Dr. Thomas G. Coley Looks Forward to Meeting MCC Community Members Wednesday Evening

The second of three finalists for the McHenry County College Presidency, Dr. Thomas G. Coley, is looking forward to meeting MCC community members on Wednesday, May 19 from 5:45p.m. to 6:45p.m. in the MCC Employee Dining Room of the College, located at 8900 US 14, Crystal Lake.

Dr. Coley has served as president of Scott Community College and vice chancellor for Instruction in the Eastern Iowa Community College District, located in Scott County, Iowa since July 2005. Prior to his current appointment, he served as vice president for Instruction and Student Services at Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois from July 2000 to June 2005. His other administrative appointments include: budget planner with the University of Wisconsin System's Administration; assistant provost at the University of Maryland; executive assistant to the president at California State University' assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs with the Oregon State System of Higher Education; and, assistant vice president for academic and student services at Cuyahoga Community College in Ohio. He received a B.A. from Moorehead State University in Minnesota, and both an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Dr. Vicky Smith Looks Forward to Meeting MCC Community Members Tuesday, May 18

McHenry County College presidential search committee has selected three finalists for the next college president. A national search facilitated by Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, produced a strong group of qualified candidates.

Three finalists, selected from a larger number of applicants, embody the qualifications and characteristics of highest importance to MCC stakeholders as indicated in the Presidential Position Profile. All three finalists have demonstrated a philosophy consistent with the mission, vision and goals of MCC.

Members of the community are invited to meet each of the candidates during special open forums scheduled during the week of May 17th. The first is on Tuesday, May 18, 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. in MCC Room B 166-167.

Dr. Smith is currently the president of Neosho County Community College, a two-campus, comprehensive community college in eastern Kansas. Before going to Neosho County Community College, Dr. Smith served as the vice president for Academic Services at Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York, where she oversaw the Damon Center urban campus and the suburban Applied Technology Center, as well as the academic and student services operations on the main campus. Her prior experience includes her role as president Austin Community College, a small community college in the Minnesota State Colleges and University System. She received an Educational Specialist (Ed. Spec) and a B.S. degree from Eastern Illinois University, an M.S. from the University of Illinois, and an Ed. D. from Northern Illinois University.

Real Estate Fundamentals Class At McHenry County College

McHenry County College’s Professional Education Department is offering a real estate pre-licensing class from 6 to 8:50 p.m June 7 through July 29. The class will meet on Monday and Thursday evenings in room A226 at the college, located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake.

Anyone interested in becoming a real estate agent is required to take Real Estate Fundamentals in order to sit for the Illinos Department of Financial & Professional Regulation's Real Estate Licensing Exam.

To register for Real Estate Fundamentals, contact the McHenry County College Registration Office at (815) 455-8588 and use course ID: URE U10-001. The cost of the class is $315, which includes the textbook.

For more information, contact Ruth Kormanak at (815) 479-7879 or by email at rkormana@mchenry.edu. You may also contact Lorelei Marshall at (815) 479-7551 or at lmarshall@mchenry.edu.

"Crafty Women" Invited For 'Show and Tell' Tomorrow

Members of the AAUW Huntley Area Branch are inviting “Crafty Women” from the local area to join them for a “show-and-tell” program on Saturday, May 15 at the Pinecrest Golf Club Restaurant, 11220 Algonquin Road in Huntley.

Each month, local AAUW members host a breakfast and program highlighting the accomplishments of women. This month’s event will feature handmade crafts, quilts, and other traditional handiwork created by talented women who are not professional artists.

Among the unique pieces to be displayed are a 120-year-old antique velvet “crazy quilt” made by the great-grandmother of a Huntley branch member, and a “Huntley Redskins” memorabilia quilt designed from vintage team shirts by Mary Ellen Moerke, a retired District 158 teacher and member of the Huntley-based Gazebo Quilters Guild.

