Saturday, January 19, 2013

Preparing For An Upcoming Wedding?

Brides, join us at this event that will make it so easy for you to plan your entire wedding. The event is taking place Sunday, January 20, 2013 from 11 am-3 pm at Park Place, 406 W. Woodstock St, Crystal Lake. Admission is free and includes raffle prize opportunities, and the chance to meet with 30+ vendors.

Featured vendors include: Gipper Formalwear Tux, Gipper Formalwear Bridal, Sunshine Travel, SW Travel, Apple Creek Flowers, Renees of Ridgefield, Sweet Pea Cakes, Konrads Bakery, Salon MACKK, The Powder Room, RFP Photography, Ruthie Hauge Photography, M.A.K. Photography, Elegant Presentations, Touchstone Crystal, Lulu's Wiggin Out, Photo Booth of the Stars, Intrigue Fitness, Coldwell Banker, Yours & Ours Event Planner, It Works!, A Sensations D.J., London Calling D.J., Pampered Chef, 3 Chefs Catering, Countryside Flower and Nursery, Dental Works, Hampton Inn, Commitments Yours and Ours, Inc., Beauty and the Feasts, Pizzazz Photo Booth

    Words Of Wisdom


    "We must take human nature as we find it, perfection falls not to the share of mortals."
    --George Washingto

    Open Forum On Cameras In Courtroom

    On February 1, 2013, at 2:00p.m., the Twenty Second Judicial Circuit of McHenry County will be hosting an open forum meeting to discuss the possibility of entering the Illinois Supreme Court “pilot project” which allows members of the media to bring cameras into the courtrooms.  Joseph Tybor, Press Secretary for the Illinois Supreme Court and Tom Jakeway, Deputy Court Administrator for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Boone and Winnebago Counties will be in attendance to answer questions and address concerns about the project.

    Members of the media, McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office, McHenry County Public Defender’s Office, McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, McHenry County Clerk of the Court, McHenry County Bar Association, McHenry County Administration, Court Administration and judges of the Twenty Second Judicial Circuit are invited to attend this meeting.  Interested members of the public are also invited to attend.

    The meeting will take place in the McHenry County Jury Assembly area located on the third floor of the McHenry County Government Center located at 2200 N. Seminary Avenue in Woodstock.

    On January 24, 2012, Chief Justice Thomas Kilbride issued order MR2634 authorizing extended media coverage in the circuit courts of Illinois on an experimental basis.  Extended media coverage, under certain restrictions pursuant to the Policy for Extended Media Coverage in the Circuit Courts of Illinois, allows members of the media to bring both still and video cameras into the courtrooms to photograph or video record proceedings. For additional information about MR2634 and the policy concerning extended media coverage please go to www.state.il.us/court/SupremeCourt/Announce/2012/012412.pdf

    For questions or other information pertaining to the meeting on February 1st, please contact Dan Wallis, Trial Court Administrator at jdwallis@co.mchenry.il.us or (815) 334-4351.

    Friday, January 18, 2013

    Words Of Wisdom

    "In reality there is perhaps no one of our natural passions so hard to subdue as pride. Disguise it, struggle with it, beat it down, stifle it, mortify it as much as one pleases, it is still alive, and will now and then peek out and show itself."
     --Benjamin Franklin, Autobiography, 1771

    Thursday, January 17, 2013

    How To Build A more Sustainable World

    How do we build a more sustainable world?  Find out by attending the free Great Lakes Beaming Bioneers Speaker Series at 7 p.m. beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 22 in the Luecht Conference Center at McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake. The four-part series continues on Jan. 29, Feb. 5 and Feb. 12.

    Experts in local and global issues facing our planet today will present information about building the local food network, quantifying the value of natural areas, Loyola University’s path to sustainability, and what is on the horizon for fracking in Illinois. The speaker series is co-sponsored by McHenry County College, Loyola University Retreat Ecology Campus and McHenry County Conservation District.

    The first lecture on Jan. 22 will feature “Towards an Economics of Shared Prosperity in a Finite World,” presented by Jon Erickson, professor of ecological economics and the interim dean of the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont. His presentation will explore the foundations from which to build an economy for the century of the environment, designing resilient systems that align human nature with the realities of growing resource scarcity.

