Free Tax Help Beginning Saturday At MCC

McHenry County College will host free tax assistance for those who qualify beginning Jan. 29 through April 16 (excluding March 27-April 3 spring break week).  Hours are 5:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays in Room A106 at the college, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Clinic prepares tax returns for individuals with incomes of less than $25,000 and families (i.e., more than one person in the home) with incomes less than $50,000.

All tax forms will be provided. Participants should bring the following: valid photo ID for main taxpayer on tax return, Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letters for those reported on the tax return, all 2010 W2s and other income/expense documents, copy of last year’s tax return, if available, and bank account information for direct deposits.

Additional Services include opening checking and savings accounts in order to get the direct deposit refund in 10 days; prepaid debit cards, and financial aid assistance. Trained staff will help individuals complete the FAFSA form with the completion of the tax return.

College Education Is Changing

What is the largest program in the Career and Technical Division at McHenry County College? Things have changed considerably since MCC began over four decades ago.

Based on a report to the Board of Trustees for Thursday's Board meeting, it is the AAS (Associate in Applied Science) in Digital Media. During the Fiscal Year 2010 school year, the program generated approximately 1,464 credit hours. The program is designed to prepare students for careers, such as game developer, game designer, and web content developer.

Supplies for this program include a state-of the art computer, software and hardware to provide a cutting edge experience for students. The current printer, on a four-year lease program, is at the end of the lease period and is no longer functioning. The purchase of a new printer was approved by the Board at a cost of $9,142.38.

Another Driving While Drunk Catastrophe

Tania Cederholm, 35, of Woodstock has entered a plea of guilty to one count of Aggravated Driving Under the influence of Alcohol Causing Death—a class 2 felony.

According to a report from State's Attorney Louis Bianchi's office, Ms. Cederholm was involved in an accident in the late evening hours of February 21, 2007 when she drove her northbound vehicle on Dunham Road near the intersection of Route 176. Her vehicle entered into the intersection, pulling in front of an oncoming vehicle that was traveling eastbound, driven by David LeJeune of Rockford. After striking Cederholm's vehicle, LeJeune's vehicle spun into the oncoming lane of westbound traffic and was struck by a third vehicle.

Mr. LeJeune died due to the injures he sustained. Other persons involved in the three car collision received non-life threatening injuries.

Ms. Cederholm's blood alcohol content (BAC) was determined to be .246 based on a toxicology screen performed during her medical treatment. Ms. Cederholm had a prior DUI violation from 2004. Her next court date is February 10, where a date will be set for sentencing. This offense is probationable, and if prison is imposed, there is a range of 3 to 14 years in prison. Ms Cederholm would be required to serve 85% of any prison sentence before being eligible for parole.

The case was investigated by Sgt Karen Groves of the McHenry County Sheriff's Department, and was prosecuted by Phil Hiscock and Ryan Blackney of the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office.

New Restaurant Opening February 1 In McHenry County College

Slàinte (pronounced "slawn-cha) is a new Crystal Lake area restaurant opening Tuesday, February 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the McHenry County College dinning area. It is more than a restaurant. It is a student-run restaurant, featuring the best that MCC’s culinary management program has to offer in a controlled setting designed to both educate its students and delight its customers. Slàinte is also a classroom full of future restaurant owners, executive chefs, pastry chefs, sous chefs, cooks, bakers, servers, bussers, bartenders and more. Slàinte will embrace an emphasis on local and sustainable ingredients and a delicious diversity of dishes. Menu changes are planned for three times per semester.

Why the name Slàinte –it is a Scottish toast that means “to good health!” According to MCC’s Chef Thomas Kaltenecker, the name “represents MCC’s connection to the Scottish roots of the community. To good health also encompasses what my values and vision as a chef and educator are about: integrity of food, use of local producers, sustainability, and a strong foundation in business.”

Building upon MCC’s current certificate program in Culinary Management, the College will launch an Associate in Applied Science degree program in Culinary Management in Fall 2011.

