Words Of Wisdom

"If the people are capable of understanding, seeing and feeling the differences between true and false, right and wrong, virtue and vice, to what better principle can the friends of mankind apply than to the sense of this difference?"

--John Adams

Improvement Work Continues On Charles Miller Road

During the current phase of the Charles Miller Road Improvement Project (Phase 1), construction activities will be occurring within the Fox River’s banks

These activities include the construction and use of a causeway, barges, and cofferdams. The causeway is anticipated to extend from both shorelines toward the center of the river leaving a center clear span of 128 feet. As a result of this construction, typical snowmobile routes over the frozen river will be impacted by the construction activities. As a reminder, snowmobile traffic is prohibited through the City of McHenry’s Miller’s Riverfront Park.

All snowmobile traffic is encouraged to avoid the construction site during this winter season. Construction zones pose several features that can be hidden by snow, such as obstructions and sudden drop-offs. It is expected that the limited river access will remain in effect for the entire winter season.

The Charles Miller Road Improvement Project is scheduled to be substantially complete in the Fall of 2013, and will widen and reconstruct Charles J. Miller Road from 1300 feet east of Green Street to River Road and River Road from Emerald Court and Black Partridge Avenue. The project will also include the construction of a new two-lane bridge over the Fox River to supplement the existing bridge.

To learn more about this project, ask questions, and follow the progress of the project, visit the Project website/ where you can sign up for email updates. 

You can also connect with us on Facebook 
at www.facebook.com/pages/Charles-Miller-Road-Improvement-Project/247800808679001
or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CharlesMillerRo.

Want To Quit Smoking?

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) and Centegra Health System are partnering to offer a once-a-week quit smoking class for adults. The classes will teach practical ways to end nicotine addiction through group support and behavior modification.  It will also review nicotine replacement products that are currently on the market. Instruction is provided by MCDH staff that are trained in the American Lung Association’s “Freedom from Smoking” program

.

Classes will be held at Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center in Crystal Lake, located at 200 Congress Parkway, Wednesdays, from 6pm-7:30pm. A $25 course fee, payable at the first class, is refundable if all seven sessions are attended. Class members will also receive a free 3-day pass to the Health Bridge Fitness Center.

Quitting smoking can add up to measurable savings - $2,500 a year for those who smoke one-pack a day as well as the money saved on healthcare costs. For more information, and to register, call 1-877-CENTEGRA, or visit www.mcdh.info.  To speak with a counselor immediately, call the Illinois Tobacco Quitline at 1-866-QUIT-YES.

Blizzard Warning In Effect Until Midnight

* TIMING --.A BROAD BAND OF LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW WILL CROSS THE WARNED AREA THROUGH THE MID EVENING HRS. NW WINDS WILL  FURTHER INCREASE THROUGH THE EVENING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATION -- ADDITIONAL SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 1 TO PERHAPS 2 INCHES IS EXPECTED THIS EVENING RESULTING IN TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS OF AROUND 3 TO 6 INCHES WITH ISOLATED SLIGHTLY HIGHER AMOUNTS POSSIBLE.

* WIND: NW WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 30 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS  BETWEEN 45 & 55 MPH THIS EVENING.

* IMPACTS.THE COMBINATION OF THE HEAVY SNOW & VERY STRONG  WINDS MAY RESULT IN BLIZZARD CONDITIONS WHICH INCLUDE VISIBILITY

 AT OR NEAR ZERO & SIGNIFICANT DRIFTING OF SNOW. THIS COMBINATION OF WIND & SNOWFALL WILL MAKE TRAVEL EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ACROSS THE AREA & EVEN IMPOSSIBLE IN SPOTS. THE STRONG WINDS MAY ALSO RESULT IN MINOR DAMAGE & SPORADIC POWER  OUTAGES.

STRONG WINDS GUSTING OVER 40 MPH WILL CONTINUE OVERNIGHT.RESULTING IN CONTINUED BLOWING & DRIFTING SNOW. WIND CHILL VALUES WILL PLUMMET TO DANGEROUSLY LOW LEVELS.FROM ZERO TO FIVE BELOW ZERO BY EARLY FRI MORNING.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS.

