Wind Advisory From National Weather Service

This cautionary report from the National Weather Service:

For areas including McHenry, Lake, Lee  DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Cook, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Will, Kankakee, Livingston, Iroquois, Ford Lake, IN

Including the cities of Woodstock, Waukegan, Dixon, DeKalb, Aurora, Wheaton, CVhicago, Ottawa, Oswego, Morris, Joliet, Kankakee, Pontiac, Watseka, Paxton, Gary, Valparaiso, Morocco, Renessleaer, Fowler.

A wind advisory remains in effect from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday.

South winds 20 to 30 MPH are expected to continue overnight into Sunday morning ahead of a cold front.

However as the Cold front pushes across the area early Sunday Afternoon, winds will become southwesterly and continue to increase to 25 to 35 MPH with some gusts around 50 MPH at times.

Impacts—winds this strong may cause minor property damage and make travel hazardous especially for higher profile vehicles. 

Manzullo Prepares For His 2012 Campaign

Focused on cutting wasteful government spending and helping employers put Americans back to work, Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) will kick off his 2012 Campaign in Rockford on Sunday to continue representing the great people of Illinois’ 16th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.

Manzullo, a national leader in the effort to strengthen American manufacturing, will make his announcement in front of hundreds of supporters during his Pasta, Politics and Pigskin fundraiser on Sunday, Nov. 13, at Giovanni’s Restaurant, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. The event, which will feature the Bears-Lions football game on big screen TVs along with a pasta buffet, will run from 3 to 6 p.m. (or until the game ends) with Manzullo speaking at halftime at around 4:30 p.m.

With A Little Help From Your Friends

The McLaughlin family including parents Jim and Judy, with kids Liz, Valerie and Dan lived in Knoll Top. The parents have moved downstate. The daughter Valerie and husband Mike have four children.

Recently their three-year old son, Sean, has been diagnosed with leukemia and needs help. A fundraiser is being held Sunday to assist in paying some of their mounting medical bills.

The event is taking place at

Thirsty Whale

1700 South Randall Road

Algonquin

Sunday, November 13

4 – 10 p.m.

Tickets $35

They could use a lot of positive energy, thoughts and prayers. Please consider attending, or buying a ticket even if you can't attend. The financial and emotional cost to a young family facing such devastating news is tremendous, as some of you may know.

What to expect:

Live Entertainment

Raffle Drawings

Silent Auction

“Live” Entertainment

Goin’ South Band

Seventh Heaven Band

Jori Parys- Pop/Country

Buffett

Raffle Drawings

Silent Auction

How Much Can $1 Million Buy?

In just the past 10 months, Illinois legislators have received more than $1 million in campaign contributions from supporters and opponents of controversial legislation granting electric utilities the power to raise rates without the approval of state regulators, according to the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform's (ICPR) comprehensive review of campaign finance reports.

Supporters of the so-called "Smart Grid" legislation (Senate Bill 1652) outspent opponents by a margin of more than 4 to 1.  The utility contributions totaled $867,258, and the opposition, which includes the SEIU Health Care union, contributed $185,100 to the campaign committees of legislators and to party and caucus committees controlled by legislative leaders.

"This money flowed into campaign coffers--not during the middle of any tight election campaigns-- but in the middle of a hard fought legislative battle," said Brian Gladstein, ICPR's Executive Director. "When election campaigns finally do get into gear, voters will want to know whether the contributions influenced floor votes."

To read the full report click here. 

Words of Wisdom

"There is no part of the administration of government that requires extensive information and a thorough knowledge of the principles of political economy, so much as the business of taxation. The man who understands those principles best will be least likely to resort to oppressive expedients, or sacrifice any particular class of citizens to the procurement of revenue."

 --Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 35, 1788

Notes From Representative Mike Tryon

Today is a day for us all to reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans who have spent a part of their lives devoting themselves to military service. The freedoms we enjoy are due to the sacrifices they have made. Whatever your political leaning, whatever fierce debates we have in Illinois and in America, one thing that unites us all is our appreciation for those who serve our country in the military.

In the General Assembly, we take Veterans issues very seriously. On this day of remembrance, I thought it would be appropriate to outline just some of the recent laws in Illinois that help our service men and women while they are away and when they return from duty.