All area quilters, crafters, and handiwork artists are invited to bring their creations to show and, if they choose, to talk about their craft. Collectors of traditional crafts are also invited to show their favorite pieces and share their history with others. All items brought to show will be displayed on protected tables in a clean, safe area away from food or drinks, to prevent any spillage or damage. Items will not be handled without the owner’s permission.

The branch meeting will start at 9:30 a.m. with breakfast and conversation. Attendees will order and pay for their own meal from the restaurant’s menu.

The “Crafty Women” program will start at 10:15 a.m. with a short viewing period followed by an informal “show-and-tell” chat. The program is free to all AAUW members and to participating crafters and collectors. A $5 program donation is requested from members of the public who wish to attend.

AAUW (formerly the American Association of University Women) is a nationwide organization of college-educated women and men that works to advance equity, education, and opportunities for women and girls. Local branch members meet monthly for networking, interesting programs, and community service projects. To learn more, visit www.aauw.org. For information about local branch activities, phone Diane Ayers, communications officer, at (847) 669-0848 or e-mail to: huntleyaauw@gmail.com.

Former Metra Executive's Actions Reportedly To Help "Unnamed Family Member"

The result of the explosive investigation taking place into the "theft" of $475,000 of Metra vacation pay by former Executive Phil Pagano, Crystal Lake, is reported to have been to help an unnamed family member.

The report of the total amount was reportedly revealed this morning in a closed door meeting of the Metra Board of Directors by a special counsel, James Sotos, retained by the Board. Pagano is reported to have forged the signature of Carole Doris, Metra Board's Chairwomen.

It is reported that Pagano cashed out his vacation pay annually since about 1990.
Reportedly, Pagano told investigators, that former Board Chair Jeff Ladd verbally authorized the withdrawal of the funds.

Other investigations are also reportedly underway by the Cook County State's Attorney, the Illinois Attorney General's office as well as Federal Officials since federal funds are provided Metra. The agency's board is also expected to tighten internal practices and policies, something that possibly should have been accomplished earlier since Metra is funded through federal and state funds.

Pagano had been suspended with pay until April 30 after Doris learned that Pagano obtained an unauthorized $56,000 "bonus", something which reportedly Metra does not pay. Metra reports that the cash taken by Pagano was from his retirement fund and a vacation fund. He admitted the "theft" but denied taking the money for any illegal or immoral activities.

Pagano did admit the financial irregularities to a special counsel, James Sotos, that he took the money and apologized. He reportedly made a similar admission to the Board. A week later, April 7, Pagano walked onto the McHenry Metra line tracks near his Crystal Lake home and was struck by the Chicago-bound train which was unable to stop in time to avoid striking him.

Pagano was probably not the only one who suffered consequences of this accident. According to a report by the McHenry County Sheriff, Keith Nygren at a press conference the same day, Pagano and the engineer made eye contact and although the engineer engaged emergency braking, trains do not stop as easily as automobiles nor can they swerve.

It cannot be an easy situation for family members and friends. According to information from Sheriff Nygren, Pagano did have notes in his shirt and pants pockets, but the details were not revealed. Nygren only said they indicated that the actions of Pagano were his intentions.

A memorial service was held for Pagano and was well attended by family and many friends and acquaintances.

Pagano, 60, was with Metra since its inception in 1984 and served as executive director since 1990. He has often been praised for his participation in developing Metra to be the second-largest commuter rail system with more than 100,000 riders per day.

Three Finalists For McHenry County College President

The presidential search committee for McHenry County College (MCC) is announcing three finalists for the next college president. The national search, facilitated by Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, produced a strong group of qualified candidates.

The three finalists embody the qualifications and characteristics of highest importance to MCC stakeholders, as indicated in the Presidential Position Profile, and they all have demonstrated a philosophy consistent with the mission, vision and goals of MCC.

Members of the community are invited to meet each of these candidates during special, open forums scheduled during the week of May 17th, 2010 according to a community meeting schedule.

