Tryon Legislation Proposal To Stop State Employee Union Contributions To Statewide Candidates

State Representative Michael Tryon filed House Bill 6925 this week to prohibit unions that represent State employees and the political action committees affiliated with those unions from making campaign contributions to Illinois statewide elected officials or candidates.

Tryon explains that if successful, the Bill would put an end to much of the unethical behavior that exists today between elected officials who negotiate union contracts and the unions PACs that represent unionized workers on the State payroll.

Legislation was passed in 2008 making it illegal for individuals running for statewide office to receive campaign contributions from companies that hold State contracts, but that law excluded donations from unions that represent State employees and their political action committees. Tryon notes that the new bill addresses the unethical practice of unions supporting politicians in exchange for favorable contracts.

Tryon says, "The need for the bill became crystal clear to me two weeks ago when Governor Pat Quinn took his budget director, who was in the middle of negotiations on an AFSCME contract, with him to his AFSCME endorsement interview." Tryon explains that it was inappropriate for the governor to bring his budget director to an AFSCME endorsement meeting while contract negotiations between AFSCME and the State of Illinois were underway. Mixing policy and politics is what got our last two governors into trouble and Governor Quinn should have known better.

Two days after AFSCME endorses Quinn, the governor announced his promise not to lay off any AFSCME union employees for the next 24 months. This does not meet the sniff test and smells like the same old politics that Illinois has been getting for the last eight years.

Tryon explains that earlier this year he served as the chief sponsor of House Bill 0035, which created the Transparency Portal in Illinois. This new law mandated the creation of a user-friendly and searchable online database through which visitors could find all state employee salaries and contracts (www.accountability.illinois.gov). House Bill 0035 was a great first step in adding a vital layer of transparency to state government, but unfortunately corruption in Illinois if very deeply rooted. This new bill, if successful, should go incredibly far in restoring Illinoisans faith in their government. It is my hope that both Republicans and Democrats embrace this bill and support its passage. The bill may be discussed next month when we return to Springfield for the November veto session.

Openings Still Available For October 23 Cardiiovascular Screenings

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is still taking appointments for its cardiovascular screening on Saturday, October 23, from 7:30am-11:30am, at its Crystal Lake office, 100 N. Virginia Street.  The screening requires a 12-hour fast and includes total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure, cardiovascular education and heart age assessment.  Appointments are necessary.  The cost is $35.00.   

Heart disease and stroke are the first and third leading causes of death, respectively, in Illinois – killing 5 people every hour, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.  They are also the major causes of disability.  Age, gender and family history are risk factors beyond our control.  But what we can change is high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking (including second-hand smoke), diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol use and poor nutrition.  The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chances of developing cardiovascular disease.

Call MCDH at 815-334-4931 to schedule an appointment.

Stories About Life In Middle East

McHenry County College political science and history professor, Dr. Todd Culp, had a front row seat to one of the most brutal conflicts of our time. He brings his real-life examples to the classroom and his recently published book, “Friends Whose Names I’ll Never Know” features stories of his trips to the Middle East since 1993.

“It has been my privilege for the last 17 years as I walked the streets of the West Bank and Gaza to witness acts of courage, selflessness, and beauty amidst the brutality that is the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict," says Culp. 

Dr. Culp is discussing his new book of amazing stories of those who risk, and sometimes lose their lives, to bring peace to the Middle East, at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday October 20. The location is the McHenry County College Conference Center, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. This is being sponsored by the MCC Student Peace Action Network.

McHenry County Board of Health Finance Committee Meets Monday Morning

The Finance Committee of the Machinery County Board of Health will meet at 9:00 AM Monday, October 19 to consider the Fiscal Year 2011 Budget. The meeting is being held in the Board of Health offices, Annex A of the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock.

Help Crystal Lake Library Through Borders Books

Borders in Crystal Lake is currently providing customers the opportunity to add a dollar or more to their purchases to benefit the Crystal Lake Public Library.

The Border's program is a joint effort with State Librarian and Secretary of State, Jesse White, The Illinois literacy Foundation, and Borders Stores, to raise money to enhance literacy appreciation and awareness for local literacy programs throughout the State.

