Severe Weather Warning

Located along a line extending from Belvidere, to or moving east at 30 mph.
Severe thunderstorms will be near Marengo around 12:10 pm CDT, Kirkland
Kingston & Genoa around 12:15 pm CDTt.

Other locations impacted by this line of severe thunderstorms include Davis Junction and Union.

People attending the Boone County Fair are in the path of these storms and should prepare for dangerous weather conditions.

Severe thunderstorms produce damaging wind in excess of 60 miles per
hour, large hail, deadly lightning, and very heavy rain.

For personal protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of your home
or business.

Unkind Attitudes Have Detrimental Consequences For Both Sides

According to information from the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s office, 24 year old Michael Rohn, of Cary, will have the opportunity to visit the inside of the Illinois Department of Corrections for the next three years. He was sentenced to this residency as the result of a dispute with another Cary resident, 21-year old Jeremy Sojka.

A dispute arose between the two in the early morning hours of October 16, 2010 when Rohn, driving his vehicle behind one in which Sojka was a passenger. Rohn reportedly believed that he had been the recipient of a hand gesture executed by Sojka.

Words were exchanged between the two and a physical altercation ensued between them through Rohn’s driver’s side window. Rohn put his vehicle in reverse, backed up, and then drove forward striking Sojka. Rohn executed this maneuver a second time as Sojka was staggering away. Rohn drove his vehicle forward aimed at Sojka and drove over him. Rather than exiting the parking lot through the exit, Rohn drove through a nearby park before re-entering a roadway.

Sojka required extensive medical treatment for his injures, which included a broken pelvis and a lacerated liver.

This case was investigated by Det. Susan Ellis of the Cary Police Department and was prosecuted by Sharyl Eisenstein and Ryan Blackney of the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Words of Wisdom

"Where there is no law, there is no liberty; and nothing deserves the name of law but that which is certain and universal in its operation upon all the members of the community."

--Benjamin Rush, letter to David Ramsay, 1788

On The Trail

McHenry County Conservation District announced that construction will begin next week on a .7 mile eastbound extension of the Ridgefield Trace bike trail.  Currently the trail begins at McHenry County College and runs two miles to near Oak Street in Crystal Lake. The new 10’ wide asphalt trail will pick up where the other left off at Oak Street and travel to Walkup Road/Veterans Acres Park in Crystal Lake along the ComEd right-of-way. This new phase is expected to be completed by mid November.

“The trail will serve to connect the rapidly growing Crystal Lake area and provide pedestrians and cyclists a safe alternative to road side travel. In addition, this trail allows the opportunity for local students and faculty headed to MCC to ride their bikes to the community college, thereby easing traffic congestion and reducing air pollution,” said Director of Operation John Kremer.

This portion of the trail was funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) through a through CMAQ grant (Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality Improvement Program), which finances projects that will contribute to improving air quality and reducing congestion.

This is the next phase of a longer 7.5 mile regional trail that is envisioned to extend from Route 47, near McConnell Road in Woodstock, through Veterans Acre Park in Crystal Lake and link to the Prairie Trail. 

Miss Illinois To Visit With Township Senior Bingo Group

When Seniors meet next Tuesday, August 16 for Grafton Township Senior Bingo at 11712 Coral Street, Huntley, they will be visited by a special guest. Hannah Smith, a Huntley native, will speak at 11a.m. to the group about her experience in the contest and also give a short dance performance. 

Grafton Township Meetings This Evening

7:30 p.m. – A Special Meeting of the Grafton Township Board -- in the Huntley Park District,12015 Mill Street, Huntley.

Following the opening of the meeting, and Pledge of Allegiance, the first order of business is to Adopt Agenda Items from the Trustees Agenda and the Supervisor’s Agenda per Judge Caldwell’s Order”

“It is incumbent upon the board to vote on the adoption of the agenda it intends to follow at the meeting as the first order of business. Both the board’s agenda and the supervisor’s agenda should be voted on. Both should be considered for approval and voted upon. Upon a negative majority vote, the unapproved agenda will stand rejected.

