Winning High School Artists In 16th Congressional District

Students from high schools across northern Illinois submitted 26 pieces of art for the 2011 Illinois 16th Congressional District High School Art Competition.

Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) last evening, announced the winners during a reception at the Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rockford.

The winner receives two free airplane tickets to Washington,, DC for the national reception in June. In addition the winning artwork will be displayed in the halls of Congress with other winners for the next year. Winners also qualify for an annual $1,500 scholarship to the prestigious Savannah Center for Art and Design.

This year's first place winner is Michelle Zheng, a junior at Keith Country Day Scholl in Rockford. Michelle's winner piece is an ink drawing entitled "Eye on the Tiger."

Second place went to Lindsay Kurkiewicz of Huntley High School. Third place is Seonghui Park, a senior at Christian Life High School, Rockford.

Home Invasion, Robbery and Stabbing Nets Time In State Department of Corrections

The second of two men involved in an October 16, 2010 early morning home invasion and robbery was sentenced today to 22 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Following a four-day jury trial, Vincent E. Smith, McHenry, was found guilty on February 14 of Home Invasion, Armed Robbery, Armed Violence and two counts of Aggravated Unlawful Restraint.

Evidence at trial revealed that in the early morning hours of October 16, Smith and Josh Crandall entered a home in unincorporated McHenry. Both were masked, and witnesses described them as being armed with knives.

Crandall held up one man at knifepoint and stole $7,000 in one hundred dollar denominations. Additionally, Crandall cut the man's throat and stabbed him in the sternum area. Another man was stabbed three times outside of the home while the two masked men were exiting the home. Both victims survived the attack.

At trial, four witnesses in the home were able to point to the defendant as one of the masked offenders. McHenry County Sheriff's deputies were able to determine the identity of the perpetrators and apprehended both Crandall and Smith on the date of the offense.

A search warrant of Smith's residence yielded forty-two $100 bills found in his closet hidden in a DVD case. Josh Crandall, following a partially negotiated plea, was sentenced to 14 years in prison on March 11, 2011. These cases were investigated by Detective Maldanado of the McHenry County Sheriff's Office and prosecuted by Assistant State's Attorneys Ryan Blackney and David Johnston.

Scholarship Offering For Mcc Students

The McHenry County College Staff Council, Local 1642, is offering a $500 scholarship for current MCC students who will enroll in at least six credit hours in the Spring 2011 semester.

To be eligible for this scholarship, a student must be enrolled at MCC with at least a 2.5 GPA and who will enroll in at least six credit hours in the Fall 2011 Semester. They also must show financial need and participation in school activities, community involvement, or volunteer service. Priority will be given to students not receiving any other kind of financial aid. The scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, or academic supplies at MCC for spring semester.

Students may apply for the scholarship through the MCC Financial Aid Office, Room A256, located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake by filling out an application and returning it no later than May 13. Recipient will be notified by May 20. For more information, call Caroline Sobolak,  at (815) 479-7538.

Barry and Rita Valentine Retiring Today After Combined 58 Years Of Service

On Tuesday, May 2, the McHenry County Board recognized Barry and Rita Valentine for their years of dedication to McHenry County and its Residents. The Valentines have a combined 58 years of public service between them and are retiring today. McHenry County is appreciative of their contributions as employees that have been essential to making McHenry County a safer and more desirable place to live.

Barry Valentine started his employment with McHenry County on March 27, 1979 and was appointed Director of the McHenry County Emergency Management Agency on May 18, 1994. Mr. Valentine was in the first class to receive the Certified Emergency Management (CEM) designation from the National Emergency Management Institute, as well as serving as the Vice-Chairman of the County’s E-9-1-1 Board. He has served as Secretary for the McHenry County Mutual Aid Box Alarm Systems Division 5, Secretary of the Illinois Radio Emergency Aid Channel Governing Board, past State Representative for the National Coordination Council on Emergency Management, and past President of the Illinois Emergency Services Management Association.

In addition to serving four years with Emergency Management, Rita Valentine’s employment with the McHenry County Department of Health spans 26 years. Since 1985, Rita served as Office Assistant II in the Department’s Environmental Health Division whose programs include food protection, private water supply, solid waste management, beach sampling and drinking water analysis, and air quality. Rita’s commitment to the highest public health standards and outstanding customer service has been an integral part of the Department’s growth and continued success.

“Both Barry and Rita have served with distinction in their respective roles for the County. They have set the standard for what a public service career can be and will truly be missed by all of us here,” stated County Board Chairman Ken Koehler.

