Tuesday Is National Night Out Against Crime

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office will be participating in this event from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Algonquin Township Substation, located at Algonquin Township Hall and Garage, 3702 Route 14, next to the Hollows between Crystal Lake and Cary.

What Can Be Expected

• 6:00 – 8:30 pm – Free Food including hot dogs, donuts and pop will be served to those in attendance (while supplies last)
• 6:30 pm - K-9 demonstration by K9 Deputy Rocky and K9 Deputy Sage
• MARV, other Police Vehicles and heavy duty Township Vehicles on display
• Build your own miniature Police Car Event (just 22 spaces available). This is in cooperation with C.A.R.S., a miniature model car club. Youth between ages of 8 and 14 are encouraged to participate and are required to have a parent or relative accompany them. Prior registration is possible by calling Cathy at 815-334-4739.
• Electronic Fingerprinting ID system
• Child Passenger Safety Education
• Various Crime Prevention Information Provided.

National Night Out is celebrated annually the first Tuesday of August. The goal of the program is to promote crime prevention and safety programs, strengthen police-community partnerships, and encourage neighborhood camaraderie in hopes for a safer McHenry County and America.
NNO--"America's Night Against Crime" began in 1984 and is celebrated in all 50 states.

Math Review Sessions At McHenry County College

McHenry County College is hosting math review sessions for MCC students who want to refresh their skills in Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra and Pre-Calculus the week before fall classes begin.

A review session for students entering Intermediate Algebra (MAT099) will take place from 1-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 17. For students entering College Algebra (MAT161) and Pre-Calculus (MAT 165), two separate review sessions are from 12-4 p.m. and 6-10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18. All review sessions will be held in the Bersted Lecture Hall, Room A240. The college is located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake.

“If students get frustrated earning low grades in math and don’t move along as far as they like, we’re offering an opportunity to help them achieve their goals,” said Bob Reass, adjunct math instructor and math specialist in the Sage Learning Center. “We feel giving students a head start with these free four-hour sessions may help them to hit the ground running.”

Students who attended last year’s review session in College Algebra and Pre-Calculus had an overall higher success rate than those students who did not take the review session, Reass said.

The review sessions are free of charge and no registration is required. Students must bring a calculator and writing materials. For more information, contact the MCC Math Department at (815) 455-8750.

Chicagoan Mistakenly Believed Suburban Walgreens To Be Easy Targets

A 57-year old Chicago resident was sentenced to 21 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for two armed robberies committed last year at Walgreens stores in Crystal Lake and Fox River Grove. A third charge of Armed Robbery involved a Cary Walgreens was dismissed in consideration of the defendant's guilty plea to the other robberies.

Witnesses to the January 28, 2009 Crystal Lake robbery described a middle-aged white offender who was armed with a unique looking handgun. This description of Malaszenko was later distributed to employees of local Walgreens stores.


On February 10, 2009, Malaszenko was identified as he walked into a Fox River Grove Walgreens. The police were summoned and apprehended Malaszenko as he fled the store with a bag of cash and the same gun used in the earlier robberies.


When asked why he targeted Walgreen stores, he responded that "he thought it would be easy." That was proven wrong by the quick thinking of Walgreen's staff and the outstanding police work of the Crystal Lake, Cary and Fox River Grove Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State's Attorney David Johnston.

Hinckley Man To Be Sentenced For Attempted Armed Robbery

Over two years ago, on Mar 24, 2008, Mathew Reno of Hinckley was the masked gunman who pointed a gun at a Midwest Bank teller in Union. On October 1 he will be sentenced for the offense of Attempt Armed Robbery. A McHenry County Jury deliberated approximately two and one half hours before delivering the verdict in case.


McHenry County State's Attorney Louis Bianchi reports that the evidence presented in the case consisted of testimony of a co-defendant, a bank teller and cellular telephone records which placed the defendant in the vicinity of the crime scene.


The bank teller testified that a masked gunman pointed a gun at her and demanded money and a co-defendant in the case, testified that he acted as a get away driver.


The case was prosecuted by McHenry County Assistant State's Attorneys Jeff Bora and Michael Combs. Reno's sentencing is scheduled for 1:30 pm on October 1.

Congressman Don Manzullo Holding Government Grants and Contracts Fair August 10

Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) is inviting northern Illinois business owners and officials from local schools, fire departments, municipalities and non-profit groups to attend a government grants and contracts fair on Aug.10 and learn how to compete for federal funding to help put residents back to work.

