Village Vintner Moves To Algonquin With Beer, Food, Too

Only the third combined winery and brewery in Illinois began business in Algonquin's Esplanade Friday.  The Village Vintner Winery & Brewery and restaurant was already half-full half an hour after its doors opened at 5 pm following a brief notice on Facebook.

Steve Boyer's Village Vintner winery had a good run for nine years farther south on Randall Road in Carpentersville. Brother and restaurateur Bob Boyer said the problem was that good money was walking out the door.  "We would do a wine-tasting and then people would leave to go somewhere to have dinner.  And we'd hear, 'If you had beer my husband would be here all the time.'"

So in Algonquin's former Double Jacks Burger Bar location, The Village Vintner now offers wine, beer and edibles all in one place.  The decor's a lot different, though.  For one thing, there's all those barrels.

Winemaker and now brewmaster Steve Boyer said it will be few days before his first batches of microbrewed beer are ready.  "At first We'll be serving guest beers like 3 Floyds Robert the Bruce, Goose Island Matilda, and Founders Double Trouble. But then we'll have our own like Double Oat Stout, Vanilla Creme Ale and English Red Ale."  Boyer said he fermented the house wines before the move from Carpentersville.  Among others, "We're serving our Grande Fortissima and Amarosso, cabs, merlots and rieslings and sangria," he said.  There's a wall full of bottled wines, too.

In the pic:  Gregg and Donna Russell, Gilberts peruse the menu for appetizers and entrees at Algonquin's Village Vintner Winery & Brewery and restaurant Friday.  That's the restaurant's new wood-burning oven in the background.

LITH Opens New Disc Golf Course At Fischer Park

Lake in the Hills’ newest park amenity, a free nine-hole Disc Golf course opened at Linda K. Fischer Park Friday.

For the uninitiated, Disc Golf is a game like regular golf, only there aren't any clubs, the holes are baskets and the balls are Frisbees--or they would be if the Wham-O people didn't have a trademark on that name for flying discs and if Disc Golf Frisbees weren't smaller and heavier than regular ones.  In any case, there are official rules for Disc Golf. They're promulgated by the Professional Disc Golf Association.  You can find them here:

 http://www.pdga.com/rules?s=c4e977f09b6105d8a0a8e2a1bcc00f54

LITH's Disc Golf course will be open daily from sunrise to sunset. It's at Miller and Grafton Farm Drive about half a mile west of Sunset Park on Miller where LITH's garden plots used to be.

In the pic:  Disc Golf sounds pretty simple.  Here's LITH's hole Number One, 280 feet, par 3.  Through a tunnel of shrubbery. 

Planting Underway At LITH Garden Plots

Seedlings are beginning to fill in Lake in the Hills' garden plots at their new location north of the village's Public Works Facility.  "All 20 gardens are rented," said Parks and Recreation Director Trudy Wakeman. "That includes the one where they raise the watermelons for the Melon Propellin' contest (for the Summer Sunset Festival)," she said. A possible expansion of the garden plots will be among the topics during LITH's series of Strategic Planning sessions this Summer.

In the pic:  Nick Kopoulos nurtured the lettuce, tomatoes, corn, peas, watermelons and cantaloupes in his LITH garden plot this week.  His homeowner's association considers vegetable gardens declasse but he said, "Hey, I'm Greek.  I'm not giving up my veggies."

State House Approves Cigarette Tax Hike

By Andrew Thomason, Illinois Statehouse News
Illinois smokers may soon have to cough up an extra dollar for a pack of cigarettes. The Illinois House approved a cigarette tax hike of a $1 per pack, pushing it from 98 cents to $1.98.

The measure passed as supporters watched the number of yes votes hit 60, the minimum number needed for approval. Fifty-two representatives voted against the measure, which goes to the Illinois Senate, where similar legislation has been approved in past years, only to die in the House. The impetus for the yes votes in the House this time was the skyrocketing cost of Medicaid in the state. Revenues from the sin tax will go toward paying for Medicaid, and were part of a larger Medicaid reform package, which includes $1.6 billion in cuts from the health care system.

Bill Fleischli. executive director of the Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association/Illinois Association of Convenience Stores, cautioned that raising taxes on tobacco might not raise as much money as legislators think. “Our customers who purchase cigarettes will go to border communities, the Internet, or through illegal vendors. And when they cross the borders they will buy other ancillary items, costing us money and the state of Illinois money,” he said.
 
You can read Andrew's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/8639/il-house-approves-cigarette-tax-hike/

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.

delayed--second @#$%^& power outage at FEN in 48 hours

McHenry County Unemployment Rate Down As Labor Force Falls

McHenry County's unemployment rate fell .4 percent in April according to Thursday's report from the Illinois Department of Employment Security.  The improved 8.6 percent unemployment rate wasn't as good as it sounds, though, since the county labor force, the number of people with jobs and those looking for them, actually fell in April but the number of job-seekers fell even more.  Almost 800 McHenry residents stopped trying to find work last month, according to the report.

Illinois' April unemployment rate fell a similar .4 percent to 8.6 percent but the pattern was much the same.  The state labor force increased by about 4,300 people but the number of job-seekers fell by almost 23,000.  The national unemployment rate dropped a whopping .7 percent in April but there, too, the labor force shrank while the ranks of people looking for work dropped more.

Locally, Algonquin marked a .3 percent increase in its unemployment rate in April.  The numbers show the village's labor force actually increased by about 100 but around half of them were new job hopefuls.  Lake in the Hills' unemployment rate dropped .1 percent in April. Crystal Lake and McHenry unemployment rates fell .2 percent.

                          UNEMPLOYMENT (unadjusted)             
               REVISED    Mar 2012          PRELIMINARY Apr 2012               
               LABOR    UNEMPLOYED      LABOR   UNEMPLOYED      APR 
               FORCE    NUMBER  RATE    FORCE   NUMBER    RATE  2011   
U.S. (X1000)   154,316  12,904   8.4    153,905   11,910   7.7   8.7    
ILLINOIS     6,548,293 589,016   9.0  6,552,620  566,337   8.6   9.2   

MCHENRY COUNTY 176,360  15,947   9.0    176,102   15,160   8.6   9.4    
KANE COUNTY    276,952  27,084   9.8    275,407   24,715   9.0   9.6    
LAKE COUNTY    352,473  33,511   9.5    350,803   28,314   8.1   8.9
DUPAGE COUNTY  519,986  37,623   7.2    522,504   38,551   7.4   7.6

ALGONQUIN       16,692   1,285   7.7     16,797    1,339   8.0   8.4   
LITH            16,877   1,454   8.6     16,903    1,430   8.5   8.4   
CRYSTAL LAKE    21,915   1,842   8.4     21,932    1,792   8.2   9.2    
MCHENRY         15,400   1,447   9.4     15,427    1,428   9.3  10.3   

LITH Historic Ford School Move Set Next Month

Plans to move the historic Ford School from Algonquin back to Lake in the Hills are a "go" next month after a ground-breaking ceremony Thursday at LITH's Ford School Park.

LITH Historical Society head Bob Spooner said the permits are all issued to move the 1886 one-room school to its new/old/original location in the park June 15.  The peripatetic school (!)
was dragged across Algonquin road to the former Stonegate Nursery in 1946.  Stonegate's gone, though, and the school was in danger of being torn down until the Historical Society set out to save it last year.

"I'm glad to see Ford School's coming back where it belongs," said Trustee Steve Harlfinger.  "It's been a long time coming," said fellow trustee Bob Huckins.

In the pic:  Neighborhood (mostly) kids Donnell and Denise Bush, Dylan Bukovsky, Chloe and Zeke Grimm, Vinny Alvino and Brooke Harlfinger beat LITH officials to the punch breaking ground Thursday's ceremony in Ford School Park.

