Local PTA Aids In "Growing Up" Milestone

Room 241 at LITH's Chesak Elementary Friday looked like a mini-version of the department store scene in A Christmas Story.  The Chesak-Martin PTA's Holiday Shoppe was Wall-to-wall with kids embarking on one of the first landmarks of growing up--buying Christmas presents.

The Holiday Shoppe stocks little gifts, about 100 of them, child-priced from 25 cents to 10 bucks, for kids who've reached the milestone developmental conclusion that Mom and Dad might like to get something for Christmas as much as they do. "I remember," said PTA volunteer Jennifer Urbanczyk.  "I was probably about six.  I bought a little mouse for my mother. It was cute. I felt 'big'."

Second-grader Haily Sarallo was among the shoppers Friday.  Hailey said she was shopping for "My mom and my dad.  And my brother."  She was clutching her purchases to her coat, 'cause twin brother Logan was there, too.  Asked if she felt like a big girl shopping for presents she said, "...," which is how reporters transcribe a big smile and emphatic head nod.

CMPTA's Holiday Shoppe hours will be 5 to 8 pm Monday and Tuesday and 10 am to 3 pm Wednesday for kids to about age 11.

In the pic:  Chesak Martin PTA's Holiday Shoppe had lots of presents just right for small fry giving.  Mom might enjoy a set of high-fashion toe rings and Dad's sure to delight in another coffee mug.  (And, by a small Christmas miracle, they really will.)

Day Of Donations Helps Grafton Food Pantry

Friday was a donation day at the Grafton Township Food Pantry.  A Lakewood pre-school brought 75 pounds of canned goods and non perishables for the pantry shelves and a Huntley Trustee brought the first of the monthly salary checks for sitting on the Huntley Village Board that he's promised to donate to the Pantry.

Just short of a dozen of the small fry from Chesterbrook Academy brought the canned goods they'd collected during a recent food drive for the Pantry.  The drive was part of a civic values program called Characters of Character which features cartoon animals symbolizing pro-social traits like kindness (e.g. donating food to feed the hungry).

Business owner Nick Hanson said he simply decided "The compensation I get from the Village I don't really need so I'd like to give it to the residents who elected me."  Hanson said the 20 hours or so a week he spends being a trustee is remunerated at the princely rate of $347 per month.  "That's after taxes, though," he added.

In the pic:  (Above) Lakewood pre-schoolers on a trip to donate to the Grafton Township Food Pantry.  (below)  Huntley Trustee Nick Hanson handing over the first installment of his public official's salary to Pantry Treasurer Betty Zirk.

Snow Time Is Winter Parking Refresher Time

A clipper system through the area early this morning brought just enough snow to bring out the salt trucks and come at least close to triggering snow parking regs.  Forecasters say there's a chance of similar snow Tuesday, so here are the rules:

In Algonquin there's no parking between 2 and 5 am on Routes 31 and 62 ever.  On the rest of the streets between 2 and 5 am there's no parking longer than 15 minutes from Halloween to Income Tax Day.  But if it snows at least two inches there's no parking anytime for any length of time, at least until the plows clear the streets.

In Lake in the Hills, if there's more than an inch of snow between Nov. 1 and Apr. 1 parking's prohibited any time, day or night, until a street's cleared.

In Huntley there's no street parking between 2 and 6 am ever.  But when it snows two inches or more there's no parking for eight hours after a snowfall or until the plows have come through and the streets are clear.

In the pic:  A fast moving low pressure system that moving southeast out of Canada brought the season's first real snowfall early Saturday morning.

Downstate Court Slammed For Steep Asbestos Settlements

By Andrew Thomason, Illinois Statehouse News
A central Illinois county has been deemed a “judicial hellhole” for its practice of handing out large settlements to plaintiffs in civil cases, according to a nonprofit that focuses on judicial reform. The American Tort Reform Foundation, or ATRF, listed McLean County among judicial systems with judges and courts who generally favor these types of lawsuits.

McLean County landed on the list for the first time this year because of its recent history of judges awarding more than $120 million settlements for asbestos-related cases, according to ATRF. Illinois does not cap settlements for asbestos-related cases even if the defendants had only made asbestos products but had no direct connection to the plaintiff's injury.

The largest jury award came in March when a plaintiff received $90 million for asbestos-related injuries he received while working for a now bankrupt company in the 1970s. That company wasn’t named as a defendant. Instead, two other companies were sued, because they knew asbestos was harmful but didn’t speak up.

“It’s an attempt to go after deep pockets is what this is all about,” said Travis Akin, executive director for Illinois Lawsuit Abuse Watch, a judicial reform group. “When you begin to develop a reputation for allowing these kinds of things to happen, you immediately draw in interests in filing lawsuits in those particular jurisdictions,” Akin said.

The Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, which lobbies on behalf of trial lawyers, blasted the ATRF’s report. They said the report is based on poor research and is meant to push legislative tort reforms that favor businesses. “This so-called report is nothing more than a public relations stunt designed to further their political and legislative strategies to prevent individual citizens from exercising their rights,” Jerry Latherow, president of the of Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, said.

You can read Andrew's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/7360/mclean-countys-courts-in-il-get-slammed-for-steep-settlements/

Obituaries

Donald Van Dyke, 84, of Huntley died Wednesday at Rosewood Care Center, Elgin. Visitation will be Sunday from 1 to 4 pm Sunday at the DeFiore Jorgensen Funeral Home, Huntley. A funeral service will be held 10 am Monday at the home. Burial will be in Acacia Park Cemetery.

Van Dyke is survived by his wife, Dolores, and his children, Donald Van Dyke, Kathleen Turner and Cindy Henrickson, and seven grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Issac Walton League.

Police Blotters

The filing of charges is not proof of guilt. A defendant charged is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lake in the Hills
December 16
0353 HRS MCHENRY AVE. & RANDALL RD. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL.  STEIN, MICHAEL J., M/W 19 YEARS OF AGE, 1590 BARRINGTON CT., ALGONQUIN. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Speeding in a Construction Zone, Illegal Consumption of Alcohol By a Minor. RELEASED ON BOND.
1808 HRS 2126 W. ALGONQUIN RD. (CONVENIENT) ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1859 HRS 100 BLOCK OF WANDER WAY. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Sixty seven year-old male ingested unknown amount of medication. TRANSPORTED TO SHERMAN HOSPITAL.

Line Long For Grafton Food Pantry Christmas Dinners

Cars and trucks lined up from Kreutzer Road, down Smith Drive to Allison Court and back up through the parking lot for Thursday's Grafton Township Food Pantry Christmas distribution.  Volunteers had the fixings ready for 180 family of 8-sized dinners to help needy area families make it through Christmas.

"This is really more complicated than our ordinary help," said Pantry Treasurer Betty Zirk.  "Besides the food we have toys and it's hard to match how many children are there, what ages and boys and girls," she said.

Pantry Manager Mary Hardy said requests for food from the Pantry have been rising a lot in the past several months.  "We're helping about 200 families now," she said.  "That's 650, 700 people," she added.

"The neighborhoods and churches and organizations have been very generous this year," said Zirk, "so we've been able to keep food on the shelves."

Pleasant morning temperatures had dropped to freezing by the 1 pm distribution start and a raw wind made it seem even colder but Pantry volunteers shrugged it off.  "People pulling out of the parking lot were smiling and waving and wishing 'Merry Christmas'," said Citizen's Bank Pantry volunteer Arthur Kadzielawa who helped direct traffic.  "How amazing is that?"

In the pic: Volunteer Doug Sellergren was one among many who helped load Christmas dinners at the Grafton Township Food Pantry's annual holiday distribution Thursday

D158 Approves Flat Tax Levy Due 2012

The District 158 Board of Education Thursday passed a $62 million tax levy including bonds and interest due next year.  That's more than this year's $61 million levy but if everything works the way it's supposed to, individual taxpayers will end up paying the District about the same as they did this year.

One key to what D158 hopes will be a flat tax bite next year is that the State of Illinois actually paid it all the money it owed for the 2010-11 school year.  The Board was only expecting to get about half of it so there's more in the bank than anyone thought there would be.  The Board's agreed to use $760,000 of it to pay for operations instead of asking for a 1.5 percent inflation allowance in new taxes.