Dr. Vicky R. Smith is currently the president of Neosho County Community College, a two-campus, comprehensive community college in eastern Kansas. Before going to Neosho County Community College, Dr. Smith served as the vice president for Academic Services at Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York, where she oversaw the Damon Center urban campus and the suburban Applied Technology Center, as well as the academic and student services operations on the main campus. Her prior experience includes her role as president Austin Community College, a small community college in the Minnesota State Colleges and University System. She received an Educational Specialist (Ed. Spec.) and B.S. degree from Eastern Illinois University, an M.S. from the University of Illinois, and an Ed.D. from Northern Illinois University.
Visit with Dr. Smith Tuesday, May 18, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. in MCC Room B 166-167

Dr. Thomas G. Coley has served as president of Scott Community College and vice chancellor for Instruction in the Eastern Iowa Community College District, located in Scott County, Iowa since July 2005. Prior to his current appointment, he served as vice president for Instruction and Student Services at Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois from July 2000 to June 2005. His other administrative appointments include: budget planner with the University of Wisconsin System’s Administration; assistant provost at the University of Maryland; executive assistant to the president at California State University; assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs with the Oregon State System of Higher Education; and, assistant vice president for academic and student services at Cuyahoga Community College in Ohio. He received a B.A. from Moorehead State University in Minnesota, and both an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Visit with Dr. Coley Wednesday, May 19 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. in MCC Employee Dining Room, Room B-177C.

Dr. Margaret "Marge" M. Skold has been the vice president of Academic Affairs and the chief academic officer of William Rainey Harper College (Harper) since 2002. In her current role, Dr. Skold oversees academic initiatives working with over 220 full-time faculty, 100 staff and 650 part-time and adjunct personnel and manages annual educational and auxiliary budgets of over $35 million. From 1994 to 2001, Dr. Skold was the vice president of Instruction at Centralia College in Centralia, Washington. Prior to her executive experience, Dr. Skold worked at Hawkeye Community College in Iowa. She started as an adjunct English teacher. She quickly moved to full-time communications teaching in the Business and Health program areas while she worked with the administration to create support programs for students who were under-prepared for college study. She was soon promoted to department administrator and campus manager of the urban campus where she managed an alternative high school, adult literacy program, and continuing education courses in computing and electronic controllers, contract training and home health aide providers. She is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and received a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa.
Visit with Dr. Skold Thursday, May 20, 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. in MCC Room B 166-167.

What To Do With Old Electronics

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has the answer. The Department has partnered with Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at McHenry County College and Sims Recycling Solutions to recycle electronic waste at no cost to residents.

Residents can drop off items on Saturday, May 22, from 8am-3:30pm, at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake.

Electronics accepted include TVs, computer monitors and components, phones, fax machines, radios, stereos, VCR/DVD players, digital cameras and various power cords and cables. There is a limit of 10 electronic items per resident. Christmas lights will not be accepted.

Televisions, computers, printers, monitors, keyboards, VCRs, digital cameras, mobile phones and fax machines are a few of the electronics accepted at the waste collection event

In addition to electronics, there will also be a collection of clothes, shoes and eyeglasses. U’SAgain will handle the reusing and recycling of the clothes and shoes. Harvard Lions Club will be collecting eyeglasses for reuse. For a complete list of accepted items, visit www.mchenry.edu/recycling.

For more information, call Kristy Hecke, Solid Waste Manager at 815-334-4585.

Lucy's Café Features Music of Tim Easton on Saturday

Experience the unique opportunity to enjoy the music of Tim Easton in an intimate setting with Lucy’s Café, A Night on Music on May 15, 2010 at 8pm. Set on stage, as the lights go down, music lovers will be captivated by the magic of the performance.

Tim Easton is an immensely gifted songwriter with an impossible gift for melody. His voice has been described as a blend of Bob Dylan sneer and John Prine grit. It seems he can play anything made of strings and wood and he has a Tom Pettyian rock ‘n roll attitude. His past albums have featured such icons as Jim Keltner, members of Wilco and alt-country’s most coveted guitar-for-hire, the Heartbreakers own Mike Campbell. Buried within his songs are influences vast and varied, from folk finger-picking to sunny pop melodies to southern blues riffs to classic rock bombast.

