Bull Valley Renaissance Faire-June 22

The Village of Bull Valley’s Stickney House Foundation will hold the first BULL VALLEY RENAISSANCE FAIRE on JUNE 22, 2013 11 AM – 11 PM at 11114 Country Club Rd. (corner of Bull Valley Rd. and Country Club Rd.) in Bull Valley.

Activities will include vendors and demonstrators in period costume, an inflated bounce castle for children, food, music and fun. Performers will include wandering troubadour David HB Drake; balloon art performer Brian Kennedy of Apollo Magic; and professional belly dancer Dimitra.  More vendors and performers are signing up daily.  The evening will end with a pig-roast renaissance banquet.

General admission is $14.95 for adults and $7.00 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 are free.  Banquet tickets are $10.00 for adults and $7.50 for children. Dinner prices include 2 beverages.

For tickets or more information contact Michelle or Phyllis at 815-459-4833 between 8 am and 4 pm.  Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/433501946714934/?ref=14

All proceeds of this Renaissance Faire benefit the Stickney House Foundation. The Stickney House Foundation is an independent foundation dedicated to restoration and preservation of the original home of the George Stickney family. Built in 1849, this Italianate style house is designed to have no 90 degree angles, giving it its unique appearance and round corners.  The Stickney House is registered on the National Register of Historic Places. Stickney house has recently begun to show its true beauty thanks to restoration made possible by a private donor, but more work is needed to truly bring out this historic gem.  Stickney House is currently the home of the Village of Bull Valley government center.

Winning MCC Engineering Students

MCC engineering students Jeremy Dixon of McHenry, Thomas Aquino of Island Lake and Tyler Patterson of Marengo, display their award-winning catapult structure that captured second place overall and best precision at the at the fifth annual Suburban Chicago Intercollegiate Catapult Contest at Harper College. Not pictured is Wayne Reynolds of Lake in the Hills.

 

A team of four McHenry County College students finished second overall out of 26 teams, and won the precision event at the fifth annual Suburban Chicago Intercollegiate Catapult Contest at Harper College.

The MCC team included Jeremy Dixon of McHenry, Thomas Aquino of Island Lake, Tyler Paterson of Marengo and Wayne Reynolds of Lake in the Hills. They were among three teams from McHenry County College that participated in the event.

Engineering students from area community colleges designed and built their own catapults, which were entered into the contest. Competitions were held in the categories of distance, accuracy, and precision. 

The students really worked well together and utilized each of their individual strengths to develop and fabricate a design that was cost-effective, accurate, and performed well,” said MCC’s applied technology instructor Bob Mihelich, AIA, NCARB. “They also had a lot of fun doing so.”

The intercollegiate catapult competition was a great experience,” said Arianna Bello of Crystal Lake. “It was interesting to see all the different designs that teams came up with given the same set of parameters.

The competition atmosphere was friendly and accepting. It was enjoyable to see students from different colleges and different areas of study come together for the same purpose.”

For more information on MCC’s chemistry, physics or pre-engineering classes, visit contact Steven Socol, Ph.D. at (815) 455-8714 ssocol@mchenry.edu.

Youth Piano Competition

Dean Malsack Youth Piano Competition

June 27, 2013 | Applications Due May 31, 2013

Raue Center For The Arts is proud to present the First Annual Dean Malsack Youth Piano Competition! The competition is open to all non-professional youth pianists ages 10-18.

Applications are now being accepted and due no later than May 31. Prizes will be awarded in Junior Division and Senior Division. 

 Download Application and Details

Words Of Wisdom

"More permanent and genuine happiness is to be found in the sequestered walks of connubial life than in the giddy rounds of promiscuous pleasure."

--George Washington, letter to the Marquis de la Rourie, 1786

Beach Water Samplings On 38 Licensed Beaches

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) conducted beach water samplings at 38 licensed beaches on Wednesday, May 22. 

