Words Of Wisdom

"What is the Constitution or the laws when it comes to ideological soul mates, especially young soul mates who remind the aging 1960s radicals of their youth? Neither in this nor any other issue can the Constitution protect us if we don't protect the Constitution. When all is said and done, the Constitution is a document, a piece of paper. If we don't vote out of office, or impeach, those who violate the Constitution, or who refuse to enforce the law, the steady erosion of Constitutional protections will ultimately render it meaningless. Everything will just become a question of whose ox is gored and what is the political expediency of the moment."

--economist Thomas Sowell

New Loophole--An Invitation To Corruption

 This information is provided by the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform. (ICPR)

ICPR Spotcheck is a publication of The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, a non-partisan public interest group that educates, conducts research, and advocates reforms to promote public participation in government, address the role of money in politics, and encourage integrity, accountability, and transparency in government.

Today (Friday, July 6) Gov. Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 3722, carving a large loophole into the campaign contribution limits law.

With his signature, Gov. Quinn has made it easier for large campaign contributors to buy political favors, and he has moved Illinois back toward the same kind of system that produced two corrupt governors now serving prison sentences.

Gov. Quinn's record on reform had a promising beginning with his signature on the 2009 bill creating the state's first comprehensive contribution limits, but he took a wrong turn with his signature on this limits loophole.

He has opened the door to a return of Blagojevich-proportion contributions in the 2014 gubernatorial election.

Quinn's action today immediately legalized the removal of limits on all contributions to candidates running in an election where spending by an independent committee (SuperPAC) or individual reaches a threshold amount of $250,000 in a statewide race or $100,000 in all other election contests.

After the limits law was passed in 2009, federal court decisions have prevented enforcement of limits on contributions to political action committees that spend money to influence the outcome of elections and do not coordinate with any candidates.

Instead of responding with removal of limits on contributions to candidates, ICPR advocated enactment of a clear definition of independent expenditures PACs. This would have been a safeguard against the kind of SuperPACs seen on the federal level where "independent" PACs are intertwined with candidates. ICPR also supports improved finance disclosure giving the public more information about SuperPAC supporters in all election communications. 

Brian Gladstein

Executive Director
Illinois Campaign for Political Reform 

Tuesday Concert In The Park

 Tuesday, July 10-AC Rock (A Capella Oldies to Today)

Gather your family and friends to be a part of a long time summer tradition-FREE Concerts in the Park at Crystal Lake Main Beach (300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake). For years, fans of music and those who cherish time together with their family have gathered at the Main Beach Band Shell to enjoy music and entertainment on the shore of Crystal Lake.

Concert begins at 7 pm.  Refreshments will be available for purchase. In the event of inclement weather, call the Program Weather Information Hotline at (815) 459-7275.

"Think Measles" If Travelling Internationally

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) joins the Illinois Department of Public Health in advising residents who have recently travelled or will travel internationally this summer to “think measles”.

Measles remains a common and highly contagious disease in many parts of the world, including some parts of Europe, Africa, India and the Philippines.  For anyone traveling to Europe or attending events such as the summer Olympics in London or the UEGA “Euro 2012” Championship may be at risk for being exposed to measles.

In the U.S., most of the measles cases result from international travel.  Even domestic travelers may be exposed on airplanes or in airports.  Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to high vaccination coverage and effective public health response. The last reported case of confirmed measles in McHenry County was in 2001.

“Immunization is a shared responsibility,” states Patrick J. McNulty, MCDH Administrator.  “Families, health care professionals and our public health partners must work together to help protect our communities.” Travelers who have not been vaccinated are at risk of getting the disease and spreading it to their friends and family members who may not be up to date with vaccinations. 

It is important to note that a history of 2 doses of MMR vaccination does not exclude a measles diagnosis.  Because of this risk, all travelers should be up to date on their vaccinations, regardless of where they are going.  Before any international travel—

• Infants 6 months through 11 months of age should have 1 dose of measles vaccine. Infants who get 1 dose of measles vaccine before their first birthday should get 2 more doses of the vaccine (one dose at 12 through 15 months of age and another dose at least 28 days later).
• Children 12 months of age or older should have 2 doses separated by at least 28 days.
• Adolescents and Adults who have not had measles or been vaccinated should get 2 doses separated by at least 28 days.

