Libertarian View On National Defense Authorization Act of 2012

Libertarian Party Chair Mark Hinkle has released the following statement regarding the indefinite detention provisions of Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012.

"The Obama administration has already claimed that the president has the authority to kill Americans overseas, if he believes they are terrorists.

"Now, in the latest National Defense Authorization Act, Congress is trying to give the president power to imprison Americans indefinitely, without charges or respect for habeas corpus, if he claims they are terrorists.

"Democrats and Republicans in the Senate have already joined hands to pass the bill.

"This contempt for our rights is outrageous. Any member of Congress who supports that provision is grossly violating his or her oath to uphold the Constitution.

"If the president thinks you are a terrorist, let him present charges and evidence to a judge. He has no authority to lock you up without any judicial review, just because he and Congress believe he should have unlimited power.

"That is the kind of power held by tyrants in totalitarian regimes. It has no place in the United States.

"The Libertarian Party opposes terrorism. We also believe our government should stop taking actions that provoke terrorism. We want to end military involvement in Iraq, Afghanistan, and many other countries, and we want to repeal the Patriot Act."

The LP is America's third-largest political party, founded in 1971. The Libertarian Party stands for free markets, civil liberties, and peace. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party

at our website.

Words of Wisdom

"No government, any more than an individual, will long be respected without being truly respectable; nor be truly respectable, without possessing a certain portion of order and stability."

 --James Madison

Manzullo To Join Colleagues In Chicago Monday For Hearing On Credit Crunch

Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) will participate Monday morning in a field hearing of the House Financial Services Committee in Chicago to examine the limitations new federal regulations are placing on Illinois financial institutions’ ability to loan money to credit-worthy borrowers, hampering America’s economic recovery. 

 

The hearing, entitled “Regulatory Reform: Examining How New Regulations are Impacting Financial Institutions, Small Businesses and Consumers in Illinois,” will begin at 9 a.m. CT Monday, December 5, in Room 2525 of the Dirksen Federal Building, 219 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.

Manzullo will join his Illinois colleagues on the House Financial Services Committee, U.S. Reps. Judy Biggert (R-Hinsdale) and Bob Dold (R-Kenilworth), as well as several other Members of Congress at the hearing.

 The following witnesses will testify during the hearing:

• Greg Ohlendorf, President and Chief Executive Officer, First Community Bank and Trust on behalf of the Independent Community Bankers of America
• William Bates, Jr., Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Seaway Bank and Trust Company on behalf of the National Bankers Association
• James Roolf, Chairman, Illinois Bankers Association
• James Renn, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lisle Savings Bank on behalf of the Illinois League of Financial Institutions
• John Schmitt, President and Chief Executive Officer, Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce
• Dory Rand, President, Woodstock Institute
• Bob Palmer, Policy Director, Housing Action Illinois 

Green Wednesday Coming

In McHenry County, the first Wednesday of each month is Green Wednesday. The public is invited to Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N Main Street in Crystal Lake for Green Drinks on December 7^th from 5:00-7:00 pm.

Rick Latella from the World Trade Center Illinois office will speak about opportunities for green businesses. He will touch on who World Trade Illinois is, what resources are available, and how can you take advantage of these resources to grow your green business globally.

Preset drink menu includes fun, food and friends, info and inspiration, business and pleasure. Come talk about “greening” the future with others. Must be 21 to purchase alcohol - non-alcoholic drinks are available, of course.

You are welcome to bring information about your green products and services to share at the information table.

Additional parking is available at the train station.

1. To be added to their email list, send a note to: GreenDrinks@mcdefenders.net or “like” them on FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/GreenDrinksMcHenryCounty

If you’d like more information about this topic, contact the Environmental Defenders office at 815-338-0393 or e-mail mcdef@owc.net.