Crystal Lake Public Library is among the recipients selected y the Illinois Literacy Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes literacy through partnerships with the private sector and corporate community.

The 2010 Fall Literacy Donation proceeds enable local literacy organizations to purchase merchandise and books to meet their literacy needs. The program will run through Monday November 1, 2010.

Red Ribbon Week October 23 - October 31

Red Ribbon Week, October 23 through October 31, is being highlighted in McHenry County with a 10:00 a.m. ceremony on October 22 in the Grand Jury Room of the McHenry County Courthouse. Representative students from area schools will give presentations on how their schools are participating in Red Ribbon Week and why they believe it is important to say no to drugs. Over 30 students and educators will join  McHenry County State's Attorney, Louis A. Bianchi, Regional Superintendent Gene Goeglein, County Board Chairman Ken Koehler and a member of the judiciary court for the ceremony.

This year's theme is "I Am Drug Free" and all students in Grades K-8 will receive red ribbon bracelets so they may show their support and personal commitment for this cause.

Cariovascular Screening Offered By McHenry County Department of Health

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is offering a cardiovascular screening on Saturday, October 23, from 7:30am-11:30am, at its Crystal Lake office, 100 N. Virginia Street.  The screening requires a 12-hour fast and includes total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure, cardiovascular education and heart age assessment.  Appointments are necessary.  The cost is $35.00.

Heart disease and stroke are the first and third leading causes of death, respectively, in Illinois – killing 5 people every hour, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.  They are also the major causes of disability.  Age, gender and family history are risk factors beyond our control.  But what we can change is high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking (including second-hand smoke), diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol use and poor nutrition.  The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chances of developing cardiovascular disease.

Call MCDH at 815-334-4536 to schedule an appointment.

Friday, October 15--National Latino AIDS Awareness Day

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) recognizes October 15 as National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, a campaign aimed at engaging the Hispanic/Latino community in promoting HIV awareness through testing, prevention and education.  This year’s theme is “Save a Life – It May Be Your Own.”  MCDH offers free and confidential HIV testing and counseling for high risk individuals in less than an hour.  Call 815-334-4500 for an appointment. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Latinos progress to AIDS faster than any other racial or ethnic group (42% are diagnosed with AIDS within 12 months of receiving a status of HIV positive).  Anyone can get HIV – the disease does not discriminate.  HIV is spread by unprotected sex with an infected partner, sharing of needles and from an infected mother to her baby.  Nationally, the rate of new HIV infections among Hispanic women is nearly 4 times that of white women; for Hispanic men, the rate is nearly double that among white men.  The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that, in 2009, Hispanics/Latinos represent 11.3% of McHenry County residents; for Illinois, it is 13%.

Factors that increase the risk of HIV among Hispanics include socioeconomic (poverty, discrimination, lack of access to healthcare, language barriers), stigma, cultural and a high prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).  Visit www.actagainstaids.org to get the facts about HIV.  For more information, call MCDH at 815-334-4500.

Something To Consider For Upcoming Election

With midterm elections drawing closer every day, candidates who best harness the Internet might have an advantage, according to researchers in Penn State's College of Communications who have confirmed and quantified the impact of of the social media during the 2008 election cycle.

The research team confirmed popular press reports that President Barack Obama used the Internet better than John McCain in 2008. They analyzed 278 user-generated Facebook groups that illustrated the success of the Obama campaign in eliciting positive online support from social network users.

Results of the research by graduate students Julia Woolley and Anthony Limperos, along with Distinguished Professor Mary Beth Oliver, will be published in the November issue of Mass Communication and Society.

According to the research, groups that focused on Barack Obama were more actively used, had higher group membership and were more positive than groups featuring John McCain. The average Obama group had more than 10,000 members, while the average McCain group had less than 1,400. Overall, across all groups, Obama was portrayed more positively than McCain.

In addition, the use of race-related, age-related and profane language differed between candidates, but the general prevalence of these types of variables were low across groups. Race-related language was more prevalent in groups focused on Obama, whereas both negative age-related language and profanity were more prevalent in groups featuring McCain. For example, while only 40 of the 278 groups contained any kind of racial reference, nearly 85 percent were in reference to Obama.