The following beaches have been placed on ADVISORY due to high bacteria levels and will be re-sampled next week.   

Indian Trails Beach, Woods Creek Lake, Lake in the Hills;

Shore Hills Beach, 3450 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake.

An advisory means there is an elevated health risk. 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.

Words Of Wisdom

"Our country is in danger, but not to be despaired of. Our enemies are numerous and powerful; but we have many friends, determining to be free, and heaven and earth will aid the resolution. On you depend the fortunes of America. You are to decide the important question, on which rest the happiness and liberty of millions yet unborn. Act worthy of yourselves."

 --Joseph Warren, Boston Massacre Oration, 1775

Walkup Road Update

South Section:

• Flashing beacons have been installed on Walkup Road North of Veteran Acres Park for the multi-use path crossing. Additional flashing beacons will be installed on Walkup Road just north of Talismon Drive for a pedestrian crossing.  The beacons are not yet active.     They will be activated on June 6^th.
• Final surface course placement is scheduled to begin next week.
• Manhole final adjustments have begun and will be complete next week. Use caution while driving through the area as construction barrels will be placed on some manholes that you will need to avoid while the concrete used for adjustments is curing.
• Sidewalk and curb and gutter final installation along IL Route 176 and Walkup Road will be complete next week.
• Landscaping will be complete next week.
• The temporary traffic signal at IL Route 176 and Walkup Road will be deactivated and the newly installed permanent traffic signal will be activated on June 6th.

North Section:

• The final lift of asphalt has been placed.
• Shoulder stone placement is complete.
• Permanent pavement striping is scheduled to occur next week.
• The new traffic signal installed at Mason Hill Road and Crystal Lake Road is scheduled to be activated on June 6th.

Work is nearing completion, but both sections are still considered construction work zones.  Traffic control may be required at times so please slow down and proceed with caution. HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY and PLEASE DRIVE SAFELY.

Fifty Year Prison Sentence For First Degree Murder

Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney, announces that Tim Smith, 28, formerly of Woodstock, was sentenced to 50 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the offense of First Degree Murder.

This case was investigated by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department. The victim, Kurt Milliman, had responded to a Craigslist ad which offered the services of a prostitute in exchange for money. When Milliman arrived at the defendant’s home on 4320 Doty Road, Woodstock, he met Kimberly Smith, the defendant’s wife. The two started to have sexual relations, but Kimberly Smith abruptly stopped and an argument ensued. The defendant then came out of a room where he had been hiding and shot Kurt Milliman in the back. The defendant then damaged his home, smashed a window and called the police claiming someone had broken into the home and attacked his wife.

A subsequent investigation by the Sheriff’s Department revealed that the defendant had placed the ad on Craigslist and was “pimping” his wife for profit.  The defendant was interviewed by detectives and admitted to fabricating the story of the break-in and that he had been selling his wife for sex on the internet.  The case was prosecuted by Michael Combs, Chief of the Criminal Division of the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office, Patrick Kenneally and Andrew Mueller.

Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney, announces that Tim Smith, 28, formerly of Woodstock, was sentenced to 50 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the offense of First Degree Murder.

This case was investigated by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department. The victim, Kurt Milliman, had responded to a Craigslist ad which offered the services of a prostitute in exchange for money. When Milliman arrived at the defendant’s home on 4320 Doty Road, Woodstock, he met Kimberly Smith, the defendant’s wife. The two started to have sexual relations, but Kimberly Smith abruptly stopped and an argument ensued. The defendant then came out of a room where he had been hiding and shot Kurt Milliman in the back. The defendant then damaged his home, smashed a window and called the police claiming someone had broken into the home and attacked his wife.

A subsequent investigation by the Sheriff’s Department revealed that the defendant had placed the ad on Craigslist and was “pimping” his wife for profit.  The defendant was interviewed by detectives and admitted to fabricating the story of the break-in and that he had been selling his wife for sex on the internet.  The case was prosecuted by Michael Combs, Chief of the Criminal Division of the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office, Patrick Kenneally and Andrew Mueller.

