Redrawing Illinois Congressional Boundaries

The Republican members of the Illinois Congressional delegation today issued the following statement in response to the release of a proposal to re-draw the boundaries of Congressional districts in Illinois.

“Under the cover of darkness, the Democrats in Springfield proposed a new Congressional map that was drawn without any input from Republicans or any consideration for the hours of testimony offered at public hearings this spring.  We are very concerned that this proposal does not fairly represent the significant growth that has occurred in the Hispanic community.  The proposed map carves up towns and communities with little regard to the values and beliefs of the people who live there.

  

“This proposal appears to be little more than an attempt to undo the results of the elections held just six months ago and we will take whatever steps necessary to achieve a map that more fairly represents the people of Illinois – they deserve nothing less.” 

Rep. Judy Biggert (Il-13)                                    Rep. Peter Roskam (Il-6)

Rep. Robert Dold (Il-10)                                     Rep. Bobby Schilling (Il-17)

Rep. Randy Hultgren (Il-14)                               Rep. Aaron Schock (Il-18)

Rep. Timothy Johnson (Il-15)                             Rep. John Shimkus (Il-19)

Rep. Adam Kinzinger (Il-11)                               Rep. Joe Walsh (Il-8)

Rep. Don Manzullo (Il-16)

A Musical Trip To The Past

You’re gonna hear some of that rock and roll music, as well as do-wop ditties, Motown melodies, and cool Rat Pack favorites.

The Algonquin-Lake-in-the-Hills Rotary Club is hosting “Under The streetlamp” featuring the cast of the Chicago production of the Jersey Boys.

These four guys have thrilled sold-out houses throughout the country and each carries with him an impressive list of credits. Between them, they have appeared on Broadway, in feature films, and on your television – including special appearances during their Jersey Boys tenure on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Primetime Emmy Awards, and Winfrey Show. www.underthestreetlamp.com

Who Are These Guys?

Former cast members of the Tony Award-winning smash hit Jersey Boys deliver the sounds of the sixties in an electrifying evening of unforgettable hits.

Under The Streetlamp offers audiences the rate opportunity to get to know these rising stars of stage and screen as they relate hilarious and touching stories of a life lived in show business. Complete with an orchestra comprised of world-class jazz musicians, Under the Streetlamp is clean outta sight!

The Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Rotary Club is hosting UNDER THE STREETLAMP, featuring the cast of the Chicago production of the Jersey Boys, in a tribute to the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.  I invite you to take a moment to check your calendar for Saturday June 18, 2011 at 7PM and sign on to the Rotary's website at www.AlgonquinLITHRotary.com to purchase your tickets for this fabulous Broadway style performance.  Tickets range from $40 to $65.

In order to accommodate the large audience anticipated, the event will be held in the auditorium of Harry D Jacobs High School. 

info@algonquinlithrotary.com

Want To Meet These Guys?

You have that opportunity at a post show reception being held at Port Edward Restaurant, Algonquin, 9:30 to 11:00 p.m. The $50 per guest ticket includes appetizers and complimentary champagne. There are only 75 tickets available for this opportunity. Contact Mary Ann O’Hara 847-809-8508 to reserve your ticket.

Words of Wisdom

"Whoever attentively considers the different departments of power must perceive, that, in a government in which they are separated from each other, the judiciary, from the nature of its functions, will always be the least dangerous to the political rights of the Constitution; because it will be least in a capacity to annoy or injure them." --Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 78, 1788

McHenry County College Property Size To Expand

Plans are in the works to “square off” the present McHenry County College campus. Action was initiated at Thursday night’s Board of Trustees meeting following a lengthy executive session.

Three resolutions were then adopted by the Board to put the plan in motion, something that has been in the planning stage for sometime. The property to be acquired is a farm located at

9010 Northwest Highway

and adjoins the College’s currently owned property located to the south of this site. The price for the 20-acre site is to be determined by the court. The matter is being handled through condemnation proceedings so the Court can determine the appropriate price.

According to legal documents provided by the board, a $750,000 offer for the purchase of the property was rejected by the owner with a counter offer of $1,500,000 by the property owners' .

The College Board’s attorney, Daniel Curran of Campion, Curran, Dunlop, Lamb, & Cunabaugh, P.C. explained that the matter is going before a court as a fair means to arrive at the correct price for all concerned.

It has been the desire of McHenry County College personnel including the new President, Dr. Vicky Smith, to acquire the property to “square off:” the parcel of property utilized by the College.

Both Dr. Smith and Attorney Curran explained that the matter is going before bankruptcy court as a means to determine a fair price for the property for the benefit of both sides.

McHenry County Board Redistricting Proposals For Thursday Consideration

THURSDAY, MAY 25

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

Considerable discussion could be held Thursday morning when the Committee again considers the redistricting of the County residents for County Board representation.

This has been a touchy topic for a number of weeks. It is a matter that is required by law to be accomplished every ten years.

Redistricting is not only for County Board members. The state is also redistricting the population for legislative and senatorial districts. However, the County Board is only concerned with redistricting for the County Board members.