“Overall, these findings might not be surprising -- given that Facebook is pretty much dominated by young people, and younger people tended to support Obama,” Woolley said. “However, it does kind of give you pause, in considering the implications for the potential role social media might have in encouraging debate and dialogue between people with different political allegiances.”

“The take-home message really suggests the importance of social media in mobilizing political support,” Limperos said. “Although we can’t really be sure whether it had that effect, given that we were looking only at the content, the data do seem to suggest their importance, particularly as Facebook membership continues to grow.”

Woolley and Limperos regularly conduct research in the Media Effects Laboratory, housed in the College of Communications. Oliver serves as co-director of the lab.

Support From Borders Books For Crystal Lake Public Library

Crystal Lake Borders and the Crystal Lake Public Library are partners in a program to support the Crystal Lake Library.

Borders in Crystal Lake is currently providing customers the opportunity to add a dollar or more to their purchases to benefit the Crystal Lake Public Library. The Borders program is a joint effort with the State Librarian and Secretary of State, Jesse White, the Illinois Literacy Foundation, and Borders Stores, to raise money to enhance literacy appreciation and awareness for local literacy programs throughout the State

Crystal Lake Public Library is among the recipients selected by the Illinois Literacy Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes literacy through partnerships with the private sector and corporate community.

The 2010 Fall Literacy Donation proceeds enable local literacy organizations to purchase merchandise and books to meet their literacy needs. The program will run through Monday, November 1, 2010.

Opportunities To See and Hear From Candidates For November Election

Two candidates' forums are being sponsored by the McHenry County League of Women Voters. One on Sunday, October 17 in the McHenry County College Cafeteria from 2:00-5:00 p.m. will feature McHenry County Board candidates.

Two are to be elected from each of the six districts.

The candidates included:

District 1, Anna May Miller (I), Cary, Republican

Robert Nowak, Cary, Republican

District 2: Mark Booras, Crystal Lake, Democrat

Donna Kurtz, Crystal Lake, Republican

Kenneth D. Koehler (I), Republican

District 3: Lori J. McConville, Crystal Lake,  Democrat

Nick Provenzano, McHenry, Republican

Barbara Wheeler (I), Crystal Lake, Republican

District 4: Jeff S. Thirtyacre, Spring Grove, Democrat

Sandra Fay Salgado (I), McHenry, Republican

Peter J. Merkel (I), McHenry, Republican

District 5: James P. Kennedy (I), Lake in the Hills, Democrat

Frank Wedig, Woodstock, Green

John P. Jung, Jr., Woodstock, Republican

Tina R. Hill (I), Woodstock, Republican

District 6: Dennis Palys, Wonder Lake, Democrat

Mary t. McCann (I), Woodstock, Republican

Diane Evertsen, Harvard, Republican

Candidates for the County Clerkf and County Sheriff will have the same opportunities on Monday, October 25. This session is being held in McHenry County College Auditorium from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

For County Clerk

Mark L. Freund, Woodstock, Democrat

Katherine. Schultz (I), Woodstock, Republican

For County Sheriff

Mike Mahon, Lake In The Hills, Democrat

Gus Philpott, Woodstock, Green

Keith Nygren, Hebron, Republican

Consideration For Handling Ordinance Violations

The Public Health and Human Services Committee of the McHenry County Board is planning to discuss the feasibility of adopting an Administrative Adjudication system in the county. This is to be discussed by the committee when it meets at 8:15 this morning in the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The topic has been touched upon in previous meetings of this Committee. Initiating the Administrative Adjudication process would require the added expenditure of funds for a hearing officer and support staff. However, it would also generate fees. The process could also be used in other departments than the Planning and Zoning.

Candlelight Vigil Wednesday Remembers Victims of Domestic Violence

The 22nd Judicial Circuit Family Violence Coordinating Council will present a Candlelight Vigil in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and will include entertainment by Just Duet and Julie Gibson.

The purpose of the event is to remember those who have been hurt or who have died at the hands of someone they know.  Speakers will give first-hand accounts of their experiences as a way to call attention to the devastation that domestic violence can cause individuals, their families and friends.