Protecting Veteran’s Monuments/Grave Markers
HB 3273    P.A. 97-384

Makes it a crime for any scrap metal dealer, recycling facility or other business to accept metal from the grave marker of a veteran

Protecting Funeral Services of Veterans
HB 180     P.A. 97-0359
Protests, demonstrations and/or disorderly conduct may not be conducted within 300 feet of the ingress or egress of the funeral site (previous legislation limited protests to 200 ft)

Honoring Wounded and Fallen Veterans
HB 1537     P.A. 97-0258
Designates the 7th day of August of each year as “Purple Heart Day” to be observed as a day to honor and remember those wounded or killed in battle

Protecting the Service Member’s Employment Tenure Act
HB 2095     P.A. 97-0580
If an employer knowingly violates the Service Member’s Employment Tenure Act they will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor (Service Member’s Employment Tenure Act: Provides employment protection to service members called into active duty service. Service members who are honorably discharged or otherwise satisfactorily complete their service are entitled to be returned to employment, at a level to which they would have attained if not for their period of active duty)

Assisting Fallen Veterans’ Family
HB 2875     P.A. 97-0302
Any natural mother/father or spouse of a veteran killed in the line of duty (Gold Star Family members) deemed eligible by the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs is entitled to admission to any of the Illinois Veterans Homes, should vacant beds exist

Veterans and the Department of Natural Resources
HB 3274     P.A. 97-0498
Veterans returning home from service abroad are eligible for free camping, hunting

Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Public Service Announcement Fund
HB 3275     P.A. 97-0078

Creates the Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Public Service Announcement Fund in the State treasury

Driver’s License Expiration Deferment for Veterans
HB 3331     P.A. 97-0079
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code by changing the driver’s license expiration deferment for those serving in the US Armed Forces outside of the state of Illinois and 120 days thereafter

Veterans-Owned Small Businesses
SB 1270     P.A. 97-0260
Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Sets as a goal that 3% of State contracts be awarded to service-disabled veterans-owned small business and veterans-owned small businesses.

Words of Wisdom

"The principle of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale."

 --Thomas Jefferson, letter to John Taylor, 1816

Veterans Day Program At McHenry County College

McHenry County College will host a Veterans Day Recognition program beginning with patriotic music by MCC Concert Band and Chorus at 9 a.m. tomorrow, November 11 in the Gym/Multi-Purpose Room in Building A at the College, 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

Speakers will include World War II veteran Vaughn Heidenreich, of Woodstock and Sharon Slover, director of Education and Careers with the Special Education District of McHenry County (SEDOM).

 Slover won an essay contest that earned her a spot to ride on a motorcycle to Washington D.C. to visit the Vietnam War Memorial.

Heidenreich enlisted in the Air Force in November, 1942. He was a lead bombardier in the war, flying 22 combat missions. In 1945, he was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant and is a life member of the 8th Air Force, the 457th Bomb Group, and the VFW.

After WWII, he was employed at Jewel Home Shopping Service in Barrington. While working, he also attended Lake Forest College of Industrial Management.  He retired after 44 years with the company as director of transportation and fleet operations. His post-retirement career included 21 years of teaching driver safety programs.

Slover’s poignant essay earned her the second spot (a place usually empty—reserved for fallen soldiers) on a ride with the National Veterans Awareness Organization. On the back of the 2003 Harley-Davidson touring anniversary edition motorcycle, Slover rode to Washington, D.C., to pay respects to soldiers at the Vietnam War Memorial. She will share her profound experiences as a result of this journey.

The Veterans Day ceremony will also include a posting of the colors by the Combined Service Color Guard and bagpipe music.

The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided following the program. For more information, contact MCC Veterans Day Committee at (815) 479-7635.

Veterans Day

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as "the Great War."

Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.

History of Veterans Day

However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words:

 "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

“Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

“Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

“Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day."

Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.”

President Eisenhower signed HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. On that same day, President Eisenhower sent a letter to the Honorable Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans' Affairs (VA), designating him as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee.

In 1958, the White House advised VA's General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators.

Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee's chairman.

The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.

The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans’ service organizations and the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Non-essential federal government offices are closed. No mail is delivered. All federal workers are paid for the holiday; those who are required to work on the holiday sometimes receive wages for that day in addition to holiday pay. The holiday is often celebrated by having a ravioli meal. This tradition dates back to the ending days of World War I when President Woodrow Wilson, aware that the returning soldiers would be longing for home cooked meals, invited 2,000 soldiers to the White House and helped his staff chefs cook them ravioli, which had just become a mainstay in mainstream American kitchens due to commercial canning.[8] In his Armistice Day address to Congress, Wilson was sensitive to the psychological toll of the lean War years: "Hunger," he remarked, "breeds madness."