The other factor is new construction ("There's been some," said D158 CFO Mark Altmayer in a marginal comment) increasing the size of the District's overall tax base.  The best estimate on the value of new construction is $7.8 million for 2011. That's not much compared to the $1.26 billion taxable value of property that already existed, but it is an increase.  Against that, though, the value of the built base is expected to drop.  The estimate is .1 percent but how close it actually comes depends a lot on how much the Kane and McHenry County boards of review lop off on individual appeals.  The Grafton Assessor reported recently the McHenry one is averaging better than 16 percent reductions and said there've been a lot of appeals, too.

Altmayer said his best estimate is that everything will work out to a $4.84 tax rate per $100,000 EAV, the same as on this year's tax bill.  However, he warned, "Every one percent decrease (in the total tax base) equals a five-cent increase in the tax rate."

A summary of D158's 2011 levy is located here: https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?ik=31958209

Huntley Board OK's Chuch Addition, Downtown Bootstrap Study

The Huntley Village Board Thursday approved a nearly 33,000 square foot addition to St. Mary's Church but said the parish didn't have to build a lot of new parking spaces until they're really needed.

Village standards meant the addition would have needed more than 250 new parking spaces on the premise that the parishioners were the same as retail shoppers.  Since the church and the new hall, offices and kitchen aren't a K-Mart, however, trustees said it could "landbank" about 150 of them. For the time being, they'll exist on paper but when they're actually needed, they're already approved.

The Board also OK'ed a study on setting up a TIF district to help pay for Huntley's Downtown Revitalization plan.  Right now the plan's something else that mostly exists on paper.  A TIF district would theoretically bootstrap new property tax money coming from Downtown improvements to help pay for the improvements themselves.  Two questions are whether the Downtown would qualify to set up a TIF district and whether it makes economic sense even if it does.  The Board approved a $12,500 to $15,000 contract with a Chicago consulting firm to find out.

In the pic:  The Huntley Board gave a final OK to a new addition of St. Mary's Church.

Judge's Panel Upholds Illinois Dem Congressional Map

A three-judge Federal panel Thursday turned down a Republican request to junk this Spring's Democrat-drawn Illinois Congressional redistricting plan. The judges agreed the remap was "was a blatant political move to increase the number of Democratic congressional seats," but said Republicans hadn't proved that was illegal.

Within hours of the decision U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Manteno, showed one Democratic strategy of drawing districts to pit GOP incumbents against each other is working. He announced he'll run in the 16th Congressional District (no longer including McHenry County) against long-time GOP incumbent Don Manzullo, R-Egan, this Spring. Kinzinger who now represents the 11th District said, the new 16th, "encompasses more of the current 11th District than any other district under the new map." Even so, the move guarantees Illinois' GOP Congressional delegation will be at least one person smaller when it returns to Washington next year.

Incumbent congressmen Joe Walsh, R-McHenry, and Randy Hultgren, R-Winfield, avoided a similar collision last week in the reconfigured 14th District to include most of McHenry County. The cost of that, though, was Walsh's agreeing to run again in an 8th District U-Hauled south where Democrats are thought to be more dominant. That's another strategy baked into the new map.

A three-judge Federal panel Thursday turned down a Republican request to junk this Spring's Democrat-drawn Illinois Congressional redistricting plan.  The judges agreed the remap was "was a blatant political move to increase the number of Democratic congressional seats," but said Republicans hadn't proved that was illegal.

Within hours of the decision U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Manteno, showed one Democratic strategy of drawing districts to pit GOP incumbents against each other is working.  He announced he'll run in the 16th Congressional District (no longer including McHenry County) against long-time GOP incumbent Don Manzullo, R-Egan, this Spring.  Kinzinger who now represents the 11th District said, the new 16th, "encompasses more of the current 11th District than any other district under the new map."  Even so, the move guarantees Illinois' GOP Congressional delegation will be at least one person smaller when it returns to Washington next year.

Incumbent congressmen Joe Walsh, R-McHenry, and Randy Hultgren, R-Winfield, avoided a similar collision last week in the reconfigured 14th District to include most of McHenry County.  The cost of that, though, was Walsh's agreeing to run again in an 8th District U-Hauled south where Democrats are thought to be more dominant.  That's another strategy baked into the new map.

The judges found the way Democrat's drew new districts was obviously politically-motivated but said all such  maps are politically motivated to some extent.  The problem for Republicans was they couldn't prove it was too political. The court said the GOP didn't show a "a workable standard" to evaluate claims of gerrymandering.  It also rejected a GOP claim Democrats concentrated Hispanics into only one district when they should have been spread out more because of population growth.

“We are disappointed with the court’s ruling today, especially considering the very serious issues we raised in our challenge to the Democrats’ map, including discrimination against the state’s growing Latino population," said a joint release from all 10 Republican Illinois Congressmen.  "We are in the process of reviewing the decision and evaluating our options for future action," it continued but with the Primary election three months away it wasn't immediately evident what was left.

Police Blotters

The filing of charges is not proof of guilt. A defendant charged is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lake in the Hills
December 15
1619 HRS 9341 PYOTT RD. (BARBARA KEY PARK) PUBLIC INDECENCY. MUELLER, GREGORY J., M/W 60 YEARS OF AGE, 2007 CLEMATIS DR., ALGONQUIN. CHARGE: Public Indecency and Disorderly Conduct. RELEASED ON BOND.
0124 HRS 600 BLOCK OF ANDERSON DR. HIT & RUN. Two vehicles. Property damage only. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
1127 HRS 1531 IMHOFF DR. (LIL SCRAPPER LLC) BURGLARY. Items were missing from the business. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
1742 HRS 2800 BLOCK OF GENEVA LN. ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY.  Reporting officer served a subject with an Order of Protection for McHenry County Sheriffs Office.
Algonquin
December 12
12:12pm Torres, Jackeline, DOB: 12/14/82 of 1307 Washington Street, Lake in the Hills, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License.  She was taken into custody in the 800 block of W. Algonquin Road.  She was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 01/11/12 in McHenry County.
December 13
11:11am A 17 year-old male from Algonquin, was Wanted on a Warrant out of McHenry County for Criminal Damage to Property.  He was taken into custody in the 1200 block of Lowe Drive.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail when unable to post bond.
December 14
16:57pm Hart, Corey L., DOB: 07/27/90m and Hart, Calvin L., DOB: 04/23/93, both of 2581 Fallbrook Drive, Hampshire, were charged with Retail Theft.  They were taken into custody at Meijer’s, 400 S. Randall Road.  They were both released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 01/25/12 in Algonquin.
December 15
12:44pm Zvonar, Randall E., DOB: 11/06/55, of 2941 Hillsboro Lane, Lake in the Hills, was Wanted on a Warrant out of McHenry County for Leaving the Scene of an Accident.  He was also charged with Improper Lane Usage and No Proof of Insurance.  He was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department.  He was released after posting $250 with a court date of 12/28/11 in McHenry County.
December 16
02:01am Villalobos, Agustin, DOB: 12/07/75, of 10790 Cortland Lane, Huntley, was charged with DUI, Felony DWLS, No Proof of Insurance and Improper Turn.  He was taken into custody at Algonquin Road and Lakewood Road.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail to await a bond hearing.

Algonquin Township Increases Tax Levy For More Public Aid

The Algonquin Board Wednesday boosted the Township 2011 General Fund property tax levy $50,000 to cover increased calls for help from financially distressed residents. "We've had (General Assistance requests) coming out of our ears and it's not going to stop," said Supervisor Dianne Klemm explaining the levy's increase to about $1.9 million.

The Board also approved 2012 Road District levies totaling almost $4 million.  Highway Commissioner Bob Miller hastened to remind Trustees that's another of Illinois' mostly imaginary tax numbers, though, since the District won't actually receive about $1.2 million of it. "Half the Road and Bridge fund (levy on municipal residents) goes back to the 10 municipalities in Algonquin Township," said Miller.  "We don't even see it."

Miller's been upset with Better Government Association and newspaper reports charging township road districts spend too much money.  "They're using the levy numbers," he complained, "not what we actually get."  Miller said he hadn't a clue why legislators enacted the system.  "It was in the 60's," he said.

Salvation Army Local Collections Strong Despite Rough Start

Ten days before Christmas, Salvation Army of McHenry County kettle collections are "running neck and neck," with last year's, according to Commanding Officer Maj. John Price Wednesday.  "I mean neck and neck," he said.  "The only problem is everything costs more this year."