Other sponsors of the candlelight vigil are: McHenry County College, Centegra Health System, McHenry County Crisis Services, Direct Counseling, McHenry County Chiefs of Police Association, McHenry County State’s Attorney’s office, VOICE Sexual Assault program, and Turning Point.

The vigil will be held in rain or shine.

For more information, contact Mary Denney of Turning Point, at (815) 334-4630.

Lakewood Village Board Meets This Evening

When Lakewood Village Board meets this evening beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Redtail Golf Club, highlights of the agenda include a discussion with the Stormwater Task Force Committee. Also, the Lake Savers will provide a presentation regarding Turnberry Lakes.

A contract is to be approved with George Roach & Associates to perform accounting and financial duties for the Village of Lakewood. Also George Roach is to be appointed as Village Treasurer.

Approval is sought for a $1,459,000 bid for the Turnberry elevated tank replacement.

A discussion is planned regarding golf course zoning and covenants.  

Committee Meetings of Crystal Lake Library Board

A meeting of the Finance Committee of the Crystal Lake Library Board of Trustees is scheduled for 7:00 this evening in the Library Director's Office of the Library, 126 Paddock Street, Crystal Lake.

The Facilities Committee of the Crystal Lake Library Board of Trustees will meet Wednesday, October 13 at 12:30 p.m. in the Assistant Director's Office of the Library.  

Added Courtroom, Appropriation Ordinance and Tax Levy Tomorrow

8:30 a.m.--­­­Management Services Committee is meeting in the County Board room of the Administration Building. The group will be considering the dates for the County Board meetings for the 2010-2011 year.

Another matter for consideration is authorizing budget line item transfers in a prior Capital Projects Fund budget in order to provide funding for the build-out of a new courtroom. The total amount for the new debt is not to exceed $8.1 million in Debt Certificates including an anticipated $529,897 for services and furniture for the new Courtroom, Holding Cell and Judge's Chamber. This courtroom is to provide for the added judge McHenry County Courts is to welcome.

Also being considered by Management Services Committee is a McHenry County Statement of Economic Interests Addendum Ordinance. This relates to the disclosure of "any conflicts of interest, including, but not limited to, conflicts related to the ownership of property and indebtedness."  This is in addition to the Economic Interest statements required by the State.

9:30 a.m. -- Finance and Audit Committee will meet in the conference room to consider the same item regarding the new courtroom. Additionally, the Finance Committee will consider authorizing the expenditure of $6,000 for the DUI Fund reserve to purchase video cameras for new squad cars acquired this summer. This funding is derived from an added $100 fine the State allows on DUI cases where the defendant received a judgment of conviction or supervision. The Circuit Clerks were directed to distribute the fine to the arresting police department to be use for the new equipment.

The Finance Committee is also to consider an ordinance authorizing the Annual Appropriations for FY 10-11 Budget and an ordinance providing for the Levy of Taxes for the year December 1, 2010 through November 30, 2011.

Veterans Forum At MCC October 13

The McHenry County College student veteran organization and the Veterans Network Committee of Northern Illinois at McHenry County College will host a McHenry County veteran’s forum from 6-10 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13 in the college’s conference center, Building B, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

The event’s format will consist of presentations on a variety of topics of interest to vets who may need help or information on where to find resources. Resources covered will include VA Medical, the Veterans Administration, the Veterans Assistance Commission, MCC Financial Aid, employment assistance, and women’s veteran issues.

Most veterans do not know what benefits they are entitled to,” noted Don Curfman, the MCC Faculty Advisor for the college’s student veterans organization Chi Gama Iota (XGI). “This forum will bring the Federal VA, state, and the McHenry County organizations together for one-stop shopping for veterans of all ages.

The VA Hospital from North Chicago will also be here, and numerous politicians will be on hand to thank the veterans and their families. The partnership with the Veterans Network committee will enable MCC to broaden the scope for all veterans.”

The forum is free and open to all veterans, family members and friends. Following the presentations from 6-9 p.m., there will be a question and answer session from 9-10 p.m.

