Words of Wisdom

"The construction applied ... to those parts of the Constitution of the United States which delegate Congress a power ... ought not to be construed as themselves to give unlimited powers."

 --Thomas Jefferson

Second Sunday Concert At MCC

McHenry County College (MCC) will continue its Second Sunday Concert Series at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 15 featuring the Sessions Jazz Quartet in the Luecht Conference Center at McHenry County College

Keyboardist Al Skaronea returns to MCC with his talented ensemble. Special guests will include singer Kenya Owens Reich, guitarist Todd Skaronea, and Daniel Villareal, on Latin percussion.

Some of their selections will include “Armando's Rumba” by Chick Corea, “Rise” by Herb Alpert, “Somebody Loves You” by Ken Lane, “At Last” by Etta James and “Built for Comfort” by Howlin Wolf and “Sweet Thing” by Chaka Khan.

The concert is free and open to the public. The college is located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake. For more information, contact Michael Hillstrom at (815) 479-7814.

Victim Witness Representative Added To McHenry County State's Attorney's Staff

The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office is adding a Victim Witness Representative to the staff.

State’s Attorney Louis A. Bianchi announces that Arceli “Celi” Alvarez will join the office on April 16 in that capacity. Ms. Alvarez’s duties will include advocating for and coordinating with victims of violent crimes.

Celi joins the State’s Attorney’s Office from the Woodstock law firm of Michling Hofmann Plaza & Wick, P.C. where she has spent the last ten years as a legal assistant responsible for client relations, client and witness interviews, testimony coordination and court scheduling.

She was responsible for the Spanish-Speaking  Community Outreach Program and is fluent speaking and writing in Spanish and in English/Spanish translation.

Celi is an active member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church and is a youth mentor at St. Joseph’s Church in Harvard and St. Mary’s in Woodstock. She resides in Woodstock with her three children. 

Words of Wisdom

"The construction applied ... to those parts of the Constitution of the United States which delegate Congress a power ... ought not to be construed as themselves to give unlimited powers."

 --Thomas Jefferson

Friday 13th

This is Friday and it is the 13^th day of the month.

This means the day is supposed to be unlucky. Friday has been seen as an unlucky day and 13 is viewed as an unlucky number. Put the two together and you have an unlucky day. Or so goes the theory.

Based on a Norse myth that says Frigga – Friday—was the goddess of love and fertility. This myth also says that when Norse and German tribes converted to Christianity, they banished Frigga and labeled her as a witch.

As a result she convened with eleven other witches and a devil bringing their number to thirteen. This group convened to bring ill fate to the rest of the world.

So we have Friday the 13^th

Weight Restrictions For Added McHenry County Bridges

The Illinois Department of Transportation Bureau of Bridges and Structures Local Unit (IDOT BBS) has recently inspected and analyzed various bridges in McHenry County.  Inspections are accomplished on a routine basis and intermittently on all County Highway bridges throughout McHenry County.  IDOT sets the inspection interval. The McHenry County Division of Transportation (MCDOT) is responsible for overseeing these inspections and reporting them to the IDOT.  The following bridges will have the following weight limit restrictions placed on them (please see the attached location map for these structures):

County Bridges

The MCDOT will post North Union Road Bridge located in unincorporated Seneca Township, north of IL 176 over the Kishwaukee River at a weight limit of 12 Tons for all vehicles. This structure will be considered to be programmed in the Highway Improvement 5-Year Program next year for the engineering phases to replace it.

The MCDOT will also reduce the existing load posting on Deerpass Road Bridge located in unincorporated Seneca Township north of IL 176 over the Kishwaukee River Main Channel from a posting of from Legal Load Only to a restriction to 15 Tons for All Vehicles. The MCDOT is currently in Phase I preliminary engineering working towards the actual bridge replacement.  The duration of the reduced load posting is indefinite at this point in time; however, the bridge has been programmed for replacement in the McHenry County Division of Transportation’s Five Year Highway Improvement Program.

Township Bridges

The following township bridges will also be posted with restrictions:

Chemung Township - Oak Grove Road over Drainage Ditch located southwest of US 14 will be posted at 14 Tons for All Vehicles.