The Valentines’ live in Marengo and plan to continue their involvement in public service.

Help For Starting A Business

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) at McHenry County College is offering opportunities and assistance to small businesses.

Some topics this coming week included:

Wednesday, May 11--6:00 to 8:00 pm.

Starting A Business In Illinois is an essential for anyone interested in starting their own business. Our experienced instructor will discuss many of the basics pertaining to entrepreneurship, as well as distribute various handouts with agencies and resources. Cost -- $25.

Wednesday, May 11 – 7:00 to 10:00 pm.

How To Develop A Business Plan will help create a road map for the future success of your company. Whether your business is going out for capital or is simply looking to drive a greater margin, your business plan is essential. Cost $45.

Thursday, May 12 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

How To Use Trademark, Copyright and Patent Protection will be presented by a local patent attorney who will cover the basics of intellectual property swell as what can and cannot be protected. Cost: $39.

Thursday, May 12 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Legal Concerns for Small Business is targeting to-pre-venture and existing businesses alike. Our attorney will cover a wide range of business topics including organizational structure, liabilities, mediation and negotiation as well as when to seek the advice of a professional. Cost: $39.

Topics For The Following Week:

Tuesday, May 17 – 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Hire Your First Employee will guide you step by step through the process of hiring employees, including how to recruit, and how to choose the best person. Other topics will include salaries and benefits, personnel policies and being a boss. Participants will receive a “Hire Your First Employee” text book. Cost: $45.

After that—Tuesday, May 31—7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Marketing Basic provides a thorough understanding of marketing, including measuring marketing effectiveness, performing a competitive analysis and indentifying a target market. Come learn the strengths and weaknesses of various marketing methods and get your marketing plan on the right track. Cost: $39.

All classes are held at the McHenry County College Shah Center located at 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry, near Centegra Medical Center.

For more information or to register, please contact the Illinois Small Business Development Center at (815) 455-6098 or mail to

Equality In Taxation

Very timely data from the IRS shows that a new agency program to investigate how well or poorly high wealth individuals are complying with the nation's tax laws has gotten off to a very slow start.

The program and the creation of a whole new group to implement it was announced by Commissioner Douglas Shulman in a series of speeches beginning in the fall of 2009. But based on month-to-month internal agency reports obtained by TRAC under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Global High Wealth Industry Group (GHWIG) through the end of last month has only audited 13 returns during the previous year and a half. Because a single taxpayer at this level frequently will file different kinds of returns, the number of individuals who so far have been targeted is almost certainly very small.

Despite Shulman's speeches, other information obtained by TRAC further shows that as of last October only 78 agents had been assigned to the GHWIG. To see the report, go to
http://trac.syr.edu/tracirs/newfindings/current/

Murder, Mystery, Comedy Combine For Hiliarity In Downtown Crystal Lake Sunday

On Sunday (May 8)  at 3:00 pm, The 39 Steps will be performed at Raue Center For The Arts in downtown Crystal Lake.  Alfred Hitchcock’s award-winning The 39 Steps is Broadway’s longest-running comedy thriller.  Performed by a cast of four, the play follows a man with a boring life as he meets a woman with a thick accent who says she’s a spy.  When he takes her home, she is murdered.  Soon after, a mysterious organization called The 39 Steps is hot on the man’s trail in a nationwide manhunt.  Winner of two Tony and Drama Desk Awards and London’s Oliver Award for Best New Comedy, The 39 Steps is packed with laughs, thrills and over 150 unique characters.

The play’s concept calls for the entirety of the 1935 adventure film The 39 Steps to be performed nearly verbatim onstage, by a cast of four.  This often requires lightning fast quick changes and occasionally for them to play multiple characters at once.  Thus the film’s serious spy story is played mainly for laughs, and the script is full of allusions to (and puns on the titles of) other Alfred Hitchcock films, including Rear Window, Psycho and North by Northwest.

Sponsored by Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital and Countryside Flower Shop and Garden Center, tickets are $65, $62 and $30 and can be purchased online at RAUECENTER.ORG or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake.

Reason For High Gasoline Prices

With gasoline prices at $4.50  plus per gallon in some northern Illinois areas, Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) voted Thursday for bipartisan legislation to increase supplies of American-made energy so we can stem surging fuel prices and put Americans back to work.

The Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act (HR 1230) passed the House 266-149 yesterday and heads to the Senate for consideration. Unfortunately, the President has already announced his opposition to the legislation.

