Saturday, April 20, 2013

Peter Yarrow Appearance Tonight At Raue Center Rescheduled

Raue Center regrets to inform you that tonight's event featuring folk legend Peter Yarrow has been rescheduled due to illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Yarrow and we wish him a speedy recovery. 
We hope that you will join us for the rescheduled date on Saturday, July 27 @ 8p as all tickets purchased for the 4/20/13 concert will be honored, but if you would like a refund or gift certificate for your purchased tickets, please contact the Box Office on Monday, April 22 from noon - 4p at 815.356.9212.

 Raue Center apologizes for any inconvenience and appreciates your patience and understanding.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Summer Saturday Hours For Crystal Lake Park District Office

The Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office will be open on Saturdays, April 6-July 27, 2013 in order to better serve customers during the busy summer season. Saturday office hours are 9:30 AM-Noon at the Administrative Office located at One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake. The following services are available at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office:
  • Picnic Reservations
  • Field and Facility Rental 
  • Hound Town at Lippold Park Key Card Purchase
  • Walk-In Fisherman Keys
  • Boat Gate Key Cards
  • 2013 Resident and Non-Resident Season Beach Pass
  • Program Registration
  • Hunting and Fishing Licenses
  • Great America Tickets and season passes
For more information call  (815) 459-0680 or visit the Crystal Lake Park District online at www.crystallakeparks.org or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/CrystalLakeParkDistrict

Help For Stopping Flooding

The McHenry County Emergency Management Agency would like to remind residents that sandbags are available through your township or municipality to protect your homes from flooding.  If you live in an incorporated area, contact your municipality for sandbag supplies.  Contact your local township for assistance if you live in an unincorporated area. It is recommended that plastic sheeting, available at local retailers, be used with sand bags.  
instructions on setting up an effective sandbag barrier are available online from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. Important tips from the Army Corps of Engineers when sandbagging include:
Sandbag Construction
·     Use a treated burlap sack that is 14 inches wide and 24 inches long.  Fill two thirds full if untied. Use tied bags (filled slightly fuller to hold plastic sheeting or straw bales in place). 
·     Two or three person operation works best 
·     Consider vehicle transportation and access to flood site when bags are filled at a distant location. 
Best Fill Materials
1. Sand
2. Silt, clay or gravels; or
3. Alternatives: Straw bales, concrete jersey barriers, and ecology blocks
Sandbag Placement
·     Tips for placement include: removing debris from areas,
·     Place bags lengthwise and parallel to direction of flow with the open facing upstream,
·     Fill low spots first and start at the downstream end and 1 foot landward from river.
·     Fold the open end of the bag under the filled portion. 
·     Place succeeding bags tightly against and partially overlapping the previous one. 
·     Offset adjacent rows by one half bag length.
Safety Tips When Sandbagging
·     Use proper lifting techniques
·     Use work gloves and avoid contact with eyes
·     Wear adequate layered clothing and wear boots
·     Use caution around heavy equipment operations
·     Wear with reflective material for night work.
Stay tuned for periodic updates from McHenry County at www.co.mchenry.il.us, Facebook, and Twitter or by calling the McHenry County Emergency Management Agency at 815-338-6400.
For more information on flood-related issues and recovery, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health at http://www.idph.state.il.us/floodinfo/index.htm

McHenry County Declared Emergency Disaster Area

McHenry County has been declared a disaster emergency area, according to a proclamation issued this past week by McHenry County Board Chairwoman, Tina Hill.
This proclamation is due to the declaration of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources that the flood of April 16-18, 2013 to be a flood of record.  River projections have exceeded previous estimates by over two feet.  All of McHenry County river front communities are in a state of emergency.
The Director of McHenry County’s Emergency Management Agency has been directed to proceed with haste to bring the emergency disaster to a rapid conclusion for the best interest of all McHenry County residents, pursuant to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act and the McHenry County Emergency Management Agency ordinance.
Issuing this declaration will allow the State to provide State assets for assistance to the County. This proclamation is effective April 18, 2013 and will expire April 24, 2013 unless extended by the McHenry County Board. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency may also seek a declaration from the Governor which would pave the way for a request of Federal Assistance through a Presidential Disaster Declaration.