    Erickson has published widely on energy and climate change policy, land conservation, watershed planning, environmental public health, and the theory and practice of ecological economics.

    At each presentation, a national Bioneers Conference DVD will be shown featuring a prominent environmental leader.  The speakers via DVD will include: Bill McKibben of 350.org, on Jan. 29;
     Nikki Henderson of People’s Grocery, on Feb. 5;
    Sandra Steingraber, author of “Living Downstream,” on Feb. 12.
    The following are seminar topics scheduled through Feb. 12:
    ·        “Engaging In Transformation” January 29, 7 p.m. featuring Nancy Tuchman, Director of the Institute of Urban Environmental Sustainability (IUES) at Loyola University Chicago (effective Jan. 1, 2013)

    ·        “Building Bridges With Food” February 5, 7 p.m. featuring Linda Mallers of FarmLogix

    ·        “Fracking 101: What, Where, and WHY?” February 12, 7 p.m. featuring Jack Darin, executive director, Illinois Sierra Club

    The speaker series is free and open to the public. For more information, contact either Pat Dieckhoff at (815) 479-7817 or Kristine Emrich at (815) 479-7570 or email conferencecenter@mchenry.edu. For more information about the speaker series, visit www.mcecoconference.org.  For more information about the national Bioneers, visit www.bioneers.org

    Teen Job Fair Coming March 13 Crystal Lake

    The Crystal Lake Park District is hosting a Teen Job Fair on Wednesday, March 13, from 4:00-6:00 PM, at Park Place, 406 W. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake.  According to the Teen Job Fair Coordinator and Crystal Lake Park District Recreation Supervisor, Connie Cooke, “The annual Teen Job Fair helps prepare kids for roles in the community and learn employment skills that they’ll use later on.''

    Teens participating in the Crystal Lake Park District Job Fair have opportunities to:
    Meet with potential employers at one location
    Complete job applications
    Interview
    Find and land the perfect job

    Teens and employers both benefit from the Teen Job Fair.  By participating in the Teen Job Fair, employers can interview a large number of teens in a short period of time.   There is still booth space available for employers interested in participating.  Contact Connie Cooke (815) 459-0680 ext. 213.

    Government At Work


    FRIDAY, JANUARY 18 –
    9:00 a.m. – McHenry County Board Special Meeting –
    Meeting in the County Board Room, County Administration Building 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

    The special meeting is being called to discuss A Resolution Requesting the Submission of a Question of Public Policy to the Electors of McHenry
    County Regarding the Method of Selection of the County Board Chair

    Voters are being asked “
    "SHALL THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MCHENRY COUNTY BOARD BE ELECTED AT-LARGE, BY THE VOTERS FOR A TERM OF FOUR YEARS AND NOT BE REQUIRED TO BE A MEMBER OF THE MCHENRY COUNTY BOARD?”

    It is anticipated there will be some discussion regarding the question. 

    Contacts for Newly Elected Representative Barbara Wheeler

    Just sworn into office last week, State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) is ready to announce her legislative office opening and how to contact her in the district, in Springfield, and through social media.

    Rep. Wheeler’s office in the district is located at 37 E Grave Avenue in Fox Lake.  Her office hours will be Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Thursday, noon-8:00 pm, and Saturday 9:00 am – noon.  The office can be contacted by calling (847) 973-0064.

    “Living in a service-based economy, not everyone has the ability to contact their legislators between the hours of nine to five,” said Wheeler.  “My office hours may not be typical, but the  flexibility will make it easier for my constituents to reach out to me for assistance regardless of their busy schedules.”

    In addition to her office in Fox Lake, Wheeler will also be operating a full time office in Springfield.  Her office is located at 214-N Stratton Office Building in Springfield and can be contacted by calling (217) 782-1664 or FAX (217) 557-7016 between the hours of 8:30 a.m.-4:30p.m.

    Wheeler is also looking to keep in contact with her constituents through a strong internet presence.  Rep. Wheeler can be reached via email: repwheeler64@gmail.com, website: wheeler.ilhousegop.org, Twitter: @bmwheeler, and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StateRepresentativeBarbaraWheeler.