McHenry County Whooping Cough Cases Increase-Vaccination Clinics Scheduled

 McHenry County’s initial pertussis outbreak has grown beyond the school yard and is now being reported in the general public, in twelve (12) communities.  McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reports 79 cases of pertussis in the following areas – Algonquin (1), Cary (35), Crystal Lake (9), Fox River Grove (5), Harvard (1), Hebron (1), Huntley/Lake in the Hills (5), Island Lake (1), Johnsburg (1), McHenry (5) and Woodstock (15). 

Ages of those affected range from 3 months to 35 years old.  The County’s last significant outbreak came in 2004 (191 cases); last year saw 9 cases, with 51 cases of pertussis in 2009.   

Another walk-in vaccination clinic has been scheduled:

Dominick’s Pharmacy for Wed. Nov. 16, 2:30 pm-7pm, at MCDH’s Crystal Lake office (100 N Virginia Street) to provide the Tdap vaccine for those 11 years and older who have not received it in the last 10 years.  The cost is $50. Medicaid is accepted for individuals aged 11-18; must present Medicaid card. The vaccine is $15 for those aged 11-18 who are uninsured or underinsured, and uninsured adults aged 19 and older who meet income requirements. 

In addition, 11-18 year olds must be accompanied by a parent; bring current vaccination record. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses the importance of a pertussis booster for those aged 11 to 64 and those 65+ who are caregivers for young children.  

High risk populations include infants-young children (birth-5 years old) who may not be fully vaccinated, children who didn’t receive a booster shot, those who are immune compromised and older adults. It is important for those under 11 years to be up-to-date on childhood vaccinations.

Pertussis is highly contagious and easily spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing.  Symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sneezing and low-grade fever can last several weeks and lead to complications like pneumonia, encephalitis or pulmonary hypertension.  

Frequent hand washing, covering the mouth, coughing into tissues and staying home when ill are important practices to limit the spread of infection.  Returning to school/work prior to completing the five (5) treatment regime could allow pertussis to spread.

For more information on pertussis, visit www.mcdh.info or call MCDH at 815-334-4510.

Words of Wisdom

"There is not a more important and fundamental principle in legislation, than that the ways and means ought always to face the public engagements; that our appropriations should ever go hand in hand with our promises. To say that the United States should be answerable for twenty-five millions of dollars without knowing whether the ways and means can be provided, and without knowing whether those who are to succeed us will think with us on the subject, would be rash and unjustifiable

." --James Madison, Speech in Congress, 1790

Government At Work Thursday

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10

8:00 a.m. – Finance and Negotiations Committee of McHenry County College Trustees,

Meeting in the Board Room of the College, 8900 US Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

A discussion is slated regarding the 2011 Tax Levy Hearing.

Other financial matters include an Internal Auditor Report from the Internal Auditor, Nancy Gonsiorek.

Other matters for consideration include:

• Future Internal Audits Schedule
• Internal Audit Office Charter
• Student Affair Reorganization Financial Implications
• Summary Comments by Board Members
• Future Agenda Items
• A closed session to accept closed session minutes of Finance and Negotiations Committee Meeting, October 20.

 8:30 a.m. --.Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee of McHenry County Board.

Old business includes an update on the Electric Aggregation and State Veto Session.

Under new business, a draft state legislative program for 2012 is to be considered.

An Opportunity To Recycle Fluorescent Tubes, Electronics, Batteries

On Saturday, November 12th, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will conduct a recycling collection for fluorescent tubes, Styrofoam™, electronics, and batteries from 9 a.m. until noon at the Metra Station parking lot, 4005 Main Street, in McHenry. They continue to collect certain items which would be harmful to the environment if put in a landfill, and which are not taken by curbside programs.

The Defenders’ Recycling Drive accepts rechargeable batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries. The Defenders also collect fluorescent tubes, clean white Styrofoam™, VHS & Cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, packing peanuts and re-usable, unpopped bubble wrap. A donation is requested for fluorescent bulbs and batteries that are brought in to offset the costs involved in processing these items. Electronics such as computers, phones, printers, and electronic toys, are accepted. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation. At the McHenry collection, the Defenders also accept and pay for aluminum cans.

