Words Of Wisdom

"The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their Constitutions of Government. But the Constitution which at any time exists, 'till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole People, is sacredly obligatory upon all."

 --George Washington (1796)

Words Of Wisdom

"The necessity of reciprocal checks in the exercise of political power, by dividing and distributing it into different depositories, and constituting each the guardian of the public weal against invasions by the others, has been evinced by experiments ancient and modern, some of them in our country and under our own eyes."

 --George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796

Walkup Road Work Progress

Binder surface course installation at the IL 176 intersection with Walkup Road was completed Wednesday 5/8.  Final surface course will be installed within the next several weeks.  Today (weather permitting) the contractor will prep for placing asphalt on Friday on the west side of Walkup Road from north of Talismon Drive to south of Crystal Ridge Drive. 

Work on the traffic signals will continue at the intersection with installation of the concrete handholes in the left turn lanes for signal wiring. In order to allow this handhole installation work to occur safely in the left turn lanes, traffic will be relocated to the outside lanes approaching the intersection while this work occurs.

Multi-use path installation will begin today along the east side of Walkup Road. 

Landscaping will tentatively start late next week or early the following week.

North Section:

Paving of the final lift of asphalt is scheduled to begin next week and last approximately 1 week.

Temporary lane closures and flagger operations may be required at times so please slow down and proceed with caution.

Teens Celebrate National Kick Butts Day

In celebration of National Kick Butts Day (March 20), teens at local high schools conducted a number of activities with their peers as well as with middle school students.  Some events included pig lungs demonstration (one healthy, one smoker), games with tobacco trivia, smoke-free pledges, displays on the effects of smokeless tobacco, and a visual on the chemicals in cigarettes.
 Participating teens are members of TATU (Teens Against Tobacco Use), a program designed by the American Lung Association and coordinated by the McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH).  Area high schools included Crystal Lake Central, Johnsburg, McHenry East, Woodstock, Woodstock North and Marian Central Catholic.

Each year, teachers, youth leaders, and advocates participated in Kick Butts Day activities as a national day of activism to empower youth to stand out, speak up and take action against Big Tobacco at more than 1,300 events from coast to coast. 

This project is made possible by funds received from the Illinois Department of Public Health.  Visit the MCDH website www.mcdh.info for information or call 815-334-4510

Government At Work

FRIDAY, MAY 10—

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

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

The Committee is to discuss the appointment process for members of the Mental Health Board.

8:30 a.m. –McHenry County Board

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

The only item listed on the agenda is the review of the McHenry County Budget Development and FY14 Budget Policy.

Grafton Township New Assessor Working On Assessments Through State Legislation

Alan Zielinski, humbly and gratefully accepts the voters’ directive to be their new Grafton Township Assessor.
Alan Zielinski, Grafton Township’s Assessor-Elect, was humbled by the voters’ choice in the recent election and is extremely grateful.

“My sole purpose in running for office was leveraging my education, experience and empathy to serve the people of Grafton Township. The voters have given me that opportunity to serve.” said Zielinski.

Although he doesn’t take office until January 1, 2014, Zielinski is not planning to stand idly by.

“Representative Tryon invited my help bringing a Property Taxpayer Bill of Rights to the floor of the Illinois legislature so I’ve contacted other appraisers and assessors to gain their ideas.

By the end of May, I’ll have contacted the Grafton Food Pantry to see how best we can utilize the contributions starting next year.

Later this year, I’ll be seeking the incumbent’s and staff's guidance as to how we can have a completely seamless transition.” said Zielinski.

Zielinski continued: “It’s not just about valuation; it’s also about helping Grafton Township heal and move forward. I’ve already set aside party labels and contacted the newly-elected Supervisor and Board offering whatever assistance I can to help them navigate the troubled financial waters ahead. We share a common goal: putting the past behind us and doing our best to serve all of our residents and taxpayers.”

