McHenry County Blog

Our brave little squirrel fell out of a tree at the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake.


The men had finished assembling the new plastic benches for the outdoor chapel.

No more splinters.

No more aching backs or having to bring a lawn chair.

These benches have backs.

And were they heavy to move.

They were all leveled and spaced 22 inches apart.

We wondered where the little squirrel was.

We had gotten quite attached to him.

Even named him “Jose.”

I never saw the second one, but I'm told, just for balance, she was named “Maria.” She was more shy.

The man who first made contact with the little fellow picked him up and petted him.

I volunteered to take him to a veterinarian.

After I got to the office, I was told that he could lose his license if he treated a squirrel, that I should call DNR.

I knew what the Department of Natural Resources would say.

“It's only a squirrel. There are plenty more.”

In other words, “Get over it.”

After the squirrel died, I buried him in our yard with the rest of the pets.

I guess no one will be surprised at Sunday morning's 8 AM service by a little creature wondering around their feet.

Too bad.

Labels: First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake, Message of the Day, R.I.P., Squirrel, UMM, United Methodist Men

I think it was Mother's Day that I first noticed that Crystal Lake's Republican State Representative Mike Tryon had billboards up.

He must be nervous.

I have never seen billboards for a candidate put up SIX months before election day.

Billboards are used primarily to boost name identification.

My guess is that a poll for Tryon indicated that he has abnormally low name identification.

The reason is probably because he never had an opponent in a Republican primary election.

This spring, Tryon's Democratic Party opponent Robert Kaempfe got more votes than Tryon, the first time that has ever happened in McHenry County.

= = = = =

The head shot is of Democratic Party candidate for state representative Robert Kaempfe. He lives in Coventry in Crystal Lake.

Labels: 64th District, Mike Tryon, Robert Kaempfe

One of the first articles on McHenry County Blog was


It went up on October 24, 2005.

At a town meeting conducted by State Senator Pam Althoff and State Rep. Mike Tryon in Lake in the Hills on October 24, 2005, the question came up and impressed the Northwest Herald reporter and editor enough that it ended up on the front page of the paper.

As far as I can figure out, the NW Herald was the only in the state to alert people in a big way as to what was coming down.

State Senator Chris Lauzen was the first politician to send out a press release on the subject. I ran it on October 27, 2007.

As Lauzen put it,

“So now, in addition to free elementary and secondary education in Illinois for illegal immigrants with no questions asked, those breaking the immigration law will have another incentive as taxpayers subsidize universal medical insurance for their kids.”

Maybe it should be state policy that Illinois taxpayers pay for health care for children brought here illegally.

But, if so, I strongly believe that should have been vibrantly debated by the Illinois General Assembly.

If such a debate took place, it was not reported in any major Illinois newspaper.

In early December, Elgin's Daily Courier-News wrote the only editorial opposing the plan. The title was


Here's part:

“Blagojevich’s All Kids program is…the greatest financial and social blunder in the history of the state…

“The All Kids bill manages to fail on every conceivable legislative, moral, social and intellectual level…there is

• no wealth test…
• no residency requirement…
• no need for proof of citizenship…

“Hallelujah!

"Illinois has solved the world’s health care problems. This state has one of the largest illegal alien populations in the United States, a trend sure to accelerate if this becomes law…(two of five babies born in Kane County are to mothers who are illegally in this country…)”

How bad was the bill?

Here's what Democratic Primary opponent Edwin Eisendrath said on December 20th “"The bill was shorter than the press release."

By the end of January, the Daily Herald had figured out the illegal alien angle. It reported Ester Lopez, deputy chief of staff for Gov. Rod Blagojevich said,

“...the state provides in-state tuition and affordable health care to all immigrants.”

Better late than never, I guess.

Eleven months after my first article, my son's pediatrician's practice issued this notice about not accepting Kids Care anymore.

Guess the state was not paying its bills.

Another notice, this time on red paper, showed up at his doctor's office in December.

On May 30th, Daily Herald reporter Nick Shields wrote a major article on All Kids.

Guess what.

Although “Illinois has enrolled thousands of undocumented immigrant children...officials don't know how much taxpayers are spending on their care.”

Let's see.

The question is being addressed only about two and a half years after the bill passed.

Blagojevich's spokesman says they account for less than 4% of the total enrolled. About 56,000 kids, the Daily Herald was told.

But Blagojevich really doesn't want to know.

If the figures were available someone like Roselle's State Sen. Carole Pankau might raise a stink.

Good for her.

Also in the article is this quote from Mahomet Republican State Rep. Chapin Rose:

"We haven't paid our nursing home bills in six months, yet we're opening up an entitlement package to a whole class of individuals who aren't citizens."

Maybe forcing Illinois taxpayers to finance health care for the illegal alien kids living here is the right thing to do, as Blagojevich people assert. Morally wrong not to do it, in fact.

One thing is for sure.