Price said the kettle goal this season through Jan. 15 is $150,000 while the goal including mail and online donations is $420,000.  "That's not as much as we collected last year but we had two significant gifts I couldn't count on again this year," Price said.

This year's campaign got off to a rocky start when the local Army's computer server blew up taking the list of regular volunteers with it.  "I had to hire bell ringers," said Price, "something I swore I'd never do.  But if you don't have someone there you don't get anything."

Price said he recovered some of the volunteer list from backups but the Army could still use more help.  The number to call to voluneer is 815-455-2769. An online signup page is here: http://www.3sihome.com/3ngine/sites/mcsa_christmas/index.cfm?page=7222&pagename=Bellringing%20Sign-up

On a cheerier note, Price said somone donated a one-ounce American Eagle gold coin in a Cary kettle Saturday.  That continues a tradition missed only once in the past 30 years when no one donated a gold coin to the Salvation Army somewhere in McHenry County last year.

Online donations to the Salvation Army of McHenry County can be made here:

https://secure20.salvationarmy.org/donation.jsp

In the pic:  Algonquin resident Jane Trent was an early donor to the Salvation Army of McHenry County kettle at the Randall Jewel Osco manned by volunteers from Crystal Lake's First Congregational Church.

Local Rep. Survey Finds Support For Medical Marijuana

State Rep. Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) Wednesday released the results of a recent constituent survey including one surprising conclusion about marijuana.

“Each year I survey my stakeholders about issues that affect Illinois,” Tryon said. “The results are a great tool that helps me better represent the 64th District when I’m in Springfield.”  That, of course, will only last a few months more since Tryon was remapped out of the 64th for the next election.  He's running in the new 66th in the March Primary.

In any case, respondents about three to one opposed both borrowing and taxes to bail out the State budget, pay overdue bills and fund services.  About two to one they'd stop all new spending and three to one freeze state salaries and cut all agency budgets ten percent.  By a four to one edge they were for pension reform but opposed gaming expansion more than two to one.

Top local concerns in order were,  Taxes/Fees, the Economy, Illinois Finances, Public Services, Transportation/Roads and  Political Issues (special interests, corruption, redistricting, term limits, partisanship, transparency)

Generally the results were pretty conservative. Two to one, though, respondents supported legalizing marijuana for people with severe illnesses, a result that seems less so.

The survey was via  mail-in insert in Crystal Lake's Northwest Herald newspaper. "The results are not meant to be scientific, but only a snapshot of what people are thinking," said a Tryon spokesman.

In the pic:  Tryon at an Open House in LITH recently.

Power Outage Briefly Snarls Huntley Traffic

A relatively limited ComEd power outage in Huntley knocked out traffic signals along the Route 47 Widening Project just after rush hour Wednesday. Village workers began to put out stop signs at the intersections but power was restored within about an hour.

Police said traffic signals  flashing red afterwards continued to cause minor delays until they could be reset.  ComEd said the outage affected about 500 residences, too.

Lawmakers Seek Corporate Income Tax Rollback

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
Just a day after passing a tax break package that would benefit some businesses, House lawmakers on both sides of the aisle Wednesday pushed for a rollback of corporate portion of the State's recent income tax increase.

“Business after business potentially will be coming to the state and looking for relief, and doing it on a per-company basis is not the way to go,” House Minority Leader Tom Cross said. Under his new plan the corporate rate would drop from the current 7 percent to 6 percent in 2013 and would return to 4.8 percent, the rate before the increase, in 2014. Any unemployment rate increase of more than .3 of a percentage point over a four-month period would trigger a .25 percent reduction in the corporate tax rate as well. However, the rate could not dip below the 4.8 percent mark.

Under current law, the corporate rate won't drop to 5.25 percent until 2015 and won't hit 4.8 percent until 2025.

Another bill filed by House Democrats, would roll the tax rate back to 4.8 percent as of January. Senate President John Cullerton said he supports lowering the tax rate if the taxing base is broadened and the revenue coming in remains the same.

John Bouman, president of the Chicago-based Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, however, said both bills do not appear to be “aimed at any kind of coherent economic or tax policy” but are instead “pretty clearly political moves” being made by lawmakers running for reelection.

You can read Jamey's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/lawmakers-seek-to-roll-back-corporate.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
December 14
1704 HRS POLARIS DR. & RANDALL RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. THOMAS, KASEY C., M/W 20 YEARS OF AGE, 9 MARION CT., LAKE  IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving While License Suspended and Improper Lane Usage. RELEASED ON BOND.
1834 HRS 3100 BLOCK OF IMPRESSIONS DR. WANTED ON WARRANT. THINNES, JESSICA A., F/W 30 YEARS OF AGE, 820 NORTH SHORE, CRYSTAL  LAKE. CHARGE: Wanted on Warrant, McHenry County for Failure To Appear for Traffic Offense, bond set at $5,000 / 10% applies. RELEASED ON BOND.
2245 HRS 100 N. RANDALL RD. (WALGREENS) DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. MASAITIS, JONAS VICTOR, M/W 45 YEARS OF AGE, 2841 GENEVA LANE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Obscenity.
1552 HRS 2900 BLOCK OF BALDWIN LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 19 years of age, in need of an evaluation. No transport.
2217 HRS 2600 BLOCK OF CADBURY CIRCLE. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. wife. Verbal only. No priors.
December 13
1658 HRS 300 BLOCK OF HIAWATHA DR. ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY. Assisted Schaumburg Police Department on a check for well-being.

Algonquin Board Moves To Outlaw Artificial Marijuana

The Algonquin Village Board Tuesday gave initial approval to a new ordinance banning sale, possession or use of synthetic marijuana within the village.  When formally approved it would make Algonquin the first community in McHenry and northern Kane counties to ban "incense" treated with lab versions of cannabinoids, stimulants or hallucinogens that are legal in the sense that the Drug Enforcement Agency hasn't had time to outlaw them yet.

"Our officers talked to some of the kids," said Chief Russ Laine.  "They say they have it because it's legal, it's easy to get and you can't fail a (drug) test for it."

Activists complained to the Board earlier this month that synthetic marijuana was a danger to local youth but readily available in local head and tobacco shops.  Laine agreed the stuff was dangerous.  "The results...you don't know what the results will be. Just in Algonquin we've had hallucinations, convulsions, aggressive behavior."

The proposed ordinance is based on one drafted by Aurora and the North Central Narcotics Task Force to combat the problem there.  It bans sale, possession or use of 16 cannabinoid compounds, 17 stimulants plus 4 different ways to turn them into something else that still works and 8 psychedelics "including salts, isomers, esters and ethers of salts of isomers".  Laine said the Aurora ordinance passed only a couple of months ago so it still hasn't encountered a legal challenge yet.

Member Bob Smith had problems with an absence of what lawyers call criminal intent.  "Does this mean someone could be pulled over having a legal product they bought legally (elsewhere) and arrested here?" he asked.  Yes, answered Village attorney Kelly Cahill because, "It's not a criminal ordinance, it's a civil act," she said.  "It's the only way we can handle it."

The only question still unresolved is the penalty.  The draft called for a $750 fine but President John Schmitt thought it ought to be more.  "Maybe if it was $2,000 the parents would get involved and it would get some attention," he said.  If there's a whopping fine, "I'll take the blame, and I know there'll be some, if I have to," he said.

Another ordinance change given first approval Tuesday would tighten up a village ban on drug paraphernalia.  Laine said, essentially, it doesn't outlaw having "bongs and hookahs and pipes", just ones with evidence they've ever been used.

In the pic:  Algonquin Police Chief Russ Laine said the Feds know synthetic marijuana's a problem but, "The DEA is moving slowly" to fix it.

Huntley Taxpayers Complain To And About Rutland Assessor

The Huntley area property tax spotlight shifted Tuesday from Grafton Township to Rutland as taxpayers complained Assessor Janet Siers didn't help them enough with this year's appeals of assessments that were too high in the first place.

Kane County District 25 Board Member T.R. Smith in the audience joked, "This issue has made my job more than full-time," but Siers wasn't kidding when she explained her position, in contrast to Grafton, was only a part-time one.  "When the assistant assessor (in another township) makes more than I am, it's disheartening," she said.

Worse, according to Siers was her inability to hire qualified help since she can't offer pension and health benefits.  "All I have is salary to offer them," she said.