    “In the information age, public servants need to be accessible physically, verbally, and electronically,” said Wheeler.  “I may be new to the social networking world, but I plan on keeping my constituency up to date on what I am doing in Springfield, major legislation being discussed, and local issues that affect us here at home.  It is my goal to always be accessible when I am needed.”

    Office contact:
    37 E Grand Ave. Suite 101                                                  214-N Stratton Office Building
    Fox Lake, IL 60020                                                               Springfield, IL 62706
    (847) 782-1664                                                                     (217) 782-1664
                                                                                                    (217) 557-7016 FAX

    Social media:

    Website: wheeler.ilhousegop.org
    Twitter: @bmwheeler

    Words Of Wisdom

     "Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time, who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done, if we are always doing."
    -Thomas Jefferson

    Wednesday, January 16, 2013

    No Ice Fishing On Crystal Lake

    The Crystal Lake Anglers Ice Fishing Derby scheduled for January 27 at  Crystal Lake Main  Beach has been cancelled.

    The 2013 event is bein cancelled due to low lake conditions and logistic issues. Please check the Crystal Lake Anglers website http://www.crystallakeanglers.org

    For more information abut the 2014 event call Carl Vainisi, Crystal Lake Anglers, at 815-354-5089

    Cost Of Immigration In USA

    More than a quarter of the $1 trillion spent on welfare in the United States goes directly to the households of immigrants.  And two out of three jobs created in the last four years went to immigrants

    Those are jobs that would lift Americans out of poverty, and reduce welfare spending still more.  Instead, just last month, the unemployment rate among black Americans rose to 14 percent.

    The problem isn't only illegal immigration: Most legal immigrants use at least one welfare program.  The problem is simply too much immigration.  In fact, while many illegal immigrants have gone home since the start of the recession, the number of legal immigrants in America continues to explode.

    Some immigration makes sense.  But such massive levels of immigration are keeping Americans trapped in poverty. And they're exploding the federal deficit, not to mention busting Illinois's own budget!

    This comes from a group asking for help get the message to Senators Kirk and Durbin to stop importing poverty.
    Numbers USA is seeking help in sending fax regarding too much immigration
    Here is the site:

    Government At Work

    THURSDAY, JANUARY 17 –
    8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Planning and Development Committee—
    Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

    A presentation is slated to the Committee regarding the County's Planning and Zoning Authority as well as on the County Unified Development Ordinance.

    New business matters include a discussion regarding the Planning and Development Committee functions and responsibilities
    Discussion and decision regarding Committee Meeting Time
    Resolution Requesting an Exception From a Potential Conflict of Interest Involving the PY2012
    Community Development Block Grant Program Funding Between Pioneer Center for Human Services and McHenry County Board Member James Heisler
    Discussion regarding the Department of Planning and Development 2013 Annual Report .

    1:30 p.m.—McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals –
    Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

    A hearing is slated regarding Walter Stricker property in Chemung Township with a requested reclassification from A-1 Agriculture District to the A-2 Agriculture District.

    7:00 p.m. – Crystal Lake Park District Board of Commissioners –
    Meeting in the Park District Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake.

    Committee reports to the board are slated from the Safety Committee meeting and the Planning-Buildings and Grounds Committee

    The Board is to consider requests from the Crystal Lake Cardinal Baseball Association and Helping Paws.

    The Commissioners are to consider four tax abatement ordinances and hear reports to the Board as well as any reports from the Board

    Reports to and from the Board are also scheduled before the Board conducts an Executive Session is necessary.

    Mother Nature Interferes With Chili Open Golf Classic Plans

    Due to poor ice conditions, the Chili Open Golf Classic (originally scheduled for January 19) has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 2 on Crystal Lake. 

    Crystal Lake Main Beach is located at 300 Lakeshore Drive in Crystal Lake.  Tee times begin at 8:00 am and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration fee for the Chili Open is $115 per team (foursome). Register online at www.crystallakeparks.org and use program code 1405-0. Office hours are 8:30 am-5 pm Monday-Friday. In the event of continued poor ice conditions on this date, the event will be rescheduled for February 16.

