County Board To Bulk Up Property Tax Appeals Board

The McHenry County Board's scheduled to appoint 17 alternate members Tuesday to the County's
Board of Review.  No one expects the three permanent members to be able to handle the flood of property tax assessment appeals expected this year.

"The resolution calls it an 'emergency situation' but it's the status quo these days," said Chief Assessment Officer Bob Ross Friday.  "We have some hearings scheduled (late this month) but they'll really get going in October," said Ross.  Half a dozen smaller townships have sent out assessments but among the big ones, Algonquin isn't expected until November and only Grafton has gone out.  The deadline for filing an appeal there is Oct. 3 and Ross said  he expected to see a lot of them.

"We only had 200 appeals last year because of the way Ottley handled it," he said.  Last year Grafton Assessor Bill Ottley sent thousands of assessment-lowering "corrections" to the Board of Review essentially bypassing the appeals procedure.

Right now assessors are trying to explain the convoluted valuation and appeals process to taxpayers.  Ross was one of a group of experts at a McHenry County Association of Realtors presentation Thursday.  The Association has another free session scheduled at its Crystal Lake headquarters Sept. 29.  There's a somewhat a similar session at Grafton Township Sept. 26.  It's free but by appointment from 10 am to 4:30 pm.  Call 847-669-3328 to make one or email LindaMooreGT@hotmail.com .

The Board of Review Alternates up for appointment Tuesday include the following people:

Sharon L. Bagby, Crystal Lake, Algonquin Twp.
Noel W. Hansmann, Cary, Algonquin Twp.
John R. Meredith, Algonquin, Algonquin Twp.
John Reckamp, Crystal Lake, Grafton Twp.
Theresa Tasch-Sensing, Crystal Lake, Grafton Twp.
Sherry Melze, Gilberts, Rutland Twp. (Kane)
Paul M. Bauer, Geneva, Blackberry Twp. (Kane)
Wilma J. Heisler, Crystal Lake, Nunda Twp.
Michael Lescher, Fox Lake, Grant Twp. (Lake)
Jerrilynne G. Partlo, Marengo, Seneca Twp.
Robert J. Schaid, McHenry, McHenry Twp.
Stephanie Seiwerth, Wauconda, Wauconda Twp. (Lake)
Wayne J. Skonieczny, Richmond, Richmond Twp.
Susan Standish, Union, Seneca Twp.
John T. Whitney, Spring Grove, Richmond Twp.
Cornelia Wismer, Island Lake, Wauconda Twp. (Lake)
Virginia Peschke, Woodstock, Dorr Twp.

In the pic:  Part of one day's worth of tax appeals at McHenry County for the 2010 tax year.

Alonquin Route 62 Repair Schedule Uncertain

Illinois Department of Transportation repair crews carried out a surgical asphalt patching strike on Route 62, Algonquin Road, in East Algonquin Friday.  There's more to come, but no one at IDOT Friday was sure when.

Extensive repairs to the stretch of 62 east from Route 31 to Route 25 were supposed to start Thursday evening but a late bulletin from the Village that day said it had been rescheduled for late Friday morning.  It didn't say if the change was a one-time thing or if the night schedule was all off on the busy commuter thoroughfare.

Spokesmen at both the maintenance and repair departments at IDOT District 1 in Schaumburg couldn't even find the job on their lists and no one was home at the St. Charles yard from which IDOT crews in the area are dispatched.

In the pic: By the paint marks, most of the repairs are concentrated on the hill up the bluff and IDOT got the left westbound lane mostly done Friday before rush hour.  That leaves three to go.

Phone Scam Targets Local Seniors

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office warned this week against a telephone scam targeting McHenry County seniors recently.  It's the "Grandma, I'm In Jail" fraud.

Residents around the county, one last week in Huntley, for instance, report receiving a call from someone claiming to be a grandson. The gist of the sad story that ensues is that the kid went on a trip with friends, was arrested on a trumped up charge and now the poor kid needs Granny or Gramps  to wire a pile of bail money.
And they do, at lest often enough to make the scammers keep trying.

A Sheriff's spokesman suggests residents shouldn't provide personal or financial information over the phone. "Call a trusted family member or a familiar contact at your bank to investigate further," is the advice from the SO.

Metra Ponders Big Fare Increases

The Metra Board Friday leaned looked at boosting fares, an average of almost 30 percent, in preference to cutting back service.  It just about has to be one or the other in the face of a $65 million budget shortfall for the mass transit agency this year.

If fare increases are approved they wouldn't kick in until next year but they might be whoppers. Metra staffers recommended one-way fare increases as much as 44 percent for commuters travelling downtown from other Chicago stations.  The monthly tariff for those riders would go up as much as 58 percent. Fares from the farthest suburban stops, say, around here, wouldn't rise so much.  A one-way ticket could increase about 9 percent with the monthly fare increasing about 20.

The agency's facing a projected $100 million deficit this year and next and members are reluctant to cut services.  Staff members said fare increases have trailed the cost of living, anyway.

In the pic:  A presentation to the Metra Board showed fares haven't kept up with inflation. 

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.

MOHAMMAD A. SALAM, DOB:  02/15/50, 1001 REDWOOD DRIVE, ALGONQUIN. AGGRAVATED CRIMINAL SEXUAL ABUSE.--Algonquin PD

FABIAN J. TORRES, DOB:  04/08/87, 922 SARATOGA PARKWAY, SLEEPY HOLLOW. AGGRAVATED ARSON.--Algonquin PD

JOSEPH J. PACE, DOB:  07/08/88, 11611 BERNICE AVENUE, HUNTLEY. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE.--Huntley PD

JOSEPH W. KLEIN, DOB:  02/15/43, 2 LAKE SHORE DRIVE, OAKWOOD HILLS. BURGLARY, THEFT.--Crystal Lake PD

ANTHONY A. SCARBROUGH JR., DOB:  10/15/93, 136 SIOUX AVENUE, CARPENTERSVILLE. AGGRAVATED BATTERY(2CTS).--Fox River Grove PD

EDWARD A. BOWER, DOB:  07/15/87, 307 W. HARRIS, LAGRANGE. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONVERTED MOTOR VEHICLE.--Illinois State Police

SHINEBAYER DASHZEVEG, DOB:  09/07/91, 9279 N. WOODLAND DRIVE, NILES. FORGERY, THEFT.--McHenry PD

CHARMAINE E. GUNN, DOB:  06/17/73, 912 DAVID STREET, ANTIOCH. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITH INTENT TO DELIVER, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.--McHenry PD
  
JOSEPH R. SOBESKI, DOB:  09/28/87, 470 WESTWOOD COURT  APT D, CRYSTAL LAKE. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(2CTS), UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.--McHenry PD

NICHOLAS LOPEZ, DOB:  03/12/86, 1016 MORTON AVENUE, ELGIN. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.--Prairie Grove PD

MICHAEL THOMAS HERRON, DOB:  03/02/83, 8103 ELMWOOD DRIVE, WONDER LAKE. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.--Prairie Grove PD

RYAN N. WHETHAM, DOB:  03/14/83, 125 S. WILLIAMS STREET, CRYSTAL LAKE. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITHIN 1000 FEET OF A SCHOOL, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS.--North Central Narcotics Task Force

MELAKIA MORGAN, DOB:  05/05/89, 56 W. 140TH STREET, RIVERDALE. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.
NICHOLAS J. HOUSE, DOB:  02/03/84, 7428 NORMAL AVENUE, CHICAGO. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.
DEWAYNE WILLIAMS, DOB:  11/09/88, 3939 W. MAIN STREET, MCHENRY. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.
CEDRIC HAMMOND, DOB:  06/29/84, 63 W. 113TH STREET, CHICAGO. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITH INTENT TO DELIVER(2CTS), UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS.--Woodstock PD

JULIUS M. WILLIAMS, DOB:  08/20/82, 321 HOY STREET  #1, WOODSTOCK. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS.--Woodstock PD
  
