McHenry County Blog

Jim Bishop, speaking as an individual, not an attorney, was first up for the proponents.

Two issues were considered for the second time at Tuesday night’s:

• slot machines at bars and restaurants in unincorporated McHenry County
• electronic billboards outside of municipalities

Also called video poker machines, the electronic devices will be allowed after a 15-9 vote.

The argument that the unincorporated bars were playing on an uneven playing field seemed to carry the day over arguments that gambling can lead to addiction that can destroy lives.

In 2009 the McHenry County Board voted 13-10-1 to prohibit the devices.

At that time rules had not been promulgated and no municipality had voted to allow them.

As Ken Koehler, maker of Tuesday’s motion put it, “It probably made sense to send a message to the rest of the County.  Now twenty [cities and villages] have [approved video gaming."

Fred Hoffman, who owns the Snuggery just south of McHenry on the Fox River, told the competitive disadvantage his establishment has because no electronic gaming devices are available.

Names of the fifteen who voted in favor follow:

• Michele Aavang
• Nick Chirokos
• Sue Drafkorn
• Joe Gottemoller
• Jim Heisler
• Tina Hill
• John Jung
• Ken Koehler
• Bob Martens
• Mary McCann
• Mary McClellan
• Anna May Miller
• Robert Nowak
• Sandy Salgado
• Mike Skala

Joe Edwards spoke against legalization, calling video gaming the “crack cocaine of gambling.”

Those voting “No” were

• Yvonne Barnes


Bethany Lutheran Church Pastor Carrie Smith, not speaking for her church, told of how gambling had devastated her brother’s life.

• Diane Evertsen
• John Hammerand
• Donna Kurtz
• Nick Provenzano
• Carolyn Schofield
• Ersel Schuster
• Mike Walkup
• Paula Yensen

The second issue was prompted by villages not wanting electronic billboard near their municipalities.

A moratorium enacted at their request was about to expire and, according to one village’s representative, “the word on the street” was that lobbying to let the moratorium run out was heavy.

Algonquin Village President John Schmitt explained his Board’s opposition to electronic billboards.

Appearing were those wishing to keep the ban on electronic billboards in unincorporated areas.

Algonquin Village President John Schmitt. He pointed out that the issue was so important to him that he was missing only is fifth meeting in twenty years of having served on his Board.

Catherine Peterson, Lakewood’s Village Manager, also weighed in asking for a continuance of the billboards’ prohibition through the summer months until the new zoning ordinance could be approved.

Also present was Lake in the Hills’ Community Development Director Dan Olson.

Despite the apprehension of village officials, the County Board approved the requested extension by voice vote. I heard no dissension.

Joe Edwards

Patriots United’s Joe Edwards traveled to Marengo Saturday morning to talk to Jack Franks at Wisted’s Supermarket. Here is his report:

“Many thanks to Eileen Vogel, Julia Crenshaw, Nancy Cole and Joyce Story for getting the word out on Jack Franks table top visit at Wisteds in Marengo. Key things we learned and had reinforced for us all:

1. Of the estimated 20-25 people there, all but several were in attendance to reinforce traditional marriage for the sake of our children and urging Jack to oppose redefinition of marriage. There were excellent remarks on behalf of our children as to why the institution of marriage should not be trifled with
2. Jack’s comments:

• He believes this issue should not be even discussed at this time with the financial crisis we have in our state
• He admitted not having read the bill
• He thought there was adequate religious protection in the bill and corrected by citizenry
• He welcomed the input, received several documents including Dr. Morse’ testimony in Springfield that explain why this is bad public policy and Jack promised to read them to be better informed
• He remained non-committal as to his vote

“I personally spoke to Jack one-on-one afterwards, thanking him for his time and informed him his staff was not acknowledging emails or calls of concerned constituents.

“He indicated disappointment with this information and promised to speak to his staff.

“I know most all of us agree that civility is the best policy in these forums.

“As conservatives, we wish to treat everyone with dignity, even in our frustration and when we feel we are not being treated in kind.

“Giving people the courtesy of listening, finishing their thoughts and only then responding is always in order.

“I was very encouraged and honored to be among such caring people who attended and treated Jack respectfully.

“To the one gentleman who simply could not cease his criticism, let’s extend grace toward him and encourage him to trust in the Lord during these trying times.

“We all share his frustration but I believe we realize there is a kinder path that can be a powerful witness as we speak the truth, in love.

“Let’s keep the pressure on in the days ahead.