A BLIZZARD WARNING MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. FALLING & BLOWING SNOW WITH STRONG WINDS AND POOR VISIBILITIES ARE LIKELY. THIS WILL LEAD TO WHITEOUT CONDITIONS.MAKING TRAVEL EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. DO NOT TRAVEL. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL.HAVE A WINTER SURVIVAL KIT WITH YOU. IF YOU GET STRANDED.STAY WITH YOUR VEHICLE.

MCC Award Winner

Karen Morelli of Lake in the Hills (seated) displays the Joseph A. Blanco Spirit Award she received from the Special Needs Department at McHenry County College. Pictured with her are tutors and staff members, from left: Charlotte Kremer, Susan Hayes, Janice Jellicoe, Donna Davis, John Healy, Gayle Barkley, Ellen Morton, Peg Wronski, Candy Neumann, and Bev Albright.

McHenry County College (MCC) named Karen Morelli of Lake in the Hills as the recipient of the Fall 2012 Joseph A. Blanco Spirit Award, a $600 gift given to a student with special needs who displays a positive attitude while pursuing a degree or certificate while overcoming a disability.

Morelli, a single mother of three children, began taking GED courses at MCC in spring 2011 and by that summer, she was enrolled in college credit courses. She plans to use her award toward classes at MCC starting in January 2013. She is interested in becoming a nurse.

“As a tutor, what is so rewarding about working with Karen is that she not only seeks guidance but she also applies it once it’s offered,” said Ellen Morton, MCC special needs tutor. “Her attitude is always ‘Live and Learn,’ and that indeed is what she is doing.”

Joe Blanco founded the award in 2009 as a way to recognize students who inspire people with their can-do attitude. Blanco passed away last year.

“Karen was among seven deserving nominees for this fall’s award. She exemplifies all the attributes our good friend Joe admired in his students,” said Bev Albright, manager of Special Needs. “We are so proud of her.”

Award Winner For Crystal Lake Parks

Crystal Lake Park District’s Acorn Alley at Veteran Acres Park was selected to receive Outstanding Facility and Parks Award by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. 

The award recognizes public agencies for their exceptional and unique achievements in design and development.  Acorn Alley received the highest total points among the entries in its division and category from across the State of Illinois.

Designed by Hitchcock Design Group and installed by Clauss Brothers, Inc. the facility opened in 2011.  It features a nature themed playground, splash pad and picnic shelter overlooking the scenic pond at Veteran Acres Park.
 
The park will be easily accessible by pedestrians and bicyclists from surrounding neighborhoods.  Other improvements planned for next year at the park include a new parking lot entrance, signage and landscaping.

IPRA indicated in a congratulatory letter to the Crystal Lake Park District, “It is an honor to announce that your nomination scored the highest total points among those entries submitted in your division and category from across the State of Illinois.” A plaque which will be displayed at the Crystal Lake Park District is forthcoming.

Acorn Alley will also be highlighted on large video screens during the annual conference Awards Luncheon in January 2013. The Conference, hosting thousands of attendees from across the State, is presented by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and IPRA.

Words Of Wisdom

"Nothing is more essential to the establishment of manners in a State than that all persons employed in places of power and trust must be men of unexceptionable characters."

--Samuel Adams, letter to James Warren, 1775

Can This Be True?

Government Buys Ammo At Record Pace As They Move To Limit Private Ownership Of Firearms

By James Smith
theintelhub.com
December 19, 2012

On the heels of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center’s (FLETC) solicitation for 200,000 rounds of .40 cal ammunition, the Customs and Border Enforcement (CBE) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has placed a presolicitation for a total of 250,000,000 rounds (250 MILLION) rounds of .40 S&W cal ammunition over the next 5 years in a contract style known as indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity (ID/IQ).

That equals out to 50 million rounds a year.

This solicitation is a follow up on a Special Notice filed exactly 3 months ago on behalf of CBE and ICE.

The stated purpose is:

The purpose of this solicitation is to achieve price savings over the current 40 SW ammunition. Resulting award will be used for training/qualifications only, not for duty use.

In August of 2011, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement requested and

See the following articles:
The History Of DHS Ammunition Purchases

DHS/ICE is over-gunned and over manned

Latest ammunition purchase reeks of collusion and Chicago Style politics

DHS prepares for fiscal cliff by ordering hundreds of thousands of rounds

Click here for a list of ALL the ammunintion purchases since 2009.

For a grand total now of 1,140,618,530 or 1.1 BILLION rounds.