Manzullo’s Grant and Contract Fair will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 10, at the Rock Valley College Stenstrom Center, 4151 Samuelson Road, Rockford.

Federal agencies with informational booths include the U.S. Departments of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency), Homeland Security (FEMA), EPA, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education. Other agencies attending include the Small Business Administration (SBA), Export-Import Bank, Export Assistance Center, and General Services Administration (GSA).

In addition, several departments will be holding the following workshops throughout the day. Those interested in attending any of the workshops should call 815-394-1231 to reserve a seat.

• 10 a.m. to noon – Department of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency)
• 11 a.m. to noon – Small Business Administration
• 12 to 1 p.m. – Export Assistance Center
• 1 to 2 p.m. – General Services Administration

Attendees will learn how to do business with the federal government and how to compete for federal grants.

“In these difficult times, our employers need to do everything they can to survive. And our local officials need to be good stewards of taxpayers’ money,” Manzullo said. “Our government grant and contract fair will help them learn how to compete for federal contracts and grants so they can put our residents back to work and reduce the strain on taxpayers.”

Library Closed Next Friday Morning

The Crystal Lake Public Library will be closed from 9:00 am until noon, Friday, August 6 for staff training. The Library will open to the public at 12:00 noon.

MCC Black Box Theatre Looking For Actors

The Black Box Theatre at McHenry County College will hold auditions for its fall production of “And Then There Were None,” the great murder mystery by Agatha Christie

Director Tish Lyon will hold auditions from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 30 and 31 in the Black Box Theatre, Room D167. Callbacks will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2 in the Black Box Theatre.

No past experience is necessary. There are roles for eight men and three women, and auditions are open to all students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members. Actors will be reading from the script for the general auditions—scripts are available on reserve at the MCC Library.

Rehearsals will be held Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 4-6, 11-13, and 18-20. For more information, call (815) 455-8746 or send an e-mail to jgeller1960@yahoo.com.

Summertime Camping For Kids

There is still a lot of summer left! Looking for some great outdoor fun for the kids? McHenry County Conservation District Summer Camps encourages teens and kids to explore their sense of adventure. New camps have been added. Camps are $90 for five full days of fun.
Register online www.MCCDistrict.org or by calling (815) 479.5779.

Arts & Nature Camp
Ages 8-9
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
August 9-13, Pleasant Valley, Woodstock
Pleasant Valley will serve as our backdrop and inspiration while we use paint, clay, music and other ways to interpret nature’s beauty. Projects, hikes and games await you along with new friends.

Conservation Day Camp
Ages 8-11
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
August 9 - 13, Glacial Park, Ringwood
Campers will have fun canoeing Nippersink Creek, hiking Glacial Park’s trails, exploring the wood, helping at a conservation work day project, enjoying cookouts, playing games and doing crafts!

Training Construction Work Flaggers

Construction work zone flaggers have one of the most dangerous occupations in construction maintenance. To train workers how to provide safe passage of traffic through and around work zones, McHenry County College’s Continuing and Professional Education Department is offering a four-hour National Safety Council Flagger Training Certificate Course once a month. The next session will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6 at the Shah Center, 4100 West Shamrock Lane, McHenry, in Room 121.

The flagger training course is available for both novice and experienced construction zone flaggers. In addition to controlling traffic through work areas, the program aims to minimize confusion by bringing standard flagging procedures to our nation's highways. Statistics from the National Safety Council illustrate how dangerous a road work zone can be for both workers and drivers. In 2004, 1,068 people were killed and 47,570 were injured in work zones.

The National Safety Council Flagger Training Course is a comprehensive skill-building program that meets federal industry guidelines.

Other flagger training sessions are scheduled for 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sept. 10 and Oct. 8.

Cost is $119 per session. To register, call the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588. For more information, call Dee Comella at (815) 479-7591.

Today Is The Day!

It's the first day of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County Use It Again Garage Sale, which runs through Sunday, August 1. This annual fundraiser is taking place in the Algonquin Township Road District Complex, 3702 U.S. Highway 14, next to the Hollows, between Crystal Lake and Cary.

Visitors may find antiques, household items, clothing, books, tools or maybe a perfect gift for someone.

This group has had a long-standing motto, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. The sale will be open from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Thursday through Saturday and from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Sunday for a bag sale.

City Sewer Service Offered to East Side Crystal Lake Residents

Fifteen residents of East Crystal Lake Avenue attended a brief meeting this evening regarding a proposed special service area from John Street westward to the railroad tracks. The properties on the north side of Crystal Lake Avenue are in the incorporated area while the south side properties are in the unincorporated area.

