Phone Tip Leads To Missing Huntley Insurance Broker's Arrest

An anonymous call to Huntley PD's Tip Line early this week brought an end Friday to a six-week search for a Huntley insurance broker charged with defrauding his clients.  Police arrested Russ Palermo, 46, at about Noon after they saw him step out for a cigarette on the balcony of a South Elgin condo at the address the tipster provided.

Police had been hunting for Palermo since the middle of last month when they tried to serve him with warrants for allegedly selling insurance to at least 21 people and pocketing $20,000 of their money.  Since then, according to Huntley Police Chief John Perkins, another six victims have come forward but he said investigators aren't sure yet how much their claims will add to the total. "We've been a little busy," said Perkins whose department is also battling an apparent rash of Sun City burglaries and investigating the death last week of a Huntley beating victim.

Palermo is charged with 29 counts of theft by deception, forgery, writing a bad check to control property, violation of financial regulations and administrative misdemeanors. Some of the charges date back to 2009.  Residents who think Palermo may have ripped them off, too, can contact HOD detective Joe Willard at (847) 515-5311.

Palermo's in McHenry County Jail now with bail set at $75,000 and hearing on the charges against him not scheduled until July 19.

In the pic:  Palermo's insurance office on Dundee/Huntley Road's been closed for more than a month now.

MCSO Sweep Nabs Two Dozen Wanted On Warrants

The McHenry County Sheriff's Apprehension Unit announced Friday it had arrested 24 people during During a Thursday warrant sweep that included McHenry, Lake, DeKalb and Kane counties.

Among those arrested and charged were:

Timothy C. Lucey, 45, 1149 Sawmill Lane, Algonquin, for domestic battery.
David R. Chandrasekharan, 43, 1010 Manhatas Trail, Algonquin, for possession of cannabis.
Timothy M. Gibson, 43, 5464 Whitmore Way, Lake in the Hills, for possession of a stolen vehicle
Nicholas T. Reed, 28, 1323 Cunat Ct. Apt. 1D, Lake in the Hills, for deceptive practices and two traffic warrants.
James M. Foster, 37, 1216 Burr Street, Lake in the Hills, for domestic battery and violation of an order of protection.
James A. Matthews, 39, 3090 Ronan Drive, Lake in the Hills for burglary.

Participating with deputies were officers from the United States Marshal Service, Illinois State Police, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, McHenry, Cary and Crystal Lake police departments and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Education Foundation Gives Grants To D158 Teacher Projects

Twenty nine D158 teachers had a pleasant surprise this week when members of the District 158 Education Foundation entered their classrooms carrying a large bouquet of balloons and a really big check.  The check was to announce the news that they were recipients of the annual Foundation Teacher Grants program totalling $12,210.45 for 11 educational programs in the District this year.

The grants went to support everything from physics laptops at HHS to Weekly Reader News at Leggee Elementary. Funding for the grants and other programs was made possible through annual fund raising events and by donations to the District 158 Education Foundation. Individuals interested in helping support the Foundation can call (847) 659-5800 or email d158foundation@district158.org  .

AG Pushes For State, National Bans On Phone "Cramming"

Attorney General Lisa Madigan Friday lauded two national telephone companies for starting bans on a telephone scam known as “cramming” that's hit hundreds of thousands of consumers and businesses with bogus charges on their phone bills.

Cramming is a scheme in which third-party vendors use consumers’ phone numbers much like a credit card – adding charges to phone bills for bogus products or services that consumers and businesses never asked for and never used. The announcements by AT&T and Verizon prohibiting all third-party billing within their operations occurred as Madigan is  pushing for universal bans in Illinois and on the federal level.

“An outright ban on third-party billing is the only way to stop this scam and protect consumers,” Madigan said. “Until an industry-wide ban is in effect, we will continue to pursue our legislation to put an end to this abusive billing practice that’s costing consumers untold millions.”

Telephone companies place an estimated 300 million third-party charges on their customers’ bills each year, and, according to a U.S. Senate Commerce Committee report, third-party billing generates at least $2 billion annually. In the scam's latest manifestation, Internet users report simply submitting their phone number, among other personal information, for online prize drawings, surveys or free recipes. Weeks or months later, consumers find charges on their phone bills for unauthorized services.

So far, Madigan’s office has filed 30 lawsuits against crammers, representing more than 200,000 Illinois businesses and residents she says were victims of  phone billing schemes.

Professional Regulation

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation  the following disciplinary orders in the month of February:

Amerifinancial Home Mortgage, Inc., Barrington – residential mortgage license fined $500 for failure to file Loan Servicer Report on-line during filing period was rescinded.

Russell Davis, Wonder Lake - auctioneer license fined $650 for filing a renewal application that misrepresented that the required continuing education was completed.

Mariana Ravalli, Gilberts – cosmetologist license restored to 60-day suspension due to material misstatement to the Department (applicant failed to disclose suspension of real estate sales license).

Robert Priebe, Crystal Lake – chiropractic license reprimanded due to self-disclosure of a guilty plea to misdemeanor domestic battery.

Chun Wong, Algonquin – chiropractic license placed on probation for one year and fined $2,500 after he advertised his services without identifying himself as a Chiropractor and because he used oxygen therapy in his practice.

Raul Camacho, Elgin – real estate broker license revoked for being more than 30 days delinquent in the payment of child support.

John Hochrek, Barrington – real estate salesperson license revoked due to his conviction for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

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
March 30
0814 HRS 5500 BLOCK OF WINDGATE WAY. DOMESTIC BATTERY. TOVAR, JAIME, M/W 45 YEARS OF AGE, 5504 WINDGATE WAY, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Two counts of Domestic Battery. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
2214 HRS 5300 BLOCK OF BRIARFIELD LN. DOMESTIC BATTERY. MAGNUS, RAYMOND J., M/W 46 YEARS OF AGE, 5332 BRIARFIELD LN., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Domestic Battery (two counts). TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
1305 HRS 100 N. RANDALL RD. (WALGREEN’S) INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Unlawful acquisition. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
1403 HRS 4100 LARKSPUR LN. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Mother vs. Daughter. One prior. FAIL TO FILE.
1502 HRS 5200 MILLER RD. (SUNSET PARK) FOUND ARTICLE. Cellphone . Entered into evidence.

McHenry County Unemployment Falls Again In Feb

Unemployment in McHenry County fell .4 percent in Feburary according to the latest report Thursday from the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The 9.1 percent rate brings the county's unemployment number back in line with last year's trends.