The exact location is the employee dining room in Building B. The seating capacity is 60 and the hours are 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. with special Valentine’s Day Prix Fix seating Monday, Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m.

The average dinner price per guest is $20. Reservations are welcome, especially for parties over eight. Please contact the reservations hotline at 815-479-7800 or email slainterestaurant@mchenry.edu. Walk-ins will be seated on a first come first served basis.

According to considerations discussed at a committee meeting of the Board of Trustees last evening more plans are in store for the newly formed restaurant.

"O" Administration Needs To Toughen Trade Rules With China"-Manzullo

Earlier this week, Congressman Don Manzullo (R-IL) said the Obama Administration needs to get tougher in enforcing trade rules on China to give American manufacturers a chance to compete on a level playing field for jobs.

Manzullo, co-chair of the House Manufacturing Caucus, made his remarks during a Foreign Affairs Committee briefing on China’s rise and its impact on the United States. Manzullo is Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific and is planning to hold several hearings this year examining our enforcement of trade rules with China and other countries in Asia.

“On one hand, China’s remarkable economic growth provides export opportunities to a market of over 1.3 billion consumers. However, as experience has shown, China’s unfair trade practices, including currency manipulation, illegal subsidies, and lax enforcement of intellectual property theft, make it difficult for the hardworking people of America to compete on a level playing field and benefit from this relationship,” Manzullo said.

In the northern Illinois Congressional district Manzullo represents, there are more than 1,400 manufacturers that support more than 51,000 jobs, according to the National Association of Manufacturers. Manzullo continually hears from manufacturers in northern Illinois and throughout the country about their difficulties trying to compete on a level playing field with manufacturers in China.

“These hardworking men and women want to know what their government is doing to enforce our trade laws with China and preserve America’s industrial base,” Manzullo said. “My experience with the Chinese Government is that it is in fact capable of stopping violators when they see it is in their interests to do so. With so many Americans out of work, now is the time for the Administration to work with Congress to hold China responsible and give American manufacturers a chance to compete with China on a level playing field so they can create jobs.”

Rocking Good Time At The Raue Center Friday Night

John Hegner is an accomplished musician, composer, songwriter, producer, and engineer who began his journey in music with piano lessons at age 6 and composed his first song at age 12. He attended High School at the renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. John continued his musical training at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, and Berklee College of Music in Boston. After college he was hired as staff composer at Editel/Boston and later freelanced under the name Monster Music for three years. Moving to New York City, he operated John Hegner Music for the next ten years. He recently returned to McHenry County to make his home and studio in rural Woodstock.

Enjoy John Hegner with Jack Burr on bass & backing vocals, Graham Butler on drums and Andy Spitson on guitar and backing vocals, Friday night at the Raue Center For the Arts,  Crystal Lake.  

Tickets are ONLY $20 in advance, $25 day-of - go to

Government Watching Opportunities Thursday

8:30 a.m.-Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

The Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee of the McHenry County Board is meeting at 8:30 am Thursday morning in the County Board Conference Room, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

A resolution authorizing adoption of a Federal Legislative Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2012 includes funds the County hopes to seek from federal funding to provide for the acceleration and implementation of the County's Groundwater/Stormwater Protection Program.

In the Transportation category, the County is asking the Federal delegation to focus on the FFY2012 Transportation Appropriation Bill to help solve infrastructure crisis especially for two projects. One is Miller Road, Illinois Rout 31 to River Road/Chapel Hill Road. Another project is Randall Road to add capacity to this road from Ackman Road to County Line Road by adding one additional through lane in each direction, a continuous flow intersection at the Algonquin Road intersection, adequate turn lanes at other intersections, and bicycle and pedestrian improvement to support future bus service.

A final public hearing is to be held on this project in the spring or summer of this year. Phase I Design Approval is anticipated by summer 2011 with a notice to proceed for Phase II Design Engineering shortly thereafter. The first phases of the construction of the project could begin in 2014 or 2015, pending funding availability.

In the Public Safety Communication category, McHenry County Sheriff's Office is seeking funding to manage activities associated with public safety and criminal justice services such as an Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems Technology (IAFIS) as well as warrant management system technology.