Business Simulation Training Program -- Wednesday, April 24

McHenry County College Workforce Training Program is introducing a highly interactive business simulation, the Fresh Connection, at an executive briefing scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24 at the Shah Center in McHenry.
Charles Nemer, principle of Adaptive Manufacturing Solutions in Somerset, Wisconsin, will facilitate the briefing. The Fresh Connection is an advanced web-based business simulation that challenges participants to work together as a team to demonstrate and improve their Value Chain practices.
In addition, the Fresh Connection can be used to teach collaborative work and effective communication, assist to break down silos, and support implementation of effective Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Practices, Sales and Operations Planning, Lean Initiatives, and ERP Implementations.
Suggested attendees include company principles and senior leadership who manage supply chain, plant operations, sales and human resource functions.
The fee is $10 and includes a continental breakfast. To register for the Fresh Connection Executive Briefing, contact the MCC Registration Office and mention course ID: NTE S46 001. The Fresh Connection Executive Briefing will be followed up by Fresh Connection Team rounds from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on May 9 and 16. These team rounds will provide participants with the hands-on experience of the power of this tool in a competitive setting. 
The fee for the Fresh Connection Team Rounds in May is $100 per person. Register for the team rounds in May using course ID: NTE S47 001.  For organizations that have three or more participants, call (815) 455-8593 to register at a reduced fee of $75 per person.
For more information , contact the McHenry County College Workforce Training Programs at (815) 455-8593 or shahcenter@mchenry.edu.

Words Of Wisdom

"A militia when properly formed are in fact the people themselves ... and include... all men capable of bearing arms. ... The mind that aims at a select militia, must be influenced by a truly anti-republican principle."

 --Richard Lee, Federal Farmer LII

Thursday, April 18, 2013

GOVERNMENT AT WORK

 FRIDAY, APRIL 19--
1:30 p.m. – Historic Preservation Commission – Rural Intensive Survey Committee—
Meeting in the Planning and Development Conference Room, County administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Reports on activities in progress, current workshop activities and activity planning assignments, all in connection with the Rural Intensive Survey, are to be considered by the Committee.

Crystal Lake Park District Board Budget Hearing This Evening

THURSDAY, APRIL 18—
7:00 P.M.—Crystal Lake Park District Board
A public hearing on the 2013-14 Budget is scheduled for this evening’s Crystal Lake Park District Board meeting.

A few other interesting items include a vehicle purchase request, a ne name for Skate Shack/Warming House, and an ordinance to disconnect property

The meeting is held in the Park District Offices, One East Crystal Lake Avenue.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Work Zone Safety Awareness Week Reminder From McDOT

In recognition of Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, MCDOT reminds motorists that “We’re all in this together”!  Please click here to view more information on work zone safety.
 As part of the MCDOT’s recognition of 2013 National Work Zone Awareness Week, please remember “We’re All In This Together” and check out this video describing why work zone safety is so important to the men and women who work on our roads every day.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R_OAf5yVRM
 MCDOT reminds you to slow down in work zones and respect the work environment of those who work on our areas roadways.  Watch this video to see if you would like someone driving through the place where you work at 65 MPH. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeoB3tIb2RI

Walkup Road Lane Closures Expected

Expect daily lane closures on Walkup Road for storm sewer work.
The contractor is placing concrete sidewalk at the northwest quadrant of IL 176 and Walkup Road.
Weather permitting, the concrete curb & gutter work on the south side of IL 176 will begin on Wednesday 4/17.
The underground contractor is to resume storm sewer installation on Walkup Road between Crystal Ridge and Talismon. 

Words Of Wisdom

"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
--George Mason, Speech at the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 1788

Fox River Flood Warning

The flood warning continues for the Fox River at Algonquin Tailwater until late Friday night.


At 3:30 a.m. Tuesday the stage was 9.7 feet – flood stage is 9.5 feet


Recent activity – flood forecasts for Algonquin were moved to this location on July 5, 2011.


Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast that the river will continue rising to near 9.8 feet by this afternoon.


The river will fall below flood stage Friday evening.\

Monday, April 15, 2013

Government At Work

TUESDAY, APRIL 16—
8:30 a.m.—McHenry County Housing Commission –
Meeting Cancelled
6:00 p.m. – District 155 Board Operations Committee-
Meeting in Room E-1, Cary Grove High School 2208 Three Oaks Road, Cary.
The Committee is to consider the Transportation Joint Authority proposed truck purchase along with parking lot improvement bids and summer capital project bids.
6:00 p.m. McHenry County College Board
Committee of the Whole, meeting in the Board Room of the College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.
A presentation is scheduled regarding College and Career Readiness Initiative with School Districts by MCC representatives Christina Haggerty, Chief Communications Officer, Tony Capalbo, Associate Dean for College and Career  Readiness and Laura Donelli, and Molly Stolz, who are Web Content Specialists.
A second special meeting of the MCC board is also slated at the same time. This is to consider a request for emergency repairs to storm and sanitary pipes and also a closed session regarding the contract extension for the President.
7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Board—
Meeting in the County Board Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.
A number of special recognition reports are on the agenda including
  • Eagle Scout recognition
  • Proclamation acknowledging the Members of the McHenry County Adopt A-Highway Program during National Volunteer Week.
  • Proclamation declaring April 2013 Fair Housing Month
  • Also, Fair Housing Poster Contest Recipients
Special Presentations
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)
Zoning Matters Presented for Board consideration: 
Tillman Trust - Dorr Twp - B3-B3CV (needs majority vote of members present)
Nazario - Dorr Twp - A1-E5 (needs 13 votes to pass)
For Waiver of 30 Day Review
Ordinance Extending a Temporary Moratorium for Electronic Off-Premise Commercial Advertising Signs
7:30 p.m.—District 155 Board of Education—
Meeting in Cary-Grove High School, 2208 Three Oaks Road, Cary.
In addition to the necessary routine matters, the Board. Most of these are resignations from positions they will be completing t the end of the school year. Others are being employed in temporary positions until the end of the school term, all of which entail extra duty matters.
7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake City Council—
Meeting in the Council Chambers, Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 West Woodstock Street.
A number of matters will be handled by the council on a consent agenda, including Downtown Crystal Lake/Main Street Temporary Use Permit to allow the Farmers’ Market to be held in downtown Crystal Lake every Saturday morning from June 1 through October
Downtown Crystal Lake/Main Street Temporary Use Permit request to allow Lunch-Dinner in the Park events to be held in the Gazebo and Depot Park on June 28, July 26, and August 30 of this year.
Crystal Lake Water Ski Association request for waiver of no wake restrictions for the Shalom Tournament scheduled June 23 and August 4
Lakeside Legacy Foundation Festival License, Class 19 Temporary Liquor License
Crystal Lake Women of Today, Children’s Decorated Bike Parade requests
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, 701 Manor Road, is seeking a final planned unit development amendment for expansion and renovation of the existing facility and off premise signage at various locations.
Several matters are to be presented for discussion only including:
Canterbury Elementary School Area-wide Parking Restrictions
2013 Bikeway Corridor Improvement Pre-Final Design Presentation
Walkup Road Concrete Wall
Ordinance amending Section 515-15 of the City Code to increase the monthly water service fee, monthly sewer service fee, water volumetric rate and sewer volumetric rate.
Plans are to be considered by the YMCA for proposed expansion of the Manor Road building, primarily on the north and west sides. This project will also include a redesigned parking lot along the south side with site amenities to be added in phases for sports courts, a pavilion, playground, limestone path, fire pit and patio and preschool play area.
Public Hearing/Annual Budget Resolution and Salary Ordinance for 2013/2014 Fiscal Year.
Budgeted expenditures and other uses for all funds in fiscal year 2013/2014 total approximately $90.02 million (including the Library).
Revenues and other amounts available to support the fiscal year 2013/2014 budget are $80.08 million.
The differences between available revenues and budgeted expenditures are the planned use of reserves which have been intentionally accumulated over the years to pay for improvements to roads and the maintenance of water and sewer infrastructure, as well as to fund capital equipment purchases.
The Council is asked to adopt a resolution approving and adopting the Annual Budget for the 2013/2014 Fiscal Year and a motion to adopt the Salary Ordinance for the 2013/2014 Fiscal Year.

