McHenry County Blog

From 1 to 4 on Saturday afternoon, the McHenry County Defenders invite the public to join them at Algonquin’s Cronish Park, which is just south of the dam at Route 62.

“Come celebrate the beautiful Fox River and help keep her clean! Learn about the river and conservation, pick up trash & recyclables, enjoy live music and learn about safe fun on the river through kayak/canoe demonstrations,” the invitation says.

There will be speakers from 1-1:45. Algonquin Village President John Schmitt, Cindy Skrukrud (representing the Defenders and The Sierra Club), Gary Swick of Friends of the Fox River, and, maybe, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn will speak.

From 1:45 to 3, river clean-up and water quality monitoring is scheduled.

There will be kayak and canoe demonstrations from 3 to 4, compliments of the Prairie Coast Paddlers and the St. Charles Canoe Club.

There will be live music by the Mack Hotterson Band.

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You can count on the water not being as high as you see it here.

The board of the McHenry County Defenders apparently doesn’t like the organization’s name.

It’s had its name since the group was formed after splitting from the Defenders of the Fox, primarily an anti-Fox Valley Freeway (really a tollway) group.

The suggested name?

The email says it “better reflects who we are and what we do.”

When one abandons a brand name as well known as is the McHenry County Defenders, it will take a long time for the new name to reach the current name’s state of recognition.

A membership vote will be taken at the annual corn roast and pot luck supper at Bill and Alice Howenstine’s Pioneer Tree Farm, 4614 Pioneer Road (Located 1/2 mile off Route 31, three miles north of McHenry).

The vote will be taken at 5 PM. Eats at 5:30 on Sunday, August 17th.

The McHenry County Defenders is arguably the largest political organization in McHenry County. Those objecting to that description surely would not disagree that it is a major and respected political force.

Just ask the Crystal Lake City Council and the McHenry County College Board.

The board of the McHenry County Defenders apparently doesn’t like the organization’s name.

It’s had its name since the group was formed after splitting from the Defenders of the Fox, primarily an anti-Fox Valley Freeway (really a tollway) group.

The suggested name?

The email says it “better reflects who we are and what we do.”

When one abandons a brand name as well known as is the McHenry County Defenders, it will take a long time for the new name to reach the current name’s state of recognition.

A membership vote will be taken at the annual corn roast and pot luck supper at Bill and Alice Howenstine’s Pioneer Tree Farm, 4614 Pioneer Road (Located 1/2 mile off Route 31, three miles north of McHenry).

The vote will be taken at 5 PM. Eats at 5:30 on Sunday, August 17th.

The McHenry County Defenders is arguably the largest political organization in McHenry County. Those objecting to that description surely would not disagree that it is a major and respected political force.

Just ask the Crystal Lake City Council and the McHenry County College Board.

Below are the answers to the A-LAW and McHenry County Defendeers’ McHenry County Board questionnaire. Although the questions of the Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water and the Defenders are good ones, only six of the candidates took the time to answer them.

A-LAW, you may remember proposed and campaign unsuccessfully for a water authority for the more unpopulated part of the county. The proposal covered much of county board District 6, where a number of the candidates providing answers seek to serve.

The McHenry County Defenders organization needs no introduction.

That’s really a loss.

Perhaps this fall when it is Republicans versus Democrats more candidates will conclude that sharing their visions of McHenry County’s future is in their best interest, not to mention the best interest of allowing a better informed electorate.

Below is the first installment:

Sue Draffkorn, D-4, Republican:
It appears that municipalities and the county were not pro-active in regards to the growth that has occurred over the past 25 years. We are now dealing with crowded roads, crowded schools and housing that is becoming unaffordable. The state of Illinois has failed to help McHenry County with transportation and education expenses. We are a donor county; we do not receive the same considerations from the state as other counties. Our citizens pay more in taxes and get little in return. I would like to see more environmentally friendly subdivision ordinances that take into account groundwater and natural resources in McHenry County.

Jeff Thirtyacre, D-4, Democrat:
Growth in McHenry County has been moderate at most due to the lack of Public Transportation. The Southern part of McHenry has had a boom in growth while the rest has little to none. My concerns are that because of the growth levels, we are going to see problems with jobs being lost. Water supply will decline because new water protection plans haven’t been developed. I would like to see development plans put into place. Including Business Promotions to get jobs to McHenry County.