What, pray tell does an agency with less than 50,000 people need 700,000,000 rounds of ammunition for other than  storing up in preparation for a major event?

This is not for training. This is not a case of a missed comma or decimal point. This is a deliberate arming of a civilian paramilitary organization outside of the Department of Defense and of Congress.

This is dangerous, and Mr. Obama needs to explain the purchases.

But he won’t because the army he is supplying is his own army, the army of brown shirt thugs who are more than willing to slaughter children in his name.

If you own a firearm, may I suggest you pick up more ammunition.

James Smith is the host of The Covert Prepper Show heard on Saturday evenings.

All shows can be heard on BlogTalk Radio and downloaded from the Prepper Podcast Radio Network located at prepperpodcast.com. Follow James: @Prepperpodcast on Twitter

Crystal Lake Park District Gifts Suggestions

Are you wondering what to get for that person on your list that has everything? Here are a few holiday gift giving suggestions from the Crystal Lake Park District. Gift certificates can be purchased in person at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, located at One East Crystal lake Avenue, Crystal Lake. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. The Administrative Office will be closed Saturday, December 22-Tuesday, December 25, 2012.

For the golfer on your list:

A gift certificate for a foursome entry into the 2013 Chili Open Golf Classic on frozen Crystal Lake (January 19, 2013)

For the tennis player on your list:

Give the gift of year-round tennis with a membership to The Racket Club or find the perfect tennis related item at The Racket Club Pro Shop (call The Racket Club 847-658-5688 for details) 

For those with a New Year's Resolution to get fit in 2013:

A gift certificate for any Crystal Lake Park District group fitness class

For a special little girl on your list:

Register to attend the Mother-Daughter Tea at Colonel Palmer House (April 14, 2013), or the Daddy-Daughter Date Night (February 15, 2013)

For a special senior:

A gift certificate for a senior special event trip this spring (Flower & Garden Show, South Pacific, Galos Cave & Jolly Inn and many others)

For the aspiring athlete:

A gift certificate to try a new sport (rock climbing, boxing, karate, T-League, Nerf Soccer and many more)

For the teen who loves to ski:

A gift certificate to attend any of the Teen Ski Trips in December, January or February (Alpine Valley, Sunburst, Wilmot, Grand Geneva Resort, Chestnut Mountain)

For the nature lover:

Donate a tree in their honor to a Crystal Lake Park District Park or give a gift certificate for a Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center program.  

For the dog lover

A gift certificate to purchase a Hound Town Dog Park Pass for 2013.

For more details on these gift giving options, contact the Crystal Lake Park District at (815) 459-0680.

Walkup Road Update

North Leg:

The final landscaping is complete and additional erosion control measures are in place for the winter snow.  The temporary striping is almost complete.  The lane lines are in place but some additional markings at turn lanes and shoulders are expected to be complete any day (weather permitting).  Once striping is complete, the work zone speed limit will be removed and final signage will be placed. 

South Leg:

The final landscaping is ongoing.  Some areas where work remains will see temporary stabilization in place for the winter.  The electrical contractor is working on new traffic signal foundations at the intersection of Walkup/IL 176.  Temporary striping is nearing completion

Government At Work-Thursday

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20—

6:00 p.m. – McHenry County College Board –

Meeting in the College Board Room at the College, 6900 Northwest Highway (Rt. 14), Crystal Lake.

Public hearing on the tax levy for the coming year.

Immediately Following Tax Levy Hearing—

Meeting in the same location.

The necessary Resolution setting the tax levy for the coming tax year at 9.9% was adopted at the last Board of Trustees meeting. The rate is increasing by .00003, which will impact a homeowner approximately $1.30 per year based on a $250,000 home or $0.11 cents per month.

It was necessary for the College to anticipate the 9.9% rate to encompass new construction, property annexations or expiring Tax Increment Financing Districts because the EAV from the four counties encompassing the College facility were not available at the time of the filing.

The Board will be considering other routine matters for the good of the College.

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19—

8:15 a.m. – McHenry County Board Transportation Committee—

The usually scheduled meeting of this committee is cancelled.

9:15 a.m. – McHenry County Board Committee on Committees –

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

McHenry County Undersheriff Did Not Violate McHenry County General Orders

According to information from McHenry County State’s Attorney Louis I. Bianchi, Undersheriff, Andrew Zinke did not commit a crime of violating multiple General Orders of the McHenry County Sheriff.