Unlike Medicaid payments for citizens and legal aliens, those for illegal aliens cannot be submitted to the federal government for a 50% match.

That means Illinois taxpayers foot the entire bill.

And, Blagojevich's bureaucrats won't tell the cost.

Labels: All Kids, Carol Pankau, Chapin Rose, Daily Herald, Edwin Eisendrath, illegal aliens, Illegal Immigrants, Kids Care, Medicaid, Rod Blagojevich

Two messages in a row about why I love living in Lakewood.

Look at these shadows I saw while leaving my driveway in late afternoon this week.

This is what our oak-hickory forest looks like.

Labels: Lakewood, Message of the Day, Shadows

In a press release covering negotiating sessions ending more than two weeks ago, the Huntley District 158 School Board dropped blockbuster bombs on the Huntley Education Association.

The board put the cost of the proposed HEA union demands at 35%!

I think that's worth an exclamation point, don't you?

In my first article, I was a piker. I only got as high as 22%.

The Northwest Herald printed what the teachers wanted it to publicize--7%--which the Daily Herald estimated just over 10%.

The school board also included this statement, which is obviously intended to inflame editorial writers at the NW Herald and the Daily Herald:

“The HEA brought up recent editorials in local newspapers. The HEA team told the Board that the Northwest Herald and Daily Herald editors would not be in the classroom teaching the children come August in the event of a strike.”

The NW Herald took the teachers' union to the woodshed, while the Daily Herald criticized the school board for offering too much (4.25% the first year, plus 0.25% more than the increase in the cost of living for the next three years).

The school board also “objected to the HEA proposal to reduce student time for HEA representatives...for 50 paid days off each year for union and political activity.”

In addition, the board criticized the proposal's request to limit grade school student contact time to 4.5 hours per day.

The entire press release appears below:

Consolidated School District 158
Board of Education
Negotiation sessions
April 28th – May 12th

The Huntley Education Association (HEA) and The CSD 158 Board of Education (Board) continued to meet weekly to develop a new collective bargaining agreement.

The Board is issuing this statement in compliance with Bargaining Procedure #14 which states, “…The semimonthly press release shall contain a synopsis of the negotiation meetings and the main discussion points.”

The Board and the HEA agreed to separate contract issues into “economic” and “non-economic” categories. The Board and HEA exchanged counter proposals on the “non-economic” items, but to date no items have been tentatively agreed upon.

As of the close of the May 12th negotiating session the HEA had not made any changes to their original “economic” proposal, which the Board determined would increase compensation and benefit costs to the District in excess of 35%. The Board requested during each session that the HEA provide a revised economic proposal that is “reasonable”, so negotiations for compensation and benefits can begin. The HEA stated they believed their proposal was reasonable. The Board reiterated to the HEA that the Board is committed to an agreement that does not require deficit spending.

The Board objected to the HEA proposal to reduce student contact time for HEA representatives. As proposed, the reduction in student contact time for the HEA representatives would include 50 paid days off each year for union and political activity. The Board cited concerns over taxpayers funding this activity, and students
spending so much time without their primary teacher. The Board also objected to the HEA proposed language limiting student contact time at the Elementary level to 270 minutes (4.5 hours) per day.

The HEA brought up recent editorials in local newspapers. The HEA team told the Board that the Northwest Herald and Daily Herald editors would not be in the classroom teaching the children come August in the event of a strike.

The Board and the HEA each pointed out what they believed to be violations of Bargaining Procedures by the other side. On May 6th the HEA requested, and the Board agreed, to seek the assistance of a federal mediator.

The Board reminded the HEA of Bargaining Procedure #14 which states, “Unless the parties request mediation, the parties will refrain from talking about negotiation details to the public or press…” The Board and the HEA agreed to continue meeting while awaiting mediation.

The next press release will be issued after the June 2nd session (no negotiations were scheduled for Monday, May 26th due to Memorial Day).

The picture at the top shows newly-hired Superintendent John Burkey explaining to Huntley Education Association leaders why their contract would not be approved that night.

Labels: HEA, Huntley Education Association, Huntley School District 158

That's what McHenry County Blog predicted on August 30, 2007.

Now, the Algonquin Countryside's Pete Gonigan has gotten confirmation from McHenry County officials that they are working with that number, too.

McHenry County Board member Marc Munaretto (R-Algonquin) offered this comment:

"That would fund $75 million in debt for 10 years. We want the money devoted to building roads."

"That would fund $75 million in debt for 10 years," he said. "We want the money devoted to building roads."

Because of an amendment placed on the bill by three DuPage County Republican state senators--Dan Cronin, Kirk Dillard and John Millner at the behest of DuPage County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom and State's Attorney Joe Birkett--the money can also be spent on law enforcement.

Without that amendment, the half cent per dollar sales tax hike would not have passed.

"We feel the real purpose of intent of the tax was for road improvements, not anything else,” Munaretto added.

Retiring Fox River Grove board member Dan Shea, also a Republican, added that he thought none of it should be spent on public transportation.

