McHenry County Blog

It's not at the flood stage it was in May, but the Algonquin dam is open and there is not much of a drop over the spillway, as you can see in the picture I took yesterday about 11.

Considering the almost 6 inches of rain that fell at McHenry, according to Channel 7 weather, one might think the water level would be higher.

It was high enough for the Fox Waterway Agency to issue a “No Wake” order for the lower Fox River yesterday morning at 8.

I did see at least four egrets on the shore at Algonquin's Cornish Park.

Photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Labels: Algonquin, Cornish Park, Egret, Flooding, Fox River

I saw this sign in Crystal Lake next to Randall Road advertising Algonquin's St. Margaret Mary Parish's Polish American Fest.

It's today from 11-4 at the church and school grounds on Route 62 east of the Fox River.

I think I saw another version with a Miller Beer logo.

Labels: Algonquin, Polish, St. Margaret Mary Parish

Motorists won't flock to a new Bolz Road toll bridge being pushed by area municipal, Kane and McHenry County officials.

That's what a newly released study by Wilbur Smith Associates indicates, according to an Elgin Courier News article by Pete Gonigam (picked up from sister paper Algonquin Countryside) I read Friday.

Elgin's Courier-News reports that a 50-cent toll would lure only 16,000 of the 110,000 crossing the Fox River. That's less than 15% of the traffic.

At the highest toll examined--$2.50 a crossing—only 4,000 of our more affluent neighbors would be willing to pay to avoid the Route 62, Route 72 and Carpentersville crossings.

Traffic consultant Eugene Ryan advised that a $2 toll would yield the most money. That looks like it would between 4,000 and 9,500 vehicles a day. Funny that the consultant did not provide a number.

Of course, the Carpentersville to Algonquin toll bridge supporters don't yet know how much it would cost to build the bridge.

The question citizens might want to ask is why the Democrats in control of Springfield refuse to build a toll bridge across the Mississippi, but are willing to allow one across the Fox River.

And, if a capital construction bill is every passed, why none of our northern Kane, southern McHenry County legislators have even put this bridge on the negotiating table.

Using an estimated cost of $80 million, Daily Herald reporter James Fuller wrote,

“...an $80 million toll bridge that moves 16,000 vehicles off other roads translates to a traffic congestion relief project that costs $5,000 for each car diverted daily from the existing bumper-to-bumper routes over the river.”

For you potential commuter users, by the way, the consultant recommended a $1.50 a trip toll in order to maximize revenue for the project.

Just as the folks who put together the Illinois Tollway, Longmeadow Parkway Toll Bridge Task Force Chairman Bill Wyatt promised that the tolls would go away after the bonds were paid off.

You believe that, don't you?

I think I'll take Route 62 or, if going to Chicago, take the tollway that costs me 40 cents from the Elgin toll plaza to O'Hare Airport.

= = = = =
The graphic is from Pete Gonigam's original article in the Algonquin Countryside.

Labels: Algonquin, Bill Wyatt, Eugene Ryan, Illinois Tollway, Longmeadow Parkway Toll Bridge, Pete Gonigam, toll bridge, Wilbur Smith Associate

Algonquin Township Republicans seem to be preparing to rub incumbency in the noses of McHenry County Democrats.

The Algonquin Founders Day Parade folks have this interesting, but long-standing rule saying that candidates campaign be in the parade.

The organizers don't want it be political, don't you know?

I wrote about that two days ago. (I did manage to circumvent the rule, by the way, and, after the parade I may reveal how.)

From this photo provided by McHenry County Democrats, the rule was apparently not enforced in 2006.

Here is a second email from Algonquin Township Central Committee Chairman Karla Dobbeck. Compare it with her first and see if you can see the shift in emphasis.

Good Morning,

Just in case you have not caught the article in today's NW Herald, we will be walking on Saturday in the Founder's Days parade on behalf of our local, state and national Elected Officials. Please don't wear your Energized Republican shirt - all of the elected officials have shirts and a proper one will be available to you!

We will be meeting at St. Margaret Mary school (formerly Eastgate) around 10:00. If you want to park in town or at Port Eds, it will probably be easier for you to get back to your car after the parade is complete. Step off is at 11:00 and all Elected Officials are welcoming walkers!

Then, at 2:00 PM, please join McHenry County Central Committee for a Bar-B-Que as we officially open our new campaign headquarters on Northwest Highway across the street from Target. Many elected officials and dignitaries will be on hand to help us celebrate and your presence is most requested!

If you have a chance to check out the aforementioned article on line, quite a stir and some enjoyable reading!!

Thanks and see you Saturday -

Karla

The sign for McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi, seen here in McHenry's Fiesta Days Parade last weekend, ought to make the cut in Algonquin. It doesn't say, "Elect," anywhere.

CORRECTION; A friend of the blog with better eyes than I called to say the Bianchi sign has "RE-ELECT" on it. So, I guess that will have to be covered up to meet Algonquin's rules.