For questions regarding measles, travel protection, or any suspect cases contact the MCDH Communicable Disease Department at 815-334-4500.  Get the latest news from MCDH at www.mcdh.info, on Facebook and Twitter www.twitter.com/mchenrycohealth.

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, speech to the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 1788

How Dry We Are

McHenry County is responding to the dry weather conditions by coordinating with municipalities and large water consumers and urging all residents to take voluntary water conservation measures.

According to the National Weather Service, Northern Illinois, including McHenry County, is experiencing a period of abnormally dry weather.  For the period January 1st to June 21st, precipitation at O’Hare Airport measured only 12.65 inches compared to the average annual precipitation of 15.55 inches. 

Precipitation in McHenry County is down even more.  For the same period, Hebron received only 10.35 inches of precipitation.

With the decreased precipitation, water flow in many of our area streams is greatly reduced and water levels in many ground water monitoring wells are falling. 

According to preliminary USGS data, average stream flow for the Fox River below the Algonquin Dam for the period from June 1st to June 26th, has been 384 cfs (cubic feet per second), which is 59.8 percent below the average monthly June stream flow of 955 cfs . 

Preliminary data from McHenry County’s groundwater monitoring well in Algonquin Township shows that the average June depth to the water table is 4.39 feet below the average for June of the previous three years.

According to the National Weather Service, while precipitation for the year is running below average, the rainfall deficits since May 8th are particularly severe.  Dry weather over the past month plus is occurring during the start of what is typically the wettest time of year in the region and at a time that is critical for farmers to get adequate rainfall toward the start of the growing season for the corn and soybean fields.  Recent high temperatures may exacerbate the impacts on agricultural crops.

To respond to the situation, McHenry County is organizing a summit of county and municipal officials, golf course operators, agricultural representatives, other high volume water users, and other interested stakeholders to discuss ways to respond if the abnormally dry conditions continue.

McHenry County is urging all residents to implement voluntary water conservation measures such as: watering lawns and gardens in the early morning and evening hours and only when absolutely necessary; avoiding washing cars; repairing leaky water fixtures; turning off the water while shaving and brushing teeth; taking shorter showers; using dishwashers and clothes washers only when full; and by not letting the water run when washing dishes by hand.

For more water conservation ideas, please visit the McHenry County water resources website: www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/waterresources.  For more information about the summit, please contact Dennis Sandquist, Director of Planning & Development at 815-334-4560.

Crystal Lake Vehicle Stickers Due July 15

Crystal Lake City vehicle stickers for 2012 must be displayed on the lower passenger side of the front windshield by July 15, 2012.  All funds generated from the sale of vehicle stickers are used in the City’s road resurfacing and reconstruction program.

Residents are provided, through the mail, a vehicle sticker application in a first-class business envelope with a return envelope enclosed for convenience in applying for this year’s vehicle stickers.  New residents need to provide current vehicle registration or insurance card. 

City of Crystal Lake vehicle stickers will provide parking access to Three Oaks Recreation Area, free of charge.

Vehicle sticker prices through July 15, 2012 are as follows:

Passenger Cars, SUVs, motorcycles and mopeds - $10.00

Trucks:
A-B plates, RV plates - $14.25
D plates - $20.00
All others - $30.00

Vehicle sticker prices after July 15, 2011 are as follows:

Passenger Cars, SUVs, motorcycles and mopeds - $15.00

Trucks:
A-B plates, RV plates - $21.38
C-D plates - $30.00

All others - $45.00
(Higher rates apply after September 30, 2012)

Senior citizens who own a passenger car, SUV, truck with B-plates or a motorcycle will be able to purchase one vehicle sticker per senior for $1.00. Additional stickers are charged at the standard rate. Stickers must be purchased at City Hall to receive the senior discount.

