Fox River Flodding Situation

A Flood Advisory Continues For The Fox River At Algonquin Tailwater
* Until Late Tues Night.

* At 730 Am Sat The Stage Was 9.1 Feet.
* Action Stage Is 9.0 Feet.
* Flood Stage Is 9.5 Feet.

Forecast.The River Will Remain Nearly Steady Through This Afternoon

Words Of Wisdom

"Laws that forbid the carrying of arms ... disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes. ... Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants."

 --Cesare Beccaria, quoted by Thomas Jefferson in Commonplace Book

Flood Advisory For Fox River

A flood advisory continues for that stream known as the Fox River.  
At 8:30 a.m. today the stage was 9.1 feet. Action stage is 9.0 feet, flood stage is 9.5 feet.
Forecast – The river will rise to near 9.2 feet by Saturday evening.

Words Of Wisdom

"All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression."

 --Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address, 1801

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Raue Center For The Arts this year! The night will feature music from Áthas, comedy from Bob Rumba and Irish dancers from The Rebecca McCarthy School of Dance! Join in all the fun on March 16, 2013 at 8:00pm.

Áthas (pronounced ‘AH-hiss’) will light the dance floor on fire with a combination of traditional and newly composed Irish dance tunes. Fierce fiddle, driving bodhran, and funky guitar riffs come together to lift listeners’ feet, drinks, and spirits. Making up the band is Heather Lewin (fiddle and vox), Amy Richter (Bodhran and percussion) and Jeff Ksiazek (guitar, whistle, Irish bouzouki).

Tickets are $20 general admission and are on sale now via www.rauecenter.org or the Box Office: 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in Historic Downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois.

About Áthas

Although approaching the tradition from various musical backgrounds, the band found each other and their voice as an ensemble while playing in Irish sessions around Milwaukee throughout 2005. Spending their time between tunes laughing and joking inspired them to make music together and their name, which is the Irish word for joy and happiness.

The band’s blend of exciting music and fun-loving attitudes quickly earned the admiration of Milwaukee’s Irish set and ceili dance communities, as well as audiences throughout their hometown stomping grounds. athas has become a favorite act at Irish music’s premier event, Milwaukee Irish Fest, gathering praise for the excitement of their stage shows and the energy they display playing in the dance tent.

Áthas is a band firmly rooted in the traditions of Irish music, constantly seeking inspiration from the past masters and passing on their knowledge by teaching throughout Milwaukee. The band remains receptive to new influences, and continues to impress audiences with their new compositions as well as their passion, energy and love for making music.

No Park Board Meeting This Evening

Just noticed the Crystal Lake Park District Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for this evening is cancelled.

Budget review is scheduled to take place at a meeting Monday March 18 at 6:00 P.M. 

Pick Miss Photogenic Crystal Lake and Little Miss Photogenic Crystal Lake

Five Crystal Lake girls have been busy preparing since mid-January for the 2013 Miss Crystal Lake Pageant.  The Pageant finale will be held Friday, March 22 at 7 PM at Hannah Beardsley Middle School.  The public is invited to attend the pageant.

Tickets to the pageant may be purchased at the door and are $5 per person.  The focus of the pageant is not beauty, but a well-rounded individual interested in representing her community.  In addition to being crowned Miss Crystal Lake, she will receive a $1000 scholarship.  The Miss Crystal Lake Pageant and the Little Miss Crystal Lake Pageant are presented by the Crystal Lake Park District and the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce. 

The process leading up to the Pageant was designed to provide the contestants with valuable communication and speaking skills and knowledge about local businesses.  They were formally introduced to the business community and area leaders at a recent Multi-Chamber of Commerce Mixer. During pageant preparations the contestants get involved in community service, and are trained in speaking and presentation skills. The contestants meet many people in the community, form new friendships and have lots of fun.

On the evening of the pageant the contestants will participate in an evening gown and business attire presentations.  In addition, contestants are interviewed by the pageant judges, and give a presentation on their business sponsor.  The interview and presentation are weighted most heavily in the judging process.

In order to include the public in one facet of the pageant, online voting for Miss Photogenic and Little Miss Photogenic is now underway.

Vote for Little Miss Photogenic Crystal Lake at 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LittleMIssCrystalLakePhotogenic2013

Vote for Miss Photogenic Crystal Lake at 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MissCLPhotogenic2013

 As an added highlight to the Miss Crystal Lake Scholarship Pageant, Little Miss Crystal Lake will also be crowned.  Nine Little Miss Crystal Lake contestants will recite a short nursery rhyme or poem, sing a group song and answer a question provided by the Emcee.

One of the highlights of the evening will be a farewell video presentation by Miss Crystal Lake 2012. Caitlin Theros. Caitlin also went on to receive first runner up honors in the 2012 Miss McHenry County Pageant

Join MCC on a Trip to New York City with Broadway Theater

Join McHenry County College’s Trips and Tours program on an unforgettable trip to New York City this summer from July 19-22.