Words of Wisdom

A constitution founded on these principles introduces knowledge among the people, and inspires them with a conscious dignity becoming freemen; a general emulation takes place, which causes good humor, sociability, good manners, and good morals to be general. That elevation of sentiment inspired by such a government, makes the common people brave and enterprising. That ambition which is inspired by it makes them sober, industrious, and frugal."

--John Adams, Thoughts on Government, 1776

Drug Court Program Gets Underway In 22nd Judicial Circuit

After nearly two years of planning, the Twenty Second Judicial Circuit Drug Court Program is beginning as of today--Thursday, December 1st.  Associate Judge Michael W. Feetterer has been selected to preside over the drug court call.

Funding From Bureau of Justice Assistance

Earlier this year it was announced that the Twenty Second Judicial Circuit Drug Court Program would be receiving funding from the United States Bureau of Justice Assistance FY 11 Adult Drug Court Discretionary: Implementation Grant Program in the amount of $305,717.00 to fund the program for a period of three years. 

The grant was awarded by competitive process to jurisdictions which have completed a substantial amount of planning and are ready to implement an evidence-based adult drug court program. 

What Is A Drug Court Program?

A drug court program is a highly specialized, multifaceted collaborative effort, overseen by the court to divert individuals who commit crime and are addicted to drugs or alcohol, from the traditional criminal justice system. 

These individuals will be identified early, screened and upon acceptance placed into an intensely supervised and highly structured program.  The program will target individuals who have a high risk of committing new offenses and a high need for treatment and other services to address the participant’s individual issues.  Participants referred to the program must be involved in the program within 60 days of their first appearance with counsel or they will not be considered.

Purpose of Drug Court Program

Drug courts programs are specifically designed to achieve a reduction in recidivism and substance abuse among nonviolent substance abusing offenders and to increase the offender’s likelihood of successful rehabilitation through early, continuous and intense judicially supervised treatment, mandatory random drug testing, community supervision and use of appropriate sanctions and other rehabilitation services.

Who Makes Referrals To Program?

Referrals for Drug Court are expected to come from probation officers, public defenders, private attorneys and police officers. Defendants being assessed for the program must meet program eligibility criteria including; McHenry County residency, age of 17 years or older at the time of the offense, a current felony  offense and alcohol/drug dependence as well as statutory eligibility outlined in 730 ILCS 166/20.

DUI Charges Not Accepted

DUI charges will not be accepted into the Drug Court Program. If general eligibility requirements are met, defendants will undergo evaluations to determine their level of criminogenic risk/needs and substance use.

Congressman Manzullo Votes For Better Protection For Small Businesses

Congressman Don Manzullo (R-IL) voted today for legislation to beef up the federal Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) so it can better protect small businesses from burdensome federal regulations. The House passed the bill 263-159. Manzullo authored similar legislation in 2005 when he was Chairman of the House Small Business Committee. 

The RFA, enacted in 1980, requires federal agencies to assess the impact of proposed regulations on small businesses before implementing them. A key component requires the agencies to examine alternatives that can lessen the burdens on small businesses, who spend 36 percent more than their larger counterparts to comply with federal regulations.  The RFA contains too many loopholes to be effective, however.

The Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2011 (H.R. 527) requires federal agencies to complete a more detailed economic impact analysis, including examining the indirect costs, on small business before enacting new regulations. In addition, the bill gives more enforcement authority to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, the watchdog for small businesses within the federal government, primarily by giving Advocacy’s Chief Counsel the ability to write one set of binding rules on how agencies should properly interpret the RFA.

“America’s small employers face a heavy regulatory burden that harms their bottom line and makes it much more difficult for them to compete. This legislation simply requires federal agencies to take a closer look at proposed regulations to make sure they are not burdening small employers,” Manzullo said. “When I was Chairman of the Small Business Committee, I saw numerous examples of agencies using loopholes to avoid adhering to the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We should be doing everything we can to provide a more favorable economic climate for our small employers, who create the majority of all net new jobs each year.”