Passenger stickers will also be available by bringing in a pre-printed application at Dominicks Finer Foods, First Midwest Bank, West Suburban Currency Exchange, Jewel Food Stores, American Community Bank, Home Depot, Lloyd’s Paintn’ Paper, Joseph’s Marketplace, Julie Ann's Frozen Custard, Walgreens (located on Northwest Highway next to Sears) and Crystal Lake Public Library.

The Finance Department can make alternative arrangements for residents who may be unable to purchase their stickers during regular business hours.

Residents who would like this service, are asked to contact the Finance Department at (815) 459-2020 or by email at finance@crystallake.org.

Government At Work

FRIDAY, JULY 6—

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

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

A presentation by the McHenry County Health Department on Lyme Disease Prevention is scheduled.

Five resolutions are scheduled for the Committee’s consideration. These include:

• Resolution requesting creation of part-time clerical position for Workforce Network;
• Resolution accepting a modification to an Illinois Commerce & Economic Community Development Grant reducing the McHenry County Workforce Network PY2012 budget;
• Resolution accepting a modification t the Illinois Department of Commerce and  Economic Opportunity Grant and an emergency appropriation to the McHenry County Workforce Network Fiscal Year 2012 Budget;
• Resolution accepting modification to Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant and an Emergency Appropriation to the McHenry County Workforce Network fiscal Year 2012 Budget
• Resolution Authorizing acceptance of a modification to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant and emergency appropriation to the McHenry County Workforce Network Fiscal Year 2012 Budget

Words Of Wisdom

"The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave." –

Patrick Henry

Government At Work Thursday

THURSDAY, JULY 5—

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Planning & Development Committee—

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

The Committee is to discuss options for Letters of Credit as one matter on the agenda.

Four Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of interest are being considered. These include:

Potential Conflicts of Interest between Community Development Block Grant Commission Member Philip Bartmann and a PY2012 Community Development Block Grant Program Funding Application.

Potential Conflict of Interest Between CDBG Commission Ex-Officio Member Cathryn Perfetti and a PY2012 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Funding Application.

Disclosure of a Potential Conflict of Interest Between County Board Member Virginia Peschke and a PY2012 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Funding Application.

Public Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest Between County Board Member Sandra Fay Salgado and a PY2012 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Funding Application.

All were thoroughly vetted and determined by the McHenry County State’s Attorney that no actual conflicts existed.

Another matter to be considered by the Committee is consideration by the Committee of an Amendment to the Five-Year Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development.

The McHenry County Housing Commission has indicated the desire to consider allocating a portion of the HOME housing grant funding received from HUD each year to a sub-recipient to administer a Tenant Based Rental Assistance program. Currently the five year plan does not include such a plan. In order to accomplish this, the plan needs to be amended.

9:00 a.m. – McHenry County Zoning Hearing Officer –

Hearing being held in McHenry County Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Two matters are to be heard including:

Jose A. and Ann M. Lopez, 23101 Graf Road, Harvard, are owners of 2.429 acres. The owners are requesting a variation to the property to allow a pool to be located in the side yard.

A second matter for the Hearing Officer is a request from Jozef and Magdalena Kapolka, 311 W. Pleasant View Drive, McHenry for a rear yard setback of zero feet instead of the required ten foot setback. The request is to allow a boat canopy.

1:30 p.m. – McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals –

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

Hearing on a request regarding Gallo Trust Reclassification on property in Alden Township, for a reclassification from A-1 Agriculture District to A-2 Agriculture District of the 1.6 acre parcel in a five-acre tract located on the south side of State Line Road, approximately 1900 fee east of Knickerbocker Road, Alden Township.

The property owner, Judith Lynn Schawk, 31 South Home Avenue, Park Ridge, is requesting a zoning reclassification from A-1 Agriculture to A-2 Agriculture District.

Happy 236th Birthday America

Today is a great day for celebration! 

A celebration of an event that began 236 years ago after a group of citizens decided they wanted to detach from England. This is the birthday of the United States of America. 

This is the

Words Of Wisdom

"This was the object of the Declaration of Independence. Not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of, not merely to say things which had never been said before; but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independent stand we are compelled to take. Neither aiming at originality of principle or sentiment, nor yet copied from any particular and previous writing, it was intended to be an expression of the American mind, and to give to that expression the proper tone and spirit called for by the occasion."