DAKOTA L. FORTH, DOB:  09/23/91, 226 E. SHAGBARK LANE, STREAMWOOD. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.--McHenry County Conservation District
  
DAVID N. HARMAN, DOB:  12/25/79, 3705 GREENWOOD DRIVE, WONDER LAKE. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office

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
September 16
0230 HRS 220 N. RANDALL RD. (MORETTIS) HIT & RUN/DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. GRAN, RYAN R., M/W 22 YEARS OF AGE, 3608 WESTWOOD DR., WONDER LAKE. CHARGES: Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, BAC Over .08, Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicle, Three Counts of Disobeying a Traffic Control Device, and Failure to Give Information. RELEASED ON BOND.
0406 HRS 220 N. RANDALL RD. (MORETTIS) ACCIDENT/DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. PADILLA JR, GILBERTO, M/W 21 YEARS OF AGE, 426 THUNDER RIDGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Resisting a Peace Officer.
0421 HRS RANDALL RD. & ALGONQUIN RD. HIT & RUN. A No U-Turn sign was damaged, and the offending vehicle left.
1044 HRS 2122 W. ALGONQUIN RD. (TACOS EL NORTE) INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Fraudulent activity on complainant’s bank account.
1252 HRS 3000 BLOCK MONTROSE DR. DOMESTIC. Boyfriend vs. girlfriend. Verbal only. No priors.
1333 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF PATTON AVE. ASSIST OTHER POLICE AGENCY. Assisted the Algonquin Police Department with a residential search.
1521 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & PYOTT RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1721 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (LAKE IN THE HILLS PD) INTERFERENCE OF A COURT ORDERED VISITATION. Subject violated a court ordered visitation. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.

LITH Muslims Want Mosque At Grafton Offices Site

A local Muslim congregation confirmed Thursday it is the source of an offer to purchase Grafton Township's former new offices site at Haligus and Grafton Farm Road in Lake in the Hills.  The group wants to build a mosque there.

"It will be more than a mosque," said Huntley family practice physician Dr. Fazal A. Khan, President of the American Muslim Community Organization.  "A mosque is reserved for prayer.  We're trying to create a community center."  Khan said besides a place for worship and services, that would include facilities for a school, daycare, a youth center and a library.

"We're mostly from Lake in the Hills," said Khan.  "We've been here for about ten years now and our newsletter goes out to about 300 families," he said.  "We've been looking for a location that was right in the middle of the community," said Khan.

The American Muslim Community Organization whose website is mchenrymuslims.org is a different congregation from the Islamic Center of McHenry County.  That group is in the process of building a mosque in Crystal Lake.

Grafton Township acquired the irregularly-shaped 2.77-acre Haligus site from the Village of Lake in the Hills three years ago to build new $3.5 million offices.  Resident opposition and an adverse court decision put an end to the idea and since the LITH Board didn't want the land back it's been for-sale-by-owner for the last 18 months.  The Board set an asking price at $120,000.

The plot's currently zoned as Open Space whose permitted uses don't include a house of worship. They do extend to a community center, though.  "That's what drew our interest," said Khan.

The question right now is whether Grafton can do very much about the offer.  The Board went into closed session last Thursday to consider it but also to hire a real estate counsel to advise about the deal since Grafton still doesn't have a Township Attorney.  The group interviewed Crystal Lake lawyer Michael Torchalski but when they came back they took no action.

Grafton Supervisor Linda Moore declined comment on the offer or the attorney matter Thursday.  Torchalski didn't return a call.

In the pic: LITH's American Muslim Community Organization would like to build a mosque and community center where Grafton Township once intended to erect new offices.

Algonquin Riverside Plaza Opens Sales Center

White-gloved waitstaff served canapes and wine to guests on the plaza of Algonquin's Riverside Plaza Thursday evening at the Grand Opening of the upscale condominium project's Sales Center.
The event marked a milestone in the recovery of the bankrupt "Tyvek Towers" which moldered in the Village's downtown for over two years, an early victim of the Great Recession.

The event was delayed from a week earlier so the sales center could be finished but it was still a tight timetable as workmen scrambled to install the condo's new logo in the entrance Thursday afternoon. Guests were limited to a tour of the sales center itself featuring a designer model kitchen, a finish options selection room and a computer-generated virtual tour of the condo models Riverside Plaza will have to sell.

Developers John and J.P. Breugelmans purchased Riverside Plaza early this year and completed the exterior brick cladding and trim this summer but there's still nothing inside the structure.

"It's beautiful," said John Breugelmans.  "We have the sales center completed and as soon as we have enough units sold we will do the interior," he said.  "That is the way real estate works."

Marketing and Sales consultant Garry Benson said Riverside Plaza salesmen were making sales appointments in advance of a Grand Opening for the building istself in two weeks.  "We've already had five people sign up and it's only halfway through the evening," he said.

Algonquin Trustee Jerry Glogowski was among Thursday's guests.  "They've done a good job," he said.  "It really looks good."

Trustee Debby Sosine agreed with that.  "The vision the Village Board had years ago is finally coming to fruition," she said.

In the pic:  The first sales reception Thursday at Algonquin's Riverside Plaza residential/retail condominium project.   

D158 Approves $75 Million Budget

District 158's Board of Education approved the budget for the new 2011-12 school year Thursday. On paper the $75 million spending plan will be about $1.9 million in the red but District CFO Mark Altmeyer told the Board in terms of real money the District might even come out ahead of the game.

Last year the Board came up with a budget that assumed the State Board of Education would only come through with half the State Aid it was supposed to deliver.  Altmeyer said, in fact, the State's made three payments for last year and might even come up with the final one before the end of the calendar year.  If it does, the District would show a $3.5 million surplus on its books for the 2011 fiscal year.  Even if it doesn't, the excess would still be $2 million.
Either way, it's enough to cover the deficit the new budget shows, Altmeyer said.

Even that isn't a "structural" or recurring deficit.  Altmeyer said most of the nominal deficit consisted of one-time expenses, primarily deferred ones for textbooks and tech equipment.

Superintendent John Burkey said it was about time.  "This week we had hundreds if not thousands of kids who had to take a State assessment on computers," he said, "but they couldn't.  They wouldn't start up.  That's how bad some of the technology we're dealing with has become."

About a dozen Sun City taxpayers were in Thursday's budget hearing. One, Alan Scott, a frequent critic who's spent a lot of time talking with administrators, held the budget in his hand while he asked if the State Constitution doesn't require the State to supply "a preponderance of the funds for education."

"I believe so," replied Altmeyer.

Scott grinned as he observed, "They don't seem to be doing that."

That highlighted the key to the new 2012 budget.  Like last year's it assumes the State won't pay the District as much as it's supposed to.  The question is whether it will even pay as much as budgeteers have assumed.

Nevertheless, property tax activist and real estate agent Rob Auld complained his tax bill had increased 88 percent since he'd bought his home in 2004. "You're killing my market," he said.  "We have units (in Sun City) selling as low as $68,000," he said.  "Before there was nothing less than $100,000."

The new D158 budget is located here: https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?ik=31656615

In the graph: District 158 plans to cover a shortfall this year with excess revenue it received last year.

Obituaries

Eleanor R. Buchsbaum, 90, of Huntley, died peacefully, Monday. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Buchsbaum is survived by her children Mary Lou (Lyle) Emory of Huntley and John Franz of Bakersfield, CA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Salvation Army.