Click here to view Manzullo’s floor remarks on the legislation.

Information For Friday

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2 –

NOTICE

The Crystal Lake Public Library will be closed from 9:00 a.m. until noon Friday morning for staff training.

Government At Work

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

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

Several resolutions are being presented to the committee for approval including:

• Acceptance of a $7,755 Grant Funding from Illinois Department of Transportation to conduct a Child Passenger Seat Education/Distribution Program for FY12.
• Authorizing a Multiple Year Contract with RehabCare to provide rehabilitation services to Valley Hi Nursing Home residents. This is a change from the current providers.
• Authorizing a multi-year contract with Uvanta Pharmacy to provide pharmacy services to Valley Hi Nursing Home residents. This was recommended by the Valley Hi Operating Board.  

Professional Truck Driving Class December 5 At MCC

McHenry County College will be offering a one-day National Safety Council DDC-Professional Driver class for truckers, hotel, van, limo, taxi, corporate, and service drivers from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m on Dec. 5 at the college, located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

This program is a classroom study of driver safety for the seasoned driver and is not an actual driving course. The NSC program is well recognized for its excellent material and well rounded advice for professional drivers.  This class not only provides safe drivers with useful ideas, it allows an opportunity for companies to save money, keep costs down, and keep downtime at a minimum.

Drivers who have taken the course said it makes them aware of  the laws, and how fatigue, stress, and emotions affect route, service and everyday driving. The instructor Bob Gagnon has been recognized by the National Safety Council as Instructor of the Year.

Cost is $150. A certificate of completion is included.  Bring a lunch or refreshments are available for purchase.  The classroom location will be given when students register.

For more information or for a company sponsored form, contact Ruth Kormanak at (815) 479-7879 or rkormanak@mchenry.edu. To register call (815) 455-8588 and use course ID: QDD S01-004.

Purpose Of Red Lights

No one likes getting traffic tickets. But a new research report recently released by Illinois Public Interest Research Group (Illinois PIRG) may make you dislike them even more.

The report, “Caution: Red Light Cameras Ahead; The Risks of Privatizing Traffic Law Enforcement and How to Protect the Public”, outlines problems with the growing trend among cities to outsource traffic enforcement to private red-light and speed camera vendors. The report finds that approximately half of states, including Illinois, have enabled the use of automated traffic law enforcement.

“Our report found that too many cities wrongly sign away power to ensure the safety of citizens on the roads when they privatize traffic law enforcement. Nationally, automated traffic ticketing tends to be governed by contracts that focus more on profits than safety.” said Celeste Meiffren, Field Director of Illinois PIRG. “That shouldn’t happen.”

Across the country, municipalities contract with private companies to provide cameras and issue citations to traffic violators. In Illinois, there are at least 84 jurisdictions that industry documents list as contracting for automated traffic law enforcement, third only to California and Florida.

The City of Chicago holds the largest automated traffic law enforcement system contract in the country with Redflex Traffic Systems, for a total of 380 red-light cameras. And lawmakers in Springfield are considering a bill right now that would expand automated traffic enforcement in Chicago by authorizing the use of automated speed enforcement systems, in addition to the red-light cameras.

“The good news is that Illinois and the City of Chicago have done a decent job of implementing protections for the public in these contracts,” said Meiffren. “But with this new bill to expand the scope of automated traffic enforcement in Chicago, we want to make sure that they don’t fall into the same traps that we’ve seen in other places across the country.”

For example, from 2006-2011 Redflex Traffic Systems employed over 100 lobbyists working to secure these contracts in 18 different states, including Illinois. In some parts of the country, this lobbying has led to contracts that are driven by profits and include ticket quotas, which undermine the local officials’ authority and puts revenue collection ahead of public safety.

“It is hard to imagine meter readers lobbying for an increase in the number of parking meters in town, or traffic cops arguing for more stop signs, solely on the basis that doing so would enable them to write more tickets,” said Meiffren. “Yet, that is precisely the dynamic that exists with the privatized traffic enforcement industry.”