Raise the budget, suggested Sun City tax advocate Herm Faubl.  Not now, said Rutland Supervisor Margaret Sanders.  She claimed the Board couldn't raise salaries until the next election in two years.

Meanwhile, Siers said her assessments reflect the right home values even if they're higher than the ones in Grafton.  "I'm required by statute to follow three years of sales," she said.  And she's not allowed to work out some sort of joint standard with the Grafton Assessor she added.

"I've looked into this a lot and talked to very many people," complained Sun City tax activist, Alan Scott, "and all I get is finger pointing.  They all blame each other but I'm the one who still ends up paying."

In the pic:  Rutland Assessor Janet Siers told the Township Board she prefers to discuss assessments by phone.  "When people come into the office they have a lot of time to talk and I don't," she said.

School Zone Going In On Bunker Hill Near Jacobs HS

Drivers on Algonquin's Bunker Hill Drive past Jacobs High School better get ready to slow down soon and shut off their cell phones.  The Algonquin Board gave an initial OK Tuesday to a new school speed zone from Sherman Road west to Stonegate.  Besides setting a 20 mph limit the zone will also mean a ban on in-car cellphone nattering.

Police supported the school zone proposal after students in the Jacobs Safety Initiative, a teen safe driving program, proposed it.  When school began this year the JSI kids said they found more students were using the crosswalk to the school at an intersection that's already confusing thanks to curves and multiple through and turn lanes.

The zone's expected to receive formal approval at the Village Board's next meeting Tuesday.

In the pic:  Jacobs students Amy Schutt and Zeba Hasam asked the Algonquin Board to put in a school speed zone on Bunker Hill Drive.  It's a major problem when people are going to school," said Hasam.

Another Ex-Deputy Sues McHenry Sheriff For His Job Back

A Rockford U.S. Disrict Court Magistrate is now presiding over two fired McHenry County Deputies' complaints against Sheriff Keith Nygren. Judge Michael Mahoney has been assigned the case ex-deputy Scott Milliman filed Friday. He's already handling the long-running case of former deputy Zane Seipler who's charged the Sheriff fired him for complaining about racial profiling.

Nygren fired Milliman in August for reasons he refused to reveal despite a First Electric Newspaper Freedom of Information Act request. Milliman's complaint charges it was for talking about corruption by the Sheriff and within the Sheriff's Office in a sworn deposition he made in Seipler's case.

That deposition is supposed to be secret under Mahoney's court seal but Milliman's complaint said it contains his testimony that Nygren was "directly involved in ticket fixing", took bribes and was involved in a Small Business Administration loan fraud scheme.

As for the deposition itself, the complaint claims Nygren ordered Milliman to undergo a psychological evaluation, then gave the psychologist a copy of the supposedly secret testimony to influence his conclusions.

Milliman's suit asks for is job back and $50,000 plus damages for counts of interfering with his freedom of speech and association and for civil conspiracy.

You can read Milliman's complaint here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/75651670/1-Main


In the pic: The Sheriff's response to FEN's request for the letter firing Milliman.

LITH Man Dies In Streamwood Accident

A 26 year-old Lake in the Hills man died when his clothes became entangled in machinery at his family’s Streamwood landscape business Tuesday. Timothy Pittas died of strangulation when a moving auger snarled his clothing as he was unloading salt from a pickup bed according to a Cook County Sheriff’s spokesman.  He was pronounced dead at Sherman Hospital.

Visitation for Timothy David Pittas will be from 4 to 9 pm Thursday at Willow Funeral Home, Algonquin. The funeral service will be 10:30 am Friday at St. Mary Church, Huntley, where he will lie in state from 9:30 am until the time of the service. Interment will be in Dundee Township East Cemetery.

Pittas was the son of David B. and Mary B. Pittas. He is survived by his brother, Joseph, and sister Brittany, and grandparents, John F. and G. Elaine Pittas.

Quinn To Get Bills Giving Tax Breaks To Companies

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
Two companies threatening to leave the state will likely stick around if Gov. Pat Quinn signs tax breaks the Illinois Senate approved Tuesday, but some lawmakers say it isn’t worth the price tag.

The Senate passed two bills  that contain a plan similar to one piece of legislation that the chamber approved two weeks ago. That bill only received eight “yes” votes in the House, though. “The bill was separated into two pieces to allow folks who feel pretty strongly on one or the other bill to vote their consciences,” said Sen. Toi Hutchinson, sponsor of the package.

One bill offers tax breaks for individuals in the form of increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit from 5 percent of the federal credit to 10 percent over two years and linking the standard exemption to federal cost of living increases. The other has tax breaks for Sears and the CME Group, which owns the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade. The plan is projected to cost about $300 million next fiscal year and $350 million by fiscal year 2014.

“We are in the position right now where — yes, it’s unfortunate — there are businesses that are coming and holding us over the barrel, and I understand that that leaves a bad taste in a lot of legislators' mouths,” Hutchinson said during floor debate.  "We did the best we could with the negotiations we had. This is a bill that you can go home and defend,” she said.

Opponents said that the state cannot afford the plan. “These special deals are bad public policy,” said Sen. Kyle McCarter, a Lebanon Republican. “This is a great bill for lobbyists, in fact maybe we can rename this bill the lobbyist dream act."

Gov. Pat Quinn, who supports the plan, said that competing with other sates and offering tax incentives to encourage businesses to remain in the Illinois is part of the current economic climate. “Every state in the union has on the books tax incentive measures that have been passed by their legislatures to try and get jobs from other states, other businesses from other states. We just have to understand that that’s what the reality is.”

Sears has indicated that if Quinn signs the plan, it will stop shopping around for a potential move. James Parasi, chief financial officer for CME, told a House committee Monday that the passage of the plan into law would keep the CME Group in the state for years to come.

You can ready Jamey's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/tax-breaks-for-companies-headed-to.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--misplaced in Spam file.

District 300 Board Celebrates EDA Partial Victory

The District 300 Board of Education celebrated a victory of sorts Monday in its bid to salvage something out of renewal of the Sears Economic Development Area property tax rebate plan.  Despite months of maneuvering, the State House Tuesday passed a measure doubling the $3 million the District now nets from the EDA, a figure far short of the $11 million extra the District hoped for without the extension.

Superintendent Michael Bregy thanked the Board, staff and parents for their support Tuesday via videoconference hookup from Springfield where he and Board members Chris Stanton and Steve Fiorentino planned to remain.  They'll be monitoring a Senate vote expected today to confirm the House approval.

In a news release before the Board meeting, Bregy admitted the District failed in its efforts to stop the renewal entirely but posted a list of goals that it did achieve.  Besides a new bigger slice of the tax pie on Sears' headquarters in Hoffman Estates, those included a prohibition against using any of the money to run the village's money-losing Sears Centre and a new yearly audit to track where the rest of the EDA money goes.

The measure also includes clawback provisions if Sears ends operations in the EDA in the next five years and calls for the rebate scheme to shut down early it pays off Sears' expenses to locate in the EDA before the end of the 15 year-extension.

The EDA renewal was buried in a larger $350 million package of State incentives to keep Sears and trading exchange giant CME from leaving Illinois in the wake of this year's State corporate income tax increase. It passed the House 81 to 28 with only State Rep. Mike Tryon among local legislators voting against the bill.  State Rep. Tim Schmitz was the only local House Member who joined him opposing a companion bill upping tax credits for low-income families.

In the pic:  One approach to Sears HQ in the Economic Development Area.

LITH P&Z Approves Asphalt Shingle Recycling Plant

The Lake in the Hills Planning and Zoning Commission Monday unanimously approved an asphalt shingle recycling plant that the Village of Cary opposed.  Commissioners unanimously OK'ed a zoning change to allow the facility on north Route 31 even though a Cary Village Board resolution warned of possible danger from toxic chemicals.

Rich Guerard, attorney for property owner Jim Kreuger and recycler Southwind RAS of Bartlett admitted to commissioners there were toxic chemicals bound up in old shingles but said all the company planned to do was grind them into something about the size of coarse sand.  "Thousands of houses around the (site) have asphalt shingles," he said.  "If they don't have (pollution) it makes sense this doesn't either."