Labels: Algonquin, Algonquin Founders Day Parade, Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee, Karla Dobbeck, McHenry County Democrats, Republican

I remember chaffing under the Algonquin Founders Day parade rules against candidate participation in 1992.

Oh, if you were an incumbent running for re-election, you could participate.

But no candidates.

Although Democratic Party candidates were allowed to participate in 2004 and 2006, this year's parade committee has lowered the boom.

Hard to know why, but let me assure the rejected Democratic Party candidates that the rule has been applied to this Republican in the past.

Here is the press release and what appears to be a 2006 Algonquin Founders Day parade float photograph which accompanied it:

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES PROHIBITED FROM PARTICIPATING IN ALGONQUIN FOUNDER'S DAY PARADE

WOODSTOCK Il. – From Harvard to Island Lake, Candidate for McHenry County State's Attorney, Thomas J. Cynor, and his campaign volunteers have participated in all the summer community parades. That streak comes to an end, however, on July 26, 2008 at the Algonquin Founder's Day Parade in Algonquin, Illinois.

The Citizens for Cynor Campaign was notified earlier this month by Algonquin Parade Chairman Alan P. Kirk that their timely parade application was being denied and the tendered check for the entry fee was being destroyed. Chairman Kirk based his denial on what he termed an "unwritten, long standing rule" prohibiting candidates from participating in the parade.

The denial prompted Citizens for Cynor representatives to inquire about the rule with the local Democratic Party.

Party representatives did confirm that Chairman Alan P. Kirk has denied participation of all Democratic Candidates in the parade. In an e-mail to party representatives on May 19, 2008 Kirk states,

"Please understand that you cannot have any candidates in the parade. This is a long standing rule of the parade. You cannot pass out info on them or have any banners. If someone is caught violating this rule, they may be escorted off the parade route and it could be very embarrassing for the candidate."

The nature of the unwritten rule and the particular method of enforcement took campaign volunteers and organizers by surprise.

"I've reviewed the parade application and all the other website information and could not find any reference to this rule,"

said parade volunteer, Barbara Rendine of Crystal Lake,

"If we had participated with the party float and had volunteers show up to the parade with an OBAMA for President sign or a Citizens for Cynor banner, I had no idea that they were prepared to make a scene and escort us off the street."

Although the rule may be "long standing" it has not been enforced in the recent past.

"We had a great time and were well received in Algonquin in 2006 when I marched with the Democratic Party Float,"

said Citizens for Cynor Field Director, Laura Asbury;

"at that time we walked with Dick Auman, who was a candidate for U.S. Congress, Alexi Giannoulious who was running for State Treasurer and a host of candidates for County Board."

The McHenry County Democratic Party was even fortunate enough to be awarded a trophy for "Exceptional Community Group – 2nd Place", by that year's parade committee.

Not only did Democratic Candidates participate in 2006, they also participated in the parade in 2004 without incident or comment from that year's parade committee. Both Democratic Candidates Paula Yensen (State Representative) and Patrick Ouimet (State Senate) appeared in the Algonquin Founders Day Parade that year, each with signs, a vehicle and their own marching volunteers.

Volunteers and candidates were left to speculate as to why Chairman Kirk was choosing to enforce such an open ended restrictive rule this particular election year.

"Although some might speculate that Mr. Kirk's party affiliation might have something to do with his decision making, I am willing to give him a pass," said Asbury, "but inconsistently prohibiting people from participating in community parades citing ill-defined, "unwritten" rules is just simply un-American."

Note the slogans on the signs in the photo:

• Water Matters
  VOTE DEMOCRATIC
  
  
• Sprawl Matters
  VOTE DEMOCRATIC
  
  
• People Matter
  VOTE DEMOCRATIC
  
  
• Traffic Matters
  VOTE DEMOCRATIC

Labels: Algonquin, Founders' Days, McHenry County Democrats

At the swim meet between the Algonquin Waves and the McHenry Marlins at the Algonquin Pool tonight, I got this shot of a lifeguard just before he went on break.

Obviously, the sun was setting.

Labels: Algonquin, Algonquin Pool, Algonquin Trails, Lifeguard, McHenry Marlins, Message of the Day, Sunset

It seems strange to me, but the official announcement of the emerald ash borer’s having invaded McHenry County has come from the Village of Algonquin.

The daisy chain starts with folks who send the collected insect specimen to Brighton, Michigan. There an expert figures out whether the buy is the emerald ash borer or not.

Over a week ago the first insect was sent, after Stan Gladbach noticed his ash trees were dying on the street that divides Kane from McHenry Couunty.

But it had been decapitated, so another specimen was requested.

That was collected Friday.

It was sent overnight FedEX to Brighton.

I would guess that positive identification was passed on to the Illinois Agriculture Department Monday (yesterday).

Today (Tuesday), the Village of Algonquin issued the following press release:

Emerald Ash Borer
Detected in Village

ALGONQUIN, IL - The United States Department of Agriculture, along with the Illinois Department of Agriculture, has announced the detection of Emerald Ash Borer in the Village of Algonquin, east of the Fox River, near Souwanis Trail and Oceola Drive.

Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive beetle that destroys ash trees, and it has been detected for the first time in Algonquin. The Illinois Department of Agriculture has previously enacted quarantines on the movement of ash tree debris within many Illinois counties, including Kane and McHenry Counties.

Now that the Emerald Ash Borer has been confirmed within our borders, the Village will work with the Illinois Department of Agriculture to activate our response plan and begin the task of managing it.

The Village has already conducted an extensive survey of ash trees in the area to determine the extent of potential damage, and has historically worked to plant alternative tree species so the impact of ash tree loss might be minimized. This highly destructive pest is eliminating the ash species as a viable tree for our area. The Village will work to monitor the progression of the infestation, manage public ash populations, and educate residents as to their management options as it pertains to their privately owned ash stock.

The emerald ash borer is a small, metallic-green beetle native to Asia. Its larvae burrow into the bark of ash trees and feed upon its vascular tissue, causing the trees to starve and eventually die. While the beetle does not pose any direct risk to public health, it does threaten the tree population. Since the emerald ash borer was first confirmed in the Midwest in the summer of 2002, more than 20 million ash trees are dead or dying.

Background Information on Emerald Ash Borer

The emerald ash borer is a newer invasive pest of ash trees.

Much like its predecessor the Asian Long-Horned Beetle, it was likely introduced to this country through wood shipping material.

It has proven to be nearly impossible to stop, resulting in the death of millions of ash trees in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Its current infestation in the State of Illinois is, therefore, very concerning.

The borer thrives on ash species only. The larvae feed on the trees’ vascular systems, causing the trees to starve to death. At this point, most control methods are not very successful and large scale eradication is deemed impossible.

This means that communities, including Algonquin, will be losing their ash tree populations within the next few years. Much like Dutch elm disease eliminated elm species from being a viable tree in our community, most likely the ash tree will become obsolete as well.

The lead agency creating policy relative to this pest is the Illinois Department of Agriculture, whose primary efforts are targeted at slowing the spread. Unlike other communities that are choosing to remove and eliminate perfectly healthy ash trees from their midst, the Village will systematically remove ash trees located on public property only by special request, or as they fail; as this happens, we will work diligently to replace them with alternate tree species as quickly as fiscally possible.

The Village has taken steps over the last ten years to provide species diversity so that instances such as this do not dramatically affect our tree populations.

Unfortunately, back when the elm trees started failing, developers started installing mostly ash trees. Therefore, some of our neighborhoods host large populations of ash trees and will see some very dramatic changes.

In an effort to stem some of the impact, the Village has identified areas of dense ash populations and has worked to plant new trees in currently available planting sites in these areas. Hopefully, this will help us get a jump on some of our pending losses.

Please visit www.emeraldashborer.info or www.agr.state.il.us/eab in order to become familiar with this pest and to help us keep a look out for additional emerald ash borers.

Please note that the most problematic spreading of the pest comes from the movement of failed ash tree debris, firewood, or nursery stock from a quarantined area (Kane and McHenry Counties have been under quarantine for quite some time).

We ask that you please work to prevent the spread of this pest. Additionally, because of the potential destruction of ash trees by this new invasive species, the price of ash trees has come down dramatically. It is our recommendation that you do not buy ash trees as you will most likely lose them before they reach maturity.

If you already own an ash tree, there are chemicals and companies that will make a valiant effort to preserve and protect your trees. Some of the treatments have proven promising, but there are no guarantees, especially when ash populations become low and the pest becomes desperate. These treatments are costly and must be used as indicated, without fail, for the life of the tree. Even so, there is still no promise that the species will survive.

The Village will continue to monitor the presence of the emerald ash borer very closely, and appreciates cooperation from residents in addressing the situation. If any additional information on our infestation becomes available, it will be posted on www.algonquin.org.

For information about this press release, please contact Steve Ludwig, Parks and Forestry Superintendent, at (847) 658-2754.

= = = = =
All images can be enlarged. Obviously, the map will be updated to contain a new red dot in Algonquin.

Labels: Algonquin, Emerald Ash Borer, Stan Gladbach, Steve Ludwig

I went searching for confirmation from official sources that the tree killers in Algonquin homeowner Stan Gladbach’s yard was the emerald ash borer.

When I called Jeff Coath, the United State Department of Agriculture official in charge of the Illinois Emerald Ash Borer Project, at about 3:30 yesterday, all I could do was leave a message.

He returned my call while I was at my son's swim practice and tried again while I was picking up photos of the First United Methodist Church’s Vacation Bible School, so it’s not like he’s trying to avoid me.

Then I called the Algonquin Public Works Department. How was I to know they left work at 3:30?

I worked my way up to village hall, but Village Administrator Bill Ganek and his assistant were also out for the day.

I tried to find a Public Information Officer with the Illinois Department of Agriculture, but was only able to access a message machine. Finally, the Director’s Office sent me to the folks who knew what was happening.

Lesson: persistence pays off.