Greenwood Township - Jankowski Road over Branch of Nippersink Creek located west of Raycraft Road will be posted at 5 Tons for All Vehicles.  Plans for the replacement of the deck of this bridge are currently being engineered for the Greenwood Township Road District for construction later this year.  Once this project is complete, the load posting will be able to be removed on this bridge.

Hebron Township - O'Brien Road over Nippersink Creek located 1.5 mi west of IL 47 will be posted at 13 Tons for All Vehicles.  Drivers are reminded that IL 173 over the Nippersink Creek upstream of the O’Brien Road Bridge is being replaced under staged construction. 

Please use the designated staged construction route or call the MCDOT at 815.334.4980 to permit loads avoiding this construction zone. O’Brien Road is not a viable alternative route due to the weight limit restrictions on the bridge.

Government At Work

FRIDAY, APRIL 13 –

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Budget Task Force

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

Following public comment opportunity, a review of the Budget Development Process is to take place.

 

10:30 a.m. – (Or immediately following the Budget Task Force) -- Public Health and Human Services Committee –

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

A Resolution appointing Leslie A. Schermerhorn to fill the vacant elected position of Regional Superintendent of Schools

Words of Wisdom

"The executive branch of this government never has, nor will suffer, while I preside, any improper conduct of its officers to escape with impunity."

 --George Washington, letter to Gouverneur Morris, 1795

Freezing Temperatures Expected Tonight

A freeze warning remains in effect from midnight CDT tonight to 8:00 a.m. CDT Thursday.

Temperatures will drop below 32 degrees again away from downtown Chicago for several hours tonight into early Thursday morning. Several locations will also drop below 28 degrees for a few hours producing a hard freeze.

Impacts with the record warm March spurring vegetation growth much earlier than normal sensitive vegetation may be damaged or killed by the freezing temperatures.

A freeze warning means sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or highly likely. These conditions will kill drops and other sensitive vegetation. Cover sensitive plants or bring indoors for protection.

Government At Work

THURSDAY, APRIL 12

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

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

A presentation is slated by Bob Anderson on Over Abundance of Local Governments in Illinois.

The Committee is to discuss Opt out vs. Opt In Electric Aggregation Programs.

Legislative programs, state as well as Federal, are included on the agenda for consideration.

Discussion is also scheduled to be held regarding the Provisions in the National Defense Act for FFY2012.

Recycling Of Fluorescent Tubes, Electronics And Batteries Saturday

On Saturday, April 14^th, 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 Farm Bureau parking lot, 1102 McConnell Road, in Woodstock. They continue to collect certain items which are not usually accepted by curbside programs, and which would be harmful to the environment if put in a landfill.

As of January 1, it is no longer legal for individuals to dispose of unwanted electronics in their regular trash. Discarded electronics must now be taken to a registered recycler for proper management. It will be illegal for the consumer to dispose of them in the trash and it will be illegal for Illinois landfills to accept them. The Defenders are here to fill this need. Electronics, including computers, monitors, keyboards, scanners, fax machines and many other electronic devices, are accepted at their monthly drives. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation of $25-$35.

The Defenders’ Recycling Drive also accepts rechargeable batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries, fluorescent tubes, clean 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.

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 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 501(c)(3) 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. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Reported Results of Swine Flu Pandemic of 2009

by: Jonathan Benson, staff writer “Natural News”

The long-term health damage caused by the great H1N1 swine flu scam "pandemic" of 2009 -- and particularly the mass vaccination campaign that accompanied it -- is already becoming apparent in the form of an autoimmune disorder. A new review published in the journal Public Library of Science ONE confirms that Pandemrix, a swine flu vaccine produced by drug giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), is responsible for causing an up to 1700 percent increase in narcolepsy among children and teenagers under 17 years of age.

Based on their findings, a cohort of scientists has determined that narcolepsy rates increased significantly following mass vaccination campaigns with Pandemrix. Compiled data has revealed that between 2002 and 2009, the narcolepsy rate among children under age 17 was 0.31 per 100,000. But in 2010, that number jumped to 5.3 per 100,000, which represents a 17-fold increase.