Kite Fest Sunday - Lippold Park- Crystal Lake

The Crystal Lake Park District along with Chicago Kite presents Kite Fest on Sunday, May 26, 11 am-4 pm at Lippold Park Soccer Field, Route 176, just west of Route 14.

This free event is a perfect way for families to enjoy Memorial Day weekend. Kite fest includes performances by Team Chicago Kite, learn-to-fly lessons, family kite fly time, single-line kite flying and the first 250 children will receive a free kite and a learn-to-fly lesson.

Keep your eyes to the skies as kites of all sizes will be flying, some as large as 90 feet will be soaring for all to see. Chicago Kite will be on hand for all your kiting needs.

For more information contact Connie Cooke at (815) 459-0680, ext. 213 or visit Chicago Kite online at http://www.chicagokite.com

Meeting Date Change

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Crystal Lake Economic Development Committee for Tuesday, May 28, is canceled and rescheduled for Tuesday, June 4, at 7:30 a.m. in the Crystal Lake City Council Chambers conference room at 100 Woodstock Street.

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22—

1:30 p.m. McHenry County Zoning Board-

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

Heaney - Richmond Township - Reclassification from the A-1 and A-1C Agriculture District to the A-2 Agriculture District, with a Variation to allow a detached garage in the front yard of the subject property, and also a variation to allow total land coverage of 75,600 square feet on the subject property, instead of the maximum 27,834 square feet allowed.

7:00 p.m. Valley Hi Nursing Home Operating Board—

Meeting in the Valley Hi Nursing Home, 2406 Hartland Road, Woodstock

The Board is to consider the Illinois Department of Public Health Annual Survey Update regarding Nursing and Architectural including Facility Smoking Policy and IDPA Payment Update

OLD BUSINESS 

• Pre-Employment / Post-Accident Drug Testing 
• MDI Software Upgrade 
• Medicare Part B Pre-Pay Probe Update 
• SB1916 Update

Our Focus is Learning. Student Success is Our Goal.

Please join us at a community forum to hear how MCC is meeting its mission through programs and initiatives:

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 Ÿ 6:30-8 p.m.

District 47 Schools-Core Center Central Office (Conference Rooms A and B)

300 Commerce Drive, Crystal Lake

Hear from College officials about progress being made around new and existing programming. Panelists include:

• Dr. Vicky Smith, President
• Dr. Tony Miksa, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs
• Cynthia Kisser, MCC Trustee
• Kay Moormann, Executive Dean, Workforce and Community Development
• Catherine Jones, Executive Director, Workforce, Community and Business Programs
• Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions and provide input. For a complete list of forum dates, visit www.mchenry.edu/forum.

Words Of Wisdom

"Another not unimportant consideration is, that the powers of the general government will be, and indeed must be, principally employed upon external objects, such as war, peace, negotiations with foreign powers, and foreign commerce. In its internal operations it can touch but few objects, except to introduce regulations beneficial to the commerce, intercourse, and other relations, between the states, and to lay taxes for the common good. The powers of the states, on the other hand, extend to all objects, which, in the ordinary course of affairs, concern the lives, and liberties, and property of the people, and the internal order, improvement, and prosperity of the state."

--Joseph Story, Commentaries on the Constitution, 1833

Government At Work

TUESDAY, MAY 21—

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Housing Commission—

Meeting in the P & D Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The Commission is to be presented a report from the Education Committee regarding Fair Housing Training Seminar.

Reports are scheduled regarding an update on HOME Application progress; funding recommendation to P D Committee for Scattered Site Rentals Project ACTION and an update on meetings with municipalities Contacts.

9:00 a.m. – McHenry County Tuberculosis Care and Treatment Board-

Meeting in the McHenry County Department of Health, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Building B, Woodstock

Program Highlights are TB Drug and Testing Solutions Shortage

Several items are slated for discussion including:

End of the Year Summary,

Product Shortages

New Board Member.