Deputy Sheriff Sergeant John Koziol brought forth allegations that Undersheriff Andrew Zinke committed a crime when he violated multiple General Orders of the McHenry County Sheriff.  

The allegations were presented in a Petition, with a supporting sworn Affidavit, to appoint a Special Prosecutor.  It was filed in the McHenry County Circuit Court by and through his attorney, Jonathan D. Nye, on October 30, 2012, alleging that the violations of multiple general orders constituted the commission of Official Misconduct, a Class 3 Felony (720 ILCS 5/33-3) (b) (c) which carries a term in the Department of Corrections from two to five years and a maximum fine of $25,000. 

Subsequently, on November 2, 2012, the Petition was heard before Judge Thomas Meyer and denied.  We immediately initiated an investigation and requested the Office of the State’s Attorney Appellate Prosecutor to make themselves available for assistance and/or consultation.

After an investigation and review, it is the conclusion of the State’s Attorney’s Office that even if all of the facts as set forth in Sergeant Koziol’s Petition and Affidavit were true (that is, the purported leaking of the DEA investigation by Undersheriff Zinke), such conduct is not illegal under Illinois law.

 While some may consider the dissemination of what would appear to be highly confidential and sensitive information an alarming and problematic matter, such conduct does not violate the Official Misconduct Statute.  Accordingly, the question of whether the allegations were true and whether the information was disseminated is a question for Sheriff Nygren to investigate and make a determination.  In short, whether or not the Undersheriff violated the general orders of the Sheriff is a question for the Sheriff to resolve.

The Supreme Court of Illinois, in People v. Williams, 239 Ill.2d 119, 940 N.E.2d 50 (2010) made it clear that a police department’s rules and regulations (i.e. Sheriff’s General Orders) are not laws and therefore any violation of such rules do not and cannot support a charge of Official Misconduct.

In Williams, a police dispatcher was accused of leaking information to another person about a drug investigation.  The Supreme Court stated:  “[ ] we emphasize that our holding should not be interpreted as an approval of defendant’s conduct.  The conduct here is certainly troublesome and unjustifiable.  We hold that defendant did not commit the offense of official misconduct only because the confidentiality rules at issue here cannot be construed as ‘laws’ under the statute.”  Williams, 239 Ill.2d at 134.

Government At Work- Crystal Lake City Council

TUESDAY, December 18, 2012

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake City Council

Meeting in the City Council Chambers, 100 West Woodstock Street.

Among the first items on tonight’s Council Agenda is recognition of Police Chief David Linder. He is retiring following many years of service.

Union Pacific Railroad Award
Representatives from the Union Pacific Railroad (U.P.) will be on hand to present to the City of Crystal Lake Police Department the D.P.'s Safety Spike Award
.
The Crystal Lake Police Department will join a select group of departments receiving this award. The award is typically given to communities that have worked with U.P. employees to educate people on rail safety. U.P. employees nominate communities for the award, which started in 2010.

Train Town USA Registry:

The City of Crystal Lake has been awarded a membership in Union Pacific's Train Town USA as part of the railroad's year-long 150th anniversary celebration.

The Crystal Lake Police Department will join a select group of departments receiving this award. The award is typically given to communities that have worked with U.P. employees to educate people on rail safety. U.P. employees nominate communities for the award
.
Zoning Change on County Property

A contract purchaser of property located on the northwest corner of Route 31 and Crystal Lake Avenue would like input from the City regarding plans to rezone the property from Estate zoning to the County’s B-1 neighborhood Commercial District.
Prior to the property owner seeking County rezoning for the business, the City is being consulted since it is located within the mile and one-half of the city limits

Special Use Permit In Downtown Area

A Special Use Permit is being considered to allow a residential use on the first floor in the "B-4" Downtown District for property located t 55 E. Crystal Lake Avenue.
The current zoning district does allow for residential use in the B-4 Classification. The Planning Commission voted 8-1 in favor of the request. Generally a residential use of such property has been in the upper floors.

New Peking Restaurant

The restaurant, located at 40 West Terra Cotta Avenue is seeking a Class 14 liquor license. This allows the retail sale of beer and wine for consumption only on the premises between the hours of 11:00 a. and 1:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon on Sunday and 1:00 a.m. on Monday.