Supervisors Agenda.

• Call to Order and Roll Call
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Action Item to Adopt Agenda Items from the Trustees Agenda (per Judge Caldwell’s order as stated above.)
• Public Comment
• Discussion whether to pay trustees for attending the senior Services Committee meeting.
• Discussion and Action to approve Road District $300,000 payment to Harris Bank (Bank of New York Mellon) on $700,000 road district loan.
• Discussion and action to amend the road district budget for 2011-2012 current fiscal year.
• Closed Session: regarding setting a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body.

                                               -------------------------------------------------

Notice and Agenda (as prepared by the Township Clerk in accordance with the direction of the Township Board Rules)

1.      Call to Order

2.      Roll Call

3.      Pledge of Allegiance

4.      Approval of Agenda

5.      Regular Business

A-         Audit and Payment of Bills

1.  Discussion and potential action to pay bills as submitted. Board signs warrant lists.

B .        Approval of Minutes

                                    1. Minutes of July 14, 2011 Regular Township Board Meeting

6.  Public Comment/Board Members Response to Public Comment

7. Old Business

            A.  Discussion and potential action on updates of the 2009 and 2010 audits.

            B.  Discussion and potential action on renovations to assessor’s Offices.

C.  Status Report – discussion and potential action on food pantry located at Grafton      Township.  

8. New Business

            A. Discussion and potential action on policy of elected official receiving gifts.

            B. Establishment of agenda items for next meeting.

9 Reports 
A. Supervisor
     FOIA Report 
B  Trustees 
D  Road District Commissioner 
E  Assessor 
F  Committee Reports

10.               Executive Session, if required

11.              Discussion and potential action of items as discussed in Executive Session

12.              Adjournment

Dated and posted by the Township Clerk, Harriet Ford, this 9^th day of August, 2011

Recycling Collection Saturday Of Electronics, Batteries And More

On Saturday, August 13^th, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will conduct their monthly recycling collection for fluorescent tubes, Styrofoam™, electronics, and batteries from 9 am until noon at the Farm Bureau Parking lot, 1102 McConnell Road, in Woodstock. They continue to collect certain items which are not usually accepted by curbside programs, and which would be harmful to the environment if put in a landfill.

The Defenders’ Recycling Drive accepts rechargeable batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries. The Defenders also collect fluorescent tubes, clean white Styrofoam™, VHS & Cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, packing peanuts and re-usable, unpopped bubble wrap. A donation is requested for fluorescent bulbs and batteries that are brought in to offset the costs involved in processing these items. Electronics such as computers, phones, printers, and electronic toys, are accepted. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation.

The Defenders hold a recycling drive on the second Saturday of each month, alternating between McHenry in odd-numbered months and Woodstock in even-numbered months.  Area residents may drive up and drop off their recyclables with Defenders’ volunteers, who help to unload and sort the materials. At the McHenry collections, the Defenders also accept and pay for aluminum cans.

For information on recycling items not mentioned above, consult the 2011 McHenry County Green Guide  pick up a copy at the Defenders office, 110 S. Johnson St, Suite 106, on the Woodstock Square.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 41-year-old community-based 501c3 not-for-profit organization, dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. New members are always welcome - visit the Defenders’ website at www.mcdef.org or phone 815-338-0393.

  

On Saturday, August 13^th, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will conduct their monthly recycling collection for fluorescent tubes, Styrofoam™, electronics, and batteries from 9 am until noon at the Farm Bureau Parking lot, 1102 McConnell Road, in Woodstock. They continue to collect certain items which are not usually accepted by curbside programs, and which would be harmful to the environment if put in a landfill.

The Defenders’ Recycling Drive accepts rechargeable batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries. The Defenders also collect fluorescent tubes, clean white Styrofoam™, VHS & Cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, packing peanuts and re-usable, unpopped bubble wrap. A donation is requested for fluorescent bulbs and batteries that are brought in to offset the costs involved in processing these items. Electronics such as computers, phones, printers, and electronic toys, are accepted. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation.