IDES had reported January's county unemployment rate jumped to 9.5 percent from 9.0 percent in December. However, January's the month each year in which the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revises its population estimates so those numbers often see large changes from the ones preceeding.  Illinois' unadjusted February unemployment rate saw a similar .5 percent drop from January's reported 9.9 percent rate.

In McHenry County, according to IDES figures, the overall labor force grew by about 1,500 in February while the ranks of the unemployed shrank by well over 500 people.

Locally, IDES reported McHenry's unemploymejnt rate fell .7 percent to 9.0 percent; Algonquin's rate dropped .5 percent to 7.6 percent; Crystal Lake's rate fell .4 percent to 8.6 percent and LITH's unemployment rate dropped .3 percent to 8.3 percent.

Illinois' unadjusted unemployment rate for February, 9.4 percent still trailed the overall national rate by .7 percent.

                         UNEMPLOYMENT (unadjusted)             
               REVISED    Jan 2012          PRELIMINARY Feb 2012               
               LABOR    UNEMPLOYED      LABOR   UNEMPLOYED      Feb 
               FORCE    NUMBER  RATE    FORCE   NUMBER    RATE  2011   
U.S. (X1000)   153,485  13,541   8.8    154,114   13,430   8.7   9.5    
ILLINOIS     6,522,620 647,830   9.9  6,566,365  616,058   9.4   9.9   

MCHENRY COUNTY 175,169  16,694   9.5    176,754   16,129   9.1   9.8    
KANE COUNTY    275,069  28,221  10.3    277,328   27,131   9.8  10.3    
LAKE COUNTY    354,215  38,146  10.8    356,938   37,518  10.5  11.0
DUPAGE COUNTY  515,537  39,004   7.6    519,899   36,901   7.1   7.5

ALGONQUIN       16,566   1,346   8.1     16,702    1,275   7.6   8.3   
LITH            16,666   1,430   8.6     16,844    1,401   8.3   8.8    
CRYSTAL LAKE    21,786   1,955   9.0     21,996    1,896   8.6   9.3    
MCHENRY         15,259   1,475   9.7     15,359    1,388   9.0  10.2   

In the pic: This IDES graph shows Illinois' unemployment rate with seasonal adjustments.

Runners Readying For Run Through The Hills

Online registration's open for LITH Parks & Recreation 13th Annual Run Through the Hills April 15. The 5K/10K race is expected to draw more than last year's 500 runners since there isn't a major Chicago race scheduled against it this time.

Run Through the Hills winds from LITH's AMC Theaters through the rolling terrain surrounding Woods Creek Lake in the mature section of Lake in the Hills. All 5K/10K participants will receive a long-sleeve technical shirt (youth sizes not available). Molehill participants (kids) will receive a long sleeve cotton shirt and all kids will receive a shirt, numbered race bib, a participation award and a goody bag. Awards, three deep for adults, will be presented at Village Hall, 600 Harvest Gate, directly after each race.

Online Registration's here: https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/79388/SMUCalendar

There's an Early Bird discount though April 9.  After that the registration fees jump $5.

Andrew Gemmell's the Race Director. Any questions, contact him at Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation 847-960-7462. His email's agemmell@lith.org

LITH PD To Tell Of Synthetic Drug Danger

Marlowe Middle School will be the site of an April 12 LITH PD presentation in conjunction with the Huntley and Algonquin Police Departments on the dangers and deceptive marketing of synthetic and designer drugs. Headed up by LITH D.A.R.E. Officer, Pete Albanese, the free presentation will start at 6 pm in the gymnasium at Marlowe, 9625 Haligus Road.

Synthetic marijuana and designer drug "bath salts" are supposed to be illegal in Illinois now but only last week police busted a downstate Jerseyville wholesaler with $100,000 worth of the stuff in its warehouse.

For more information, please contact Marlowe Middle School Principal, Scott Rowe at (847) 659-4700.

In the pic:  "Bath Salts" are so soothing.

House Plan Could Cut All State Government

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues 
All areas of government could see cuts under an appropriations bill approved by the Illinois House Thursday. The plan calls for $6.6 billion in Medicaid spending.  Anything more would come out of all other spending areas. The measure also sets aside $800 million to pay overdue bills, $500 million for Medicaid to generate a federal match that would allow the state to pay off about half of its current backlog of Medicaid payments.

Opponents called on the Legislature to slow down instead of locking itself into a spending plan that calls for cuts to education, human services and public safety.  “I’ve been doing this for 20 years, and this is the worst process I have ever seen,’ said Rep. Rosemary Mulligan, a Des Plaines Republican.

Some argued that lawmakers should consider raising new revenues before opting for drastic cuts. Rep. Will Davis, a Homewood Democrat, said that lawmakers should “engage in a discussion” about new revenue before passing a measure that would likely result in cutbacks.

“If we fully implement this plan, we will, for the first time in many years, operate with more revenues than expenditures in Illinois,” said McHenry County State Rep.Tryon. “This is a necessary step if we are going to make the ‘temporary’ tax increase truly temporary,” Tryon said.

House Speaker Michael Madigan characterized the resolution as a compromise. “Not everybody is happy with the number in the resolutions because some people would like the numbers to be higher, and some people would like the numbers to be lower," he said.

You can read Jamey's full report at:  http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/house-plan-could-cut-all-areas-of.html