= = = = =

I agree with Munaretto. All of it should be spent on roads. After all, people from all over McHenry County will be forced to pay the sales tax, but the Sheriff's Department's patrol division only serves the unincorporated part of McHenry County, where, incidentally, most of the county roads are.

McHenry County Board member Marc Munaretto can be seen in the top photography. Dan Shea is below with McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler in the background.

Labels: Dan Shea, Marc Munaretto, McHenry County Board, RTA Sales Tax

The following statement has been received from Dave Bachmann, the Democratic Party candidate for McHenry County Coroner against Republican incumbent Marlene Lantz:

"While out canvasing and talking to the folks, I am asked a fairly consistent question regarding the coroners office. After twenty eight years of a Lantz reign without Union representation, nor any previous inquirers into having such, voters are wondering why now, all of a sudden?

"My response can only be as follows:

"Ms. Lantz's behavior during this election cycle obviously shows her fear of not having her cushy position and having it 'her way' any longer. Spending 'at will' to the detriment of our citizenry as I have previously outlined in my assessment of the Coroners office as it operates today.

"As many know, I have made my professional assessment (utilizing my 30 years of business and professional experience internationally) of her office management and staffing.

"I stand by my assessment and nothing Ms. Lantz plans to do will deter me from implementing tax dollar saving programs.

"Nothing!

"I am not a career politician, but clearly understand economics and a fiduciary duty to those who might place me in office come November.

"Ms Lantz is

• either holding the hard working tax payers of McHenry County to Economic 'Blackmail,' as punishment for the results of the Feb. Primary,
• OR, she is 'Pandering' after twenty eight years of ignoring Democratic based Unions, to make herself appear that she has seen the light of a Democratic cause.... all of a sudden.

"The hard working tax payers of McHenry County have paved the way for Ms. Lantz to earn a very nice living, and, in addition, have provided for her future with a well funded pension. We will not be fooled nor swayed by this political stunt.

"She should be ashamed that she has abandoned her base for the sake of an election.

"I will not be swayed by any such moves by Ms. Lantz should I win the office of Coroner.

"Rather, I will stay my course as outlined as a principled and dedicated public servant. I will act accordingly without the fear of threat to uphold my duty to the citizens of McHenry County.

"This will be my official stance on this issue. "Courage and Strength" undeterred by any faction that might try to impede my ability to do what is right for our county residents.

"David J. Bachmann
"Democratic Candidate for McHenry County Coroner"

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner

The morning Saturday, May 31st, 16th district Congressman Don Manzullo will be available in Crystal Lake and Huntley.

If you'd like to ask a question or just meet the man, the details are below.

[CRYSTAL LAKE] Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) is inviting area residents to join him for coffee and conversation in Crystal Lake and Huntley the morning of Saturday, May 31.
Congressman Manzullo and his staff will be available to meet from:

• 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Congressman Manzullo’s Crystal Lake district office, 5186 Northwest Highway, Suite 130, Crystal Lake.
• 10:30 a.m. to noon in the village board room at the Huntley Municipal Complex, 10987 Main Street, Huntley.

Congressman Manzullo wants to hear the thoughts and concerns of area residents. He will share with them his 12-point plan to reduce gas prices in America, along with his ideas to create jobs in America, make health care more affordable, prevent tax increases, secure the borders, and protect Americans from our enemies.
Manzullo’s district staff will also be on hand to assist residents with problems they may be having with federal agencies, including Social Security and Veterans Affairs; provide assistance obtaining passports, visas, and other documents; help schedule tours for trips to Washington, D.C.; and apply for U.S. flags to be flown over the U.S. Capitol.

Labels: 16th Congressional District, Don Manzullo

On the way home from the McHenry County Council of Governments meeting at the Woodstock Country Club last night this is what the sunset looked like at 8:51 PM.

I wonder what it looked like earlier.

You can see why people love living in Lakewood's Country Club Additions. I can't wait to spend some warm nights on the beach.

Labels: Gate 7, Lakewood, Message of the Day, Sunset

Stuck down by the McHenry County College Board after months of public outcry, the idea of a minor league baseball stadium reappeared last night at the Woodstock Country Club at the McHenry County Council of Governments meeting.

Kate Halma, the woman who coordinates the McHenry County Community Foundation presented what she called “a concept plan” of a multi-purpose event venue.

The 200-250 acres could include

• a minor league baseball stadium,
• an exposition or convention center the size of a Home Depot (138,000 square feet),
• the county fair, complete with horse and people track with two soccer fields inside, livestock buildings, room for a carnival, sheep on site,
• RV camping,
• two 16,000 square foot museums, mentioned were

a children's museum and

a fire protection museum,

• an administrative building with offices for not-for-profit organizations.

Maybe I missed something.

I sketched what I saw on the screen, having been asked not to take pictures at the meeting. I have requested a copy from Halma of what all in the room saw on the screen and will be happy to share it with you when she sends it. If she sends it, I won't inflict my "artwork" on you.