Assessor-elect Zielinski plans to keep his web site active so residents can keep abreast of the developments that occur between now and the end of the year: www.Al-for-Assessor.com

Zielinski concluded by thanking those who helped. “I was blessed with a tireless campaign manager and an extremely insightful and helpful campaign committee. In addition, I was fortunate to gain the backing and friendship of those taxpayers who stood-up and said ‘How can I help?’ Those new friendships were an astonishing and fortuitous benefit of my campaign that I’ll always cherish.”

Win A Picnic Cooler

Beach Visitors Invited to Complete Survey for a chance to win a Picnic Cooler Filled with Summer Fun

The Crystal Lake Park District is hard at work preparing for opening day at Main and West Beaches on Saturday, May 26. In order to make this an enjoyable beach season for everyone and to plan ahead for the future, park district staff is asking for the public’s input via an online survey. Anyone who completes a survey can elect to be entered into our drawing for a Beach Cooler packed with summertime fun.

The survey, https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CLParkDistrictBeachSurvey, will be available through the end of June. From there, park district staff will analyze results and solicit additional input from individuals who have expressed interest in being a part of a Beach Focus Group.

The Crystal Lake Park District Beach Survey is just one small part of how park district staff is planning for a great 2013 beach season. Plans are already underway for new drop in activities and events during the week and enhancing exciting special events that are already part of the Crystal Lake Park District schedule.

Check out the Summer 2013 Crystal Lake Park District program brochure (delivery begins May 15)  for details on the new Crazy Craft Tuesdays and Wet and Wild Thursdays in addition to the schedules for the 2013 Concert in the Park and Movies in the Park/Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Eating Contest.

The 2013 Beach Season will come to a close on a high note with the BMO Harris Blast on the Beach Festival that will be bigger and better than ever this year. With free admission provided by BMO Harris Bank, food vendors, beer & wine garden, fun fair and treasure hunt in the sand, an art and craft show, the Blast on the Beach is the festival not to miss in August.

For questions about the Crystal Lake Park District Beach Survey or to be a part of the Beach Focus Group without taking a survey, contact Kim Buscemi, Superintendent of Recreation Services at (815) 459-0680, ext. 217 or via email at kbuscemi@crystallakeparks.org 

Crystal Lake Public Library Closed For Mother's Day - Sunday

The Crystal Lake Public Library will be closed on Sunday, May 12, 2013 for Mother’s Day.  The Library will re-open to the public at 9:00 am Monday, May 13, 2013.

Collection Of Unusual Recyclables

Recycling Drive accepts fluorescent tubes, electronics, Styrofoam™, more!

On Saturday, May 11th, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will conduct a recycling collection for fluorescent tubes, Styrofoam™, electronics, and batteries from 9 a.m. until noon at the Metra Station parking lot, 4005 Main Street, in McHenry. 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 household batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries. The Defenders also collect fluorescent tubes, clean 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, clean microwaves, and electronic toys, are accepted. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation of $10-$35. Become a new member of the Defenders at the recycling drive, at the Basic or higher level, and get two coupons to recycle a television or monitor for FREE!

At the McHenry collection, the Defenders will accept and pay for aluminum cans. 

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.

For more information about the recycling schedule and types of materials accepted at each location, or to access the Green Guide recycling directory which is put out annually by the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC, visit the Defenders’ website at http://www.mcdef.org/recycling_information.htm or phone 815-338-0393, or find them on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/EnvironmentalDefenders.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides the community with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Annual Crystal Lake Park District Used Bike Sale Saturday

The Crystal Lake Park District is hosting its Annual Used Bike Sale on Saturday, May 11! This is a good chance to find some bargains for the whole family.

Location: Rotary Building at Veteran Acres, 431 N. Walkup, Crystal Lake

Sale:times  -- Saturday, May 11      10:30 AM-12:30 PM

Government At Work

THURSDAY, MAY 9,

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

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

The committee will consider any Federal and State legislative updates available.