I made contact with Mark Cinnamon, the State Plant Regulatory Official. He took Stan Smith’s job when he retired. You may remember Smith’s name from the successful fight against the Asian longhorn beetle.

Let me tell you what Cinnamon had to say.

“We pulled out four adults that definitely look like emerald ash borers and we found a couple on the ground,” he said of his trip to Gladbach’s property Friday morning.

“There are ‘D’-shaped exit holes.”

I asked him if he would confirm the emerald ash borer was killing the trees.

“Our agreement with the USDA (which provides the grant money to pay for the state program) requires that we have a USDA identifier that is in Brighton, Michigan.

“It (the samples taken Friday) will be FedXed overnight to Brighton.”

You know the old saying,

“He who has the gold rules.”

So, the Feds want to make the announcement.

I asked about the samples that were sent in over a week ago.

“They dug them out with a knife. They cut off their heads.”

Hence, positive identification could not be made.

That got me one of the five belly laughs that people need every day to stay healthy.

“They’ve just begun emerging. In the next few days, it will be easier to find adults.”

I asked how Gladbach could get rid of his ash trees.

“They’re several options. He could burn them in a fireplace.”

I interjected that this weather didn’t make that an attractive option.

“If they’re chipped up in dimensions of less than one inch in two dimensions, all life stages will die,” he added.

Having an ash taller than our house on the property line which my parents’ neighbor Postman Walt Southern (225 Meridian Street) convinced my father not to chop down, I asked how to protect it.

He suggested something called "Tree-Age."

‘It was just labeled for use in Illinois this spring,” Cinnamon told me. “In research trials you get control of 98% of larva.”

But, the bad news is that “the pest population builds at a minimum of 10-fold per year.

“Eventually, the pest will spread throughout the region.”

The emerald ash beetle was discovered in Illinois just two years ago, the state official explained.

“We think it’s been in Illinois since approximately 2000.

“It existed in Michigan for 10-12 years before it was found.”

Let me tell you that this interview was one of the most informative and enjoyable that I have ever had with a state employee.

More yesterday and tomorrow.

= = = = =
The pictures shown were taken by property owner Stan Gladbach, who lives on the McHenry County side of the Kane-McHenry County line on the east side of the Fox River in Algonquin. The truck was parked in front of his house, along with two other vehicles Friday morning. The state, federal and village officials later held a meeting.

Labels: Algonquin, Emerald Ash Borer, Illinois Agriculture Department, Jeff Coath, Mark Cinnamon, Stan Gladbach, USDA

Lots of it.

Here's what the Algonquin Dam looked like about 9 PM.

That ripple in the river is where the dam is located.

Click to enlarge.

Labels: Algonquin, Algonquin Dam, Flooding, Fox River

OK, ornithologists.

What is this unhatched egg my son found on Mother's Day after we finished eating at Port Edward?

It was on the edge of the Fox River in Algonquin.

There were several of them that obviously the mother bird was not able to save from the recent high water.

April 12th we saw a goose on what I called “Goose Island.”

We thought maybe she was sitting on a nest of eggs, but when we returned a week later, the goose was gone.

Turns out it wasn't a permanent island.

The photographs can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Labels: Algonquin, Fox River, Mother's Day, Port Edward

Yesterday, I wrote,

“I guess I shouldn't complain that the county board has finally figured out that Crystal Lake is in McHenry County and that every facility doesn't have to be at the Hebron site in Woodstock. It really seems to make sense that there be some outposts that are more conveniently located for the majority of taxpayers than is the county government center.”

So, why is the health department the only arm of county government with an outpost where most of the people are?

What about the inconveniently located court system?

I have referred to the current courthouse as the “Hebron site” since it was selected.

It is hard to imagine a more inconvenient location in our county seat.

So, why haven't county board members from Districts 1, 2, 3 and 5 pushed for a closer location for traffic court?

Why hasn't some village board or city council offered to rent a room to county government?

Maybe it's just easier for Home Rule units to pass ordinances mimicking state traffic law and avoid county government completely. That, of course, eliminates the fees that county government would otherwise collect.

But, the southeastern McHenry County municipal officials whose police write tickets based on state law, rather than local ordinances, still force motorists to go to Woodstock to have them processed by county government.

Ending this inconvenience certainly should be a plank in any county board candidacy from the southeastern part of McHenry County.

Those living in Algonquin, Cary, Fox River Grove, Barrington Hills, Crystal Lake, Lakewood, Huntley, etc., should not have to drive all the way to Woodstock.

It's more convenient, if one lives in most of the McHenry area.

Folks ticketed in McHenry, Island Lake, Lakemoor, Port Barrington, Holiday Hills, McCullom Lake, Prairie Grove and Spring Grove only have to drive to McHenry for a branch traffic court. (Inexplicitly, Johnsburg residents still have to go to Woodstock.)

Labels: Algonquin, Branch Court, Cary, Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, Lake In the Hills, McHenry County Board, Traffic Court

I found this car sticker at the Algonquin Public Library.

It advertises St. Margaret Mary School in Algonquin.


“Family –
"Faith –
"Friends”

is the emphasis under a cross.