MCC was recently designated as a Military Friendly School for 2011 by G.I. Jobs magazine, which honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s veterans as students. Schools on the list include state universities, private colleges, community colleges and trade schools. The common bond is their shared priority of recruiting students with military experience.

According to Lynn McCabe, a coordinator in Financial Aid and Veterans Services at MCC, the college has 103 veterans/veterans dependents registered and certified for collecting Federal Veterans Benefits.

Schools on the Military Friendly Schools list also offer additional benefits to student veterans such as on-campus veterans programs, credit for service, military spouse programs and more. Criteria for making the Military Friendly Schools list included efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students, results in recruiting military and veteran students and academic accreditations.

G.I. Jobs (www.gijobs.com) is published by Victory Media, a veteran-owned business which also publishes “The Guide to Military Friendly Schools,” “Military Spouse” and “Vetrepreneur” magazines and annually rates the nation’s “Military Friendly Employers,” “Military Spouse Friendly Employers” and “Best Corporations for Veteran-Owned Businesses.”

For more information, contact Don Curfman at (815) 455-8731 or email him at dcurfman@mchenry.edu.

McHenry County Board Denied Viewing Of Some Bills

It has been found that the McHenry County Courts have more power than the McHenry County Board. That was revealed recently when the Board considered the funding for defense investigation in connection the indictment of the McHenry County State's Attorney and an administrative assistant.

It was reported to the Board that billing on the project is a "court ordered fee". The firm retained to investigate the allegations gives the Chief Judge of the 22nd Judicial District a bill of the hours and the fees involved. The Court reviews it and determines what is to be paid by the County Board. That is provided in the form of a Court Order which the County is expected to pay.

Some of the County Board members expressed dismay that they were not able to review the bills before they are paid. However, they were informed that is the law. The bills will be available for inspection after the investigation into the allegations in the indictment is completed. All documents in connection with the indictment are expected to be available for review at a later date. At this point the indictment contains charges and is not evidence of guilt and the defendants, Louis A. Bianchi and Joyce Synek are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial. At that time the prosecution has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  

Money has been set aside for the payment of the bills; however, the initial amount was not sufficient since another bill was recently received. Associate County Administrator, John Labaj says it is possible the cost could be as much as $500,000.

October Is Adopt A Pet Month

McHenry County Animal Control and Adoption Center (MCAC) has scheduled rabies, microchip and adoption events in October at its Crystal Lake location (100 N Virginia Street) to celebrate “Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet” Month. Animal shelters have healthy, affectionate animals of all shapes, sizes and ages that end up there because of circumstances beyond their control; about 25% are purebred. By adopting a shelter pet you are not only giving them a second chance but you will also have a lifelong companion that will bring years of love and devotion. Event dates are as follows

Sat. Oct 16 • 10am-1pm	Microchip, rabies
Wed. Oct 27 • 4pm-5:30pm	Microchip, rabies
Wed. Oct 27 • 11am-6pm	Adoption fest “Trick or Treat, Adopt Four Feet”

 Adoption fees are $80 and include all vaccinations, spay/neuter, FELV & FIV testing, microchip, de-worming, free 1st Veterinarian visit and discounted grooming. Go to www.mcdh.info (click on Animal Control) to view available pets or call Animal Control at 815-459-6222.

Public Information Meeting Regarding 2008 Flooding Northwest Crystal Lake Areas

The City of Crystal Lake will be holding a public information meeting regarding the Flooding Study of Areas 1B and 2 on Tuesday, October 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Crystal Lake Municipal Complex, 100 Woodstock Street.

The meeting will update the City's progress of flooding mitigation efforts. There will be a presentation followed by a question and answer session

The Crystal Lake area experienced some of the heaviest rainfall totals in its recorded history in the summer of 2007. Because of heavy rain totals and saturated ground conditions, several areas in the City experienced issues with flooding. In October 2008, the City chose Hey and Associates to study the drainage issues and provide recommendations on how to mitigate future flooding.

Hey and Associates has considerable experience studying the storm water issues in Crystal Lake, and used that unique insight to complete the study. Hey and Associates then analyzed all of the flooding complaints that the City had collected from 2007 as well as staff observations of conditions. The City also held an open house on December 8, 2008. Residents that came to the open house could speak with City staff and Hey and Associates about past flooding issues.