--Thomas Jefferson, letter to Henry Lee, 1825

Crystal Lake Main Beach On Advisory Status

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) conducted beach water samplings at 37 licensed beaches on Monday, July 2nd.

Dorothy Court, 211 Dorothy Court, Island Lake, is closed due to high bacteria levels while Main Beach in Crystal Lake (300 Lake Shore Drive) is on an advisory.

Both beaches will be resampled today, Tuesday, July 3. All other beaches are open for the July 4th holiday.

To prevent illness associated with swimming, all licensed beaches on the 13 lakes in McHenry County are tested every 2 weeks for E. coli throughout the summer to determine water quality.  Additional and more frequent sampling is done when elevated bacterial levels are found.

Water sampling results are reported to the appropriate beach authorities. MCDH will post an advisory or closed signage for beaches with elevated E. coli results.  All beach water results and locations are readily available at the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info (click Environmental Health, quick links, “beach testing results”) or call 815-334-4585.

The Why Of ObamaCare

"At the risk of being a broken record on ObamaCare, we remain focused on the wrong issue because conservatives and Republicans do not want any part of the right issue.

”Congress would not be able to tax anyone a penny if the subject matter on which lawmakers sought to spend the money raised was not within Congress's constitutional authority to address. Health care and health insurance are precisely such issues.

“So why does Congress get to raise taxes for and spend money on them? Because the country -- very much including Republican leaders and many conservatives -- has bought on to the wayward progressive premise that the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution empowers Congress to spend on anything it wants to spend on as long as there is some fig-leaf that ties the spending to the betterment of society.

“That, and not an inflated understanding of the Commerce Clause, has always been the problem. Republicans are afraid to touch this because, if you follow the logic, you'd have to conclude that Congress has no constitutional authority to set up a social security system, a Medicare or Medicaid program, or most to the innumerable Big Government enterprises that Republicans support while, of course, decrying Big Government.

“Republicans occasionally want to limit what government spends, but they don't want to acknowledge any constitutional limits on what government could spend -- that's what has gotten us to this point." 

--columnist and former DoJ attorney Andrew McCarthy

Trash Transformed Art Contest Returns

Once again, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County are hosting their “Trash Transformed” recycled art contest. Winning entries will be displayed at the Defenders’ booth at the McHenry County Fair from August 1 to August 5!

After a hiatus of several years, the Defenders are again sponsoring this art contest in memory of Lou Marchi, an advocate of 100% recycling and a founding member of the Defenders. The contest is designed to encourage practical and/or artistic use of used materials.   For example, old license plates are transformed into dustpans, yard tools welded together become yard art, six pack rings woven together create volleyball nets - the possibilities are endless! 

There will be separate judging for student and adult entries.   Participants are encouraged to have fun and let their imaginations run wild.  Artwork should be created using primarily recycled materials with a VERY MINIMAL use of glue & tape.  The goal is to create either a functional or purely artistic item from materials that have already been used.

Artwork should be submitted to the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County’s office or Green Spot Used Books store, 110 S Johnson Street, Suite 104 and 106, on the Square in Woodstock, by July 27th, 2012.   The Defenders’ office hours are Monday - Friday, 11am - 4pm, and Saturday 11am - 3pm.  Each piece must be accompanied by a 3X5 card containing the artist’s name, contact telephone and address, age if artist is a student; otherwise the word “Adult”, title and description of piece.

Winners will be notified before the County Fair begins on August 1 ^st, where their pieces will be displayed through August 5^th. Winners will receive hand-crafted ribbons or certificates and will have the option of displaying their artwork for an additional period at the Defenders’ office.  All other artwork must be picked up by August 10th.

For more information on the “Trash Transformed” Art Contest, please call the Defenders at 815-338-0393 or log on to www.mcdef.org.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 1970, and dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides the community 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.

Food For Thinking Minds

Note: This is taken from a website publication The Intelhub.com. The web address is listed below.