Highlights include a Broadway Show and a trip to see the Statue of Liberty. The four-day air tour to New York City includes lodging at the Manhattan Hotel, located near Times Square, for three nights. Other trip highlights include home pickup and return, along with roundtrip air from Chicago, three meals, sightseeing and walking tours, and much more.

Per person rates are $3,052 for a single and $2,426 for a double (based on two sharing a room). Optional cancellation/interruption insurance is available at an additional charge of $190. Space is limited so early registration is recommended.

To register for this extended trip or to request more information about upcoming trip, contact Claudia Terrones at (815) 455-8782

Government At Work

Thursday, March 14 –

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Legislative Committee –

Meeting Cancelled

9:00 a.m. – McHenry County Continuum of Care for Homeless –

Meeting Cancelled

9:30 a.m. - McHenry County Merit Commission –

Meeting Cancelled

6:00 p.m. – Crystal Lake Park District Board-

Meeting as an ad hoc committee in the Park District Administrative Offices, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake.

An executive session on personnel is scheduled.

7:00 p.m. – Crystal Lake Park District Board—

Regular meeting in the Administrative Offices to consider the 2013-2014 District Budget Review, with an executive session also scheduled regarding personnel and land acquisition.

Solidarity For A Worthwhile Cause

McHenry County College is teaming up with Crystal Lake Kiwanis Club for St. Baldrick Foundation Fundraising Event, taking place at MCC Luecht Conference Center, building B, on Friday, March 15 between 3 to 6 p.m.
The McHenry County College students and staff members will shave their heads in solidarity with children who have cancer and typically lose their hair during treatment.
For more information call 815-459-1773 or email KiwanisCL@owc.net.

Government At Work

 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 –

8:00 a.m. – McHenry County Board Public Health and Human Services Committee--

Meeting is cancelled.

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Staff Platt Committee –

Meeting is cancelled.

McHenry County Gravel Advisory Committee –

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

Under old business, the Committee will consider an update on trucking and transportation issues in the County as well as an update regarding McHenry County’s process of revising and consolidating its zoning, subdivision and sign ordinances as well as various other development regulations to create a new Unified Development Ordinance.

Under new business, the Committee will consider invitations to tour mining operations sent to newly elected County Board members, State senators and Representatives representing areas of McHenry County.

The agenda also calls attention to the new gravel advisory council website with consideration for approval of content and select website domain name.

7:00 p.m. – Crystal Lake Public Library Board –

Meeting scheduled for Building Committee has been rescheduled for Monday, March 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ames Room of the Library

Sellers Needed For Garage Sale

Sellers Needed for Crystal Lake Park District Indoor Garage Sale

Treasure hunters and bargain hunters alike will enjoy one stop shopping at the Crystal Lake Park District’s Indoor Garage Sale on Thursday, March 28, from 8 AM-3 PM at Park Place, 406 W. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake.  Whether you will be shopping or selling, mark your calendar now!  Shoppers will be admitted free of charge.  Snacks will be available to purchase.

For those who want to have a garage sale but don’t have the space, this sale offers the perfect solution.  Anyone who wishes to sell garage sale items may rent a 10 x 10 foot space for the event.  Set up time is Noon-6 pm on Wednesday, March 27.   The program fee is $45 for non-residents and $30 for residents and includes one table and two chairs.  Sellers should register by March 18.  Register online at www.crystallakeparks.org for program code #5720-0) or in person at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office. 

For more information, contact Jenni Silka at 459-0680, ext. 219.

Words Of Wisdom

"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it."

--Thomas Paine, The Crisis, no. 4, 1777

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day At Raue Center For The Arts

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Raue Center For The Arts this year! The night will feature music from Áthas, comedy from Bob Rumba and Irish dancers from The Rebecca McCarthy School of Dance! Join in all the fun on March 16, 2013 at 8:00pm.

Áthas (pronounced ‘AH-hiss’) will light the dance floor on fire with a combination of traditional and newly composed Irish dance tunes. Fierce fiddle, driving bodhran, and funky guitar riffs come together to lift listeners’ feet, drinks, and spirits. Making up the band is Heather Lewin (fiddle and vox), Amy Richter (Bodhran and percussion) and Jeff Ksiazek (guitar, whistle, Irish bouzouki).

About Áthas

Although approaching the tradition from various musical backgrounds, the band found each other and their voice as an ensemble while playing in Irish sessions around Milwaukee throughout 2005. Spending their time between tunes laughing and joking inspired them to make music together and their name, which is the Irish word for joy and happiness.