PACE Service, Apartments And Single Homes At LITH Board

A pitch for PACE was the high point of Thursday's Lake in the Hills Village Board meeting Thursday.  Community Relations Representative Mary Donner told the Board there's no scheduled PACE service in southeastern McHenry County right now but there could be.  Conceptually, she said, Kane County's planned Bus Rapid Transit system from Aurora up Randall Road could easily extend to Crystal Lake and then zoom over to Waukegan.

At Tuesday's LITH Committee of the Whole the Board gave preliminary assent to sketch plans to expand two village housing projects.  Developers of the new senior Residences of Lake in the Hills revised their idea for a no-age-restriction apartment project to the west.  Village planners weren't enamored of a giant three-story building proposed for the 5.3 acre site last month so developers came back with 60 apartments distributed among several two-story structures.
Everybody liked that better.

At the same time they gave a preliminary OK to developers plans to convert 24 unbuilt duplex lots in the Lakes of Boulder Ridge development to 37 single-family locations.  Only about half the development's been built and developers said recent prospects have been more interested in detached homes than duplexes.  The proposed single-family dwellings would be similar to the existing ones although a few would end up with smaller side yard setbacks.

In the pics:  (Above) The latest plans for an apartment complex on Harvest Gate.  (Below) Duplex areas of the Lakes of Boulder Ridge converted to singles.

Legislature's Medicaid Cuts Include Catch

By Andrew Thomason, Illinois Statehouse News
The Illinois Legislature passed the first half of a plan to rein in the skyrocketing costs of Medicaid on Thursday — with a catch. Medicaid would lose $1.6 billion, or 12 percent, according to the bill’s sponsor in the House, state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago.

The cuts were contingent on the approval of two different pieces of legislation. One would end  rolling Medicaid costs over from year to year. The other would allow the Cook County Medicaid system to change its income requirements for enrollees. The latter has been a major point of partisan contention.

The Cook County Medicaid changes would move the requirement from 100 percent of the federal poverty level to 133 percent. That change would add at least 100,000 people, but it wouldn’t cost the state more, because Cook County, which encompasses Chicago, funds and administers its own Medicaid system.

The Legislature passed Cook County legislation Thursday. The Senate approved ending the practice of rolling over Medicaid costs, and the House is expected to take up the measure today.

The $1.6 billion in cuts in the legislation doesn’t get to the $2.7 billion in cuts Gov. Pat Quinn said were needed to prevent the backlog of Medicaid bills from hitting $21 billion in 2017. Instead of deeper cuts, Quinn asked for a cigarette tax increase of $1 a pack, bringing the total state tax on a pack of cigarettes from 98 cents to $1.98. That extra revenue would grow spending on Medicaid from $6.6 billion last year to at least $7.3 billion.

You can read Andrew's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/8630/medicaid-cuts-come-with-catch/

Obituaries

Jim Anderson, 68, of Sun City, Huntley, died Thursday at his home following a lengthy illness. Visitation will be held from 3 to 9 pm Monday  and  9 to 10 am Tuesday at the DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral & Cremation Service, Huntley.  Funeral services will be at 10:30 am Tuesday at the Fox Valley Evangelical Free Church, West Dundee.

Anderson was born August 13, 1943, in Chicago, the son of William E. and Victoria (Walusiak) Anderson.  He married Carole A. Martin on September 14, 1963. He is survived by his wife of Huntley; daughters, Corilyn (Tom) Newman of Sleepy Hollow; Melissa (George) Kelly of Lake In The Hills; Jennifer (Linas) Olsauskas of Woodridge and Jessica (Christopher) Talalaj of Prospect Heights; nine grandchildren; Samantha, Tommy, Roxanne, Rachel, Rebekah, Alex, Brad, Christopher and Amanda; his sister, Barbara (Rich) Frank of Coshocton, OH, and his brother, Bob (Brenda) Anderson of Las Vegas.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Hospice of Northeastern Illinois .


Alice M. Pivec, 73, of Huntley, died Monday at Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village following a lengthy illness. Private family services have been held.  Entombment was in St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Palatine.

Pivec was born April 8, 1939, in Chicago, the daughter of Herman and Mary (McEwan) Hassler.  She married Jan J. Pivec on November 23, 1974 in Chicago. She is survived by her loving husband, of Huntley, and her brother, Herman Hassler.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Richard.

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
May 24
0046 HRS LAKEWOOD RD. & ACKMAN RD. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. FEATHER, BRITTANY N., F/W 21 YEARS OF AGE, 9585 NICKLAUS LN., CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Driving While License Suspended and Speeding. RELEASED ON BOND.
1041 HRS 5500 BLOCK OF WINDGATE WAY. DOMESTIC BATTERY. JUVENILE, M/W 15 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGE: Domestic Battery. RELEASED TO PARENT.
0919 HRS 8195 PYOTT RD. (LUMBERJACKS) INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Accidental damage to property. Report for insurance.
0929 HRS 600 E. OAK ST. (FORMER FOOD PANTRY) FOUND ARTICLE. Green bicycle found in the creek.
1252 HRS 500 BLOCK OF BLACKHAWK DR. CRIMINAL SEXUAL ASSAULT. PENDING INVESTIGATION BY REPORTING OFFICER.
1344 HRS 5500 BLOCK OF WINDGATE WAY. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1510 HRS 200 BLOCK OF WANDER WAY. DOMESTIC. Boyfriend vs. Girlfriend. Verbal only. One prior.
1632 HRS RANDALL RD. & MILLER RD. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1848 HRS 900 BLOCK OF NOELLE BEND. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Contact made with a registered sex offender.
1912 HRS 500 BLOCK OF PAWNEE DR. DOG BITE. Female, 48 years of age, bitten by a dog. No transport.
Algonquin
May 21
18:13pm Jacobs, Paige N., DOB: 11/11/91, of 521 N. Main Street, Algonquin, was charged with Criminal Defacement of Property.  She was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department, 2200 Harnish Drive.  She was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 06/27/12 in Algonquin.
19:02pm Krieger, Anthony J., DOB: 12/13/91, of 35W315 Country School Road, West Dundee, was charged with DWLS.  He was taken into custody at Harrison Street and Route 62.  He was released after posting $150 with a court date of 06/27/12 in McHenry County.
20:19pm Peryer, Donald S., DOB: 10/07/90, of 2001 Brittany Bend, Lake in the Hills, was charged with Criminal Damage to Property, Disorderly Conduct and Expired Driver’s License.  He was taken into custody at Algonquin Road and Square Barn Road.  He was released after posting $150 with a court date of 06/27/12 in McHenry County.
May 23
23:04pm Gatenby, Jeremy D., DOB: 11/11/75, of 502 Ridge Street, Algonquin, was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Resisting a Police Officer.  He was taken into custody at 502 Ridge Street.  He was transported to McHenry County Jail when unable to post bond.
May 24
17:37pm Bos, Dawn M., DOB: 01/22/82, of 1460 Vista Walk Apt C, Hoffman Estates, was charged with Unlawful Sale of Alcohol to a Minor.  She was taken into custody at the Algonquin Police Department, 2200 Harnish Drive.  She was released on a Notice to Appear with a court date of 06/27/12 in Algonquin.
May 25
01:32am Onofrio, Nicholas J., DOB: 11/26/92, of 1601 Southridge Trail, Algonquin, was charged with DUI, DUI Over and Failure to Drive on the Right Side of Roadway.  He was taken into custody at 1601 Southridge Trail.  He was released after posting $300 with a court date of 07/11/12 in McHenry County.

Possibly Armed Robber Strikes Algonquin Bank Wednesday

Algonquin Police are searching this morning for a man who robbed Algonquin's Fifth Third Bank on South Randall Road Wednesday afternoon.

