The ancient siege machine, the catapult, is still being used. But not for the original use.
It is now used in competitions among Community College students in chemistry, physics and pre-engineering classes.
Recently four McHenry County College students won the precision event in an annual Suburban Chicago Intercollegiate Catapult Contest in which engineering students from area community colleges designed and built their own catapults for entry.
Three events are designed to accurately gauge the performance demands placed on these original machines of old. The MCC team finished fifth overall out of a total of 12 teams. Members of this team included Kevin Vesely, Woodstock, Tom Cholly, Spring Grove, Laura Gallagher, Union and Alex Sistko, Crystal Lake.
MCC hopes to field several teams next year. For more information on MCC's chemistry, physics or pre-engineering classes visit
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Suicide Is Coroner's Jury Verdict in Pagano Case
It is now officially confirmed, Philip Pagano, 60, of Crystal Lake, committed suicide on May 7, 2010 by stepping in front of Metra train on Hillside Avenue Crystal Lake. He was the Executive Director of Metra, a position he held since the early 1990's.
Following a short presentation of facts to the seven-member Coroners Jury, Deputy Coroner Kim Bostic presented information found by the coroner's inspection of the body and other facts found at the scene, East Hillside Road and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, just northeast of Sterne's Woods Park. This railroad track is the McHenry track that joins the "mainline" track in Crystal Lake near North Main Street and East Crystal Lake Avenue and then traveling to Chicago.
The Jury was informed that an autopsy was performed on the body found on the railroad tracks and the train was stopped at this location. Ms. Bostic related that no drugs were found in the body and only a very low level of alcohol. A wallet found on the body contained among other items, a driver's license issued to Pagano, and a note stating that Pagano's wife was in Oklahoma and her cell phone number was also listed.
Deputy Coroner Bostic also related to the jury members that there was no other apparent reason for the accident. She also presented information which the Sheriff's Department Detective Division gathered, including photos of the scene. The jury deliberated about two minutes before returning the unanimous verdict of death by suicide.
Following a short presentation of facts to the seven-member Coroners Jury, Deputy Coroner Kim Bostic presented information found by the coroner's inspection of the body and other facts found at the scene, East Hillside Road and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, just northeast of Sterne's Woods Park. This railroad track is the McHenry track that joins the "mainline" track in Crystal Lake near North Main Street and East Crystal Lake Avenue and then traveling to Chicago.
The Jury was informed that an autopsy was performed on the body found on the railroad tracks and the train was stopped at this location. Ms. Bostic related that no drugs were found in the body and only a very low level of alcohol. A wallet found on the body contained among other items, a driver's license issued to Pagano, and a note stating that Pagano's wife was in Oklahoma and her cell phone number was also listed.
Deputy Coroner Bostic also related to the jury members that there was no other apparent reason for the accident. She also presented information which the Sheriff's Department Detective Division gathered, including photos of the scene. The jury deliberated about two minutes before returning the unanimous verdict of death by suicide.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Crystal Lake Park District Commissioners To Consider Park Improvements
A number of important matters are on the Crystal Lake Park District agenda for tonight's meeting which begins at 7:30 pm in the District offices, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake.
Board approval is needed for professional fees for a design services proposal for new washrooms at Veteran Acres Park for $21,750.
Another matter for the Board to consider is the adoption of a five-year comprehensive plan for the Park District.
Also, the Park District is to become a partner with the City of Crystal Lake, Villages of Lake in the Hills and Algonquin in a study of the Woods Creek watershed.
The Board is also being asked to approve design and construction and administration services for Veterans Acres Playground replacement project.
Also a request to the Commissioners is being made for $38,700 for ceiling renovation in the Racket Club.
Board approval is needed for professional fees for a design services proposal for new washrooms at Veteran Acres Park for $21,750.
Another matter for the Board to consider is the adoption of a five-year comprehensive plan for the Park District.
Also, the Park District is to become a partner with the City of Crystal Lake, Villages of Lake in the Hills and Algonquin in a study of the Woods Creek watershed.
The Board is also being asked to approve design and construction and administration services for Veterans Acres Playground replacement project.
Also a request to the Commissioners is being made for $38,700 for ceiling renovation in the Racket Club.
Help Create A New American Agenda
Congressman urges northern IL residents to help create a new American agenda.
Congressman Don Manzullo (R-IL joined his Republican colleagues in a new initiative to reach out to Americans for their ideas to help create a new way forward for our country.