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
September 15
0904 HRS HALIGUS RD. & MILLER RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. KILLIAN, DERRICK S., M/W 43 YEARS OF AGE, 5732 WILDSPRING DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving While License Suspended. RELEASED ON BOND.
1650 HRS 8465 PYOTT RD. (APPROVED COMFORT) WANTED ON WARRANT. SIMMONS KUKOSH, RONALD L., M/W 30 YEARS OF AGE, 1503 RAMBLE RD., MCHENRY. CHARGE: Wanted on Warrant out of Kane County for Failure to Appear for Traffic Violations, Bond Set at
$2000.00/10% Applies. RELEASED ON BOND.
0628 HRS TWELVE LAKES CT. & RIDGEWOOD CIRCLE. SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT. Suspicious-looking vehicle in the area. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
0950 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF HEARTLAND GATE. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Officer stand-by while items were retrieved from residence.
1547 HRS 9010 HALIGUS RD. (LAKE IN THE HILLS PUBLIC WORKS) CRIMINAL DEFACEMENT. Graffiti was located on the Lake in the Hills Public Works entrance sign. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1844 HRS 8465 PYOTT RD. (APPROVED COMFORT) CRIMINAL TRESPASS TO MOTOR VEHICLE. Vehicle was entered through the attached cab. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
Algonquin
September 12
17:56pm A 16 year-old male from Carpentersville was charged with Possession of Drug  Paraphernalia.  He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department.  He was released  into the custody of his mother after being issued a Notice to Appear with a court date of 10/26/11 in Algonquin.
September 13
00:29am Hardin, Robert E. II, DOB: 04/30/53, of 202 ½ E. Algonquin Road, Algonquin, was charged with Battery.  He was taken into custody at 202 ½ E. Algonquin Road.  He was released after posting $150 with a court date of 10/19/11 in McHenry County.
13:20pm Morici, Jessica L., DOB: 06/29/86, of 213 Circle Drive, Fox River Grove, was charged with DWLS and No Front Plate.  She was taken into custody at Ryan Parkway & Route 62.  She was released after posting $150 with a court date of 10/26/11 in McHenry County.
18:21pm Bosman, Julia K., DOB: 11/07/72, of 10317 Ashley Street, Huntley, was charged with Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident, Improper Backing and Failure to Report Accident to Police.  She was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department.  She was released after posting $150 and her Illinois Driver’s License with a court date of 10/26/11 in McHenry County.
September 14
04:40am Gelsosomo, Steven J., DOB: 05/16/62, of 1532 Arquilla Drive, Algonquin, was charged with Domestic Battery.  He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail to await a bond hearing.
13:24pm Schultz, Joe R., DOB: 01/18/91, of 206 Hillcrest, Algonquin, was charged with Criminal Trespass to Residence.  He was taken into custody at 810 W. Vista Drive.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail when unable to post bond.
19:26pm A 15 year-old male from Algonquin was Wanted on Juvenile Warrants, out of Kane County for Aggravated Battery & Retail Theft.  He was taken into custody in the 1400 block of E. Algonquin Road.  He was transported to the Kane County Juvenile Detention Center when unable to post bond.
September 15
09:20am Hermansen, Donnie Nicole, DOB: 01/12/93, of 170 Charleston Lane, Gilberts, was charged with DWLS and No Proof of Insurance.  She was taken into custody at Randall Road and Harnish Drive.  She was released after posting $150, with a court date of 10/19/11 in McHenry County.
18:08pm Manges, Amy M., DOB: 02/24/78, of 8005 Bellevue Avenue, Spring Grove, was charged with Retail Theft.  She was taken into custody at Randall Road and Route 72.  She was released after posting $150 with a court date of 10/26/11 in McHenry County.

Gaffney Comes South, Tryon Offers Pension Plan In LITH

Only half a dozen people turned out Wednesday for a State Rep. Mike Tryon Town Hall meeting at Lake in the Hills Village Hall so it was more like a Town Seminar. Tryon's co-moderator, State Rep. Kent Gaffney, was perhaps as important as the meeting's actual content.

Tryon represents Algonquin, LITH and Huntley right now in the current 64th District but when the new legislative maps kick in for next year's election he'll still be running to represent most of those villages, just in the 66th District.  At the same time the current 52nd District will extrude south to capture the east(ish) parts of LITH and Algonquin.  Right now it ends up around Cary/Fox River Grove, so the presence of Gaffney, appointed a couple of month ago to serve the rest of the late Mark Beubien's term in the district, makes it look as if he's going to run to retain the seat.

Gaffney, former Budget Director for the House Republican Caucus, hasn't actually said he's going to do that but someone set up an election committee for him the week after he was appointed and Wednesday Tryon seemed to take it as a foregone conclusion.  In his staff position, "He couldn't get up on the House floor and yell at the Democrats and Republicans," said Tryon.  "He's going to be able to do that now."

Gaffney said, in a way, the problem's simple.  The State's in a hole and hasn't even tried to plan a way to get out of it.  "It's just trying to get through the day, get through the week," he said.

Tryon floated an idea to solve one of the State's budget woes, the massive pension funding shortfall: define it away. "Maybe it makes sense to fund a private company (pension) at 90 percent," he said. "A private business can go under.  (The State's) never going out of business," said Tryon,  so maybe it can get away with 75 or 80 percent pension funding.

One of the handful of audience members was D300 Superintendent Michael Bregy so the Sears Economic Development Area extension was an inevitable topic.  Bregy complained the District never had a seat at the table ito craft legislation that would take away millions in property taxes it's supposed to get in 2013.

Tryon agreed there was plenty of time for discussion since the EDA "doesn't end for 18 months."  He and Gaffney both thought it would be a good idea if legislation  forced Sears to keep its headquarters in Hoffman Estates.  The current version of the tax rebate extension doesn't do that, said Tryon. "It goes with the land, not Sears," he said.

In the pic: (above) State Rep. Mike Tryon offered a new idea on State financial woes at a Town Meeting in LITH Wednesday.  (below) New State Rep. Kent Gaffney met some potential constituents there, too.

"Not Very Usual" Accident At LITH PD Lot

Lake in the Hills Police were still trying find the cause this morning of a bizarre accident Wednesday when a car roared across Crystal Lake Road from Hilltop drive, sideswiped a fire hydrant and flew over some bushes to touch down in the alley behind the PD blowing all four tires.  The trajectory just missed a line of parked police cruisers.

Sergeant Don Fowler said 44 year-old LITH resident Paul Donovan couldn't explain why he blacked out as he approached the intersection he reported investigators found no evidence of drugs or alcohol in the incident.  Fowler said Donovan was was taken to Centegra Woodstock Hospital for treatment but didn't appear to be badly injured.

MCDH Sets Flu Clinic In Huntley

The McHenry County Department of Health Wednesday announced a walk-in flu clinic for adults and kids nine and older at Huntley Area Library September 29. The mercury-free shots will cost $30 from 4 to 7 pm, Medicaid and Medicare Part B are accepted. 

MCDH encourages everyone to get a flu vaccination since the disease is both serious and contagious and the the flu season is long and unpredictable. A spokesman said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a flu shot early since it takes two weeks for antibodies to develop.  MCDH has a page all about this year's flu shots here:

http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/health/pdfDocs/PHS/HlthPromo/Annual%20Flu/vis-flu.pdf

Area Bank Receives $6.1 Million For Small Business Loans

The U.S. Department of the Treasury Wednesday listed six Illinois community banks including one in Elgin that received a $37.9 million wave of cash for the Administration's Small Business Lending Fund. The SBLF encourages community banks to increase their lending to small businesses so they'll expand their operations and create new jobs.       

First Community Financial Corporation, Elgin, received $6.1 million for the program and officials said additional SBLF funding announcements will be made on a rolling basis in the weeks ahead.

The SBLF provides capital to community banks that hold under $10 billion in assets. The interest rate banks pay on the funding goes down as each bank's lending to small businesses goes up so there's a strong incentive for new lending to small businesses, according to a spokesman.

State May Not Need All Juvenile Facilities

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
Juvenile justice advocates say that if Gov. Pat Quinn plans to close state facilities, he should shutter some of the state’s juvenile prisons, which they say are far below capacity. “The numbers do not justify running eight separate facilities for what is essentially (the population of) a high school,” said Elizabeth Clarke, president of the Juvenile Justice Initiative.

