Saturday, August 7, 2010

Future Filmmakers Learn The Trade In Crystal Lake

Between July 30 and August 1, 11 young filmmakers (ranging in age from 12 to 17) participated in Raue Center’s 3rd annual Sage Studio Film Bootcamp. Under the direction of Los Angeles filmmaker, actor and screenwriter, Colin Mitchell, filmmakers learned how to take a simple idea and turn it into a short film.

Each participant chose a specialty ranging from directing, writing or cinematography and worked as a crew on the comedy-horror short film, “Final Cut: Where’s Elroy?” Participants scouted locations, learned how to work with lights and sound on a film set, filmed scenes and acted in the original short film. The 9-minute film was well received at the 6:30 p.m. screening on August 1 at Raue Center For The Arts and is now posted to Raue Center’s Facebook page.


Thanks to a generous grant from Sage Products and the Foglia Family, participants are able to pay a reduced fee of $100 for Sage Studio workshops. For more information about Sage Studio or Raue Center’s educational programs, please visit . Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit, charitable organization located in historic, downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Friday, August 6, 2010

McHenry County Beach Advisories

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) conducted beach water samplings at licensed beaches on Thursday, August 5. Results are as follows--
CRYSTAL LAKE
Closed
West Park Beach, 2400 Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake
Lake Park Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake
Advisory
Lake Shore Beach, 840 Lake Street, Crystal Lake

MARENGO
Closed
Lehman’s Beach, Lehman’s Lakeside RV Resort (19609 Harmony Road, Marengo)
McCULLOM LAKE
Closed
Park & Beach, 4811 Orchard Drive, McCullom Lake

WONDER LAKE
Closed
Sunrise Ridge, 3800 West Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
Advisory
Wonder Woods 2, 5606 Woodlane, Wonder Lake
All licensed beaches on the 13 lakes in McHenry County are tested every 2 weeks for E. coli throughout the summer to determine water quality. Additional and more frequent sampling is done when elevated bacterial levels are found. MCDH recommends refraining from swimming at least 2-3 days after heavy rainfall.

Water sampling results are reported to the appropriate beach authorities. Beaches that require an advisory or closing are posted with signs by MCDH. All beach water results and locations are readily available at the Department’s webpage at www.mcdh.info, by phone 815-334-4585 or email health@co.mchenry.il.us.

Plants and Mussels Plague The Crystal Lake

There seems to be more and more problems with the Crystal Lake, mostly caused by nature. Aquatic plants are causing problems for boaters and the aquatic plants are thriving because the zebra mussels are residents of the lake. This species was not placed in the lake. They came in probably on boats from other bodies of water where they reside. They have done a good job of cleaning the lake water so that the aquatic plants grow better.

This coming Wednesday, the Park District plans to do some cleaning of the aquatic plants to make boat navigations a little smoother. Plans are being made to do dredging on the west end of the lake, possibly in October. This was discussed at Thursday evenings Park Board meeting and costs are being obtained from Hey and Associates for the dredging work.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Telecommunications Tower As Flagpole In Crystal Lake

A new flag pole may soon be obsrved on the Crystal Lake City's Wastewater Treatment plant No. 2 located at 1100 Coventry Lane. This 139 foot pole is a telecommunicatons tower for T-Mobile Central LLC. It will also be used to fly the United States Flag.


The Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission, Wednesday, gave the idea a unanimous recommendation for the City Council to consider. This recommended approval for a telecommunication tower is part of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) as adopted by the City.


Federal Aviation Administration approval was received for the project along with approval from Lake in the Hills because of the close proximity to the airport owned by the village.

Government Grants and Contracts Informational Fair

Congressman Don Manzullo is issuing an invitation to Illinois business owners and officials from local schools, fire departments, municipalities and non-profit groups to attend a government grants and contracts fair Tuesday, august 10 from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. The location is Rock Valley College Stenstrom Center, 41511 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

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Failure To Pay Child Support Catches Up With Woodstock Man

A Woodstock resident, 31-year old Michael D. Strobel, found himself having to pay $43,000 in child support for one of his two children. According to a release from McHenry County State's Attorney Louis Bianchi's office, Strobel pled guilty to a Class 4 Felony. He is reported to have paid child support on a Lake County case, but neglected to pay child support for the first born child for nearly a decade. The case that resulted in Strobel being ordered to pay the child support was prosecuted by Assistant State's Attorney Amy Bates of Bianchi's office.