“America Speaking Out” will seek the ideas and priorities of all Americans – regardless of party affiliation – on how to return America to prosperity as well as their thoughts on fiscal responsibility, American values, national security, and other issues. The ideas will be used by House Republicans to develop a new agenda for America that will be launched this summer.
Northern Illinois residents can visit to post their ideas or comment on other suggestions. In addition, Manzullo will be seeking suggestions and ideas from northern Illinois residents during America Speaking Out citizen meetings he plans to host in northern Illinois this summer.
“Americans are frustrated with these difficult times and feel a huge disconnect with a Congress they believe is doing nothing to solve our problems,” Manzullo said. “America Speaking Out gives Americans a forum and a voice to share their concerns and their ideas to help our great country return to prosperity. I encourage the folks in northern Illinois to visit my webpage and join the discussion to restore our economy and help put Americans back to work.”
Congressman Don Manzullo (R-IL joined his Republican colleagues in a new initiative to reach out to Americans for their ideas to help create a new way forward for our country.
“America Speaking Out” will seek the ideas and priorities of all Americans – regardless of party affiliation – on how to return America to prosperity as well as their thoughts on fiscal responsibility, American values, national security, and other issues. The ideas will be used by House Republicans to develop a new agenda for America that will be launched this summer.
Northern Illinois residents can visit to post their ideas or comment on other suggestions. In addition, Manzullo will be seeking suggestions and ideas from northern Illinois residents during America Speaking Out citizen meetings he plans to host in northern Illinois this summer.
“Americans are frustrated with these difficult times and feel a huge disconnect with a Congress they believe is doing nothing to solve our problems,” Manzullo said. “America Speaking Out gives Americans a forum and a voice to share their concerns and their ideas to help our great country return to prosperity. I encourage the folks in northern Illinois to visit my webpage and join the discussion to restore our economy and help put Americans back to work.”
McHenry County Celebrates A Long Awaited Event
A long awaited celebration is in order and taking place this evening. It is the celebration of the release of the McHenry County 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
The celebration is taking place beginning at 6:30 pm in the Conference Room of the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.
The McHenry County Board adopted the Comprehensive Plan April 20 following a three-year planning process involving extensive participation by property owners, residents, community leaders and advocates, municipal and township officials.
The plan serves as a general guide for the development and redevelopment of the County as well as for the preservation and enhancement of the natural and agricultural resources.
The public is invited to this important event for the county. Attendees will be provided a free copy of the Plan on CD-ROM. Printed copies of the plan will be available for purchase for $30. Major credit cards will be accepted.
The celebration is taking place beginning at 6:30 pm in the Conference Room of the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.
The McHenry County Board adopted the Comprehensive Plan April 20 following a three-year planning process involving extensive participation by property owners, residents, community leaders and advocates, municipal and township officials.
The plan serves as a general guide for the development and redevelopment of the County as well as for the preservation and enhancement of the natural and agricultural resources.
The public is invited to this important event for the county. Attendees will be provided a free copy of the Plan on CD-ROM. Printed copies of the plan will be available for purchase for $30. Major credit cards will be accepted.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Paraprofessional Test Preparation Class at McHenry County College
A Paraprofessional Test Preparation class will be offered at McHenry County College from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, June 21 through Friday, June 25.
This course is designed for paraprofessionals and those who plan to work as paraprofessionals in the education system. The course will focus on reading, writing and math skills in preparation to take the ACT WorkKeys® Assessment. The curriculum is intended to serve as a refresher/review course of subject matter learned in previous educational experiences.
Class will begin at a cost of $60. Register by calling (815) 455-8588 and use course ID: NKC S06-007 when registering.
Those who have a minimum of 60 college credits, or a degree from a foreign university may not need to take the assessment. Check with the person in charge of certification at your Regional Office of Education.
The WorkKeys Assessment will be given from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday June 28. An additional fee of $55 will be collected on test day to cover the cost of the WorkKeys Assessment. Successful completion of the WorkKeys Assessment is one of the Illinois State Board of Education options to meet the paraprofessional requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act.
For more information, call Marie V. Frostman at (815) 479-7559 or email to mfrostma@mchenry.edu.
This course is designed for paraprofessionals and those who plan to work as paraprofessionals in the education system. The course will focus on reading, writing and math skills in preparation to take the ACT WorkKeys® Assessment. The curriculum is intended to serve as a refresher/review course of subject matter learned in previous educational experiences.