“The industry’s business model depends on more governments adopting their technology and enforcing traffic laws in ways that boost the industry’s bottom line. In other words, when there is profit to be made from issuing traffic tickets, there becomes a lobby for creating more violations,” continued Meiffren.

In order to ensure that the public interest is protected, Illinois PIRG recommends that all deals between local governments and vendors should:

1. Put public safety first in decisions regarding enforcement of traffic laws – this includes evaluating privatized law enforcement camera systems against alternative options without regard to potential revenues.

2. Ensure that contract language is free from potential conflicts of interest.

3. Avoid direct or indirect incentives for vendors that are based on the volume of tickets or fines.

4. Retain public control over traffic policy and engineering decisions, including cancelling contracts if the public is dissatisfied.

5. Ensure that the process of contracting with vendors is completely open, with ample opportunity for public participation and each ticket listing where to find online data about automated ticketing for each intersection.

“We are lucky that Illinois hasn’t yet seen the controversy and lawsuits over red-light cameras found in states like Missouri and Texas. But looking at the growth of this industry around the country, we want to learn from problems elsewhere to prevent them in Illinois,” said Meiffren.

Words of Wisdom

"There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations."

 --James Madison

Christmas Season Begins Thursday Night At Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center For The Arts invites you to celebrate the holiday season at the theatre. They are pleased to offer an entire month filled with festive programming. Kicking off December 1, Williams Street Rep debuts their take on David Sedaris’ Santaland Diaries. The rest of December includes classics the entire family can enjoy like Lakeside Singers’ Christmas Concert, Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops Concert, Voices In Harmony’s Sing-Along Messiah and The Nutcracker Ballet!  For a complete program line-up, details and tickets, visit www.rauecenter.org.

Santaland Diaries Opening December 1 at 8:00 pm

The story of Crumpet an average Joe who takes a job as a department store elf to make ends meet. Through his desperation and insanity he battles crazy parents and fake yellow snow, all the while providing hilarious commentary on his ridiculous experiences.  The show opens December 1 at 8:00 pm and runs through December 3. Times vary. Tickets are $28 and seating is general admission, but hurry – only 140 tickets are available per show!

Lakeside Singers’ Christmas Concert December 4 at 3:00 pm

Lakeside Singers’ Christmas Concert entitled “I Heard the Bells” features 25 spectacular voices in one jolly, and joyous, holiday performance! The program includes music from Argentina, Israel, Italy, France and America, as well as arrangements of songs made famous by “Glee,” Straight No Chaser, Faith Hill and Kristin Chenoweth. This group of Chicago-area professionals celebrate music from Renaissance to rock. Tickets are $35, $32, $29.  Exclusively sponsored by McHenry County Living.

Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra December 9 at 8:00 pm

Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra provides quality orchestral music through festive combinations of contemporary and classic holiday music! This show is a great event for the entire family. Tickets are $46, $43, $40. Exclusively sponsored by Home State Bank.

Voices In Harmony: Sing-Along Messiah December 11 at 4:00 pm

The community and choir join their voices in harmony with Handel’s great masterwork. It is presented with a 25-piece orchestra, excellent soloist and projections of beautiful calligraphy. Sing-along to this holiday classic with Voices In Harmony. Tickets to this all-ages show are $18 and seating is general admission.

The Nutcracker Ballet December 17 at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm and December 18 at 3:00 pm

Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music, emotional dancing and lavish costumes... Experience the magic of dancing sugar plums all weekend long! Join Clara on her daring adventure with the Nutcracker Prince through The Land of Snow and The Land of Sweets. March along with the toy soldiers, bravely battle the Mouse King and embrace the beauty of the dancing snow flakes. Raue Center is proud to partner with Berkshire Ballet Theatre once again. Tickets are $25, $22, $19. Sponsored by Centegra Health System, Georgio’s Chicago Pizzeria and Pub and Northwest Herald

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 10 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has 

Government At Work

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1

8:30 a.m. – Planning and Development Committee—

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

A resolution is being presented for consideration for the adoption of an amendment to the Bylaws of the McHenry County Community Development Block Grant Commission.