Police Blotters

The filing of charges is not proof of guilt. A defendant charged is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lake in the Hills
March 29
0401 HRS RANDALL RD. & MCHENRY AVE. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. ZUREK, TIFFANY L., F/W 24 YEARS OF AGE, 3010 KINLEY BLVD., MCHENRY. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol with a Breath Alcohol Content Greater Than .08, Improper Lane Use. RELEASED ON BOND.
1155 HRS PYOTT RD. & RAKOW RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicle accident. Property damage only.
1253 HRS 8015 PYOTT RD. (DAVRIC CORP.) THEFT. Theft of money by ex-employee.
1447 HRS 100 BLOCK OF NORTHLIGHT PASS. BURGLARY FROM MOTOR VEHICLE. Verizon tablet computer taken from unlocked vehicle. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
Algonquin
March 27
09:21am Duarte-Meraz, Jorge, DOB: 12/26/73, of 1108 Mercury Drive, Schaumburg, was Wanted on a Warrant out of Kane County for Contempt.  He was taken into custody at 500 E. Algonquin Road. He was transported to Kane County Jail when unable to post bond.
21:37pm Mennen, Monica N., DOB: 12/04/80, of 1402 N. Alta Vista #208, Los Angeles, CA, was charged with DWLS and Speeding. She was taken into custody at Randall Road and Huntington Drive. She was released after posting $150 with a court date of 05/02/12 in McHenry County.
March 28
18:54pm Robinson, Richard L., DOB: unlisted, 28875 West Harvest Glen Circle, Cary, was charged with DWLR and Disobeying a Traffic  Control Signal.  He was taken into custody at Algonquin Road and Harvest Gate.  He was released after posting $150 with a  court date of 05/02/12 in McHenry County.
March 29
17:47pm Swan, Sandra A., DOB: 02/18/67, of 41470 US 41 Apt #202, Wadsworth, was charged with Retail Theft.  Also taken into custody was Ficklen, Tara B., DOB: 04/02/83, of 427 Spring Street, Lake Geneva, WI, who was also charged with Retail Theft, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Both were taken into custody at Walmart, 1410 S. Randall Road.  Swan was released after posting $150 with a court date of 05/02/12 in McHenry County and Ficklen was transported to McHenry County Jail to await a bond hearing.
Huntley
March 19
Brian T. Haugh, age 41, of 10159 Compton, Huntley, was arrested on two counts of harassment by electronic communications and one count of disorderly conduct.  Mr. Haugh posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of April 20, 2012.
Tomas Holic, age 28, of 107 Quincy St, Westmont, was arrested for driving while license revoked and display of a false insurance card.  Mr. Holic was cited for no red taillights and operation of an uninsured motor vehicle. Mr. Holic posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of April 20, 2012.
A 17 year-old female from Huntley was arrested for possession of cannabis and was cited for possession of fireworks at Huntley High School.  The juvenile was released to her parents and will attend peer jury.
March 20
Joseph S. Beireis, age 45, of 1051 Noelle, Lake in the Hills, was arrested on an outstanding Lake County warrant and was cited for driving a vehicle with no valid safety test.  Mr. Beireis was transported to McHenry County jail to await transfer to Lake County jail.
March 21
Yaquelin Corona, age 19, of 1737 Kingston Circle, Carpentersville, was arrested for driving while license suspended and possession of a suspended driver’s license.  Ms. Corona was cited for driving with no taillights and failure to notify secretary of state of an address change. Ms. Corona posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of April 20, 2012.
March 22
A theft report was taken in the 12800 block of Del Webb Blvd.  Two magnetic door signs were stolen.
March 23
Eric Alvarez, age 21, of 131 S Annandale, Lake in the Hills, was arrested for driving while license suspended and was cited for registration suspended for non-insurance. Mr. Alvarez posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of April 13, 2012.
March 24
Mark Lawrence Melman, age 37, of 40W60 Harper Dr., Hampshire, was arrested for driving while license suspended. Mr. Melman posted bond and was released with a McHenry County court date of April 20, 2012.
March 25
A theft report was taken at a business in the 10400 block of Algonquin Rd.  The victim states his money clip containing cash, a debit card and gift cards was stolen from his gym bag.

Grafton Annual Meeting: Last Year With Embellishments

In a replay of last year's Grafton Township Meeting, this year's Annual Township Meeting will be preceded by a Special Meeting.  Like last year's, the Special Meeting again will ask electors to immediately buy back the Grafton Township Offices from the Grafton Road District.  This time, however, there's a question if the Special Meeting's a legal one.

The payoff measure and another to auction off the the Township's Haligus Road office site are similar to ones Grafton Supervisor Linda Moore tried earlier this month to put on the agenda for the regular Annual Township Meeting Apr. 10.  The rest of the Board voted them down when Road District Attorney Pat Coen said the payoff plan would create
 a breach of the existing contract to return the Township Offices to Township ownership this fiscal year.

Last year a payoff plan by Moore supporters failed to win elector approval at a Special Meeting before the 2011 Annual Meeting but Moore admitted Wednesday's she'd circulated petitions to try again.  "There are well over 15 signatures," said Moore, citing the minimum legal number necessary to call a Special Township Meeting.

Moore opponents, however, claim the Special Meeting at Huntley's Heineman Middle School at 6 pm, an hour prior to the Anuual Meeting, may not meet State requirements.  According to the Township Code, "a written statement that a special meeting is necessary" is supposed to be filed in the office of the Township Clerk and Township rules are that the Clerk's supposed to post the meeting notice.  Opponents charge that didn't happen.

Ford couldn't be reached Wednesday to ask if she'd received the petitions and posted the notice.  Trustee Rob LaPorta, often a leader in Moore opposition, declined to comment.  When FEN asked Moore Wednesday who posted the Special Meeting notice, Moore said, "It was posted by Grafton Township."  FEN asked if that meant Township Clerk Harriet Ford had done it. Moore replied, "I just told you."

If the rules weren't followed, it's probably too late to fix things. The law also says a Special Meeting can't happen less than 14 days after a request is filed.  The Special and Annual Grafton Township meetings are now only 13 days away.

Coen Wednesday said there was a good chance the matter would end up in court, probably folded in with one of the other Grafton Township controversies.  Road Commissioner Jack Freund's suit against Moore and her countersuit against him are due in Circuit Court the day after the Township meetings.  Moore's suit against the rest of the Grafton Board and their countersuit against her are scheduled the day after that.

In the pic:  Signs announcing this year's Annual Grafton Township Meeting popped up over the weekend.  Some have already been pulled down.

Government Plug-In Brings 100 Hopeful Businesses

About 60 McHenry County businesses signed up for Wednesday's Business to Government Plug-In Event at McHenry County College but another 40 or so were walk-ins at the day-long session on how to become a local government vendor.

"McHenry County bought $70.8 million of goods and services last year," observed Assistant Administrator Adam Lehman. A chunk of change that big would probably be enough by itself  to interest most businesses in McHenry County but District Two County Board Member Donna Kurtz said there was even more money available.  "This is the first time for a lot of people to find out how to do business not only with the County but with school districts and municipalities, too," she said.

Algonquin Village Manager Assistant Mike Kumbera said the Plug-In was "win-win for both sides.  Businesses get to see what we're buying and we get to find out what they have to sell."

Lehman said that before the event the County was thinking of putting another on in a couple of years.  Kurtz said another next year might be a better idea.

