Saturday, December 6, 2014

64th District Constituents Praised By Representative Wheeler

Representative Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) has praised the people of the 64th District for their tireless efforts that put a halt to Senate Bill 16. Senate Bill 16 would have made major changes to the state education funding formula, shifting millions of dollars in state funding away from McHenry and Lake County schools. Wheeler noted that without the combined engagement of so many community members, both from within the education system from outside it, putting a halt to SB 16 would not have been possible.
“Senate Bill 16 was a bad bill, based on arbitrary distribution methods that would have done major damage to our suburban schools,” said Wheeler. “Without the involvement of so many members our community, stopping this bill would have not been a reality. I want to thank the thousands of concerned parents and citizens that attended the public forum in McHenry or signed the petition online. The school districts also did a tremendous job in communicating with the parents on just how damaging this bill would have been for our children’s education. Without these combined efforts, our schools would be headed down a path to a shambolic redistribution of funding.”
Wheeler also noted that the six-thousand plus slips of opposition presented during last month’s joint hearing of the House Elementary & Secondary Education Committee and House Appropriations – Elementary & Secondary Education Committee played a pivotal role in quashing SB 16. During the hearing, hundreds of parents, school officials, and financial officers appeared in person to voice opposition to the bill. Those appearing noted not only the damage that would be done to the education system, but also the fact it would further exacerbate undue pressure already placed on the backs of over-stressed property taxpayers.
During the hearing, Wheeler also signed on as chief co-sponsor to House Resolution 1335, which would have created a House Education Funding Advisory Committee. The primary purpose of the advisory committee would have been to conduct a thorough review of the existing school funding formula and make recommendations for reforms that would create a funding system that would be adequate, equitable and which prepares students for achievement and success after high school. While the creation of the committee now stands in limbo due to the death of SB 16, should new legislation come about in the upcoming 99th General Assembly to re-write the state education funding formula there will undoubtedly be a call for the formation of such a committee to prevent a similar bill to SB 16 being jammed through the legislature.
“Ensuring our children have the best education possible is one of the most important things our community must do,” said Wheeler. “Rushing into a drastic overhaul of our state’s funding distribution would have done irreparable damage to our children’s future and thanks to the efforts of so many we were able to prevent this catastrophic legislation from taking effect.”

After Holiday Clean-Up Assistance

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) encourages residents to take advantage of the Holiday Lights Recycling Program offered at several area municipalities.  Residents can bring holiday light strands, rope lights, LED lights and extension cords.  Unacceptable items include garlands, wreaths and other non-recyclable materials. The following municipalities offer drop-off locations –

Village of Algonquin
2200 Harnish Drive
Algonquin IL
(847) 658-2700

Village of Cary
655 Village Hall Drive
Cary IL
(847) 639-0003
City of Crystal Lake
100 W. Woodstock Street
Crystal Lake IL
(815) 459-2020
Village of Lakewood
2500 Lake Avenue
Crystal Lake IL
(815) 459-3025
Village of McCullom Lake
4811 W. Orchard Drive
McHenry IL
(815) 385-2211
City of McHenry
333 S. Green Street
McHenry IL
(815) 363-2186

Village of Prairie Grove
3619 Ames Road
Prairie Grove IL
(815) 455-1411

Village of Spring Grove
7401 Meyer Road
Spring Grove IL
(815) 675-2121

Village of Wonder Lake
4444 Thompson Rd Wonder Lake IL
815-728-0839

Wonder Lake Chamber of Commerce
7602 Hancock Drive
Wonder Lake IL
815-728-0682

City of Woodstock
326 Washington Street
Woodstock IL
815-338-6118


If your municipality is not listed, please contact them directly for recycling availability.  Additional information is provided on the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info or by calling Kristy Hecke, MCDH’s Solid Waste Manager at 815-334-4585.