    The Chili Open Golf Classic is a favorite winter tradition for many. Golfers will play one championship, nine-hole, par 32 course on frozen Crystal Lake. You don't have to have any golfing experience to participate, just bring three friends, a few short irons, a putter and come have fun on the lake.

    All foursomes will receive our great giveaway, one bowl of chili and the chance to win several prizes. Prizes will include; golf bags, golf clubs, golf apparel, and gift cards. Decorate a sled and enter the Chili Open "Best Sled" contest for your chance to win even more great golf prizes.  Painted golf balls, prizes and side games are provided to all golfers.   

    The following event sponsors have teamed up with the Crystal Lake Park District to make this year's event better than ever. 2013 sponsors include: Jersey Mikes, Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical, Buffalo Wild Wings, New Balance-Crystal Lake and Sports City Academy.

    Please contact Connie Cooke at (815) 459-0680 ext. 213 for further information.

    Words Of Wisdom

    "The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave."
    --Patrick Henry, speech in the Virginia Convention, 1775

    Tuesday, January 15, 2013

    Government At Work

    WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16 –
    8:15 a.m. – McHenry County Board Transportation Committee –
    Meeting in the McHenry Board Division of Transportation, 16111 Nelson Road, Woodstock.

    The Committee will be provided a presentation on non-dedicated roads before considering a number of resolutions:

    • Approving Right-Of-Way Land Acquisition Management Services Agreement for River Road at Dowell Road intersection project.
    • Approving Right-Of-Way Land Acquisition Management Services and Appropriating funds for the Noe Road Project
    • Approving a Supplemental Engineering Agreement and Appropriating Funds for the Franklinville Road Bridge over the Franklinville Creek Project
    • Resolution Appropriating Funds for Ice Control Maintenance Materials
    • Resolution Approving a Supplemental Engineering Agreement and Appropriating Funds for the Franklinville Road Bridge over the Franklinville Creek Project
    • Resolution Approving a Supplemental Engineering Agreement and Appropriating Funds for the Lawrence Road over Piscasaw Creek Bridge Project
    • Resolution to Approve Adopt-A-Highway Volunteer Group Agreements
    • Resolution Requesting Consent of the Illinois Department of Transportation to the Reappointment of the Incumbent as County Engineer.
     Another matter for consideration by the Committee is the McDOT 100 year anniversary.

    9:00 a.m. – McHenry County Board Staff Plat Committee –
    Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

    The Final Plat review is scheduled for the Hunter’s Woods Subdivision

    7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Board Conservation Easement Committee—
    Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

    The Committee is to consider a Taskforce Update

    • Legislative Agenda for 2013 Update
    • Natural and Environmental Resources Committee Update
    • Transfer of Development Rights – Update from State’s Attorney Office
    • Creation of Application Packet with Dave Brandt presenting his draft documents for discussion
    • CPA and Attorney Informational Material
     Discussion on type of educational material ACE would like to distribute and by what means of distribution and which other agencies ACE would like to partner with for the project

    7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission
    Meeting in Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.

    Two public hearings are scheduled, one for a Special Use Permit for a garage greater than 600 square feet to be 920 square feet on property at 16 East Franklin Avenue

    The second request is for a special use permit and variations for replacement wall, gas station canopy and free standing signage at the CITGO station, 471 Virginia Street.

    Are Times A-Changing?

    The Town Crier has been engaged in journalism for nearly a half century, both in Illinois and Pennsylvania.
    In all instances, we were never permitted to serve on a jury. This year for the first time, we are possibly to sit on a jury in McHenry County.

    This week we were summoned to serve on a jury, or at least wait to see if we are called to serve on the jury in McHenry County. Today, is the big test. We are called, but whether we are chosen will remain to be seen. It is up to the attorneys involved in representing the principals in the trial.

    Government At Work -

    Tuesday, January 15—
    8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Housing Commission –
    Meeting in the Planning and Development Conference Room, McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

    The Commission is to hear a report from the Executive Committee, hear a presentation by the Housing Commission  and hear reports from mucipality contacts.