The Defenders hold a recycling drive on the second Saturday of each month, alternating between McHenry in odd-numbered months and Woodstock in even-numbered months.  Area residents may drive up and drop off their recyclables with Defenders’ volunteers, who help to unload and sort the materials. At the McHenry collections, the Defenders also accept and pay for aluminum cans.

For information on recycling items not mentioned above, consult the 2011 McHenry County Green Guide online at www.mchenry.edu/recycling/greenguide.pdf or pick up a copy at the Defenders office, 110 S. Johnson St, Suite 106, on the Woodstock Square.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 41-year-old community-based 501c3 not-for-profit organization, dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. New members are always welcome - visit the Defenders’ website at www.mcdef.org or phone 815-338-0393.

Coding Certification Exam Prep At MCC

McHenry County College will be offering a three-day coding certification exam prep boot camp on October 7-9.  A free information session for the boot camp takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 1 in room B168 at the college, located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

The three-day preparatory bootcamp is designed to provide you with an extensive overview of the information you need to know in order to pass the AAPC CPC (Certified Professional Coder) exam.  This course does not teach you how to code, but rather reviews essential information and provides indispensable strategies and tips that will give you a better chance of passing the exam.  It is highly recommended that you have at least two years of coding experience prior to sitting for this exam or attending this course.

 

 Pre-course materials (anatomy and medical terminology info within textbook) will be provided to each student for review and study prior to the start of class.  Students will be responsible for completing homework assignments before each class.  Review textbook is included in the cost of this course.  Coding manuals (AMA CPT Professional, ICD-9-CM and HCPCS) required for this bootcamp and for the CPC exam are not included and must be purchased separately.  Credentialing organization (ie: AAPC, AHIMA)  membership and/or examination fees are also not included in the cost of this course. 

The information session is free. Deadline to register for the boot camp is Sept. 17.  The fee is $999, which includes lunch.

To register for the exam prep boot camp, call the MCC Registration office at (815) 455-8588 and mention course ID: QHC C11-005. For more information about the boot camp, call MaryAnn Dimitrov at (847) 915-0360 or attend the Sept. 1 information session. 

Words of Wisdom

"The rich, the well-born, and the able, acquire and influence among the people that will soon be too much for simple honesty and plain sense, in a house of representatives. The most illustrious of them must, therefore, be separated from the mass, and placed by themselves in a senate; this is, to all honest and useful intents, an ostracism."

--John Adams, A Defense of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America, vol 1 , 1787

Government Meetings

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11

8:30 a.m. – Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee of McHenry County Board, meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The committee will consider any State and Federal Legislative updated information available.

A letter to Governor Quinn is being prepared regarding the removal of funding for the Illinois State Water Survey, Geological Survey and Natural History Survey. Without sufficient funding for groundwater and surface water research areas, the sustainability of water resources and economic viability of the state is at stake. The Governor is being asked to help restore the funding for the three aforementioned agencies.

The Committee is also to discussion HB 3372, which has passed the Illinois House of Representatives and is in the Illinois Senate for consideration. This legislation is to provide Illinois counties with more flexibility to address basement and street flooding and water pollution from stormwater runoff. It also encourages the use of green infrastructure to save money.

This legislation would allow Counties to establish a system to encourage the use of green infrastructure on private and public property to reduce runoff before it reaches county stormwater system.

In connection with the proposed legislation a stormwater utility survey may be discussed. An engineer in Bowling Green, KY is conducting a survey of utilities and found some interesting data, such as Wisconsin, Washington, Florida and Minnesota are the only states with more than 100 utilities.

The question of whether the county can regulate the application and sale of coal tar may also be discussed.

Another touchy topic is that of cell towers. The City of Crystal Lake recently adopted a resolution requesting the County Board to issue a moratorium on telecommunication facility building permits until the County’s Telecommunication Ordinance is amended to “provide further guidelines, standards, criteria or other such regulation.”

The opinion of the State’s Attorney’s office is that under Illinois state law, the County cannot substantially modify its Telecommunication Carriers Ordinance.

