Words Of Wisdom

"If the federal government should overpass the just bounds of its authority and make a tyrannical use of its powers, the people, whose creature it is, must appeal to the standard they have formed, and take such measures to redress the injury done to the Constitution as the exigency may suggest and prudence justify."

--Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 33, 1788

Conservation District Camp Equipment Auction

The McHenry County Conservation District Camp Algonquin is closing. Various items used in the operation of the facility are being auctioned through an online auction.. A listing of the available items and related information can be found at  http://www.obenaufauctionsonline.com/cgi-bin/mndetails.cgi?obenauf75

Opportunity To Prevent Pill Abuse Or Theft

On Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. the McHenry County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.  Bring your medications for disposal to Wonder Lake Fire Protection District (East Side) at 4300 East Wonder Lake Road, Wonder Lake.  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last April, Americans turned in 371 tons of prescription drugs at over 5,800 sites operated by the DEA and its thousands of state and local law enforcement partners.  In the six previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners took in over 2.9 million pounds (1,409 tons) of pills.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines-flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash-both pose potential safety and health hazards.

According to the 2011 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), twice as many Americans regularly abused prescription drugs than the number of those who regularly used cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin, and inhalants combined.   That same study revealed that nationally, more than 70 percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers got them through friends or relatives, a statistic that includes raiding the family medicine cabinet.

Four days after the first event, Congress passed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow an "ultimate user" of controlled substance medications to dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them.  The Act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long term care facilities to dispose of their residents' controlled substances in certain instances.  DEA is drafting regulations to implement the Act.  Until new regulations are in place, local law enforcement agencies like the McHenry County Sheriff's Office and the DEA will continue to hold prescription drug take-back events every few months.

Additional DEA Take Back locations are listed at https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/NTBI/NTBI-PUB.pub?_flowExecutionKey=_c9D0D11EF-4068-8B69-7959-55CC0B10DBC8_kC4B808A9-49D1-595E-E21B-5C369BB46B66

Annual Lake Planning and Management Gathering October 24

The Crystal Lake Park District is hosting the 9th Annual Lake Planning & Management Meeting for all interested residents on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 7:00 PM at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office.  The Administrative Office is located at One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake.  The purpose of the meeting is to share information, answer questions and concerns regarding Crystal Lake, offer an explanation of the Lake Management process, and provide an overview of what is planned for the future.  Contact Jason Herbster, (815) 459-0680, ext. 203 or jherbster@crystallakeparks.org for details.

Christmas Shopping Helps Local Performing Arts

Craft Fair

Saturday, November 2, 2013

9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Jacobs High School Performing Arts Boosters

2601 Bunker Hill

Algonquin, Il 60102

Admission: $2.00

Get a jump on your Black Friday Shopping!

Words Of Wisdom

"If individuals be not influenced by moral principles; it is in vain to look for public virtue; it is, therefore, the duty of legislators to enforce, both by precept and example, the utility, as well as the necessity of a strict adherence to the rules of distributive justice."

--James Madison, in response to Washington's first Inaugural address, 1789

Words Of Wisdom

"It is ... [the citizens] choice, and depends upon their conduct, whether they will be respectable and prosperous, or contemptable and miserable as a Nation. This is the time of their political probation; this is the moment when the eyes of the World are turned upon them."

--George Washington, Letter to the Governors, 1783

Government At Work

THURSDAY OCTOBER 17

7:30 a.m. – McHenry Mental Health Board—

Meeting in the Mental Health Board Offices, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake.

Following a period for citizen input, the Board will hold an executive session to consider personnel matters.

Following an opportunity for new and miscellaneous business, the board is to adjourn the meeting.

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Planning and Development Committee-

The scheduled meeting is cancelled.

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

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

Zoning hearing is taking place regarding a request for a reclassification from B-2 Liquor business District to the B-1 Neighborhood Business District with Conditional Use Permit to allow outdoor entertainment.

The 2.88 acre parcel is located at 15105 Route 14, Woodstock. This is the southwest corner of the intersection with Route 14 and Rose Farm Road.

Crystal Lake Park Board of Commissioners—

Meeting in the Park District offices, One East Crystal Lake Avenue.

The Crystal Lake Lyons Club is requesting approval to conduct a Raffle

A presentation of the Annual Audit is to be provided the Board.

Board approval is being requested for the Prairie Ridge Conservation Area proposal.