In the meantime, County Buyer Donald Gray said businesses could easily see what McHenry County has a mind to buy at the Purchasing Department's webpage at: http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/purchasing/Pages/index.aspx

If the info there's still not clear enough, vendors can call.  "I'm there from 7:30 to 4," said Gray. 

Environmental Defenders Offer Scholarhsip

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County said Wednesday there are four weeks left for high school seniors to apply for a $500 scholarship for students planning a career in environmental work.

The yearly scholarship for McHenry County residents will be given to a graduating senior demonstrating a commitment to his or her schoolwork, the community and the environment. An application form's available here: http://www.mcdef.org/Community_Scholarship_Application.pdf

Completed applications must be received in the office of the Defenders by April 30. For questions about the scholarship, the Defender's number is 815-338-0393. The winner will be notified by May 9.

Former U of I President Gets Big Golden Parachute

By Andrew Thomason, Illinois Statehouse News
Soon-to-be former University of Illinois President Michael Hogan will get a soft landing after being pushed out of his office. Hogan will step down as president of the state’s flagship university July 1 after two years because of pressure from disgruntled faculty members, but he's not done at the university.

First, Hogan will get a one-year paid sabbatical while he collects a $285,100 paycheck. If he hasn’t found another job at the end of that year, he’ll become a tenured history professor at the university with a $285,100 salary, a graduate assistant, secretarial support and $10,000 for research.

Meanwhile taxpayers will also continue paying into the State University Retirement System during his year off and then when he becomes a professor. Hogan earned will have earned $94,240 toward his pension by the time he steps down as president and the school will continue to pay at least $21,667.60 annually under his new contract.

The faculty senate asked for Hogan's resignation earlier this month after Hogan tried to centralize more of the university's operations at the Urbana-Champaign campus from the ones in Chicago and Springfield.

Gov. Pat Quinn wouldn’t comment on Hogan’s six-figure salary as a professor when asked several times at a news conference earlier this week. "I think it’s important for us to move on,” Quinn said.

You can read Andrew's full report at:  http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/8058/former-il-university-president-gets-golden-parachute/

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
March 28
1542 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & OAKLEAF RD. ACCIDENT Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1714 HRS 2265 W ALGONQUIN RD. (THORNTON’S) ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.

Company Won't Comment On New Algonquin Store Delay

A company spokesman declined this week to comment on what's holding up construction of Algonquin's Hobby Lobby store, a hoped-for retail anchor in the Village's Esplanade commercial and residential development south of Algonquin Commons on Randall Road.

The store was most recently expected to open this month but Hobby Lobby Director of Training and Customer Service Vince Parker in a statement to FEN Monday said,  "We are still looking at an opening date to be early Winter."

The closely held Oklahoma City arts and crafts chain's been on an expansion binge the past year opening about 50 stores around the country.  The Algonquin store, formally approved last March, was supposed to be one of them with an intended opening last October.  Construction didn't actually start until November, though, and Village planners then said they expected an opening in "early Spring 2012".  Work still isn't complete, however, and there are rumors about what's delaying things.  Parker said, "I will not respond to rumors just because of that. They are rumors."

Parker said shortly before the 55,000 square foot store's ready to open the company will post want ads for workers. "All hiring is done locally via face-to-face interviews and not via the Internet," said Parker.  He said the store will employ 30 to 50 managers, department heads, cashiers, stockers and custom picture framers with minimum pay starting at $12 per hour for full-timers, $8.50 for part-timers.

In a real-life Horatio Alger story, Businessman David Green began Hobby Lobby 40 years ago in his garage.  Now a billionaire, Green still heads the company which currently includes over 500 stores in 41 states.  Two years ago Green and his wife pledged to give most of their money to charity.  At the moment they're trying to give away a college campus in Massachusetts.

In the pic:  A spokesman wouldn't say what's delaying completion of Algonquin's new Hobby Lobby store in the Village's Esplanade development.

LITH Man Begins Sentence For Juvenile Pimping

A former Lake in the Hills resident, 54 year old Donald R. Jones,  began serving a 7 1/2 year sentence Tuesday for juvenile pimping.  Judge Joseph P. Condon accepted Jone's negotiated guilty plea to the charge Monday.

Jone's conviction winds up the case of what turned out to be a 14-year old Wichita girl LITH police said co-defendants, Kari Knox and Antwanette Atkins, arranged to have meet men for sex two years ago.  Knox and Hawkins were both found guilty of Involuntary Servitude of a Minor late last year.  Prosecutors said Jones got the money and brought the girl to Lake in the Hills in the first place.

Knox and Atkins were each sentenced to 7 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.  Involuntary Servitude of a Minor charges against Jones and Child Pornography charges for pictures he had of the girl were dropped as part of the plea bargain.

In the pic: Donald R. Jones

Intersection, Lane Changes Due On Rakow Widening Project

Traffic patterns are due for a switch today at the McHenry Avenue and Ackman Road intersections of Rakow Road for new striping and the realignment of the traffic signals at the locations.  Project officials said. New lane configurations will start next week at the Ackman, McHenry and Pyott intersections.

There'll be more construction in coming weeks.  Most of the storm sewers are installed but a few connections need to be made in the medians and the side streets, according to project spokesmen.  Electrical work for both signals and lighting is underway and crews are preparing for the concrete base in the new westbound lanes.

The three-mile $26.5 million Rakow widening project from south of Ackman to Route 31's still scheduled for completion this Fall.

No Law To Stop Indicted Rep. From Re-election

By Andrew Thomason, Illinois Statehouse News
Even if indicted state Rep. Derrick Smith is expelled from the Illinois House, nothing stops voters from putting the Chicago Democrat back in the Legislature in the November general election.
“There’s nothing in the election code prohibiting someone expelled from seeking re-election,” said General Counsel for the Illinois State Board of Elections, Steve Sandvoss Tuesday.

The federal government two weeks ago charged Smith with accepting a $7,000 bribe to steer a $50,000 state contract to a daycare facility. If the quickly-convened Illinois House Special Investigative Committee decides the bribery charges have merit, a House tribunal can recommend a punishment up to and including expulsion from the House.

Despite the charges,however, Smith trounced his primary opponent in the March 20 election and as of now hasn't stepped down and is still on the ballot for the November general election.  “All the Legislature can do is affect his current status,” said Kent Redfield, political science professor at the University of Illinois at Springfield. However, Redfield said that if Smith is expelled, but not convicted by the federal government on the bribery charge before the election, the House could vote to not seat Smith after a general election win. Like an expulsion, two-thirds of the House must vote to prevent Smith from being sworn into the General Assembly.