According to an analysis of state records by the group the average daily population for youth institutions in Illinois was 1,113 in fiscal year 2011. The same analysis estimates operation costs for the facilities ran $92,257 per bed.

Quinn proposed closing the Illinois Youth Center in Murphysboro as part of a plan to shut down seven state facilities and lay off more than 1,900 in state employees.

Clarke said some money from the closures would need to be filtered into community based alternatives to deal with youth offenders, but she said such closures would result in savings for the state. “There’s no value added by spending $90,000 a year on a kid versus $4,000 to $5,000 to $6,000 (for community programs),” she said.

Anders Lindall, spokesperson for the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees Council 31, said advocates for the potential closure of state facilities are “extremists” jumping at a chance to fulfill political goals. “It’s really unfortunate that a special interest can try to use a budget crisis for their ideological ends,” he said.  “It poses a dire threat to services for some of the most vulnerable people in Illinois," said Lindall.

you can read Jamey's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/some-advocates-say-state-does-not-need.html

In the Pic:  The Illinois Youth Center in Murphysboro is on the Governor's closing list. It can house 160 inmates.

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
September 14
2143 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & ANNANDALE DR. POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. JUVENILE, M/W 17 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Speeding and No Insurance. RELEASED TO PARENT.
0047 HRS 2800 BLOCK OF IMPRESSIONS DR. DOMESTIC/ Boyfriend vs. girlfriend. Verbal only. One prior.
1028 HRS 1200 BLOCK OF PATTON AVE. THEFT. Lawn ornaments taken. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1548 HRS RANDALL RD. & MILLER RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1739 HRS HILLTOP DR. & CRYSTAL LAKE RD. INJURY ACCIDENT. One vehicle. Property damage only. Male, 44 years of age, disoriented. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
1813 HRS 4500 W ALGONQUIN RD. (7-ELEVEN) BATTERY. Complainant had inappropriate contact. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
1824 HRS 2265 W. ALGONQUIN RD. (THORNTONS) ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
2039 HRS 101 PYOTT RD. (BUCKYS MOBIL) ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.

Consortium Nixes Giant Windfarm For D300

After two years of trying to find a way to build a windmill farm, District 300's Joint School Wind Consortium threw in the towel Tuesday and picked a Chicago company to provide school electricity for the next 20 years.  It's one that plans to generate the power with windmills, though, at least when the wind blows.

The Consortium Board in closed session recommended accepting a bid for a power contract from wind company Invenergy which operates 20 windfarms in the U.S., Canada and Europe.  Over its two-decade course the agreement's expected to save D300 about $9.4 million in power costs.

In 2009 the Consortium hired Heston Wind consultants, now of Bettendorf, IA, to see if there was a way to replace expensive electric power for D300 and two smaller school districts with "free" power from a $55 million windmill farm.  After evaluating two different sites and three different financing schemes, the final answer was there wasn't.  "We really wanted to do it," said Consortium CEO and D300 CFO Cheryl Crates, "but it just didn't work."

At least it wouldn't work within the time left before federal stimulus money to build windfarm farms runs out at the end of the year.  Indeed, the deal with Invenergy still hinges on the company's qualifying for subsidies to build the second half of a new windfarm in western Henry County.

Invenergy's supposed to start construction of the first half of a giant 266-mill complex at tiny Bishop Hill near Kewanee in a few weeks.  The project's running behind its original schedule and there's no indication when Phase II would start.  Part of the delay came in getting ICC approval last year for a deal with downstate electric company Ameren to "bank" electricity from Bishop Hill when the wind's blowing and "withdraw" it when it isn't.

Meanwhile, Heston's stuck with the bill for studying a windfarm site the Consortium had in mind in Stark County, according to Crates. The Consortium is out the original $50,000 contract with Heston and around $35,000 in attorney's fees trying to figure out how to make several failed interim plans work.  D300 was supposed to shoulder 80 percent of those costs.

Each of the School districts in the Consortium will still have to approve separate power purchase agreements with Invenergy, Crates said, before the deal becomes final.

In the pic:  Invenergy built this windmill farm near the  LaSalle County hamlet of Grand Ridge about three years ago.

Minnesota Smoke Brings Area Complaints

A wildfire 400 miles away brought complaints about smoke and brought some residents distress in northern Illinois Tuesday.  Northerly winds behind a cold front pushed down a big cloud of smoke from a giant fire that's been burning on the Minnesota/Canada border for about a month.

Visibility was reduced to two miles in some locations and after the National Weather Service issued an advisory several local police departments and muncipalities issued their own.  McHenry County Department of Health spokesman Debora Quackenbush said there was enough smoke the cause trouble for residents with respiratory problems, "like asthma or COPD.  We told them to say inside."

Quackenbush said most of the complaints her agency received came because the smoke lacked that clean Northwoods tang.  "People kept calling to say someone was burning garbage somewhere," she said.

 After consuming 60,000 acres of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the blaze in Minnesota's still burning.  Weather forecasters didn't expect any more smoke in Illinois, though.

In the pic:  (above)  Unusual conditions brought imported smoke to Northern Illinois Tuesday.  (below)  This true color shot from an EOS satellite shows how huge the smoke cloud was.

Democratic Candidate To Announce For District 6 County Board

Another hat will go into the ring next Sunday for a County Board District 6 including west Huntley spot on the 2012 ballot.  Woodstock Democrat Terry Kappel said Tuesday he'll hold a fundraiser at a site to be determined Sept. 25 to announce his candidacy.

Kappel said in an email to supporters that he's on Social Security Disability and suffers from clinical depression so he'd work to improve public transportation in Mchenry County and provide more help for those in need.  "It is my belief and hope that there is room for at least one person in county government who knows what it is like to be in need of those services," he said.

Coral Township resident Shawn Green's running on the GOP side in District 6 but Kappel said he expected another Dem, unnamed, to make a try, too.

In the pic:  Terry Kappel.  (McHenry County Blog photo)

Franks, Tryon Push For Property Tax Limit

Tuesday was the due date for the second installment of McHenry County property taxes and local State Reps Jack Franks (D-Woodstock) and Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) used it to try to drum up support for Franks' bill to stop or at least slow tax bill increases.

“Home values have plummeted in recent years, but the tax burden on those properties continues to skyrocket,” said Franks. “It is unconscionable that property taxes have increased as more and more homeowners are under water with their mortgages.”

Franks bill provides that if the assessed value of all the property in a district is less than the value the year before, then the collective tax bill can't go up without voters' OK. Right now the total bite can increase by the inflation rate or 5 percent, whichever is smaller.

“I look forward to working with Rep. Franks on legislation that addresses the flaws in the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL)," said Tryon who joined Franks as a co-sponsor last month.  In fact in the last few weeks 17 other Reps have signed on as backers to the measure.

Quinn’s Vetoes Face Tough Road in Legislature

By Benjamin Yount, Illinois Statehouse News
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has been busy with his veto pen this past session, but he may be writing with disappearing ink. Quinn has vetoed 30 pieces of legislation since January But an analysis of vetoes from the prior General Assembly does not bode well for many of them sticking.

From July 2010 to January, Quinn vetoed 18 pieces of legislation passed during the 96th General Assembly. Almost 90 percent were overturned or left to die in the Legislature. Lawmakers accepted only one veto that changed the effective date on a law dealing with substitute teacher registration. Likewise, a line-item/reduction veto on the state budget was allowed to stand.

Of the remaining vetoes, lawmakers overrode three: Quinn's bid to create a citizen's initiative process, to keep evaluations for only police officers and prison guards out of the public record, and to change another effective date. Thirteen vetoes died either because lawmakers had neither the votes to either accept or override them or the vetoed legislation was never called to vote at all.

Jim Nowlan, former state representative and current senior fellow at the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois, said that's due to an unwritten rule. "In about the 1980s, when Jim Thompson was governor, Speaker of the House Mike Madigan felt the governor was trying to make substantive changes with his amendatory vetoes," said Nowlan. "The speaker decided not to take up those amendatory vetoes. That resulted in a total veto of the legislation."