CNC Machining Classes At MCC

Students may apply all their credits from the CNC Machining certificate toward an Advanced Manufacturing Certificate and use those credits toward an Associate in Applied Science degree in Engineering Technology.
“The CNC machining one-year certificate program is affordable, especially compared to private companies that offer similar training,” said Steve O’Connor, grant coordinator for MCC’s Computer Numerical Controlled Machining and Robotics programs.
Students in the Robotic System Engineering Associate in Applied Science degree program will learn skills that will serve them in manufacturing robotics and automation systems, and the automotive and military industries. Students will gain practical experience using the same software and equipment in lab exercises and research projects that are widely used in the manufacturing industry. In addition to the AAS degree, MCC also offers a Robotic Systems Programmer Certificate program. Some typical jobs in the robotics field include: robotics technician space-based robotics technician, system engineer and robotic software engineer, system simulation designer, robotic weld engineer, surgical robotic technologist and artificial intelligence programmer.
“The robotics field is growing so fast, because companies are looking to automate their processes – from global suppliers like Amazon.com to local companies making auto parts,” O’Connor said. “It’s all about automation now, throughout many industries. For example, the medical industry uses robots for surgeries and in the auto industry, entire sections of cars are being welded together by robots,” he said.
Registration for Spring 2015 semester is underway. For more information on MCC’s CNC machining or Robotics programs, visit www.mchenry.edu/calling or contact Lori Smyth at (815) 479-7831 for CNC-related questions or Stephen O’Connor at (815) 479-7563 for robotics questions.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Flu Shots Available At McHenry County Department of Health

There is still time to get your flu shot before the holiday get-togethers with family and friends.  As flu cases have already been reported in the County, college students returning home for the Christmas break are also reminded to get the flu vaccine.  McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has scheduled additional vaccination clinics to protect residents against the flu.  The cost is $30; Medicaid and Medicare Part B accepted.  Appointments for adults and children 9 years and older can be made at 815-334-4510 or online at www.mcdh.info for the following clinics –
·         4pm-6pm, Thursday, Dec. 18: MCDH Woodstock, 2200 N Seminary Avenue
·         4pm-6pm, Monday, Dec. 29: MCDH Woodstock, 2200 N Seminary Avenue
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone 6 months and older. Even healthy people can get the flu. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors' visits, missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. The flu vaccine protects not only you but those around you who are most vulnerable like pregnant women, young children, people with chronic health conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease) and people 65 and older who are especially at risk for complications from the flu. 
It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the immune system to build the antibodies the body needs to protect against flu virus infection.  Simple ways to protect yourself also include covering your cough, washing your hands and staying home when sick. 
For more information on protecting yourself from influenza, visit the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.

MCC Candidate Petition Objection Filing Dates

Anyone wishing to file an objection regarding a candidate’s filed petition for the April 7, 2015 Consolidated Election may file said objection at McHenry County College in the Campus Public Safety Office, Room A233 on December 23, 26, 29, 30 and 31, 2014 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Objections must contain an original and two copies and must be filed no later than December 31, 2014.
Those filing petition objections may use the entrance at Building B, located by the flagpoles at parking lots B and D.
For more information, contact: Pat Kriegermeier, Office of the President, at (815) 455-8726 or email her at pkriegermeier@mchenry.edu.

McHenry County Health Department Flu Clinic Tomorrow

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) will host a flu clinic on Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at the Wonder Lake Chamber of Commerce, 7602 Hancock Drive, in Wonder Lake. Staff will administer the trivalent flu vaccine which will protect residents against three strains of the flu – two A’s (H3N2, H1N1) and influenza B.  Appointments for adults and children 9 years and older can be made at 815-334-4510 or online at www.mcdh.info.  The cost is $30; Medicaid and Medicare Part B accepted.   
As the holidays get closer, it is important to get vaccinated now as it takes two weeks for antibodies to develop in the body that will protect against flu virus infection.  Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although activity can last as late as May. 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages a yearly flu shot for everyone 6 months and older as the first and most important step in protecting against flu and its potentially serious complications.  A flu shot not only reduces flu illnesses but also doctors' visits, missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.
Protect yourself and those around you who are most vulnerable like pregnant women, young children, people with chronic health conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease) and people 65 and older who are especially at risk for complications from the flu.  Always remember to cover your cough, wash your hands and stay home when sick. 
For more information on protecting yourself from influenza, visit the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.