“And if you have any strong articles or white papers that you believe bolster our arguments, now is the time to get them into Jack’s hands.

“We know what the Bible says on this matter.

“But our legislative body needs more than Biblical proof-texting.

“Some scoff at the Bible.

“So let’s give them what they can absorb.

“They need sound arguments from academia and they are out there.

“The key is to get Jack to read them.”

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Anyone with photos from the event is invited to email them to McHenry County Blog. Look at the left side of the page to find the email button.

The annual Pro-Life Pig Roast was held again at Irene Napier’s farm on Valley View Road.

Irene Napier surveys the crowd.

There was a goodly crowd of supporters of the Pro-Life position.

Part of the Pro-Life Pig Roast crowd in 2012

Old friends renewed acquaintances.

Republican State Rep. candidate David McSweeney chatted with Fred and Lynn Wickham.

Candidates from Lake courted voters.

Lake County Republican Recorder of Deeds candidate Bob Bednar.

Mundelein GOP State Senate candidate Don Castella.

Lake County Republican Bob Bedar advanced his candidacy for Recorder of Deeds.

30th District GOP State Senate candidate Don Castella was there, too.

I even sat at his table briefly talking to Barrington’s Jim Finnegan about how Democrat State Rep. Jack Franks of Marengo had stymied Chose Life license plates by putting authorization bills in subcommittees to die.

Mary McClellan, running as a Republican for the McHenry County Board.

There were at least three McHenry County Board members and candidates in attendance.

I saw Board members Nick Provenzano and John Hammerand.  Cheryl Hammerand, a Wonder Lake Fire Protection District Board member was there, too.

Mary McClelland, a GOP McHenry County Board candidate in District 3, spoke to the crowd.

State Senator Dan Duffy also spoke to the crowed.

He told of how Illinois Senate President John Cullerton changed his parking space when he would not use an offered Point of Personal Privilege to apologize to his fellow members for having insulted them when he spoke during Governor Rod Blagojevich’s impeachment trial.

Dan Duffy related how John Cullerton moved his parking space after he refused to apologize to colleagues for saying that Rod Blagojevich didn’t do what he did without legislators allowing him to get away with it.

Duffy had said that he didn’t understand how Blagojevich has been allowed to do all the things that had been presented in evidence at the trial by those who had served in the legislature at the same time.

Duffy told Cullerton that if he were granted the floor again, he had more to say in the same vein.

Shortly thereafter Cullerton announced the change in parking space.

Duffy said he thought he was back “in junior high.”

The highest ranking official to address the crowd was Congressman Randy Hultgren.

Illinois Democrats redistricted congressional districts so that all of McHenry County but Algonquin Township will be represented by Randy Hultgren…unless Democrat Dennis Anderson of Gurnee pulls off a bigger upset than Joe Walsh did when he beat Melissa Bean.

Before his talk, Congressman Randy Hultgren chatted with McHenry County Pro-Life “Godmother” Irene Napier.

Joe Edwards made a pitch for tax deductible funds to help finance an ultrasound machine for McHenry County.

Hultgren praised Walsh for not doing what the Democrats hoped would occur–a face-off between Hultgren and Walsh.

He urge the crowd to help Walsh beat Tammy Duckworth.

Peter Roskam will represent the rest of McHenry County, that is, Algonquin Township, unless there is a Democratic landslide of enormous proportions.

Joe Edwards talked of the progress being made to bring an ultrasound machine to McHenry County.

I think I heard that the Lutheran Life League had recently pledged $10,000.

Peter Breen of the Thomas More Law Society addressed the Pro-Life crowd.  Joe Alger, who acted as Master of Ceremonies, stands behind.

The Thomas More Law Society‘s Peter Breen told of his groups defense of Pro-Life video makers and other Pro-Life causes.

He also told of the role that his organization is taking in defending the Defense of Marriage Act, which liberal Cook County officials are refusing to defend.

Below are photos of the two other County Board members I noticed.

Nunda Township Clerk Bridgett Provenzano (left), County Board member Nick Provenzano (center) and family were at the Pig Roast.

There was lots of networking.

Former 8th District Congressional aspirant Rich Evans talks with County Board member John Hammerand and Marengo’s Eric Rukin.

Although Congressman Peter Roskam was absent, campaign worker David Rivera and his fiancee Kelly Baumgart were there to carry the flag…or at least wear the tee shirt.

David Rivera, from Congressman Peter Roskam’s campaign, attended accompanied by his fiancee Kelly Baumgart.