Labels: Algonquin, Catholic School, St. Mary Margaret School

My color blind eyes see yellow with pretty good intensity.

So, when my son and I walked by this forsythia bush in a yard facing the flooded Fox River, you know I pointed the camera in its direction.

We have a bank of forsythia on Lake Avenue in Lakewood, but those bushes have not bloomed yet.

For a better view, click on the photo.

Labels: Algonquin, Flower, Forsythia, Fox River, Message of the Day, Yellow

I don't know why tire swings attract my eye.

It happens when there is weird weather.

First during a blinding snow storm across from Crystal Lake's Dole Mansion.

Last Saturday and the Saturday before last right south of Cornish Park on the Fox River in Algonquin.

While the ones this winter were swaying in the wind, the one in Algonquin wasn't moving.

But it was suspended above the swiftly running Fox River.

Labels: Algonquin, Cornish Park, Fox River, Message of the Day, Swing, Tire

This fisherman in Cornish Park at Crystal Creek where it enters the Fox River caught a big one before I talked to him and took this picture.

He knew he had hooked something significant.

But the rod was just too light.

I asked if it might have been a big catfish.

He thought it could have been a northern pike.

Never can tell with the river so high.

Like any good fisherman, though, he didn't give up.

I went to take some pictures of the river and the dam at Algonquin from Route 62 and on the way back saw his reflection in the creek and took this photo.

“Will my picture be in the newspaper?” he asked.

I burst his bubble by introducing myself and telling him I had a “Message of the Day” on my blog and had used fishermen before.

He wasn't the only one on the Fox.

That's for sure.

The photo can be enlarged by clicking on it.

Labels: Algonquin, Algonquin Dam, Cornish Park, Fisherman, Message of the Day

My son and I were in Algonquin Saturday and decided to take a look at the Fox River.

The ten-year old really did not want to go.

He was so certain that it would be a bore.

But, after seeing the roiling water, he changed his mind.

He wondered what the smooth places were.

Neighbor Rebbecca Giltner explained that there were strong currents under the water, while warning to stay away from the edge of the river's bank, that the water was very cold.

My son even decided he wanted the job of “picture spotter” after I praised his pointing out a goose that we think was sitting on her nest next to a tree surrounded by the rising water.

“Five cents an hour, Dad,” he bargained.

“Good price,” I said agreeably.

Near “Goose Island,” was a tire in the front yard of the house next to the new park. Geese were swimming under it.

Although I didn't get a photo of it, my son noticed two mallard ducks landing sideways on the Fox. They were immediately and, we believe, unexpectedly swept downstream.

Looking at the trees in the water across the river, it seemed that the high water mark was about two feet above the levels at about 1 PM Saturday afternoon.

Another photographer, Laura Stoecker, was at at the corner where we stopped farther south.

I introduced myself and asked where we would see her photos.

She said in the Daily Herald.

She was really looking for sand bags and the ones across the river were the only ones visible.

I suggested going farther up river.

Our neighborhood guide pointed out how deep the water had been last summer during the third week of August. She said the bench in the picture above had been completely covered. You can see a closer picture of the garage, bench and ducks, here.

Three to four feet higher than the river's level when we were there.

So, how high was it?

Look at the sandbags sitting on top of a step to the left of the house across the river. There are five steps under water that usually lead to the river's edge.

When we looked at the dam, it was hard to tell that it was there.

Right on the south side of the Route 62 bridge, the dam seemed to be only about a foot or so above the water level downstream.

I've never seen the dam the Corps of Engineers built in drier weather, so I'll have to take my son back so we can make the comparison.


Maybe we'll do that on Mother's Day, when the Giangrasso family eats brunch at Port Edward. The view probably won't be like this when we look toward the restaurant.

All photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Labels: Algonquin, Flooding, Fox River, Geese, Giangrasso, Laura Stoecker, Port Edward, Rebbecca Giltner, Route 62, Sandbag

I haven't been so worked up over a tax hike proposal since the McHenry County Republican Cat Tax (which surely some Democratic Party county board candidate is smart enough to use).

While the McHenry County College baseball stadium proposal ticked me and others off because it is so far off the junior college's mission and received a withering critique from MCC's 3rd party reviewer, one cannot identify how much it will raise taxes or tuition, if the baseball promoter's projected revenues do not materialize.

With Mayor Aaron Shepley's 75% sales tax, however, all the mystery is removed.

Anyone who has even a rudimentary knowledge of economics can easily predict the negative effects of its passage.

Let's see.

Higher prices equals fewer shoppers.

It's pretty basic supply and demand.

While the stores down Randall Road in Lake in the Hills and Algonquin now have higher sales taxes than Crystal Lake, they won't after July 1st.

With their newer retail outlets, why would someone want to shop in Crystal Lake's older buildings, if one had a choice?

Tens of thousands have that choice every day when they drive home from work.

Why shop at Jewel or Dominck's in Crystal Lake, when it will cost less at the intersection of Algonquin and Randall Roads?