Easton has been nominated for two Independent Music Awards: “Best American Song” for Burgundy Red and “Best Album Packaging” for Porcupine-500 hand painted series, and is currently nominated for a People’s Choice Award.

Seats are limited. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit, charitable organization located at 26 N. Williams Street, in historic, downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois. Visit us at www.rauecenter.org or call our Box Office at 815.356.9212.

Walkup Road Project Continues

The McHenry County Division of Transportation has launched a project specific website to address the progress of its Walkup Road Improvement Project. This website will provide area residents and the traveling public with valuable information about the construction project. Some of the information provided on Walkup Road includes:
Site maps
Project progress status
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Construction photography
Public sign-up for updates/newsletters

The Walkup Road Improvement Project includes road widening, traffic signal installation and interconnection, as well as the construction of a shared use path for the area’s non-vehicular transportation users. The first phase of the project was utility relocation work which began in December 2009, and completion of this construction project is expected in the Spring of 2011.

About McHenry County Division of Transportation
The McHenry County Division of Transportation is a full service transportation agency that is involved with other agencies of local government. It is our goal to provide transportation and planning to address the demands of maintaining the ever increasing lane miles in McHenry County in a safe and efficient manner and to implement improved access management policies.

For more information, please contact Mr. Mark Dammyer, Construction Manager, McHenry County Division of Transportation at 815-334-4967 or mdammyer@co.mchenry.il.us

First Degree Murder Conviction For 22-Year Old

Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney, reports that Defendant Victor Bandala-Martinez was convicted of the offense of First Degree Murder.

Bandala-Martinez was found guilty after a three day bench trial prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Combs and Chief of the Criminal Division, Philip Hiscock. The evidence at trial showed that the defendant stabbed the victim, Yair Cabrera, in the heart with a sharp object. This occurred on December 14, 2008 in McHenry, Illinois. The defendant then fled the scene and disposed of the murder weapon. The defendant was later apprehended by the police while hiding in a closet in his home and was taken to the police station and interviewed.

The offense of First Degree Murder is punishable from between 20 and 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. There will be a sentencing hearing on August 12, 2010.

Bike Path In Lakewood Discussed

In addition to filling the vacancies on the Lakewood Village Board, Tuesday night's meeting also handled other important matters.

The Board learned of plans by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church to locate a mission center in the Lakewood Commons, Red Tail Drive and Ackman Road. The concerns of possible parking congestion in the center were explained by the minister that most of their uses were on Sunday and evenings. However, should more heavily used times arise; it is felt that there would be sufficient parking area to accommodate this.

The center's management was also present at the meeting and explained to the Board they were excited with the plans of the church and it is felt that parking would not be much of a problem.

Proposed Bike Path
The Board and residents conducted considerable discussion regarding bike path plans since two alternates were presented. One is a separated path on the west side of Huntley Road. The second alternate is a shared road path. Some reported financial assistance is available for such a project.

Alternative one is an eight-foot path with less tree impact and drainage and fits in the existing right of way and is less expensive.

The disadvantage of this route is it goes through residents' yard areas and utilities are impacted as well. However, it was noted that no really large trees would be impacted.

Alternative two has less impact to residents and more safety separating vehicle and bike traffic. It would require reconfiguring drainage and is more expensive as tree impact is greater with up to 80 trees affected compared to 25 in the Alternative 1.

There are those who would like to see a bike path while others are fearful of liability and inconveniences connected with it. Concerns expressed related to safety hazards when backing out of their driveway and possible loss of mature landscaping.

One aspect that bothered a number of the residences was the fact that that if a path is built in the right of way and owned by the village but not used for travel; the maintenance would be the responsibility of the residents. However, if it is used for a bike path it would be the responsibility of the Village. A number of residents expressed displeasure with the thought of added expenses put on the Village or the residents.

There could be funding available for a path, but that is not definite until the plan is determined and application is made.