Perhaps reacting to an anonymous flier warning of asbestos contamination, Commissioner Bill Dustin wanted to know how Southwind would prevent that.  VP Matt Vondra said his workers know what asbestos shingles look like but they've literally never seen any at the company's other recycling plants. He said they don't show up because roofing contractors search for them avidly in order to extra for "remediation" instead of a simple roof tearoff.

Only a handful of residents attended the hearing.  Cindy Heidman from LITH's nearby ABC school of cosmetology was more worried about increased traffic than pollution.  Opposition came mainly from Cary residents.  Most outspoken was Robin Engles, homeowner in a Cary subdivision to the northwest.  She called on LITH to conduct independent studies on shingle recycling saying, "You really, really need to look into this."

The LITH Village Board still has to approve the zoning change from Ag to Light Manufacturing and accept the land into the Village now that it's been de-annexed from Cary.  That's scheduled Jan. 10.

In the pic:  The proposed recycling site's in the middle of the Hanson gravel quarries in Lake in the Hills.

First Shots Fired In GOP Race For New 52nd District

The ink's barely dry on some of the nominating petitions but 52nd State House District Republican candidate David McSweeney, Barrington Hills, entered challenges Monday against those of his opponents, incumbent Kent Gaffney, Lake Barrington, and fellow-hopeful Danielle Rowe, Island Lake.

In filings with the State Election Board McSweeney charged Gaffney used government-paid staffers to circulate his petitions and Rowe included signatures from too many out of district or unregistered voters. In a press release he also cited "disturbing reports" of Tea Party organizations "coordinating" with Rowe's campaign.

Gaffney didn't say anything about the charges Monday and Rowe accused McSweeney of using "Chicago-style bulling tactics."

HPD, McHenry Courts Warn Of Identity Theft Scam

The Huntley Police Department Monday warned of a phishing scam to obtain Social Security numbers for identity theft, and so, later did McHenry County 22nd Circuit Court Officials.  Both referred to official-looking but fake "Jury Duty" questionnaires residents might receive in the mail.

Huntley Deputy Chief Todd Fulton and Court Administrator Dan Wallis told FEN none have actually been received in the area but some have turned up in Kane County around Plainfield. "We're concerned about the possibility," said Fulton.

Fulton and Walllis said real jury questionnaires don't ask for Social Security numbers. If in doubt, said the Huntley release, contact the PD's non-emergency number at 847-515-5311. Outside Huntley, call the  McHenry County Jury Commission at 815-334-4390.

Update:  A Sun City woman at a McHenry County State's Attorney presentation today said her husband received a Kane County "Jury Questionnaire" Friday or Saturday.

Tweaked Plan For Tax Breaks Clears House

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
A package of tax breaks that failed miserably in the House just two weeks ago passed in the chamber Monday after undergoing some tweaks. Cut into two bills, one give tax breaks for individuals, the other breaks tailored to specific businesses, as well as some cuts geared toward improving the business climate in the state.

The two bills passed today with bipartisan support. The business bill received a whopping 81 “yes” votes, which is a far cry from the 8 “yes” votes that a similar plan passed by the Senate received on November 29. “These two bills put together are pretty much the same as the single bill that was defeated two weeks ago,” said Rep. David Harris, a Republican from Arlington Heights who worked on a an earlier version. “I think that such is the nature of Springfield, that we end up having two bills instead of one — two bills that pretty much do the same thing but end up costing more than one.”

Sponsor Bill Bradley said the plan approved Monday would have no impact during Fiscal Year 2012, would cost less than $300 million in FY 2013 and would cost less than $350 million in FY 2014.

Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie said 2.5 million low-income, working Illinoisans qualified for the Earned Income Tax Credit in 2010 due for an increase now. “It’s an incentive; it’s a reward for hard work, not a giveaway,” she said. Republicans said the tax cuts for individuals simply cost too much and did not include enough relief for middle-class residents. “This state is penniless. I don’t know that anyone disagrees with it,"  said Rep. Dwight Kay, a Republican from Glen Carbon.

The push for the bills started after the CME Group, which owns the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and Sears threatened to leave the state. James Parasi, chief financial officer for CME, told a House committee this Monday that the passage of the plan into law would keep the CME group in the state for years to come. And Sears thanked lawmakers for approving the plan.

A prepared statement from Gov. Pat Quinn indicates that he is on board with the plan. Quinn originally supported increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit to 15 percent of the federal rate, but he said the deal that passed Monday provides “help for both hard-working families and employers.”

You can read Jamey's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/tweaked-plan-for-tax-breaks-clears.html

Obituaries

Mary Katherine “Kate” Williams, 64, of Huntley died peacefully, Saturday at Hospice of Northeastern Illinois. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Williams was born February 12, 1947, the daughter of Leo and Anna Pedigo. She is survived by her husband, Jim of Huntley; two stepchildren, Aaron Williams and Christen Mestre; one grandson, Issac Williams and by her sister, Faith Wooden. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, James W. and Robert L. Pedigo.

Police Blotters

The filing of charges is not proof of guilt. A defendant charged is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lake in the Hills
December 12
0237 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF W. ALGONQUIN RD. DOMESTIC BATTERY. BUCHANAN, JASON W., M/W 30 YEARS OF AGE, 1300 W. ALGONQUIN RD., ALGONQUIN. CHARGE: Domestic Battery. TRANSPORTED TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
0505 HRS 800 BLOCK OF BRANDT DR. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. BLAUL, ALEXANDER E., M/W 24 YEARS OF AGE, 6608 CRYSTAL SPRINGS RD., CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol with a Breath Alcohol Content Over .08, Resisting a Peace Officer, Improper Turn at an Intersection, No Valid Insurance, Illegal Transportation of Alcohol by a Driver, Failure to Notify Secretary of State for Address Change. RELEASED ON BOND
1105 HRS BLACKHAWK DR. & ALGONQUIN RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. HUSTON, PATRICIA S., F/W 54 YEARS OF AGE, 705 DEAN DR. APT H, SOUTH ELGIN. CHARGES: Driving While License Suspended, Driving a Vehicle With Suspended Registration, Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle. RELEASED ON BOND.
1625 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (LAKE IN THE HILLS PD) FOLLOW UP ARREST: BATTERY. JUVENILE, F/W 14 YEARS OF AGE, ALGONQUIN.
CHARGE: Battery. RELEASED TO PARENT.
0040 HRS 0 BLOCK OF JOSEPH CT. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. Wife. Verbal only. One prior.
0316 HRS VIRGINIA RD. & ROUTE 31. ACCIDENT. Vehicle vs. Deer. Property damage only.
1712 HRS 3000 BLOCK OF BALDWIN LN. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Boyfriend vs. Girlfriend. No Priors. FAIL TO FILE.
Huntley
December 5
A theft report was taken at Huntley High School.  Tools were stolen from a storage room.
A theft report was taken in the parking lot of Huntley High School.  Gas was stolen from a parked vehicle.
A theft report was taken at Huntley High School.  A set of headphones were stolen from an unlocked locker.
December 6
Hector A Santos, age 19, of 11526 Centennial, Huntley, was arrested on an outstanding McHenry County warrant.  Mr. Santos was transported to McHenry County jail to await bond call.
Cody R. Curran, age 21, of 11368 Timer Dr., Huntley, was arrested for driving while license suspended and possession of a suspended license and was cited for loud exhaust.  Mr. Curran posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of December 23, 2011.
December 9
A criminal damage to property report was taken in the 12100 block of Coventry lane.  A vehicle parked in the driveway was keyed.
An IPod touch was reported stolen from a student's backpack at Huntley High School.
December 10
An unlawful use of credit card report was taken at a retail store in the 12300 block of Rt. 47.  The victim stated that unauthorized charges were made to her credit card account.
December 11
Five criminal damage to property reports were taken overnight in the 10600 block of Charles St., 10800 block of Woodstock St., 11800 block of Timer Dr., and the 10700 block of Grand Canyon.  Christmas decorations and a for sale sign were damaged.

 

November Home Prices Rise Again In McHenry County

McHenry County Home sales were still relatively strong in November while chalking up a second monthly average price increase since September's recent bottom, according to the latest report from the McHenry County Association of Realtors.  The number of homes sold, 249, fell about 5 percent from October but the average price rose about 4 percent to $176,000.

The November report shows sales volume up around 25 percent from a year ago but the average price was down about 18 percent. The average McHenry County home price in November, 2010, was $204,000.