Similarly, research compiled by Markku Partinen of the Helsinki Sleep Clinic and Hanna Nohynek of the National Institute for Health and Welfare in Finland, both of which were also involved in the new research, has determined a link between Pandemrix and narcolepsy. Children not vaccinated with Pandemrix were found to have a 1300 percent less risk of developing narcolepsy compared to children who were vaccinated with Pandemrix.

But because the subject of controversy is a vaccine, researchers were quick to inject several caveats to their findings that deflected some of the blame to other potential causes. In their soft-peddled, politically-correct conclusion, researchers said they "consider it likely that Pandemrix vaccination contributed, perhaps together with other environmental factors, to this increase in genetically susceptible children."

But the findings are strong enough to have prompted officials in Great Britain to begin their own investigation into Pandemrix causing narcolepsy in children. Though the U.K.'s Health Protection Agency (HPA) has declared that seasonal flu vaccine is not linked to narcolepsy, the agency is concerned that Pandemrix is of a different breed, and that it is not necessarily safe for children (http://www.guardian.co.uk).

Back in 2099, it was confirmed that narcolepsy is actually an autoimmune disorder characterized by missing brain cells that are responsible for producing hypocretin, a hormone that promotes wakefulness. Based on those findings, which were published in the journal Nature Genetics, it appears as though Pandemrix may be responsible for actually spurring the immune system to destroy vital hormone-producing cells in young children (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090503132613.htm).

Sources for this article include:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk

http://www.telegraph.co.uk

http://www.naturalnews.com/031313_swine_flu_vaccine_narcolepsy.html

http://www.naturalnews.com

Learn more:

http://www.naturalnews.com 035501_vaccines_narcolepsy_children.html#ixzz1rRxsbIre

Honoring Earth Month At McHenry County College

In honor of Earth Month, McHenry County College (MCC) will host two events for the public in April, including Gardenfest 2012 on April 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a film presentation of “Fresh” on April 24 at 7 p.m.

Both events take place in the Luecht Conference Center at MCC, located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

Back by popular demand, Gardenfest 2012, the annual day-long workshop on April 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. will feature practical information for those looking to improve their “green” thumb, as well as for seasoned gardeners. Gardenfest is sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, McHenry County Master Gardeners and by MCC.

The event’s keynote speaker is Ed Lyon, garden director for Allen Centennial Gardens, a public botanical garden at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Lyon’s speech, “Changing Trends: Ornamental Edibles, New Audiences and More,” will focus on the new generation of gardeners and what incites them to pursue home landscaping. He will also explain ornamental edibles, lasagna gardening and gravel gardens. Lyon started to look at these issues as part of the university’s garden so it would serve as an outdoor classroom.

Participants may choose from over 30 breakout sessions that will provide them with education, information and new ideas on topics such as fresh floral arranging, raised edible garden beds, ornamental grasses and seed starting.

Cost is $40 for general admission; $15 for MCC and high school students. Lunch is included. Lab sessions require an additional fee. Registration forms can be found at www.mchenry.edu/gardenfest. Forms may be faxed to (815) 459-0638 or mailed to Amy Carzoli, Luecht Conference Center, 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012. For more information, call Amy Carzoli at (815) 455-8764 or Kristine Emrich at (815) 479-7570.

The “Fresh” film on April 24 at 7 p.m. celebrates farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing the nation’s food system. Each has witnessed the rapid transformation of our agriculture in to an industrial model and confronted the consequences: food contamination, environmental pollution, depletion of natural resources, and morbid obesity. Forging healthier, sustainable alternatives, these experts offer a practical vision for a future of our food and our planet.

The film is free of charge; and no registration is required. The event is hosted by the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC and sponsored by Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, McHenry County Transitions and Woodstock Farmers Market.

These events also speak to MCC’s support of sustainability, which is a strategic priority and initiative for the College over the coming years. MCC will offer further programming, practices, information and resources on sustainability topics in the near future through the creation of a new sustainability center, funded by a grant the College received from the Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN). The center will offer resources and tips for employees, students and the greater McHenry County community

“Through the emergence of MCC’s Sustainability Center, we look forward to offering more ways for people to get involved in sustainability and more opportunities for our community to learn and share information on sustainability practices,” said Christina Haggerty, college spokesperson.