In the first 9 months of 2011, the Defenders have collected and recycled approximately 11,000 pounds of electronics, 12,000 cu ft of Styrofoam, 300 fluorescent bulbs and 1000 pounds of non ferrous metals.

The Defenders hold a recycling drive on the second Saturday of each month, alternating between McHenry in odd-numbered months and Woodstock in even-numbered months.  Area residents may drive up and drop off their recyclables with Defenders’ volunteers, who help to unload and sort the materials.

For more information about the recycling schedule and the types of materials accepted at each location, or to access the Green Guide recycling directory which is put out annually by the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC, visit the Defenders’ website at http://www.mcdef.org/recycling_information.htm or phone 815-338-0393.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 41-year-old citizen-based, 501c3 not-for-profit organization, dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation.

Words of Wisdom

"If, from the more wretched parts of the old world, we look at those which are in an advanced stage of improvement, we still find the greedy hand of government thrusting itself into every corner and crevice of industry, and grasping the spoil of the multitude. Invention is continually exercised, to furnish new pretenses for revenues and taxation. It watches prosperity as its prey and permits none to escape without tribute."

--Thomas Paine

A NATIONWIDE TEST ON WEDNESAY AT 1 PM

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is reminding Illinois citizens that radio and TV stations throughout the state will be participating in a first-ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System at 1:00 p.m. CST for approximately 30 seconds on Wednesday, November 9.

“We want people to be aware of the test to avoid unnecessary concern,” said Jonathon Monken, director of the IEMA.  “The test will be similar to those we hear regularly on TV and radio, the main difference is that on Wednesday, all TV and radio stations will be conducting the test at the same time.”

The test is being coordinated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public alert and warning system that enables the President of the United States to address the American public during extreme emergencies.  Alerting authorities can leverage the state and local EAS to send alerts and warning to radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline providers.

Dennis Lyle, president and CEO of the Illinois Broadcasters Association remarked, “I'm delighted to report that Wayne Miller, Illinois EAS Chairman, has told me that all of Illinois' stations are ready to receive the test. It's important that listeners and viewers remember at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday what they're seeing on their screens and hearing on their radios is exactly what the script suggests, "this is a test… this is (really) just a test.

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9

8:30 a.m. – Natural and Environmental Resources Committee

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

The Committee is to view a presentation on real time monitoring wells

New business includes a resolution authorizing Nunc Pro Tunc a Joint Agreement with the U.S. Department of the Interior/U.S. Geological Survey for Water Resources Investigations and an Emergency Appropriation to the Fiscal Year 2011 Ground Water Resource Division Budget.

Various reports to the committee as applicable from the McHenry County Conservation District, Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, Agricultural Conservation Easement Farmland Protection Commission, Northwest Water Planning Alliance, National Polluting Discharge Elimination Systems, Watershed Updates, Stormwater Updates, Solid Waste, Green Team.

10:30 a.m.—Sheriff’s Merit Commission—

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

In addition to payment of bills, the committee is to also consider lateral applications.

Words of Wisdom

"Let the American youth never forget, that they possess a noble inheritance, bought by the toils, and sufferings, and blood of their ancestors; and capacity, if wisely improved, and faithfully guarded, of transmitting to their latest posterity all the substantial blessings of life, the peaceful enjoyment of liberty, property, religion, and independence."

--Joseph Story, Commentaries on the Constitution, 1833

Government At Work

TUESDAY, November 8 –

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

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

**A review of the County Debt is slated as the first agenda item.

**The Committee is to consider authorizing a contract with SourceHOV for scanning microfilming, and destruction of divorce Case Files,

**A resolution is to be considered authorizing entering into a contract with New Dawn Technologies, Inc. for Justware Case Management Software.

**Two Workers’ Compensation Claim Settlements are to be considered by the Committee.

**Settlement of delinquent taxes on various parcels is being presented for approval.

**Technical Assistance Grant from Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning with a cost not to exceed $80,000 is being presented for committee approval. This is for Developing a Neighborhood Subarea Plan.

**The Committee is being presented two resolutions for consideration regarding the Illinois Route 31 at Virginia Road and Klasen Road project. One is to appropriate $1,090,000 from the RTA Sales Tax Fund

A second agreement reflects work by both the Federal Highway Administration and The State for an amount of $10,400,000.

**Resolution for the County Board to support the continued operation of the Office of the State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor is being presented for approval. According to the Resolution to be presented to the County Board for approval, $30,000 is to be provided for financing the operation of the Office of the State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor. The attorneys employed in the Appellate Prosecutor capacity may also assist State’s Attorneys in the discharge of their duties in the prosecution and trial of other cases.