The gathering was to explain what the City has in mind and obtain the opinions of the residents. As would be expected, the greatest concern is cost. City Director of Public Works Eric Lecuyer explained to the group the city is planning to improve East Crystal Lake Avenue and it would make sense to see if the residents would like to take advantage of improving their property at the same time.

Lecuyer explained the estimated costs could be about $2,029 added to each tax bill annually. However, this is a rough estimate and not based on firm bids from the contractors. If sewer were installed after the road project is completed, the cost would increase. There would also be the usual sewer usage fees. The project would proceed only if 51% of the property owners, including one business, approved the project.

If it was decided to proceed with the project, those properties on the south side of Crystal Lake Avenue would have to be annexed to the city.

Those residents present were urged to talk with their neighbors who were not present and given permission slips for their signatures indicating their preference.

Lakewood Boundaries Planned For Expansion

The Village of Lakewood is expected to expand by 565 acres following Tuesday's Village Board meeting as well as a meeting of Village Planning and Zoning Committee. A lengthy meeting and public hearing regarding a special use permit to allow a planned development permitting a variety of activities on a sportsplex faculty. The planned development is on property located west of Illinois Route 47/176.

However, this annexation is subject to attorney review and obtaining funding by the group planning to develop a Sportsplex on the property. That development is contingent upon approval of funding through EB5 bonds. If that funding is not approved and no other means of funding is provided for the Sportsplex, then the annexation will not take place.

The properties to be annexed are known as 12317, 12512 and 11717 Pleasant Valley Road also known as Napier Partners, LP; Patricia M. LeClair Revocable Trust; and Donald Swanson Properties.

The EB5 bonds are to be used to fund the project. According to information from the related federal act, "These are foreign immigrant investors who receive a United States visa in return for a capital investment of $1 million for all areas, except in rural and high unemployment areas, where a lowered investment of $500,000 may be made." The loan of these funds had to also be approved by the McHenry County Board and there are no risks for the Village or the County. Any risks are on the bond holders.

The Village Board and capacity audience in the Redtail Golf Clubhouse heard many aspects of the proposal from experts involved with the planning of the project including soils experts through the building of the development. Considerable testimony was provided regarding the soils in the area since the location is in a sensitive area involving wetlands and a creek.

Details were also presented on the layout of the various sports fields, walks, lighting, a building to house indoor sports and retail facilities.

Traffic of the area was also considered as an expert in this field presented plans for a slight realignment of Pleasant Valley Road which currently runs westward from the Route 47/176 juncture. The traffic concerns also have been worked on by Illinois Department of Transportation. Also considerable information was provided regarding the soils in the proposed and surrounding areas, many of which are wetlands. These concerns have been addressed by experts in that field.

Take A Little Trip To Dane County Farmer's Market

Discover the season’s best bounty of vegetables, flowers and specialty products from more than 160 vendors at the Dane County Farmer’s Market, located in downtown Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday, Aug. 7. A motorcoach bus will leave McHenry County College at 5:45 a.m. and return at 3:30 p.m.

This farmer’s market is reported to be the largest “producer only market,” meaning the person who grew it or made it is probably sitting there selling it to you. Enjoy lunch on your own and at your leisure across the street at the City Market or along State Street. Wear good walking shoes and bring a cooler for your purchases. This trip is set for rain or shine.

Cost is: $39; no refunds available. Early registration is recommended. To register, contacting the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588 and mention course ID: NST S08 002. For additional information about any day trips, contact Claudia Terrones at (815) 455-8782.

"Accountability That Works" - MCC Shah Center Breakfast Series

McHenry County College Shah Center continues its monthly breakfast series "Start@Shah" from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 20 and will feature the topic, “Accountability That Works.”

The keynote speaker Marcy Piekos of Maverick Minds, will discuss the importance of personal responsibility and accountability in the workplace, which is essential for a business to succeed. Accountability That Works is a CRM Learning training module that helps to reduce workplace negativity, improve employee morale, and encourage team members to take personal responsibility for their results.

Mark your calendar to join the Shah Center team at 7:30 a.m. on the third Friday each month for an hour of insightful and interactive training, great networking opportunities and breakfast. The September topic will feature Living and Working in a Networked, Always-On and Virtual World.


Cost is $35 for each breakfast event. Use course ID: NTL S92 001 when registering. The breakfast series is held at the Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry. For more information, or to register, contact: the Shah Center at (815) 455-8593 and email: shahcenter@mchenry.edu.