Additional Government Watching For Thursday

Crystal Lake Park District Board
7:30 pm- Park District Offices, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake.
In addition to the necessary matters to keep the Park District in operation, a couple presentations are scheduled. One is the annual presentation by Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA). The second is by Hey and Associates regarding the dredging plan for the West End of the Crystal Lake.

Thursday Government Watching

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5
Planning and Development Committee (McHenry County Board)
8:30 am Conference Rooms, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock
In addition to minor internal restructuring regarding subdivision controls, the committee will review the Fiscal Year 2010-2011 budgets for Planning & Development, Community Development Block Grant and Zoning Board of Appeals

A report regarding wind turbines is also being presented. The Natural and Environmental Resource Committee requested that the Planning and Development Committee consider enacting a moratorium on the construction of large wind turbines until the County's regulations can be modified.

4:00 – 5:00 pm - Legislative Committee of the McHenry County Housing Commission, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock. A Fair Housing Ordinance is being discussed.
Additionally, an Analysis of Impediments (AI) discussion is slated as well as a video presentation of a Fair Housing AI court case.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Wednesday Watching Government

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4
Transportation Committee of McHenry County Board (MCDOT)
8:15 am McHenry County Division of Transportation Nelson and Hartland Roads, Woodstock.

A presentation is scheduled regarding Randall Road as well as one on the Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Budget
Also engineering services agreement amendments for Randall Road and Rakow Road projects are to be considered for approval.

Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission
7:30 pm in Crystal Lake City Hall
A land use variation is requested by Spirit Halloween to be temporarily located at 5500 Northwest Highway. A public hearing is scheduled to allow this temporary retail use at this location.
Also a public hearing is slated on a Final PUD amendment to allow internally illuminated tenant identification signs at Oaks Professional-Aptar, 475 W. Terra Cotta.

A public hearing is also scheduled for a land use variation and special use permit to allow a telecommunications tower for T-Mobile at the wastewater treatment plant.

Business Management Degree Online

McHenry County College announces a new online degree in Business Management through the Fast Track program, offering adults 24 and older a more convenient option for earning a certificate or accelerated associate degree.

Students who enroll in the Fast Track Business Management program may choose to complete their degree online or in the traditional classroom setting. According to Melissa Stutz, director of the Fast Track, the Business Management online degree program is beneficial to those who work a second shift or hours that change on a regular basis or someone who has life obligations making it difficult to attend classes regularly. Additionally, the Business Management online courses feature a standard online rate and out-of-district rates do not apply, which means students living out-of-district can save money.

“The online degree offering provides an excellent opportunity to adult learners with hectic schedules,” she said.
The Fast Track provides professional certificates and degree programs for adults ages 24 and older who are looking to enhance their skill sets or career in a convenient, affordable setting. Students can earn a certificate or Associate in Applied Science degree.

More than 90 percent of the Fast Track students have earned a certificate and/or and Associate in Applied Science degree. The majority of the students have received one or more promotions since starting the program.
The Fast Track Business Management program is offered both online and in a traditional setting. Other Fast Track programs include Construction Management and Manufacturing Management. For more information about online learning at MCC, visit: www.mchenry.edu/DistanceEd/online.asp.

To register or for more information on the Fast Track program, visit www.mchenry.edu/fasttrack or contact Melissa Stutz at (815) 455-8611 or email her at mstutz@mhenry.edu.125

Monday, August 2, 2010

Watching Government - Tuesday

TUESDAY, AUGUST 3
McHenry County Board Planning and Development Committee
8:30 am in the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock
A brief meeting to authorize amendments to the annual action plans for Payout Year 2009 and 2010 in order to meet HUD requirements.
McHenry County Board
9:00 am, County Board Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.
McHenry County's Views on CMAP GO TO 2040
The concerns of the McHenry County Board with regard to the proposed CMAP 2040 Regional Plan is to be discussed at Tuesday morning's County Board meeting. The largest concern expressed is that of state and local tax policy reforms as proposed by the CMAP group.

A proposed letter to be sent on behalf of McHenry County to the CMAP Council states, "Our general consensus is that the State has a spending problem and not an income problem. We believe the tax structure needs to be systematically reviewed and overhauled."