Two resolutions are being presented the committee for consideration. One is authorizing a contract for Stormwater Engineering Services with Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc., Vernon Hills for the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget.

The second resolution is the adoption of the HOME Investment Partnerships Program Community Housing Development Organization Reserve Funding Recommendation and Administration Allocation and Amendment of the Action Plan for the 2011 Program Year.

3:00 p.m.-McHenry County Public Buildings Commission—

Meeting in Room 210, McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Reappointment of a Commissioner for a new term requires the administration of the oath of office and the signature of same.

Reports to the Commission include Project manager’s Report, Treasurer’s monthly report, determination of bills for payment and authorization for payment.

Other matters may be considered such as old business or any new business before adjournment.

5:00 p.m.—Community High School District 155 Board

Meeting in Center for Education One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake.

The board will move into executive session for “Appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, resignation, or dismissal of employee.

Manzullo Supports Bill To Free Korean War Captives

WASHINGTON]  – The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia & the Pacific today unanimously approved a resolution calling for the release of American and South Korean prisoners of war (POW) and civilian abductees still in North Korea decades after the Korean War, Chairman Don Manzullo (R-IL) announced.

The resolution, H. Res. 376, recognizes there are American and South Korean POWs and civilian abductees from the Korean War who are still alive in North Korea and want to be repatriated. The U.S. Defense Prisoner of War and Missing Personnel Office classifies more than 8,000 U.S. service members as either prisoners of war or missing in action from the Korean War. In addition, more than 170,000 South Korean civilians and military personnel are also unaccounted for in North Korea.

The legislation:

• calls on North Korea to release the POWs and civilian abductees.
• urges the U.S. government to resume search and recovery operations in North Korea for the remains of American POWs.
• recommends that the United States and South Korea jointly investigate reports of sightings of American POWs/MIAs (missing in action).
• calls on North Korea to admit to the abduction of more than 100,000 South Korean civilians and reveal their status, and agree to family reunions and repatriation of the abductees.

 “House Resolution 376 recognizes the plight of the American and South Korean prisoners of war and civilian abductees still alive in North Korea.  It calls on both the U.S. and South Korean governments to thoroughly investigate any sightings of POWs and civilian abductees. 

The resolution also calls on North Korea to admit the kidnapping of over 100,000 people during the war, and to repatriate remaining POWs and civilian abductees as required by the Geneva Convention,” Manzullo said. “Families still do not have the closure they deserve after so many years, and it is time North Korea told the truth about their whereabouts.”  

Pottery Sale By McHenry County College Students

McHenry County College ceramics students will host a Student Pottery Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6 in the commons area in Building B at the college, 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ryan Long Memorial Scholarship Award fund. The fund was established in 1994 for art students in memory of Ryan Long who was 12 when he died in 1993. His mother, Joann Long, a ceramic artist, established the award in his name as he was interested in ceramics.

“The sale features one-of-a-kind ceramic art that makes great Christmas gifts, teacher appreciation gifts or unique gifts for your loved ones,” said Trish Vollkommer, MCC ceramics student.

The event is free and is open to the public

Online Garage Sale By McHenry County Conservation District

McHenry County Conservation District is conducting an auction of surplus vehicles and various equipment through an online auction service now through Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m.