Newly Elected McHenry County Sheriff Names Managers

Newly elected McHenry County Sheriff Bill Prim introduced three highly-experienced managers from widely divergent backgrounds in law enforcement who will form the core of his management team.
“I consider myself extremely fortunate to have recruited some of the finest law enforcement professionals in northern Illinois to help carry out my mission to reform the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office,” Prim said.  “They all have compiled tremendous records of service in their different sectors.  Together, they should make a superb, high-performance team.”
At the same time, he indicated that he will not name an Undersheriff, but will divide the responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Office into two major divisions, each of which will then report directly to him.  “Given the nature of the tasks and the managers’ backgrounds, I believe this approach makes much more sense,” Prim said.
To lead Police operations, Prim turned to former colleague and narcotics task force leader Ricardo Pagán, a veteran of 23 years with the FBI and more than 30 in law enforcement generally, including his entry-level work as a patrol officer and major crimes detective in his native Ohio.
Pagán’s most recent assignment has been as Asst. Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) for the Criminal/Violent Crime Branch of the Chicago FBI, which encompasses 18 different Illinois counties and is comprised of more than 100 special agents, task force officers and their support personnelMr. Pagán has also during his FBI career headed up the Intelligence Branch (Chicago), whose 240 members dealt with national security threats as well as organized criminal activity; led a squad of officers from disparate federal and local officers as part of HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Task Force; supervised a group of agents who supplied and installed highly sophisticated electronic devices; supervised the training and monitoring of undercover agents; and worked undercover himself.
Prim said he became acquainted with Pagán when they worked together to dismantle large-scale narcotics operations.  “Ricardo has deep experience with all the specialized tools of modern law enforcement,” Prim said, “including SWAT teams and hostage negotiation.  But he began his career, as I did, as a uniformed officer, so he also has a street-level view of modern policing.  I am very excited he will be part of our team.”
Prim’s second pick will be responsible for the jail and general officewide administration.  David Devane has a total of 28 years experience in law enforcement, including 24 years with the Cook County Sheriff and four years with that county’s State’s Attorney’s Office.
Devane most recently headed up the policy development function within the Sheriff’s Office, but previously managed Labor Relations and was Executive Director twice (15 years total) of a Department of about 450 employees, over 80% of whom were sworn officers, and for four years was second in command of the Court Services Department, whose then roster of 1,700 deputies were responsible for security of 10 separate courthouses, as well as handling civil process and evictions.

Nomination Deadline Extended

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has extended the deadline to December 15 to submit a nomination for the 2014 McHenry County Green Awards.  The McHenry County Green Awards recognize the waste reduction, recycling and conservation efforts of businesses, institutions, organizations and residents in the County.  These programs reflect new and innovative ways to positively impact our community. Nominations should be sent to Kristy Hecke, MCDH’s Solid Waste Manager at klhecke@co.mchenry.il.us or by fax 815-334-4637.  Forms are available online at www.mcdh.info.  

The McHenry County Green Award is a good reminder of the important role everyone has in improving the environment through waste reduction and recycling.  Entries will be considered based on environmentally sound waste reduction or recycling efforts, innovation and education.  Award winners will be selected by the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, recognized at a future McHenry County Board meeting and posted on the Department of Health’s Solid Waste webpage. One award will be chosen from each of the following categories  
·         Businesses – manufacturing, retail, offices, hotels, restaurants
·         Institutions – schools, hospitals, long term care facilities, government
·         Organizations – associations, clubs, volunteer groups
·         Individuals
Previous award winners are posted on the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info, Environmental Health, quick link to Solid Waste Program. For additional information, call Kristy Hecke at 815-334-4585. 