Class will begin at a cost of $60. Register by calling (815) 455-8588 and use course ID: NKC S06-007 when registering.
Those who have a minimum of 60 college credits, or a degree from a foreign university may not need to take the assessment. Check with the person in charge of certification at your Regional Office of Education.
The WorkKeys Assessment will be given from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday June 28. An additional fee of $55 will be collected on test day to cover the cost of the WorkKeys Assessment. Successful completion of the WorkKeys Assessment is one of the Illinois State Board of Education options to meet the paraprofessional requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act.
For more information, call Marie V. Frostman at (815) 479-7559 or email to mfrostma@mchenry.edu.
Matters Before Crystal Lake Planning-Zoning Commission This Evening
When the Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission meets this evening at 7:30 pm, the agenda includes the following five matters for consideration:
A property at 779 North Shore Drive is the subject of a request for a six-foot fence variation for the North Shore and Oak Court setbacks.
Verlo Mattress, 5150 Northwest Highway is requesting a special use permit for outside storage of trucks.
Carss & Sunset Tree Service at 545 and 5654 Dakota and 300 Millennium are the subject of a continued petition from June 2 Commission meeting for a requested special use permit regarding the outdoor storage of vehicles and trailers.
Pep Boys, 4423 Northwest Highway is requesting a Final PUD amendment for changes to exterior elevations, wall signage and center signage.
Fair Oaks Health Care Center, 471 W. Terra Cotta Avenue, is the subject of a public hearing for a special use permit amendment and variations for expansion of the senior nursing home.
A property at 779 North Shore Drive is the subject of a request for a six-foot fence variation for the North Shore and Oak Court setbacks.
Verlo Mattress, 5150 Northwest Highway is requesting a special use permit for outside storage of trucks.
Carss & Sunset Tree Service at 545 and 5654 Dakota and 300 Millennium are the subject of a continued petition from June 2 Commission meeting for a requested special use permit regarding the outdoor storage of vehicles and trailers.
Pep Boys, 4423 Northwest Highway is requesting a Final PUD amendment for changes to exterior elevations, wall signage and center signage.
Fair Oaks Health Care Center, 471 W. Terra Cotta Avenue, is the subject of a public hearing for a special use permit amendment and variations for expansion of the senior nursing home.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Oaths of Office Being Administered at Tonights Crystal Lake City Council
The Oaths of Office will be administered this evening before the Crystal Lake City Council to Police Sergeant Steven P. Renje, Fire Rescue Lieutenants John Volenec and Richard Kaiser, and Firefighter, Paramedics Nathan Levek and Michael Hurley.This is taking place at the opening of the 7:30 pm meeting.
Most of the other matters before the Council involve minor zoning matters such as an extension of a special use permit for Al & Joe's Delicatessen, corner of Congress Parkway and Exchange Drive; a special use permit for a detached accessory structure at 520 Lake Street; a request to allow a second story addition to be as close as 11 feet from the property line to allow the enlargement of a non-conformity at 340 Poplar Avenue.
Other matters include an amendment to increase the number of Class 15 liquor licenses to include Walgreens, 315 North Route 31; increase the number of taxicab business license to include Sunshine Taxi LLC, a couple sign variation requests for Friendship House, 100 South Main Street and Buy Buy Baby, 5540 Northwest Highway.
A number of committee and commission reappointments are also included on the agenda.
The council meeting begins at 7:30 p.m.
Most of the other matters before the Council involve minor zoning matters such as an extension of a special use permit for Al & Joe's Delicatessen, corner of Congress Parkway and Exchange Drive; a special use permit for a detached accessory structure at 520 Lake Street; a request to allow a second story addition to be as close as 11 feet from the property line to allow the enlargement of a non-conformity at 340 Poplar Avenue.
Other matters include an amendment to increase the number of Class 15 liquor licenses to include Walgreens, 315 North Route 31; increase the number of taxicab business license to include Sunshine Taxi LLC, a couple sign variation requests for Friendship House, 100 South Main Street and Buy Buy Baby, 5540 Northwest Highway.
A number of committee and commission reappointments are also included on the agenda.
The council meeting begins at 7:30 p.m.
McHenry County Historical Society And MCC Offers Scholars and Steeples Tour Saturday
Step back into yesteryear and view historic rural schools and country churches in McHenry County at the Scholars and Steeples Tour from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 19.