The legislation, one of several bills Manzullo has co-sponsored to increase the supply of American-made energy so we no longer have to rely on unstable sources of foreign oil, would require the Obama Administration to lift its blockade of four offshore drilling leases that were previously scheduled to proceed in American waters. The four leases, which would allow drilling of oil and natural gas in the Gulf of Mexico and off the shores of Virginia, were approved years ago by the Bush Administration but were halted by the Obama Administration.

“As record gasoline prices continue to rise with no end in sight, the Administration continues to block the American production of energy. This has to stop. We have to do everything we can to end our dependence on unstable sources of foreign oil, and offshore drilling is certainly one of the options we must pursue,” Manzullo said. “Lifting the blockade on the four drilling leases in the Gulf of Mexico and off the shores of Virginia would not only increase American energy production but it would put Americans back to work, and the tax revenue from the energy sales would help reduce the deficit. I implore the Senate to endorse this legislation and ask the President to please reconsider his opposition to this legislation that would help struggling Americans trying to deal with these surging energy prices.”

Creative Conversations At Next Shah Monthly Breakfast

McHenry County College Shah Center continues its monthly breakfast series, "Start@Shah," from 7:30 to 9 a.m Friday, May 20, with “Creative Conversations,” facilitated by Catherine Jones, executive director of the Shah Center Programs. Jones shares her passion for innovative leadership using tools from the Center of Creative Leadership. 

Experience how visual images can be used to create meaningful dialogue around complex challenges.  Learn how framiing questions can be used to encourage the development of new perspectives and share understanding.  Jones will facilitate this hands-on workshop in using imagery techniques in change management, strategy development, and team building.

Start@Shah breakfast events take place at 7:30 a.m. on the third Friday of each month. Use course ID: NTL S92 004 when registering. Cost is $35. 

This 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 or at shahcenter@mchenry.edu.

Crystal Lake Man Becomes Guest of Illinois Department of Corrections

Fifty-seven year old Steven W. Hess, Crystal Lake, is to spend the next 19 years as a guest of the Illinois Department of Corrections. He was charged with the offenses of Aggravated Kidnapping and Attempted Criminal Sexual Assault. He will be legally required to serve 85% of his sentence, or 193.8 months.

McHenry County State's Attorney Louis A. Bianchi reports that on December 9, 2009, Hess confronted his ex-girlfriend, a 53 year old Crystal Lake woman, at her place of employment. He was able to convince her to get into his car, where he tied a rope around her neck, tied her wrists together with plastic zip ties and drove her to a vacant store where he served as a property manager.  The defendant attempted to force the victim into the basement of the vacant store by striking her with his fists and spraying her face with pepper spray.  A bystander, who was driving in the area, shouted at the defendant allowing the victim to flee to a nearby business. 

The police responded to the area, searched the basement and discovered a makeshift bed, pre-tied ropes, twist ties, knives and other items indicating that the defendant planned to commit a sexual assault. The defendant was located the following morning after the car that he used to transport the victim was found burning in a field in unincorporated Woodstock.  The defendant later confessed that he intended to have sex with the victim and to post the assault on the internet. 

This matter was investigated by Det. Houlihan, Det. Ford, Det. Nystarom and Det. Will of the Crystal Lake Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Ryan Blackney.

Northern Illinois In Running For Third Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

A Congressional leader who will help determine America’s transportation priorities has accepted Congressman Don Manzullo’s invitation to come to northern Illinois, tour the Chicago-Rockford International Airport, and speak to a group of regional transportation officials in Rockford on Monday.

U.S. House Transportation Committee Chairman John Mica (R-FL), who lives in Daytona Beach and represents the Daytona Beach headquarters of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, will begin the day’s events at 8:45 a.m. by joining Manzullo and other local officials on a tour of the airport. Rockford is in the running to become the third residential campus for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, joining campuses in Daytona Beach and Prescott, Arizona. After the tour, Mica and Manzullo will speak at the Tri-State Alliance Summit at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Rockford. A media availability will follow.

“We are extremely honored that Chairman Mica has agreed to come to Rockford and share his vision of America’s future transportation network and how northern Illinois fits into the plan,” Manzullo said. “We are excited that Chairman Mica will visit our international airport and see firsthand the untapped capabilities of our world-class facility. It’s a huge bonus that Chairman Mica represents the home of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, and we expect he will have great things to say about Rockford the next time he visits with Embry-Riddle’s President, Dr. John Johnson.”