At the May 3 County Board meeting, a Resolution was adopted establishing that the population deviation between districts will be minimized and in no case will exceed three percent.

Also included in the resolution was a statement that incumbent County Board member addresses will not be considered during the redistricting process.

Further, the County Board Chairman will continue to be elected by his or her peers on the County Board. There had been some suggestions and discussion that the County Board Chairman should be elected by the entire voting population.

The County retained the services of an expert on the subject, Dr. Michael Fortner. He spoke to the full County Board at the April 3 meeting. Certain criteria is required when considering redistricting all according to the Federal Voting Rights Act. Currently, the County level of minorities is not sufficient to require special specific redistricting.

One principal necessary is that districts should be compact. However, that is not clearly defined. Dr. Fortner relates that it generally refers to how close is a district to a circular or square shape.

At another committee meeting regarding redistricting, a few lines were moved via use of computerized mapping. This is something that in the past was accomplished by County Clerk Kathy Schultz and her staff without computerization.

Following are the precincts as proposed and to be considered at Thursday’s meeting.

 District 1: consisting of Algonquin Township precincts 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 56, 60, 62, 63, 64, 65, and 68 and Grafton Township precincts 14, 17, 18, 28, 30; and

District 2: consisting of Algonquin Township precincts 2, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, 15, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 42, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 57, 58, 59, 61, and 66, and Grafton Township precincts 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 13, 31; and

District 3: consisting of Algonquin Township precincts: 21, 29, 49, 50, and 67, and Nunda Township precinct 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29, and McHenry township precincts 2, 9, 20, 22, 25, 28, and 30; and

District 4: consisting of McHenry Township precincts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35, and Richmond Township precincts 1, 2, 3, and 4, and Burton Township precinct 1, 2, and 3; and

District 5: consisting of Dorr Township precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10,11, 12, 13, and 14, Greenwood Township precinct 4, and Grafton Township precincts 1, 6, 9, 11, 12, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29;

District 6: consisting of Grafton Township precincts 4, 15, 26, and 27, and Greenwood Township precincts 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7, and Coral Township precincts 1, 2, and 3, and Chemung Township precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, and Marengo Township precincts 1, 2, 3, and 4, and Seneca Township precincts 1 and 2, and Hartland Township precincts 1 and 2, and Alden Township precinct 1, and Hebron Township precincts 1 and 2, and Riley Township precinct 1, and Dunham Township precinct 1. 

It is hoped that the finalization of the redistricting for McHenry County Districts can be finalized with a vote by the  County Board at its June 21 meeting.

Unsuccessful Lawsuits Against McHenry County

A Crystal Lake woman, Michelle Smith, today lost a lawsuit against the McHenry County for a second time.

According to information provided by State’s Attorney Louis A. Bianchi, Ms. Smith first sued McHenry County Sheriff and three corrections officers in Federal Court, resulting in a dismissal in Defendant 's favor.

Today the State Court dismissed another lawsuit against the County. The Honorable Judge Meyer found that the prior victory obtained by the State’s Attorney’s Office in Federal Court barred Ms. Smith’s wrongful death case in State Court. The recently dismissed State case was defended by Assistant State’s Attorney Donald B. Leist.

Huge Garage Sale Thursday Thru Saturday

Reuse is better than recycle! Come to the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County’s spring garage sale Thursday, Friday & Saturday, May 26-28, 8am – 3pm at the Algonquin Township Road District garage, 3702 U.S. Route 14, between Crystal Lake and Cary (drive straight back to the last garage on the right).

“People have been very generous with the things they have donated,” A Defenders’ spokesman said, “including a heavy wooden dining table, a Thomasville side table, a vintage metal doll crib, a telescope, and lots of miniature figurines and Precious Moments collectibles.”

Proceeds from the sale benefit the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The group is dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment, and provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. For more information, visit www.mcdef.org.

Words of Wisdom

"If we resort for a criterion to the different principles on which different forms of government are established, we may define a republic to be, or at least may bestow that name on, a government which derives all its powers directly or indirectly from the great body of the people,  and is administered by persons holding their offices during pleasure for a limited period, or during good behavior." --James Madison, Federalist No. 39

Tuesday, May 24 Evening Governing Bodies Meet

7:00 p.m.—Lakewood Village Board—

Meeting in Turnberry County Club, 9600 Turnberry Trail, Lakewood

In addition to the Board handling approval of minutes of previous meetings, bill lists, and financial statements the board is to consider the appointment of Allen Bronton to the economic Development Committee.

Another appointment to be considered is that of Joseph T. Weber to the RedTail Golf Committee.

A request is being made for the approval of an ordinance establishing Prevailing Wage Rates for the Village.

The Third Annual Run and Roll for the Dole with a Bicycle Event is to be held on The Village of Lakewood Streets, provided the Village Board grants approval. Overtime expenses for the Sunday, October 16 event will be reimbursed.

Another permit approval request is for a Lake Event permit for the City of Crystal Lake Fireworks Show on Sunday, July 3 with a rain date of Sunday, July 10.

