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McHenry County Blog

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Cal Skinner

This is a journal of news and opinion designed to bring to light matters of public interest and to encourage public participation in the governmental process. Emphasis will be on McHenry County, but Illinois state news will be covered. Articles and photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without explicit written permission.

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About Cal Skinner

About Cal Skinner
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Recent Posts

  • Fire in Commercial Condo on Prairie Street in Crystal Lake November 6, 2025
  • 8.74% Property Tax Hike Sought by Huntley Park District November 6, 2025
  • Another Incident at Chezek Elementary School November 6, 2025
  • Pritzker Beats New York City to Government-Financed Grocery Store November 6, 2025
  • Senator Sue Rezin Comments on Democrats’ Energy Bill November 6, 2025
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Keicher-Initiated Idea to End Discrimination against Seniors Concerning Drivers License Tests Passes

Cal SkinnerMay 23, 2025May 23, 2025

From State Rep. JeffKeicher: Rep. Keicher Backed Bill Reducing Barriers for Senior Drivers Ready for Gov’s Signature SPRINGFIELD – Yesterday, the Illinois Senate unanimously passed legislation backed by State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) to curb an ageist state policy against senior citizen drivers. House Bill […]

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Third Semi Stolen in Lake in the Hills Since November

Cal SkinnerMay 23, 2025May 23, 2025

From the Lake in the Hills Police: Another semi was stolen on Good Friday from bluff City Materials at 8807 S. Route 31: And November 11, 2024, still another semi was stolen just of Route 31 at 1440 Imhof Drive:

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Who’s Employed Where in McHenry County over Five Years as Private Sector Loses Jobs, While Government Jobs Increase

Cal SkinnerMay 23, 2025May 21, 2025

From a Friend of McHenry County Blog comes the information showing McHenry County employment from 2019 through 2024. The private sector lost 7,639 jobs, while government gained 519. Note: Estimates are not official US Bureau of Labor Statistics DataSource: Economic Information and […]

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1.2 Million Visit Conservation District Sites

Cal SkinnerMay 23, 2025May 19, 2025

The McHenry County Conservation District counts visitors to its various sites. In the most recent year (April 2024-March, 2025), they totaled 1,218,892. I find fascinating that the Hollows, the first MCCD site, donated by Material Service with their local attorney Jim Bishop […]

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Keicher Continues Criticism of Tax Increment Districts

Cal SkinnerMay 23, 2025May 19, 2025

From State Rep. Jeff Keicher: We need TIF Reform. I’ve been vocal about TIF abuse long before the recent local TIF action that mischaracterized vibrant farmland as “blighted” to proceed with a TIF action. The heart of my objections has always been […]

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Packed Room for Greenwood Township Slaughterhouse Zoning Hearing

Cal SkinnerMay 23, 2025May 22, 2025

If McHenry County Board members needed convincing that they will be facing a hot local issue when they vote on whether or not to approve zoning for a slaughterhouse next to the Greenwood Cemetery, attendance at yesterday’s hearing might convince them. The […]

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Revamped Park in Algonquin

Cal SkinnerMay 23, 2025May 23, 2025

From the Village of Algonquin:      Algonquin to Celebrate Grand Re-Opening of Presidential Park      A vibrant new vision transforms the park into a hub for play and community ALGONQUIN, IL – The Village of Algonquin will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, […]

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UPDATE: Teen Huntley & Crystal Lake Girls Who Disappeared after Taking Train to Chicago FOUND

Cal SkinnerMay 22, 2025May 22, 2025

From the Huntley Police: UPDATE: Missing Juveniles Located UPDATE 5/22/25 4:15 pm Both missing juveniles have been located and are safe. With the help of the FBI and the Chicago Police Department, they were taken into protective custody by the Huntley Police […]

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Admitted Grooming Earns Two Years in prison for Woodstock Church Volunteer

Cal SkinnerMay 22, 2025May 22, 2025

From the State’s Attorney: PATRICK O’FARRELL IS SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS IN THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FOR GROOMING The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office announces that on May 20, 2025, Patrick S. O’Farrell, 58, of Woodstock, was sentenced to two years […]

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Federal Takedown of Harvard University Continues by Prohibiting Enrollment of Foreign Students

Cal SkinnerMay 22, 2025May 22, 2025

As I have mentioned before, I’m signed up for Homeland Security Department press releases. This one drives a stake through its heart by prohibiting enrollment of foreign students. The release is below: Harvard University Loses Student and Exchange Visitor Program Certification for […]

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Reick Punches Holes in School Mental Health Screening Bill

Cal SkinnerMay 22, 2025May 21, 2025

From State Rep. Steve Reick: Mental Health Screening in Schools, How Far Will We Go? It’s been a while since my last Reick Report, and I apologize. I suppose I could’ve handed the job of writing my Reick Reports to a Chatbot […]

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Stupid Requirement for Municipalities to Say, “Mother, May I?” to IDOT before Spending Gas Tax Money

Cal SkinnerMay 22, 2025May 21, 2025

Every once in a while I am reminded of the stupidity of state law requiring cities and villages to received approval from the Illinois Department of Transportation prior to spending their share of Motor Fuel Tax money. This from the Marengo City […]

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Russ Stewart Looks at Schakowsky’s District

Cal SkinnerMay 22, 2025May 21, 2025

From political columnist Russ Stewart comes this commentary: 9TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT UPDATE As expected, 14-term congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D) announced her retirement on May 5. Since 1948 the 9th has been considered Illinois’ “Jewish seat” in Congress. The iconic Sidney Yates (D) […]

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When Is a $1.5 Billion Tax Hike Called an “Investment”?