**A resolution is being presented for approval authorizing acceptance of a Bureau of Justice drug Court Implementation Grant in the amount of $305,727.16.

**Resolution authorizing budget line item transfers in law library fiscal year 2011 is on the agenda.

**Ordinance setting Juror Pay is being presented. The rates are: $5.00 per day for petit juries; $12.50 per day for grand juries and coroner jurors and Mileage Reimbursement Rate is set according to State Statute. The jury service pay has not been revised since 1997.

**Resolution is being presented authorizing a budget line item transfer in the Emergency Management Agency’s FY 2011 Budget, reflecting the receipt of a $37,665 EMA Grant.

**Also being presented is a Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Television/Satellite Equipment and a Budget Line Item Transfer in the Valley Hi Nursing Home FY 2011 Budget. This is the result of a request from the Valley Hi Resident Council to allow for additional program for the residents. Direct TV, the current TV provider at Valley Hi can meet the request as long as Valley Hi purchases the necessary additional equipment. The cost is not to exceed $28,000 to provide two customizable channels for facility notification and movie programming.

The new programming facility will allow for 50 channels as well as allow for two channels controlled by Valley Hi. One of these would be informational which can provide photos of recent events, upload an activity schedule as well as the daily menu, all accomplished with a computer. A second channel will allow the broadcasting of movies throughout the building and the lobby.

This change can also attract younger more complex therapy cases which are at a higher rate of reimbursement from Medicare. These are the patients who demand this type of service.

**Resolution is being presented authorizing the redemption of the 2003B Debt Certificates (Valley Hi Nursing Home Facility in January of 2012

**A Resolution Authorizing Nunc Pro Tunc a Joint Agreement with the U.S. Department of the Interior/US Geological Survey for Water Resources Investigations and an Emergency Appropriation to the Fiscal Year 2011 Ground Water Resource Division Budget is to be considered by the committee.

**Also a Resolution Identifying Work Contracts to Installment Purchase Agreements

11:00 a.m.—Liquor and License Commission –

Meeting in the Conference Room of the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock

Under New Liquor License, Manager and/o Amusement License requests, River’s Edge Pub, Ltd is appearing with a request.

A number of raffle permits and Special Liquor License Requests are being presented. Included are those from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, County Quilters of McHenry County, Nunda Township Republican Central Committee, Family Alliance, Inc., Pioneer Center for Human Services.

The agenda also provides for incident reports and an update on Sting Operations as well as a discussion on Potential Winery Classifications.

7:00 p.m.—Lakewood Village Board—

Meeting in RedTail Golf Club, 7900 RedTail Drive, Lakewood.—

In addition to the request for approval of minutes from prior meetings, approval of bill lists, the Board is to consider approval of an ordinance amending a section of the Municipal Code regarding Fire Safety Issues and Fees.

Also approval is being requested of a Sponsored Research Agreement with the University of Illinois for a Fixed Price of $3,000.

Approval is requested for the following:

**Appointment of Randy Kruse to the Architectural Review Committee;

**A request to approve 2011 Arbor Day Proclamation

**A request from Kurt and Annette Johnson for an Extension of a Variance of an

**Inground Swimming Pool at 7101 Marsh Drive.

Some items for discussion include:

**Lake Savers Presentation Regarding Turnberry Lakes;

**A Motion to approve a Resolution Stating the Estimated Tax Levy for 2011;

**A Motion to approve a resolution authorizing an interfund loan from the Impact Fee Fund to Special Service Area SSA #1 in the Village.

**Approval of an amendment to the Ordinance 2011-(26) An Ordinance Approving Budget Amendment No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2-112-2012’

**Motion to Approve Ordinance 2011-25 providing for the Submission to the Electors of the Village of Lakewood, the question whether the village should have the authority Under Public act 096-0176 to arrange for the Supply of electricity for its Residential and Small Commercial Retail Customers Who Have Not Opted Out of Such a Program.

New Second Tuesday Tax Series Begins at MCC Tomorrow

McHenry County College (MCC) is offering a three-session continuing education series to prepare tax professionals for the recent federal tax changes. The first session features the IRS Fresh Start Program from 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, followed by sessions on Dec. 13 and Jan. 10, 2012. Each session will feature current topics presented by an IRS employee.