University of Illinois at Springfield political science professor Kent Redfield said the "Madigan rule" is unwritten, but clear. "When (a governor) writes a very broad amendatory veto or throws something into an amendatory veto that is not related to the subject of the bill, you are treading on the prerogative of the legislative branch," he said.

Of Quinn's 30 vetoes so far in 2011, 16 are amendatory vetoes.

You can read Ben's full report at:  http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/6865/quinns-vetoes-face-tough-road-in-legislature/

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
September 13
1127 HRS 2300 BLOCK OF STANTON CIRCLE. CITIZEN ASSIST. Ammunition was turned into the Police Department.
1654 HRS 500 BLOCK OF MOHICAN TRAIL. LOST ARTICLE. Motorcycle plate. Entered into LEADS.
1951 HRS 900 BLOCK OF NOELLE BEND. THEFT. Bicycle was stolen from the garage. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
2007 HRS 101 N. RANDALL RD. (DOMINICKS) FRAUD. Unlawful use of complainant’s credit card.
2019 HRS 1401 INDUSTRIAL DR. (PYOTT SELF STORAGE) BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE. Recreational vehicle was entered and items removed. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
2047 HRS 1401 INDUSTRIAL DR. (PYOTT SELF STORAGE) BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE. Recreational vehicle was entered and items removed. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS. 
Huntley
August 29
Valerie K. Graf, age 25, of 2051 Lookout, Pingree Grove, was arrested for driving while license suspended and possession of a suspended drivers license and was cited for disobeying a traffic control signal and operation of an uninsured motor vehicle.  Ms. Graf posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of October 14, 2011.
A trespass to motor vehicle report was taken in the 10600 block of Rt. 47.  The victim states that someone entered his unlocked vehicle but no items were stolen.
August 30
Betzaida Rosa-Abreu, age 40, of 11113 Sunset, Huntley, was arrested for driving with no valid drivers license and was cited for speeding.  Ms. Rosa-Abreu posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of October 21, 2011.
Patrick J. Callender, age 38, of 11624 E. Main St. #2A, Huntley, was arrested for driving while license revoked.  Mr. Callender was transported to McHenry County Jail to await bond call.
Macario Gonzalez, age 24, of 1760 Mark Ave. #D, Elgin, was arrested for driving with no valid drivers license and was cited for driving with one headlight.  Mr. Gonzalez posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of September 16, 2011.
Two calculators were reported stolen from an unattended back pack at Huntley High School.
August 31
A 15 year-old male from Huntley was charged with possession of tobacco by a minor at the high school.  The juvenile was released to his father with a McHenry County court date of September 13, 2011.
September 1
Thomas W. Link age 51, of 10419 Dutch Barn, Huntley, was arrested on an outstanding McHenry County warrant.  Mr. Link posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of September 12, 2011.
A retail theft report was taken at a store in the 12300 block of Rt. 47.  Cell phones were reported stolen.
A criminal damage to property report was taken at a business in the 11700 block of Powder Park Rd.  Phone lines and windows were damaged.
A purse was reported stolen from an unattended hallway at the High School.
September 2
A fraud report was taken in the 9700 block of Fairfield Ave.  The victim stated that an unknown person called his house and posed as his grandson and instructed him to wire transfer money to the Dominican Republic to get him out of jail.  After sending the money the victim learned that his grandson did not make the phone call and was not out of the country.
September 3
A theft report was taken in the 10800 block of Potomac.  The victim states that between July and August cash and electronics were stolen from the home.
Israel Martinez, age 25, of 564 Birch St., Woodstock, was arrested for driving while license suspended and was cited for operating a motor vehicle with a covered registration and operating a motor vehicle with no insurance.  Mr. Martinez posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of September 23, 2011.
Kate L. Atwell, age 30, of 238 Chasse Circle, St. Charles, was arrested for driving while license revoked.  Ms. Atwell posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of September 23, 2011.
Daniel T. Cashen, age 21, of 840 Bristol, Algonquin, was arrested on an outstanding McHenry County warrant for possession of cannabis.  Mr. Cashen posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of September 2, 2011.
September 4
A theft report was taken at a retail store in the 12300 block of Rt. 47.  The victim states that her purse was stolen while shopping.  The purse was later recovered in the store. Cash was stolen from the purse.
A theft report was taken in the 13200 block of Cold Springs Dr.  A plant was stolen from the yard.
Joel A. Chambers, age 24, of 9322 Bristol Lane, Huntley, was arrested on an outstanding McHenry County failure to appear in court warrant.  Mr. Chambers was transported to McHenry County jail to await bond.
Gilda R. Pasquil, age 33, of 1439 Hassell Place, Hoffman Estates, was arrested for driving with an expired drivers license and was cited for operation of an uninsured motor vehicle.  Ms. Pasquil posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of October 21, 2011.
September 5
Mohammad M. Islam, age 48, of 10916 Sawgrass, Huntley, was arrested for domestic battery and interfering with with a domestic battery report.  Mr. Islam was transported to McHenry County jail to await bond call.
A burglary to motor vehicle report was taken at a park in the 11400 block of Rt. 47.  Credit and debit cards were stolen from the vehicle.
Jason Reyes, age 33, of 12534 Castle Rock Dr., Huntley, was arrested for driving while license suspended.  Mr. Reyes posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of October 7, 2011.
September 6
Usbaldo Rodriguez, age 25, of 7451 Dahlia Dr. Hanover Park, was arrested for driving while license suspended and was cited for improper lane usage.  Mr. Rodriguez posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of October 14, 2011.
Tess S. Buettner, age 25, of 2504 N. Linden Place, Chicago, was arrested for driving while license suspended and driving with an obstructed windshield.  Ms. Buettner posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of October 7, 2011.
A burglary to motor vehicle report was taken in the 10800 block of Timer Dr.  The victim states his car radio was stolen from his unlocked vehicle.
September 7
A deceptive practice report was taken at a business in the 13900 block of Auto Mall Dr.  A fraudulent check was used to purchase a vehicle.
A burglary report was taken at a business in the 11100 block of Church St.  Merchandise was stolen and the property was damaged.
A burglary to motor vehicle report was taken at the High School.  A GPS unit, iPod adapter and a wallet containing cash, a debit card and gift cards were stolen.
September 8
Tyrus P. Kavanaugh, age 35, of 9683 Compton Dr., Huntley,was arrested on an outstanding McHenry County warrant for failure to appear in court and for driving while license suspended and was cited for expired registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.  Mr. Kavanaugh posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court dates of October 3, 2011, and September 23, 2011.
September 10
Joel C. Garcia, age 18, of 522 McHenry Ave, Woodstock, was arrested for driving with no valid driver’s license and was cited for speeding.  Mr. Garcia posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of October 14, 2011.
September 11
A criminal damage to vehicle report was taken at a business in the 11400 block of Rainsford Dr.  The rear door of a bus was damaged.

D300 CFO Blasts Hoffman Estates

The District 300 Board blasted the Village of Hoffman Estates Monday trying to clarify who they thought the bad guys were in the conflict over extending a property tax break that would benefit Sears Holdings but cost the District $13 million each year.

District CFO Cheryl Crates claimed Sears' host village of Hoffman Estates was the baddest guy.  She said the measure to extend the tax rebate plan was sneaked in as a amendment to a different bill at the behest of a Hoffman Estates lobbyist working through a Southern Illinois State Senator.  "Hoffman Estates gets $3 million per year from the (tax break)," said Crates.  "They've been able to balance their budget with Sears money," she charged. "They got $63 million, we lost $213 million," said Crates.

State Legislators crafted the plan to rebate most of the property taxes on Sears' headquarters over 20 years ago so the company wouldn't move to North Carolina.  Now that the deal's about to run out, Sears has said if it isn't renewed it might move somewhere else again.