Government In Action - Friday

8:15 a.m.—Public Health and Human Services Committee of McHenry County Board

Meeting in County Board Conference Room, McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The Committee is to make an appointment to the Senior Services Grant Commission, before the members consider a approving a resolution accepting a $100,000 Grant from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. This is for the Dental Clinic's FY 2011 Budget.

This grant is to improve the capacity of Dental Clinic Dental Service efficiencies through the installation of digital x-ray equipment, software, staff training, and equipment upgrades. It is payable over a two-year period with $70,000 payable upon execution of the agreement and $30,000 to be paid the second year following Department submittal and acceptance of required reports.

The Committee is also to consider the reclassification of the Director of the Workforce Investment Board Position. Last year at this time the position was reclassified to a part-time position and it is now about to be vacated. The position is a requirement for the County's participation in the Workforce Investment Act One-Stop System, youth activates, and employment and training activities under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act.

The Committee, if approving the change, is to direct the Human Resources Director to reclassify the position to a full-time position.

As with all committee actions, they are not final until the County Board has acted on them.

Animal Assisted Therapy and Learning At MCC

McHenry County College has partnered with The Light Center Foundation in Union to offer two courses this summer to introduce Animal-Assisted Therapy and Learning classes. These classes will introduce human-service professionals and teachers to the theory and practice of animal-assisted therapy and animal-assisted learning with a focus on at-risk and challenged youth. 

The first class (which is not a prerequisite for the second class) is Introduction to Animal-Assisted Therapy and Learning.  Participants will acquire a set of valuable tools, which may be utilized in and adapted for education, counseling or other human service settings.  Attendees will become familiar with this content through lecture, discussion and hands-on activities with farm animals that promote development of social skills, coping skills, conflict resolution, team-building, problem-solving, and leadership.  Class takes place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 4. Continuing Education and/or Continuing and Professional Development units will be issued. Cost is $80.

The second course will expand upon the content introduced in the Introduction to Animal-Assisted Therapy and Learning.  It is not mandatory to attend the first class to participate in this three-day course that takes place from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, June 6; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 9, and 9 a.m. to noon Monday, May 13.  You must attend all three days to receive continuing education or professional development credits. Cost is $180.

Classes will take place at the Light Center barn located at 17421 Marengo Road in Union and will be facilitated by Light Center staff.  For more information, contact Ruth Kormanak at (815) 479-7879 or rkormanak@mchenry.edu. To register, call the MCC Registration office at (815) 455-8588 and use course ID: UMH U21-001 for the one-day Introductory course and use course ID: UMH U22-001 for the three-day course.

McHenry County Assistant Director EMA Helping In Southern Illinois

On April 29th, Governor Pat Quinn issued a disaster proclamation to ensure state resources are readily available to support local governments affected by a series of severe storms that have affected southern Illinois during the past two weeks. Forecasts for additional heavy rains last week also had the potential to send swollen waterways even higher and cause widespread flooding throughout the region.

The McHenry County Assistant Director of Emergency Management Bob Ellsworth was deployed to the Illinois Unified Area Command (Logistics Section) in Marion, Illinois to assist in local efforts through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).

Both the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers have reached record levels in southern Illinois, completely overwhelming local response efforts. Mr. Ellsworth’s deployment was at the request of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and his service is with an Emergency Management Assistance Team under the direction of the Illinois Emergency Services Management Association. Mr. Ellsworth is currently assisting in acquiring and staging needed supplies and personnel resources for a seven day deployment. This deployment is part of the long legacy of contributions McHenry County has made to its neighbors near and far.

“It is truly fitting that Bob deploys the week of Director Barry Valentines retirement (Barry Valentine is retiring after 32 years of dedicated public service to the McHenry County Emergency Management Agency on May 6). It is a result of Barry’s positive influence, mentoring, and the training opportunities he provided that has put Bob in the position of being able to serve the residents of Illinois,” stated incoming Director of Emergency Management David A. Christensen.

Assistant Director Robert Ellsworth is among liaisons from several state and local agencies that are working with the IEMA to coordinate the deployment of personnel and assets to assist local governments in the affected areas. For more information about the state's flood response and flood safety, please visit the Ready Illinois website.

Final MCC Second Sunday Concert of Season On Sunday

The Second Sunday Concert Series will present its final concert of the season at 3 p.m. on May 8 in the MCC Conference Center, 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

This concert features the Sessions Jazz Quartet. Leading the jazz quartet is brilliant keyboardist Al Skaronea, who returns to MCC for this special Mother’s Day event.