According to Ann Esarco, MCC tax instructor, the federal tax changes are in response to the economy in an effort to help individuals and small businesses stay current on their taxes without adding financial burden.

“The IRS is taking a step back and will start rewarding installment collections that are made on a regular basis by removing liens on property,” Esarco said.  “IRS officials want taxpayers to get back on their feet without undue harm,” she said. “This is unprecedented to have a procedure for simple lien removal while installment payments are in process,” Esarco said.

For example, a business person who has tax liens removed will improve his or her chances to obtain additional credit lines from suppliers and business loans, Esarco added.

The following sessions are accepting registration:
IRS Fresh Start Program, 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8 in Room B168.  Register using course ID: USB U51 001. An overview of new policies and programs will be featured. The new policies and programs include: significantly increasing the dollar threshold when liens are generally issued, resulting in fewer tax liens; easy-to-obtain lien withdrawals after paying a tax bill, withdrawing liens in most cases where someone enters into a Direct Debit Installment Agreement, easier access to installment agreements for more struggling small businesses, and expanding a streamlined offer-in-compromise program to cover more taxpayers.

"We are making fundamental changes to our lien system and other collection tools that will help taxpayers and give them a fresh start," IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said in a recently issued IRS news release. "These steps are good for people facing tough times, and they reflect a responsible approach for the tax system."

PTIN’s for Everyone is the topic of the second session from 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13 in Room B166. Register using course ID: USB U50 001.  Features Background Checks, Testing, and Preparers’ Tax ID Number (PTIN) Renewal.  PTINs that were obtained for the 2011 filing season will expire on December 31 and preparers must renew their PTIN before Jan. 1, 2012. Some preparers will have additional requirements in the future. Supervised preparers and non-1040 preparers will need to renew their PTIN annually and submit fingerprints for a background check.

Tax Law Updates is the featured topic from 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012. The presentation will cover the numerous tax law changes that will impact the filing of the 2011 returns.

Cost is $15 per session and includes a light dinner. Attendees will receive one hour of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit per session. More educational opportunities are planned to begin after tax season.

To register, call the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588. For more information, call the MCC Continuing and Professional Education Department at (815) 479-7879.

Report From 8th District Congressman Joe Walsh

Week October 31, 2011

Last week in Washington, I along with other members of the Republican Study Committee launched the 'Jobs Through Growth Act,' which sets forth an across-the-board plan for economic growth and job creation.

This act simplifies tax codes and offers regulation and energy reforms which will free up the economy and help American job creators to create jobs and put Americans back to work. This act also includes language from my bill to index the capital gains tax to inflation (H.R. 2945) which will offer tax relief to American families and small businesses.

The 'Jobs Through Growth Act' gets government out of the way and let's American businesses grow. That will create jobs, not more useless stimulus spending from the President.

As Chairman of the Small Business Committee Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access, I held a hearing last week to examine the need for individual tax reform for small businesses.

heard testimony from four witnesses, two who were from Illinois' 8th Congressional district: William R. Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Termax Corporation in Lake Zurich, IL, testified on behalf of the Precision Metalforming Association and Stephen Capp, President and CEO of Laserage Technology Corporation in Waukegan, IL, testified on behalf of the National Federation of Independent Business.

Lower taxes and consistent tax policy is what small business owners need in order to thrive and create jobs. If we want to see this growth take place, we must take actions such as reforming tax codes and lifting burdensome regulations.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Town Hall Meeting
Saturday, November 19  -- 3:30pm-4:30pm
Warren Township Building
17801 W. Washington Street
Gurnee, IL

Town Hall Meeting
Tuesday, November 22 11:30am-1pm
Dock's
313 East Liberty St.
Wauconda, IL

Town Hall Meeting
Saturday, November 26 3:00pm-4:30pm
Woodstock VFW Post 5040
240 N. Throop Street
Woodstock, IL

Huntley Area Residents Welcome Honor Flight Passengers

About 20 Huntley Residents traveled to Midway Airport to meet the Honor Flight when it arrived late in the night last week. Al Jordi of the Huntley area was on that flight. He entered the army in January 1945, just after high school graduation

About 2,000 people greeted the honor flight passengers as they found their way to the baggage claim area of the airport.  From bag pipe bands to every branch of the military, the hallways were filled with cheering, tearful family and friends of those who were able to participate in this flight. 

The veterans were between the ages of 82 to 99 years old.  Many of them were in wheelchairs, but still were able to enjoy handshakes and congratulations from the large crowd.  Grafton Township provided transportation for a few residents, with the expenses being covered by generous donations.