    The topic of conflicts of interest is also to be considered as well as the Notification of Funds Available.

    Government At Work-

     Tuesday, January 15—
    8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Housing Commission –
    Meeting in the Planning and Development Conference Room, McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

    The Commission is to hear a report from the Executive Committee, hear a presentation by the Housing Commission and hear reports from municipality contacts.

    The topic of conflicts of interest is also to be considered as well as the Notification of Funds Available.

    6:00 p.m.—McHenry County College Board of Trustees Committee of the Whole –
    Meeting in the County College Board Room, McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

    The Board is to discuss the preliminary December Financial report before turning to other Board matters such as a public-private partnership report regarding a feasibility study.

    Other important matters to be considered by the Trustees include a discussion on the parking lot reconstruction; discussion of the position of Director of Sustainability; a mid-year budget review and discussion of items to discuss with legislators at a February ACCT Legislative Summit.

    6:30 p.m. – High School District 155 Board Operations Committee –
    Planned to meet on this date but due to many of the members being out town, the meeting is cancelled.

    7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Board—
    Meeting in the County Board Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

    A proclamation is being presented for Board approval, recognizing Nick Chinkos for over six years of service to the McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission.

    A resolution is being presented for Board approval authorizing the renewal of a contract with Carasoft Technology Corporation for agenda management/webstreaming Services

    McHenry County Zoning Board Recommendations --
    Strauss Trust - Hartland Twp - A1C-A1CV-- Renewal of Conditional Use Permit to
    (A)-Allow a landscape business,
    (B) Allow the use of a one-story barn as an office,
    (C) Allow the outdoor and indoor storage of commercial equipment and vehicles, (D) With amendments to allow the storage of mulch and firewood; and further variations (i) to allow the employee parking area and the driveway, connecting it to Streit Road, to be gravel, and  without individual parking space designations, or wheel or bumper guards or curbs, and to allow the driveway connecting that parking lot to the proposed storage area for commercial vehicles and equipment to be sixteen (16) feet in width at its most narrow portion, instead of the 24-foot minimum.

    The Petitioners further request a Conditional Use to allow Creekside Landscape Development to sell firewood to its landscape customers and to provide snow plowing and shoveling services to the public.

    REINA TRUST - ALGONQUIN TOWNSHIP - A1-E1—
    The property is located at 7821 Hickory Nut Grove Road. The request is to rezone from A1 Agriculture to E1 Estate District.

    FIUMETTO - MCHENRY TOWNSHIP - R1-R1V
    Variation to allow a front yard setback of seventeen (17) feet instead of the required thirty (30)-foot setback, and to allow a side yard setback of five (5) inches, instead of the required ten (10)-foot setback.

    The property-in-question does not have any current zoning violations.  The reason the petitioner is seeking a variation is that she proposes to add an attached garage to the existing residential dwelling, and neither the existing residence, nor the proposed addition meet required setbacks, as named in the petition. 

    The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) report indicates that no endangered species or sensitive natural resources are found in the vicinity of the PIQ. The consultation was therefore terminated.

    JENSEN - HEBRON TOWNSHIP - A1-A2V—
    Reclassification from the A-1 Agriculture District to the A-2 Agriculture District with a variation to allow a side yard setback of 23.35 feet rather than the required 30 feet along the south property line and a variation to allow a road frontage for the property of 300 feet rather than the required 330 feet.

    Granting of the request is recommended.

    7:30 p.m. – CRYSTAL LAKE CITY COUNCIL—
    Meeting in the City Council Chambers, City Hall. 100 West Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.

    The first matter the Council is to handle is the swearing in of a new Chief of Police, James R. Black.

    The appointment of Black was made by City Manager Gary J. Mayerhofer announced the appointment of James R. Black as Chief of Police effective January 7, 2013.

    Chief Black comes to Crystal Lake after having served the Downers Grove Police Department for 25 years. Chief Black joined the Downers Grove Police Department as a Patrol Officer in January 1988. He was then promoted to Police Sergeant in 2000, Operations Lieutenant in 2004 and Deputy Chief in 2006. Chief Black has both a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and a Masters Degree in Criminal/Social Justice from Lewis University. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.

