Posted on by December 17, 2008
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Township Assessors Elect Association Officers

McHenry County’s township assessors met at the McHenry County Administrative Building yesterday after their annual meeting with Supervisor of Assessments Donna Mayberry.

Elected president was Marengo Township Assessor Jon Klick.

You can see him standing with his all-woman fellow officers.

From left to right you see Vice President Tracie Von Bergen, Hebron Township Assessor, Klick, Kelli Myers, Dorr Township Assessor, and Carol Perschke, McHenry Township Assessor.

McHenry County College Foundation Proceeds

Posted on by December 17, 2008
Reply

The report to the McHenry County College Board about its foundation’s fund raising efforts shows over $2 million collected for the McHenry County Promise, the program that promises to pay tuition for all MCC high school graduates.

The gifts range from $50 to $1 million.

“There is also a verbal pledge of a gift of property with an estimated value between $1 million and $1.5 million,” the report says.

Algonquin Township Full-Timers Escape Primary Challenges

Posted on by December 17, 2008
Reply

In McHenry County’s largest township Republicans occupying the offices of Supervisor, Assessor and Road Commissioner will skate through the February 24th primary election.

If there is a challenge to Supervisor Dianne Klemm, Assessor Bob Kunz or Road Commissioner Bob Miller it will have to come from unknown Democrats who are allowed by state law to hold a caucus to select candidates. Part-time Clerk Marc Munaretto also escaped an opponent.

That’s the way all but Democratic Party candidate for coroner Dave Bachmann and McHenry County Board member Paula Yensen gained ballot position for November’s election. The only caucused candidate who achieved victory was Kathy Bergan Schmidt, Democratic Party Chair, who won a county board seat in District 3 (between Crystal Lake and McHenry).

There will be a race of Algonquin Township Trustee, however.

Filing on the final day was appointed incumbent Joe Powalowski. That gives him last place on the ballot, something of an advantage.

That means all of the incumbents filed for reelection.

Trying to gain a seat is Mark Guerra.

The other incumbents seeking another term are

  • Linda Lance
  • Nels Sorensen and
  • Lowel Cutsforth.

Pat Quinn’s Vision of Higher Taxes

Posted on by December 16, 2008
Reply

Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn has promoted all sorts of referendums, the latest being a series of county

“Stick it to the rich”

referendums in 2004.

It called for doubling the income tax on those earning over $250,000 a year and using the proceeds to increase State Aid to Education and send an annual check of about $200 to each homeowner.

75% voted in favor. Only about 100,000 of the half million voted in Downstate counties and other local jurisdictions lived outside of Cook County.

Tiny Hardin County (population 4,800) in Southeastern Illinois along the Wabash River voted almost 59% “No.” Hardin is one of Illinois’ poorer counties, but it voters apparently don’t like it when someone wants to raise their taxes.

82% of Cook County residents (72% in suburban Cook County) made their “income envy” known.

Just thought you’d like to know.

Posted on by December 16, 2008
Reply

Township Assessors Elect Association Officers

McHenry County’s township assessors met at the McHenry County Administrative Building yesterday after their annual meeting with Supervisor of Assessments Donna Mayberry.

Elected president was Marengo Township Assessor Jon Klick.

You can see him standing with his all-woman fellow officers.

From left to right you see Vice President Tracie Von Bergen, Hebron Township Assessor, Klick, Kelli Myers, Dorr Township Assessor, and Carol Perschke, McHenry Township Assessor.

McHenry County College Foundation Proceeds

Posted on by December 16, 2008
Reply

The report to the McHenry County College Board about its foundation’s fund raising efforts shows over $2 million collected for the McHenry County Promise, the program that promises to pay tuition for all MCC high school graduates.

The gifts range from $50 to $1 million.

“There is also a verbal pledge of a gift of property with an estimated value between $1 million and $1.5 million,” the report says.