Cal SkinnerMay 22, 2025May 21, 2025

The Illinois Environmental Council uses that terminology in its pitch to bail out the Regional Transportation. At least the image the IEC uses accurately describes what every round of bailouts has been targeted to save: the Chicago Transit Authority.

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National Internet Grant Withdrawals Not Affecting McHenry County

Cal SkinnerMay 22, 2025May 20, 2025

From a source I cannot recall (but this one gives a complete story) comes this information concerning Federal grants for Digital Equity Capacity which the Trump Administration considers “totally UNCONSTITUTIONAL” because it “is a RACIST and ILLEGAL $2.5 BILLION DOLLAR giveaway”: “In […]

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U.S. House Republicans Copy Springfield Democrats’ Night Time Passage Stragegy

Cal SkinnerMay 22, 2025May 22, 2025

Ignoring allowing members time to cogitate on the budget bill in Washington, House Republicans passed the message during a marathon session. This observation by a Democratic member sums it up: And, consider this: Sounds like what Springfield Democrats did when they passed […]

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LaHood Votes for, Explains Federal Budget Bill

Cal SkinnerMay 22, 2025May 22, 2025

From Congressman Ray LaHood: LaHood Votes to Deliver on Republicans’ Promises to the American People     Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) voted in support of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, that will deliver on the promises House […]

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Suburban Man Indicted for $3.6 Million Scam

Cal SkinnerMay 21, 2025May 21, 2025

From the U.S. Attorney: Suburban Chicago Businessman Charged With Swindling Investors out of $3.6 Million CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago businessman has been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly swindling investors in his purported refining business out of at least $3.6 […]

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Kishwaukee Valley Road Accident Death Identified

Cal SkinnerMay 21, 2025May 21, 2025

From the Coroner’s Office: McHenry County Coroner, Dr. Michael Rein, announced that his office was contacted on May 20, 2025 by Woodstock Police Dept to investigate the death of Peter Roberts, age 35 of McHenry. The decedent was involved in a single […]

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Keicher School Safety Bill Passes Both Houses

Cal SkinnerMay 21, 2025May 21, 2025

From State Rep. Jeff Keicher: Rep. Keicher Bill Improving School Safety Passes House Unanimously SPRINGFIELD – Yesterday, the Illinois House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation carried by State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) to improve school safety.  Senate Bill 71 is in response to a hazardous […]

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UPDATE: Enhanced Enforcement of Seat Belt Law Ongoing

Cal SkinnerMay 21, 2025May 21, 2025

The Police Departments which have received money to put officers on the road for Memorial Day enforcement incllude Lake in the Hills sent its press release first: ‘Click It or Ticket’: Buckle up Memorial Day and every day Lake in the Hills, […]

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Tennessee Man Arrested in Huntley on Gun Charge

Cal SkinnerMay 21, 2025May 21, 2025

From the Huntley Police Department: May 17, 2025 IL Rt. 47 Hwy. / Oak Creek Pkwy. Quincy E. Brown, age 21, of the 4200 block of Coffroth Ct., Clarksville, TN, was arrested for unlawful use of a firearm. Mr. Brown was processed, […]

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Could Republicans Be Taking U.S. Senate Race Seriously?

Cal SkinnerMay 21, 2025May 21, 2025

From a Friend of McHenry County Blog: Will big announcement in Senate race happen soon? A new PAC may give us a clue IL Senate Republican Nominee Fund 2026. I heard about this PAC because of a bot on X that finds […]

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Florida and Illinois Black Leaders Trade Places

Cal SkinnerMay 21, 2025May 20, 2025

A man of the people and a man of God switched states last month United States Congressman Byron Donalds was the headliner at the Illinois State Republican Party fundraiser. He is Donald Trump’s choice to succeed Governor Ron DeSantis in Tallahassee. On […]

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Opponents of Greenwood Township Slaughter House Urge Attendance at May 22nd Meeting

Cal SkinnerMay 21, 2025May 17, 2025

From a Friend of McHenry County Blog:

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McHenry Organization Gains Housing Subsidy

Cal SkinnerMay 21, 2025May 19, 2025

From the JB Pritzker Administration: Pritzker Administration Awards $50 Million in Permanent Supportive Housing Development Grants Seven new supportive housing developments will provide safe, permanent homes for people living with disabilities or at risk of homelessness CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority […]

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Oven Fire Makes McHenry Smoke-Filled Home Uninhabitable

Cal SkinnerMay 21, 2025May 21, 2025

From the McHenry Township Fire Protection District: Highland Dr. Fire On May 20th at approximately 1:50 pm, the McHenry Township Fire Protection District (MTFPD) was dispatched to a reported oven fire. Crews arrived in 7 minutes to find a 2 story single […]

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Bill Proposes $10,000 for Student Teachers

Cal SkinnerMay 20, 2025May 20, 2025

From The center Square: Lawmakers have concerns about union-backed bill to pay IL student teachers By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square (The Center Square) – A bill in the Illinois General Assembly would spend tens of millions or possibly hundreds of millions of […]

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Driver of Pickup Dies Crashing into Tree on Kishwaukee Valley Road

Cal SkinnerMay 20, 2025May 20, 2025

From the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District: Fatal Crash on Kishwaukee Valley Road On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 7:51 a.m., the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District responded to the 13600 block of Kishwaukee Valley Road in Woodstock for a reported serious crash with entrapment. Crews […]

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Podcast Interview of State Rep. Jeff Keicher

Cal SkinnerMay 20, 2025May 19, 2025

From State Rep. Jeff Keicher: I recently joined DeKalb’s own TD Ryan “the Voice of DeKalb County” on his new podcast, TD Ryan Unleashed, to discuss legislation working its way through the General Assembly, the state budget and a whole lot more. Thank you to […]

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Recent Comments

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