Highlights of the auction include:

• 2000 Chrysler Grand Voyager;
• 1996 Polaris Indy GT wide track snowmobile;
• 35 gal water tank; (4)
• Goodyear Dyna Torque II 16.9-28 tires & wheels;
• 500 gal gas tanks & pumps;
• Animal cages;
• Backpack sprayers; Bicycles;
• Bostitch saddle stapler;
•  Buffing pads;
• Cameras;
• Canoe;
• Electrical junction boxes;
• Emergency eye wash station;
• Floating raft;
• Kayaks;
• Lamp posts;
• Laserjet printers;
• Panasonic copier;
• Track lighting;
• Traffic counters;
• Weed trimmers;
•  Well tank
• Misc Items

 Interested persons can view and place a bid at.

From time to time the Conservation District will make use of auction services to recoup some money from surplus equipment that can range anywhere from vehicles and tractors to chain saws and audio-visual equipment.  This is the fifth such auction the Conservation District has offered.  For more information contact Glen Von Bergen, special projects coordinator at 815.338.6223.

Words of Wisdom

"[T]he present Constitution is the standard to which we are to cling. Under its banners, bona fide must we combat our political foes -- rejecting all changes but through the channel itself provides for amendments."

 --Alexander Hamilton, letter to James Bayard, 1802

Two LITH Women Sentenced For Involuntary Servitude Of A Minor

Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney,  announces that Kari Knox, 38, of Lake in the Hills and Antwanette Atkins, 44, of Lake in the Hills were each sentenced today to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the  class  X felony offense of Involuntary Servitude of a Minor following an August 2011 jury trial.

The evidence at trial revealed that on December 31, 2009, Kari Knox and Antwanette Atkins actively participated in arranging for a 14 year old girl from Kansas to engage in prostitution. Knox photographed the minor in various poses and then uploaded the photographs to the internet.

Knox also provided clothing for the victim to wear and drove the victim to two separate suburban locations where the minor engaged in sexual acts.  Atkins posed with the minor in some of the photos, talked with the minor about how to detect if the men were police officers, told her how to interact with the men, and took phone calls to obtain addresses for the males responding to the internet posting.

This case was investigated by the Lake in the Hills Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant  State’s Attorney Sharyl Eisenstein.

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30

5:00 p.m. – High School District 155 Board—Meeting in Center For Education, One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake. The meeting is an executive session regarding the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, resignation, or dismissal of employee.

7:00 p.m. – Finance Committee of Crystal Lake Public Library Board of Trustees—

Meeting in the Library Directors Office of the Library, 126 Paddock Street, Crystal Lake.

7:00 p.m. – Valley Hi Operating Board – Meeting in the Valley Hi Nursing Home, 2406 Hartland Road, Woodstock.

The agenda calls for a number of matters related to services for the residents regarding contracts for therapy services and pharmacy services.

Drug testing is another topic on the agenda as well as the Administrators Annual Review, County Employee Merit Increases, and the IDPH Survey of November 15, 2011.

Under old business, the Board may consider Medical Director Search, Customer Service Program, and Involuntary Discharge Proceedings. Also various reports to the Committee will be provided as applicable.

EPA Proposes More Rules

Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) today said a proposed EPA rule to classify livestock manure as hazardous waste would heap new, costly regulations on Illinois farmers, making them less competitive and opening them to huge lawsuits.

Manzullo, who raised beef cattle on his Ogle County farm for 30 years, is cosponsoring the Superfund Common Sense Act (HR 2997) to prevent the EPA from adding livestock manure to the list of substances regulated by the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation  and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA or Superfund Law). CERCLA was enacted by Congress in 1980 in response to the Love Canal environmental disaster as a way to ensure responsible parties pay for hazardous waste cleanup sites.

Prior to running for Congress, Manzullo was an attorney who represented farmers in their run-ins with the EPA and other agencies. Manzullo pointed out that the EPA already has strict procedures in place for regulating waste from large agricultural operations to protect streams and underground wells from run-off. In fact, Manzullo worked with the Illinois EPA, U.S. EPA, and Illinois Dept. of Agriculture this past year to clarify existing waste run-off regulations for northwest Illinois farmers, who were receiving conflicting information from the state and federal EPA on their responsibilities under the run-off regulations.