If Smith is found guilty of the felony in federal court, he is ineligible to serve in the Legislature until after completing his punishment.

Repeated calls for comment to Smith by Illinois Statehouse News were not returned. Smith has yet to resign his seat, despite calls from many people, including Gov. Pat Quinn and Secretary of State Jesse White, to do so.

You can read Andrew's full report at:  http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/8049/indicted-il-lawmaker-a-no-show-at-own-hearing/

Obituaries

Cathy T. Rodway, 49, of Crystal Lake died Monday at the Pepper Family Hospice House in Barrington following a fight with cancer. A memorial gathering will be held from 9:30 am until the time of Mass at Noon Friday at St. Mary Catholic Church, Huntley.

Rodway was born June 10, 1962, in Chicago, the daughter of Salvatore and Theresa (DeSimone) Battaglia.  She married Gregg G. Rodway on June 26, 1982, in Schaumburg. She is survived by her husband, her daughter, Carlie, and son, Ryan, all of Crystal Lake; her parents of Algonquin; her brothers, Michael (Gail) Battaglia of Lake In The Hills, and Mark Battaglia of Huntley, and her sisters, Lisa (Keith) Cauldren and Dina (Dave) Miller all of Algonquin.

The family requests no flowers.

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
March 27
0055 HRS ALBRECHT RD. & LAKEWOOD RD. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL/DRUGS. JONAS, DIANE, F/W 19 YEARS OF AGE, 4602 MAGNOLIA LN., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs, Improper Lane Usage, Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor, Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle. RELEASED ON BOND.
0840 HRS 9401 ACKMAN RD. (PRAIRIE STONE SHOPS) ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1312 HRS 10 BLOCK OF PROSPER CT. LOST ARTICLE. Lost temporary vehicle registration.
1319 HRS 4300 BLOCK OF BARHARBOR DR. DOMESTIC BATTERY. Father vs. Son. Nine priors. FAIL TO FILE.
1702 HRS 100 N. RANDALL RD. (WALGREENS) INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Prescription Fraud.
1712 HRS 400 BLOCK OF HARVEST GATE. FRAUD. Debit Card Fraud.
1730 HRS 4300 BLOCK OF BARHARBOR DR. DOMESTIC. Father vs. Son. Verbal only. Ten priors.

Huntley Resident Charged With Murder In Beating Death

Huntley Police announced first degree murder charges this morning against a Huntley man after the Saturday death of his alleged victim following six days of medical treatment. Being held in McHenry County Jail on $2 million bond is 43 year-old Robert Signorile, 12966 Rock Springs Lane.  He's charged with beating to death 52 year-old Michelle C. Mathieu of the same address.

Huntley Police said the pair moved to Huntley last August after living together in Lombard and Carol Stream.  According to a police report, HPD officers were called to their new residence almost immediately when Signorile punched Mathieu and dragged her around by the hair.  He was convicted in October of battery in that incident, sentenced to a year's supervision, a $263 fine and anger counseling. In the latest case, police said a March 18 caller reported a woman at the Signorile/Mathieu address had fallen and was inconscious.  Police said they found Mathieu lying on the floor of the master bedroom.  ALFPD medics took the unconscious woman to Sherman Hospital but she died Saturday.

Signorile is accused of striking Michelle Mathieu repeatedly knowing that such acts created a strong probability of death or great bodily harm and were accompanied by exceptionally brutal or heinous behavior indicative of wanton cruelty.

In the pic: Robert Signorile

Local Chamber Head Charges MCDOT With "Misrepresentation"

The proposal for a controversial Continuous Flow Intersection at Randall and Algonquin roads has sparked a clash between McHenry County Division of Transportation and the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce.  In a letter to MCDOT dated Thursday Chamber President Sandy Oslance resigned from a Randall Advisory Counncil citing "misrepresentation on behalf of the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Chamber.

"It was recently brought to my attention that the project information infers that the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Chamber is in support of the CFI alternative," read Oslance's resignation letter. "I’m unsure of where that approval would have been made," it said.

The letter refers to minutes of MCDOT's Citizen's Advisory Council as a possible source but online postings find no official meetings of the group since 2009.  FEN was unable to find any material on MCDOT's Randall Road Improvements Study website that appeared to indicate Chamber support for the CFI solution to Randall traffic.

Calls to MCDOT officials for comment Friday and Monday were not returned.  Oslance could not be reached because she's on vacation.  Calls to Chamber Board members who, her letter said, directed her to resign from the CAC, were not returned.  Nor were calls to McHenry County Board Transportation Committee members except for LITH's Paula Yensen. She's also on vacation and said she didn't know what the dispute was about.

Six months ago rumors began to circulate that the local chamber favored the CFI but at the time Oslance told FEN the group was neutral on the question. She said then the Chamber was only holding meetings for local businesses and residents so they could make up their own minds about the proposal.

Today County Engineer Joe Korpalski said MCDOT wasn't misrepresenting the Chamber's position on the CFI., "I don't know where that came from," he said. " I don't know where that conclusion would be manifested."

In the pic:  McDOT engineers claim a Continuous Flow Intersection would speed up traffic through the Randall Algonquin intersection but opponents charge the solution would wall off access to Randall businesses.

Judge Asks Bianchi Testimony In Sheriff's Prosecutor Case

McHenry County Judge Thomas Meyer Monday asked to hear what McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi has to say about a request for a special prosecutor to investigate alleged campaign irregularity two years ago by Sheriff Keith Nygren.

Meyer Monday denied a motion by Special Assistant State's Attorney William Caldwell to dismiss the whole thing. He denied an earlier motion Caldwell motion to simply make any decision at all, too.  The judge remained fixated on whether Bianchi's refusal to investigate  means he's not "available" under State law and require a Special Prosecutor in his place.  Ruling on Caldwell's motions, Meyer said he couldn't look at a Bianchi sworn statement claiming his investigating the Sheriff would create a conflict of interest for him but later he said Bianchi's testimony about it in open court would be "critical" to making his decision.

Afterwards Caldwell sympathized with the Judge.  "The absence of procedures (when a State's Attorney refuses to act) makes this free-range," he said.  "Right," agreed  Blake Horwitz, lawyer for Nygren's Primary opponent, recently-restored-to-duty Deputy Zane Seipler, even though he'd earlier complained to Meyer about how long it was taking to reach a decision.