1:30 p.m. – McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals –

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

A hearing is scheduled before Zoning Board to reclassify property in Chemung Township with an address of 25303 State Line Road, Harvard, from A1 to A2.

Graduation Saturday For 650 MCC Students

McHenry County College has more than 650 graduation candidates this spring who have applied for over 700 degrees/certificates (466 degrees and 241 certificates).

A new highlight this year will be a Distinguished Alumnus presentation by Mary Beth Siddons of McHenry, Class of 1983. She is president of ITW Food Equipment Group-Service in Ohio. Siddons is a recipient of MCC’s inaugural 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award, along with Andrew Zinke of Woodstock, undersheriff of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office; Kimberly Keefe of Rockford, real estate broker, RE/MAX Plaza in McHenry; Steve Rankins of McHenry, senior vice president of corporate lending at First Midwest Bank in McHenry; and Matthew Lemke of Lakewood, owner of Summit Wealth Strategies in Crystal Lake.

Ryan McReynolds, 24, of Spring Grove, has been selected as the student speaker for the commencement ceremony. He will graduate May 11 with an Associate in Fine Arts degree and Associate in Science degree. His goal is to become a professional artist and show and sell his work in galleries.

Also speaking will be MCC president Vicky Smith, Ed.D. In addition, Lindsay Carson, instructor of Spanish, will lead the faculty charge speech. She is MCC’s nominee for the Illinois Community College Trustee Association (ICCTA) 2013 Outstanding Full-time Faculty Member of the Year.

Twins Joseph Ferguson and James Ferguson, both of McHenry, are graduating from MCC with Associate in Science degrees. They both were two-year starters for the soccer team and they helped MCC reach Region IV Premiership Division. Both are recipients of MCC’s Soccer teams’ Sportsmanship and Ethics Award and each received an Academic Athlete of the Year Award for earning a GPA of 3.00 or higher. Joseph will transfer to the University of Cincinnati to study philosophy. He also plans to attend law school and his career goal is to become a health care attorney. James plans to pursue a career in teaching and will transfer to Illinois State University this fall to major in education.

Other noteworthy students are Joe Bilodeau of Woodstock, distinguished chapter officer for Phi Theta Kappa, who is earning an Associate in Applied Science degree in Manufacturing Management and Laura Arboleda of Crystal Lake, who will earn her Associate in Arts degree two weeks before receiving her high school diploma. She also received the Academic Excellence as a Non-Traditional Student Award from MCC.

Government At Work

Wednesday, May 8—

8:30 a.m. –McHenry County Board Public Health and Human Services Committee—

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

The committee will be conducting three interviews for the Valley Hi Operating Board; one interview for the County Board of Health and two interviews for the County Housing Authority.

The committee will deliberate and select three candidates for recommendations to the County Board Charwoman for the Valley Hi Operating Board with terms to expire June 30, 2015;

Deliberation and selection of one candidate is to be made for recommendation to the County Board Chairwoman for the McHenry County Board of Health with a term to expire June 30, 2016.

Deliberation and selection of one candidate for recommendation to the County Board Chairwoman for the McHenry County Housing Authority with a term to expire June 1, 2018

Deliberation and selection of one candidate for recommendation to the County Board Chairwoman for the McHenry County Housing Authority with a term to expire June 30, 2018.

The committee is also to consider a number of other resolutions including:

Resolution authorizing the acceptance of a McHenry County Community Foundation Grant and an emergency appropriation to the McHenry County Workforce Network Fiscal Year 2012-2013

Resolution authorizing the acceptance of a McHenry County Community Foundation Grant and an emergency appropriation to the Veterans Assistance Commission’s fiscal year 2013 budget

Resolution authorizing an emergency appropriation in the McHenry County mental Health Board IDHS Child Initiative Grant Fiscal Year 2013 Budget.