No location has been selected.

The people listed on the steering committee are

• Mark Baumstark of Cornerstone (Architects?),
• Dick Crone from the McHenry County Fair Board,
• Mark Ehlert, McHenry County Community Foundation,

• Enrico Heirman, Continental Amateur Baseball Association (CABA),
• Pete Heitman, “Minor League Baseball,”
• Victor Narusis, McHenry County Community Foundation, and
• Barbara Wheeler, McHenry County Board.

Halma said that Narusis had asked “these community leaders to come together and dream big.”

She said that Randy Donnelly and his brother had “talked about antique expositions.”

The Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair, held at the Dole Mansion last year, “is ready to leave McHenry County.”

“We consider the minor league baseball stadium and the county fair the two (anchors),” Halma said.

She hopes it will support “various interest groups” and there will be space for hotels, restaurants and other related businesses.

“We welcome your input,” she told the elected officials.

McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler said the effort “started off 7-8 months ago.”

Speaking of the junior college baseball stadium proposal, he said, “It was a good idea. It may not have been a perfect idea.”

An admirer of Walt Disney, Koehler suggested that if he could create Disney World “in Florida swamplands, why can't we” do something like this?

He emphasized that what had been presented was “a concept plan only.”

“Certainly, there are many places in McHenry County that could support this,” he pointed out, saying that McHenry County Board member Wheeler was a key player.

Pointing to how Heirman had brought CABA (the Continental Amateur Baseball Association) to Crystal Lake, Koehler said, ”We have the opportunity to bring semi-pro people (here), soccer tournaments, a lot of things that go out of our county.

“I hope you get as excited about this as we are.”

Then, Koehler stressed,
“Two years from now we can be going to a grand opening.

“Maybe even semi-pro football.

“Anybody that has any ideas about land (get in touch).”

Probably tomorrow: Some cautionary thoughts for the Foundation.

= = = = =
The top head shot is of baseball promoter Pete Heitman, who, I'm told, most recently made a failing bid to be the Frontier League minor league baseball team ownership group selected by Heartland Community College in the Bloomington-Normal area. Bill Veeck's son Mike's group was selected instead. McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler is seen in the lower photograph.

Labels: Baseball Stadium, Kate Halma, Ken Koehler, McHenry County College, McHenry County Community Foundation, McHenry County Convention Center, McHenry County Fair, Pete Heitman

If you have been in Crystal Lake, you may have seen signs warning that gypsy moth spraying would be taking place this week.

It certainly was too windy on Tuesday.

While still windy, it apparently was calm enough for sparying.

While I was at the outdoor chapel at the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake (not helping as much as I was able to Tuesday when new benches were being assembled), we saw the helicopter fly over twice.

I got a pretty good shot of the copter as it flew out of sight on its south-north run.

Labels: First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake, Gypsy Moth, Helicopter, Spraying

I really should have put the word "explains" in quote marks in the title, too, but it's didn't look right.

Here's what a Wonder Lake woman got back from Scholastic when she complained about the exclusion of homeschoolers from the Subway Sandwich contest.

The organization promises to include homeschoolers in future contests and offers to send a free book for each homeschooled child.

An email to a McHenry County resident from Scholastic about its Subway sandwich contest which excludes homeschoolers:

Thank you for writing to Scholastic regarding the Subway essay contest. We are deeply sorry that the Subway contest has offended you and we appreciate that you shared your concern with us.

Throughout the course of each year, Scholastic runs a number of contests and sweepstakes that are open to all teachers and students. The eligibility of this particular contest, was established to award a large group of children with the grand prize of $5,000 worth of school playground athletic equipment. We do, however, understand how home-schooled children could benefit from this type of prizing or share it with their community and we will make sure eligibility is open to everyone in all future promotions. Please accept our apology for this error.

Because we are unable to change the contest rules once the contest has launched, and to show our gratitude to you for bringing this matter to our attention, we hope you will send us the ages of your children and your address so we send each of them a complimentary book. We truly appreciate your feedback and will make sure a similar situation does not happen again.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me directly.

Sincerely,

Samantha
Scholastic Parent & Child

The photo is of the Subway shop in Wonder Lake that she will be boycotting.

Labels: Boycott, Scholastic, Subway, Wonder Lake

While at the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake yesterday and today, men were putting together and installing new benches for the outdoor chapel.


It would sit there chewing on a maple seed—or a helicopter seed, as some in my family call them—and allow me to approach close enough to take pictures without a long lens like this one.

From allowing men to touch it to allowing others to hold it, this little fellow was fearless.

Labels: First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake, General Commission on United Methodist Men, Squirrel, UMM

A friend of McHenry County Blog emailed a chorus about Mayor Aaron Shepley's 75% sales tax hike, which I ran last week.

It's set to the tune of Steve Goodman's “Lincoln Park Pirates.”