Police said the robber approached a teller at about 4:45 pm, announced a robbery and implied he had a weapon although he didn't show one.  The teller handed over an undetermined amount of cash and the robber fled on foot heading north or northeast.  Police said he might have been in a small red car that left the area heading south on Randall.  No one was injured in the robbery, police said.

Police are asking anyone with possible knowledge about the robbery to call Algonquin PD's Criminal Investigations Division at 847-658-4531 or the Rockford FBI at 815-987-9833.

In the pic:  Police described the robber at Algonquin's Fifth Third Bank Wednesday as possibly Hispanic and 30 to 40 years old.

Still More Legal Action In Grafton Township Board Conflict

Judge Michael Caldwell will hear complaints June 5 that trustees are violating his permanent injunction about who's responsible for what in Grafton Township.  Supervisor Linda Moore filed the latest in a flurry of new Grafton legal activity late Tuesday.

One complaint charges trustees won't approve bills Moore submits to them for approval, even though there's a budget line item to cover them and enough money to pay them. The complaint lists about $18,000 worth of bills trustees have refused to OK, primarily one for the Township's disputed annual financial audit and another marked "Mastercard Supervisor". The other complaint asks for a criminal contempt of court ruling against trustees who "have suddenly refused to pay the legitimate expenses charged on the Grafton Township Credit Card."

Trustees have twice voted to cancel the credit card charging Moore's using it to bypass their bill review.

The contempt complaint specifically cites the trustees for telling Moore to return an expensive PA system she bought for the Township's annual meetings this year. It says she uses it for Bingo now.  It also charges trustees made "slanderous allegations" Moore was involved in criminal activity "similar to the alleged embezzlement by the Dixon Controller (sic)." The contempt complaint asks for either a fine on or jail time for the trustees or both.

The latest complaints, in a way, are a mirror image of Assessor Bill Ottley's that Moore won't pay his office bills.  That case is scheduled before Judge Thomas Meyer again at the very same time Moore's new complaints are supposed to be up before Caldwell.

In the past two weeks both trustees and Moore have filed appeals from Caldwell's permanent order to bring peace to Grafton Township which was essentially the same as his temporary order issued more than a year ago.

In the pic: Linda Moore

Huntley "Opt Out" Electric Letters In The Mail

Huntley residents should begin receiving official notices in the mail today allowing them to "Opt Out" of the Village's new municipal electrical aggregation plan.  Under it, residents who don't say no will automatically be enrolled to get their electric power from Alternative Residential Electric Supplier Direct Energy, instead of ComEd's power supplier.

The Illinois Commerce Commission now lists the new ComEd "price to compare" for non-Summer power--not including transmission charges--as 7.722 cents per KWH through next May.  The price under Huntley's new agreement with supplier Direct Energy will be 4.169 cents per KWH through next July with no difference between non-Summer and hot-month rates.

Residents will have until June 13 to reject automatic entrollment in Huntley's aggregation plan. Assistant Administrator Barb Read said Wednesday "Opt In" letters for residents who want to voluntarily join the program haven't been sent yet.  "We're pushing to get them out," she said.

For those uncertain about what to do, Huntley's latest Village Journal reports its municipal aggregation program "allows residents and businesses to leave free of charge at any time for any reason."

Seipler Denies Posting Secret Sheriff's Documents

Restored-to-duty McHenry County Sheriff's Deputy Zane Seipler testified in Federal Court in Rockford Wednesday  it was his wife who posted secret Sheriff's Office documents to an anonymous Internet website, not he.

Tuesday's proceedings were about dismissing Seipler's federal case charging McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren fired him for complaining about alleged racial profiling.  Sworn statements and exhibits in the case were supposed to be sealed but Nygren attorney Jim Sotos charged online versions of old reports of bad off-duty deputy behavior traced to Seipler's home.

Seipler testified he didn't know his wife had put up the reports and was upset when he found out about it. 

The seal on records in Seipler's long-running civil rights complaint has been a leaky one.  A sworn statement from now-fired Deputy Scott Milliman claiming Nygren, among other things, that Nygren told him to kill two men leaked out more than a year ago.  Seipler said his wife got scared for him after Milliman's brother was shot to death last Summer.

A more detailed report on this story can be found at McHenry County Blog: http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2012/05/23/attorneys-get-final-shots-at-zane-seipler-in-keith-nygren-motion-to-dismiss-wrongful-terminiation-suit/

Area Pools, Splashpads Open This Weekend

Weather forecasters predict warm to hot temperatures this Memorial Day weekend, so it sure is handy that's when the area's pools and splash pads open for the season.

Algonquin's Lions Armstrong Memorial Pool and splashpad will open Saturday from Noon to 6 pm through Memorial Day. Hours for the rest of the season are at:

http://www.algonquin.org/egov/apps/events/calendar.egov?path=00&fDD=4-142


LITH's free Splashpad at Sunset Park opens Saturday with from 11 am through 7 pm. Those hours will hold through Labor Day.

Huntley Park District's Stingray Bay pool and splashpad will open Saturday through Memorial Day from Noon to 6 pm.  The facilities will close again Tuesday through Friday but then reopen June 2.  The regular season schedule is here:

http://www.huntleyparks.org/stingray-bay/amenities-hours/

In the pic:  How wet can you get? Fun at LITH's Sunset Park Splashpad.

State House Approves Gambling Expansion Bill

By Andrew Thomason, Illinois Statehouse News
The Illinois House doubled down on gaming expansion to bring new dollars into the cash-strapped state. The House voted Wednesday to add more gaming positions at the state's 10 current casinos,
five new casinos and video gaming at horse-racing tracks. The measure is similar to one passed by the House and Senate last year but which never went to Gov. Pat Quinn when he threatened to veto it.

Quinn threatened to veto Wednesday's legislation, too. “As long as I’m governor, I will not support a gambling bill that falls well short of protecting the people of Illinois. It is clear that this gaming bill still needs significant improvement," he said in a written statement.

The legislation that passed Wednesday is estimated to bring in $1.2 billion in one-time revenue over the next four years through licensing and other fees, which would be used to pay off the state's $8.5 billion mountain of overdue bills.

Quinn called gaming a "shiny" distraction earlier this week. However, State Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, who sponsored the measure, said the legislation would bring much needed money into the state coffers and create jobs at a time when unemployment refuses to drop below 8 percent. "I think this is much more than a bright, shiny object, I think this is an imperative for state government to move this forward," Lang said.

You can read Andrew's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/8611/il-house-approves-gambling-expansion-bill/

Senate Democrats Pass Their Own Budget

By Jamey Dunn , Illinois Issues
Illinois Senate Democrats passed a budget plan Wednesday without the support of Republicans in their chamber. GOP members complained that Democrats were moving too quickly and should wait until changes to the Medicaid system are addressed. The proposal relies on lawmakers approving a way to cut $2.7 billion from the Medicaid liability for next fiscal year.

“We don’t know whether we will get to an agreement (on Medicaid) yet or not, yet. So we are going to move a budget to the House and continue negotiations,” said Sen. Heather Steans, who sponsored two of the three budget bills that passed

“So it’s more important to beat the House than it is to pass a sound budget that’s premised on everything that’s necessary to pass a budget, like what’s going to happen with Medicaid, the central issue in the entire budget?” asked Sen. Matt Murphy, a Palatine Republican, during floor debate.

Democrats argued that Republicans have not presented a plan of their own, and the massive cuts they say they want would never be politically viable on either side of the aisle.

The Senate raced to keep up with the House last year and passed a budget that would have spent more than the other chamber’s proposal. In the end, the House won out. Sen. Dale Righter said it's deja vu all over again. “And what’s going to happen is these budget bills are going to zoom over to the House of Representatives, and they will meet exactly the same demise as your budget did last year,” he said.