By Sartre
theintelhub.com
July 2, 2012

For well over the last decade BATR has argued that the Republic is dead. Now that the Supreme Court has rendered their decision on Obamacare, there can be no doubt that the funeral for a nation, born out of a revolution for liberty, is over

The country, buried in the ashes of totalitarian despotism, is now history.

The plurality of citizens naively accepts that the national government has legitimacy. Such a claim is erroneous. What more proof does one need that slavery is the official status for the American public.|
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The implication of affirming the health insurance mandate sets the precedent for and escalates an unlimited federal tyranny.

The twisted interpretation that a forced and binding purchase of medical coverage is justified because the government can tax its citizens is demonic in its inception. Coercion as a mean for compliance is like whipping your indentured servant for the privilege of serving the master.

By opening the flood-gate of unlimited federal taxation authority to compel behavior, guarantees punitive submission for a limitless concoction of social engineering. It is a short leap to require ID chip implants and compulsory designated conduct.

The hijacking of health care by a mandatory federal oppression pushes citizens to renounce their fidelity to a constitutional framework, already abandoned by the political power elite. Constrains and separation of the “Federalism” system of shared authority, is now eliminated.

The central government is all-supreme in the gulag version of benevolent dependency.

The Supreme Court is a pitiful tool of the executive autocrat that wheels administrative regulation like a crazed beast. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. is a disgrace. Whether his decision reflects intimidation or legacy hubris, the net effect is that he shoveled dirt on the tombstone of the constitution.

The seemingly limit on the commerce clause is circumvented by validating that taxing obligated conduct is legal. This extreme viewpoint condones any dictate by government fiat that Congress conspires to force people to obey. Such a conclusion abdicates the essence of constitutional protections.

Natural law is not arbitrary and subject to the whims of radical statists. Ignoring fundamental human rights is the definitive abuse against humanity. The federal government is making the nanny state into a chamber of horror.

Immutable principles that protect individuals from compulsory demands that violate free choice always are reprehensible. However, the latest rebuke to the sovereign dignity of citizens – poisons the water for any thirsty seeker of liberty and justice.

The consequences of the added financial costs from the Obamacare administration are frightening. The devil is in the details, never was more appropriate. Driving the economy off a cliff is a designed strategy of the collectivist criminals. The unholy alliance of big pharma, health insurance corporatists and dedicated Marxists want the public to be docile serfs in a land of slaves.

Add this dire result of the horrendous increase in taxes from the “Taxmageddon” catastrophe come the end of this year and you have a meltdown formula for a second depression. The Tea Party advocates are correct, “Taxed Enough Already” gains new meaning with the legalization of Obamacare.

Conversely, how can the legislation be legal when a Supreme Court that is determined to worship at the altar of an absolute tyranny violates the rule of law itself?

Incrementalism is the gradual assimilation of society into a different matrix of acceptability. This judicial tragedy is a rapid surge to the system. The body politic is under assault by a deadly virus of biblical dimensions. The core reasons for the War of American Independence seem trite when compared to the level of perdition experienced under the succession of recent presidents.

The bipartisan despotism of both Bush presidents, Clinton and now Obama only accelerate acquiescence to a virtual dictatorship. In order to understand the nature of the dilemma, appreciate the message in The Meaning of Independence Day.

The justification for a Second American Revolution should be self-evident. However, there are few real Americans left, who comprehend the unique heritage of this nation. A spontaneous uprising to overthrow the political outlaws is unlikely. With that admission, the moral imperative still requires a personal commitment to oppose the corrupt regime that proceeds in enslaving society.

The tipping point is upon us. The chains you wear are shackles you lock each day; you observe, obey or consent to unlawful government. You have the power to refuse compliance. Confront the consequences or suffer the indignation of a life of servitude.

Celebrate this July 4th with a renewed dedication that the future of American lies in the moral authority of civil disobedience.

Walkup Road Traffic Alert

Walkup Road is now CLOSED from Woodstock Street to Illinois Route 176 and will remain closed tentatively through September. The temporary traffic signal located at Illinois Route 176 and Main Street has been activated in order to facilitate traffic flow through the construction area. Walkup Road detour signs have been posted. Visit www.walkuproad.com for additional information and to view the Detour Map. 