And, how could I pass up Woodstock’s Jim Klocek’s tee shirt of “Umbert?”

Woodstock’s Jim Klocek displays a Pro-Life message on his tee shirt.  It features “Umbert, the Unborn.”

Assistant Regional Supt. of Schools Joe Williams, who has decided to resign, rather than take the office he won in last fall's election. He was scheduled to take office July 1st.

The Northwest Herald is reporting a double resignation at the top of the McHenry County Regional Superintendent of Schools office.

Both current Supt. Gene Goeglein and Supt-Elect Joe Williams are resigning as of the end of this month in order to preserve the pension bases.

The replacement has to have educational and certification qualifications, so it can’t be just anybody off the street.

One young woman from Lakemoor raised her head before the Republican primary election, but didn’t gather signatures on the petitions she took from the McHenry County Clerk’s office.

I reported on Diane Hartmann’s interest last fall.

This is some of what the young mother wrote me when I emailed her:

“I was interested in Regional Office Superintendent, Republican, and I live in Lakemoor.

Diane Hartmann with her then-two-two year old son and husband Michael.

“I hold a superintendent license and have been an educator for the several years.“I’ve lived in McHenry County for about 4 years and prior to that Rockford, IL for about 10.

“I’m Ed. D. A.B.D. (All But Dissertation), which means I’m finishing my dissertation now.

“Therefore I decided to look at this the next time around. Since I need 560 signatures and almost nobody knows me, I thought I better build this up more.

“Unless I hear people would like me to run, I will wait and build my platform.”

I have not met Hartmann, but you can see she would make an attractive candidate, not to mention adding some youth to the corps of courthouse officials.

The appointment of a replacement will be made by McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler.   Confirmation by the County Board is required.

Before Irene Napier was honored, Patriots United leader Joe Edwards presented McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi a certificate.

McHenry County Right-To-Life leader Irene Napier knew that she was going to be praised at the Patriots United Pro-Life Unity Breakfast.

After all, she was the honoree

McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi didn’t know he would be on the podium.

But the leaders of Patriots United had other ideas.

Joe Edwards presented Bianchi with a certificate bearing the following words:

Congratulations, Lou Bianchi!

On Fighting the Good Fight and

Seeking Truth and Justice.

Patriots United, April 2nd, 2011.

“For our struggle is not with flesh and blood,

but with the principalities, powers,

and evil spirits…”

Ephesians 6:12.

It was not a secular world view in the message of the certificate given McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi:"For our struggle is not with flesh and blood, but with the principalities, powers and evil spirits..." Ephesians 6:12.

Lou Bianchi speaking to the Pro-Life Unity Breakfast of Patriots United Saturday.

It seemed that the recently acquitted public official was completely surprised at his inclusion as an unannounced part of the program.

After receiving a standing ovation, Bianchi recovered and managed to thank those presence for their confidence in him.

The certificate is the first I have seen from a civil organization which references the fight with “evil spirits.”

But as Brian Kelly, another leader of Patriots United, reminded audience members, elections are not what life in this world is all about.

The Patriots United 4th of July Parade unit.

There were lots of patriotic entries in Crystal Lake’s 4th of July Parades, but the most elaborate was that of Patriots United.

An American Eagle soared in front of the float.

A soaring American Eagle was the leading edge of the float.

A non-partisan group that has sponsored public forums on health care reform, video gambling, abortion,and county board candidates and congressional candidates, among others, plus organized and participated in TEA Party rallies, this pre-TEA Party organization had a float with a stunning flying eagle last Monday.

Mary Alger gives a thumbs up. Adams Enterprises supplied the truck.

The organizer for the float was Mary Alger.

An Army Ranger and Green Beret were in front of the float.

An Army Ranger and a Green Beret sat in the back of the pick-up truck pulling the elaborate float.

The float featured the United States Capitol.

On the bed of the trailer was a representation of the United States Capitol behind an American Flag.

The back of the Patriots United float. Note the sign on the Capitol.

The first part of the United States Constitution was on one side of the back of the entry. On the other side a scroll read,

God Bless
Our Troops
God Bless
The U.S.A.

The most elaborate sign in the parade is seen here being carried by Adolph Svec.

A man in a tri-cornered hat walked with a flag-striped placard reading,

An American Icon
Not “Idle”

The reference was to the Statue of Liberty.

The "Don't Tread on Me" flag Neil Joslun is carrying doesn't look the same on both sides.

Earlier, another man carried a black and yellow “Don’t Tread on Me” flag.