In a remarkable side comment, Meyer warned Nygren stay away from his chambers.  Meyer said the Sheriff had been sighted near them recently.  "I know he was there to visit another judge," Meyer said, but added for appearance's sake Nygren shouldn't do it again.

Bianchi's expected to testify about his refusal to investigate April 11.

Metro Area Gasoline Prices Hit New High

Gasoline prices hit a record high Monday in  Chicago and the metropolitan area, according to AAA.  A gallon of regular cost an average $4.51 in the suburbs, $4.67 in the city. That beat the old highs. Chicago's price was the current top in the 48 states and the metro number was 4 cents higher than the old record last May.

The question is why area prices have risen almost a dollar in the past four months and 18 cents in the past two weeks.  Analysts give lots of answers. Iran will close off the Strait of Hormuz when the Israel bombs their nuclear weapons sites. The rest of the world economies, especially China and India, are on a roll again.   Refineries are in the middle of switching from winter to summer gasoline blends.  A couple of Will County drag racers smashed a two-foot crude oil pipeline that supplies Chicago refineries three weeks ago.

There's a similar unanimity about what comes next: Gasoline prices will either rise still more, fall again or stay about the same. That will have either bad, good or indifferent economic effects this Summer. Both together are likely to have either a profound impact or almost none at all on the Presidential election in November.

FEN's top consumer tip:  Check your tire pressure.  Studies show underinflated tires can cut gas mileage by as much as 20 percent.  The recommended pressure's on a sticker, probably located in one of your car's door wells.

In the pic:  This AAA chart of Illinois average gasoline prices shows the past year's trend.

House Approves Fees For State Parks

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
Visitors to Illinois parks may soon be required to pay a fee. The House approved a bill Monday that would allow the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to charge for entry to the parks. Under the measure, visitors could buy an an annual pass or pay per day. Opponents warned it could turn out to be just another State money grab.

“The parks are desperate for repairs," said JoAnn Osmond,an Antioch Republican and bill sponsor. "They need their roads repaired. They need buildings redone. They need the sewer (and) septic systems all refinished, and that’s what this bill is for," she said.  "It’s to give the parks access to repairs.” Osmond estimated fees would create between $8 million and $9 million in revenue for DNR.

The bill leaves most of the details up to the department, though, by simply giving it the power to collect fees. It does not set costs for the fees. Osmond said that imposing a fee would not create new administrative costs for the DNR. She said the fees would be enforced by the department’s conservation officers, much in the same way that hunting and fishing licenses are now, and new staff for enforcement would not be needed.

Rural McHenry County State Rep. Jack Franks, smelled a fiscal rat in the measure, however. The Marengo Democrat argued the legislation would not ensure that the fees go toward repairs. “What I don’t see in this bill is anything that would safeguard those monies. There’s nothing in this bill that would prevent a fund sweep,” he said.

The bill now goes to the Senate.

You can read Jamey's full report at:  http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/house-approves-fees-for-state-parks.html

In the pic:  Starved Rock State Park on the Illinois at Utica.

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
March 26
0818 HRS RAKOW RD & ROUTE 31. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE REVOKED. VONCKY, KENNETH, 49 YEARS OF AGE, 138 JOSLYN DR., ELGIN. CHARGE: Driving While License Revoked, Suspended Registration, No Valid Insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.
4228 1229 HRS 4445 LARKSPUR LN. (WATER TOWER 2) CRIMINAL DEFACEMENT. Graffiti found on water tower. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1454 HRS 4700 BLOCK OF BORDEAUX DR. THEFT. A real estate sign was taken. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
2014 HRS 285 N. RANDALL RD. (JERSEY MIKE’S) ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
2015 HRS 4100 BLOCK OF LARKSPUR LN. DOMESTIC. Daughter vs. Mother and Father. Verbal only. No priors.
2120 HRS 4580 W. ALGONQUIN RD. (H&R BLOCK) ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
March 25
0127 HRS 3219 W. ALGONQUIN RD. (EVERGREEN LANDSCAPE) DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. SARAVIA, PETER A., M/W 40 YEARS OF AGE, 3856 SONOMA CIRCLE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol & an Intoxicating Compound, Illegal Transportation of Liquor by Driver, and Improper Lane Usage. RELEASED ON BOND.
0221 HRS 220 N. RANDALL RD. (MORETTI’S) BATTERY. JOHNSON, GARRETT J., M/W 23 YEARS OF AGE, 4555 BARHARBOR DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Battery. RELEASED ON BOND.
0300 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & FRANK RD. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. YURKOVSKYY, PETRO, M/W 35 YEARS OF AGE, 10707 WHEATLANDS WAY, HUNTLEY. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Improper Lane Usage. RELEASED ON BOND.
0416 HRS 220 N. RANDALL RD. (MORETTI’S) DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL/ACCIDENT. MOE, MICHAEL D., M/W 21 YEARS OF AGE, 1061 MCPHEE DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol with a Breath Alcohol Content Over .08. RELEASED ON BOND.
0937 HRS 1300 BLOCK OF CUNAT CT. BURGLARY FROM MOTOR VEHICLE. Delayed from 03/23/12. Garmin GPS unit taken from vehicle. Entry gained by cutting convertible top. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS.
1216 HRS 300 BLOCK OF CHIPPEWA TRAIL. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 28 years of age, needing an evaluation. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1737 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF HORIZON RIDGE. DOMESTIC. Husband vs. girlfriend. Verbal Only
1835 HRS RANDALL RD. & MILLER RD. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 15 years of age, injured his arm following a fall. No Transport.
2229 HRS 600 BLOCK OF WEDGEWOOD CIRCLE. ASSIST OTHER AGENCY. Assist to Streamwood PD.
Algonquin
March 23
21:3pm Fridstrom, Rebecca J., DOB: 07/17/70, of 8813 S. Route 31, Cary, was arrest on a warrant from McHenry County for Theft. She was taken into custody at 511 E. Algonquin Ed. She was released after posting $150.00 with a court date of 4/13/12 in McHenry County.

McHenry County Home Prices Hit New Lows

The price of an average home in McHenry County tumbled in January and February according to the latest reports from the McHenry County Association of Realtors. Association head Jim Haisler said the apparent drop was probably a statistical anomaly, though.