A motor coach bus will leave from McHenry County College’s circular drive entrance in parking lot B at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.
This is the third annual tour of our county’s landmark rural schools, sponsored by McHenry County College and the McHenry County Historical Society. The churches are a new addition to the tour.
Much of the tour will take place in the scenic Richmond, Spring Grove and Hebron areas. View many of these structures and other historic sites from the comfort of a motor coach. Plus, there will be opportunities to get off the bus and walk around other sites on the tour. Tour guides will be Nancy Fike, director of the McHenry County Historical Society and Bob Frenz, author of “McHenry County’s Historic Country Schools.”
Cost is $49, which includes lunch at the Grand Old Mill Inn in Wonder Lake. Frenz’ book will be available for purchase at a reduced price of $29.95.
The bus will leave at approximately 9:30 a.m., which allows participants a half-hour to check-in and listen to a brief orientation in the MCC Conference Center.
To register with a credit card, call (815) 455-8588 and reference course ID: NCC S01 002. For more information, contact Amy Carzoli at (815) 455-8764 or Kristine Emrich at (815) 479-7570 or email their office at mccconferencecenter@mchenry.edu.
A motor coach bus will leave from McHenry County College’s circular drive entrance in parking lot B at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.
This is the third annual tour of our county’s landmark rural schools, sponsored by McHenry County College and the McHenry County Historical Society. The churches are a new addition to the tour.
Much of the tour will take place in the scenic Richmond, Spring Grove and Hebron areas. View many of these structures and other historic sites from the comfort of a motor coach. Plus, there will be opportunities to get off the bus and walk around other sites on the tour. Tour guides will be Nancy Fike, director of the McHenry County Historical Society and Bob Frenz, author of “McHenry County’s Historic Country Schools.”
Cost is $49, which includes lunch at the Grand Old Mill Inn in Wonder Lake. Frenz’ book will be available for purchase at a reduced price of $29.95.
The bus will leave at approximately 9:30 a.m., which allows participants a half-hour to check-in and listen to a brief orientation in the MCC Conference Center.
To register with a credit card, call (815) 455-8588 and reference course ID: NCC S01 002. For more information, contact Amy Carzoli at (815) 455-8764 or Kristine Emrich at (815) 479-7570 or email their office at mccconferencecenter@mchenry.edu.
Planned Change For McHenry County Planning Department
A slightly changed McHenry County Department will result following this evening's County Board meeting. A number of resolutions are to be approved by the Board to accomplish this. The key resolution is one authorizing the Planning Department to split the Planning Division into the Community Development Division and the Planning Division. This is to provide the necessary focus and personnel necessary to carry out the increasing demands of the two diversified areas of responsibility.
It is also noted that if the grants and programs administered by the Community Development Division no longer provide the funding needed to support increased staff, then the Community Development Administrator and the Acting principal Planner responsibilities being used would revert back to the original classifications and corresponding work duties.
It is also noted that if the grants and programs administered by the Community Development Division no longer provide the funding needed to support increased staff, then the Community Development Administrator and the Acting principal Planner responsibilities being used would revert back to the original classifications and corresponding work duties.
McHenry County Housing Commission Meets This Morning
McHenry County Housing Commission is meeting at 8:30 this morning in the Conference rooms of the County Administration Building, 669 Ware Road, Woodstock.
This recently formed Commission is just beginning and has a lot of work planned. One example is to conduct a housing survey, a topic which will be discussed at this morning's meeting.. .
This recently formed Commission is just beginning and has a lot of work planned. One example is to conduct a housing survey, a topic which will be discussed at this morning's meeting.. .
Monday, June 14, 2010
This Is National Flag Day
We are told the idea of celebrating a day to honor the existence of a United States flag began with the centennial of the existence of the United States flag.
We are told that Betsy Ross, a seamstress who made clothes for George Washington, was approached by him to make the country's first flag. The design was reportedly made by a Congressman, Francis Hopkinson, with a resolution that "the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." That was enacted into law on June 14, 1777. Then on August 3, 1949, President Harry Truman commemorated the day by declaring June 14 as Flag Day.
Over the years the design changed with the addition of more stars as more states were added to the union.
Francis Scott Key is considered the individual who penned lyrics to our national anthem. He is reported to have been inspired by the British bombardment of Fort McHenry and penned the lyrics as he witnessed the event as British rockets whizzed in the air while the American flag flew in the breeze.