“It’s ridiculous to think our family farms are as dangerous as toxic waste sites, and it’s outrageous to regulate them the same way,” Manzullo said. “The EPA already stringently regulates waste runoff from livestock operations and there is absolutely no need to tighten the regulatory screws any further. Classifying livestock manure as hazardous waste under CERCLA would open our family farms up to huge legal liabilities and make them less productive and competitive. This is the last thing we should be doing when we are trying to help put Americans back to work.”

Creative Learning

Learn fun ways to express yourself with unique classes offered by McHenry County College’s Continuing Education Department. The Continuing Education Department strives to provide captivating programming for community members of all ages and interests.

The following classes are available:

Writing an E-Book

Learn the steps to writing an E-Book. E-Books are fast becoming an alternative to paper books and thousands are downloaded every day and allow a quick and simple way to distribute books. It is easier and more cost effective for authors to publish their titles which may not be accepted by a traditional publisher. This online market will see a huge growth over the next few years and provide a publishing option people may consider. Class takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 in Room A115 and costs $59.  Use course ID: NWT S44 012 to register.

Discover Silk Painting

Explore the art of silk painting through demonstration and hands-on experience in this two-day workshop.  Students will learn both watercolor and serti techniques, and will paint the student’s choice of two silk scarves or two pieces of silk art in class. Students will also receive a handout and demo on several ways to tie a scarf.  All materials provided; it is recommended to bring a notebook and pencil to sketch out ideas or take notes. This class meets from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 and 10 in Room D154. Cost is $65.  Use course ID: NFA S64 012 to register.

All Tied Up (Working with Structure)

European design is all about structure and space. Students will work on creating structures to support European-inspired designs.  Each participant will make two European designs to take home: armature hand tied and bamboo structures.  Class fee includes all products to complete each project. Students should bring to class floral pruners and/or a floral knife and scissors.  Class takes place from 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6 in Room D158. Cost is $65.  Use course ID: NFL S81 012 to register.

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.

Auditions Coming Up For "The Wedding Singer" At MCC

The Black Box Theatre at McHenry County College announces auditions for “The Wedding Singer,” with original music by Mathew Skylar and Lyrics by Chad Beguelin and book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy.

Auditions will be from 6-9 p.m. on Dec. 5 and 6 with callbacks from 6-10 p.m. on Dec. 8, all at the Black Box Theatre, Room D167.

No appointment is necessary. Actors are asked to prepare a 2-3 minute 1980’s rock and roll song or any upbeat song. Please bring the background music or a CD. An accompanist will be provided. Actors will also be asked to dance and perform cold readings from the script so please dress to move. There are featured roles for four men and four women with as many as 10 additional ensemble roles.

One of the roles is for a grandmother. No experience is necessary.  Actors of all cultures and ethnicities are encouraged to audition. “The Wedding Singer” will be directed by Jay Geller, with musical direction by Paige Lush and choreography by Maggie McCord.

Rehearsals will begin on Jan. 10, 2012 and will be held on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Performances will be held on March 8 through 14 and 22 through 24. All performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. with the exception of the March 14 matinee, which will begin at 2 p.m. Scripts will be on reserve in the MCC library beginning Nov. 21. 

 For more information, call Jay Geller at (815) 455-8746 or jgeller@mchenry.edu.

Words of Wisdom

"On every unauthoritative exercise of power by the legislature must the people rise in rebellion or their silence be construed into a surrender of that power to them? If so, how many rebellions should we have had already?"