You can read Jamey's full report at:  http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/senate-democrats-get-jump-on-budget.html

Obituaries

Darcey L. Chambers-Smith, 30, of Pingree Grove, died at her parents' home in Huntley Sunday. A memorial gathering will be held from 10 am to 1 pm Saturday immediately followed by a Service of Remembrance, both at the DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral & Cremation Service, Huntley.

Chambers-Smith was born May 24, 1981 in Elmhurst, the daughter of Ronald and Paula (Angotti) Chambers.  She married Cody Smith July 3, 2005, in West Dundee.  She is survived by her husband and daughter, Sienna, both of Pingree Grove; her parents and her sister, Rhonda (Joe) Ellena of Carol Stream.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sienna Smith Education Fund.

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
May 23
1514 HRS 280 BLOCK OF BRIDLEWOOD CIRCLE. DOMESTIC BATTERY. GORMAN, JOHN K., M/W 47 YEARS OF AGE, 281 BRIDLEWOOD CIRCLE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGE: Domestic Battery, Domestic Battery of an Insulting and Provoking Nature. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL. JUVENILE, M/W 16 YEARS OF AGE, LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGE: Domestic Battery, Domestic Battery of an Insulting and Provoking Nature. RELEASED TO PARENT. JUVENILE M/W 15 YEARS OF AGE. LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGE: Domestic Battery, Domestic Battery of an Insulting and Provoking Nature. RELEASED TO PARENT.
2353 HRS 101 PYOTT RD. (MOBIL ON THE RUN) DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. RODRIGUEZ, JONATHAN, M/W 26 YEARS OF AGE, 6333 W. FULLERTON, CHICAGO. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Improper Lane Usage, No Insurance, and Possession of Cannabis. RELEASED ON BOND.
1327 HRS 1401 INDUSTRIAL DR. (PYOTT SELF STORAGE) ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1444 HRS 2800 BLOCK OF BRISBANE DR. ASSIST FIRE DEPARTMENT. Assisted the Fire Department with a gas leak. TURNED OVER TO NICOR GAS.
1954 HRS RANDALL RD. & ACORN LN. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
2051 HRS RANDALL RD. & MILLER RD. ACCIDENT. Three vehicles. Property damage only.
2054 HRS 4511 W. ALGONQUIN RD. (CVS PHARMACY) ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.

Algonquin Board OK's Riverside Plaza Switch To Apartments

The Algonquin Village Board Tuesday tentatively approved a developer's request to change the  Downtown area Riverside Plaza condominiums into apartments in hope of finding enough money to finish the long-troubled project. No one on either side was happy about it and it's far from a done deal.

"What's the alternative?" asked developer John Breugelmanns.  "To have the building sit empty for 10 years?"

"The option is to have it empty for 10 years or have something we don't want," shot back Trustee Bob Smith.

Breugelmanns' marketing consultant reported the market's imploded so badly that, based on first quarter sales, only 49 condos will be sold in the Chicago suburbs all year five fewer than  Riverside Plaza alone would contain.

Breugelmanns said he'd spent 9 months and $250,000 trying to sell the project's luxury condos and found only four buyers, two only if they could sell their expensive Barrington homes first. 

A dozen banks were originally interested in financing interior construction,  Breugelmanns said, but they changed their minds.  "None of the 12 institutions was willing to consider financing a construction loan," he said.  "However, they gave me a whisper: 'Go rental and we'll look at it.'"

Terry Becker, the original architect for the project, said Riverside Plaza plans could be reconfigured to create 69 apartments without punching new holes in the building shell.

All well and good, was Trustee John Spella's reaction, but why should the Village pull Breugelmanns' chestnuts out of the fire. "The Board has gone out of its way to make the investment work for you and you're changing all the pieces to suit you," he said.

Trustee Debbie Sosine questioned whether the project would  work as apartments anyway, recalling the last big project the Board OK'ed before the Great Recession was changing 280 condos proposed in Algonquin's Esplanade over to apartments.  "Where's that?" she asked.  Basically, still in Limbo, replied Village Manager Bill Ganek.

"It's definitely a downgrade," said Village President John Schmitt. On the other hand, he added, "If (renters) can afford a high-end apartment they can afford to shop our businesses."

Smith said, "I can see this going forward as they are as a rent-to-own." So, broadly, could the rest of the Board,--save Spella and Sosine,--who, one way or another, said they'd be willing to choke down Riverside Plaza apartments but only 54 of them, not 69.

Breugelmanns had earlier indicated that might not be enough for him to get an estimated $8 million loan to finish Riverside Plaza but he didn't argue about it after the vote.

With the change to apartments,  the whole project has to run through the Planning and Zoning process again and then Breugelmanns has to actually get a loan to build them.  There were plenty of loose ends left dangling Tuesday that Breugelmanns may have been optimistic when he said everything might come together in November.

In the pic:  (Above) John Breugelmanns told the Algonquin Board, "If we cannot go rental (Riverside Plaza) will be empty for a very long time."  (Below)  Work on sidewalks around Riverside Plaza finally began this week but the Village is paying for that.

Huntley Police Report "Break" In Sun City Burglary Investigation

Huntley Police confirmed they've linked a string of Sun City burglaries to a suburban gang but that was about all Deputy Chief Todd Fulton would reveal Tuesday.  "We want to keep this pretty close to the vest," he said.

Fulton said his department has specific evidence linking what are believed to be 11 burglaries in Sun City last year and earlier this year to the gang. "It's a pretty large group," he added but declined to say if there were any individual suspects.

A bulletin to Sun City residents this week said the burglaries were the work of  "an organized group of career criminals that have been linked to numerous crimes in the Chicago metropolitan area." Fulton said several other police agencies are also involved in the investigation but wouldn't say how many, just that they were in the western suburbs.

Investigators don't think a burglary three weeks ago on Grove Street in Huntley was connected to the Sun City break-ins.

Fulton said a new list of suspicious things for residents to watch for was based on what investigators have found out about the gang's methods of operation.  Here's what to watch for:

Individuals in the area that appear to be between 25 and 35 years old.
Male and females walking in the area that appear out of place.
Female subjects wearing large skirts.
Subjects wearing heavier coats in warm weather.
Subjects carrying small canvas type bags.
Male and female subjects that are seen driving slowly in neighborhoods.
Subjects that are picked up on the roadway after walking on the sidewalk.
Individuals that approach a resident and begin random conversation.

If residents see suspicious activity, Huntley Police advise calling 911.  If a car's involved, make, model, color, and license number would help, according to spokesmen.

In the pic:  An HPD map of the Sun City burglary locations.

More Legal Grappling In Grafton

Ancel-Glink attorney Keri-Lyn Krafthefer representing the financial interests of Grafton Township in Assessor Bill Ottley's suit against Supervisor Linda Moore objected Tuesday to appointing Rockford attorney John Nelson to defend her.  Circuit Judge Thomas Meyer told Krafthefer to file a motion about it and set the next date in the case in two weeks.

Nelson Monday filed an appeal on Moore's behalf from Judge Michael Caldwell's permanent order supposedly settling the battle between the Supervisor and trustees in Grafton Township.  Last week the Trustees asked the Second Appellate Court to throw out everything in the order against them.  Monday Nelson asked the Court to throw out almost everything in it against Moore.

Later he said by the time all the arguments have been made and the appellate judges have reached a decision it might not make much difference.  "By then there may be a new Board that's willing to listen to sweet reason," he said.  Reminded that Moore is part of the Board, too, he said he just meant trustees.

In the pic:  The Grafton Township Board, still deadlocked.

Medicaid Plan Not Quite Ready

By Ashley Griffin, Illinois Issues
Gov. Pat Quinn says he wants lawmakers to address Medicaid reforms by the end of the week. But Tuesday, the sponsor of legislation that surfaced Monday says the bill needs more work.