A number other topics are also slated for consideration including Electrical aggregation, Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) and Non-Dedicated Roads. 

Words of Wisdom

"Men must be ready, they must pride themselves and be happy to sacrifice their private pleasures, passions and interests, nay, their private friendships and dearest connections, when they stand in competition with the rights of society."

--John Adams, letter to Mercy Warren, 1776

Rakow Road Night Closures Continue

Construction work continues on Rakow Road as planned, although rain has hindered many night closures. They are scheduled to continue for the rest of the week and beyond as needed. Closure time is 8:00 p.m. each night.

Wednesday Government Meetings

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10

8:30 a.m.—Natural and Environmental Resources Committee—

Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The Committee will be considering a request from the Stormwater Management Commission that the County’s 2012 budget include funding for a complete review and revision of the Stormwater Management Ordinance.

Another matter for consideration is requests for additional solid waste franchise agreements.

Also several Water Resources Action Plan sub-sections are being presented for consideration.

5:00 p.m. – High School District 155 Buildings & Grounds Committee—

Meeting in the Center for Education, One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake.

The committee is expected to consider the status of the2011 Summer Projects. Another matter for consideration is the condition of the District parking lots. Also the committee will consider a matter of the Cary-Grove Auditorium Group.

Words of Wisdom

"The ultimate authority ... resides in the people alone. ... The advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation ... forms a barrier against the enterprises of ambition."

 --James Madison

Tuesday Meetings

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9 –

8:30 a.m. –Human Resources Committee of the McHenry County Board—

Meets in the County Board Conference Room of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

A couple Workers’ Compensation Claim Settlements are to be considered by the Committee.

Two positions in the Planning and Development Department are to be reclassified. Both positions are being vacated dropping the salary to the entry level when they are being filled. This will provide a cost savings of $6,555 for the FY 2011 budget.

The committee is also to consider the FY 12 Budget reviews for Human Resources and discuss the FY12 Budget Development process.

11:00 a.m.--Liquor and LIcense Commission--
Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, of County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Consideration is requested for a new liquor license for the Manager of T-Bar, Inc. A number of license requests are also being presented by Cary-Grove High School Booster Club, Spring Grove Firefighter's Association, Cary-Grove Jaycees, and Wonder Lake Ski Show Team Organization.  

A special liquor license request for Christ the King Catholic Church will also be considered.  

1:00 p.m.—Finance and Audit Committee of McHenry County Board –

Meeting in the County Board Conference Room of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The Committee is to consider Allocating Qualified Energy Conservation Bond Volume Cap and approving a project for purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009.

The County has authority to distribute Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds and distribute the allocation among borrowers and units of local government. The proceeds of the bond must be used to pay for one or more qualified conservation purposes.

Consolidated School District 158 submitted an application to the County for allocation of the QEC Bonds for a qualified purpose involving improving lighting and HVAC systems in the buildings.

Acceptance of a State Emergency Management Assistance Grant is being presented for the Committee’s recommended approval. This provides for financial assistance from EMA for the development of administrative activities and preparation for any natural or technological emergency or disaster in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations

Three Workers’ Compensation Claim Settlements are being presented for approval along with the reclassification of a position in the Planning and Development Department.

A line item transfer in the Division of Transportation’s FY 2010-2011 Highway Fund Budget is being made in order to provide for the necessary fuel, oil and grease for the department, due to the increase in costs and the severity of the past winter causing a budget shortage.

7:00 p.m.—Lakewood Village Board—

Meets in the Red Tail Golf Club, 7900 Red Tail Drive, Lakewood.

A motion is to be considered amending various chapters of the Lakewood Municipal Code.  

A discussion is slated regarding Electrical Aggregation.

Something Of Interest For Women

"Remember the beauty and sacredness of your womanbody.  And remember that no matter how your personal body is shaped, whether it is abundant, slight, (or anywhere in between), somewhere in the world a goddess is venerated who looks just like you."  Arisika Razak  

Come play with us through 2 hours of joyful movement, with a focus on freeing your inner goddess and connecting with your body.  We will experiment with chanting/sounding interspersed between dancing sets to inspire you to open your energy channels, to unbind your creativity, unlock your spirit, open the gates to your higher inner self, liberate your laughter, and meet new friends.