A request is also being made for finding of the Educational C.L.I.M.M.B. (Capacity for Learning in Multiple Modes and Bridges. This would provide the county's workforce with career ladders and increase degree attainment by expanding the capacity of and infrastructure at McHenry County College. 101%

3:00 p.m.-McHenry County Ethics Commission

Will meet Thursday afternoon in Conference Room C of the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

A discussion of an Operating and Hearing Procedures for the McHenry County Ethics Commission is to take place.

As stated in the General Operating Policy for the Commission, it was "created to provide a neutral forum for the independent and apolitical review of possible violations of the McHenry County Ethics Ordinance. The Commission is to investigate complaints, conduct hearings and deliberations of violations of the County Ethics Ordinance, and adjudicate complaints or refer complaints to the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office."

7:00 p.m.—McHenry County College Board

The regular meeting of the McHenry County College Board is being held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday in the Board Room of the College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

In addition to considering and approving the necessary reports regarding finances, supplies and equipment purchases, personnel adjustments, the Board is to consider approving the contract for the long-awaited ERP system for the college which is expected to modernize communication and functions of the college.

Congressman Don Manzullo Responds To President Obama's Speech

 “In these difficult times, we must continue to focus on helping our employers put Americans back to work. But it concerns me when the President talks about ‘investments.’ That’s a code word for more excessive government spending. Wasteful government spending destroys jobs, and it has to stop. The President needs to join us in cutting spending and shrinking government so we can strengthen our economy and give our employers the confidence they need to invest in their businesses and put Americans back to work.

“I was pleased to hear the President speak tonight about the need to help our manufacturers and farmers sell more of their products overseas. In the northern Illinois district I represent, nearly one quarter of everything we produce is exported to other countries. We are in the top 10 percent of the heaviest exporting districts in the nation and the Rockford region is number one in the state. Exports create American jobs, and I will continue to work with the Administration on initiatives to increase our exports and the American jobs that come with it.

“But increasing exports is only one part of our agenda to create American jobs. The Administration must get more aggressive in enforcing trade rules on our foreign counterparts, especially China. As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific and co-Chair of the House Manufacturing Caucus, I will engage the Administration to challenge China on its unfair trade practices that put Americans on the unemployment lines, including its practices of currency manipulation, illegal subsidies, and lax enforcement of patent theft. When the playing field is level, American workers can compete and win against any country in the world.”

MCC Board Expected to Implement Long-Awaited ERP System

The long-awaited ERP program for McHenry County College is about to become a reality. Work on an Enterprise Resource Planning program has been on the Board of Trustees agenda working internally. More recently the Board turned to the "outside world" and considered looking at the various vendors.

As a result of a search process a vendor was selected along with a third-party consultant with prior higher education ERP experience, consultations with other Illinois Community Colleges learning their experiences implementing a new ERP.

The activities began in July 2010 and now a vendor with the best and final pricing is to be officially named tonight. Considerable work went into the process to reach the final decision to recommend retaining Datatel as the ERP vendor along with a third-party consultant, SIG Consulting, Ltd.

The two firms will be working to install the necessary equipment and get the project underway. The total cost for the installation of the product, training and consulting services, data conversion assistance and product management for 30 months is $3,838,731. Additionally, some software products identified as not being needed now but may be needed in the future are included on a price list at prices which would be in place for 18 months.

Once in place and operating, the system will handle all functions at the college for students as well as the faculty and business office as is the case at many other community colleges in the area.

The Board of Trustees is expected to approve the purchase of the services at its meeting Thursday evening.

Government Events For Tuesday

7:45 a.m.--Crystal Lake Park District Recreation Committee

Will meet in the Park District Administration Building to consider proposed program and service fees and proposed Racket Club fees.

8:30 a.m.—Public Health and Human Services Committee of McHenry County Board

Will hold interviews of eight individuals interested in being appointed to the McHenry County Mental Health Board.

Two grants for the McHenry County Workforce Network will be considered for acceptance.