Virginia Peschke, D-5, Republican:
Growth has been out-of-control for the last 20 years due to the lower purchase price of homes and lack of planning by County and municipalities. The County, even with limited power to control growth had neither the will, nor the expertise, to exercise leadership in promoting “smart growth” principles. It will take effort and public pressure to force elected officials to rein in growth and promote sensible, sustainable development. The growing shortage of water resources may be a wake-up call. I would like to see the public elect representatives who would protect the quality of life we enjoy in McHenry County.

Ersel Schuster, D-6, Republican:
For the most part, I see growth in McHenry County being openly encouraged by village and municipal governments. From all indications I believe that process will continue at break-neck-speed; far outstripping the necessary infrastructure and ability for residents to pay the costs associated with that development. Idealistically, I would like to see greater restraint on the part of county and municipal leaders in promoting growth and development. I would envision stricter zoning laws and adherence to those laws thus curbing out of control development the public can ill afford.

Harry Alten, Jr., D-6, Republican: Random. Sometimes leap frogging. Misuse of productive Ag land. I would like the purchase of development rights of Ag Land to sustain our Agricultural Industry in McHenry County.

Andrew “Drew” Georgi, Jr., D-6, Democrat:
Large growth of the population and expensive housing projects that our people can not afford with the jobs available inside our county causing them to work outside the county making our transportation system over burdened. We need to approve only housing projects that our people can afford, bring in more jobs to the county, improve both our roads by having bypasses around the congested areas and improve the public transportation system.

= = = = =
Unfortunately, I do not have a photo of Harry Alten. And there are two stories today where he is featured.

Below are the answers to the A-LAW and McHenry County Defendeers’ McHenry County Board questionnaire. Although the questions of the Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water and the Defenders are good ones, only six of the candidates took the time to answer them.

A-LAW, you may remember proposed and campaign unsuccessfully for a water authority for the more unpopulated part of the county. The proposal covered much of county board District 6, where a number of the candidates providing answers seek to serve.

The McHenry County Defenders organization needs no introduction.

That’s really a loss.

Perhaps this fall when it is Republicans versus Democrats more candidates will conclude that sharing their visions of McHenry County’s future is in their best interest, not to mention the best interest of allowing a better informed electorate.

Below is the first installment:

Sue Draffkorn, D-4, Republican:
It appears that municipalities and the county were not pro-active in regards to the growth that has occurred over the past 25 years. We are now dealing with crowded roads, crowded schools and housing that is becoming unaffordable. The state of Illinois has failed to help McHenry County with transportation and education expenses. We are a donor county; we do not receive the same considerations from the state as other counties. Our citizens pay more in taxes and get little in return. I would like to see more environmentally friendly subdivision ordinances that take into account groundwater and natural resources in McHenry County.

Jeff Thirtyacre, D-4, Democrat:
Growth in McHenry County has been moderate at most due to the lack of Public Transportation. The Southern part of McHenry has had a boom in growth while the rest has little to none. My concerns are that because of the growth levels, we are going to see problems with jobs being lost. Water supply will decline because new water protection plans haven’t been developed. I would like to see development plans put into place. Including Business Promotions to get jobs to McHenry County.

Virginia Peschke, D-5, Republican:
Growth has been out-of-control for the last 20 years due to the lower purchase price of homes and lack of planning by County and municipalities. The County, even with limited power to control growth had neither the will, nor the expertise, to exercise leadership in promoting “smart growth” principles. It will take effort and public pressure to force elected officials to rein in growth and promote sensible, sustainable development. The growing shortage of water resources may be a wake-up call. I would like to see the public elect representatives who would protect the quality of life we enjoy in McHenry County.

Ersel Schuster, D-6, Republican:
For the most part, I see growth in McHenry County being openly encouraged by village and municipal governments. From all indications I believe that process will continue at break-neck-speed; far outstripping the necessary infrastructure and ability for residents to pay the costs associated with that development. Idealistically, I would like to see greater restraint on the part of county and municipal leaders in promoting growth and development. I would envision stricter zoning laws and adherence to those laws thus curbing out of control development the public can ill afford.

Harry Alten, Jr., D-6, Republican: Random. Sometimes leap frogging. Misuse of productive Ag land. I would like the purchase of development rights of Ag Land to sustain our Agricultural Industry in McHenry County.

Andrew “Drew” Georgi, Jr., D-6, Democrat:
Large growth of the population and expensive housing projects that our people can not afford with the jobs available inside our county causing them to work outside the county making our transportation system over burdened. We need to approve only housing projects that our people can afford, bring in more jobs to the county, improve both our roads by having bypasses around the congested areas and improve the public transportation system.

= = = = =
Unfortunately, I do not have a photo of Harry Alten. And there are two stories today where he is featured.

For more information about this afternoon forum, click here.

For more information about this afternoon forum, click here.