The concerts are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Michael Hillstrom at (815) 479-7814.

Temporary Delays On Route 14 In Crystal Lake

As is obvious to any motirst traveling on Route 14 in Crystal Lake in the area of McHenry Avenue and northward, there are traffic back-ups. Work is taking place on improving Route 14 also known as Virginia Street. Work has begun on the north side between Dole Avenue and McHenry Avenue.

Since construction of this segment impacts public parking alternatives are being provided.

Pomeroy Avenue will be converted to a one-way, northbound street between Virginia Street and Oriole Trail.  All traffic in the block between Oriole Trail and Virginia Street would travel away from Virginia Street.

Parking will be allowed on both sides of Pomeroy Avenue within this segment and will be designated for use by Virginia Street Businesses only.

The City strongly recommends each business owner inform their employees to utilize parking on Pomeroy Avenue, thus allowing customers to park behind or closer the business.  Temporary construction signage will also be added at each driveway or alley entrance indicating the location of customer parking (possibly in the rear).

Access to driveways connecting to Virginia Street will be maintained during construction by use of temporary aggregate.  However, driveway access will be periodically interrupted when work is performed in front of your business.   Notifications will be provided to each business owner a minimum of 24 hours in advance of any interruption to driveway or pedestrian access.  In addition, the contractor will establish a pedestrian walkway with temporary measures to ensure pedestrians safe access to your business. Pedestrians will be guided to designated walkways, separate from the work zone, by use of signage, barricades and caution tape. 

The majority of work is anticipated to take approximately 6 weeks; however, favorable weather conditions may reduce this time frame.  The project is still scheduled to be completed in the middle of October, and this change in project staging will help provide the best chance to achieve this deadline. 

Periodic lane closures along Virginia Street will be occurring and the City respectively requests anyone traveling in this area during construction be patient and aware of all construction activities.  The City and Curran Contracting will work hard to cooperate with special needs and requests from business owners.  Patience and cooperation is requested and appreciated as this important project is being constructed.

Meetings of Thursday

8:30 a.m.—Planning and Development Committee of McHenry County Board

Meets in the Conference room of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The first agenda item involves a requested approval for a subdivision extension for Hunter's Woods. The proposed development, consisting of 41 lots at the northwest corner of US 20 and Church Road was originally submitted in March 2005. It received Final Plat approval from the Staff Plat Review Committee in December 2007. One-year extensions were granted in 2008, 2009 and 2010. There are apparently no objections from other agencies such as McDOT and the Health Department.

However, the Chief Stormwater Engineer, following his review, concerns which prevent him from issuing approval. He found that more information is needed on drainage and wetland calculations since these have been revised in the years since this subdivision was last reviewed by staff. Therefore, it is recommended the subdivision return to the beginning of the Final Plat State, which would provide a year to submit to a Plat Review Committee a new plat addressing the issues raised.

The Committee is to interview eight people interested in filling a spot on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Otherwise, the Committee is to consider a resolution addressing fee waiver regarding a Fence in a Floodplain; discussion regarding Neighborhood Stabilization Program, and a Resolution to change County Board Rules regarding Zoning Petitions.

Money and Education In Some Areas

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, computer magnate Michael Dell, investor Eli Broad, and the Walton family of Wal-Mart fame have collectively poured some $4.4 billion into school reform in the last decade through their private foundations.

None of the dollars has proven to be a silver bullet. In a first-of-its-kind computer analysis, iWatch News investigated the graduation rates and test scores in 10 major urban districts — from New York City to Oakland — which collectively took in almost one-fourth of the total money poured in by these top education philanthropists. For all the millions spent on reforms, nine of the 10 school districts studied substantially trailed their state's proficiency and graduation rates — often by 10 points or more.

See the details here

Twelve Years In Illinois Department of Corrections

Heidi L. Kunz, 33, previously of Spring Grove, was sentenced today to twelve years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. McHenry County State's Attorney Louis A. Bianchi explains that the sentencing is for a class X felony offense of armed robbery following a negotiated plea. Ms. Kunz, according to a report from Bianchi, admitted to robbing the Payday Loan Store in McHenry on December 15, 2006.

A criminal investigation revealed that Ms. Kunz served as the getaway driver. Currently she is serving a separate sentence in the Federal Penitentiary for a bank robbery that occurred near the time of this offense.