The band’s blend of exciting music and fun-loving attitudes quickly earned the admiration of Milwaukee’s Irish set and ceili dance communities, as well as audiences throughout their hometown stomping grounds. athas has become a favorite act at Irish music’s premier event, Milwaukee Irish Fest, gathering praise for the excitement of their stage shows and the energy they display playing in the dance tent.

Áthas is a band firmly rooted in the traditions of Irish music, constantly seeking inspiration from the past masters and passing on their knowledge by teaching throughout Milwaukee. The band remains receptive to new influences, and continues to impress audiences with their new compositions 

About The McDance Company

The McDance Company is an award winning Dance Company who study at the Rebecca McCarthy School of Dance.  These dancers were recently aired on WGN and chosen to perform for the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade.  The McDance Company have performed all over the United States and have toured throughout Ireland, performing in Killarney, Shannon and Galway. McDancers are trained to perform a variety of dance styles, some include; Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Musical Theater and Irish Step Dance.

The McDance Company have won numerous awards, some of which include; “Overall Best Choreography and Performance” by Starbound Dance Competition, “Best in Production” by International Dance Challenge, “Most Entertaining” 2004-2007, 2009-2011 by City of Algonquin, and featured performers at the Chiwaukee Dance Festival.

For more info visit www.rebeccamccarthyschoolofdance.com, www.rmsd-dance.com or like the Facebook page: Rebecca McCarthy School of Dance. 

About Bob Rumba

Bob Rumba is a Midwest-based professional ventriloquist, comic and Hollywood-lookalike (Groucho, Charlie Chaplin, Barney Fife, Stan Laurel, Peter Sellers), in addition to a host of other talents. He's appeared on TV shows like America's Funniest People, Oprah, and Human Factor (BBC), as well as numerous TV commercials for companies like McDonalds, Sunkist and United Airlines.

Tickets are $20 general admission and are on sale now via www.rauecenter.org or the Box Office: 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in Historic Downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Government At Work

TUESDAY, MARCH 12

9:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Finance and Audit Committee –

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

The Committee will be presented with information regarding the Fiscal Year 2014 McHenry County Conservation District Budget by Elizabeth Kessler, Executive Director of the Conservation District.

Other matters to be considered by the Committee include: 

• Resolution authorizing monthly transactions for the delinquent tax program;
• A resolution accepting a $2,000 Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Education Grant from the IEPA
• Authorizing an emergency appropriation to the Health Department FY2013 Budget;
• A resolution authorizing the acceptance of the Illinois Department of Commerce Economic Opportunity Energy Rebate;
• A resolution authorizing salary increases for the Board of Review for the fiscal Budget Year 2012-2013.

Words Of Wisdom

"As our president bears no resemblance to a king so we shall see the Senate has no similitude to nobles. First, not being hereditary, their collective knowledge, wisdom, and virtue are not precarious. For by these qualities alone are they to obtain their offices, and they will have none of the peculiar qualities and vices of those men who possess power merely because their father held it before them."

--Tench Coxe, An American Citizen, No. 2, 1787

Small Stream Flood Advisory

The National Weather Service in Chicago has extended the urban and small stream flood advisory for rain and melting snow for all of north Central and northeastern Illinois until 8:00 a.m. Monday.

At 10:00 p.m. the National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated an area of light rain moving northeast across the advisory area. Although this rain is expected to only produce light amounts tonight with higher rainfall rates unlikely, the combination of snow melt and the rainfall from Sunday will help keep streams and rivers elevated as well as more rural locations likely observing water covered roads near ditches or adjacent water covered fields.

Excessive runoff from this storm will cause elevated levels on small creeks and streams, ponding of water on roads, urban areas highways, viaducts, underpasses and low lying areas.

Proper Voter Registration Required For April 9 Election

Only properly registered electors may vote at the April 9, 2013 Consolidated Election, as provided by the Permanent Registration of Electors Law of Illinois.

REGISTERED VOTERS who have MOVED FROM ONE PRECINCT TO ANOTHER within the County since last registered, or from one address to another within the precinct of their residence, MUST NOTIFY the County Clerk, in writing, by signing an application for change of residence or by returning their present voter's card to the County Clerk's Office specifying the new address, on or before Tuesday, March 12th, 2013.

Any person residing in his election district thirty (30) days, on or before the date of the election or any person who shall be eighteen years of age on or before the date of the election shall be permitted to register, if otherwise qualified.

VOTERS who are REGISTERED IN ANOTHER COUNTY and are new residents of McHenry County MUST APPEAR before the County Clerk or a Deputy Registrar and register in McHenry County. Two ID's are required, and one must bear current name and address. Please contact the County Clerk’s Office for information if you wish to register with a local deputy registrar or you may access our web site at www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/countyclerk. NOTE: Anyone registering to vote by mail must provide sufficient proof of identity, if requesting an Absentee Ballot be mailed.

To constitute residence under this Act a permanent abode and dwelling place within the county is necessary.