In a House committee hearing, Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, a Democrat from Chicago, informed members that Senate Bill 2840, which contains various eliminations, service reductions and other changes to Illinois’ Medicaid system, was not ready for a hearing. “ There’s a lot of moving parts in Medicaid reform. We just want to make sure that we’ve dotted all of our Is and crossed the Ts,”

Feigenholtz added that she is weighing whether some components of her more-than-400-page bill should remain part of the measure in the first place. For example, Feigenholtz said a portion of the legislation that would clear the way for Cook County to take on more Medicaid patients might be removed.  The move to add more enrollees would let Cook County receive federal matching funds for patients who are currently getting free treatment at county hospitals

While Feigenholtz said she did not present her bill today because of “technical” issues, some Republicans have problems with the fundamentals of the overall plan. “Perhaps if they weren’t so quick to rely on new revenue, we’d be seeing a little more progress now, said" Dale Righter a Mattoon Republican. He said he does not think there is any support in his caucus for a cigarette tax increase, for example.

Quinn said he wants lawmakers to deal with pension and Medicaid reform this week, so they have time to work out budget details next week.  "If we fail to act this week on Medicaid restructuring and pension reform, we’re letting our kids and their kids down. We have to rise to the occasion,” Quinn said.

You can read Ashley's full report at:  http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/medicaid-plan-not-quite-ready.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
May 21
2009 HRS 2265 W. ALGONQUIN RD. (THORNTON’S) DRIVING WHILE LICENSE REVOKED/WANTED ON WARRANT. ROBERTSON, JEFFREY C., M/W 26 YEARS OF AGE, 119 OAKLEAF RD., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Driving While License Revoked, Expired Registration, and Wanted on Warrant, Barrington Hills, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol $10,000 @ 10% Failure to Appear. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
2333 HRS 100 BLOCK OF PHEASANT TRAIL. DOMESTIC BATTERY/POSSESSION OF CANNABIS. AWWAD, WASFI M/W 18 YEARS OF AGE, 112 PHEASANT TRAIL. LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Domestic Battery, Domestic Battery of an Insulting and Provoking Nature, and Possession of Cannabis. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
0125 HRS 3000 BLOCK OF BANBURY LN. SUICIDE ATTEMPT. Female, 17 years of age, attempted suicide. Transported to Woodstock Memorial Hospital.
0641 HRS RANDALL RD. & MILLER RD. FOUND ARTICLE. Drivers License & State I.D. found. Entered into Evidence.
1837 HRS RANDALL RD. & MILLER RD. ACCIDENT. Vehicle vs. Guard Rail. Property damage only.
2251 HRS 1000 BLOCK OF PRIDES RUN. ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 16 days old, unresponsive. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
May 22
2241 HRS 0 BLOCK OF GENEVA CT. DOMESTIC BATTERY. ROMANIUK, EDWARD P., M/W 54 YEARS OF AGE, 3 GENEVA CT., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Two Counts of Domestic Battery. TURNED OVER TO MCHENRY COUNTY JAIL.
1153 HRS 2600 BLOCK OF CROFTON CIRCLE. TELEPHONE HARASSMENT. Female subject receiving harassing phone calls.
1306 HRS 0 BLOCK OF ROYAL OAK CT. MISSING JUVENILE. Male, 16 years of age, has not been home since yesterday. LEADS ENTRY MADE.
1317 HRS SAVOY CT. & WORTHINGTON LN. SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT. Information for police.
1459 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & HILLTOP DR. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
1635 HRS 1400 BLOCK OF ADAMS ST. FOLLOW UP REPORTS: IDENTITY THEFT. Unknown subject making withdrawals from complainant’s bank account.

Algonquin Bypass Work Begins On Schedule

Work began Monday on Algonquin's long-awaited Route 31 Western Bypass but you had to know where to look to find it.  Most of the graders stayed put in the impromptu marshaling yard east of Algonquin's Public Works facility but half a dozen trucks full of Ryan Central bosses scurried all over the north bluff planning how to strip trees and brush in the right of way out of the way so they can get down to business.

Engineers estimate in the next five months the machines will shove 1.2 million cubic yards of earth into shape to make way for the Bypass.  Bids for the paving and overpass work to start later this year are due in to IDOT in three weeks.

Algonquin Downtown Recovering Without "Anchor"

Jeremy Sturgis's new sign should be in place this evening when the Algonquin Board hears the latest report on the village's unfinished Riverside Plaza.  The unfinished residential/retail project at Main and Algonquin roads was supposed to serve as an anchor for Downtown revitalization. However Sturgis's Algonquin Antiques and Uniques which opened Monday a block south is evidence Algonquin's Downtown is bouncing back all by itself.

When Riverside Square ground to a halt in 2008 there were, depending on how you counted, at least eight vacancies on Main Street between Algonquin and Washington alone.  Now there are two.
Wade Merritt who took over the new Cafe Firefly six months ago gave credit to Algonquin's Community Development Department and the Algonquin Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce.  "They've (both) done a lot to promote the Downtown," he said Monday.

Gabrielle Reego who's spending her own money to expand and de-modernize Doerner's Jewelers said  that part of the resurgence is simply due to better times.  "I think the economy's coming back now. But I think people are beginning to recognize the Downtown is a good place to be, too," she said.

That was part of the appeal for Sturgis, a former stockbroker.  "It's an alternative," he said.  "There's more to Algonquin than Randall Road."

The down home quality was what drew Shannon Tampa Downtown. "I never want to be in a strip mall," said Tampa who opened Melt Pilates and Hot Yoga fitness center Friday in Main Street's former Century 21 real estate office.  The location's still central for her client base, though, she said.  "Right now they have to go to Schaumburg for this (exercise training)," said Tampa.

While the business owners FEN spoke with were optimistic about Algonquin's Downtown recovering on its own, none was actually opposed to completing Riverside Plaza in some form or another.  "If I had another 65 or 70 people a day," said Merritt, "...yeah, I wouldn't mind that."

In the pic:  Jeremy Sturgis swept the entrance Monday, the opening day for Algonquin Antiques and Uniques, the newest business to locate in Algonquin's resurging Downtown.

First Huntley Farmer's Market Opens Saturday

Saturday is Plant Your Garden Day and it's also the first Huntley Farmers Market of the season on Coral Street at Jim Dhamer Square from 8 am to 1 pm.

Vendors will have lots of perennial and annual plants for homes and gardens as well as hanging baskets and yard art. There'll also be breads and baked goods (regular & gluten free), honey, jam, pickles, farm fresh eggs, BBQ sauces and rubs, granolas, Polish foods, hand-made soaps and dog treats. A concurrent craft fair will have  a wide variety gift and home items. Meanwhile, there'll be free entertainment in the Gazebo.

The Kids Area will feature seed planting and kids crafts to take home (sponsored by Wayne’s Homegrown Fruits & Vegetables).

Huntley's Farmers' Market will be held on the Square (corner of Coral & Church Streets) each Saturday from 8 to 1 through October 13. 

Dems Reveal "Funds Sweep" Targets

By Andrew Thomason, Illinois Statehouse News
In order to pay down overdue bills, Illinois Senate Democrats want to siphon cash from special funds that support myriad projects — including Boy and Girl Scouts, tourism, energy assistance and transit development.

The fund raids are part of a broader budget crafted by Senate Democrats, which was approved in part by a senate committee Monday night. The proposal wants to use $403 million from more than 500 special funds to pay down $8.5 billion in overdue bills the state owes vendors and schools.
Senate Democrats project $1.9 billion in special funds will go unspent by the end of fiscal year 2013.  State Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, said the raids would be a one-time event.