Relocation of Part of an Auto Dealership

Anderson Motors currently operates an auto dealership at 360 North Route 31. Here they sell Volkswagen, Mazda, and BMW vehicles on the 10.9 acre property.

The dealer desires to increase sales for each of the brands and meet manufacturer requirements.

Anderson Motors has acquired the former Extreme Ford dealership at 5213 Northwest Highway and will relocate their Volkswagen franchise to the new location, while retaining Mazda and BMW at their Route 31 location.

In order to accomplish this change, Anderson plans redevelopment of the Northwest Highway property including demolition of the existing building and construction of a new 34,140 square-foot sales and service facility.

They plan to take advantage of the City’s Enhanced Sales Tax Incentive Program which provides financial assistance for increased business in the City.
Anderson Motors is seeking the Council approval for the plans in order to take advantage of the program offered by the City.

TGI Friday’s To Texas Roadhouse

A request is being considered by the Council for the changes of the site exterior elevations and signage for the TGI Fridays at 835 Cog Circle. This is changing TGI Fridays to Texas Roadhouse.
The Planning and Zoning Commissioner recommended the request 8-1.

Drinking Place
Located at the northwest corner of Virginia and Pomeroy Streets, is seeking approval of a Special Use Permit to use tenant space, currently vacant, but formerly occupied by Nextel.
Parking in this area presents problems. However, a business operating in the area. Vogue Cleaners, has offered to allow parking in their parking lot during the times the Drinking Place is operating. The Planning Commission voted 8-0 for the proposed business.

Construction of Emergency Operations Center

A bid proposal is being presented for Council approval for the construction of an Emergency Operations Center, to be located in the lower level of the Municipal Complex.

An Operations Center, or EOC, is a central command and control facility responsible for carrying out the principles of emergency preparedness and emergency management, or disaster management functions at a strategic level in an emergency situation, and ensuring the continuity of operation of services within the community.

An EOC is responsible for the strategic overview, or "big picture", of the disaster, and does not normally directly control field assets, instead making operational decisions and leaving tactical decisions to lower commands. The common functions of all EOC's is to collect, gather and  analyze data; make strategic level decisions that protect life and property, and maintain the continuity of the organization, within the scope of applicable laws; and disseminate those decisions to all concerned agencies and individuals.

According to the State-certified, City of Crystal Lake Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), the individual in charge of the EOC is the Emergency Manager.

The EOC that will be constructed in the lower level of the Municipal Complex will be a dedicated room. Currently, there is no dedicated space for an EOC. Instead, in an emergency situation, which requires a central command and control facility, one is put together on an ad hoc basis.
A dedicated EOC will provide for the rapid opening of a central command and control facility when the need arises. An example of when an EOC would be operated is during a large scale storm event similar to the one experienced by the community in the summer of 2011
..
It could also be used in case of severe weather events, such as a tornado. Crystal Lake is not immune from these as those who experienced one that struck the city on Palm Sunday, 1965.
Bids for the project were sought with 11 responses. Troop Construction was the lowest responsible bidder for the project at a cost of $343,700, with a contingency of not more than 10% for justifiable modifications.

Intergovernmental Agreement For Dial-A-Ride

On February 2, 2012, the City of Crystal Lake experienced the first fare adjustment in a two-step process to adjust fares to be consistent throughout the MCRide service area. The current fares for Crystal Lake riders are $1.75 for the general public and students and $0.85 for seniors and riders with a disability. These fare rates will remain effective through 2013.

Beginning January 2, 2014, Crystal Lake, as well as McHenry, will experience the second fare adjustment. Fares will be increased to $2.00 for the general public and students, and $1.00 for seniors and riders with a disability, which will equal the fares for the City of Woodstock and McHenry County, and adjust fares to be consistent throughout the MCRide service area.

Levy and Assessment of Taxes

It’s the time of the year to obtain the funds necessary to provide for the City services. That means time for levy and assessment of taxes.

The appropriation for the necessary funds for City operations totals $30,297,236. The tax levy is $14,783,056. Amounts in between the two are derived from sources other than this year’s property taxes. The impact of the tax rate is dependent on the assessed value of the individual property.

The total estimated levy rate is $1.271586. The final figure is determined by the County, where assessments of properties are determined. 

Words Of Wisdom

"It is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth - and listen to the song of that syren, till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those, who having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it might cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it."