Dog Park Fees At Issue

The following was sent from unhappy McHenry area residents who are dog owners. 
"On September 3, 2013, the McHenry Parks and recreation Department opened McBark Park; a dog park located on Route 31 just north of Kohl's. This facility is a much-needed addition to the area, and provides a fun place for dog owners to bring their dogs for socialization and exercise. 

"However, both McHenry residents and non-residents feel that the yearly admission fee is cost-prohibitive. The pricing ($75 resident/$125 non-resident) is not in line with other local dog park options. The price does not reflect a good value for what amenities are offered at the park. The Crystal Lake dog park is $30/year for residents, and $45/year for non-residents. The Lake in the Hills dog park is $45/year for residents and $60/year for non residents. McHenry's pricing is more expensive than any of the dog parks in the area. 

"There are also no daily entry fees available to dog owners who prefer to "pay as you go." A reasonable fee would encourage new dog park users to try out the facility and see if a membership would make sense for them.

"This new facility will not be utilized to its potential until the pricing is brought in-line with other local options". 

Does Your Medicine Cabinet Contain Poisons?

It is possible—according to information provided by McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren’s office.

Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.

Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines –flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

There is a better way.

On Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. the McHenry County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.  Bring your medications for disposal to Wonder Lake Fire Protection District (East Side) at 4300 East Wonder Lake Road, Wonder Lake.  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last April, Americans turned in 371 tons of prescription drugs at over 5,800 sites operated by the DEA and its thousands of state and local law enforcement partners.  In the six previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners took in over 2.9 million pounds (1,409 tons) of pills.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines-flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash-both pose potential safety and health hazards.

According to the 2011 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), twice as many Americans regularly abused prescription drugs than the number of those who regularly used cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin, and inhalants combined.   That same study revealed that nationally, more than 70 percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers got them through friends or relatives, a statistic that includes raiding the family medicine cabinet.

Four days after the first event, Congress passed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow an "ultimate user" of controlled substance medications to dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them.  The Act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long term care facilities to dispose of their residents' controlled substances in certain instances.  DEA is drafting regulations to implement the Act.  Until new regulations are in place, local law enforcement agencies like the McHenry County Sheriff's Office and the DEA will continue to hold prescription drug take-back events every few months.

Additional DEA Take Back locations are listed at https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/NTBI/NTBI-PUB.pub?_flowExecutionKey=_c9D0D11EF-4068-8B69-7959-55CC0B10DBC8_kC4B808A9-49D1-595E-E21B-5C369BB46B66

Words Of Wisdom

"I often note with equal pleasure that God gave this one connected country to one united people -- a people descended from the same language, professing the same religion, attached to the same principles of government, very similar in manners and customs, who by their joint counsels, arms, and efforts, fighting side by side through a long bloody war, have nobly established general liberty and independence."

--John Jay, Federalist No. 2, 1787

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 16

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

Meeting in the Department of Transportation, 16111 Nelson Road, Woodstock.

A presentation is slated regarding the 2040 Transportation Plan for comment and discussion on this draft plan

Resolutions for the committee approval include:

Approval for Adopt-A-Highway volunteer group agreements

Appropriating funds for Roadway Lighting and Traffic Signal Electrical Power

Approving Right-of-Way Land Acquisition Management Services Agreement and appropriating funds for Franklinville Road Bridge (South) Project.

New business matters include:

McDOT Construction Survival Guide

Charles J. Miller Road Contract 2-Phase III Construction Engineering.

9:00 a.m. Crystal Lake Park District Finance Committee—

Meeting in the Park District Administration Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake.

The Committee is to consider the 2013 Tax Levy for 2014 collection

Debt Issuance for General Obligations and Wirkus Property.

Also to be considered are Beach Fees.

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

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

A hearing before the Zoning Board is scheduled regarding Powell Gravel and Excavating, Inc., Chemung Township. A request is being made for a conditional use permit to allow a surface mining operation, including, but not limited to the extraction, processing, crushing storing, washing, screening and trucking of sand, gravel, aggregate and other earth materials.

5:00 p.m. McHenry County Mental Health Board Special Meeting—

Meeting in the Mental Health Board facility, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake,

The Mental Health Board AdHoc Committee is to discuss program evaluation/continuous quality improvement services contract.

Discussion is also slated to be held regarding Program Evaluation/Continuous Quality Improvement Services Contract along with new and other business.

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

The previously scheduled meeting for this date has been rescheduled for Wednesday, October 23, in the Ames Room of the Crystal Lake Library lower level

7:30 p.m. Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission—

Meeting in the City Council room, City Hall, Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.