Algonquin Township Full-Timers Escape Primary Challenges

Posted on by December 16, 2008
Reply

In McHenry County’s largest township Republicans occupying the offices of Supervisor, Assessor and Road Commissioner will skate through the February 24th primary election.

If there is a challenge to Supervisor Dianne Klemm, Assessor Bob Kunz or Road Commissioner Bob Miller it will have to come from unknown Democrats who are allowed by state law to hold a caucus to select candidates. Part-time Clerk Marc Munaretto also escaped an opponent.

That’s the way all but Democratic Party candidate for coroner Dave Bachmann and McHenry County Board member Paula Yensen gained ballot position for November’s election. The only caucused candidate who achieved victory was Kathy Bergan Schmidt, Democratic Party Chair, who won a county board seat in District 3 (between Crystal Lake and McHenry).

There will be a race of Algonquin Township Trustee, however.

Filing on the final day was appointed incumbent Joe Powalowski. That gives him last place on the ballot, something of an advantage.

That means all of the incumbents filed for reelection.

Trying to gain a seat is Mark Guerra.

The other incumbents seeking another term are

  • Linda Lance
  • Nels Sorensen and
  • Lowel Cutsforth.

Message of the Day – Wind

Posted on by December 16, 2008
Reply

When the snow came early last week, the wind blew from the north.

You can tell from this picture of Cumberland Lane (Gate 10) in Lakewood. It was taken from the North.

You will note that the Village of Lakewood, a Tree City USA, values trees more than its streets.

A number of the trees you see are in the right-of-way.

Contest for Mayor Only Big Deal in Woodstock

Posted on by December 16, 2008
Reply

Monday a week ago, McHenry County Blog reported that local businessman Mark Indyke is challenging incumbent Mayor Brian Sager.

Indyke runs Dog in Suds with his wife. Sager is a McHenry County College administrator.

Only the incumbents whose terms are up filed for city council. They are

  • Michael Turner

  • R.B. Thompson and

  • Richard Ahrens

There will be no primary election because there are not enough candidates to require one.

Contest for Crystal Lake City Council

Posted on by December 16, 2008
Reply

Through 4:30 yesterday afternoon (with one-half hour in which one or more candidates could have filed) the following citizens had filed their petitions for the Crystal Lake City Council election next spring:

Nick Kachiroubas has filed for city clerk. Incumbent Roger Dreher is retiring.

= = = = =
The photo is of Kay Stanish.

Manzullo Announces Naval, Air Force Academy Nominations

Posted on by December 16, 2008
Reply

U.S. Congressman Don Manuzllo has announced three local high school students will get free college educations at the Naval and Air Force Academies. His three press releases follow:

Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) today announced that Geri Veilleux of Algonquin, Illinois, has received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.

Geri will graduate in spring 2009 from Harry D. Jacobs High School in Algonquin. At Jacobs, Geri is a member of the National Honor Society, French Club, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is also a student advisor and a peer tutor.

Geri is also heavily involved in the Fox Valley Evangelical Church, where she is a Sunday School Assistant, Student Ministry Team Leader, and Vacation Bible School leader. She also traveled to New Orleans with the church to help repair and rebuild homes and churches devastated by the hurricanes.

At Jacobs, Geri is Captain of the Varsity Track and Field and Cross Country Teams. Geri is the daughter of Raymond and Valerie Veilleux of Algonquin.

Prairie Ridge High School Student
Appointed to U.S. Naval Academy

[CRYSTAL LAKE] Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) today announced that Michael Mourafetis of Crystal Lake, Illinois, has received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.

Michael will graduate in June 2009 from Prairie Ridge High School. At Prairie Ridge, Michael is a member of the National Honor Society and was named a 2009 National Merit Commended Student. He received the Northern Illinois Hockey League Scholarship Award and was named Prairie Ridge High School Hockey Club Wolves Scholar Athlete of the Year last spring. He is also a Salvation Army bell ringer and a blood drive volunteer.