And, why would a new retailer want to locate in Crystal Lake with its highest in McHenry County sales taxes?

Hence, the reason for my posting this New York license plate today.

The tax hiking Crystal Lake City Council is heading toward a totally predictable fiasco.

= = = = =
On top, Keely cat can be seen on look out duty, just in case one of those Republican Cat Tax Collectors tries to sneak around to the back of the house.

If you want to make your views known about the city council's 75% sales tax hike, emails may be sent to

• Ralph Dawson,
• Cathy Ferguson,
• Dave Goss,
• Brett Hopkins,
• Ellen Brady Mueller,
• Aaron Shepley, and
• Jeff Thorsen

at comments@crystallake.org.

Put their names in the subject line.

Labels: Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Crystal Lake City Council, Fiasco, Lake In the Hills, License Plate, Message of the Day, Randall Road, Sales Tax, Shopping

A McHenry County Board candidate has been kind enough to share the questions asked of him by the Daily Herald.

I though that folks might be interested in what this influential paper thinks important.

The paper has the advantage of having someone on the scene pretty much every day. His name is Chuck Keeshan.

Besides the “Why are you running and what do you want to do?” questions, the Daily Herald asks

• what highway projects candidates want to build with the $50 million in money recently borrowed against future Motor Fuel Tax receipts


• whether the prospective member would spend highway money helping build the bridge over the Fox River just south of the county line (local officials want to make it a toll bridge, so southern McHenry County residents can pay both county and state MFT, plus tolls.)


• whether the $100,000 a year federal lobbyist should be retained


• what buildings they would put on a new “county campus” in what I call the “Hebron” site, which I would point out is inconveniently located for most county residents


• how a board member would get more road money for McHenry County, which seems a bit more appropriate question for a legislative candidate


• how they will assure adequate water and


• what to do about the growing number of illegal immigrants in McHenry County (and the Daily Herald actually uses the term “illegal immigrants”)

Here are the specific questions in the candidate questionnaire:

1. Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is that? What will be your main priority in office?

2. For incumbents and non-incumbents:

If you are and incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you’ve led.

If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.

3. The county board this year sold about $50 million in bonds to fund road improvements with plans to repay the loan with future motor-fuel tax revenue, a reversal of a longstanding policy to wait until the money was in place before initiating a construction project. Do/did you agree with that policy shift and what are some of the specific projects upon which you believe the money should be spent?

4. 2008 is the last of the county’s three-year, roughly $300,000, contract with a federal lobbyist hired to represent McHenry County’s interests in Washington, D.C. Do you believe this is a wise use of taxpayer money and should the county renew the contract, retain another lobbyist or drop the idea entirely next year?

5. The board is exploring the creation of a multi-million dollar county campus near its courthouse and administrative building in Woodstock. Do you support the concept of a county campus and, if so, what new facilities should be built on it?

6. County Board Chairman Ken Koehler recently said the county will help fund a study for a Fox River crossing along Longmeadow Parkway in Kane County, but that’s where the county’s financial contribution to the project would end. Given the likelihood the bridge would serve thousands of McHenry County residents and ease traffic in downtown Algonquin, do you believe the county should contribute more to the project or do you believe, like Koehler, the county needs to spend its road dollars in the county. Explain your answer?

7. Transportation continues to be a major concern throughout McHenry County, primarily in the southeastern and northeastern corners. If elected, what, specifically, would you do to expedite improved transportation funding for the county? What would you do that’s different from what’s previously been done? Be specific?

8. Experts predict portions of McHenry County will not have adequate water supplies by 2030. If elected, how will you ensure the region has enough water? Be specific

9. What, if anything, should the McHenry County Board do to ease growing concerns about the immigration issues which have turned volatile in so many communities? If elected, what, specifically, would you do about the increasing number of illegal immigrants in McHenry County?

10. Please list the names of all relatives employed by or involved in contracts with McHenry County, their relationship to you and their position or area of business.

= = = = =
I'll be happy to publish any candidate's reply to any newspaper questionnaire. Just email it to McHenry County Blog. And, if I don't have your photo, please send me one.

Labels: Algonquin, Candidate Questionnnaire, Daily Herald, McHenry County Board, toll bridge

I was on the Chicago Tribune web site looking at how bad the snow storm was going to be Saturday night and stumbled on these crime statistics.

If you click on them, you can see them better.

Come to find out, my little Village of Lakewood had the least crime per 1,000 residents.

The worst was Wonder Lake with 41 per 1,000.

Right below Wonder Lake was Woodstock at 36.5/1,000.

Crystal Lake was third worst at 30 per 1,000 people.

Of the bigger towns, Lake in the Hills showed the least crime on a per capita basis—9/1,000.

Right next door in Algonquin the rate was 19.7 per thousand, more than twice as high.

Click on the chart and check out where you live.

Labels: Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Lake In the Hills, Lakewood, Wonder Lake, Woodstock

David Fitzgerald of the Northwest Herald wrote an article Saturday about the first meeting of the task force which will plan the details for the Fox River Toll Bridge between Routes 25 and 31 near Bolz Road south of downtown Algonquin.