Matters to be discussed by the Board include: E-Pay options; an ordinance approving Budget Amendment number 3.

7:30 p.m.-District155 High School Board—

Meeting in the Center for Education,

One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake

.

The agenda for tonight’s meeting lists information regarding the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget reductions to be considered among the matters from the Assistant Superintendent Business and Finances.

Items necessary to keep the district in operation include a resolution regarding the Northern Illinois Food Purchasing Cooperative and Custodial Supply Bid.

A couple Board Policy matters regarding personnel are to be considered. One is being revised and the second is a new presentation.

Words of Wisdom

"No people will tamely surrender their liberties, nor can any be easily subdued, when knowledge is diffused and virtue is preserved. On the contrary, when people are universally ignorant, and debauched in their manners, they will sink under their own weight without the aid of foreign Invaders." --Samuel Adams, letter to James Warren, 1775

Gently Used Items Still Being Accepted For A Spring Garage Sale

There are still a few days left to take donations of gently used items for the Environmental Defenders spring garage sale. Donations will be accepted through Wednesday 11 a.m. until 3 pm. each day. The location is the Algonquin Township Road District garage,

3702 U.S. Route

14, between Crystal Lake and Cary. Directions on the site: drive straight back to the last garage on the right.

What will be accepted?

Just about anything that is re-sellable, with a few exceptions—small appliances and electronics must be in working order, no monitors or TVs, no clothes, no baby carriers or cribs, no large appliances. Not sure if they will take it? Call the office at 815-338-0393 Monday through Thursday, or email mcdef@owc.net.

The garage sale is taking place Thursday, May 26 through Saturday, May 28, from 8 .m. until 3 pm.

Crystal Lake Water May Be A Bit Harder For a Few Months

The water softening process for the City of Crystal Lake is being improved. The process is expected to take approximately two to three months to complete. When completed the softening system at Water Treatment Plant No. 4, located at 400 Knaack Blvd. is being upgraded to make the softening process more efficient and reliable.

The process is expected to take approximately two to three months to complete. While the construction is being performed, the plant will remain online and continue to produce water for the community

During the construction process, softener vessels will not be in place to soften water from this facility, which will result in harder water being introduced into the system. Water typically leaves this plant at 8 grains of hardness per gallon. During the construction, the water can contain up to 30 grains. The water will continue to be safe to drink and for regular use. At the completion of the project, new softener vessels will be brought into regular use.

At the completion of the project, new softener vessels will be brought into service and the City will resume softening to the previous level that the residents are accustomed to.

While the water system is looped throughout the City, most residents will experience little to no change in their tap water. Residents and businesses in the northeast quadrant of the City, near Water Treatment Plant No. 4, will experience the most significant change. We would encourage residents to not purchase home softening units, as this is a temporary condition.

The City greatly appreciates the patience of the residents while the softening system is temporarily off-line. Residents with questions are asked to contact the Public Works Department at 815-356-2614.

Things To Watch

MONDAY, MAY 23—

8:30 a.m.—Management Services Committee of McHenry County Board,

Meeting in the Government Center, Administration Building,

667 Ware Road, Woodstock

.

The Committee is to consider a resolution to provide funding and authorization for a Rain Garden Demonstration Project on the County Campus. The McHenry County Soil and Water Conservation District has offered the County a $3,000 grant which involves $1,800 with a 40% math of $1,200 to fund the rain garden demonstration project.

Also the Illinois American Water has offered the County a $6,200 grant to fund the installation of a rain garden and xeriscaping education project. For those not familiar with this xeriscaping is a landscaping method developed especially for arid and semiarid climates that utilizes water-conserving techniques such as the use of drought-tolerant plants.

This garden is planned for location near the front entrance to the County Administration Building. It will serve as a visual example to property owners regarding method of stormwater management and landscape maintenance.

Also assisting with the project excavation is the McHenry County Conservation District. Others include the Wildflower Preservation and Propagation Committee and Master Gardeners to assist with planting the native plants.

The committee is also to discuss the County Administrato's Goals for 2011/12 and tour the  Courthouse.

WEATHER WATCH STILL IN EFFECT-BUT NOT QUITE AS SEVERE

THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR LAKE & SOUTHEASTERN MCHENR
COUNTIES HAS EXPIRED.


THE STORM WHICH PROMPTED THE WARNING HAS WEAKENED BELOW SEVERE

LIMITS.& NO LONGER POSES AN IMMEDIATE THREAT TO LIFE OR

PROPERTY. HOWEVER.BRIEF DOWNPOURS.CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING.

SMALL HAIL & WIND GUSTS TO 40 MPH WILL BE POSSIBLE OVER FAR

EASTERN LAKE COUNTY THROUGH AROUND 930 PM CDT.



ADDITIONAL STRONG THUNDERSTORMS ARE STILL POSSIBLE. &  A TORNADO

WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT.

Tornado Warning Continues

A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR NORTHEASTERN DE KALB.
EASTERN BOONE & MCHENRY COUNTIES UNTIL 745 PM CDT.