Words of Wisdom

"We must be unanimous; there must be no pulling different ways; we must hang together."

 --John Hancock (July 4, 1776)

"Take Back The Night"

"Take Back the Night," sponsored by the Student Peace Action Network will be  this evening, Wednesday April 11th. Join us in illuminating the darkness surrounding sexual violence starting at 5:30 pm in the MCC commons area with an information and resource fair.

Guest speakers will present important information in the Conference Center at 6:30 p.m. followed by a march to the Peace Pole for a special vigil complete with glow sticks.

Everyone is welcome to be part of this wonderful event! For more details contact MCC Student Life at (815) 455-8772 or email us at MCCspan@gmail.com. 

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11

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

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

Under Old Business, the Committee is to continue discussion regarding Nuisance Issues.

New Business includes the topic of Drought Management Plan.

Various reports to the committee will be provided as applicable involving Conservation District, Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, Agricultural Conservation Easement Farmland Protection Commission, Northwest Water Planning Group, National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems; Watershed Updates, Stormwater Updates, Solid Waste and Green Team.

6:30 p.m. --Crystal Lake Park District Board Personnel and Policy Committee

Meeting in the Park District Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake.

The Committee is expected to review several policies regarding employees, including Sick Days, Vacation Days, and Hiring Qualification.

6:30 p.m. -- McHenry County College Board of Trustees--
Meeting in the College Board Room for a Special Meeting. The meeting will be open for recognition of visitors before it is closed for personnel. An open portion is slated following the closed session with time for summary comments by board members.

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake Park District Board of Commissioners—

Meeting in the Park District Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake.

The Board is expected to discuss matters pertaining to the lake including:

• Lake Property Identification Maps-ownership
• Park District Safety Ordinance’ Riparian Rights and Navigable Body of Water-Defined
• History of Crystal Lake Park District Lake Management
• Cost Comparison Lake versus Lippold versus Veteran Acres
• Tax Comparison—lake home versus non-lake home
• Lake Management Discussion Questions
• Discussion of Sample Resolution if applicable

April 28 -- National "Medication Take-Back Initiative" Promotes Safe Disposal Of Meds

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) encourages residents to take advantage of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) program “National Take-Back Initiative” on Saturday, April 28. 

The one-day event is from 10am-2pm, at participating law enforcement sites. According to the Partnership for a Drug Free America, approximately 2,500 teens a day use prescription drugs to get high for the first time.  Studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet. 

Residents can bring prescription and over-the-counter, solid dose (tablets, capsules) medications in clear, sealed plastic bags for disposal.  Items not accepted include liquids, intravenous (IV) bags/solutions, injectables, needles, lancets and sharps.  Prescription labels should be removed (or personal information blocked out with a permanent marker) from plastic bottles before tossing into weekly curbside recycling containers. 

The nine (9) participating drop-off sites include –

• Algonquin Police Department, 2200 Harnish Drive—Algonquin
• Crystal Lake Police Department, 100 W Woodstock Street–Crystal Lake
• Fox River Grove & Algonquin Twp Road District, 3702 Hwy 14–Crystal Lake
• Huntley Police Department, 10911 Main Street–Huntley 
• Johnsburg Police Department, 3611 N Chapel Hill Road—Johnsburg
• Lake in the Hills Police Department, 1115 Crystal Lake Road–Lake in the Hills
• Marengo Police Department, 142 E Prairie Street–Marengo
• Spring Grove Police Department, 7401 Meyer Road–Spring Grove
• Woodstock Police Department, 656 Lake Avenue—Woodstock

 To find collection sites near you, visit the DEA’s webpage http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html.  Check often as new sites will be added daily.

Many Americans are accustomed to flushing their unused medicines down the toilet or throw them in the trash – both potential safety and health hazards.  U.S. Geological Survey studies have found traces of prescription drugs in water samples from 30 states which have been linked to ecological harm to fish and freshwater supplies.  