Average home prices fell to $154,000 in January, then $148,000 in February, according to the McHAR reports.  "The number of units is up," said Haisler.  "But the prices have slipped."

It's the way the prices have slipped that's important, according to Haisler.  "We have a lot of investors coming into the market," he said.  "We're selling a lot more of the lower-priced homes. By "lower-priced" Haisler said he meant really cheap.  "Twenty, thirty, forty thousand, dollars," he said.  "They're buying them, fixing them up and they're selling them."

"There's probably a big segment now of construction contractors who're out of work," said Haisler.  "They've found a new niche."

Haisler's thesis is that all the new low-ball investor purchases are drawing down prices after they're mathematically averaged with regular sales. The number of homes sold lends support to there.  Buyers signed contracts on about 230 McHenry County homes each month in January and February. That's about 80 more homes per month than the same period in 2010 and 2011 when average prices were much higher.

Further clarity on housing may come tomorrow when Stand & Poors will release the latest Case-Shiller Home Price Indices.  Internet housing trackers Zillow and Calculated Risk both forecast further declines in the index. David Blitzer, Chairman of the S&P Indices Index Committee this weekend in a blog entry said so far this year, "(We) haven’t seen even a hint of strength."

U.S. new-home sales fell 1.6 percent in February, according to the latest Commerce Department report released Friday. Against that, prices nationwide jumped to their highest level in eight months it said.

In the pic:  Signs like this one have been popping up all over northeaster McHenry County in the past couple of weeks.

Sunshine Review Lauds McHenry County Transparency

For the second year in a row McHenry County's won a Sunny Award from the Sunshine Review Organization with an “A” transparency grade.  Editors of the Sunshine Review honor the most transparent government websites in America with the award.

Over the past two years, McHenry County has tried to make information more accessible electronically by increasing use of social media and electronic media distribution;  posting more County departments' information to the Web; creating a Freedom of Information Request Portal and an “Information Access Portal” for the most frequently requested information and posted a searchable version of County Code on the County Clerk’s website.  In another bit of digital transparency, audio records of County Board meetings will be available on the Internet by the end of June.

"McHenry County continues to strive to be a leader in transparency in its operations in making information available to the public,” according to McHenry County Management Services Committee Chairman Ersel Schuster.

Rogers & Hammerstein Cinderella Coming To Sun City

Tickets for Huntley's Theatre Company of Sun City are on sale today from 9 am to Noon in the Prairie Lodge at Sun City for next month' production of Cinderella.  Tickets for the Company's April 26 through 29 performances at the Drendel Ballroom are are $15 for adults, $10 for children under 12.

The Company's Cinderella isn't based on the 1950 Disney animated film.  Rather, it's a stage production of Rogers & Hammerstein’s 1957 musical for television, their only foray into the new medium.  It was a wildly successful one, too, drawing 100 million viewers at a time when there were only 47 million TV sets (including bars) in the first place.

For more about the Theatre Company of Sun City's Cinderella, call 847-659-1617, or email Mal308@comcast.net.

In the pic:  An incredibly young Julie Andrews starred in the first production of Cinderella with Jon Cypher whose debut performance was probably the high point of his career.

Lame Ducks Could Change Springfield Legislative Game

By Andrew Thomason,  Illinois Statehouse News
Voters on Tuesday added to the ranks of lawmakers who won’t return to Springfield next year. All those lame-duck lawmakers could provide the edge needed to get public pension changes and Medicaid reforms through the General Assembly this year, though.

Seven incumbents, mostly Republicans, lost their primary races Tuesday.  They'll join Twenty-three other incumbents — a mix of Republicans and Democrats — who won't return to Springfield next year because they aren't seeking re-election this Fall.

The large number of lame-duck legislators is a result of redistricting, which causes the lines of legislative districts to be redrawn every decade to match population shifts outlined by the U.S. Census.  “It is common for there to be more turnover than usual on this first election cycle (after redistricting). We’re going to have even more than normal turnover this election cycle because there are more retirements, more people running for other offices, more incumbents getting out,” said John Jackson, a political science professor at Southern Illinois University.

Rosemary Mulligan, R-Des Plaines, for instance, withdrew from the race for her seat when her petitions to get on the ballot were challenged. With nothing to lose, Mulligan said she would continue to be outspoken and “do what I darn well please.”

All the lame ducks creates a situation similar to last year, when the Legislature passed an income tax increase, gave the OK for civil unions and abolished the death penalty. It is unlikely legislation of such magnitude will move during the remainder of this General Assembly’s tenure — the lame-duck session in 2010-11 was shorter and created more pressure to act on those issues. But major reforms of costly state systems could benefit from this lame-duck class.

You can read Andrew's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/8003/primary-losses-add-to-lame-duck-ranks/

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--FEN scheduling conflict
Algonquin
delayed--FEN scheduling conflict

Huntley Route 47 Windup Work Start Expected Monday

Friday's rain delayed the start of work to finish widening Route 47 through Huntley but concrete crews are expected to resume it Monday.  Village officials warn of single-lane closures and flaggers when it does.

Most of the work will involve forming and pouring sidewalks on the west side of 47 between Kreutzer and Reed roads.  There's landscaping work scheduled, too, before the job's finished.  Village officials report the State Department of Transportation doesn't have a firm date for completion.

Unresolved is how to take care of a sanitary sewer break under the new pavement north of Algonquin Road.  At least one nearby business has been reduced to using a chemical toilet.  Meanwhile, according to the business owner, transportation and construction officials are arguing about how to fix the badly damaged line and who's going to pay for it.

In the pic:  Winter closed in before workers could install the sidewalk at Route 47 and Algonquin Road.

Algonquin Twp. Electronic And Paint Recycling Returns Saturday

Algonquin Township residents will have their first chance Saturday to trash their old Toshibas and recycle the Winter's accumulated buckets of half-used paint with the start of the Road District's warm-weather monthly Specialized Recycling Program at the Township Complex on Route 14.

Every final Saturday of each month through October from 8 am until noon residents can dispose of, not only electronics and paint, but antifreeze, waste motor oil and cooking oil, acid batteries, metal and brush at no charge.

State law now bans electronics from landfills and Algonquin Township is one of the few practical ways to get rid of the stuff the waste haulers won't take anymore.  The Township is also one of the few places to easily dispose of old paint thanks to its award-winning paint recycling program now entering its second year without State funding.