Charges against the co-defendant, Mark Kozic, who also is in federal custody, are currently pending. This case was investigated by Detective John Birk of the McHenry Police Department. The Crystal Lake Police Department, the Fox Lake Police Department, and the Antioch Police Department also assisted in the investigation.  This case was prosecuted for the State by Assistant State’s Attorney Sharyl Eisenstein.

Crystal Lake Police Officer Honored For Bravery

At Tuesday evening's Crystal Lake City Council meeting, and Crystal Lake Police Officer was honored for bravery and self-sacrifice displayed in diverting a catastrophic situation in February of this year. Officer Kotlowski was awarded a Medal of Valor.

Officer Kotlowski was the first officer on the scene of a shooting in the parking lot of the Kyoto Japanese Restaurant, 6320 Northwest Highway.

When Officer Kotlowski arrived at the location he found two people struggling on the ground, one with a handgun. That individual disregarded orders to separate and the individual on top was pointing a handgun at bystanders and the other person involved in the struggle.

The offender was pinned to the ground by Officer Kotlowski where he was able to disarm him although the offender was apparently ready to pull the trigger of the gun and had an additional magazine of ammunition in his left hand. The offender continued to struggle with Officer Kotlowski until the officer was able to handcuff him.

Further investigation revealed that the offender had discharged five rounds in the parking lot of the restaurant with the intent to shoot the victim.

The Medalof Honor was pinned on Officer Kotlowski by his mother. His father, his  wife and young son were also present for the honors ceremony.

Golf Fundamentals Through MCC Continuing Education

Whether you’re newly retired, looking for a new sport, or aspiring to be the next golf legend of our time, it all starts with fundamentals. And McHenry County College is offering two golfing classes this summer to get you started.

Offered through the College’s Continuing Education Department, both classes will be at the Golf Learning Center in Crystal Lake, an all-season facility that allows for lessons rain or shine.

Basic Fundamentals of Golf is ideal for the beginning golfer and includes the basic rules of play, terminology, equipment, scoring, skills and techniques to help you enjoy the game. Basic Fundamentals will take place from 6-7 p.m. on Wednesday evenings starting May 18 through June 15 at the Crystal Lake Golf Learning Center.  Use course ID: NRE S09 005 to register.  Cost is $80.

Advanced Fundamentals of Golf is a continuation of the basics and covers specific skills to improve your drives, chipping, putting and swing techniques. Advanced Fundamentals will be held from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday evenings starting May 18 through June 15. Use course ID: NRE S10 005 when registering.  Cost is $80.

To register, call the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588.  For more information, call Tracy Berry at (815) 455-8758 or Dori Smith at (815) 455-8559.

Wednesday Meetings

7:30 p.m.—Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission

9607 Lucas Road (Rasati)

This is the first of four matters to be considered by the Commission. It is a minor subdivision to create a lot on approximately 15 acres of property located at 9607 Lucas Road. The petitioner is also requesting a deferral from the requirement to install sidewalks, parkway trees and street lighting.

The property is located on the south side of Lucas Road west of Briarwood Road. It had been annexed to the City in 2000 and rezoned in 2002 to RE-1.  Currently the property is improved with a residence and a barn and is being actively farmed.

Japanese Cultural Institute, 1095 Pingree Road

This is 4,300 square feet of tenant space in a multi-tenant building at 1095 Pingree Road. A request is being made for a variation in this "M" Manufacturing building to allow a Japanese Cultural Institute.

Plans include the holding of classes in traditional studies such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, marital arts as Aikido and Iaido swell as Japanese language classes and Zen meditation studies.

Other tenants at this location include the Animal Emergency Clinic, Cheer Fusion, Pump It Up, Marshall Salon Services as well as medical offices.

The petitioner expects to hold classes for approximate 15 persons, primarily on weekends and weekday evenings.

Crystal Pointe Outbuilding, 6000 Northwest Highway

The Crystal Pointe Mall owner of this retail center is seeking to redevelop what is now the Colonial Cafe which is moving to a new building across Route 14. The proposed plan is to develop that facility into two building uses that would offer outdoor seating with one tenant offering drive-through for customer convenience.

Schafer Subdivision—S. Route 176, West Lippold Park, East Briarwood

This five-lot subdivision on 7.85 acres of heavily wooded property that includes mostly White Oak, Red Oak, Shagbark Hickory, Black Cherry and Box Elder trees. Plans call for custom homes to be built on the lots.

Tuesday Evening Government Watching

6:00 p.m.—High School District 155 Board.