Getting the mail last night, my son found an anonymous missive tucked in the wreath by our front door.

There are three verses, plus the previously published chorus. And, this time, a second part of the chorus has been added, personalized, so to speak.

You can have one a day.

The lights are still on in the Chambers tonight,
and the Council's discussin' the stores;
But the stores are all closin,' and Dawson is dozin,'
And the mayor he's counting the cars...
The shoppin's all gone to Algonquin, he says.
Our tax base has been “Randallized;”
So round 'em up boys, we need to make noise.
Let's raise the sales tax they cried...

“Singing, Ho Hey, Tax them away.
"The Crystal Lake Pirates are we.
"From Woodstock to Cary,
"There’s none that’s so scary.
"And we always collect our fee!”

So it's way, hey, tax 'em away,
We need a new lake in our town.
Forget that guy Skinner,
We'll eat him for dinner,
'Cus no one can make us back down.

Well, my photo is on a wanted poster.

Labels: 75% Sales Tax Hike, Aaron Shepley, Cal Skinner, Steve Goodman

The Northwest Herald seems to be trying a mini-recreation of its citizen advisory committee of years past, except this time only one person is wanted.

That person will serve a six month term on the NW Herald's editorial board.

That's what I read at my in-laws' hone in a column by Brian Slupski.

I wouldn't expect to be selected, but I find I'm even ineligible to apply.

On three counts;

(1) We will not accept applicants who are... former elected officials,

(2) We will not accept applicants who actively work for a political party as a precinct captain (precinct captains are in Cook County; McHenry County has precinct committeemen), and

(3) We will not accept members of the media...This includes bloggers and freelance writers.

One would have been enough.

Anyway, I am sure there are lots of McHenry County Blog readers who hold strong opinions who would do a wonderful job bringing the NW Herald's editorial board back to a McHenry County perspective.

So, I encourage readers to apply.

And keep notes.

I'll bet that after your six month term is up, the deliberations would make a great article or two.

Here's the email address: dboard@nwherald.com.

Labels: Brian Slupski, Northwest Herald

YOUR INVITED TO A

OPEN "TOWN HALL" MEETING

To discuss the new

The Wonder Lake

Community Technology Center

Sponsored by

The Wonder Lake Community Development Council

Join us on Thursday May the 29^th at 7:00pm. The meeting will be held at the Marquis Banquet Hall located at 4117 E Wonder Lake Rd, Wonder Lake IL. There is no cost to attend. The format of the meeting will be informal and FUN. It will start with a short multimedia presentation showing the plans and programs we will have at the Community Technology Center. This will include getting up close and personal with High Power Rockets and Competitive Robots. We will also be discussing our plan for creating a Wonder Lake Library District as well as a Library Branch on each side of the lake. Following the presentation we will be opening the floor to any question people may have.

There will be a cash bar available for those that would like a little something to relax.

******************************************************

RSVP Form

Name: _______________________________________

Number Coming:__________________________________________

Please email form to jeff@gerhardt.org,

Or mail form to WLCDC 7518 Hancock Drive, Wonder Lake, IL 60097

Or drop the form through the drop slot in the old video store connected to the building.

PLEASE PASS THIS ALONG TO FRIENDS

Labels: Jeff Gerhartd, Wonder Lake Community Technology Center

Even though Chris Krug told me at the McHenry County Economic Development Commission dinner that the baseball stadium at McHenry County College was dead before the board had taken the vote, he seems as hung up about the loss as I am that it was ever proposed.

His Sunday column talked about how he wished he could head over the MCC to the “ Cranks, Crabs, Curmudgeons and Naysayers Field” to see the McHenry County Krugs play this past weekend.

Now, Krug argues we should have a stadium in order to save the gasoline it would take to drive to Geneva to see the Kane County Cougars.

He does end his column with humor I can appreciate:

“So thanks again, Cranks, Crabs, Curmudgeons and Naysayers for all you do to keep McHenry County thriving in all those vivid shades of black and white.

“Maybe I’ll just break out the Speedo, head over to Vulcan Lakes, and then play a little pick-up water polo.

“Oh, wait a second.“

Labels: Baseball Stadium, Chris Krug, McHenry County College, Northwest Herald

Here's the sum total of United State's Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald's reaction to former Governor Geroge Ryan's appeal being turned down by the U.S. Supreme Court:

U.S. SUPREME COURT’S DENIAL OF CERT IN RYAN AND WARNER CASE
CHICAGO – Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today made the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court issued an order denying a writ of certiorari in Warner and Ryan v. United States, 07-977:

“We are gratified that the Supreme Court has let stand an important jury verdict that vindicated the citizens’ right to the honest services of government officials in Illinois. Mr. Ryan has exhausted every legal avenue and argument afforded him but the verdict stands that he was guilty of corrupting the highest office in the state.”

Ryan spokesman and former Governor Jim Thompson later said he will ask President George W. Bush to commute Ryan's sentence.

Labels: George Ryan, Jim Thompson, Patrick Fitzgerald, U.S. Attorney, U.S. Supreme Court

Not the shiny one in Chicago.

Haven't got a photo of it yet.

This one is from Springfield's Washington Park right north of South Grand.

The kids first noticed it when one stepped on its seed pod.

It was squishy.

My adventurous son brought it over to the picnic shelter and started dissecting it.

It was messy.

When I saw the bean that came out of the seed pod, I recognized it from my childhood in Easton, Maryland.

I couldn't remember what tree it came from.

I'm still not sure.

“Horse chestnut” came to mind after a while, but when I Google the term, the seed does not look like it comes in a bean pod.

So, I looked up images of “bean pod, tree” and think I found the answer.

It's a castor bean.

When you rub them on the sidewalk, they retain heat from the friction.

Then, you can torture a classmate by touching them with the hot bean.


At least, the kids doing the touching thought so.

Labels: Castor Bean, Springfield, Washington Park

I wouldn't have been reading anything on the internet this past weekend either.

But, there were some stories that you might be interested in:

• the property leasing that McHenry County College doesn't want to discuss in public,


• the fox on a Lakewood fence,


• how someone in Thailand is helping the Island Lake veteran arrested for wearing a tee shirt to his village board meeting,


• how the Sun-Times protected Mayor Daley from embarrassment the day 15 bribe-taking or bribe giving employees and construction industry folks,


• what's causing the job insecurity of veteran McHenry County zoning czarina Sue Ehardt, and


• how Rod Blagojevich is following George Ryan's example in rewarding friendly legislators.

Since I first learned about Huntley School District 158's thinking that its bookkeeper made off with some money (what was it, two years ago?), I have been following the case.

The Daily Herald found someone who said $8-10,000 was missing. As in probably stolen.

First, the district did not want to hand over the information to the Algonquin police until the feeble forensic audit was completed.

Then, in his March, 2007, report to the board, Mark Warner, the feeble forensic auditor from Jefferson Wells, said he found no fraud.

Board member Tony Quagliano was bound and determined to get the guy to comment on the payroll irregularities.

One of his final inquiries was about "the individual who left."

Quagliano asked,

“Did you verify what we had was accurate?

“Did you see the police report?”

Wagner, who seemed to be in charge of the payroll auditing, replied,

“The document appears to be correct.

“Now, it's up to the prosecutors to make the determination.”

The school district employee, so far unnamed, had been investigated by the Algonquin Police, but the report had been held at the request of school officials pending the completion of the forensic audit, Superintendent John Burkey said.

Asked after the meeting, I inquired when the school district would ask that the police report be forwarded to the state’s attorney’s office.

Burkey replied,

“As soon as this is done. The reason we waited was because we wanted that done before we turned it in.”

Burkey indicated that time was then, March of 2007.

Recently, McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi's office announced that there would be no criminal prosecution.

Through a Freedom of Information request, I had previously sought the underlying documents from which the school board concluded wrong doing had occurred by filing. It was denied.

Since the “end of investigation with no criminal charges to be filed” announcement from the state's attorney's office, I filed another Freedom of Information request with the school district.

My new request was denied under the 5ILCS140/7(c) [plus (a)] exception, that is,

“records compiled by any public body for administrative enforcement proceedings and any law enforcement or correctional agency for law enforcement purposes or for internal matters of a public body.”

Except there were these intriguing two words added to explain the denial: So, is the Huntley School District preparing to file a civil suit to recover the money it seems to think has been stolen?

If I am interpreting the reply to my latest Freedom of Information requests correctly, that is the case.

If so, it will be interesting to see what evidence is offered.

= = = = =
Feeble Jefferson Wells forensic auditor Mark Warner can be seen on the right. Tony Quagliano is on the left.

Labels: 5ILCS140/7(c), Freedom of Information Act, Huntley School District 158, Jefferson Wells, John Burkey, Lou Bianchi, Mark Warner, McHenry County State's Attorney, Tony Quagliano

First, we had this verse to the tune of the

"Lincoln Park Pirates."

Maybe the author or someone else will send more.

Then, Country Woods resident Pat Morris wrote song lyrics to fit the Crystal Lake sales tax pirate ship of Captain Aaron Shepley, which I posted yesterday.

But, that's not all.

There's an epilogue:

As Captain Aaron is counting his bounty,
remind him his city is not in Cook County.

And before he thinks it's all in the bag,
the city should re-thing its choice of a flag.

Thanks to Allan Showalter, the "Heck of a Guy" blogster who lives even farther north of Crystal Lake than Morris, for the illustration of the pirate ship on Williams Street.

Labels: 75% Sales Tax Hike, Aaron Shepley, Crystal Lake Pirates, Pat Morris, Shop in Crystal Lake

16th district Green Party congressional candidate Scott Summers writes today about GOP incumbent Don Manzullo's and Democratic Party candidate Robert Abboud's "pandering" about a federal Motor Fuel Tax holiday:

Gas tax pandering

Looks like my Congressional opponents, Don Manzullo and Bob Abboud, think they have found heretofore undiscovered crumbs at the bottom of the cookie jar.

Abboud and Manzullo and others -- John McCain and Hillary Clinton for two -- want a "summertime gas holiday". Drop the 18.4 cent federal gas tax between now and Labor Day.

On May 5th, the Rockford Register-Star's Chuck Sweeny reported:

"...I wrote in Sunday’s column that Abboud was against the tax holiday. I learned Monday that he actually is for the temporary repeal, even though he doesn’t think it will do any good in the long term. I stand corrected and puzzled. U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo, R-Egan, is for the tax holiday, too. Like Abboud, Don says it’s a short-term thing."

Shall we revisit Economics 101?

A few bucks "saved" in gas taxes at the margin will only increase the demand at the margin. Net effect on gasoline prices: insignificant, if not zero. (Actually, the overall effect is worse than zero, because the available dollars to fix roads will be at a standstill for three months.)

And, like, PUH-LEEZE! We already have deficits out the wazoo, and we keep cutting taxes?????

Count on THIS candidate for Congress to tell it like it is.

Do we want decent roads on which to drive? Guess what: gas taxes need to go up. Do we desperately need a capital program here in Illinois, in order to capture and leverage already-pledged federal dollars for roads and bridges and other infrastructure? You betcha. Gas (and not sales) taxes need to go up.

Do we want to have interstate highway bridges that don't suddenly collapse into rivers? Our fairy godmothers aren't going to pick up the tab.

Do we need to refurbish mass transit in order to accommodate all the people who already want to get off the roads (at least some) in response high gasoline prices? Yeah, and gas taxes are the best way to do that. Do we need an accelerated program to tool up for alternative fuels for our cars? Yessir. Do we need to bring passenger rail service levels up? Absolutely.

Gas tax, folks. MORE gas tax. In fact -- we need to bring gas taxes up to world levels.

I was in Vancouver a couple of weeks ago, where gasoline was well over five bucks a gallon. (And probably approaching six bucks by now.) The Canadians with whom my wife and I spoke were grousing about it, of course. Is there pain? Anger? Dislocation? Discomfort? Yes -- worldwide. It's not just us.

Don't get me wrong: the monster spike in petroleum prices affects us all. And the oil giants should be levied a monster tax on their windfall profits.

But cutting petroleum taxes as an election year gimmick only delays -- and magnifies -- our collective dislocation and hardship down the road (pun intended).

Folks, we need to swallow bitter medicine. Increase gas taxes. If saying that costs me votes, well........I don't particularly care.

Oh, and permit me to introduce one of my campaign refrains for the coming months. Personal responsibility.

Personal responsibility, friends. Cut back on car use, as you are able. You know the drill. Bundle your errands, carpool, walk, ride a bike, take a bus or train.

And do you know what? In our capitalist economy (and surprise!, I personally embrace capitalism as the "least worst" economic system), that's the best way back at the oily petroleum companies: simply don't buy as much of their product.

= = = = =

16th district Green Party congressional candidate Scott Summers is seen at his McHenry County College Board Presidency seat just before he resigned as board president after four of his colleagues (five, if you count student trustee Katie Claypool) voted to censure him and Donna Kurtz. The censure resulted from the two's having the courage to express a change of heart about building a minor league baseball stadium at McHenry County College. What angered the majority bloc so much was the two had voted in favor of the proposal and were bold enough to express their position switch in front of the Crystal Lake city council the night of the zoning vote, which failed. The majority bloc later voted without discussion to kill the baseball stadium project. The picture of the gas price sign was taken in Crystal Lake on Saturday.

Labels: 16th Congressional District, Gas Prices, Gas tax, Scott Summers

That's my neighbor's house in the background Saturday morning.

And, that's how tall the grass was in the part of our yard that gets the most sun.

I had have trouble starting my old lawn mower.

Friday night my brother- in-law managed to help me turn over the motor enough to get it going.

Saturday, I bought some new gasoline at $4.139 per gallon and began the chore.

The grass is now cut down to size.

I tried to wait until June, but missed it by a week.

Want to see really tall grass, click on the photo.

Labels: Grass, Lawn Mowing

Too early for me, but my guess is that most folks are up at 7:45 Central Daylight Time. Maybe my hard working wife will tape it for me.

Cathy Peschke confirms that the Peschke family will appear on Fox and Friends:

"It is official. We will be on Fox and Friends tomorrow morning (Tuesday) 6:45 eastern time. They want Anastasia to be on too. She is a 3 year old so who knows if she will cooperate."

Why?

Subway, the sandwich folks, are running a contest.

But, homes schoolers need not apply:

“Contest is open only to legal residents of the Untied (sic) States who are currently over the age of 18 and have children who attend elementary, private or parochial schools that serve grades PreK-6. No home schools will be accepted.”