Michael is also Captain of the Varsity Hockey team and an all-star team selection. He is also a 1st dan black belt in Judo, a 1st dan black belt in kyuki-do, and a yellow belt in jui-jitsu. He participated in the USA Judo National Championships in 2006.

Michael is the son of William and Jennifer Mourafetis of Crystal Lake.

Crystal Lake South High School Student
Appointed to U.S. Air Force Academy

[CRYSTAL LAKE] Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) today announced that Kurt Moehling of Crystal Lake, Illinois, has received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.

Kurt will graduate in June 2009 from Crystal Lake South High School. At South, Kurt is a
member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Club, SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco), and the Gator Link Crew. He also is a member of the Boy Scouts of America and YMCA Youth and Government.

In addition, Kurt is a member of the Varsity Football and Varsity Track teams. He is the son of Steven and Ann Moehling of Crystal Lake.

Big Jobs in Nunda Township Go Unchallenged

Posted on by December 16, 2008
5

Filing for the five Republican township primaries in McHenry County has ended and the major Nunda Township officers have emerged unchallenged, according to Township Clerk Bridgett Provenzano.

That means Supervisor John Heisler, Road Commissioner Don Kopsell, Assessor Dennis Jagla and Clerk Provenzano can relax between now and the February 24th township primary election.

However, there does appear to be a spirited contest for township trustee in the offing.

With the death of Township Trustee Walt Romanus, the Nunda Township Board appointed former Township Clerk and McHenry County Board member Dick Meyers as his replacement last week.

Those running for township trustee follow in alphabetical order:

  • Kelvin (Lee) Jennings, who applied unsuccessfully for the Romanus vacancy
  • Dick Meyers, appointed incumbent
  • Thomas Palmer, incumbent
  • Kevin Sarnwick, incumbent
  • James Schlader, incumbent
  • Joni Smith

Four will emerge as primary winners.

Nunda Township runs north from Crystal Lake Avenue in Crystal Lake into the southern part of McHenry north of Bull Valley Road. Its western boundary goes north from the middle of Crystal Lake. The Lake County line is its eastern boundary.

Democrats could caucus in mid-January and name opposing candidates.

If so, it would be much like the state Democrats, who are now backing away from U.S. Senator Dick Durbin’s suggestion to hold a special election to select President-elect Barack Obama’s replacement.

Why hold an election to select the party’s candidate when an appointment is so much less dangerous?

Message of the Day – Wind

Posted on by December 16, 2008
Reply

When the snow came early last week, the wind blew from the north.

You can tell from this picture of Cumberland Lane (Gate 10) in Lakewood. It was taken from the North.

You will note that the Village of Lakewood, a Tree City USA, values trees more than its streets.

A number of the trees you see are in the right-of-way.

Contest for Mayor Only Big Deal in Woodstock

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

Monday a week ago, McHenry County Blog reported that local businessman Mark Indyke is challenging incumbent Mayor Brian Sager.

Indyke runs Dog in Suds with his wife. Sager is a McHenry County College administrator.

Only the incumbents whose terms are up filed for city council. They are

  • Michael Turner

  • R.B. Thompson and

  • Richard Ahrens

There will be no primary election because there are not enough candidates to require one.

Contest for Crystal Lake City Council

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

Through 4:30 yesterday afternoon (with one-half hour in which one or more candidates could have filed) the following citizens had filed their petitions for the Crystal Lake City Council election next spring:

Nick Kachiroubas has filed for city clerk. Incumbent Roger Dreher is retiring.

= = = = =
The photo is of Kay Stanish.

Manzullo Announces Naval, Air Force Academy Nominations

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

U.S. Congressman Don Manuzllo has announced three local high school students will get free college educations at the Naval and Air Force Academies. His three press releases follow:

Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) today announced that Geri Veilleux of Algonquin, Illinois, has received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.