--Patrick Henry, speech in the Virginia Convention, 1775

Government At Work-Tuesday Evening

Tuesday, December 18

7:30 p.m.—High School District155 Board of Education –

Meeting in South High School ,1200 South McHenry Avenue, Crystal Lake.

The Board will be the recipient of a presentation by a South High School student Marsh Pothoff regarding Crystal Lake South High School Improvement in the Literacy Initiative.

The Board will also be considering the adoption of a Tentative Levy for the coming year

Government At Work

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18—

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Housing Authority—

Meeting in the Planning and Development Department Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

 
In addition to Committee reports and a brief presentation of the “Home” program, the members are to have their pictures taken for a web page.

 
10:00 a.m. – McHenry County Housing Commission Executive Committee –

Meeting in the Planning and Development Department Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

 
Old business includes a Housing Commission Presentation with the Education Committee.
Under New Business, the Housing Commission is to provide a presentation with the Education Committee.

 
6:30 p.m. – McHenry County Board Transportation Committee –

Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock. The Committee is to approve an intergovernmental Agreement with the State of Illinois for the Johnsburg Road Construction Project (Contract 1)

It's Winter -- Prepare For What It Might Bring

Before the forecast calls for snow and potential hazardous driving conditions, McHenry County Department of Health reminds residents that taking preventive action is the best defense against winter’s harsh temperatures.  By preparing yourself in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related health problems.

Prepare your car with emergency supplies –  

Snack food	Chains or rope	Shovel
Windshield scraper	Water	Extra hats, coats, gloves
Road salt and sand	Flashlight (extra batteries)	Bright colored flag; help signs
Booster cables	Blankets	Emergency flares
Cell phone; portable charger and extra batteries		Battery-powered radio (extra batteries)

Travel with caution – 

• Listen for travel warnings.

• Avoid icy roads if possible.

• Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to arrive. Ask them to call for help if you are late.

Freezing temperatures combined with high winds make it dangerous for those inadequately prepared for weather extremes.  If you are trapped in your car in a winter storm, stay in the car.  Do not leave the car to look for help unless help is visible within 100 yards.

Listen to emergency broadcasts. Know what winter storm warning terms mean – 

• Winter weather advisory – Expect winter weather conditions to cause inconvenience and hazards.

• Frost/freeze warning – Expect below-freezing temperatures.

• Winter storm watch – Be alert. A storm is likely.

• Winter storm warning – Take action. The storm is in or entering the area.

• Blizzard warning – Seek refuge immediately! Snow and strong winds, near-zero visibility, deep snow drifts, and life-threatening wind chill.

Shoveling snow is extremely hard work, especially if you lift large loads and throw the snow some distance away.  Overexertion can cause sore muscles, falls and heart attacks.  Know your limits when shoveling, as cold weather itself puts an extra strain on your heart.  Use extra caution to avoid slips and falls when walking on snow-covered surfaces.  Rest frequently and pace yourself.  If you become breathless, go indoors and warm up before continuing.  If you experience chest or arm pain or numbness, stop immediately and seek prompt medical attention. 

Visit CDC’s http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/takesteps/index.asp for more tips.

Holiday Hours For Crystal Lake Public Library

The Crystal Lake Public Library will be closed on Monday, December 31 through Tuesday, January 1, 2013 for the New Year holiday.  The Library will re-open to the public at 9:00 am Wednesday, January 2, 2013.

Petition Filing Dates For MCC Board

The ending date for candidacy petition filing for McHenry County College Trustee candidates for the April 9, 2013 Consolidated Election has changed with the recent  passage of Senate Bill 3339. Petition filing starts at 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 17 and now ends at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 26.
 
The College will be closed on Monday, Dec. 24. Petitions will be accepted from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.in Room A233 from Dec. 17 through 21 and will be accepted on Dec. 26 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. in Room B176.

All candidates who file at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 17 will be entered in a simultaneous petition filing lottery to determine ballot placement. A date for this lottery, if needed, will be chosen and publicly announced.

For more information contact: Pat Kriegermeier, Office of the President, at (815) 455-8726 or email her at pkriegermeier@mchenry.edu.

Words Of Wisdom

There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily."

 --George Washington

Government At Work

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17 –

5:00 p.m.- McHenry County Mental Health Board –

Meeting in the Main Conference Room, Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake.

The Board is to hear a report from the Director as well as a number of committee reports and handle the necessary financial items.