Additional information is available from your participating local law enforcement agency, on the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info (Environmental Health) or by calling Kristy Hecke, MCDH’s Solid Waste Manager at 815-334-4585.

McHenry County Treasurer Building Dedication Set

McHenry County will be holding a dedication for the Treasurer’s Office building in recognition of obtaining an Energy Star label designation. 

WHEN:          Wednesday, April 18 – 1:00 pm

WHERE:       McHenry County Treasurer’s Office

                        2100 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock

Energy Star is a voluntary government and industry partnership that makes it easy for businesses and consumers to save money and protect the environment.  The Treasurer’s Office building is the first McHenry County building to achieve an Energy star rating, achieving a rating of 84 out of 100.  To achieve an Energy Star rating, a building must attain a score of 75, ranking it among the top quartile of all same like buildings in energy use. 

McHenry County has been an Energy Star partner since 2003. The current program began in 1991 as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Green Lights program, followed shortly by the introduction of the Energy Star label. In 1996, the EPA partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy to increase the range of Energy Star product offerings. 

In January 2010, the Treasurer moved into a vacant building that was formally a commercial bank across the street from the McHenry County Government Center. The existing building was constructed in 1978 and is a single story structure with a full basement.  The facility was consistent with the building type and occupancy as originally designed.  For this reason, it was ideally suited to relocate the McHenry County Treasurer’s Office from the Administration Building to this new location.

The building’s square footage is 5710 square feet. The McHenry County Board and the Facilities Management Department recognized the potential to improve the building’s energy efficiency and renovate using Energy Star and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines with their architect.

For more information on Energy Star, please visit www.energystar.gov.

 McHenry County Treasurer’s Office Energy Star Fact Sheet

Under the guidance of the County Board, McHenry County Director of Facilities Management John Hadley and Architect Chris Hansen of Kluber Architect & Engineers worked closely to identify several green design elements that were incorporated into the project.

Architectural Systems:

TPO Roofing Membrane:  The “white” Thermoplastic Membrane Roofing system was specified for its high solar reflective index commonly referred to as SRI. 

Roof Insulation:  The two inch thickness of existing roofing insulation was replaced with two layers of two inch thickness (total of 4 inches) of polyisocyanurate board insulation. The original R value of the old roofing insulation was approximately R-10. The new insulation has an R value of 24.

The carpet and paint products specified contain low Volatile Organic Compounds reducing the impact of these components on indoor air quality.

Mechanical Systems:

Furnaces – New Energy Star rated gas fired furnaces were installed to replace the old gas furnaces. The old furnaces had an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 80%. The new furnaces are high efficiency, sealed combustion type and have an annual fuel utilization efficiency of 95%.

Air Conditioning – New Energy Star rated air cooled condensing units were installed to replace the old air conditioning system. The new condensing units utilize a refrigerant that have zero ozone-depletion potential. The condensing units also have a seasonal efficiency of 13.

Controls – Direct digital controls were utilized to operate the equipment with building unoccupied temperature setbacks and capability of web-based monitoring of the building.

Electrical Systems:

Interior Lighting:  Interior lighting utilized energy efficient fluorescent lighting sources. Meets the International Energy Conservation Code’s (IECC) power allowance requirements of 1.0 Watts per square foot.

Exterior Lighting:  The parking lot pole lighting was specified with LED lamps in lieu of traditional HID (Metal Halide or High Pressure Sodium) units. The LED lights utilized less energy than traditional lamps and last 40% longer. The typical LED light fixture will burn for 50,000 hours compared to traditional 400W Metal Halide lamp that has an average life of 36,000 hours.

Lighting Controls:  Individual interior lighting controls, including dual light level controls, were provided for the interior lighting fixtures.

All internal lighting fixtures are connected to a central lighting controller which will automatically shut off lighting fixtures after normal business hours.

A master switch has been provided for occupants to override the interior lighting automatic shut off function.

Exterior lighting controls include an astronomical time clock and a photo-sensor. These controls will prevent exterior lighting fixtures from consuming energy during daylight hours.