Delivery Of A Controlled Substance To Undercover Police Officer--Five Years Residency With Department of Corrections

Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney, announces that 32 year old Ryan Raskey was sentenced today to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for Delivery of a Controlled Substance, a Class 1 Felony. 

The charges stemmed from a February 10, 2012 incident where the defendant sold over a gram of heroin to an undercover police officer.  The defendant also told the undercover police officer that he could supply heroin to the officer in the future.

This case was investigated by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Kate Lenhard.

Election Returns -- School Districts

School District vote returns from the April 9 election. These are listed by the high school district with the feeder districts listed below it. 


HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 155
Vote for
4

Precincts Reporting
80/80
100.00%

DAVE SECREST  -i

5995
24.62%*
ANN SOMERS     I

6207
25.49%*
GARY R OBERG  I

5992
24.61%*
TED WAGNER      I

6154
25.28%*

 

FOX RIVER GROVE DISTRICT 3
Vote for
4

Precincts Reporting
5/5
100.00%

PATRICK RILEY

457
22.05% *
TIMOTHY HATFIELD

398
19.20% *
STEPHEN PICKERING I

455
21.95% *
PATRICK WALL

394
19.01% *
MICHAEL P OLENCHECK

365
17.61% 



CARY COMMUNITY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS DISTRICT 26
Vote for
4

Precincts Reporting
20/20
100.00%

FLOYD S MYERS I

912
10.11%
JENNIFER L CRICK-

1274
14.12%*
BRADLEY SLAVIK

562
  6.23%
JULIE JETTE –I -

1249
13.84%*
BRUCE RITTER

980
10.86%
SCOTT EPSTEIN

963
10.67%
JOSH HOWELL -

1416
15.69%*
C CHRISTENSEN-

1668
18.48%*


PRAIRIE GROVE DISTRICT 46
Vote for
4

Precincts Reporting
7/7
100.00%

ANNA OLAS

237
7.99%
CHARLOTTE KREMER I

337
11.36%
LAURA BARKER          

419
14.13%*
JOHN L BOWMAN     

441
14.87%*
MARGARET PONGA 

399
13.45%*
RICK SALVO              

464
15.64%*
LAURA DOMOTO –I

360
12.14%
Write-in

79
2.66%
Write-in

0
0.00%
VICKIE MARCONI--I

121
4.08%
MISCHELLE YANTIS I

109
3.67%
  



CRYSTAL LAKE DISTRICT 47
Vote for
4

Precincts Reporting
56/56
100.00%

JEFFREY R MASON  I-

2570
17.45%*
BETSY A LES            

2796
18.98%*
ROBERT ROUTZAHN I

2305
15.65%
DONNA RICCI

2438
16.55%*
RUTH R SCIFO  I

2179
14.79%
EILEEN PALSGROVE--

2439
16.56%* 



Words Of Wisdom

"It will be of little avail to the people that the laws are made by men of their own choice, if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood; if they be repealed or revised before they are promulgated, or undergo such incessant changes that no man who knows what the law is today can guess what it will be to-morrow."
 --James Madison, Federalist No. 62, 1788

Sunday, April 14, 2013

NOTE: East Terra Cotta Avenue Intersection With IL176/IL31 Closed

On Monday April 15th, E. Terra Cotta Avenue at the intersection of IL 176/IL 31 will be permanently closed to allow the contractor to start the removal of the existing underground storage tanks.  The closure of this fifth leg of the intersection is a planned closure with the IDOT intersection improvement.  The purpose of the closure is to create a safer standard four leg intersection.  Access to E. Terra Cotta Avenue will be via Smith Road off of IL 176.  IL 176 and IL 31 will remain open during and after construction.

Words Of Wisdom

"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."

 --George Mason, Speech at the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 1788