Hey and Associates completed their analysis of all the data and produced the Flooding Study report. The report examines the possible causes of the flooding. The report also makes recommendations on how to mitigate future flooding, and gives cost estimates for the implementation. 

The study and its exhibits are available at the Crystal Lake Public Library for viewing or on the Crystal Lake City website at

Two Meetings Regarding D-155 Possible Attendance Boundary Changes

High School District 155 Board's Boundary and Enrollment Committee will conduct two meetings this week to provide information regarding possible boundary changes for Cary-Grove High School and Prairie Ridge High School.

The Cary-Grove meeting is taking place Wednesday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the Cary-Grove High School, 2208 Three Oaks Road, Cary.

The Prairie Ridge meeting is taking place Thursday, October 14 in the Prairie Ridge High School, 6000 Dvorak Drive, Crystal Lake,

Unique Classes Offered At McHenry County College

Whether you’re looking to purchase property or eager to de-clutter the property you already have, consider some unique classes offered by McHenry County College’s Continuing Education Department.

The following classes are available:

Purchasing a Foreclosure Property

Learn the different types of foreclosure properties, the cash incentives available, how the bidding process works, and how to get started. This course offers valuable insights for those looking to purchase a home to live in or those looking to invest in rental properties. Class takes place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 18 in room A112.  Cost is $19.  Use course ID: NFM S01 010 when registering.

Turning Rubbish and Clutter Into Gold

De-clutter your home the green way, but don't just toss it—turn your rubbish and discards into gold and discover how and where to recycle, reclaim, reuse or pass it on. In the interest of waste reduction, it is now chic to restore and repurpose used furnishings and give them new life by turning them into artistic treasures. Class takes place from 9-11:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 22 in room A113. Cost is $39. Use course ID: NHG S53 010 when registering.

McHenry County Finances Appear Somewhat Better Than Two Months Ago

According to reports to the McHenry County Board, the financial picture of the County is not quite as bad as it was two months ago. But that is the result of refining previous estimates and revisions made by the department heads. There is still the problem that sales tax revenues are not as prolific as in the past.

In order to bring the original deficit down, department heads cut down on overtime, eliminated tuition reimbursements, reduced amounts for the McHenry County Extension Service and the Soil and Water Conservation District; cut back on the services of the Washington lobbyist, eliminated the Gypsy Moth program for a year, and reduce the local match for the breast and cervical cancer program through the health department.

County Government Art Enhancements

Other possible reductions include temporary suspension of the art program which was obtaining locally produced artwork for the county buildings. Funding for this was being taken from vending machine funds. Those funds are needed in the county budget.

County officials are also looking at funding the Planning and Development department inspections with federal funds and freezing of county positions. Although many positions have been frozen and vacant positions will not be filled, these may be re-examined.

Not All Employees Equal

A looming problem is the fact that some of the employees of the County are represented by a union which negotiated an increase for those employees as the Union was not willing to consider a reduction in the requested increases. As noted at the County Board meeting, this in effect produces a two-tier system among County employees. Some of the employees get raises while those who supervise them do not receive a raise. It was noted that this makes a ripe situation for considering more unionization.

Economic Development Corporation

There was also considerable discussion regarding the Economic Development Corporation which is considered a 501c3 Corporation devoted to promoting the economic health of McHenry County through retention, expansion and attraction of commerce and industry for McHenry County.

Considerable discussion ensued regarding the formation of the EDC through the municipalities and the fact that it was not successful working through government. That was why the 501c3 was formed.

The question was raised as to why McHenry County Government should be funding this organization when it is necessary to keep government costs low enough to attract businesses. It was also noted that the County provided seed money to start the EDC but there was nothing at that time determining that the funding was to continue. Comments were also made regarding the question of just what should county government be spending tax money on.

No Real Estate Taxes From Gravel Mining

Another touchy topic regarding financing is the gravel mining industry with a considerable presence in McHenry County. Some members thought that sales tax was derived from the gravel sold in McHenry County. However, it was clarified that sales tax revenue is available to the County only if the corporate office of the gravel mining company is located in McHenry County. Most of the extraction companies operating in the County have corporate offices located elsewhere in the country. The County does receive some property tax from these companies. However the value of the property is determined by the State.