Thursday, December 4, 2014

McHenry County Health Department Offers HIV Testing During December-Appointment Needed

In observance of World AIDS Day (December 1), McHenry County Department of Health is offering free rapid HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) testing by appointment during the month of December to those at high risk for infection. Contact Christina Hayes at 815-334-4500 to make an appointment.  World AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) Day was established in 1988 by the World Health Organization to raise awareness and promote advocacy and education about the global AIDS epidemic.  This year’s theme is “Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-free Generation”
.  
Getting HIV tested can give you some important lifesaving information and can help keep you—and others—safe.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that health care providers test everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 at least once as part of routine health care.  HIV is spread through unprotected sex and drug-injecting behaviors, so people who engage in these behaviors should get tested more often. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, there were 123 individuals in McHenry County living with HIV as of December 31, 2013. Three people were newly diagnosed in 2013
Ensuring people have the information, motivation, and skills necessary to reduce their risk continues to play an important role in preventing the spread of HIV.  The best way to protect yourself is to know your HIV status and that of your partners.  Most people change behaviors to protect their partners if they know they are infected with HIV. For more information, visit http://aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/.

McHenry County Department of Health Offering Flu Shot Clinic Saturday

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reports a significant increase in flu cases this week (45) as compared to last week (8 cases) and an increase from the same time in previous years.  Even though the holidays have arrived, residents are reminded that it is not too late to get a flu shot.  MCDH joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in recognizing December 7-13 as National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW).  Begun in 2005, NIVW seeks to highlight the importance of continuing flu vaccination throughout the holiday season and beyond.  Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although activity can last as late as May.    
MCDH will host a flu clinic from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, at the Wonder Lake Chamber of Commerce, 7602 Hancock Drive, in Wonder Lake.  Staff will administer the trivalent flu vaccine which will protect residents against three strains of the flu – two A’s (H3N2, H1N1) and influenza B.  Appointments for adults and children 9 years and older can be made at 815-334-4510 or online at www.mcdh.info.  The cost is $30; Medicaid and Medicare Part B accepted. 
As flu viruses are constantly changing, the CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older to get the flu vaccine every year.  A flu shot not only reduces flu illnesses but also doctors' visits, missed work and school due to flu, as well as protecting those most vulnerable like young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions.  Remember, once vaccinated, it takes two weeks for antibodies to develop in the body that will protect against flu virus infection.  Until then, it’s important to continue to take precautions such as covering your cough, washing your hands and staying home when sick. 
For more information on protecting yourself from influenza, visit the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.

Holiday Meal Planning Should Include Safe Food Handling

Planning for holiday meals should include more than a delicious menu and invited guests.   McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) wants you to practice safe food handling as well.  Keeping “hot things hot (>135 degrees) and cold things cold” can reduce your risk of a food-borne illness.  Other safety tips include --
  • Thaw frozen meats in the refrigerator (allow 1 day for each 5 pounds of weight plus an extra day or two). 
  • Wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before and after handling foods.
  • Clean all kitchen surfaces before you begin cooking.
  • Scrub cutting boards with hot soapy water after preparing food to avoid cross contamination.
  • Use a metal stemmed food thermometer to ensure food is cooked to the proper temperature.  Insert probe at the thickest part of the turkey. Food is safely cooked when it reaches a high enough internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria (165°F for turkey).
  • It is recommended that leftovers be refrigerated within 2 hours of serving time. Cool and store food in shallow pans to allow quicker cooling time.

Food-borne illness is preventable.  If you suspect a food-borne illness, contact MCDH for investigation.  Staff can be reached at 815-334-4585, Monday - Friday from 8am to 4:30pm.  After hour emergencies, call 815-344-7421.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, “Let’s Talk Turkey” website offers additional holiday food preparation tips at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/home with videos, webchat, a hotline 1-888-MPHotline in English and Spanish or follow them via Twitter (#Thanksgiving #TurkeyDayTips).