The Board will canvass the result of the recently held election and adjourn the "old" board. Three members were re-elected to the board in the most recent election. They include James Nelson, Barbara J. Slusin, and Karen K. Whitman.

The "new" board will elect officers for the next two years including Board President, Board Vice President and Secretary. Also the Board will officially recognize John Lutsch as Treasurer of the School District, an office to which he was appointed last June to serve through June 30, 2011.

An attorney is to be retained, the 2011-2012 Board of Education calendar will be established, and Board Committees will be established.

The Board may also hear committee reports; discuss any new business and information as needed before adjourning.

Reorganization of the newly elected board and the oaths of office will be issued to the three members elected, all incumbents. The board officers will be elected and a secretary, treasurer and attorney will be appointed.

6:30 p.m.— High School District 155 Board Strategic Planning Committee

Will meet in the Center for Education, One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake to consider an update on District 155 Strategic Plan and handle employment matters a swell a collective negotiating matters in executive session.

7:00 p.m. – Planning and PR Committee of Crystal Lake Library Board.

The committee will meet in the Library Director's Office to consider needs assessments planning for the library which includes site visits and consider strategic planning for October.

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake City Council

Oaths of office will be administered to those recently elected to the Council for the next four years. Included are Mayor Aaron T. Shepley, Council members Ellen Brady Mueller, Cathy Ferguson and Brett Hopkins. All were re-elected to the Council in the April 5 Election.

A Medal of Valor Award is being given to Officer Kotlowski for his brave actions on February 19, 2010 in disarming a suspect in the parking lot of Kyoto Japanese Restaurant, 6320 Northwest Highway. Officer Kotlowski was the first officer to arrive in response to a report of a man with a gun and shots being fired.

Following Officers Kotlowski ability to pin the offender to the ground, he was able to pry a handgun from the hand of the offender.

The actions of Officer Kotlowski prevented more serious injury or death of the intended victim and other bystanders.

Also in connected with the Police Department, a swearing in of the newest Police Officer, Delmar Dade, will take place. Office Dated has been with the Department since January 3 and recently completed his academy training and currently engaged in his Field Training phase with the Police Department.

The Crystal Lake Water Ski Association is requesting permission to hold their annual Slalom Tournament Sunday August 14. That also includes a qualifier on Sunday, July 10. They are seeking a waiver of no-wake restrictions for those events.

The Lakeside Legacy Foundation Festival is scheduled for June 30 through Monday July 4 during late afternoon and night hours. The Foundation is seeking a Festival License as well as a Class 19 Temporary Liquor License.

Also, the Crystal Lake Women of Today are planning a children's decorated bike parade on Saturday, July 2 beginning at 11:30 a.m. The event was held last year.

McHenry County Department of Health is seeking a Unified Development Ordinance Sign Variation to install an Electronic Message Center Freestanding sign on the Department's property at 100 North Virginia Street.

The Department desires to add the electronic message center to display updated information in the event of a public health emergency as well as to promote County events and promotions.

D & J Guns is requesting a Temporary Use Permit to all a Special Promotion to hold a series of gun shows, including selling and trading of accessories and firearms, at the Holiday Inn, 800 S. Route 31 on Sunday, May 25, September 18, October 23, November 20 and December 18.

The Illinois State Police have granted conditional recognition. The dates desired for the event include Sundays, May 15, September 18, October 23, November 20, and December 18.

Various requirements must be met by the group including unobstructed exits, firearms inspection area separate from the main entry; an unloading barrel or bullet trip set up for clearing of all firearms entering the event; no parking signs from the City Police Department placed on both sides of Three Oaks Road from Route 31 to Sands Road and on Sands Road from Three Oaks Road to the northern Holiday Inn Property line.

The event must be staffed with either licensed private security, or by Crystal Lake police officers.

Two matters recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission are to receive consideration by the Council. One is for the Commission's recommendation to approve a requested variation for 19 E. Berkshire Drive. The property is planned for use as a resale store.

The second seeking Council approval is for a special use permit to allow a use merchandise store at 230 W. Virginia Street. This is in the Country Corners Shopping Center.

Sidewalk rehabilitation is to take place on Woodstock Street and Williams Street. This includes replacement of concrete and brick paver sidewalk areas on the west side of Williams Street between Brink Street and Woodstock Street; also on the south side of Woodstock Street between Williams Street and Grant Street. The areas are in various stages of disrepair.