Joe Edwards of Crystal Lake

Among those walking near the float was Crystal Lake’s Joe Edwards. He was handing out literature about Patriots United.

There were signs appropriate to the group.

• In God We Trust
• Free Market Economy
• Strong National Defense
• Pro-Family
• Faith in God
• Limited Government
• Trust and Honor

My favorite was on the back of the Capitol:

The Peoples’
House
Is Not
For Sale

It’s a wonderful day to be alive.

And, what a difference a week makes.

Last Saturday was truly a miserable day!

But the rowers still held their regatta on a choppy and often wet Crystal Lake.

It was so bad, spectators needed umbrellas.

This Saturday was so different.

It was a beautiful, sunny, warm enough day.

The Tri-County Pregnancy and Parenting Center, whose Crystal Lake office is on the same street as McDonald’s, held its annual Hike for Life.

It started at the Crystal Lake Park District’s Main Beach.

A sign pointed the way down Dole Avenue from Mister A’s at Route 14.

I noticed that a sponsor was Fuhler Real Estate.

People were registering at a big tent at the Main Beach.

And buying tee shirts.

I got several that will be featured on “Message of the Day.”

There were a lot of young people.

And families.

Kids were having their faces painted.

And, did I mention there were families?

I decided to follow the route to get some pictures of hikers.

Following the signs past the Wedgewood Garden Club plant sale at the Dole Mansion, I found a man signing up people to pray for the center.

Next there was a water guy.

He had a L-O-T of water bottles.

He was on Sunset about midway on the route.

The hikers went west on Broadway, up Sunset and came back along South Shore Drive.

There were bright vested guys to ease folks’ way across our neighborhood’s busy Lake Avenue.

There were 6,500 vehicles a day the last time I asked.

When I got to Gate 13, there was a table where Board Chairman Joe Edwards was trying to sign up people for the new web site.

I decided to park.

And chat.

And take some photos.

There was a family of bikers.

A big family.

I count nine in the picture.

I thought this was a hike.

But obviously other modes of locomotion are allowed.

And, you know what?

Rowers were out practicing their sport on a day I bet they wished they had been lucky enough to pick.

There was an eight-person boat with accompanying instructors in an outboard.

I also saw a two-woman skiff.

One man had a little boy whom he was walking beside, teaching him how to ride. You can see them in the distance in the photo below. And the shadows tell you that the sun way out.

Edwards told me there were about 80 signed up when he checked for me about 10.

All photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.

It’s a wonderful day to be alive.

And, what a difference a week makes.

Last Saturday was truly a miserable day!

But the rowers still held their regatta on a choppy and often wet Crystal Lake.

It was so bad, spectators needed umbrellas.

This Saturday was so different.

It was a beautiful, sunny, warm enough day.

The Tri-County Pregnancy and Parenting Center, whose Crystal Lake office is on the same street as McDonald’s, held its annual Hike for Life.

It started at the Crystal Lake Park District’s Main Beach.

A sign pointed the way down Dole Avenue from Mister A’s at Route 14.

I noticed that a sponsor was Fuhler Real Estate.

People were registering at a big tent at the Main Beach.

And buying tee shirts.

I got several that will be featured on “Message of the Day.”

There were a lot of young people.

And families.

Kids were having their faces painted.

And, did I mention there were families?

I decided to follow the route to get some pictures of hikers.

Following the signs past the Wedgewood Garden Club plant sale at the Dole Mansion, I found a man signing up people to pray for the center.

Next there was a water guy.

He had a L-O-T of water bottles.

He was on Sunset about midway on the route.

The hikers went west on Broadway, up Sunset and came back along South Shore Drive.

There were bright vested guys to ease folks’ way across our neighborhood’s busy Lake Avenue.

There were 6,500 vehicles a day the last time I asked.

When I got to Gate 13, there was a table where Board Chairman Joe Edwards was trying to sign up people for the new web site.

I decided to park.

And chat.

And take some photos.

There was a family of bikers.

A big family.

I count nine in the picture.

I thought this was a hike.

But obviously other modes of locomotion are allowed.

And, you know what?

Rowers were out practicing their sport on a day I bet they wished they had been lucky enough to pick.

There was an eight-person boat with accompanying instructors in an outboard.

I also saw a two-woman skiff.

One man had a little boy whom he was walking beside, teaching him how to ride. You can see them in the distance in the photo below. And the shadows tell you that the sun way out.

Edwards told me there were about 80 signed up when he checked for me about 10.

All photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.