As for employee compensations, discussion on this has been taking place in the Human Relations Committee where a number of options were discussed regarding raises. One-half of the County Board members are not receiving a raise. Those that are up for election this year are being offered a small raise. More on this is expected to take place at the next Human Resources Committee meeting on October 25.

Suggestions Mentioned

A suggestion was also made that Animal Control could be privatized since there are private organizations doing that type of thing along with handling adoptions of animals.

Another suggestion was that local elected officials and private citizens could advocate for the County Board in Washington rather than pay for a Washington lobbyist. There were no comments on how successful that might or might not be.

One suggestion was heard that instead of comparing to other counties, the decisions should be based on what can be afforded, similar to what is done in private industry.

Early Voting Begins Monday

Laws Regarding Early Voting

The state law requires that a registered voter show valid photo identification before voting early.

Voters casting an early ballot must display a current driver’s license, a state-issued ID card or another government-issued ID with a photograph.

Any voter who requests an “Early Ballot” or an “In Person Absentee Ballot” MAY NOT go to the polls on Election Day and revoke the ballot he originally requested. The law prohibits any voter who has been issued an in person absentee or early ballot from appearing at his precinct polling place and requesting another ballot.

For more information about early voting or voting locations, contact the McHenry County Clerk’s office at 815-334-4242.

Following are the times and locations for Early Voting

McHenry County Administration Building

667 Ware Rd., 2nd Floor, Conference Room A

Woodstock, IL 60098
Monday, Oct 11 thru Thursday, Oct 28

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Wednesday, Oct 13, 20, and 27

Hours: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM

Saturday, Oct 16

Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Saturday, Oct 23

Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Sunday, Oct 17 and Oct 24

Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Algonquin Township Offices

3702 US Hwy 14, Clerk’s Office

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Tues, Oct 12 thru Thursday, Oct 28

Monday thru Friday

Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Saturday, Oct 16 and Oct 23

9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

City of Crystal Lake

100 W Municipal Complex, Room P106

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Monday, Oct 11 thru Thursday, Oct 28

Monday thru Friday

Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Saturday, Oct 16

Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Saturday, Oct 23

Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Sunday, Oct 17 and Oct 24

Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Grafton Township

Huntley Park District

12015 Mill St.

Huntley, IL 60142

Tuesday, Oct 12 thru Thursday, Oct 28

Monday thru Friday

Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Saturday, Oct 16 and Oct 23

Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Village of Lake in the Hills

Lake in the Hills Village Hall

600 Harvest Gate, Executive Conference Room

(Enter thru Board Room)

Lake in the Hills, IL 60156

Monday, Oct 11 thru Thursday, Oct 28

Monday thru Friday

Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Saturday, Oct 16

Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Saturday, Oct 23

Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Sunday, Oct 17 and Oct 24

Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

City of McHenry

McHenry City Hall

333 S Green St, Court Entrance Only

McHenry, IL 60050

Monday, Oct 11 thru Thursday, Oct 28

Monday thru Friday

Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Saturday, Oct 16

Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Saturday, Oct 23

Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Sunday, Oct 17 and Oct 24

Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

McHenry Township Offices

3703 N. Richmond Rd.

McHenry, IL 60050

Tuesday, Oct 12 thru Thursday, Oct 28

Monday thru Friday

Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Saturdays--NO Hours

Nunda Township Offices

3510 Bay Rd, Annex

Crystal Lake, IL 60012

Monday, Oct 18 thru Thursday, Oct 28

Monday thru Friday

Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Saturdays--NO Hours

Harvard Area

Dunham Township Office

107 Airport Rd

Harvard, IL 60033

Tuesday, Oct 12 thru Thursday, Oct 28

Monday thru Friday

Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Saturday, Oct 16 and Oct 23

Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Marengo Area

Marengo City Hall

132 E Prairie St, Upper Chambers

Marengo, IL 60152

Monday, Oct 11 thru Thursday, Oct 28

Monday thru Friday

Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Saturday, Oct 16 and Oct 23

Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM