McHenry County Blog

It was difficult to get into the room where the newly elected and retained judges were to be sworn in for new 6-year terms, but at least State Rep. Jack Franks was on the list of those who were to be admitted.

He sat on the second row and his name was even mentioned as the one who sponsored the bill that gave McHenry County its very own judicial district.

But when Chief Judge Michael Sullivan handed out kudos, more went to former Circuit Court Judge Ward Arnold than to Franks. Arnold apparently suggested the idea to Representative Franks.

During the review of the history of the McHenry County Courts, I think attorney Tom Zanck also gave credit to Franks for passing the enabling legislation.

But that was after he explained that an earlier courthouse was known as the rat hole.

It apparently got that moniker from a Whig merchant on the Woodstock Square who suggested the courthouse politicians running out of an old courthouse (where the Harris Bank now stands) were running like rats. It seems that the tin roof blow off in a heavy windstorm.

In any event, the sponsor of the bill that made the celebration possible was not among those allowed to give a short talk.

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State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Bull Valley) talks with McHenry County Treasurer and Republican Party Chairman Bill LeFew while McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren listens. All were standing in line waiting for admission to the courtroom where judicial swearing ceremonies were to be held.

Below is a picture of attorney Tom Zanck, who narrated the history of the judiciary in McHenry County.

Labels: Bill LeFew, Jack Franks, Keith Nygren, Tom Zanck