    Chief Black has proven himself to be a dedicated police professional and he looks forward to working with the employees of the Crystal Lake Police Department to effectively protect and serve our community.

    Chief Black is taking the place of Chief Linder who retired following 32 years of service with the City.

    Northside Community Bank, Edward Egelston, petitioner
    The petitioner is requesting annexation of three parcels that total approximately 5 acres, located south and west of the southwest comer of Route 176 and Terra Cotta Road.

    The property is improved with a residential structure used for commercial purposes as a restaurant. The petitioners are seeking annexation to connect to City water and sewer.

    The petitioner requests that this matter be referred to the February 6, 2013, Planning & Zoning Commission meeting for zoning consideration and the February 19, 2013, City Council meeting for the annexation public hearing.

    The subject property consists of two parcels that total approximately 9.4 acres, located north and east of Route 14 and Route 176 at 7624 US Route 14. The property is vacant. The petitioner is seeking annexation to connect to City water and sewer and develop the property.

    U.S. Route 14- Annexation Referral
    Spence Management Services, Chris Spence, petitioner
    Recommendation: Motion to refer the petitioner's request to the February 6, 2013, Planning Zoning Commission meeting for zoning consideration and to the February 19, 2013, City Council meeting for the annexation public hearing.

    Glacier Ridge Elementary School "Paws for the Pantry" Run
    The Glacier Ridge Elementary School PTA is requesting to hold the "Paws for the Pantry" Run on Sunday, April 21, 2013.

    The event includes a!-mile walk/run, which is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. and a SK run, which is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m.  As part of the request, the PTA is asking that a portion of Village Road between Moorland Drive and Driftwood Lane (in front of Glacier Ridge School), as well as Kings Gate Lane at Village Road be closed during the event. The City Council approved a similar request in 2012. The proceeds from the race will benefit the PTA of Glacier Ridge Elementary School and there will be food donations accepted for the Crystal Lake Food Pantry.

    St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church
    Seeks a temporary Use Permit for a Friday night fish fry Special Promotion.
    Motion is requested to approve the Temporary Use Permit, pursuant to the recommendations listed below, and waive the Temporary Use Perm it fee.

    The Temporary Use Permit shall be valid per the attached site plan for the Friday evenings between February 15, 2013 and March 22, 2013 from 2:00p.m. until9:00 p.m. Any requests for additional signage shall be made to the Building Division.

    New Retailer Job Creation -- Investment Matching Grant Application
    Lori McConville of Marvin's Toy Store, 64A Williams Street, is requesting a $10,000 matching grant.

    Retail Store in M-Manufacturing District
    Brad Joseph is requesting approval for a retail store location at 4500 Northwest Highway.

    This location is in an M-Manufacturing District. The Council may approve the Grant Agreement to fund furniture, fixtures and equipment for the new business or reject same.

    Lot Subdivision, at 394 Federal Drive
    Shabbir Kapadia, petitioner is requesting adoption of an ordinance approving a final plat of subdivision

    The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the petitioner's request and adoption of an ordinance approving the final plat of subdivision at this location.

    7:30 p.m. High School District 155 Board –
    Meeting in the Cary-Grove High School, 2208 Three Oaks Road, Cary.
    The Cary-Grove High School Football team is being recognized for their outstanding accomplishments.

    Other matters on the agenda for Board consideration includes:
    A Second Reading of a Board Policy regarding personnel suspensions. The revision is being made to assist the District in the event a parent contests a suspension given by those roles not currently listed in the policy.

    As usual there are numerous resignation, retirement, dismissal and non-renewal considerations. These generally relate to such as short-term paraprofessional duties at the high schools. Also coaching positions for various sports

    Also for board consideration are three custodial positions being filled along with four coaching and extra-curricular assignments.

    Four matters are to be considered in executive session including appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of employees under which all Assistant Superintendent Positions identified are being considered.

    The agenda notes three categories of possible action to be taken in executive session including appointment, employment, compensation, discipline performance or dismissal of employee, handling all assistant superintendent positions identified.

    Also, the Board is to discussion, in executive session, collective negotiating matters between the public body and employees...