The areas are to be compatible with the other recent improvements to the sidewalk in downtown area, including tree grates. The cost is $95,408 with the contract going to the lowest bidder, Copenhaver Construction, Inc., Gilberts.

For the City's Employees

The City budgets for Employee Assistance Provider (EAP) services to be available to employees and dependents. Counseling may involved all forms of guidance, including but no limited to emotional, mental health, crisis management, stress management, financial, substance abuse, domestic violence, and grief/loss.

Four proposals were received in response to the City's request with Bensinger, DuPont & Associates, Chicago, being the lowest responsive and responsible proposer.

The firm is able to provide professionals, including local counselors who know the municipal environment and its particular demands to provide counseling, worklife resources, training and critical incident debriefing services for the City employees.

It's That Time of Year—Gypsy Moth Treatment

Since 2005 McHenry coordinated a Gypsy Moth Aerial Treatment Program for areas infested with Gypsy Moths. The City has participated in this program for the past five years.

This year the County discontinued their program for budgetary purposes, but has offered to continue technical support for jurisdictions who wish to conduct independent spraying programs.

In Crystal Lake, the number of infested acres has decreased from 440 in 2005 to 125 total acres to be treated at a cost of $38.50 per acre for a total price of $9,625.

The program will include two separate aerial applications of a naturally occurring bacteria used by gardeners as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. The anticipated first application could be as early as May 23 or soon after depending on the weather.

Tuesday Morning Government Meetings

TUESDAY, MAY 3

9:00 a.m.—McHenry County Board

Meeting in the Board Room of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road Woodstock.

Recognition for Valentines

A couple of recognition proclamations are being presented. One is to recognize Barry Valentine for 32 years of Public Service with the McHenry County Emergency Management Agency.

Also Rita Valentine is being recognized for 26 years of public service with the McHenry County Department of Health.

The Board is to hear a presentation by the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation.

Appointments

Appointments being made by the Board include Jan G. Hervert to the Board of Review until May 31, 2013 and David A. Christensen, Director, EMA to the McHenry County Emergency Telephone System Board for a period until November 30, 2013.

Finances

The Board is to hear a presentation by the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation.

Several resolutions are being presented for Board approval. These include acceptance of an Economic Opportunity Grant

In the Finance and Audit area, several grants are being presented for approval by the board for the Workforce Network for fiscal years 2011 and 2012. One grant for $42,223 is a Work Experience Opportunity Grant. This is to be used to provide work experience for ten youth new to the program.

The other two grants, totaling $11,798, are to provide assistance in Workforce Network activities.

Environmental Education

Funding for the McHenry County Schools Environmental Education Program, known as McSEEP, is coming from the fees received for the receipt and disposal of solid waste. Since 2002 and until recently the County did not receive funds for this purpose. In Fiscal Year 2010 the County began receiving quarterly host fees for a dump recently located in the County. A recommendation was made to use the host fees in fiscal year 2011 budget to cover the contribution the County's general fund is making to keep the recycling education program operating within the schools. The County Board is being requested to approve that resolution.

County Finances For 2010 Ended In The Black

McHenry County finances finished the 2010 fiscal year in the black and as promised by the Administration when considering the 2010 -2011 budget process, requested supplementals denied would be given consideration. As a result it is proposed that $250,000 be added to the General Fund Contingency Budget to cover unplanned for expenditures or shortages due to reductions in the expenditures.

Also that $200,000 be added to the General fund Non-Departmental Fuel budget to address the increased price of fuel. Also being proposed is adding $1 million to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund to cover the declining fund reserve balance caused by higher employer contribution rates.

Redistricting In McHenry County

Redistricting guidelines are being presented to the County Board for consideration at the Tuesday morning meeting. According to the resolution establishing guidelines the County Board is to be divided into six equal districts represented by four members from each district.

It should be noted that the population deviation between districts will be minimized and in no case will exceed three percent. Also the incumbent County Board member addresses will not be considered during the redistricting process.

The County Board Chairman will continue to be elected by his/her peers on the County Board. The other alternative is to elect the County Board Chairman by popular vote of the registered voters in the county.

In other financial matters before the County Board, a number of grants are being provided including several for the Workforce Network; ''

In the Transportation area, computer software is being sought to be used for issuing overweight and over dimension truck permits. A number of contracts are to be approved for highway pavement preservation and crack filling, annual spring striping paint materials and annual glass bead materials... Also in the transportation department, approval is being sought for the FY2011 to FY2015 Highway Improvement Program.