Honor flight is a one day flight to Washington DC for veterans to view the World War II memorial dedicated to the men and women of the Greatest Generation. 

Meet Democratic Candidates For 10th Congressional District

The Northeast Illinois Chapter of Progressive Democrats of America is hosting a Congressional Forum for all Democratic candidates running in the primary election (March 20, 2012) for the Illinois 10th United States Congressional District seat.  

This will be one of the most watched races in the country during the 2012 election as current Congressman, Robert Dold, a Tea Party Republican, is considered one of the weakest Republican candidates in office, and thus, could result in a potential upset for the Republican Party.
 

All primary candidates will be given time to present some brief statements on their positions with a focus on jobs and the economy , corporate personhood, healthcare, the United States’ wars and occupations, holding elected officials accountable, environmental issues, and how to ensure clean, fair, and transparent elections.

 Once the candidates have presented their positions, we will open the floor to the public so that they may ask questions of the candidates.

Due to redistricting, YOUR district may have changed.  Many areas will be experiencing changes in terms of which district they will fall into for the upcoming 2012 election.  For example, while you may be presently served in the 8th District by Congressman Walsh, you could be voting in the 10th District in the 2012 election for who will represent you in the upcoming cycle. 

The newly added areas of Illinois’ 10th Congressional District include Mundelein, Grayslake, Gages Lake, Wildwood, Third Lake, Venetian Village, parts of Gurnee, Long Lake, Fox Lake, Ingleside, parts of Lakemoor and Volo, Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Heights, Round Lake Park, and Hainesville.

We invite everyone to come and participate in this forum.  This is an opportunity for all to participate in your government, elections, and our nation’s democratic process.  Come and find out more. :

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

7:00 – 9:00 pm

The Byron Colby Barn

Prairie Crossing

1561 Jones Point Road

Grayslake, Illinois

This is your opportunity to meet the candidates and ask them questions

Words of Wisdom

 "If Congress can do whatever in their discretion can be done by money, and will promote the General Welfare, the Government is no longer a limited one, possessing enumerated powers, but an indefinite one, subject to particular exceptions."

 --James Madison

Monday Government Meetings

8:15 a.m. – Law and Justice Committee of McHenry County Board –

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

Appointment of Andrew Zinke to the Emergency Telephone System Board.

The Committee and subsequently the County Board is being requested to support the continued operation of the Office of the State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor to administer the operation of the appellate offices and process said appellate court cases for McHenry County.

The County Board is also being requested to approve appropriating $30,000 to provide a portion of the funds required for financing the operation of the office.

Authorizing A Contract For Preparing Divorce Case Files Held By the Circuit Clerk’s Office

This involves a large volume of older court files that are not eligible for destruction due to Illinois Supreme Court requirement that specific case types must be microfilmed before destruction.

The committee is requested to approve a contract for a cost not to exceed $72,581 with SourceHOV for scanning, microfilming and destruction of 1979 through 1989 divorce case files.

Acceptance of a Bureau of Justice Drug Court Implementation Grant

A couple items authorizing budget line item transfers are being presented and include the acceptance of $305,717.16 Bureau of Justice Drug Court Implementation Grant. These funds are dedicated to the drug court program for salaries which would have been paid by McHenry County as well as for drug testing supplies, technology and educational material.

The Committee is also to consider a recommendation to the County Board regarding Juror Pay and mileage reimbursement rate. A juror is to be paid, if chosen to serve as a petit juror at the rate of $5 per day. If a person is chosen to serve on a jury, the pay rate to be paid is $12.50 per day until the completion of the trial. This applies for petit jurors, grand jurors and coroner jurors

Emergency Services Management Association Grant

The Emergency Management Services is receiving an Illinois Emergency Service Management Association EOC Technology Grant of $37,665. This grant reimburses the County for funds expended for the purchase of technology equipment for the Emergency Operations Room in the EMA Department.

6:30 p.m. — McHenry County College Board Evaluation and Policies Committee –

Meeting in the Board Room of the College, 8900 US Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

The Committee is to consider the Board Self-Evaluation as a beginning followed by a discussion of Faculty Parental Leave, a Board Policy regarding Sick Days for Retirement Option; Board Policy regarding Student Harassment Discrimination and a discussion on Section 1 of Board Policy Manual.

The Internal Policy Committee is also to provide an update.