"There was a time and place for the (tax break)," Superintendent Michael Bregy told the Board.  However, "We believe (Sears' headquarters) can no longer be considered an economically deprived area," he said.

The tax scheme operates a lot like a TIF district rebating property taxes above the headquarters' original cornfield value.  Crates said there's a big difference, though.  "If a TIF is to be extended all the (taxing bodies affected) must agree to it.  The (Sears plan) is silent on that," she said.

The problem, Crates said, is that the bill containing the rebate extension now is scheduled for a Senate vote in the October veto session.

"If we're going to do something with Sears it should be like Motorola or Caterpillar," companies recently granted State incentives to stay put, said Board Member Joe Stevens. "But this way it's not the State that gets hurt, it's us that gets hurt."

"We're not fighting with Sears," added Member Susie Kopacz.  "We're fighting with the State of Illinois."

"I think we've hit the wall on everything that can be cut," said Member Dave Alessio.  "We have to make sure there's no extension."

Indeed, according to a financial impact report Monday, D300's going to have to find more money somewhere next year. Assistant Superintendent Ben Churchill told the Board switching the District's high schools to a normal eight-period schedule is going to cost between $500,000 and $750,000 in new teachers' salaries.  The change will mean students will get about 60 hours' more classtime each year, Churchill said, but that means the District will have to hire between 7 and 13 new teachers to do it.

Churchill's report about the effects of the schedule change can be read here: 

http://www.d300.org/files/8-Period%20Day%20Part%202%20FINAL.pdf
A public forum seeking feedback  from parents and community members about the new schedule is set for next Monday at Jacobs High School at 7 pm.

In the pic:  "We have rolled back $14 million from our school budget," said D300 Superintendent Michael Bregy Monday, "and there is nowhere else to go."

Algonquin Route 62 Resurfacing To Begin Thursday Evening

Commuters, don't stay late at the office for a few days. The Illinois Department of Transportation will start overnight road resurfacing on Route 62, Algonquin Road, from Main Street (IL Route 31) north to  Route 25 Thursday. That means intermittent lane closures and probable delays on the heavily-traveled route. Paving crews will begin the resurfacing at 7 pm each evening. 

The job's part of a $1.3 million IDOT contract to repair several roads in McHenry County.  Originally plans called for daytime closures but Algonquin Public Works Director Bob Mitchard said Monday it wasn't very hard to talk engineers into the night work.  "IDOT doesn’t want to create traffic jams," he said.

Separately, on the Rakow Road upgrade project, pavement's supposed to be poured today at the Pyott and Virginia Road intersection and storm sewer crossings are expected to start going in on Pyott north of Rakow.  An IDOT spokesman said to watch for flaggers and expect delays.

Planned Power Outage For Huntley Block Wednesday

ComEd's scheduled a planned power outage in Huntley Wednesday from 4 to 8 am so workers can replace a transformer. The area to go dark is mainly the Huntley Shopping Center although it includes some homes, too.  The blackout will run roughly from the east side of Route 47 to the west side of Church Street and south of Joan Avenue to the north side of of Kenneth Street.

Meanwhile, although separately, today IDOT construction crews will be grinding pavement on East Main Street between Woodstock Street and the railroad tracks in Huntley. A village spokesman said to "expect delays".

Quinn Vetoes Smart Grid, Lawmakers Talk Override

By Benjamin Yount, Illinois Statehouse News
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn surprised no one Monday morning when he vetoed the Smart Grid legislation backed by the state's two largest utilities. Both said Smart Grid would speed up infrastructure improvements. But the legislation also would have allowed them to raise customers' monthly rates $3 or more for 10 years.

"All of this is being done to merely guarantee double-digit profits, while diminishing ComEd's accountability to rate payers as well as regulators," Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said during a Chicago news conference. ComEd serves Chicago and the northern third of Illinois.

The governor took his opposition a step farther when he issued his veto Monday. "We're just not going to sign off on a blank check," said Quinn. The governor said he agreed that ComEd and downstate Ameren need to modernize the Illinois' electric grid, but said the utility companies can accomplish that without special legislation.

Quinn and advocates, like the senior citizen group AARP and Illinois consumer watchdog the Citizens Utility Board, said Monday that lawmakers need to try again with a proposal to upgrade Illinois' electric infrastructure.

"I really think this is going to be a straight up or down veto vote (to override)," said State Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline. "Quinn is looking at sort of a 1960s politics. It's no secret that he started out with (the Citizens Utility Board), and he still seems to be locked up with that," said Jacobs.

Quinn's comments fit Jacobs' analysis. "I can remember a ComEd lobbyist back then, telling me, 'Never in a million years will you have a Citizens Utility Board in Illinois,'" said the Governor, "and we got it in one year. That's how we're going to sustain the veto," Quinn said.

You can read Ben's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/6858/quinn-vetoes-smart-grid-lawmakers-already-talking-override/

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
September 12
1124 HRS 5400 BLOCK OF CHANCERY WAY. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. A car window was shattered. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
1400 HRS RANDALL RD. & ACORN LN. ACCIDENT Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1830 HRS 100 N. RANDALL RD. (WALGREENS) UNLAWFUL ACQUISITION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. Subject obtained prescription medication by using a false name.
1859 HRS 00 BLOCK OF GRANT AVE. DOMESTIC. Mother vs. daughter. Verbal only. One prior.
2141 HRS 900 BLOCK OF PROVENCE PLACE. DOG BITE. Subject was bitten by a dog.

Area Homes Sales Up But Prices Down Again

The number of homes sold in McHenry County increased in August the average value of the homes sold fell again according to the most recent report from the McHenry County Association of Realtors.  Last month saw 332 homes close, according to the report, a 22 percent jump from July.  But the average home only sold for $176,000, a 10 percent decrease.

Historically, sales ought to be boiling.  Fixed mortgage rates dropped to the lowest levels in 60 years Thursday.  The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell to 4.12 percent the lowest level since the 1950s, according to Freddie Mac. The average 15-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 3.33 percent, the lowest on record. However, Federal Reserve reports indicate lenders have tightened creditworthiness requirements in the past six months so fewer applicants are qualifying for new mortgages.

Another problem damping housing sales is that prices have tanked so far that more than one in five homeowners with mortgages owe more than their homes are worth, according to the data vendor CoreLogic.  The disparity isn't good but it isn't so bad, either, as long as it just exists on paper.  The problem comes if a family wants to buy a new home.  Then the loss on the "underwater" house has to be recognized with the difference paid off in real cash which most homeowners and reluctant or unable to do.

The August average sales price for McHenry County homes drags the number back into the range it's occupied for most of Spring and Summer.  June and July saw higher averages but those numbers and now starting to look like a blip.

The average time on market to sell a home in the County was basically unchanged from July at 195 days.  That was about a month longer than the June average of 167 days but that figure was the best in more than a year.

More 47 Widening Work In Huntley, Kreutzer Closing Coming

Workers on Huntley's Route 47 widening project will finish pulling up the last of the old pavement Main Street and Algonquin Road this week and start a race with the clock to put in new storm sewers and west-side pavement on the half-mile stretch.  That means big trucks coming and going and flaggers along the route.

Elsewhere there's still lot of fill-in concrete work to do so expect more flaggers as each moment will require them.

Apart from the Route 47 work, however, another Huntley traffic snarl's coming up in two weeks. Union Pacific workers will close the Kreutzer Road railroad crossing from Sept. 26 through Sept. 30.  The approach elevations will remain as they are but UP is upgrading the crossing itself so it won't jounce cars around so much.

Area Commemorations Mark 9/11 Tenth Anniversary

Area commemorations of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the U.S. began Sunday at 8 am at Sun City in Huntley where hundreds gathered around a field of 3,000 American flags, each symbolizing one of the victims who died in the three kamikaze crashes that succeeded and the fourth one heroically foiled by its victims are the cost of their own lives.