Thank you for your patience and please drive safely.

Government At Work

TUESDAY, JULY 3--

9:00 A.M. McHenry County Board

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

Appointments--

McHenry County Tuberculosis Board – Ellen R. Mangano is to be appointed for a term to expire June 30, 2015.

McHenry County Board of Health – Eleanor C. Jackson, Gary Andresky, and William E. McNerney are to be appointed to terms to expire June 30, 2015. Sally A. Bierre is to be appointed to a term to expire June 30 2013.””

McHenry County Housing Authority – Mary Reid is to be appointed for a term to expire June 30, 2017

Pay for Performance

The Board is being presented a Resolution establishing the guidelines for Fiscal Year 2012 Pay-For-Performance Adjustments. This establishes the guidelines for McHenry County Classification and Compensation System for all non-union McHenry County Employees, including department heads.

Acceptance of Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for FY Ending July7 3, 2012

This is required by State Statute and the audit firm of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP was retained to accomplish the audit for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2011.

State’s Attorney Records Automation Fund

A new law effective June 1, 2012 creates a Sate’s Attorney Records Automation Fund. The purpose of this is to offset the expenses of the State’s Attorney’s office in establishing and maintaining automated record keeping systems. The fee of $2 is to be paid by the defendant on a judgment of guilty or a grant of supervision for a violation of any provision of the Illinois Vehicle Code or any felony, misdemeanor, or petty offense. This fee is to be deposited into a fund set by the County Treasurer.

7:30 p.m. -- Crystal Lake City Council

Usually scheduled The First Tuesday of the month is cancelled. The next scheduled Council Meeting Is July 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall. 100 West Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.

Reauthorization and Adoption of Revised By-Laws for McHenry County Housing Commission

The Commission was established January 5, 2010 for a two-year period. This establishes the County entity to engage in the promotion, education regarding and development of responsible housing to meet the collective needs in the County. The County Board is being requested to approve the necessary resolution for the continuation of the Commission.

Green Infrastructure Plan

A resolution is being presented to the County Board adopting the McHenry County Green Infrastructure Plan and a Green Infrastructure Network Map. Other local governments and agencies are being encouraged to share responsibility in implementation.

Charles J. Miller Road

A resolution is being presented for Board approval regarding needed improvements of the Miller Road between Illinois Route 31 and River Road in McHenry Township. The County and State are entering into an Intergovernmental Agreement where the County will be reimbursed for construction utilizing $5.288 million in High Priority Project funds. Funding also includes $4 million from the County Option Motor Fuel Tax Fund and $2.85 million from the RTA Sales Tax Fund.

Virginia Road Park and Ride Lot

A resolution is being presented for County Board approval regarding an intergovernmental agreement between the State and the County defining the County’s participation in the improvement.

In order for the County to obtain federal and state funding of local highway improvements, the County is required to enter into an agreement for the funding of the local improvements. The cost for the project is $957,000.

Plans for the project began in 2007 when the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) approved a study for the Park-N-Ride Lot program.

Johnsburg Road Project

Johnsburg Road between Illinois Route 31 and Chapel Hill road is being improved. Plan for the project include the relations of utility and storm sewer installations. A contract to the lowest responsible bidder is being approved for Berger Excavating Contractors for an amount of $204,269.30

CRYSTAL LAKE CITY COUNCIL

Normally held at 7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month, is cancelled this month. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 17, a 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 100 Woodstock Street.

Governor Quinn's Offer To Sell State Prison Could Doom Illinois Congressional Delegation Efforts

 Governor Pat Quinn’s offer last week to sell a state prison in southern Illinois to the federal government could doom a two-year effort by Illinois’ Congressional delegation to create more than 1,100 jobs in northwest Illinois by opening the vacant Thomson Correctional Center as a federal prison.

In a letter to the director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons released Friday, Quinn said the 14-year-old Tamms supermax prison – which still houses state prisoners – would be a valuable addition to the federal prison system.