See Santa Claus And Movie "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" Next Thursday

Bring the whole family to see Santa Claus and the movie, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” with continuous showings from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11 in the Luecht Conference Center at McHenry County College (MCC).

The event will include pictures with Santa, several movie showings, pizza, a hot chocolate bar, cookie decorating and holiday crafts. Each family will receive one free 4 x 6 copy of their photo with Santa and a digital copy sent via email.

The event is free and open to the public. The college is located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake. 

For more information, email the MCC College Activities Board at mcccab13@gmail.com or call (815) 455-8550.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Libertarian Party--Stop Deceiving Americans With Term 'Government Shutdown'

It’s a government slowdown, not a shutdown.
If you read this Libertarian news release, yet continue to use the term “government shutdown” in news reports, then you’re willfully deceiving the American people.
A government slowdown merely reduces spending to the level of taxes collected. In other words, it balances the budget. And that’s bad -- why?
The term “government shutdown” is designed to scare people into thinking there can be no police protection, military defense, road repairs, or other essential services unless Americans cough up more money to fund the ludicrously over-funded federal government.
This is a manipulation and a lie.
Let’s review what happened during the 16-day government slowdown of October 2013:
Not a single emergency service was suspended.
Politicians gave full back pay to 100% of government employees who they had furloughed immediately after the slowdown ended. It amounted to a free vacation for government employees (who already get, on average, far more generous personal, sick and vacation time than private sector employees).
Despite claims that the U.S. economy would lose $24 billion, it suffered no loss, only a shift in where money was spent.
When the slowdown ended, Democratic and Republican politicians raised federal spending and government debt – again.
“Call it what it is: a government slowdown,” said Nicholas J. Sarwark, Libertarian National Committee Chair. “And tell Americans the truth: We need much more than a slowdown. We need to dramatically and permanently roll back the federal government to an appropriate size.”
“The federal government should be limited to protecting American lives, liberty, and property,” he said. “We must start by removing government barriers that prohibit or impair free market alternatives to health care, education, finance, communications, housing, manufacturing, agriculture and virtually every market where it improperly intervenes. This will allow Americans to enjoy high-quality, competitively-priced goods and services.”
“Such a small, lean, accountable federal government with a strong military defensewould cost no more than a few hundred billion dollars – about ten percent of current spending levels,” said Sarwark. “This would stop mass surveillance, inflation, destructive foreign wars, the failed Drug Prohibition, laws that disarm innocent Americans and other infringements on our rights.”
“Government downsizing would put an end to mounds of wasteful red tape and bureaucracy, allowing American businesses to thrive in a competitive world marketplace,” he continued. “Transferring wealth out of the government sector and into the private sector would create roughly twice as many productive jobs as the number of government jobs lost – a win for both government employees and the millions of Americans looking for jobs or better pay.”
“What Americans should really fear is the likelihood that, despite the hullabaloo we hear over a phony ‘shutdown,’ the government will stay big and continue to grow,” said Sarwark. “The Libertarian Party exists to correct this. We are the only political party in America dedicated to making government small, enabling prosperity and advancing freedom.”

Monday, December 1, 2014

Route 14 Improvements In McHenry County

Representative Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) has announced that $48.1 million in State funding has been earmarked for a major U.S. Route 14 improvement project in the McHenry County portion of IL House District 64.

Two separate projects managed by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will improve U.S. Route 14 between Woodstock and Crystal Lake. Reconstruction and widening will be done on U.S. 14 from West Lake Shore Drive to Lucas Road, and 2.3 miles of roadway reconstruction, including adding lanes, widening and resurfacing and drainage improvements, will be done from Lucas Road to Crystal Lake Road in Crystal Lake.
“These are vital transportation projects that will improve safety and travel times on one of McHenry County’s busiest roads,” Wheeler said. “Once completed, the reconstructions, widenings and additional lanes will enhance our transportation infrastructure in a way that will hopefully attract new businesses and jobs to that area.”