No one has commented under the article.

How different from the pattern of reader participation for McHenry County College’s baseball stadium.

Here is a bridge which is going to cost people money every day of their lives and no one seems to care.

Well, there was one soul who lifted his or her voice on the anonymous call-in line of Elgin’s Daily Courier on Friday. Its editor headlined it,

"Perhaps Karen McConaughey should contact officials in Wisconsin as to how they don’t have tolls or toll bridges there.

"Illinois is just getting worse and worse. It is sucking citizens dry.

"How does our state to the north survive with free roads?

"This information should be first on the agenda for the board members and village leaders who might approve a toll bridge across the river between Carpentersville and Algonquin.

"Illinois is ridiculous with its tolls."

Myself, I don’t understand why the leaders involved are not screaming loudly to their legislators as they prepare to finance road building, education and the Chicago Transit Authority with more gambling in Illinois.

We’ll end up second only to Los Vegas in the Chicago area, but our local legislators can’t even pry out this bridge.

And, yes, I know they are working on Western Bypass funding, but that's a deal made when Illinois FIRST was passed under George Ryan.

It looks like we toll taxpayers will have still another place where our money will disappear.

Labels: Algonquin, Carpentersville, Fox River, toll bridge, Tollway

It appears that Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley was correct.

Other communities like Huntley, Woodstock, McHenry and Algonquin, are interested in a minor league baseball stadium, just like Shepley predicted right before his zoning proposal went down the Crystal Lake watershed drain tile:

“I guarantee you there are other communities that will accommodate a baseball team.

“What if it goes a couple miles down the road and settles in Woodstock?” he asked, pointing out that Crystal Lake would have the same problems with none of the benefits.

The interest from other McHenry County towns was revealed to Northwest Herald reporter Tom Musick by baseball promoter Pete Heitman, who heads up an unknown group of investors called McHenry/Lake Professional Baseball Limited Liability Corporation.

That’s “Limited Liability,” as in “We can walk away from the deal and leave you to pay off the cost to build our stadium, if we don’t make enough money.”

Musick, who covers Huntley for the NW Herald found explicit support from Huntley village and park district officials.

“It has been in my mind for probably six or seven years that I-90 and [Route] 47 would really be an ideal place for a minor league baseball stadium,” (Thom)Palmer said.

A possible solace to McHenry County College taxpayers is that Huntley is not near enough the center of the college district to be selected as anything the trustees could sell as being a centrally located MCC taxpayer-supported site.

Not in the original college district, Huntley School District 158 joined when the state legislator mandated that all parts of Illinois be in one junior college or another.

So maybe there will be a bidding war among communities like those for a major tax generator like a regional shopping center. Or a housing developer playing one municipality off against another.

The only difference is that baseball stadiums are not major tax generators. (Now that I think about it, subdivisions don’t pay their own way either, but towns still fight over them.)

In its one and only article looking at the financial end of McHenry County College’s baseball stadium, its staff could not find one economist who had done a study that showed the benefits outweighed the costs for a baseball stadium.

Huntley Village Administrator Carl Tomaso expressed excitement on behalf of village government. He talked about the desire to have a large entertainment venue near the tollway or elsewhere, reporter Musick found.

At least Huntley has figured out how to pry significant road improvements out of developers, something Crystal Lake has not done yet.

All of the widening of Route 47 from the tollway north to park was financed by developers.

The only pathetic contribution from state government on Route 47 is the center turn lane thru the old part of town—built by the state, complete with curbs and gutters, which will have to be torn out when the road is widened to five lanes.

Built with only three lanes, even though every state IDOT official with a brain knew Route 47 needed five lanes.

One final thought—if you thought the Crystal Lake city council chambers were full for the baseball stadium zoning meeting, can you imagine how large the room will have to be if a Huntley location is proposed where fireworks could be heard from Sun City?

Labels: Algonquin, Carl Tomaso, Huntley, Huntley Park District, MCC, McHenry, McHenry County College, Sun City, Woodstock

Cindy Skrukrud, who did a lot of the heavy lifting in the fight to protect Crystal Lake’s fragile watershed, will present a program on McHenry County’s water resources on Thursday in Algonquin.

Skrukrud is chairman of the Defenders’ Water Resources Protection Committee, plus Clean Water Advocate for the Illinois Chapter of The Sierra Club.

Since McHenry County is 100% dependent on ground water, protection of the aquifers is particularly important. There will be no pipes running from Lake Michigan to this area.

Skrukrud will discuss both quantity and quality issues.

Village officials from Algonquin will be present to answer questions specific to Algonquin.

The meeting will start at 7 and be held at Beans & Books Coffee Shop, 215 South Harrison Street in Algonquin. South Harrison is the street east of Route 31 in downtown Algonquin, the only one between Route 31 and the Fox River.

This is one of those “you don’t have to let anyone know ahead of time to attend” meetings.

Labels: Algonquin, Beans and Books Coffee Shop, Cindy Skrukrud, McHenry County Defenders

Usually.