Quinn’s offer to sell the Tamms Correctional Center comes on the heels of ongoing efforts by U.S. Reps. Don Manzullo (R-IL), Bobby Schilling (R-IL) and other members of Illinois’ Congressional delegation to ink a deal for the federal government to purchase the vacant state prison in Thomson, IL and open it as a maximum security federal prison, creating more than 1,100 much-needed jobs in northwest Illinois.

“With his new offer to sell the Tamms state prison to the federal government, Gov. Quinn may have doomed our efforts to open Thomson as a federal prison and create more than 1,100 jobs in northern Illinois,” Manzullo said.

“In these very tight financial times, we have been working hard to find the federal money needed to buy Thomson, and now the Governor has thrown a new option on the table that will compete with our efforts. The federal government certainly doesn’t have the money to buy two state prisons in Illinois.”

"The Illinois delegation has been working closely to find a bipartisan way to advance Thomson Prison," Schilling said. "But to really move this forward, we need the Governor to focus in on and join us in our efforts. I remain optimistic that we can get Thomson opened, and will continue working to see it through."

The operation of Thomson as a federal prison is expected to create more than 1,100 jobs and provide $19 million in local labor income and $61 million in local business sales each year. Total local economic impact, both direct and indirect, is expected to be at least $202 million each year. That annual economic impact would provide more than $20 million in direct federal income tax revenue, $6.2 million in direct state income tax revenue, and $3.8 million in sales tax revenue.

Words Of Wisdom

"The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave." –

Patrick Henry

Water Conservation Measures For McHenry County

McHenry County is responding to the dry weather conditions by coordinating with municipalities and large water consumers and urging all residents to take voluntary water conservation measures.

According to the National Weather Service, Northern Illinois, including McHenry County, is experiencing a period of abnormally dry weather.  For the period January 1st to June 21st, precipitation at O’Hare Airport measured only 12.65 inches compared to the average annual precipitation of 15.55 inches. 

Precipitation in McHenry County is down even more.  For the same period, Hebron received only 10.35 inches of precipitation.

With the decreased precipitation, water flow in many of our area streams is greatly reduced and water levels in many ground water monitoring wells are falling. 

According to preliminary USGS data, average stream flow for the Fox River below the Algonquin Dam for the period from June 1st to June 26th, has been 384 cfs (cubic feet per second), which is 59.8 percent below the average monthly June stream flow of 955 cfs . 

Preliminary data from McHenry County’s groundwater monitoring well in Algonquin Township shows that the average June depth to the water table is 4.39 feet below the average for June of the previous three years.

According to the National Weather Service, while precipitation for the year is running below average, the rainfall deficits since May 8th are particularly severe.  Dry weather over the past month plus is occurring during the start of what is typically the wettest time of year in the region and at a time that is critical for farmers to get adequate rainfall toward the start of the growing season for the corn and soybean fields.  Recent high temperatures may exacerbate the impacts on agricultural crops.

To respond to the situation, McHenry County is organizing a summit of county and municipal officials, golf course operators, agricultural representatives, other high volume water users, and other interested stakeholders to discuss ways to respond if the abnormally dry conditions continue.

McHenry County is urging all residents to implement voluntary water conservation measures such as: watering lawns and gardens in the early morning and evening hours and only when absolutely necessary; avoiding washing cars; repairing leaky water fixtures; turning off the water while shaving and brushing teeth; taking shorter showers; using dishwashers and clothes washers only when full; and by not letting the water run when washing dishes by hand.

For more water conservation ideas, please visit the McHenry County water resources website: www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/waterresources.  For more information about the summit, please contact Dennis Sandquist, Director of Planning & Development at 815-334-4560.

Portion Of Walkup Road Closed

Walkup Road from Woodstock Street to IL 176 is scheduled to be CLOSED starting mid-morning Monday July 2, 2012 (tomorrow) tentatively through September.

The temporary traffic signal at IL 176 and Main Street will be activated the morning of July 2, 2012.

See below for the detour route as well as alternate routes around the area. Visit the project website for up-to-date information: www.WalkupRoad.com.