A public hearing is scheduled on the Unified Development Ordinance amendments.

Government At Work

TUESDAY OCTOBER 15

6:00 P.M.  McHenry County College Board

Special Board Meeting--

Meeting in the Board Room at the College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

Following a closed session for a meeting with the auditors and any other matters pertaining to the exceptions of the Open Meetings Act.

A Fiscal Year 2013 Audit is to be presented by the auditors, along with a Fiscal Year 2013 Audit and Management Letter.

Committee of the Whole

Immediately following the Special Board Meeting.

Following a presentation of a five-Year Financial forecast by Chief Financial Officer Bob Tenuta, a feasibility study for Health and Sciences Education building is slated for discussion.

Also planned for discussion is the Tax levy as presented by Chief Financial Officer, Bob Tenuta.

Also included on the agenda is a discussion of Restructure of Business/Finance Operations by Mr. Tenuta.

Also planned for presentation is the subject of Merit-based Compensation System for Administrators by Dr. Tony Miska

Also, a presentation on ISES projects by Dr. Vicky Smith

7:00 p.m. - McHenry County Board

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

Two special presentations are scheduled including:

Coroner’s Media Policy

FY2014 Budget Development

Zoning Board of Appeals Matters

Under the Consent Agenda:

Miller-Hebron Township-A1-A2 (needs 13 voters for approval)

Storin/Loomis-Nunda Township – A1-A1V (needs majority vote of members present for approval.

Harvard State Bank Trust 692-Marks-Alden Townshp-A1 to A2-needs 13 votes to pass.

Wary/Gers-Nunda Township-R1-R1V – needs majority vote of members present to pass.

ZBA Regular Business

Pease-Hebron Township-A1-E5 – Needs 13 votes to pass

New and Unfinished Business

Resolution to approve compensation for certain elected officials.

Natural and Environmental Resources

Resolution to adopt the McHenry County Local Food Assessment

Planning and Development

Resolution authorizing the County of McHenry to Release a Regulatory and Land Use Resolution Agreement with the Corporation for Affordable Homes of McHenry County

Transportation

Resolution appropriating funds for the construction and construction engineering for South Main Street/Pyott Road at Virginia Road intersection project.

For Review

Annual Budget and Appropriations Ordinance for the County for Fiscal Year December 1, 2013 through November 30, 2014

Ordinance providing for the levy of taxes for McHenry County for the Fiscal Year December 1, 2013 through November 30, 2014.

7:30 p.m.—Crystal Lake City Council

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

Evangelical Free Church, 575 E. Crystal Lake Avenue, is seeking a variation to allow a 4-foot high fence within the front yard setback and across Oak Hollow Road right-of-way.

Acceptance of the annual audit for the Fiscal Year 2012-2013

Words Of Wisdom

"No country can be called free which is governed by an absolute power; and it matters not whether it be an absolute royal power or an absolute legislative power, as the consequences will be the same to the people."

--Thomas Paine, Four Letters on Interesting Subjects, 1776

Dog Park Pricing

The following information was provided by a McHenry resident. Town Crier does agree it seems to be an out of line expense. However, we have not seen the figures used to determine this pricing by the McHenry Parks and Recreation Department. We are sure there are some expenses connected with providing this facility and perhaps those who use this park should seek that information from the City. It is public information. This is not to say the City is correct in its pricing.

“On September 3, 2013, the McHenry Parks and recreation Department opened McBark Park; a dog park located on Route 31 just north of Kohl's. This facility is a much-needed addition to the area, and provides a fun place for dog owners to bring their dogs for socialization and exercise. 

“However, both McHenry residents and non-residents feel that the yearly admission fee is cost-prohibitive. The pricing ($75 resident/$125 non-resident) is not in line with other local dog park options. The price does not reflect a good value for what amenities are offered at the park. The Crystal Lake dog park is $30/year for residents, and $45/year for non-residents. The Lake in the Hills dog park is $45/year for residents and $60/year for non residents. McHenry's pricing is more expensive than any of the dog parks in the area. 

“There are also no daily entry fees available to dog owners who prefer to "pay as you go." A reasonable fee would encourage new dog park users to try out the facility and see if a membership would make sense for them.

“This new facility will not be utilized to its potential until the pricing is brought in-line with other local options.”

Personal note- I love dogs also. Having had three sons, we had multiple dogs along with rabbits, and other things. But I remain a cat person. Cats do require care also, but they do not have to be walked. They do like to be outdoors unless it is an indoor cat. I have one of those now-- a beautiful, spoiled Siamese who periodically streaks through my two-room apartment. That is when I get out the toys for her to chase. She was a stray picked up by County Animal Control and needed a home. 