A number of topics are considered for discussion such as

National Shortage of isoniazid 300 mg tablets, TB’s Global Resurgence Amplifies U.S. Risk, as reported in The Wall Street Journal, December 18, 2012

7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Board—

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

The Board is to adopt a proclamation recognizing Mark Dammyer for 25 years of public service with the McHenry County Division of Transportation.

Two special presentations are slated for the Board, including one from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and one regarding Employee Health Insurance 2013-2014.

Five zoning matters are to be considered by the Board on consent agenda including:

Hanssler, Algonquin Township for a change from B1 to B1V- and requiring a majority vote of members present to pass.

Croll, Coral Township, A1 to E3, needs 13 votes to pass.

Wiest, Nunda Township, R1 to R1V needs a majority vote to pass.

Seegers Limited, Dunham Township, A1C11, needs 13 votes to pass

Fagiano, McHenry Township, R1-R1V, needs a majority vote to pass

The Board is also to consider the new and unfinished business of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois as the provider of administrative Services including stop loss coverage and employee medical and dental insurance for the period of July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.

A total of nine resolutions are to be presented for Board approval. These include two regarding Workers’ Compensation settlement claims;

A resolution authorizing acceptance of a McHenry County Community Foundation Grant for the McHenry County workforce Network.

A resolution authorizing an appropriation to the McHenry County Mental Health Board’s FY14 Continuation Funding Agreements.

A resolution authorizing the purchase of seven police pursuit Dodge Charger vehicles for the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department.

7:30 p.m. –Crystal Lake City Council—

Meeting in the City Council Chambers, 100 West Woodstock Street.

Property at 145 Erick Street is being referred for annexation.

Musky Tales Incorporated is requesting to hold special events at the Three Oaks Recreation Area on June 21, July 19, August 23 and October 6. The Council is requested to approve a license agreement with the group.

Further discussion is to take place regarding the Walkup Road Concrete Wall.

A resolution is to be executed regarding the Local Agency Agreement for Federal Participation with the Illinois Department of Transportation for construction of the Bikeway Corridor improvement.

Another resolution is to be considered appropriating MFT funds for the Bikeway Corridor Improvement.

7:30 p.m. – Community High School District 155 Board—

Meeting in the Center For Education, One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake,

A number of bid awards are to be approved regarding asbestos abatement, 2013 construction upgrades and an ISBE school maintenance Grant 2014.

It is also the time of the year for resignations, retirements, dismissal and non-renewal of contracts.

Words Of Wisdom

"I think we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious."

--Thomas Jefferson, letter to William Ludlow, 1824

Government At Work

MONDAY, MAY 20—

8:30 a.m. – McHenry  County Board Natural and Environmental Resources Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Six individuals are to be considered for a six-year term on the McHenry County Conservation Board of Trustees. They include: Laura King, Luke Lohmeyer, James Roden, Donald Larson, Stephen Barrett, Michael Szurek.

A number of reports are to be considered such as an update of the Stormwater Ordinance, Ground Water Research projects, status report on the Green infrastructure plan, implementation and awards

Also a resolution is being presented for approval to enter into a joint funding agreement with the United States Geologic Survey for analyzing groundwater data collection through the county’s monitoring wells.

7:00 p.m. – School District 47 Board—

Meeting in Hannah Beardsley School, 515 East Crystal Lake Avenue.

The Board is to consider two interesting reports including full day kindergarten update and a draft 2013-2014 proposed budget. In addition to paying bills and considering employment and retirement matters.

7:00 p.m. McHenry County Board of Health –

Meeting in the Department of Health, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock.

A number of reports are to be presented to the board regarding pertussis cases in Illinois, a Fire Rehab team report, the 2012 Department of Health annual report, and a report on Bat Rabies response.