At 9 am over one hundred residents observed a moment of silence at the dedication of Huntley  Fire Protection District's new Station 4 in Algonquin mark the time when the south tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.  In the station's lobby nearby rested a tortured girder from Tower 1 which fell half an hour later.  Deputy Chief Ken Caudle said it was "a reminder of why we do what we do and why we're here."

At Noon several dozen residents gathered at the Gazebo in Huntley's Dhamer Park to hear a proclamation honoring the dead and those who later made "sacrifice in the service of freedom." Huntley PD Deputy Chief Todd Fulton and HFPD Captain John Winkelman placed a flowered wreath in the square as a remembrance.

At 4 pm in Algonquin there was a special Mass of Remembrance at St. Margaret Mary Church.  Escorted by Knights of Columbus, Algonquin PD officers and Algonquin Lake in the Hills firefighters carried to the altar headgear representing first-responders and civilians.  Pastor Peter Sarnicki told parishioners to pray for those who died and for their families but to also pray for "forgiveness and love," too.

Steak Fry And Fish Fry Fundraisers Coming Up At LITH Legion

The Lake in the Hills American Legion Post 1231 has a pair of "Frys" set for hungry residents in the next two weeks. 

This Saturday the post plans to support vets with a Steak Fry at the post at Algonquin and Pyott in LITH from 4 to 8 pm.  Steak and trimmin's is $12.99 per dinner with draft beer to wash it down $2.25 a 14 oz. glass.  A hot dog dinner for the kiddies is $3

The following Friday, Sept. 23, the Sons of the American Legion will have another all-you-can-eat Fish Fry from 4 to 8 pm.  Prices on that one are adults $9, seniors $7 and children 10 & under $6. Once again, 14 oz Miller drafts will be $2.25.

Quinn’s Budget Claims Analysis

By Benjamin Yount, Illinois Statehouse News
Gov. Pat Quinn finally delivered phase two of his plan to “manage the state budget” last week saying he'd close 7 state facilities and lay off more than 1,900 workers. The governor made numerous claims, most notably, that the budget limits his ability to spend state money.

Here are some of them and what Illinois Statehouse News found after consulting lawmakers, former government officials and advocates:

Quinn claim: “We clearly do not have enough money in the budget that was appropriated, by the Legislature, to pay the personnel and facility costs of a number of our facilities and people who work for the state of Illinois.”

Truth: “The short answer is yes, that’s true,” said state Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley. Mautino helped write the $33.2 billion budget in the House this year. “The governor’s budget was based on a borrowing plan of $8.75 billion. That borrowing plan never occurred; you don’t have that money available,” said Mautino. “The House budget was based on what monies that we reasonably expected to have in.”

Quinn claim: “Managing the budget is something you have to do on a daily basis. And you cannot spend money that is not appropriated by the General Assembly.”

Truth: Quinn is correct on both accounts. Money comes into the Capitol in spurts, as taxes are collected or as federal funds are released, for example. But Mike Lawrence, a former statehouse journalist and press secretary for former Republican Gov. Jim Edgar, said Quinn “waited until the General Assembly sent him the budget to start indicating that the budget sent to him would have draconian consequences.

The governor also is correct that he cannot spend money that has not been approved, or appropriated by the General Assembly. Quinn, like his recent predecessors can only move two percent of a state agency’s budget and then only within that agency.

Quinn claim: “In previous years, the past two, the General Assembly (approved) lump sum budgets. They basically did not want to make any cuts. They told me several times: ‘You the governor make the cuts.’ This year the General Assembly wanted to do it a different way. They wanted a line-item budget.”

Truth: Quinn is not the only governor to be handed a lump sum budget. Mautino said former governors George Ryan, a Republican, and Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat, also were given most of the responsibility to spend the state’s money. Mautino said Illinois’ disastrous financial situation forced a change.

Lawrence said that past governors used transfer power to delay Medicaid and pension payments, and that helped create Illinois’ multi-billion dollar deficit. “The problems are so large that that kind of maneuvering is not going to work,” he said.

The state House produced a line-item budget after weeks of legislative hearings and closed-door meetings. Mautino said the $33.2 billion budget price tag came as a result of that long process and hard work. Quinn is blasting the legislative line-item budget now. But in April, the governor said he wanted lawmakers to take the lead.

You can read Ben's full report at:  http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/6841/truth-behind-quinns-budget-claims/

Obituaries

Bernard C. Lorenz, 81, of Huntley died Saturday at the Pepper Family Hospice Home in Barrington following a lengthy illness. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Tuesday and from 9 am Wednesday until the time of mass at the DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral & Cremation Service, Huntley.  Mass will be celebrated at 10 am at St. Mary Catholic Church. Burial will take place at Ridgewood Memorial Park, Des Plaines.

Lorenz was born September 6, 1930, in Chicago, the son of Karl and Theresa (Westhoff) Lorenz.  He married Dolores F. Calibraro August 4, 1962. He is survived by his wife of Huntley; his daughters, Sharon (David) Chuboff of Rolling Meadows, Karla Friedli of Crystal Lake and Dawn (Jerry) Leonard of Lake In The Hills, and his grandchildren, Joshua and Amanda Chuboff, Jessica and Anthony Friedli and Sydney and Jake Leonard.

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
September 11
0134 HRS 220 N. RANDALL RD. (MORETTIS) BATTERY. DE LA TORRE, LAURA, F/W 22 YEARS OF AGE, 50 SPARROW ROAD, CARPENTERSVILLE.
CHARGES: Two Counts of Battery. RELEASED ON BOND
0158 HRS 300 BLOCK OF WEDGEWOOD CIRCLE. WANTED ON WARRANT. WATT, JASON B., M/W 23 YEARS OF AGE, 2907 TALAGA DRIVE, ALGONQUIN.
CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant, McHenry County, for Failure to Appear for Criminal Damage to Property, Bond Set at $2,000, 10% Applies. RELEASED ON BOND.
1114 HRS 4100 BLOCK OF LARKSPUR LN. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Contact made with a registered sex offender.
1834 HRS 2265 W. ALGONQUIN RD. (THORNTON’S) ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, four years of age, got gasoline in his eye. No transport.
1828 HRS FRANK RD. & BOULDER DR. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Contact made with a registered sex offender.
1940 HRS 61 OAKLEAF RD. (JAYCEE PARK) INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Information for police in reference to a disturbance.
2134 HRS PRINCETON LN. & BRISBANE DR. FOUND ARTICLE. Men’s black tri-fold wallet found. Owner notified. PLACED INTO EVIDENCE.
2307 HRS 100 BLOCK OF NORTHLIGHT PASS. DOMESTIC. Mother vs. son. Verbal only. Three priors.
Algonquin
September 9
09:27am Castronova, Christopher, DOB: 06/25/67, of 1515 Powderhorn Drive, Algonquin, was Wanted on a Warrant out of McHenry County for Failure to Appear, on a Battery charge.  He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department.  He was released after posting $1000 with a court date of 10/12/11 in McHenry County.
17:39pm Kick, Paula A., DOB: 01/24/92, of 1 Falcon Ridge Court, Algonquin, was charged with Retail Theft.  She was taken into custody at Kohl’s, 734 S. Randall Road.  She was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 10/26/11 in Algonquin.

9/11 And Pearl Harbor: The Same But Different

If Dec. 7, 1941, was "a day that will live in infamy" what was Sept. 11, 2001?  Both were sneak attacks but the events themselves and the wars that followed them are hard to compare.

Here are some data:

             9/11                   Pearl Harbor

attack
deaths:      2,977                  2,395
               (55 military)       (2,341 military)

target
tactical
value:       negligible             high

war length:  10 years so far        3 yrs, 9 mo            

military
deaths US:   6,128                  106,000 (Pacific)

military
deaths
enemy:       24,000 (Iraq)          485,700 (41-45 Pacific)
             unk (Afghanistan)            

civilian
deaths:      172,000 (questionable  500,000 (U.S. estimate)
                         estimate)             
ultimate
weapon:      precision drone        atomic bomb

Surges Announces 33rd District Senate Run

Gilberts small businessman and Jacobs High School Booster Club Prez Cliff Surges formally announced his candidacy Saturday for the GOP nomination for State Senate in the peripatetic 33rd district.  The district will include most of Huntley, Lake in the Hills and Algonquin in the 2012 election.