Experience for yourself the flow of rhythm moving your body.  Feel your inner goddess flowing up into free-form expression as twirling, swirling, stepping to the beat, shaking, rocking, swaying... however it feels best to you.     

TONIGHT

7:00 - 9:00PM  

At The Pointe

5650 Northwest Hwy, 

Crystal Lake, IL  

(the building is next to Target )

$45 at the door - (cash or check only)

  Light refreshments will be provided

If you have any questions or would like to pay by check, please call Patricia Caldwell 708-743-5151 or Wendy Whitney Harbath  815-321-3483.

We're looking forward to seeing you

Words of Wisdom

"Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom of Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the United States." 

--Noah Webster, An Examination of the Leading Principles of the Federal Constitution, 1787

Monday Government Meetings

MONDAY, AUGUST 8

8:30 a.m. – Management Services Committee of McHenry County Board –

Meets in the Conference Room of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Two people are to be interviewed for appointment to the McHenry County Public Building Commission.

Two resolutions authorizing Workers’ Compensation Claim Settlements are being present to the committee for approval.

Discussions are slated on webstreaming services and budget reviews for Information Technology, GIS and Purchasing are being presented.

6:30 p.m. –Finance Committee of School District 155 Board of Education—

Meeting in the Center for Education, One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake.

A number of matters are to be considered by the Committee including the FY 12 Tentative Budget, two policy updates including GASB 45 –Post Retirement Liability. This is updated every two years.

The second matter is GASB 54 –New Policy regarding the classification of Working Cash Fund.

Also to be considered is the District Fixed Asset Depreciation Policy which is a new policy.

A Big Birthday Celebration

Grassroots organizing is at the foundation of what political parties do. On Wednesday, August 3rd -- the night before the President's birthday -- supporters got together for house meetings in all 50 states.

Supporters around the country gathered last Wednesday at numerous house meetings with their neighbors, in honor of the President's birthday.  They connected with the celebration he attended in Chicago- and heard a special message from President Obama to guests at the house parties

The purpose of these events was to plan local events, strategize about how to grow the campaign in local communities according to information provided by the party. One of the area house party locations was in the home of Round Lake resident Jeanne Marie Dauray. It was an opportunity to join in the birthday celebration and also to talk about how to spread the word about the President’s accomplishments to friends and neighbors.

In the upcoming months the groups will plan local events, strategize about how to grow the campaign in the local communities, and talk about how to spread the word about the President's accomplishments to friends and neighbors.

This kind of gathering is an opportunity to have fun with your neighbors, discuss future efforts, and gear up for 2012, which is a big election year.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning For SW McHenry County

This happy bit of news :)

A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR
SOUTHWESTERN MCHENRY COUNTY UNTIL 445 PM CDT.

AT 414 PM CDT.NATL WEATHER SVC DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING QUARTER SIZE
HAIL.AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED 5 MILES SOUTH OF MARENGO.MOVING SE AT 30 MPH.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE. MAINLY RURAL AREAS OF EXTREME
SOUTH  MCHENRY COUNTY.

Fast Track To MCC Degree Programs

The Fast Track program at McHenry County College will give you the advantage you need when competing for jobs in today’s workforce.

Fast Track courses at the College’s Crystal Lake campus effectively prepare students for success in industries such as construction, manufacturing, business management and network security. Classes are offered in eight weeks, 16 weeks, online and blended formats depending on the program. Construction, manufacturing and business management classes are offered in the evening.

New to the Fast Track is a daytime Network Security Degree Program plus a one-semester Bookkeeping Certificate Program.  Online courses are available in business management.

MCC’s Fast Track program is now accepting registrations for classes beginning the week of August 22.

For more information, on this award-winning degree program at MCC or contact Lori Smyth, at (815) 479-7831 or lsmyth@mchenry.edu