Jim and Cathy Peschke moved to New Hampshire from Harvard last year, where they immediately got involved, objected on their blog, Citizens for Reasonable and Fair Taxation – CROYDON. (Old web site still up and useful.)

Before moving, they were the scourge of local school district tax hikers.

Here's what they wrote:

Subway says "No" to Homeschoolers for their "Every sandwich tells a story contest."

The following story was sent to Subway.

"The smell of fresh baked bread coming from the store was so good that…

"I had to ask Mommy and Daddy to go in and look around. Baby brother smiled as he saw the fresh toppings piled high on the bread.

"I thought I'd practice reading. Being only three years old, this would not be possible in public school, but my parents homeschool me because they love me so much. I've been reading for almost a year now!

"Daddy suggested I read this sign about a special contest for children who love to write. It was fun to read, and I couldn't wait to enter! I'm a good writer no matter what, crayons OR markers!

"But then mommy made me cry. She told me I couldn't enter because homeschoolers were not allowed. I didn't know why Subway was so mean, until I remembered that most public schooled kids don't write half as well as me.

"I cried and cried, and asked Daddy if we could leave. He said,

'Certainly. Not only will we never visit a mean old Subway store again, we'll organize a B-O-Y-C-O-T-T of Subway stores by all your homeschooling friends!'

"I sure hope Subway changes their silly policy so Mommy and Daddy can take me back for more sandwiches."

Jay Baggett of World Net Daily picked up on it and wrote a story, which, I guess, Fox found and followed up on.

So, tune into Fox and Friends tomorrow morning and see Subway get some deserved bad publicity.

= = = = =
Cathy and Jim Peschke's daughter waves at a float at the 92nd annual Newport Winter Carnival. Now, she and homeschoolers nationwide will be waving "Bye-bye" to Subway sandwiches.

Labels: Boycott, Cathy Peschke, Contest, Craft, Home School, Subway

This was taken when we visited Washington two summers ago.

Obviously, it is next to the nation's monument to General and President George Washington, the man without whose leadership, this country would not exist.

Labels: American flag, Memorial Day, Washington Monument

These come from Pat Morris, long time political observer and activist.

They follow closely behind this verse set to the tune of the

"Lincoln Park Pirates."

If you can compose some more, I would be grateful.

I'm a prose kind of guy.

Morris hasn't come up with a tune to fit them, so maybe a reader can make a suitable decision.

It's just a small lake
and it's really too small
for a big pirate ship
so lethal that and tall.

But there it is
and sailing fast
with a “Shop Crystal Lake”
flying high on its mast.

And there's Captain A.
He's behind the wheel
chanting “raising the tax
is not a big deal.”

Just like a pirate,
he's charming and slick.
And just like a pirate,
he's ready to trick.

The innocent shopper
who made the mistake
of coming to shop
within Crystal Lake.

And now a new flag
is raised up on high.
It says, “We will bleed you
until you are dry.”

"Captain A" is, of course, Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley. The piracy referred to is his leading his council crew to increase the city sales tax by 75%.

Thanks to Allan Showalter, the "Heck of a Guy" blogster who lives even farther north of Crystal Lake than Morris, for the illustration of the pirate ship on Williams Street.

Labels: 75% Sales Tax Hike, Aaron Shepley, Crystal Lake Pirates, Pat Morris, Shop in Crystal Lake

The Associated Press highlighted the well-funded Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund yesterday.

You know why it has enough resources to pay the pensions local government employees have earned?

One reason is that forty-some years ago, it required participating governments like McHenry County to sign an agreement to agree over the next forty-year period to put enough money into the IMRF to enable the pension fund to have enough money to, as they say, “fully fund” the pensions of its participants.

It happened in the late 1960's when I was McHenry County Treasurer, not that I had anything to do with the agreement, except signing the checks.

So, the IMRF has 100% of the money it needs to pay the obligations that have been incurred.

The five state pensions are funded at 63%.

Guess who gets to make up the difference.

You've got it.

It's Illinois taxpayers.

And, lest I seem ungrateful, thank you for paying the taxes to pay my pension.

Recently, the Chicago Sun-Times pointed out that former State Senator Carol Ronan had used a loophole in the legislative pension plan to increase her pension by $38,000 a year for eight weeks work for Governor Rod Blagojevich at the annual salary rate of $102,000.

Ronan wasn't the first to do that.

I remember that after State Senator John Friedland (R-Elgin) he took a lobbyist job with the Elgin Sanitary District for a couple of months at about the same salary and similarly jumped his pension.

Legislators appointed sanitary district trustees, myself among them during the 1970's. We who were not from Elgin deferred to the recommendations made by Friedland, however. So, the people Friedland appointed gave him the job.

Earlier in his career, Friedland earned a figurative “Badge of Honor” for standing up to Governor Richard Ogilvie. Friedland refused to vote for the income tax Ogilvie proposed. Ogivie decided to make an example of Frie