S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, released two weeks ago, show that nationally home prices registered no significant change in the third quarter of 2011. It rose only .1 percent.  Regionally, the Chicago index actually fell .8 percent marking a 5 percent decrease for the 12 months ending in September.

"The markets are fairly thin, and the relative lack of closed transactions might be
exacerbating the downside," said  David M. Blitzer, Chairman of the Index Committee at S&P Indices, commenting on the national report. "Any chance for a sustained recovery will probably need a stronger economy," he said.

Whooping Cough Now Worst In Seven Years

The outbreak of whooping cough in McHenry County now stands at a new record.  The McHenry County Department of Health said Friday's cumulative total of 200 for the season surpassed the last one in 2004 which saw 191 victims.  Three more cases were confirmed last week in Algonquin as was another in Huntley.  No new cases were reported in Lake in the Hills.

This year's outbreak of pertussis, familiarly called whooping cough, began two months ago when eight  cases were discovered in the Cary area.  That's still the biggest hotspot in the county but another developed last month in Woodstock. Together the two now account for more than half the cases in McHenry County. Even so there are still almost 100 cases scattered elsewhere around the county.

Whooping cough is mostly preventable with vaccinations and MCDH recommends booster shots for teens since baby shots against the disease wear off around puberty.  It responds well to antibiotic treatment, too, which may actually be part of the problem with the current outbreak.  MCDH spokesmen warn that even if kids seem well enough, they shouldn't go back to school for five days after treatment.

Sears EDA, Business Breaks May Come To Vote Today

The Illinois House reconvenes today to take another whack at incentives to keep the Sears retail chain and trading exchange giant CME from leaving Illinois.  A committee hearing on the latest plan is set for 10 am today followed by a closed-door meeting of House Republicans. A vote might come as early as early as this afternoon.

Along with $100 million in State sweeteners, the plan includes a measure to renew the Sears Economic Development Area property tax rebate that District 300 estimates would cost it about $14 million per year. In fact, the whole deal includes no fewer than 20 new tax credits or extensions of expiring ones jammed into 2 separate bills and 9 collective amendments.

The business breaks including the EDA are all in one bill to which sponsor John Bradley added an amendment Thursday and then another Friday.  D300 officials were reported trying to figure them out Friday but FEN was unable to learn their analysis over the weekend.

Another bill includes breaks for lower income individual taxpayers. That's what blew the package apart two weeks ago after the two chunks were glued together so now they've been separated again.

Algonquin Lions To Offer Tree Delivery

Here's the Algonquin Lion's Christmas Tree lot Sunday at Randall and Huntington.  Whats wrong with the picture?  There are still too many trees in it, according to the Lions.  To fix that the service group's adding free three-hour delivery to customers' homes within a five-mile radius.

Lions have trees this year for $40 and up including trimming trunk and branches and netting if you want it.  Proceeds go to support local food pantries and Lions vision programs. 

Illinois Turns To Private Sector For Old Bills

By Andrew Thomason, Illinois Statehouse News
Businesses tangled up in Illinois’ infamous $4.8 billion backlog of overdue bills are getting a lifeline tossed to them from the private sector. For taxpayers, the Vendor Payment Program, or VPP, is a wash. For businesses, well, at least it's something.

The VPP started in full swing last month and allows investors to take ownership of debt the state owes vendors. The vendors get 90 percent of what the state owes them immediately from the investor. In turn, the investor pays the state the remaining 10 percent, which is put into an escrow account. Once the state pays the investor in full, the money in the account is released. For every month the state is late in paying off the debt to the investor, the investor earns one percent interest on that debt. Most of the state’s bills are about a month behind, but some date back to the spring.

“The state’s innovative VPP program was designed to offer more immediate assistance with cash flow for vendors experiencing significantly delayed payments, at no additional cost to the state,” said Alka Nayyar, spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, which oversees the VPP.

Vermilion Valley Produce provides produce to the Danville Correctional Center and had overdue bills dating back to the spring. It has gotten an influx of about $30,000 from VAP. “I will say that the program has worked to our expectations thus far,” John Rollins, owner of Vermillion Valley Produce, said. “We limit our exposure to the state because of (its) poor practices.”

You can read Andrew's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/7312/illinois-turns-to-private-sector-to-cover-old-bills/

Police Blotters

The filing of charges is not proof of guilt. A defendant charged is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lake in the Hills
December 11
0352 HRS APACHE TRAIL & ALGONQUIN RD. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. RAMIREZ, RANDY A., M/W 21 YEARS OF AGE, 1428 SKYRIDGE DR. APT B, CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, Wanted on Warrant McHenry County Sheriff’s Department for Failure to Appear for Driving under the Influence of Alcohol. Bond Amount: $2,000 at 10%. Improper Lane Usage, No Valid Insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.
0402 HRS SQUARE BARN RD. & ALGONQUIN RD. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. GUYTON, KENYATTE M., M/B 31 YEARS OF AGE, 2113 WILLOW BROOK DR. 2A, WOODSTOCK. CHARGES: Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, Speeding. RELEASED ON BOND.
0030 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF HORIZON RIDGE. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Boyfriend vs. Girlfriend. No priors. FAIL TO FILE.
0549 HRS LAKEWOOD RD. & ALGONQUIN RD. ACCIDENT. One vehicle. Property damage only.
1005 HRS 0 BLOCK OF JOSEPH CT. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. Wife. Verbal only.
1415 HRS 100 BLOCK OF HARVEST GATE. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. Vehicle was damaged in the driveway.
1629 HRS 2500 BLOCK OF FAIRFAX LN. ASSIST AMBULANCE.  Male, 50 years of age, having chest pain. Transported to Woodstock Centegra Hospital.
1644 HRS 5500 BLOCK OF MCKENZIE DR. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1832 HRS HEARTLAND GATE & NORTHLIGHT PASS. ASSIST AMBULANCE.  Female, 40 years of age, having a seizure. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1958 HRS 0 BLOCK OF SONOMA CT. DOMESTIC Stepfather vs. Stepson. Verbal only. Two priors.
2209 HRS 0 BLOCK OF E. ACORN LN. DOMESTIC. Father vs. Wife & Daughter. Verbal only. No priors.
2245 HRS 220 N. RANDALL RD. (MORETTI’S) BATTERY. Delayed from 121011. Male vs. Male. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
Algonquin
December 9
15:43pm Powell, Ashley M., DOB: 03/02/88, of 499 Jefferson Street, Elgin, was charged with Retail Theft.  She was taken into custody at Walmart, 1410 S. Randall Road.  She was released after posting $150 with a court date of 01/18/12 in McHenry County.
17:26pm Abitua, Francisco W., DOB: 01/14/93, of 424 N. Harrison Street, Algonquin, was charged with DWLS and Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident.  He was taken into custody at Route 62 and Sandbloom Road.  He was released after posting $150 with a court date of 01/11/12 in McHenry County.
21:10pm Thorington, Tina M., DOB: 05/19/74, of 909 Dawn Court, DeKalb, was charged with Retail Theft.  She was taken into custody at Kohl’s, 734 S. Randall Road.  She was released after posting $150 with a court date of 01/18/12 in McHenry County.
21:10pm Stratton, Amanda L., DOB: 03/10/86, of 25320 W. Grant Highway, Marengo, 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 01/25/12 in Algonquin.
21:35pm Cox, Kenneth P., DOB: 03/27/58, of 520 W. Danbury Drive, Cary, was charged with DUI, Illegal Transportation of Alcohol and Following Too Closely.  He was taken into custody in the 300 block of N. Randall Road.  He was released after posting $100 and his Illinois Driver’s License with a court date of 01/1/12 in McHenry County.
December 10
00:19am Rauch, Amy E., DOB: 12/26/77, of 1447 Millbrook Drive, Algonquin, was charged with DUI, No Proof of Insurance and Improper Lane Usage.  She was taken into custody at Randall Road and County Line Road.  She was released after posting $100 and her Illinois Driver’s License with a court date of 01/11/12 in McHenry County.
02:13am Knoerlein, Ashleigh M., DOB: 10/23/84, of 1105 Silverstone, Carpentersville, was charged with DUI and Disobeying Traffic Control Signal.  She was taken into custody at Route 62 and Route 25.  She was released after posting $100 and her Illinois Driver’s License with a court date of 01/18/12 in McHenry County.
02:56am Ash, Daniel M., DOB: 12/19/89, of 105 Barnes Road, Elgin, was Wanted on a Warrant out of Elgin for Failure to Appear, on a Criminal Trespass to Land charge.  He was taken into custody at 641 Lake Plumleigh Way.  He was picked up by Elgin PD when unable to post bond.
09:31am Simpson, Brian J., DOB: 02/11/62, of 2905 Cobblestone Drive, Crystal Lake, was charged with DUI, DUI Over and Improper Lane Usage.  He was taken into custody at Haverford Drive and White Oak Drive.  He was released after posting $100 and his Illinois Driver’s License with a court date of 01/18/12 in McHenry County.
14:46pm Long, Trevor J., DOB: 11/13/92. of 103 East Street, Crystal Lake, was charged with Possession of Cannabis.  He was taken into custody at Randall Road and County Line Road.  He was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 01/25/12 in Algonquin.
December 11
02:56am Jenkins, Nicholas K., DOB: 08/31/88 ,of 13 Brian Court, Algonquin, was Wanted on a Warrant out of McHenry County for Failure to Appear on an Expired Driver’s License charge.  He was taken into custody at Huntington Drive and Stoneybrook Court.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail when unable to post bond.