But his Rightwing Nuthouse blog, which just celebrated its third birthday, featured a long article on Algonquin almost two weeks ago.

A sample is here on Rightwing Nuthouse, but for the full article, you have to go to Pajamas Media.

“Getting caught up in earth-shaking events and the personalities that shape them is all well and good,” Moran writes.

“But there are times when instead of peering at the monitor, gleaning the latest news from thousands of miles away, we should be looking out the window instead. What’s going on in your community? Your neighborhood? Next door?”

Here’s a sample of his views:

“I bone up around election time in order to at least familiarize myself with the issues on the ballot and the candidates for office. I know, for instance, that the rapid growth of my little village has caused enormous problems for the part time village board that tries gamely to deal with issues like school overcrowding, horribly congested roads, and a tax base that doesn’t generate enough revenue to deal with these and other problems.

“And then there is the interesting relationship between local politicians and the evil developers who seek to fill up all the green spaces in my beautiful little town with row upon row of cookie cutter houses and truly ugly townhomes. Some enterprising reporter for a local paper could probably win a Pulitzer by ferreting out the story of how these developers are able to sway local lawmakers to grant them the permits to build willy nilly, eating up open ground, cutting down the few remaining stands of trees in order to satisfy the insatiable appetite of commuters who continue moving further and further north from Chicago to escape the overcrowding, the expense, and the danger of the nearer suburbs.

“Algonquin is one of the new ex-urbs – a place where young families come seeking less expensive housing, quiet, safe neighborhoods, and good schools only to discover that within a matter of a few years, lots of other people had exactly the same idea as they did, making their dream a nightmare of underfunded schools and overused roads, strained sewer and water facilities, and a rising crime rate that threatens their peace and security.”

You might well find the rest of the article of interest. It's here on Pajamas Media.

And I would hope he would read the series of articles that the Daily Herald is running on school finance.

It might change his mind a bit.

Labels: Algonquin, Rick Moran, Rightwing Nuthouse

The Daily Herald’s “Animal Farm” blog is reporting that Jacobs High School graduate Bethany Carson, who now covers the State Capitol for Illinois Issues, a magazine published by the University of Illinois, put off her June 30th wedding when the General Assembly did not adjourn “on time.”

She re-scheduled it for August 4th.

The General Assembly still has not adjourned and doesn’t look like it will until at least August 4th.

Carson has learned the all-important lesson that Chicago media taught during the 1990’s by its lack of coverage of things Springfield:


She’s a fast learner.

Labels: Algonquin, Bethany Carson, Illinois Issues, Jacobs High School, Springfield, State Capitol

McHenry County Democrats may have refused to march in the Crystal Lake Gala’s 4th of July Parade, but it had no qualms in Algonquin.

Local Democrats withdrew from the Crystal Lake parade when the Gala Parade Committee banned the McHenry County Peace Group.

The Democrats took offense at the Gala’s censorship of speech, based on content and didn’t march in Crystal Lake.

The Peace Group probably got more mileage out of parking its Statute of Liberty float on the parade route than it would have by towing it the length of Dole Avenue.

No similar problem raised its head for Democrats in Algonquin Founders Day Parade because the Peace Group did not participate.

Labels: Algonquin, Founders' Days, McHenry County Democrats

Here's what a friend sent me--a link to “Speed Trap Exchange.”

It is sponsored by the National Motorists Association, a group I have not heard of before.

I looked at the first city in Illinois and, lo and behold, it was Algonquin.

You can see all the entries to the left. There are eight of them, but even by clicking on the image I can't read the details. If you click on the image when it appears, it will become larger, but still hard to read.

You'll probably have to go to the web site to see any but the first one at Harnish on Randall Road--right down from the police station--and one on Route 62 east of the bridge, both of which I have posted here.

Click on them to make them larger.

Labels: Algonquin, National Motorists Association, Speed Trap

McHenry County Blog received this press release from United States Congressman Don Manzullo.

It says that a meeting and press conference will be held Monday with area officials about Governor Rod Blagojevich's Department of Transportation's shelving of the Western Bypass of the quite crowded intersection of Routes 62 and 31 even though Manzullo was instrumental in obtaining $19 million to help construct it from the federal budget.

Area mayors and village presidents have been invited, including prospective 2008 Democratic Party congressional candidate Barrington Hills Village President Robert Abboud.

Here's the release:

Manzullo, McHenry County Officials to Discuss Funding for Algonquin's Western Bypass Monday

[ALGONQUIN] Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) will host a news conference Monday morning in Algonquin to discuss the funding status for the Western Bypass project that will divert traffic around the congested Routes 31 and 62 intersection in Algonquin. The news conference will begin at 11:45 a.m. at the old village hall at the southwest corner of Routes 31 and 62.

Manzullo will be joined at the news conference by Illinois State Senator Pamela Althoff, Illinois State Representative Mike Tryon, McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler, and many area mayors (those invited include Algonquin Village President John Schmitt, Lake in the Hills Village President Ed Plaza, Huntley Village President C