in city limits.
This spring, a concealed carry proposal garnered a vote of 65-52 in the Illinois House. The measure didn’t pass, however, because of a technicality that required it to get a “supermajority,” or 71 votes, in the House to pass.
You can read Andrew's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/6668/fed-case-calling-illinois-gun-laws-illegal-getting-hearing/
In the pic: Sometimes the line between concealed and open carry is ambiguous.
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
August 6
0752 HRS 5500 BLOCK OF WILDSPRING DR. WANTED ON WARRANT. SPANGLER, KENNETH L., M/W 35 YEARS OF AGE, 5562 WILDSPRING DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant Cook County Sheriff Conditional Release Violation, Driving Under the Influence $10,000 @ 10%. RELEASED ON BOND.
1541 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & LAKEWOOD RD. NO VALID DRIVERS LICENSE/EXPIRED. BEESLEY, DEANNA L., F/W 32 YEARS OF AGE, 820 CROSSING WAY, SAINT CHARLES. CHARGES: No Valid Drivers License/Expired more than a Year. RELEASED ON BOND.
1632 HRS RANDALL RD. & ACORN LN. NO VALID DRIVERS LICENSE/ACCIDENT. ALARCON, JUAN C., M/W 22 YEARS OF AGE, 938 YORKSHIRE LN., CRYSTAL LAKE CHARGES: No Valid Drivers License and Failure to Reduce Speed To Avoid an Accident. RELEASED ON BOND.
Lake in the Hills
August 6
0752 HRS 5500 BLOCK OF WILDSPRING DR. WANTED ON WARRANT. SPANGLER, KENNETH L., M/W 35 YEARS OF AGE, 5562 WILDSPRING DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant Cook County Sheriff Conditional Release Violation, Driving Under the Influence $10,000 @ 10%. RELEASED ON BOND.
1541 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & LAKEWOOD RD. NO VALID DRIVERS LICENSE/EXPIRED. BEESLEY, DEANNA L., F/W 32 YEARS OF AGE, 820 CROSSING WAY, SAINT CHARLES. CHARGES: No Valid Drivers License/Expired more than a Year. RELEASED ON BOND.
1632 HRS RANDALL RD. & ACORN LN. NO VALID DRIVERS LICENSE/ACCIDENT. ALARCON, JUAN C., M/W 22 YEARS OF AGE, 938 YORKSHIRE LN., CRYSTAL LAKE CHARGES: No Valid Drivers License and Failure to Reduce Speed To Avoid an Accident. RELEASED ON BOND.
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