Government At Work

MONDAY, MARCH 11 –

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

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

The Committee is to consider a resolution authorizing the acceptance of the Illinois Department of Commerce Economic Opportunity Energy Rebate of $17,588 to be used to making the 1992 Government Center addition energy efficient as well as providing improved comfort for occupants of the building. The total cost of the project is $49,209 to add automation to the HVAC systems located in the 1992 Government Center addition. A savings of $14,220 per year is anticipated while improving comfort for occupants of the building.

Also to be considered by the Committee is a resolution appropriating funds for Cartegraph Software license Renewal and maintenance for Fiscal Year 2013

The Committee is also to continue discussion regarding the review of County Board Rules.

Crystal Lake Public Library Planning/PR Committee meeting previously scheduled for this date has been cancelled.

Empowering Women Expo--MCC Wednesday

In celebration of Women’s History Month, McHenry County College (MCC) is hosting an Empowering Women Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13 in the College Atrium, Building A.

Following the theme of “Women Inspiring Innovation through Imagination,” the expo’s topics and exhibitors will provide resources and highlight accomplishments in health and wellness, science and technology and money management. Tax preparation assistance will be available, along with a cell phone recycling station, and a prize booth with drawings for gift baskets and other prizes.

Guest speakers will include MCC president Vicky Smith, Ed.D., at 10 a.m., Patricia Sievert, Director of Northern Illinois University (NIU)

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Outreach at 11 a.m.; Marla Garrison, MCC biology instructor, 12 p.m. and Jane Hemstreet, MCC nursing student, 1 p.m.

“We wanted to offer an expo for women because women are important contributors to the areas of math, science, technology and healthcare,” said Kate Midday, MCC’s Women’s History Month Committee chair. “Traditionally, girls are encouraged to excel in the humanities, and boys in the sciences, and it is only in recent years that we’ve seen a shift begin.”

“Our own faculty represent this shift, and we are thrilled to see more young women teaching in math and the sciences,” said Midday, who teaches English at MCC.  “It helps to encourage our students to see beyond outdated ideas and limitations on their potentials. We want all women to feel empowered by the roles they have in society and to know there are other women to support them,” she added.

Participating organizations include: Challenger Learning Center for Science & Technology, City of Crystal Lake, Friends of MCC Foundation, Illinois Girls Collaborative Project, Intrigue Fitness, Living Waters Lutheran Church, MCC Career Services, MCC Fitness Center, MCC Sustainability Center, McHenry County Department of Transportation, McHenry County GIS Department, Northern Illinois University STEM Outreach, Village of Algonquin, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program and American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC).

The Empowering Women Expo is free and open to the public. All Women’s History Month events at McHenry County College are hosted by the MCC Chapter of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges, with support from the Northwest Herald. More information on MCC 2013 Women’s History Month is available at www.mchenry.edu/women. For more information, contact Kate Midday at (815) 455-8735.

Report From Springfield By Representative Tryon

Governor Pat Quinn presented a Fiscal Year 2014 budget address on Wednesday which calls for an increase in spending that is almost double the amount of additional revenue that is expected to come in next year.

The day prior to the Governor's speech, members of the House approved resolutions that set the spending ceiling for Fiscal Year 2014 at $35.081 billion. The revenue estimate is used during the House’ budget process as a maximum spending limit. It was stated as the resolutions were discussed that any spending number the Governor presented that was above $35.081 billion would put him in direct conflict with the House. In spite of those comments, Governor Quinn presented a spending plan that exceeds our resolved spending limit by $500 million, and increases State spending by $1.9 billion. The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability has told us that our revenues will only grow by $1 billion next year.

Once again, Governor Quinn is trying to pressure lawmakers into approving higher spending by proposing painful cuts to our state’s schools. Quinn has proposed cutting K-12 Education by $300 million and Higher Education by $50 million. Specifically, he has proposed a regular and vocational transportation reduction of $145.6 million and a General State Aid reduction of $150.4 million. He has proposed keeping funding for early childhood education programs level. The proposed education cuts target transportation funding and state aid primarily for downstate and suburban school districts.

I was especially disappointed Wednesday to hear about the Governor’s plans for a massive expansion of Medicaid, an optional component of President Obama’s Affordable Care Act. Governor Quinn wants to implement this massive Medicaid expansion just one year after legislators worked very hard to downsize our Medicaid program to rein in out-of-control costs. His administration has yet to fully implement the reforms the General Assembly approved last year, and now it appears he is charging ahead with an expansion that is not required and that we simply cannot afford.

Keep in mind that the Governor’s budget address includes a suggested spending plan. Legislators in the House and Senate set the appropriation levels for the different parts of the budget in bills that go to the Governor for ultimate approval. There will be difficult decisions made as we begin the process of setting the appropriation levels for Fiscal Year 2014.