Recognition of Bob Martens as Chief Executive Officer of Family Service and Community Mental Health Center for McHenry County.

Review of a Federal Legislative request is included on the agenda. This is for $400,000 for the development of career pathways of a carefully planned progression of educational steps leading to stackable certificates and further education. This would be accomplished through McHenry County College.

9:30 a.m.—Finance and Audit Committee of McHenry County Board

Will consider a number of resolutions when it meets in the County Board Conference Room of the Administration Building, 667 Ware Road Woodstock. Two resolutions deal with software maintenance agreements, one for the GIS and one for accounting system.

Two other resolutions provide for grants for the McHenry County Workforce Network.

The committee meeting schedule for 2011 will also be considered.

2:00 p.m.—Facilities Planning Committee of McHenry County College

Will meeting in the Board Room of McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake. The board is to receive an update on the facility condition analysis, hear a report on cafeteria and culinary arts renovation; also consider facilities master plan and architectural services.

3:00 p.m.—Valley Hi Cemetery Board

Will hold a semi-annual meeting in Room 210, McHenry County Administrative Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The board will consider a report on burial since the last meeting (July 19, 2010) and any problems with established procedures. They will also consider the reappointment of members in August 2011.

7:00 p.m.—Village of Lakewood Board

Meeting will take place in the Turnberry County Club, 9600 Turnberry Trail.

The Board will consider an ordinance establishing Golf Course rates for RetTail Golf Club for Spring 2011 season.

Approval is being sought for an agreement for supervisory control and data acquisition integration for Water Tower number 1; and for an ordinance approving budget amendment No. 2 for Fiscal Year 2010-2011.

Alden Road Residents Have Two Opportunities To Discuss Road Work With County

An open house for Alden Road residents and property owners is being held by the McHenry County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Tuesday January 25 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

A second meeting is scheduled to take place Thursday, January 27 from 9:00 am to noon at the MCDOT offices on Nelson Road, in Hartland.

Residents and users of Alden Road will have an opportunity to express the views of what is needed for Alden Road upgrade. It is not always possible for the department to adhere exactly to those desires. However, it is very important that residents know what type of right-of-way is connected with their property, either fee-simple or prescriptive easement.

Used Books For Sale on Woodstock Square

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County (EDMC) will hold their Winter Used Book Sale during the week of Woodstock’s Groundhog Days celebration, from Wednesday, January 26 through Wednesday, February 2 at the downtown Woodstock Square Mall.

The week-long sale will include over 5,000 good-quality used books for all ages and interests, at prices ranging from 50 cents to $ 5.00 each. Discounted “bag sale” prices will be offered on the final two days of the sale.

The sale schedule will run as follows:

Regular sale prices are in effect

From 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 26-27

From 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28,

From 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, January 29.

The sale will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 30.

Monday, Jan. 31 is “Buy one, get one free” day from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. For each book purchased, shoppers may choose another book of equal or lesser value, free of charge.

Tuesday, February 1

A $5-per-bag sale will run from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Wednesday, February 2

A $3-per-bag sale will be held from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.- also Groundhog Day.

The last day of the sale will begin shortly after the Groundhog Prognostication Ceremony that is held each year at 7 a.m. on the Woodstock Square.

The Defenders’ Winter Used Book Sale will be held in Room 210 on the second floor of the Woodstock Square Mall, which is located at 110 S. Johnson Street on the west side of the square (The former McHenry County Courthouse.)

Free, live folk music will be provided on several days of the sale, courtesy of Don Humbertson and members of the nonprofit Off Square Music organization. Scheduled performances include:

 Friday, Jan. 28: 6 - 7:30 p.m., Kishwaukee Ramblers.

 Saturday, Jan. 29: 10 a.m., J.W. Rice; 11 a.m., Kent Fishburn & Debbie Firak; noon, Guyz with Bad Eyez; 3 p.m., Andy Andrick and Friends.

 Wednesday, Feb. 2: 8 a.m. Keith & Judy; 9 a.m., Judson and Judy Brown; 10 a.m. - noon, Kishwaukee Ramblers.