Surges told a group of about 100 well-wishers in West Dundee his theme will be "Enough is Enough".  Enough taxes, enough regulations, anyway.  He'd actually like to see more jobs and education.

One of a group of Algonquin Surges supporters encountered a problem a lot of voters may have with next year's elections.  They were poring over the new map of the 33rd.  "I'm in Gaslight (Terrace)," said one. "Then you're not even in the district," replied her friend.

ALITH Food Pantry Holds "Feed A Neighbor Day"

Saturday was Be a Neighbor, Feed A Neighbor day as volunteers for the Algonquin Lake in the Hills Food Pantry raised funds Saturday at the Jewel Stores and Caputo's market in Algonquin.  The Pantry's trying to raise funds to remodel the Larsen barn in Lake in the Hills so they can move out of their current Oak Street machine shed location.

In the pic:  Algonquin resident Dave Trumbo put some money in the Food Pantry pot manned by Lauren Grady, Athony Marach and Tansy Donovan at the Algonquin Jewel on Randall.

Circus Tent Raising A Spectacle Itself

About 100 area residents turned out Saturday morning to watch the Kelly Miller Circus set up its Big Top in LITH's Sunset Park.  There was even an elephant on hand, although, unlike 100 years ago, he had some help from a Bobcat putting up the poles.

The old fashioned traveling circus put on two performances Saturday sponsored by the Algonquin Lake in the Hills Jaycees.  If you missed them, the circus is scheduled to play in Harvard today, Round Lake Beach Monday, Island Lake Tuesday and McHenry Wednesday and Thursday.

Some Support Quinn’s Facility Closings

By Benjamin Yount, Illinois Statehouse News
Advocates and lawmakers said they could support Gov. Pat Quinn's plan to close five mental health and developmental disability centers announced Thursday. But only if he does it properly.

State Rep. Patti Bellock, R-Hinsdale, said lawmakers who deal with social service issues as well as social service providers agree that local, community-based care is best. "A lot of the advocates want some of these closures," Bellock said. "But, they want closures in a responsible manner and going into community settings."

Many of Illinois' residential facilities are large and can house hundreds of people. Community care focuses on just a handful of people, and their needs, in a smaller setting.

State Sen. Maggie Crotty, D-Oak Forrest, said the problem with a 100 percent community-care model is there are simply too many people and not enough care providers. Illinois has a community service waiting list that tops 10,000 people. "I know for a fact that the advocates and service providers can't take them all," said Crotty. "… You can't cherry pick when a facility closes."

Currently the community-care model is facing serious problems. Illinois is broke. The state, despite a tax increase in January, is drowning under a $3.8 billion backlog of unpaid bills. The state owes human service providers hundreds of millions of dollars. Many community-based providers have to wait 162 days to be paid for services rendered.

You can read Ben's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/6852/some-support-quinns-facility-closing-plan-kinda/

Obituaries

William Neil , 79, of Huntley died peacefully Thursday.  A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 11 am at the First Congregational Church of Huntley. From 9am until the time of service the there will be a visitation at the Church.  Burial will be in Huntley Cemetery.

Cleveland was born January 19, 1932 in Council Grove, KS, the son of Harold J. and Ferne A. Cleveland. He is survived by his wife Sharon of Huntley; their children, William (Kim) Cleveland of Algonquin; Brian (Laura) Cleveland of LaGrange; Cheryl (Quinn) Newhall of Evergreen, CO, and eight grandchildren, Bryson, Emily, Bradley, Hailey, Jamie, Matthew, Logan and Karyssa. He is survived by one sister, Shirley (Cloyse) Bonnette and one brother, Harold (Grillys) Cleveland. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Janice and Carol.


Richard E. Nicholson, 70, died Tuesday in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Private family services will be held at a later date.

Nicholson is survived by his sisters, Shirley Ahsen and Lois Reichert both of Chicago, Linda Paulson of Toronto and Jean Russell of Arizona.  He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, William.

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.

NICHOLAS J. SCOTT, DOB: 10/15/93, 446 ANN STREET, CARY. AGGRAVATED BATTERY, DOMESTIC BATTERY.--Cary PD

BRIAN L. DEAVILLA, DOB: 09/10/89, 24376 WOODLAND AVENUE, CARY.AGGRAVATED DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS, DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS.--Cary PD
  
EDWARD D. BUECHE, DOB: 05/21/79, 721 S. CEDAR WOOD CIRCLE, ROUND LAKE HEIGHTS, IL. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF STOLEN VEHICLE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENED, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS.--Lakemoor PD

NICHOLAS M. GIURLANI, DOB: 02/19/81, LKA: 2307 MANOR LANE, MCHENRY. UNLAWFUL USE OF CREDIT CARD.--McHenry PD
      
VICTOR GARZA, DOB: 09/09/73, 4205 KANE AVENUE, MCHENRY. OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office
      
SCOTT W. ROBINSON, DOB: 02/04/92, 703 W. METZEN STREET, HARVARD. AGGRAVATED DOMESTIC BATTERY, DOMESTIC BATTERY.--Harvard PD
  
JUAN RENTERIA, DOB: 04/03/81, 401 E. PARK, HARVARD. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF WEAPON BY A FELON, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION
OF AMMUNITION BY A FELON.--Harvard

PATRICIA A. SPYRKA, DOB: 01/14/63, 354 S. TRYON APT. 2S, WOODSTOCK. AGGRAVATED BATTERY, DOMESTIC BATTERY.--Woodstock PD
  
PEGGY S. FROBERG, DOB: 12/25/68, 159 AUSTIN AVENUE, CARPENTERSVILLE. RETAIL THEFT (OVER $300).--Crystal Lake PD
  
ROBERT P. WHITNEY, DOB: 04/09/85, 671 MORRIS COURT, LAKEMOOR. RETAIL THEFT, RETAIL THEFT (SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE).--Crystal Lake PD

AUTUMN K. WILSON, DOB: 12/25/86, 401 FIRST STREET APT. 1S3, CARY. AGGRAVATED BATTERY, RETAIL THEFT, RETAIL THEFT(SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE), DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED.--Crystal Lake PD

Police Blotters

The filing of charges is not proof of guilt. A defendant charged is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lake in the Hills
September 10
0258 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & PYOTT RD. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. KOZLOWSKI, TANYA L., F/W 32 YEARS OF AGE, 545 THORNHILL DRIVE, CAROL STREAM. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving with a BAC Over .08, Improper Lane Usage, Improper Turn at an Intersection. RELEASED ON BOND.
1243 HRS 5200 MILLER RD. (SUNSET PARK) HIT & RUN. A vehicle was struck by an unknown vehicle in the parking lot.
1313 HRS 9200 HALIGUS RD. (SUNSET SKATE PARK) ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 11 years of age, injured his head while riding his bicycle. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
1416 HRS 4100 BLOCK OF LARKSPUR LN. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Contact made with a registered sex offender.
1441 HRS 4511 W. ALGONQUIN RD. (CVS) FRAUD. Subject gained access to money cards.
1501 HRS 250 N. RANDALL ROAD. (COSTCO) ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1315 HRS 300 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 27 years of age, needing an evaluation. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
2102 HRS 900 BLOCK OF BRANDT DR. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
2223 HRS 100 BLOCK OF S. ANNANDALE DR. BATTERY. Subject was struck by multiple offenders. FAIL TO FILE.
2302 HRS MESA DR. & VIEWPOINT DR. CHECK FOR WELL BEING. Checked the well being of an intoxicated female lying on ground. Transported to Sherman Hospital.