If you are interested in the water problems McHenry County will surely face, this should be a forum you plan to attend.

Environmental Law & Policy Center

& McHenry County College

Present

What is Your Water IQ?

A Free Community Forum

DATE: November 17, 2007, 12:30-4:00 p.m.

PLACE: McHenry County College conference center

Building B – Parking Lot B

Engineering studies show that, unless McHenry residents conserve water, we could face water shortages within the next few years. We’re all in this together, and all our communities should work together to protect our water supply.

McHenry County College is hosting a free community forum on water for community residents, high school and college students.

We will:

• tell you what’s going on in the community to protect our water
• offer demonstrations and hands-on activities to show you where our water comes from and what we can do to help
  

• get your opinion about next steps to take using instant polling.

There will be a raffle of water-saving items, a special door prize, and refreshments. Presenters include local and regional experts, community groups, college faculty and student volunteers.

We hope to see you there!

What’s Your Water IQ?

Community Water Supply Forum

McHenry County College Conference Center

Saturday, November 17, 2007

12:30 – 1 p.m. Registration, raffle sign-up and displays

1:00-1:25 Welcome Dr. Walter Packard, President, McHenry County College

What’s Your Water IQ? Instant polling – audience participation

Ricca Slone, Environmental Law & Policy Center

1:25-2 p.m. Water Conservation Panel

Dennis Dreher, McHenry Plan Commission, moderator

Tim Loftus, Regional Water Supply Planning Group

Cassandra McKinney, McHenry County Water Resource Manager

Nancy Williamson, McHenry County Conservation District

Break Displays and refreshments

2:15 – 3 p.m. Break-out sessions

• Watershed protection: Lenore Beyer-Clow, Openlands; Cindy Skukrud, Sierra Club; Emily Berendt, A-LAW
• School curricula for studying water resource: Bill Donato, Woodstock High School; Katie Parkhurst, Algonquin
• Richmond water reuse ordinance: Karen Kabbes

3-3:40 p.m. Demonstrations and Powerpoints

· Environmental LawCenter: At-home water use

· McHenry County Defenders: Water conservation

· McHenry College faculty: Water testing, Enviroscape, groundwater model

3:45 – 4 p.m. What should McHenry County communities do to save water?

Instant polling – audience participation

Raffle winner announcement

If you are interested in the water problems McHenry County will surely face, this should be a forum you plan to attend.

Environmental Law & Policy Center

& McHenry County College

Present

What is Your Water IQ?

A Free Community Forum

DATE: November 17, 2007, 12:30-4:00 p.m.

PLACE: McHenry County College conference center

Building B – Parking Lot B

Engineering studies show that, unless McHenry residents conserve water, we could face water shortages within the next few years. We’re all in this together, and all our communities should work together to protect our water supply.

McHenry County College is hosting a free community forum on water for community residents, high school and college students.

We will:

• tell you what’s going on in the community to protect our water
• offer demonstrations and hands-on activities to show you where our water comes from and what we can do to help
  

• get your opinion about next steps to take using instant polling.

There will be a raffle of water-saving items, a special door prize, and refreshments. Presenters include local and regional experts, community groups, college faculty and student volunteers.

We hope to see you there!

What’s Your Water IQ?

Community Water Supply Forum

McHenry County College Conference Center

Saturday, November 17, 2007

12:30 – 1 p.m. Registration, raffle sign-up and displays

1:00-1:25 Welcome Dr. Walter Packard, President, McHenry County College

What’s Your Water IQ? Instant polling – audience participation

Ricca Slone, Environmental Law & Policy Center

1:25-2 p.m. Water Conservation Panel

Dennis Dreher, McHenry Plan Commission, moderator

Tim Loftus, Regional Water Supply Planning Group

Cassandra McKinney, McHenry County Water Resource Manager

Nancy Williamson, McHenry County Conservation District

Break Displays and refreshments

2:15 – 3 p.m. Break-out sessions

• Watershed protection: Lenore Beyer-Clow, Openlands; Cindy Skukrud, Sierra Club; Emily Berendt, A-LAW
• School curricula for studying water resource: Bill Donato, Woodstock High School; Katie Parkhurst, Algonquin
• Richmond water reuse ordinance: Karen Kabbes

3-3:40 p.m. Demonstrations and Powerpoints

· Environmental LawCenter: At-home water use

· McHenry County Defenders: Water conservation

· McHenry College faculty: Water testing, Enviroscape, groundwater model

3:45 – 4 p.m. What should McHenry County communities do to save water?

Instant polling – audience participation

Raffle winner announcement

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.