Resolution authorizing an appropriation for McHenry County Mental Health Board FY14 Continuation Funding Agreements

10:00 a.m. – Senior Services Grant Commission-

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

The Commission is to review the Senior Services Strategic Plan 2012, report on program year 2012, and review application and request for proposals for Fiscal year 2014 Programs

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

A meeting of the Building Committee of the Crystal Lake Public Library Board of

Trustees will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 7:00pm in the Ames II Room at Crystal Lake Public Library.

Summertime--Beware Of Ticks

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is warning residents to take precautions against tick bites to prevent contracting the diseases they carry, in particular Lyme disease. 

Ticks live in and near wooded areas, tall grass and brush. Although the American Dog Tick and the Lone Star Tick can spread disease, the Black-legged or Deer Tick is the most common disease carrier in Illinois and surrounding states and is largely responsible for the spread of Lyme disease. Thirty-nine (39) cases of Lyme disease were reported in McHenry County in  2012, along with three cases of other tick-borne illnesses (erlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever). In contrast, only 19 cases were reported in 2011. 

Lyme disease typically occurs 3 to 30 days after exposure to an infected tick. Symptoms vary greatly from person to person and may include fatigue, chills and fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes and skin rash (often with a “bull’s eye” appearance).  In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36-48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted so it’s important to check yourself after being outside.  Many cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics.  If you experience these symptoms, and have had possible exposure to ticks, contact your physician for reporting to MCDH. If physicians have questions regarding testing, please call MCDH’s Communicable Disease program.

The best way to protect against tick-borne illness includes –

Educate yourself, family about tick identification, removal and symptom awareness.

Walk in the center of trails.  Avoid wooded, bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter (including vacant lots in residential areas).

Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to find. Tuck long pants into socks and boots.

Apply insect repellent containing DEET (20% or more) to exposed skin. Follow label instructions.

Conduct full-body tick checks on family members (including underarms, in/around ears, inside belly button, behind knees, between legs, around waists, and especially in the hair). Also check any gear taken on outings.

Tick bites on dogs may be hard to detect.  Keep pets out of tick habitats like tall grass/brush. Always examine pets before bringing them inside.  Ask your vet to recommend an over-the-counter tick killer/repellent. 

The CDC recommends bathing or showering as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks.

For more information on Lyme disease, contact MCDH’s Communicable Disease Program 815-334-4500, visit www.mcdh.info, Environmental Health (“quick tips”) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/.

Crystal Lake Public Library Closed On Mother's Day

The Crystal Lake Public Library will be closed on Sunday, May 12, 2013 for Mother’s Day.  The Library will re-open to the public at 9:00 am Monday, May 13, 2013.

Words Of Wisdom

"[T]he mild voice of reason, pleading the cause of an enlarged and permanent interest, is but too often drowned, before public bodies as well as individuals, by the clamors of an impatient avidity for immediate and immoderate gain."

 --James Madison, Federalist No. 42, 1788

Government At Work

 TUESDAY, May 7

9:00 a.m. – McHenry County Board-

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

Two special proclamations are scheduled for approval, including one recognizing National Historic Preservation Month.

The second proclamation is proclaiming May 12 through May 18 as National Nursing Home Week, recognizing the dedication, compassion and quality of Care given by the staff at Valley Hi Nursing and Rehab Center.

County Flooding Update

An update on flooding in the County will be provided the Board by the Director of McHenry County Emergency Management Agency. A Resolution is being presented for Board approval that the Director of the McHenry County Emergency Management Agency is to bring said disaster emergency to a rapid conclusion for the best interest of the residents of McHenry County.

Workforce Network Grants

A resolution is being presented for Board approval, accepting a $52,868.89 Workforce Network grant to be used for providing training to the dislocated workers of McHenry County

Another resolution is being presented for Board approval, accepting a $61,849 grant to provide assurances for the Workforce Network program.

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

Meeting in the Library Directors Office. Library is located at 126 Paddocks Street, Crystal Lake.