Energy Management begins with a senior-level commitment for continuous improvement in energy efficiency.  The County Board and the McHenry County Facilities Management Department have adopted this commitment as they move forward with other County Buildings.

Santorum Bows Out Of Race

Rick Santorum bowed to the inevitable on Tuesday and ended his bid for the White House, virtually assuring that Mitt Romney will be the Republican candidate in November.

The decision to "suspend" his campaign came after a weekend in which the former Pennsylvania senator had taken time off from the campaign trail to celebrate Easter and the 21st birthday of his eldest daughter, Elizabeth.

But another Santorum girl, his youngest, Bella, who suffers from a rare, life-threatening genetic condition, was again taken ill while he was with his family. It was the second time this year that the 3-year-old had been hospitalized.

Santorum began his announcement, at what had been planned as a campaign speech in Gettysburg, Pa., by saying, "First and foremost, I want to thank everybody for the outpouring of prayers."

He called this past weekend, in which his daughter, Bella, was hospitalized  "a passion play."  Bella has now returned home, Santorum said. "She is a fighter and is doing exceptionally well and is back with us."

However, Santorum said, his daughter's recent illness "did cause us to pause and to think."

"We made a decision at our kitchen table to get into this race, against all odds, and we made a decision at our kitchen table this past weekend to suspend this campaign," Santorum told his supporters in Gettysburg.

He said his campaign "painted a hopeful positive vision for this country, how we can get this country turned around ... We tried to address the hopes and fears of Americans, especially the hopes and dreams" of Americans.

He repeatedly thanked his supporters. "I want to thank God and thank all of you across this country for giving us a voice, a voice for the voiceless."

Santorum had earlier called Romney to concede, Yahoo News reported.

Romney immediately released a statement:

“Sen. Santorum is an able and worthy competitor, and I congratulate him on the campaign he ran. He has proven himself to be an important voice in our party and in the nation. We both recognize that what is most important is putting the failures of the last three years behind us and setting America back on the path to prosperity.”

Santorum was a surprise as the last man standing in the bid to prevent Romney gaining the nomination. He had seen the campaigns of Rick Perry, Michele Bachmann and Herman Cain all fold after they had challenged the former Massachusetts governor in the polls.

With just former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas Rep. Ron Paul,  ­ who are both polling at 10 percent or less ­ left in the race, Romney now appears to have a clear run. He has already snapped up more than half the delegates needed to ensure his nomination at the Republican National Convention in Tampa in August.

“Rick has waged a remarkable campaign. His success is a testament to his tenacity and the power of conservative principles," Gingrich said in a statement. “I am committed to staying in this race all the way to Tampa so that the conservative movement has a real choice.

"I humbly ask Sen. Santorum’s supporters to visit Newt.org to review my conservative record and join us as we bring these values to Tampa. We know well that only a conservative can protect life, defend the Constitution, restore jobs and growth and return to a balanced budget."

Santorum's third rival, Ron Paul, also issued a statement on the former senator's decision: “Congratulations to Sen. Santorum on running such a spirited campaign. Dr. Paul is now the last – and real – conservative alternative to Mitt Romney. We plan to continue running hard, secure delegates, and press the fight for limited, constitutional government in Tampa.”

Santorum argued throughout that he was the only person with the conservative credentials to be able to go after President Barack Obama in the election.

He was particularly critical of Romney for signing a health care bill in Massachusetts which the administration says the president's Affordable Care Act was based on.

But as Romney streaked ahead in the polls, Santorum has found himself under increased pressure to pull out of the race, especially as his lead in his home state has been eroded by Romney and the prospect of being embarrassed by a defeat in Pennsylvania could have made his mind up for him.

Read more on Newsmax.com: Santorum Concedes, Suspends Campaign for White House
Important: Do You Support Pres. Obama's Re-Election? Vote Here Now!

Words of Wisdom

"All see, and most admire, the glare which hovers round the external trappings of elevated office. To me there is nothing in it, beyond the lustre which may be reflected from its connection with a power of promoting human felicity."