We are told that the "Pledge of Allegiance" was inspired by a James B. Upham and Francis Bellamy and published in a magazine called "The Youth's Companion."
The flag has been located in many places of the world from the North Pole to outer space.
We are told that Betsy Ross, a seamstress who made clothes for George Washington, was approached by him to make the country's first flag. The design was reportedly made by a Congressman, Francis Hopkinson, with a resolution that "the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." That was enacted into law on June 14, 1777. Then on August 3, 1949, President Harry Truman commemorated the day by declaring June 14 as Flag Day.
Over the years the design changed with the addition of more stars as more states were added to the union.
Francis Scott Key is considered the individual who penned lyrics to our national anthem. He is reported to have been inspired by the British bombardment of Fort McHenry and penned the lyrics as he witnessed the event as British rockets whizzed in the air while the American flag flew in the breeze.
We are told that the "Pledge of Allegiance" was inspired by a James B. Upham and Francis Bellamy and published in a magazine called "The Youth's Companion."
The flag has been located in many places of the world from the North Pole to outer space.
Public Invited To McHenry County 2030 Plan Presentation June 17
The public is invited to celebrate the release of the long awaited McHenry County 2030 Comprehensive Plan on Thursday, June 17, at 6:30 pm in the McHenry County Administration building conference rooms, located at 667 Ware Road, in Woodstock. The event will include refreshments and feature a short presentation at 7:00 pm by Randy Blankenhorn, Executive Director of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, on the importance of planning and regional cooperation.
Tina Hill, Chairperson, County Board Planning & Development Committee, states, “Everyone is invited to attend. We would really like to see those individuals who participated in the development of the 2030 Plan – residents, community leaders, township and municipality officials. It’s our way of acknowledging their efforts and of publicly completing the process”.
All attendees will be provided a free copy of the Plan on CD-ROM. Printed copies of the Plan will be available for purchase for $30. Major credit cards will be accepted. The Plan is also available for viewing and can be accessed through the Department of Planning and Development Website at Website at.
The McHenry County Board adopted the 2030 Comprehensive Plan on April 20th following development by the Regional Planning Commission. The three-year planning process involved extensive participation by property owners and residents, community leaders and advocates, and municipal and township officials. The Plan serves as a general guide for the development and redevelopment of the County and for the preservation and enhancement of its natural and agricultural resources.
For more information, call the McHenry County Department of Planning and Development at (815) 334-4560 ext. 1.
Tina Hill, Chairperson, County Board Planning & Development Committee, states, “Everyone is invited to attend. We would really like to see those individuals who participated in the development of the 2030 Plan – residents, community leaders, township and municipality officials. It’s our way of acknowledging their efforts and of publicly completing the process”.
All attendees will be provided a free copy of the Plan on CD-ROM. Printed copies of the Plan will be available for purchase for $30. Major credit cards will be accepted. The Plan is also available for viewing and can be accessed through the Department of Planning and Development Website at Website at.
The McHenry County Board adopted the 2030 Comprehensive Plan on April 20th following development by the Regional Planning Commission. The three-year planning process involved extensive participation by property owners and residents, community leaders and advocates, and municipal and township officials. The Plan serves as a general guide for the development and redevelopment of the County and for the preservation and enhancement of its natural and agricultural resources.
For more information, call the McHenry County Department of Planning and Development at (815) 334-4560 ext. 1.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
The Crystal Lake Band Presents Free Concert Tuesday At The Lake
Concerts in the Park are held every summer Tuesday evening in the Crystal Lake Park District's band shell, located at the Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive.
The 70 to 90 minute concerts begin at 7:00 pm. Admission is free as the result of generous sponsors, Raue Center For The Arts, McHenry County Living Magazine, Home State Bank, and Judson College.
The featured band for Tuesday June 15 is the Crystal Lake Band.
In case of rain or other inclement weather, the concert will take place in Park Place, 406 West Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.
Call the Park Weather Hotline at 815-459-PARK (7275) after 3 pm to confirm if there is inclement weather.
The 70 to 90 minute concerts begin at 7:00 pm. Admission is free as the result of generous sponsors, Raue Center For The Arts, McHenry County Living Magazine, Home State Bank, and Judson College.
The featured band for Tuesday June 15 is the Crystal Lake Band.
In case of rain or other inclement weather, the concert will take place in Park Place, 406 West Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.
Call the Park Weather Hotline at 815-459-PARK (7275) after 3 pm to confirm if there is inclement weather.
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