--Thomas Jefferson, Notes on Virginia, Query 12, 1782

State Filings For Offices Involving McHenry County

State Filings

Filed 11-28-2011

2^nd Appellate Court - O’Malley Vacancy

Joe Birckett - R

Wheaton

64^th Representative

Barbara Wheeler - R

Crystal Lake

52^nd Representative

Seat formerly held by Mark Beaubien (deceased)

Kent Gaffney – R

Lake Barrington

(appointed to fill the vacancy)

David McSweeney - R

Barrington Hills

Five File Nominating Petitions For Six McHenry County Offices

Six McHenry County Office holders are to be elected in the March 20 Primary. Five candidates have filed for Republican nomination for the following offices:

Auditor, Pamela K. Palmer, Union, Incumbent

Circuit Clerk, Katherine M. Keefe, Woodstock, incumbent

Coroner, Anne L. Majewski, Algonquin,

Recorder, Phyllis K. Walters, Algonquin, incumbent

States Attorney, Louis A. Bianchi, Crystal Lake, incumbent.

The Regional Superintendent of Schools office is presently vacant. So far there has not been a filing listed.

Filing of nominating papers is open until December 5.

First Day of Filing For 2012 Primary Election

The following persons filed today for McHenry County Board seats for the March 20 Republican Primary Election. (I-indicates an Incumbent)

District 1

Comprised of the following precincts:

ALGONQUIN  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, plus GRAFTON 14, 17, 18, 28, and 30.

Yvonne M. Barnes – Cary

I-Anna May Miller – Cary

I-Robert “Bob” Bless-Fox River Grove

District 2

Comprised of the following precincts:

ALGONQUIN 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, plus GRAFTON 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 13, and 31.

I-James L. Heisler-Crystal Lake-

R- Carolyn Schofield-R, Crystal Lake

I-Kenneth (Ken) D. Koehler-R, Crystal Lake

District 3

Comprised of the following precincts:

ALGONQUIN  21,29, 49, 50, AND 67, plus NUNDA 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, 29 plus McHENRY  2, 9, 20, 22, 25, 28 and 30.

Mary R. Alger- Crystal Lake

I-Mary L. Donner- Crystal Lake

Joseph (Joe) Gottemoller-Crystal Lake

Mary McClellan, Holiday Hills

I-Linda (Lyn) Orphal-Crystal Lake

I-Nick Provenzano-McHenry

District 4

Comprised of the following precincts:

McHENRY 11, 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; plus RICHMOND 1, 2, 3, and 4, plus BURTON 1, 2, and 3.

I-John D. Hammerand-Wonder Lake

I-Sandra Fay Salgado-McHenry

Edward Varga-Richmond

Robert “Bob” M. Martens, Sr.

District 5

Comprised of the following precincts:

Dorr 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14; plus GREENWOOD 4; plus GRAFTON 1, 6,  9, 11, 12, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 29.

I-John Jung, Jr.-Woodstock

I-Tina R. Hill- Woodstock

District 6

Comprised of the following precincts:

GRAFTON  4, 15, 26, and 27; plus GREENWOOD 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7, plus CORAL  1, 2, and 3 plus CHEMUNG 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; plus MARENGO 1, 2, 3 and 4; plus SENECA 1 and 2; plus HARTLAND 1 and; plus ALDEN 1; plus HEBRON 1 and 2; plus RILEY 1; plus DUNHAM 1.

I-Diane F. Evertsen, Harvard

Shawn Green-Union

David LaGue-Marengo

I-Mary T. McCann-Woodstock

I-Ersel C. Schuster-Woodstock

Rachel Elizabeth Smith-Wonder Lake

Michele R. Aavang-Woodstock

Also filing were the following person for the six County Offices being voted on at the March 20 Republican Primary Election.

I-Auditor – Pamela K. Palmer-Union

I-Circuit Clerk-Katherine M. Keefe-Woodstock

Coroner-Anne L. Majewski-Algonquin

I-Recorder-Phyllis K. Walters- Algonquin

Regional Superintendent of Schools (To Fill a Vacancy) none

I-State’s Attorney, Louis A. Bianchi-Crystal Lake

The filing period is open until December 5.