All proceeds from the sale will benefit the programs and operations of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Got books to donate? Donations for the sale may be dropped off from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. every Monday - Saturday at the Defenders’ Green Spot resale store on the first floor of the Woodstock Square Mall, or at anytime in their outdoor donation drop box on the west side of the building at 110 S. Johnson Street.

College Scholarships Available Through Sheriff's Office

The Illinois Sheriff's Association will be awarding over $53,000 in college scholarships throughout the State of Illinois. They will be going to students wishing to pursue higher education during the 2011-2012 academic years.

McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren will award one scholarship in the amount of $500, which can be applied to tuition, books, and fees only. The students must be enrolled full-time at a certified institution of higher learning within the State of Illinois.

There is no race, age, creed, color, sex or national origin restrictions applicable to the applicants. The only limitations are:

• Applicants must be permanent Illinois residents.
• Applicants applying to the McHenry County Sheriff's Office for this scholarship must be residents of McHenry County.
• The scholarship must be utilized at institutions of higher learning within the State of Illinois.
• Students must be enrolled as full-time students during the 2011-2012 school year (excluding summer session).

Applications are available at the sheriff's office of on the internet at. Students must complete the application, answer the essay question, and return all documentation to the sheriff's office in their permanent county of residency by March 7, 2011.

More information is available at the local sheriff's office, high school advising center, or college financial aid office.

Collection of Fees, Fines and Court Costs Enhance County Coffers

Fees, fines and Court Costs can no longer go unpaid. McHenry County State's Attorney Louis A. Bianchi reports that with the assistance of County Circuit Clerk, Kathy Keefe, over $250,000 in outstanding fines and court costs owed the County from traffic and criminal offenders has been recovered in under two years.

In January 2009 a contract was entered into with Alliance One Receivables Management, Inc., an outside collections agency to recover outstanding fines and court costs due the county. These were amounts due on cases closed by the courts and there is no added charge to the county taxpayers. All fees are paid by the offenders.

The receipt of the outstanding $250,000 is a welcome addition to running the county government.

Learn Microsoft Office 2007

In an effort to meet the non-credit computer training needs of McHenry County residents, the Shah Center is introducing the Silver Series, a hands-on introductory computer training program ideal for older adults, displaced workers and others with little to no previous computer experience.

The coursework provides a gentle introduction for beginners, using personal life examples in an easy, step-by-step approach.

A class, Welcome to Microsoft Office 2007 begins 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., February 23 and continues through March 30.

The six-week course presents an easy-going introduction to the Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and covers the Windows operating system. This reinforces learning with plenty of illustrations and practical hands-on projects and exercises.

Welcome to Microsoft Office 2007 takes place in the Shah Center, 4100 Shamrock Lane, McHenry. The cost is $325. Register using course ID NTCS14001.

Monday Government Watching

8:30 a.m. Monday, January 24

The Management Services Committee of the McHenry County Board will consider annual renewal of Software Maintenance Agreement along with renewal for Accounting Software Maintenance Contract when it meets this morning beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Also to be considered are plaques for a Time Capsules and Wind/solar light ole for Government Center Flags and will be discussion workers' compensation claims.

The meeting is being held in the McHenry County Board Conference Room, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

6:00 p.m. – Monday January 24

Finance Committee of the McHenry County College Board of Trustees will consider a mid-year budget review among other topics at a meeting this evening in the Board Room of the College.

A discussion is slated regarding fiscal conservatism and fiscal responsibility along with budget assumptions and tuition and fees.

Immediately following the Finance Committee meeting, a Special meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled. This agenda includes talking points for the ACCT National Legislative Summit, an enrollment update, college rebranding, an update on the ERP procurement process.

7:00 p.m.—Monday January 24

The McHenry County Board of Health will meet in the McHenry County Department of Health, Annex A, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock. In addition to handling the various contracts and agreements, a new contract is to be considered for dental patient care assistant.

A special report is slated on PADS TB outreach effort by the Department.