19:59pm Ortiz, Jonathan E., DOB: 04/17/91, of 1195 N. Boxwood Drive Apt #G1, Mount Prospect, was charged with Retail Theft.  He was taken into custody at Walmart, 1410 S. Randall Road.  He was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 01/25/12 in Algonquin.

Hearts Of Gold Christmas Distribution Steady From Last Year

Hearts of Gold volunteers loaded up enough food and clothes Saturday to make a merry Christmas for 51 needy families in Lake in the Hills and Algonquin.  The grass roots charitable organization's annual distribution included toys for 125 children.

This year's Christmas distribution was about the same as last year's, according to President Kathy Anderson.  "We figured we'd have more with the economy but we didn't," she said.

Hearts of gold began as a group of local individuals who saw a need within the community to help those struggling due to financial hardships. It's run entirely by volunteers and operates solely on donations.  The Christmas distribution is the group's signature event but it also provides basic back-to-school supplies and July and Winter Coats and Pants in October.

Volunteers who'd like to help can call 847-429-5923 or email pres@heartsofgold-il.org .

In the pic:  Hearts of Gold Pres Kathy Anderson loaded up one of the last deliveries for the group's annual distribution at Christmas headquarters on LITH's Trinity Drive Saturday.

Huntley Animal House Helps Place Pets For Holiday, Raise Funds

Huntley's Animal House pet shelter was crammed with dogs and kids and cats and parents, assorted Christmas cookies, and unassorted volunteers Saturday, part of the second weekend of the no-kill pet shelter's Giving Tree Celebration to raise funds and adopt out animals.

"We placed about 50 dogs last week," said volunteer Marcus Bunda.  "I think we've had 10 today but it's still early," he added.

The Giving Tree event continues today on Ernesti Road from 3 to 6 pm with a third edition next weekend from Noon to 3 Saturday and 3 to 6 Sunday.

Pictures and bios of dogs and cats for adoption can be found here: http://www.animalhouseshelter.com/ .

In the pic:  Charlie, Sam and Tess (that's her arm) Murray from Barrington met a mostly retriever mixed-breed named Booker at Animal Houses's Giving Tree event Saturday.

State Recognizes Top Local HS Students

Two hundred seven local high school students have been named to the 2012 ranks of Illinois State Scholars. The State Scholar Program recognizes high school students who rank in the top one-half of their class at the end of the junior year and/or score in the 95th percentile on the ACT, SAT or Prairie State Achievement Exam tests.

Roughly the top ten percent of graduates from approved high schools make State Scholar each year. The designation provides honorary recognition only, however. Sadly, there's no money for it. The winners this year--

H.D. Jacobs High School: Ahmad, Isra; Ajjampur, Suraj; Banwart, Michael; Bell, Alexandra; Berkhout, Drew; Bernardo, Kassandra; Blanchard, Marissa; Bociek, Joanna; Booker, Connor; Brennan, Kelly; Cannon, Jessica; Ciavarella, Emma; Cummings, Tyler; Daley, Brittany; Del Fiacco, Michele; Dianis, Allison; Dietrich, Adam; Dixon, Mallory; Doescher, Serena; Duggirala, Parashar; Ericsson, William; Evangelista, Deniz; Faul, Austin; Franchek, Christopher; Gerlach, Lisa; Germanetti, Scott; Glover, Alexander; Grady, Lauren; Green, Paige; Hackett, Autumn; Halpin, Kelly; Hasan, Zeba; Hector, Kristen; Heindl, Kirsten; Hill, Madison; Hubner, Michael; Jackson, Amanda; Kathe, Shane; Kembitzky, Kathryn; Kim, Rebecca; Kirker, Katelyn; Kunzen, Kevin; Liedtke, Heidi; McDonald, John; Melssen, Kyra; Messner, Molly; Mosur, Nicholas; Moy, Mackenzie; Moyta,Luke; Nissankula, Sairaghav; Novak, Alison; Orjuela, Marcela; Ott, Anthony; Parsons, Mackenzie; Peterson, Logan; Pfeifer, Kirsten; Piombino, Daniel; Pulscher, Daniel; Quinlan, Ryne; Roeckner, Alyssa;  Rosauer, Alexandra; Schmidt, Nicholas; Schwab, Steven;  Shaw, Courtney; Stoffel, Kevin; Szmanda, Jan; Taylor, Alexander; Taylor, Anna; Teuber, Jeff; Tschosik, Trevor; Vandenbussche, Elisah; Waddick, Aubrey; Weber, Kaitlyn; Wolf, Jessica; Wu, Rosa, and Yonker, Abigail.

Dundee-Crown High School: Ahern, Mary; Alba, Lizet; Auch, Nathan; Bernhard, Kyle; Bieri, Carolina; Brewer, Erik; Brooks, Ashley; Butala, Praksha; Clark, Lauren; Clarton, Carolyn; Dabah, Samantha; Druck, Alexandra; Emerson, Caitlin; Fasone, Lisa; Fioravanti, Kara; Fitzgerald, Morgan; Gasiciel, Kimberly; Griffith, Allison; Griffith, Brian; Groch, Amanda; Hamelberg, Cody;  Johnson, Cole; Kalland, Natasha; Kidera, Steven; Kidera, Thomas; Kidera, William; Kolar, Allison; Koscielniak, Jan; Kryca, Andrew; Love, Melany; Majka, Denise; Martin, Eric; Miller, Jacob; Nellessen, David; Nemec, Marissa; Noreen, Alexander; Okimura-Groves, Juliet; Peterson, Lindsey; Poore, Zachary; Randby, Megan; Reese, Brandon; Renteria, Alfredo; Riley, Colleen; Ruopp, Michal; Saunders, Ryan; Schappert, Andrew; Schoenherr, Molly; Shepard, Taylor; Stupar, William; Tracey, Kelly; Wirkus, Emily; Wrightsman, Annmarie, and Zissman, Cara.

Huntley High School: Adamick, Lauren; Aldridge, Christian; Alfaro, Julius; Allen, Kristen; Anderson, Jordan; Andersson, Hailey; Andolino, Vittoria; Antonsen, Amy; Auchstetter, Elena; Avelar, Yesenia; Bartot, Madeline; Bayley Jr, David; Bencko, Brandon; Best, Nichole; Boster, Jonathan; Burkland, Joseph; Bushnell, Rachel; Charron, Melissa; Cordle, Pierce; Czarnota, Samantha; Damarla, Priyanka; Davis, Jeffrey; Davis, Tyler; De Losada, Ariana; Egekeze, Kemdi; Frederick, Justin; Gargano, Alexander; Gaudio, Jenna; Gavert, Stephanie; Girard, Katie; Grap, Joseph; Han, Jane; Harrison, Taylor; Hendrix, Alyssa; Husak, Jeffrey; Jacobs, Taylor; Kahl, Amy; Kostecki, Joseph; Kylloe, Tamara; Leiras, Andrea; Linthicum, Kayla; Magness, Dylan; Mamparo, Alexis; Mayo, Jennifer; Mazur, Tiffany; Meyer, Shawn; Meyer, Todd; Miller, Troy; Molaski, Hailey; Murk, Mollie; Nichols, Andrew; O'Donnell, Brynn; Oliver, Allison; Omeara, Christopher; Orton, Trevor; Park, Gabriel; Perez, Alyssa; Pesce, Bradden; Polentini, Zachary; Rassas, Kareem; Rosso, Amanda; Russo, Teresa; Scarbro, Sara; Schmitt, Nicole; Stewart, Hunter; Szczurek, Taylor; Szwaja, Mariola; Tuluca, Irina; Tynczuk, Natasha; Vanoverloop, Richard; Varrige, Michael; Vo, Alexander; Walker, Caleb; Walsh, Craig, and Wendt, Brittany.