Targeted special funds include:

    Autism Awareness Fund
    Boy Scout and Girl Scout Fund
    Coal Mining Regulatory Fund
    Drug Treatment Fund
    Insurance Financial Regulation Fund
    Military Affairs Trust
    Pesticide Control Fund
    Real Estate License Administration Fund
    Youth Drug Abuse Prevention Fund      

An Illinois Supreme Court ruling last year paved the way for the Senate Democrats’ plan. In that case, the court considered the legality of the legislature's 2004 sweep of $1.2 million from the Cycle Rider Safety Training Fund. The fund is supported by a percentage of motorcycle registration fees and funds motorcycle training courses around the state.The Supreme Court ruled that all money paid to state funds may be used at the state's discretion regardless of the fund's purpose.

Senate Democrats said they may tap Cycle Rider Safety Training Fund again this year.

You can read Andrew's full report at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/8579/senate-looks-to-fund-raids-to-pay-old-bills/

State Lawmakers End Scholarship Program

By Stephanie Fryer, Illinois Statehouse News
The Illinois House voted Monday to abolish a century-old legislative scholarship program blighted by lawmaker abuse. The bill killing the General Assembly Legislative Scholarship Program, which allowed lawmakers to give full scholarships for state universities to students, as long as the students lived in the awarding lawmaker's district, now awaits Gov. Pat Quinn's signature.

“Abolishing this program is the right thing to do, ”Quinn said in an emailed statement.

The program became the subject of scrutiny after investigations by government watchdogs showed numerous lawmakers awarded scholarships to people who did not live within the boundaries of the lawmakers' districts. No rules forbid lawmakers from giving scholarships to children of campaign donors or staff members.

“I don’t think we are here to bestow special privileges on the anointed few we decide should get them. I think that every kid should be able to go to college, not just the ones we choose," said state Rep. Jack Franks, D-Woodstock, who supported ending the program.

Legislators who opposed ending the program said cutting it was a disservice to students who rely on the waivers to afford college. “This is a red herring of the worst type. This bill is a sham,” state Rep. Jim Sacia, R-Freeport, said.

You can read Stephanie's full report at:  http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/8565/il-lawmakers-vote-to-end-scholarship-program/

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 schedule conflict

Another Setback Expected For Algonquin's Riverside Plaza

A developer's update on Algonquin's unfinished Downtown landmark Riverside Plaza condominium heads the agenda at this week's Village Board meeting.  The update's expected to be a downbeat one. According to more than one informed source, Riverside Plaza Developers, Barrington, will ask to convert the proposed condos into apartments.

The simple problem is that the project, 54 high-end condos and 4 to eight retail stores, was conceived at what turned out to be the top of the real estate bubble.  Since then, condo prices have tanked, however.  According to the latest Case Shiller index for the Chicago area, condo prices have fallen 38 cent.  The most recent report shows Chicago condos selling for late 1999 prices.

The estimated $12 million project, originally dubbed Riverside Square, stalled in 2008 when troubled Amcore Bank withdrew financing. A few months later it collapsed into bankruptcy. Early last year a new company bought what was left of the project.  At the time Riverside Plaza Developers promised to finish it, condo prices were on what looked like the start of an upward trend again.  It turned out to only be a blip in a further downhill slide, though.

None of this is news to Algonquin's administrators and Board who've been monitoring the project closely. Trustees retired into closed session for 45 minutes last week to discuss unspecified "pending litigation".  Technically. the Village's lawsuit to tear down Riverside Plaza ended in March but the settlement reached was predicated on the project's actually being completed.

Last month, developers under Village pressure finished some soffit and masonry work to close in the building shell but there's still nothing much inside it. One prospective tenant allowed inside recently said, "It would be very nice if it had...(quite a lengthy pause)...lights?"

Meanwhile, the phone number shown on billboards for Riverside Plaza has come up "no longer in service" for almost a month now.

In the pic:  Chicago are home prices have taken a beating but condos have fared even worse.

Half A Truckload Of Pantry Donations At Commons Touch-A-Truck

McHenry's Flight For Life Helicopter was called away from the Touch-A-Truck event at Algonquin Commons Sunday to rush a Woodstock motorcycle accident victim to Rockford but an estimated 2,000 kids were still entertained by local firefighters rappelling to earth from extension truck ladders.  Repeatedly.  Sometimes even upside down.

Besides the fun and raffle games, crowds for the four-hour event also brought along half a truckload of food donations for the Algonquin Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry.

Giant Tournout For Girls On The Run At Huntley's Healthbridge

An estimated 2,000 spectators cheered on some 1,800 runners who thundered through Huntley's Northbridge neighborhood Sunday for the Annual Girls on the Run 5K fun run.  The event supports Girls on the Run of Northwest Illinois, a program which seeks to instill self-esteem through health education, life skills development, mentoring relationships, and physical training in girls third through eighth grades.

The run was officially untimed.  Doffing a safety harness she wore to send the runners off from atop a cherry picker, Executive Director Laurie Dayon said there was a clock at the finish but no one was recording the results because, "Everyone here is going to be a winner."

Algonquin Teen Picked For National Underage Drinking Panel

An Algonquin youth will be one of ten teens picked to be part of Mothers Against Drunk Driving's first-ever National Teen Influencer Group.  Jacobs High School freshman Tucker Lehman, A youth member of the McHenry County Underage Drinking Task Force, will travel to Dallas next month to help convince kids not to drink.

“There is no one better to address underage drinking than teens themselves,” said Kellie Clapper, Assistant Vice President of Community Relations for State Farm Insurance which helps sponsor MADD's teen program. "(Tucker) is already gathering sample ordinances and statistics to present at National Teen Influencer Group,” said Jacobs biology teacher Terri Dawson who nominated him.

In the pic:  Fifteen year-old Tucker Lehman making up some badges for McHenry County's  Illinois Sticker Shock anti-teen drinking program.

More Sin Taxes Proposed To Raise State Revenue

By Stephanie Fryer and Anthony Brino,  Illinois Statehouse News
Illinois lawmakers must craft next year’s budget and fix huge deficits by May 31 but so far the only new source of revenue has been a proposal to tax online gambling. Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, wants legislators to approve his plan to tax and regulate Internet gambling in Illinois before Congress keeps the state’s hands off the industry.

Under Cullerton’s proposal, a new Division of Internet Gaming within the Illinois Lottery would establish an Internet gaming platform, accept wages and pay out winnings, work with other states to offer intrastate gaming and verify that users are legally allowed to gamble. “We estimate that the potential new revenues to the state are in the hundreds of millions of dollars,” Cullerton said in a letter to the state’s top lawmakers last week, noting that Illinoisans already make Internet bets, some of them considered illegal.  Congress is considering an Internet gambling bill that would bar states from regulating iGaming unless they have those laws on the books.

Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn has yet to weigh in on iGaming. He said earlier this month that finding a solution to the state’s budget and pension problems is capturing most of his time and even cutting into his sleep.

Another funds raiser, albeit a smaller one, would charge a tax on strip clubs that sell or allow alcohol. Revenues from the tax would go to fund rape crisis centers. Clubs would have the option or paying $3 per customer or a flat rate based on how much money the bring in. Under the measure, which was approved by a Senate committee this week, clubs that make more than $2 million a year would be charged $25,000. Clubs that make between $500,000 to $2 million would pay $15,000 in tax. Those that make less than $500,000 would pay $5,000.