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake City Council –

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

A number of requests are being presented for Council Approval ;

St. Thomas The Apostle Church is requesting the closure of Washington Street between Pierson Street and Lake Street on Sunday, May 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for the safety of those attending an outdoor picnic at the priests private residence at 200 Washington Street.

Martin Chevrolet, 5220 Northwest Highway, is seeking a Temporary Use Permit Amendment to allow a temporary sign to be placed on the west side of the service building facing Exchange Drive for a period of nine months or less.

Las Cazuelitas, 21 Crystal Lake Plaza is seeking a City Code Amendment increasing the number of Class 3 liquor licenses and decreasing the number of Class 2 Liquor Licenses.

Boy Scout Troop 165 is requesting to overnight camp at the Three Oaks recreation Area on May 18.

Crystal Lake Rowing Club is requesting permission for the use of the Three Oaks Recreation area for two instructional rowing camps from June 20 to June 14 and August 5 to August 10, along with a waiver of the City’s Personal Flotation Device requirement

Lincoln Park Boat Club is requesting the use of Three Oaks Recreation Area for the 33rd Annual Chicago Sprints Regatta from July 20 to July 21 along with a waiver of the City’s Personal Flotation Device requirement.

Signature Auto Group, 970 Pyott Road is requesting a Use Variable to allow an automobile dealer in the M-Manufacturing Zone district with a Variation to allow a crushed asphalt/gravel parking and storage area for vehicles.

:Several matters are included on the agenda for discussion only including:

• 2013 bikeway Corridor Improvement Final Design Presentation
• Walkup Road Concrete Wall
• Centennial Planning Update

Also included on the agenda is the item regarding Centennial Logo Selection

A proposal award and resolution authorizing executing of an agreement for the Country Club Area Water Main Improvement Phase III Construction Engineering and approval of changes in scope by 10 percent of the original price.

Also, a bid award and resolution authorizing execution of a contract for the Country club Area Water Main Replacement Stage 1 Construction and allowing for a 10 percent contingency.

A license agreement is being considered for stand-up paddle boarding at the North Lake property of Three Oaks Recreation Area.

An ordinance is being presented for consideration restricting area wide parking n Canterbury Drive, Aberdeen Drive, Denton Court and Cardiff Drive.

Government At Work

MONDAY MAY 6—

8:15 a.m. – McHenry County Board Law and Justice Committee—

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

The Committee is to discuss a domestic violence diversion program and Genealogy Society Digitized Records.

Also for discussion is a resolution authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement between the McHenry County sheriffs Office, the Village of Lake in the Hills, and McHenry County to Provide Mutual Aid.

Also regarding the Sheriff’s Office, a resolution is being presented authorizing the Sheriff to enter into phase II of an agreement with Cabay & Company and Elkhorn Chemical to supply cleaning supplies and chemical for fiscal year 2013;

Also for consideration by the Committee is the authorization of the purchase of seven police pursuit Dodge Charger Vehicles Nunc Pro Tunc for the Sheriff’s Department.

The Committee is also to view a presentation regarding E911.

10:00 a.m. – McHenry County Board Liquor and License Committee --

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

The Committee is to consider new liquor license for KAT WPH, Inc. and Riverside Pub, LLC

Raffle Permits are to be considered for St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and Wonder Lake Water Ski Show Team

Hearings on Citations are scheduled for:

JIYA-1Inc., d/b/a Horizontal’s Saloon Ames, Inc., d/b/a/ Dusty’s pizza

Horizontal’s Inc. d/b/a Horizontal’s Saloon

Ruppenthal Management, Inc. d/b/a Tammy’s Pizza and

MCC Small Business Development

Illinois Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) staff members participated in the recent Entrepreneur U, a business expo hosted by the Northwest Herald. Pictured are, from left, Brian DiBona and Kristi Patterson, ISBDC manager. Patterson presented “Putting Together Your Professional Bench” that addressed how business owners can market their business by seeking assistance from local experts in fields including accounting, banking and marketing. ISBDC offers free counseling and resources to business owners, including starting, managing and growing a small business.