LITH POA Sponsors Pantry Food Drive

The Lake in the Hills Property Owners Association is hosting a Feed the Hungry Holiday Food Drive to support the Algonquin Lake in the Hills Food Pantry. Donations of non-perishable items are being accepted daily after 3 pm until December 19, 2011 at POA headquarters on Crystal Lake Road. For more information call (847) 658-9585.

Meanwhile over at the Pantry's pending  new location on Pyott, the drop ceiling's scheduled for hanging this coming week as soon as the sheetmetal guys finish the ductwork.  Paint and flooring might get underway, too, but it's still going to be a race to get everything done by New Years Day.

Federal Bill Would Allow Concealed Carry In Illinois

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
After state legislation to allow concealed carry of guns in Illinois was shot down, some Illinois lawmakers are working at the federal level to open the door to concealed carry in the state.

U.S. Rep. Timothy Johnson is sponsoring a bill that would allow individuals who hold concealed carry licenses from other states to carry firearms in Illinois. Illinois is the only state in the union that does not allow some form of concealed carry after Wisconsin legalized it earlier this year. "The only reason Illinois is the exception is Cook County,” Johnson said in a written statement.

State Rep. Brandon Phelps, a state bill sponsor, thinks it is “just a matter of time.” Before some form of legal concealed carry happens in Illinois. He points to several pending court cases on the issues. “If it goes through the courts…it will be wide open,” he said. “Forty nine other state’s are not wrong, I believe, and it’s not the Wild West anywhere else,” Phelps said.

However, opponents say that concealed carry would not make the state a safer place. “Public safety has been and continues to be one of Gov. (Pat) Quinn’s top priorities, which is why he is opposed to allowing people to carry loaded, concealed handguns in public places,” said a written statement from Quinn’s office. "Guns must not fall into the wrong hands and our current regulatory system is antiquated – there are large gaps when it comes to identifying individuals who should be prohibited from carrying weapons," Quinn has said.

You can read Jamey's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/federal-bill-would-allow-concealed.html

McHenry County Indictments

A McHenry County Grand Jury returned indictments this week against the following individuals:
The charges against these defendants are merely allegations against them.  The defendants are presumed innocent of any crime until proven guilty in court.

ROBERT L. HUEBNER, DOB: 06/11/65, 1221 LOWE DRIVE, ALGONQUIN. UNLAWFUL FAILURE TO REGISTER SEX OFFENDER.--Algonquin PD
  
JULIO  E. RIVERA, DOB: 05/02/91, 641 SOMERSET AVENUE, WEST DUNDEE. RETAIL THEFT.--Algonquin PD

JESSICA JAMIESON-KIRK, DOB: 10/25/76, 9333 BRISTOL, HUNTLEY. UNLAWFUL USE OF CREDIT CARD.--Huntley PD
      
JODI S. SCHULTZ, DOB: 04/19/65, 11614 ALGONQUIN ROAD, HUNTLEY. THEFT (SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE).--Huntley PD

ANGELO J. BIRD, DOB: 04/24/89, 885 PRAIRIE VIEW LANE APT. 2A, WOODSTOCK. AGGRAVATED CRIMINAL SEXUAL ASSAULT.--Crystal Lake PD
  
DANIEL T. HAWKINS, DOB: 01/11/92, 1794 SOMMERFIELD LANE, CRYSTAL LAKE; TAUREAN L. KENNEDY, DOB: 03/12/86, 319 PERCY STREET, ELGIN; ONTRAE J. SPIKENER-WILKINS, DOB: 07/31/87, 1902 SHEILA STREET, WOODSTOCK. MOB ACTION (3 COUNTS), CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO  PROPERTY (3 COUNTS).--Woodstock PD
  
RAYMOND E. DAVIS, DOB: 10/12/89, 1007 MEADOWLARK DRIVE, MCHENRY. FIRST DEGREE MURDER.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office
  
JERICHA SHIVELY, DOB: 08/26/88, 4512 AMY DRIVE, CRYSTAL LAKE. UNLAWFUL FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION OF AN ELDERLY PERSON WITH A  DISABILITY (2 COUNTS), UNLAWFUL USE OF CREDIT CARD (2 COUNTS).--McHenry County Sheriff's Office

JAMES J. PORRECA, DOB: 08/02/90, 35W240 LATHROP LANE, WEST DUNDEE. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; TERRY L.  STEAGALL, DOB: 09/26/90, 140 HOWARD AVENUE, EAST DUNDEE. UNLAWFUL DELIVERY OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (3 COUNTS), UNLAWFUL  POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (4 COUNTS).--McHenry County Sheriff's Office
  
WILLIAM A. WILLE, DOB: 04/21/89, 7602 W. ANDREA LANE, CRYSTAL LAKE. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL  POSSESSION OF CANNABIS, THEFT, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE.--Cary PD

ANDREW J. LOOMAN, DOB: 03/15/88, 4001 FOX TRAIL, CRYSTAL LAKE. AGGRAVATED CRIMINAL SEXUAL ASSAULT (2 COUNTS).--Crystal Lake  PD
      
TALIN D. BOSTIC, DOB: 09/28/89, 4205 SOUTH STREET, MCHENRY. THEFT (OVER $500), UNLAWFUL POSSESSION DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.--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
December 10
0141 HRS ROUTE 31 & VIRGINIA RD. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. WYSLOTSKY, ANDREW, M/W 24 YEARS OF AGE, 720 WEBSTER ST., ALGONQUIN. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol with a BAC Over 0.08, No Insurance, and Speeding. RELEASED ON BOND.
2302 HRS 241 N. RANDALL RD. (WHITE CASTLE) LEAVING THE SCENE OF A PROPERTY DAMAGE ACCIDENT. ROGERS, JEREMY T., M/W 20 YEARS OF AGE, 519 E. BURNETT RD. APT 1, ISLAND LAKE. CHARGES: Leaving the Scene of Property Damage Accident, Failure to Give Aid or Information, Squealing Tires. RELEASED ON BOND.
2011 HRS 1115 CRYSTAL LAKE RD. (LAKE IN THE HILLS PD) FOLLOW-UP ARREST: UNLAWFUL VISITATION INTERFERENCE. BAILEY, TANYA A., F/W 34 YEARS OF AGE, 119 W. PRAIRIE ST., MARENGO. CHARGE: Interference with Court Ordered Visitation. RELEASED ON BOND.
0301 HRS 220 N. RANDALL RD. (MORETTI’S) THEFT. Purse, passport, cell phone, and a debit card were taken.
0356 HRS 220 N. RANDALL RD. (MORETTI’S) CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. Rear window shattered.
0410 HRS 220 N. RANDALL RD. (MORETTI'S) BURGLARY FROM MOTOR VEHICLE. Purse, gym bag, U.S. currency, and a debit card taken from locked vehicle.
1054 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & RANDALL RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1119 HRS 2265 W. ALGONQUIN RD. (THORNTONS) ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1204 HRS 300 N. RANDALL RD. (LOWE’S) ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1238 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & CRYSTAL LAKE RD. INFORMATION FOR POLICE Two juvenile males, ages 5 and 7, were outside alone.
1307 HRS 500 BLOCK OF CRYSTAL LAKE RD. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. Wife. Verbal only. One prior.
1329 HRS 10 BLOCK OF GRANT AVE. THEFT. Delayed from 120911. Purse taken from residence.
1353 HRS 220 N. RANDALL RD. (MORETTI’S) THEFT. Delayed from 0300 hrs. Purse taken.
1614 HRS RANDALL RD. & ACORN LN. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1811 HRS LINCOLN ST. & MONROE ST. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
2221 HRS 100 BLOCK OF ANNANDALE DR. DOG BITE. Male, 16 years of age, was bitten in the face. Subject went to Provena Medical Care.