Lakewood Village Board Vacancies Filled

Lakewood Village Board handled a number of issues at Tuesday night's meeting. Last on the agenda of items facing the Board members was the appointment of two board members replacing John and Dorothy Pfeuffer who resigned because they moved from the Village.

The two trustees put their house on the market thinking it would be quite a while before it sold. But that was not the case and they found themselves residing with a relative but outside the Village, thus causing their resignations.

Following handling of the regular village board business an Executive session was held by the board to discuss and then select two of the 11 residents who filed letters of application for the positions. The intent of the Board was an attempt to have all areas of the Village represented on the board.

The two candidates chosen are Julie Richardson, a former Village Board President and Blake Hobson who has prior government experience as a McHenry County Board member and Township Trustee.

There will be four vacancies to be filled in the next election, three for the four year term and one for a two year term.

Since Dorothy Pfeuffer had served just one year of her four-year term, a special election will have to be held for the two-year term.

Lakewood Village Board To Consider Trustee Replacements

Lakewood Village Board is meeting this evening at 7:00 pm in Red Tail Golf Club, 7900 Red Tail Drive, Lakewood.

The Police Department is requesting approval to order a Dodge Charger Squad Car under the Southwest Conference of Mayors Purchase Program in an amount not to exceed $20,362.

The Board is expected to consider a presentation by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church regarding the location of a church in Lakewood.

Discussion regarding the Huntley Road Bike Path improvements is also to be held.

The Board is expected to consider, in executive session, candidates for the two vacant trustee positions. These are the seats held by John and Dorothy Pfeuffer who sold their home quicker than anticipated and had to move with a relative outside the Village.

Today's McHenry County Board Committee Meetings

The McHenry County Board's Management Services Committee meets this morning beginning at 8:30 in the Administration Building conference Room. In addition to the approval of several Workers' Compensation Claims, the Committee members are expected to authorize the reclassification of positions in the GIS Department and discuss the Evaluation Process for the County Administrator.

The Finance and Audit Committee will meet at 9:30 am in the same location but a different room. It also will be expected to consider for approval the three Workers' Compensation Claims. Additionally, this committee is also being requested to approve the purchase of two snow plow trucks for the county at a sum of $488,100.

The reclassification of position in the GIS Department is another matter for consideration by this committee.

The topic of the County choosing independent contracts, local vendors and professional services providers whenever practicable is a topic for discussion by this committee.

GED Early Registration At McHenry County College

McHenry County College will offer early registration for GED preparation, basic reading, basic math, and English as a Second Language classes that begin the week of June 14.
Prospective students may register either in the morning or evening, from 9-11 a.m. or from 5-7 p.m. on May 24, 25 and 28 in Room A374.

Class size is limited, so early registration is advised. Classes offered on campus and many locations throughout the county. Tutoring is available if students are not able to attend a class.
For more information, contact the MCC Adult Education Department at (815) 455-8752.

McHenry County Board Of Trustees Meeting This Evening

McHenry County College Board of Trustees is meeting this evening at 6:00 pm in the board room of the college, 8900 US Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

The short agenda lists only five items, Call to Order, Roll Call, Presidential Search, Closed Session, and Adjournment. Whether there is to be a decision, is unknown.

A Few Good Environmental Oriented People Needed

The idea is to clean up Boone Creek wetland, a tributary of the Fox River located in northern McHenry County. The work-day event is co-sponsored by the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and the Sierra Club. It is an opportunity to spend a spring morning outdoors, helping to clean up this riverbed wetland and working alongside other local area stewards of the environment.

Bags, gloves, and snacks will be provided. Volunteers are advised to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, since they may possibly get muddy and wet.

All participants must sign a liability release form, which may be found on the Defenders website at http://www.mcdef.org

Students under 18 years old should download and bring a form signed by their parent or guardian to the cleanup.

Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 15 in the parking lot of the McHenry Public Works Building, which is located directly behind the Jewel grocery store on Highway 120 in McHenry. For more information, contact the Environmental Defenders at 815-338-0393 e-mail to mcdef@owc.net.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a citizen-based, 501c3 not-for-profit organization, dedicated to the preservation and improvement of our natural environment. Volunteers are welcome and donations are tax-deductible as charitable contributions. To learn more, visit www.mcdef.org or contact the Defenders’ office at 124 Cass Street in downtown Woodstock, phone (815) 338-0393. Business hours are 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

New Scholarship Opportunity For MCC Students From Bradley University

“This is a great opportunity for our students,” said Tony Miksa, vice president of Academic and Student Affairs. “The partnership shows how much high quality four-year institutions such as Bradley value our students. It also reflects the high quality education that students receive at MCC.”

To qualify, students must have a 3.25 or higher cumulative grade point average and must have completed 30 transferable hours. The scholarships are available to students studying for any degree at Bradley. Recipients of these scholarships must maintain a 3.0 GPA at Bradley to continue to be eligible for the renewable financial aid.

Applications and other information are available online at.

Bradley now has created such scholarships with six community colleges in Illinois. The first was established a year ago with Illinois Central College. Recently agreements were established with Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby, Joliet Junior College, Elgin Community College, and Kankakee Community College

May 9 to May 15--Celebrate National Women's Health Week

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is joining the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health in celebrating National Women’s Health Week May 9-15. This nationwide initiative calls attention to the importance of women’s health. The theme is “It’s Your Time.”

“National Women’s Health Week is important because it encourages women to take time for their health,” says Fran Stanwood, MCDH’s Director of Nursing. “Women are often the caregivers for their families and, as a result, forget to make their own health a priority. With National Women’s Health Week, we remind women that they too need to visit the doctor, make sure their screenings are up to date and just take a minute to think about their health.”

During the week, families, health organizations, businesses, communities, the government and individuals can get together to raise awareness about women’s health issues and educate women about simple steps they can take for longer, healthier and happier lives.

Women are encouraged to visit their doctor on Monday, May 10 for National Women’s Checkup Day. In addition, the Woman Challenge, an eight week online physical activity program, is scheduled for May 9–July 3. A guide to staying healthy is available at http://www.womenshealth.gov/pub/05prevguide.pdf. For more information about National Women’s Health Week, please visit http://www.womenshealth.gov/whw.

Important Meeting Regarding Gypsy Moth Aerial Spraying

*** MEETING NOTICE***

2010 Mchenry County Gypsy Moth Aerial Spraying Program

Mchenry County Administration Building

6:00 Pm Tuesday, May 11th
Conference Room A

The public is invited to a meeting hosted by McHenry County to discuss the County’s 2010 Gypsy Moth Aerial Spraying Program.

Topics to be discussed include:
proposed aerial spray blocks,
local government participation in the County’s aerial spraying contract,
public notification,
public informational meetings
overall County-wide coordination of Gypsy Moth control measures.

To RSVP and for further information, contact Adam Lehmann, Administrative Intern at 815/334-0309, aflehmann@co.mchenry.il.us.

Final Week Of Crystal Lake Hydrant Flushing

The final week of water running down Crystal Lake Streets is almost here.

Monday will begin the seventh and last week of this year's hydrant flushing program. The area involved includes south of Alexandra to Miller Road and west of Randall Road.

Residents are reminded that during flushing, water may become temporarily discolored due to material being removed from water mains. The water is safe to drink, but may stain clothes washed during hydrant flushing. Residents should try to limit water usage during this time, but if this is not possible, the City offers Rover, a chemical that can be used as a cleanser in laundry to remove iron stains, free of charge, should problems occur. Residents with questions are asked to contact the Water Division at (815) 356-3614

Crystal Lake Library Board Committees Meet Tuesday and Wednesday

Two committees of the Crystal Lake Public Library Board plan meetings this week
.
The Facilities Committee will meet at noon on Tuesday in the Library Director's Office of the Library. On Wednesday the Personnel Committee of the Board will meet at 7:00 pm in the Library Directors Office. This office is located at the Crystal Lake Library, 126 Paddock Street, Crystal Lake.