    The board is also slated to consider possible expulsion of a student or students, and a suspension hearing appeal.


    Words Of Wisdom

    "Honor, justice, and humanity, forbid us tamely to surrender that freedom which we received from our gallant ancestors, and which our innocent posterity have a right to receive from us. We cannot endure the infamy and guilt of resigning succeeding generations to that wretchedness which inevitably awaits them if we basely entail hereditary bondage on them."
     --Thomas Jefferson (1775)

    Monday, January 14, 2013

    Words Of Wisdom


    "Honor, justice, and humanity, forbid us tamely to surrender that freedom which we received from our gallant ancestors, and which our innocent posterity have a right to receive from us. We cannot endure the infamy and guilt of resigning succeeding generations to that wretchedness which inevitably awaits them if we basely entail hereditary bondage on them."
     --Thomas Jefferson (1775)

    Sunday, January 13, 2013

    Ricky Nelson Remembered


    He is the only artist to have a No. 1 song, No. 1 movie and No. 1 TV show in the same week. Life Magazine coined the phrase ‘Teen Idol’ after him and he is credited with pioneering the country rock sound. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Nelson’s life and music touched millions; his twin sons, multi-platinum recording artists, Matthew & Gunnar Nelson, relive the music and memories in their multi-media event, Ricky Nelson Remembered. 

    Ricky Nelson Remembered is live in Crystal Lake, Illinois, on January 19, 2013 at 8:00pm at Raue Center For The Arts again! A sell-out in 2012, tickets are sure to go quick. They start at $31 and are on sale now! Purchase them online via rauecenter.org or through the Raue Center For The Arts Box Office located at 26 N. Williams Street in Historic Downtown Crystal Lake. Reach them by phone at 815.356.9212.

    Featuring hit songs like “Hello Mary Lou,” “Poor Little Fool,” “Travelin’ Man,” “I’m Walkin’,” “I Gotta Feeling,” “Teenage Idol,” “Garden Party” and many more, RNR showcases his life with never-before-seen interviews from artists he influenced, including Paul McCartney and Chris Isaak. Matthew and Gunnar’s musical event is heartfelt and full of laughter. 

    Ricky Nelson died in a plane crash on his way to perform a New Year’s Eve concert in 1986. His legacy includes 53 hit singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and nineteen other top-ten hits.  He is one of the biggest-selling artists of all time, a Golden Globe winner for his performance alongside John Wayne in Rio Bravo and in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

    From Ozzie and Harriet to Ricky to Matthew and Gunnar, the Nelson’s are listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the only family in history with three successive generations of No. 1 hit makers. Matthew and Gunnar are also nephews of NCIS star, Mark Harmon, on their mother’s side.

    For more information, including press interviews and photos contact:
    Melissa Kucirek / nelsonbiz@me.com / 402-677-0930

    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 11 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 attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic, downtown Crystal Lake, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. For additional information, visit www.rauecenter.orgwww.facebook.com/RaueCenter and www.twitter.com/RaueCenter.

    Water Well Selling Rebate Program

    In partnership with the McHenry-Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District and the McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH), the McHenry County Community Foundation is sponsoring a water well sealing rebate program to make it easier for McHenry County residents to properly seal unused or abandoned water wells.  Residents may be eligible for a rebate of up to $500 per water well if all the program requirements are met.

    A water well must be properly sealed when it is no longer used for its intended purpose for more than 30 days. Unused water wells can create a direct pathway for contaminants to reach the groundwater.  Property owners are eligible to participate in the program if the following criteria are met: 

    • The well to be sealed must be located in McHenry County.
    • The well must have been used for residential or domestic uses.
    • The well must be sealed by a licensed water well installation contractor.
    • The well must be sealed under a permit approved by MCDH per all applicable ordinance requirements.
     Receipts confirming the payment for the cost of the well sealing must be provided to the McHenry-Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District.

    Applications to participate in the Water Well Sealing Rebate Program are available at the McHenry-Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District and MCDH.

    For more information, contact MCDH at 815-334-4585 or visit www.mcdh.info. Get the latest news from MCDH on Facebook and Twitter http://twitter.com/mchenrycohealth.