You can read the full report on this story at: http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/8539/week-in-review-betting-on-igaming-controversy-over-nation-of-islam/

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
May 20
0713 HRS 3219 W. ALGONQUIN RD. (EVERGREEN LANDSCAPE) POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. PLUSHKIS, BRIAN J., M/W 25 YEARS OF AGE, 1043 VIEWPOINT DR., LAKE IN THE HILLS. CHARGES: Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Cannabis, Speeding. RELEASED ON BOND.
1518 HRS 300 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. NO VALID ILLINOIS LICENSE. JUVENILE. F/W 17 YEARS OF AGE, ALGONQUIN. CHARGES: No Valid Illinois License, Expired Registration. RELEASED TO PARENT.
1950 HRS 2122 W. ALGONQUIN RD. (NATIONWIDE) ILLEGAL CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL BY A MINOR. SORICH, MATTHEW A., M/W 18 YEARS OF AGE, 3 SALFORD CT., ALGONQUIN. CHARGE: Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor. NOTICE TO APPEAR.
0054 HRS 101 N. RANDALL RD. (DOMINICK’S) CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.  Gang graffiti on electrical box behind business. TURNED OVER TO INVESTIGATIONS
0216 HRS 211 N. RANDALL RD. (STEAK & SHAKE) ASSIST AMBULANCE. Female, 28 years of age, unknown medical problem. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
0256 HRS 9341 PYOTT RD. (BARBARA KEY PARK) FOUND ARTICLE. Three stereo speakers found in park
0349 HRS ARROWHEAD DR. & BIRCH ST. ASSIST OTHER POLICE DEPARTMENT. Assist to Algonquin Police Department.
1135 HRS 0 BLOCK OF PRINCETON CT. DOMESTIC. Sister vs. sister. No priors. BATTERY. FAIL TO FILE.
1819 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & HARVEST GATE. ACCIDENT. Vehicle vs. deer.
1900 HRS 400 BLOCK OF VILLAGE CREEK DR. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Complainant was advised that subjects are going to do harm to her.
2034 HRS 61 OAKLEAF RD. (JAYCEE PARK) ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 18 years of age, intoxicated. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
2123 HRS RANDALL RD. & ACORN LN. ACCIDENT. Two vehicles. Property damage only.
Algonquin
May 18
09:03am Martinez, Diana L., DOB: 07/03/93, of 307 Berkshire Drive, Crystal Lake, was charged with No Valid Driver’s License, Speeding and No Proof of Insurance.  She was taken into custody at Cary Road and Klasen Road.  She was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond with a court date of 06/27/12 in McHenry County.
May 19
02:10am Young, Josiah D., DOB: 04/08/91 of 1225 S. Park Terrace, Quincy, was charged with DWLS.  He was taken into custody at Longmeadow Parkway and Randall Road.  He was released on a Personal Recognizance Bond with a court date of 06/06/12 in McHenry County.
06:07am Bedgood, Todd J., DOB: 03/27/68 of 22 Dellwood Court, Algonquin, was charged with Domestic Battery and Unlawful Interference with Reporting a Domestic Battery.  He was taken into custody at 22 Dellwood Court.  He was transported to Kane County Jail to await a bond hearing.
13:24pm Gonzalez, Raul, DOB: 01/05/87, of 458 South Street Apt #2, Elgin, was charged with DWLS.  He was taken into custody in the 1800 block of S. Randall Road.  He was released after posting $150 with a court date of 06/27/12 in McHenry County.
May 20
20:55pm A 17 year-old male from Lake in the Hills and a 17 year-old male from Crystal Lake were both charged with Retail Theft.  Both subjects were taken into custody at Walmart, 1410 S. Randall Road.  Both subjects were referred to the Tri Area Court For Teens and then released into the custody of their parents.

D300 Seniors Graduate Into Uncertain Future

Thousands of proud family members converged on the Sears Centre in three waves Saturday as District 300 high schools held their graduation exercises Saturday.  Jacobs sent 554 grads, Dundee-Crown 600 and Hampshire 276.

Jacobs valedictorian Allison Dianis and DC valedictorian David Nellessen spoke, not surprisingly, of the challenges ahead but the ones facing this year's crop of seniors are particularly daunting after four years of recession and anemic recovery.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor reports in the past 10 years participation in the labor force (holding a job or looking for one) dropped from a 65.8 percent high in 2002 to a 10-year 53.0 percent low in this year's first quarter.

The betting is the bulk of the kids will go off to college this fall, either JC or four-year.  A D300 spokesman this week said results of the schools' Senior Surveys won't be tallied for one to two weeks yet.

In the pic:  Jacobs seniors filed in to their Sears Centre graduation Saturday afternoon to the standard strains of Pomp and Circumstance.  The good news was the tune's a processional, not a dirge.

First Algonquin Run For Recreation Uphill Battle--Literally

Seventy five runners turned out for Algonquin's inaugural Run For Recreation Saturday and a workout was what they got with the course winding from the start almost immediately up the Village's Huntington Drive.  Huntington's the same street auto enthusiasts used to use to separate the men from the boys in races 100 years ago.

Algonquin resident Alex Johnson led the pack at the finish with a time of 1:03:01 for the 10-mile course.  Algonquin resident Nick Nunez was fourth at 1:10:39.  Crystal Lake resident Kristina Zoller was first among the women runners and fifth overall at 1:11:10. Lake in the Hills' Lindsay Murphy was the top finisher for local women coming in third among females and seventeenth overall.

In the pic:  Algonquin's first Run For Recreation was a challenge for runners who found themselves huffing and puffing almost from the race start. 

"Miracle On Hudson" Co-Pilot Heads Young Eagles Now

It was a great day, save for an occasional windgust, Saturday at Lake in the Hills Airport for the first of this Summer's Young Eagles flights for kids.  The free plane rides in small aircraft are provided by EAA Chapter 790, the local group of Smilin' Jacks who think everybody ought to be skyhappy.

The National Young Eagles program just got a new full-time head.  He's Jeff Skyles whose name may ring a bell as the co-pilot who helped "Sully" Sullenberger successfully ditch an A320 jumbo jet in the Hudson three years ago when errant Geese knocked out both engines.  Skyles wants to expand the Young Eagles program to include an an Adult Eagles one, too.

Meanwhile the program for Young Eagles aged 8 to 7 will go on onece a month through October at LITH Airport.

In the pic:  Members of the local Civil Air Patrol helped out at EAA Chapter 790's Young Eagles program Saturday.  For instance, as here, airplanes have a tough time parallel parking.

Volunteers Descend For Plantings At Huntley Green Trees

At least 40 volunteers from Huntley community groups and an unknown number of "walk-ins" planted their hearts out Saturday to spruce up the grounds at the McHenry County Housing Authority's Green Trees Apartments public housing complex on Douglas Avenue.

The Housing Authority didn't have much money for grounds work this year to improve Green Trees but Fender recruited three Saturdays worth of help from St. Mary's Youth group, Huntley Jaycees, the HHS Honor Society and friends she could lay the arm on.  Trees,to beautify the grounds came from the Land Conservancy of McHenry County while flowers and plants were donated by Whispering Hills Nursery, Wilson Nursery, Hoffie Nursery and Krogstad Land Design.

Organizer Pam Fender admitted she didn't really know how many people turned out to help at Green Trees Saturday.  "I think there's 40 but I'm not sure. There's a lot of them and they're moving fast," she said.

In the pic:  Planting one of a group of new trees Saturday to shade Huntley's Green Trees Apartments.

Sewer "Drone" Tops LITH Public Works Open House

The big noisy machines (Brrrm, Brrrm, Brrrrrm! You do it with your lips, remember?) were the hit with the kids at Lake in the Hills Public Works Open House Saturday but the highlight of the event was really off in a corner of the garage.  It was the Department's new sewer "Predator".

Like the Air Force UAV's used to track down insurgents, the new inspection tool can be remotely piloted--via fiber optic cable--to places where people can't go.  "With different wheels and gearing (there's a kit to customize the machine for each mission) we can send it through an eight-inch sewer," said operator Tom Dunn.

Public Works Director Fred Mullard said the Village has been spending so much hiring private inspection crews to locate sewer problems that the new machine will pay for itself within four years.

"We can hardly wait for the first crack or clog," said Dunn.

In the pic Five year-old Joe and three year-old Jenna Shiffer examine the video display feeding back from LITH's new sewer "drone" being operated by the Public Works Department's Tom Dunn.