Words Of Wisdom

"[A] good moral character is the first essential in a man, and that the habits contracted at your age are generally indelible, and your conduct here may stamp your character through life. It is therefore highly important that you should endeavor not only to be learned but virtuous."

 --George Washington

It Is Columbus Day--

Columbus Day is a U.S. holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the New World on October 12, 1492. It was unofficially celebrated in a number of cities and states as early as the 18th century but did not become a federal holiday until 1937. For many, the holiday is a way of both honoring Columbus' achievements and celebrating Italian-American heritage. Throughout its history, Columbus Day and the man who inspired it have generated controversy, and many alternatives to the holiday have appeared in recent years.

Origins of Columbus Day

A U.S. national holiday since 1937, Columbus Day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the New World on October 12, 1492. The Italian-born explorer had set sail two months earlier, backed by the Spanish monarchs King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. He intended to chart a western sea route to China, India and the fabled gold and spice islands of Asia; instead, he landed in the Bahamas, becoming the first European to explore the Americas since the Vikings set up colonies in Greenland and Newfoundland during the 10th century.

Later that month, Columbus sighted Cuba and believed it was mainland China; in December the expedition found Hispaniola, which he though might be Japan. There, he established Spain's first colony in the Americas with 39 of his men. In March 1493, the explorer returned to Spain in triumph, bearing gold, spices and "Indian" captives. He crossed the Atlantic several more times before his death in 1506; by his third journey, he realized that he hadn't reached Asia but instead had stumbled upon a continent previously unknown to Europeans.

Lunch And Learn At The Colonel Palmer House

Join us on Friday, October 18, Noon-1:30 pm as we “Lunch and Learn” at the Colonel Palmer House located at 660 E. Terra Cotta Avenue in Crystal Lake. McHenry County historian Craig Pfannkuche reveals the secrets to “Digging Grandma’s Privy.”

Craig’s engaging and informative presentation will explain how individuals can trace the history of McHenry County settlers. As more subdivisions cover the landscape around the county's core communities, many wonder, who once lived on the farms and homesteads which originally existed there? Unfortunately, the descriptive records of the lives of our ancestors cannot be found in surviving paper records. Where, then, can data sometimes be found concerning individuals and families who are not well represented? Historians have found the answer to some of these questions by “Digging Grandma’s Privy.”

The Lunch and Learn program fee is $15 per program for non-residents and $10 for residents. Price for program includes a delicious boxed lunch.  Preregistration is required through the Crystal Lake Park District at 815-459-0608 or crystallakeparks.org. For more information contact Mary Ott at palmerhouse@crystallakeparks.org or 815-477-5873.

It's Time For Jack Frost

Expansive high pressure overhead will support clear skies. Calm winds & rapidly falling temps tonight away from Lake Michigan.

This will set the stage for widespread frost development primarily west of the Fox River Valley affecting Winnebago-Boone-McHenry-Ogle-Lee-De Kalb-Kane-LaSalle including the cities of Rockford, Belvidere, Woodstock, Oregon, Dixon, DeKalb, Aurora. Ottawa.

The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a frost advisory which is in effect from . from 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. CDT Monday.

Temperatures are expected in the low to mid 30’s in the advisory area.

Sensitive plants may be damaged or killed if left unprotected.

A frost advisory means that frost is possible. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.

Crystal Lake Planning - Management Meeting October 24

The Crystal Lake Park District is hosting the 9th Annual Lake Planning & Management Meeting for all interested residents on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 7:00 PM at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office.  The Administrative Office is located at One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake.  The purpose of the meeting is to share information, answer questions and concerns regarding Crystal Lake, offer an explanation of the Lake Management process, and provide an overview of what is planned for the future.  Contact Jason Herbster, (815) 459-0680, ext. 203 or jherbster@crystallakeparks.org for details.

Words Of Wisdom

"The almost general mediocrity of fortune that prevails in America obliging its people to follow some business for subsistence, those vices, that arise usually from idleness, are in a great measure prevented. Industry and constant employment are great preservatives of the morals and virtue of a nation. Hence bad examples to youth are more rare in America, which must be a comfortable consideration to parents. To this may be truly added, that serious religion, under its various denominations, is not only tolerated, but respected and practiced."

--Benjamin Franklin, Information to Those Who Would Remove to America, 1782