--George Washington, letter to Catherine Macaulay Graham, 1790

Government At Work

TUESDAY, APRIL 10—

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Human Resources Committee –

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

The committee is to be provided an update on the Group Health Insurance by Corporate Benefits Consultants.

Other matters include a resolution authorizing the reclassification of a correctional officer position in the Sheriff’s Department from a Correctional Officer Position to a Sergeant of Technology.

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

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

The Committee is to consider seven resolutions including:

• The purchase of seven police pursuit Dodge Charger Vehicles for the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department.
• Authorization of the reclassification of a correctional officer position to a sergeant of technology in the Sheriff’s Department.
• Awarding a County Highway pavement preservation maintenance crack seal contract and appropriating the necessary funds.
• Awarding County Highway pavement preservation maintenance thin lift overlay contract and appropriation the necessary funds.
• A resolution authorizing monthly transactions for the delinquent tax program
• A resolution authorizing a lease with Cisco Capital Key Government Finance for a HP EVA 6300 Storage Area Network.
• Resolution approving a bond record-keeping policy for the County

 Appointments to be approved include two people for the County Board of Review including Mark Ruda and Clifton Houghton

Under old business, the committee is to consider a resolution authorizing entry into a contractual agreement with Computer Software Inc. for purchasing and implementing a permitting system and an emergency appropriation for Planning and Development Fiscal Year 2011-12 Budget.

Also to be considered are frozen and vacant positions.

11:00 a.m. – McHenry County Board Liquor and License Commission

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

Several new liquor license, manager and/or amusement License Requests are to be considered including: Lakeside Liquors, Nedza Food Shop and Town Liquors.

Special Liquor License requests are being considered for McHenry County Iron Justice Motorcycle Club and Harvard Sportsmen’s Club, Inc.

Raffle Permit requests being considered include: Main Stay Therapeutic Riding Program, McHenry County Iron Justice Motorcycle Club, It’s All About Kids, St. Peter’s Church, McHenry County Snowmobile Association, Inc.

Other matters may include incident reports, update on sting operations, Ordinance to amend the Liquor Control and Liquor Licensing Ordinance for the County.

6:45 p.m. – Lakewood Village Board—Annual Budget

Meeting in RedTail Golf Club, 7900 RedTail Drive, Village of Lakewood.

The Board is to consider the proposed annual budget for Fiscal Year 2012-13.

7:00 p.m. –Lakewood Village Board –Public Hearing

Meeting in RedTail Golf Club, 7900 RedTail Drive, Village of Lakewood.

The Village Board will conduct a public hearing regarding Electric Aggregation Program Plan of Operations and Governance.

This will include a presentation of the plan of operations and governance for the village and accept any public comments

Lakewood Village Board Meeting—

Immediately following the two prior listed meetings of the Board.

Following the handling of the necessary matters regarding minutes of prior meetings and approval of financial statements, the Board is being requested to approve an Ordinance Authorizing the Sale or Disposal of Personal Property Owned by the Village of Lakewood.

A request for approval of an event permit for the City of Crystal Lake Fireworks Show on Sunday, July 1, with a rain date of Sunday July 8, is being presented for approval.

A number of items are being presented for discussion including:

• Motion to Approve the annul Lakewood Budget for Fiscal Year 2012-2013,’
• Motion to grant variations from the Village Zoning Code for the construction of a three-car attached garage, covered entry and deck or brick paver patio with a fire pit on property located at 711 South Shore Drive.
• Motion to approve an ordinance granting variations from the Village Zoning Code to allow reconstruction of a detached dwelling on an existing concrete slab that encroaches into the required front and side yards at 510 South Shore Drive.
• Motion to approve an agreement for maintenance engineering for the 2012 Street Improvement to be performed by Baxter & Woodman.
• Motion to approve an engineering agreement with Baxter and Woodman for a water main replacement program in an amount not to exceed $28,000.
• Motion to approve an ordinance adopting the Electric Power Aggregation Plan of Operation and Governance and directing follow-up action to implement the plan of operation and governance.
• Motion to approve the first amendment to the intergovernmental agreement establishing the Northern Illinois Governmental Electrical Aggregation Consortium.