Huntley Blood Drive Helps Fight Child's Leukemia

A blood drive at Huntley's Snap Fitness Center was a little out of the ordinary Saturday since it was held to benefit one individual, a child with leukemia, four year-old Piper Novak, niece of Snap's owner, Carolyn Chesta.  That was one reason, too, that technicians were offering "double" blood donations at the event.

It's possible to take two units of blood, remove the red cells or platelets and return one unit of the remaining fluid back into the donor, according to Heartland Blood Centers marketer Michelle Dodd.  "Piper's had both red blood cell and platelet treatment," she said.  Almost 20 donors had appeared before lunchtime at Saturday's drive.

Dodd herself is heading a Promise For Piper campaign to fight leukemia.  You can find it at:   http://www.facebook.com/APromiseForPiper/info

In the pic:  Saturday's blood drive at Huntley's Snap Fitness Center was to benefit four year old Piper Novak who has leukemia.

Quinn Signs Off On Childcare Providers Money

By Ashley Griffin, Illinois Issues
Child-care providers throughout Illinois can count on state funding through the end of the current fiscal year, but cuts are still on the horizon for next year.

Friday, the Senate approved and Gov. Pat Quinn immediately signed a supplemental appropriations bill that contains $73.6 million to pay providers and $151 million to pay down overdue Medicaid bills. The bill would use unspent Fiscal Year 2012 funds to pay Medicaid bills, then direct the federal match that comes with Medicaid spending toward paying child-care providers for looking after low-income children. The House approved the proposal earlier this week.

Although funding will be restored for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2012, under Quinn’s FY '13 proposed budget, the program would see an $85 million reduction.

Republicans took the opportunity to criticize the way the state budget is crafted. “When we really, really, really need to, we can always find a place to move money around,” said Sen. Carole Pankau, a Republican from Itasca. “But maybe it's time that we spent some extra time taking that fine-tooth comb to the budget as we go forward.”

You can read Ashley's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/quinn-signs-off-on-money-for-child-care.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.

GEOFFREY W. GODSHALL, DOB:  11/29/71, 8715 HICKORY LANE, WONDER LAKE. CRIMINAL SEXUAL ASSAULT.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office

TIMOTHY A. BUSBY, DOB:  07/16/1976, 8203 GERSON DRIVE, WONDER LAKE. MICHAEL A. REICHLEY, DOB:  06/18/1969, 5203 WONDER WOODS DRIVE, WONDER LAKE. RETAIL THEFT.--Johnsburg PD

GEORGETTE E. STROBELm DOB:  09/06/1979, 908 PLEASANT  STREET, WOODSTOCK. AGGRAVATED BATTERY, RESISTING A PEACE OFFICER.--Crystal Lake PD
  
TYESHA P. UNSELD, DOB:  04/01/1987, 13 OAKCREST DRIVE  #6, CARPENTERSVILLE. RETAIL THEFT.--Crystal Lake PD
  
TRAVIS L. HOWARD, DOB:  06/14/1986, 207 ILLINOIS STREET, CRYSTAL LAKE. THEFT.--Crystal Lake PD
  
LISA M. LATALA, DOB:  10/11/1971, 470 BUCKINGHAM DRIVE  #4, CRYSTAL LAKE. DISORDERLY CONDUCT.--Crystal Lake PD
  
BENJAMIN R. VOISS, DOB:  08/13/1983, 320 GOLF LANE, ALGONQUIN. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.--Crystal Lake PD

KENOYIA L. LYONS, DOB:  09/29/1988, 2801 ECHO STREET, ROCKFORD. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER CANNABIS, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS.--Harvard PD

JULIUS M. WILLIAMS, DOB:  08/20/1982, 321 HOY STREET  #1, WOODSTOCK. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CANNABIS.--Woodstock PD
  
JEREMIAH B. PEDERSEN, DOB:  04/21/1983, 611 N. ROSEDALE, AURORA. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITH INTENT TO DELIVER, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, AGGRAVATED BATTERY (2CTS), RESISTING A PEACE OFFICER (2CTS).--McHenry County Sheriff's Office.

KEITH A. KNIGGE, DOB:  10/04/1976, 42768 N. LAKE, ANTIOCH. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (2CTS), UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. CARA M. ULLRICH, DOB:  09/01/1978, 3710 BUCHANAN ROAD, JOHNSBURG. ESCAPE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(2CTS), UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITHOUT REQUISITE FIREARM OWNER’S IDENTIFICATION CARD, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FIREARM AMMUNITION WITHOUT REQUISITE FIREARM OWNER’S IDENTIFICATION CARD, ENDANGERING THE LIFE OF A CHILD (3CTS)--Johnsburg PD

KURTIS M. NORWOOD, DOB:  09/04/1988, 619 PARK STREET, WOODSTOCK. UNLAWFUL USE OF A CREDIT CARD (3CTS). TODD M. MARRINER, DOB: 09/12/71, 2203 COOLIDGE AVENUE, MCHENRY. AGGRAVATED CRIMINAL SEXUAL ABUSE (3 COUNTS).--McHenry County Sheriff's Office
  
PAUL R. REDING SR., DOB: 03/24/62, 5313 SHORE DRIVE, MCHENRY. AGGRAVATED BATTERY.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office

DANIEL C. HOFER, DOB: 07/16/90, 2303 W. FAIRVIEW LANE, MCHENRY. AGGRAVATED CRIMINAL SEXUAL ABUSE (11 COUNTS), CHILD
PORNOGRAPHY.--McHenry County Sheriff's Office

JUSTIN J. SCHNECK, DOB: 06/23/91, 181 N. MAIN STREET, CRYSTAL LAKE. AGGRAVATED DRIVING WHILE LICENSE REVOKED.--McHenry County Conservation District

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
May 19
0106 HRS RAKOW RD. & PYOTT RD. WANTED ON WARRANT. GARRETT, JERMAINE M., M/B 26 YEARS OF AGE, 2938 HANSON ST., ROCKFORD. CHARGES: Wanted on Warrant, Winnebago County Sheriffs Office for Failure to Appear for Obstructing Justice. Bond Amount: $2,000 at 10%. RELEASED ON BOND.
0322 HRS RANDALL RD. & MCHENRY AVE. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. MARRAH, STEVEN J., M/W 27 YEARS OF AGE, 16N845 REINKING RD., HAMPSHIRE. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol with a Breath Alcohol Content Over .08, Improper Lane Usage. RELEASED ON BOND.
0330 HRS 1415 W. ALGONQUIN RD. (WILLOW FUNERAL HOME) DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL.  HUNDAL, RANDIP S., M/W 29 YEARS OF AGE, 1344 ROSEBUD LN., ADDISON. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Speeding. RELEASED ON BOND.
0820 HRS ALGONQUIN RD. & BERG ST. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. LEON, NESTOR D., M/W 34 YEARS OF AGE, 105 GREEN ST., CARPENTERSVILLE. CHARGES: Driving While License Suspended. RELEASED ON BOND.
2331 HRS MCHENRY AVE. & RAKOW RD. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. VALDIVIA-MORALES, MARCOS, M/W 21 YEARS OF AGE, 245 LINCOLN ST., CRYSTAL LAKE. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, No Valid Drivers License and Disobeying a Traffic Control Device. RELEASED ON BOND.
0927 HRS 300 BLOCK OF WRIGHT DR. SUICIDE ATTEMPT. Female, 34 years of age, attempted suicide by pills. Transported to Woodstock Memorial.
1142 HRS 1100 BLOCK OF BURR ST. INFORMATION FOR POLICE. Female, 61 years of age, injured her face, due to a fall.
1534 HRS 350 BOULDER DR. (BOULDER RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB) ASSIST AMBULANCE. Male, 57 years of age, hit by a golf cart. Transported to Sherman Hospital.
1646 HRS 400 BLOCK OF CRYSTAL LAKE RD. INTERFERENCE WITH COURT ORDER VISITATION. Interference with Court Order visitation.