Details on Algonquin Township's Specialized Recycling Program are here:  http://algtwsp.com/Algonquin_Township_Highway_Department_Recycling_Center_Specialized_Recycling.php

Algonquin Township also plans to hold two Saturday document shredding events this summer.  Stay tuned for dates.

Kindergartner Chosen For State Authors' Conference

A Mackeben Elementary School kindergartener from Lake in the Hills, James Cassan, (and his family) will travel to Normal,in May to represent the school at the 38th Annual Illinois Statewide Young Authors' Conference.

The event, co-sponsored by the Illinois Language and Literacy Council and the Illinois Reading Council, is a celebration of the written work of children in kindergarten through grade eight. Classroom teachers (Christy Brown, in James' case) carefully reviewed each book written and selected classroom winners. Community volunteers picked the building level winner.

First-grader Adya Ganti from Algonquin and second-grader Sean Kovach from Huntley were Mackeben’s grade level winners.

Candidates With More Cash Won Primaries

By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
When legislators faced off in this week’s primary election, the candidates with the most cash generally prevailed.

According to information compiled by the Campaign for Political Reform, Sen. Carol Pankau, a Republican from Itasca who won her primary in the 23rd Senate District, raised $227,249. Her opponent Rep. Randy Ramey, a Republican from Carol Stream, raised $183,765. In the 25th Senate District, Hinsdale Republican Sen. Kirk Dillard raised $441,457 and defeated Rep. Chris Nybo, an Elmhurst Republican who raised $123,8555. Sen. Sam McCann, a Carlinville Republican and winner in the Senate District 50 primary, brought in $200,136. His opponent, Gray Noll, raised $42,255. Rep. Jason Barickman from Champaign beat out Sen. Shane Cultra from Onarga in the 53rd Senate District. Barickman raised $184,562, while Cultra had $149,203.

Particularly telling was the Republican Primary loss of 52nd District State Rep. Kent Gaffney from Lake Barrington to David McSweeny, an investment banker with a yen for politics. Gaffney raised $213,041 but McSweeny raised $285,846. “You see a handful of races like that where you’ve got money going up against organization,” said David Morrison, deputy director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.

Morrison said the fundraising totals present a chicken-or-egg type of question: Did candidates win because they have more money, or do they have more money because they were favored to win?  “Many groups who give to politicians don’t like to give to politicians who might lose," said Morrison. "Part of the point of giving is to build a relationships with someone who is in office.”

Morrison emphasized that many factors besides money go into the results of elections. He said money is focused on in part because it is “easy to measure the money” but not as easy to measure other components, such as volunteers and organization. “It’s ultimately the votes that determine elections,” he said, and that can come down to “the message that (candidates) have and just the candidates themselves.”

You can read Jamey's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/lawmakers-who-raised-more-cash-won-out.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.

WILLIAM M. HALLOWELL, DOB:  05/08/1992, 2375 BAYVIEW CIRCLE ALGONQUIN. BURGLARY(2CTS), THEFT(2CTS).--Algonquin PD

JOHN P. BEAUCHAINE, DOB:  09/20/1961, 1555 FARMHILL DRIVE. ALGONQUIN. UNLAWFUL FAILURE TO REGISTER AS SEX OFFENDER.--Algonquin PD

ISMAEL G. LUNA, DOB: 12/25/60, 4312 W. SHAMROCK LANE 3D, MCHENRY. AGGRAVATED DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (4 COUNTS), DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED/REVOKED (SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE).--Algonquin PD

WALLACE A. HENSHALL, DOB:  05/13/1964, 1108 IDLEWILD DRIVE, ROUND LAKE BEACH. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLE.--Crystal Lake PD
  
JOSEPH D. GIBSON, DOB:  09/28/1992, LKA:  207 GLEN AVENUE, CRYSTAL LAKE. BURGLARY, THEFT.--Crystal Lake PD
  
JAMES A. VALENZUELA, DOB:  02/20/1980, 628 TOMARACK DRIVE, WAUCONDA. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(2CTS), UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE.--McHenry PD
  
DAVID W. STODOLNY, DOB:  09/01/1970, 3604 STUBBY AVENUE, JOHNSBURG. ISAAC C. JONES, DOB:  09/29/1981, 3604 STUBBY AVENUE, JOHNSBURG. THERESA C. STAPLETON, DOB:  09/25/1987, 3604 STUBBY AVENUE, JOHNSBURG. UNLAWFUL CRIMINAL DRUG CONSPIRARY, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(3CTS), UNLAWFUL DELIVERY OF CANNABIS, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS.--Johnsburg PD
      
CHERI C. IRVINE, DOB:  09/03/81, 9419 CREEKSIDE DRIVE, WONDER LAKE. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(2CTS).--Woodstock PD
      
CARLOS CORTES, AKA, RAMON A. MENDOZA, DOB:  08/06/73, 504 W. JACKSON STREET, WOODSTOCK. UNLAWFUL DELIVERY OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(2CTS), UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(3CTS).--McHenry County Sheriff's Office

MARK A. UNDERWOOD, DOB: 03/22/64, HOMELESS. AGGRAVATED CRIMINAL SEXUAL ABUSE (3 COUNTS), TRAVELING TO MEET A MINOR, GROOMING.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office
  
DENNIS K. GLASDER, DOB: 04/07/92, 8413 ABBOTT LANE, CARY. RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY, BURGLARY, THEFT (UNDER $500).--Cary 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
March 24
0342 HRS 231 N. RANDALL RD. (TACO BELL) DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. SMITH, RAYMOND J., M/W 23 YEARS OF AGE, 1083 BENNINGTON DR., CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Cannabis, Failure to Signal, No Valid Insurance. RELEASED ON BOND.
2049 HRS 2800 BLOCK OF SORELL ROW. WANTED ON WARRANT. SWANSON, JEFFREY R., M/W 45 YEARS OF AGE, 2858 SORREL ROW, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant, McHenry County, for Failure to Appear for a Traffic Offense, Bond Set at $5,000/10% Applies, and Wanted on Warrant, Kane County, for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Bond Set at $5,000/10% Applies. RELEASED ON BOND.
0252 HRS 201 LAKEWOOD DR. (LEROY GUY PARK) CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Coke machine was knocked over.
0641 HRS PYOTT RD. & JESSIE RD. ACCIDENT. Vehicle vs. Tree. Property Damage Only.
0840 HRS RAKOW RD. & PYOTT RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property Damage Only.
1545 HRS RANDALL RD. & ALGONQUIN RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.