Another concern is the possible increased regional regulatory control implied in many of the Plan recommendations and policies. "The plan appears to support shifting control and funding for land use, transportation, and water resources from local to regional entities," states the letter to reach CMAP Board Members.

Also noted is "many assumptions about McHenry County that do not fit the collar county scenario." These are also expected to be considered at the Tuesday morning County Board meeting which gets underway at 9:00 am in the County Board room, located in the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road Woodstock.

CRYSTAL LAKE CITY COUNCIL
7:30 pm in Crystal Lake Council Chambers, 100 Woodstock Street
The Crystal Lake City Council is expected to approve a fifth antenna installation for the McCormick Park Water Tower. Clearwire Communications is seeking permission to erect antennas on the water storage tank for wireless broadband service.
The first lease agreement for use of the water storage tank was executed January 18, 2000 and was for a cellular telephone provider. Since that time, eight additional lease agreements have been approved. These eight plus Clearwire, if approved, will generate $314,706 in revenue for the city. Use a water storage tank eliminates the need for a special use permit to construct a tower. This also cuts down on the addition of added towers. The Clearwire lease provides an initial annual lease payment of $30,948 with a 5% inflation escalator each year and an additional five five-year terms. Clearwire will also provide a one-time site maintenance fee of $16,000.

Other Council matters to be considered Tuesday include two matters related to the Main Street Rail Yard Relocation Project. This is Phase I Engineering. A contract was approved with TranSystems April 7, 2009 but funds were not budgeted because of an uncertain timeline for some of the environmental issues now being resolved. Approval is being requested for $90,000 for the engineering of the Main Street Rail Yard Relocation project and approval of allocation of the same amount from Motor Fuel Tax funds.

Approval is also requested to for a lease agreement with Culvers of Crystal Lake for operation of concessions at Three Oaks Recreation Area (formerly known as Vulcan Lakes),

Health and Safety Fair For Kids

The annual McHenry County Children's Health & Safety Fair is taking place Wednesday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake. The specific location is Building A with access from the north entrance of Highway 14.
This is an opportunity for children to receive school immunizations and physicals, dental screenings and health education before the school year begins.
Admission is free for the 50 exhibits, games and prizes along with a "smoke house" a safety demonstration lead by the local Fire Department. Also a couple of surprise characters will appear to entertain the children. A visit from Ronald McDonald is scheduled for 1:00 pm.

Watching Government

MONDAY, AUGUST 2
McHenry County Board Law and Justice Committee
8:30 am in the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock. Several people are being interviewed for an appointment to the McHenry Township Fire Protection District.
Resolutions being considered by the Committee include:
  • A lease agreement to install, operate and maintain communications equipment on the Village of Spring Grove's Tower property;
  • Authorization of a Lease for Toughbook computers for the Sheriff's Department
  • Authorizing acceptance of a Department of Justice COPS Grant for Equipment at a Remote Radio Transmission Site for the Sheriff's office
  • Two resolutions authorizing an increase in the Circuit Clerk's Automation Fee and one for an increase in the Circuit Clerk's Document Storage Fee.
An update is also expected on the 22nd Judicial Circuit Emergency Continuity of Operations Plan and Budget reviews for Court Administration, Court Services, Public Defender, Merit Commission and Coroner are also expected.

City of Crystal Lake Ad Hoc Clean Air Counts Advisory Committee
7:00 pm in the City Council Chambers Conference Room
Updates are expected on a Crystal Lake Draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility Master Plan; Safe Routes to School; and I-Go Car Sharing, and also regarding implementing VOC (volatile organic compounds) reduction measures.
Promotion ideas include Bike with Your Neighbors Event, Implementing a number of ideas such as energy efficiency measures; promoting fleet management and commuter choice measures such as no idling signs at local schools.
Some programs to be considered for implementation or promotion include safer pest control project, recylceBank, involvement of the Chamber of Commerce and businesses.
This group has evidence of implementing Outreach efforts to promote Clean Air which include the Farmers Market, a Newsletter, and a website.

Crystal Lake Library Committee Meeting

Facilities Committee of the Crystal Lake Public Library Board of Trustees will meet Wednesday, August 4 at 12:30 pm in the Library Director's Office of the Library, 126 Paddock Street, Crystal Lake.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Crystal Lake Community Band Returns To Park District Concert Stage

    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 August 3 is Crystal Lake Community 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.