Health Fair and Fun For Kids

The annual McHenry County Children’s Health & Safety Fair is almost here! Now in its 20th year, it is bigger and better than ever! The fair will be held from 9am-4 pm on Wednesday, August 4, at McHenry County College, 8900 US Hwy 14, in Crystal Lake. Admission to the fair is FREE.

This year’s theme is “Makin’ a Splash!” With over 40 exhibits, games and prizes, the fire department’s ‘smoke house’ and a visit from Ronald McDonald, the fair delivers on its promise to entertain and educate. Think of it as a “trade show for kids!” Children will receive a free school supply box when they turn in their stamped cards after visiting exhibitor’s booths. They will also be entered into a raffle to win one of two free bicycles and helmets.


Reduced cost immunizations and dental exams will be provided for resident school age children on a first come-first served basis. Medicaid will be accepted. Parents MUST bring their child’s updated immunization record in order to receive required immunizations. A limited number of reduced cost school physicals will also be available – by appointment only – for qualified families. Make your appointment now by calling the Family Health Partnership Clinic (815-334-8987).


The fair is sponsored by the McHenry County Children’s Health & Safety Fair Coalition. They are a dedicated group of professionals, representing: Community Action Agency/Head Start, Centegra Health System, CL Graphics, Family Health Partnership Clinic, Family Service & Community Mental Health Center for McHenry County, League of Women Voters of Illinois Education Fund, McHenry County College, McHenry County Department of Health, McHenry County Mental Health Board, McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, Mercy Health System, United Way of Greater McHenry County Volunteer Center, star 105.5, and Youth Service Bureau.

Watching Government

Monday, July 26
The McHenry County Board of Health Personnel Committee will meet at 6:00 pm today to conduct a semi-annual review of the Public Health Administrator.

Following that the full Board of Health will meet at 7:00 pm. In addition to the regular business of the Board a presentation is planned on beach/inspection sampling. Under new business, the Board will consider expansion of franchising for comprehensive solid waste collection, Veterinarian Manager reclassification, and the H1N1 Manage response time.

Tuesday, July 27
The Management Services Committee of McHenry County Board will meet at 8:30 am Tuesday morning to continue consideration of transparency issues and proposed disclosure ordinance. Also, a resolution setting the holidays for 2011 will be considered along with an agreement for software maintenance.

The agenda also includes a notice from the Illinois Department of Revenue regarding the reduction to 40% of the statutory level of funding for various duties of the State's Attorney, Public Defenders and Assessors.

A request from the Village of Wonder Lake to extend the deadline for issuing Recovery Zone bonds due to the filing of a lawsuit against the Village in opposition to the issuance of the bonds.

Lakewood Village – The Planning and Zoning Committee of the Village Board will meet at 6:00 pm in the RedTail Golf Club for a public hearing to consider a map amendment to the Zoning Ordinance of the Village regarding rezoning of a parcel of property located in the area west of Route 47 at its intersection with Illinois Route 176, south of Pleasant Valley Road at its intersection with Swanson Road and corner of Hamilton Drive and Pleasant Valley Road.

The Village Board will meet at 7:00 pm and hold a Public Hearing on the a proposed Annexation and Development Incentive Agreement between the Village and Patricia M. LeClair as Trustee of Trustee Agreement and Donald A. Swanson, Owners and McHenry County Sportsplex, LLC., Petitioner.

This hearing is to touch on the approval of the annexation and development Incentive Agreement, the approval of the annexation of the parcel, approval of the preliminary Plat for the parcels, and approval of an agreement to the Comprehensive Plan for the Village, and approval of the preliminary plan for the property.

The Quarterly meeting of the McHenry County Gravel Advisory Committee is slated for 7:00 pm Tuesday, in the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock. Updates are slated on trucking and transportation issues in the County as well as changes to the zoning ordinance and health ordinance regarding topographic and groundwater testing requirements.

Other updates slated include the County's proposal to amend the Stormwater Management Ordinance regarding duration of stormwater management permits. Also being considered is an update regarding a complaint from Riley Township Supervisor concerning the berm surrounding the Coral Lake Sand and Gravel operation along Illinois Route 23, south of West Coral Road, near Marengo.

Big Guitars Concert At Crystal Lake Main Beach Tuesday

    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 presentation for Tuesday July 27 is Big Guitars From Memphis—Country and Rockabilly. 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.