Geri will graduate in spring 2009 from Harry D. Jacobs High School in Algonquin. At Jacobs, Geri is a member of the National Honor Society, French Club, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is also a student advisor and a peer tutor.

Geri is also heavily involved in the Fox Valley Evangelical Church, where she is a Sunday School Assistant, Student Ministry Team Leader, and Vacation Bible School leader. She also traveled to New Orleans with the church to help repair and rebuild homes and churches devastated by the hurricanes.

At Jacobs, Geri is Captain of the Varsity Track and Field and Cross Country Teams. Geri is the daughter of Raymond and Valerie Veilleux of Algonquin.

Prairie Ridge High School Student
Appointed to U.S. Naval Academy

[CRYSTAL LAKE] Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) today announced that Michael Mourafetis of Crystal Lake, Illinois, has received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.

Michael will graduate in June 2009 from Prairie Ridge High School. At Prairie Ridge, Michael is a member of the National Honor Society and was named a 2009 National Merit Commended Student. He received the Northern Illinois Hockey League Scholarship Award and was named Prairie Ridge High School Hockey Club Wolves Scholar Athlete of the Year last spring. He is also a Salvation Army bell ringer and a blood drive volunteer.

Michael is also Captain of the Varsity Hockey team and an all-star team selection. He is also a 1st dan black belt in Judo, a 1st dan black belt in kyuki-do, and a yellow belt in jui-jitsu. He participated in the USA Judo National Championships in 2006.

Michael is the son of William and Jennifer Mourafetis of Crystal Lake.

Crystal Lake South High School Student
Appointed to U.S. Air Force Academy

[CRYSTAL LAKE] Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) today announced that Kurt Moehling of Crystal Lake, Illinois, has received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.

Kurt will graduate in June 2009 from Crystal Lake South High School. At South, Kurt is a
member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Club, SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco), and the Gator Link Crew. He also is a member of the Boy Scouts of America and YMCA Youth and Government.

In addition, Kurt is a member of the Varsity Football and Varsity Track teams. He is the son of Steven and Ann Moehling of Crystal Lake.

Big Jobs in Nunda Township Go Unchallenged

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

Filing for the five Republican township primaries in McHenry County has ended and the major Nunda Township officers have emerged unchallenged, according to Township Clerk Bridgett Provenzano.

That means Supervisor John Heisler, Road Commissioner Don Kopsell, Assessor Dennis Jagla and Clerk Provenzano can relax between now and the February 24th township primary election.

However, there does appear to be a spirited contest for township trustee in the offing.

With the death of Township Trustee Walt Romanus, the Nunda Township Board appointed former Township Clerk and McHenry County Board member Dick Meyers as his replacement last week.

Those running for township trustee follow in alphabetical order:

  • Kelvin (Lee) Jennings, who applied unsuccessfully for the Romanus vacancy
  • Dick Meyers, appointed incumbent
  • Thomas Palmer, incumbent
  • Kevin Sarnwick, incumbent
  • James Schlader, incumbent
  • Joni Smith

Four will emerge as primary winners.

Nunda Township runs north from Crystal Lake Avenue in Crystal Lake into the southern part of McHenry north of Bull Valley Road. Its western boundary goes north from the middle of Crystal Lake. The Lake County line is its eastern boundary.

Democrats could caucus in mid-January and name opposing candidates.

If so, it would be much like the state Democrats, who are now backing away from U.S. Senator Dick Durbin’s suggestion to hold a special election to select President-elect Barack Obama’s replacement.

Why hold an election to select the party’s candidate when an appointment is so much less dangerous?

MCC Faculty Raises Said to Average 2.76% Over Next Five Years

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

Maybe you read my article about McHenry County College’s continuing failure to post its board packet items 21 hours ahead of the meeting’s beginning.

I notice that the information is now up.

Here’s what it says:

“The Faculty Association has ratified the contract agreement proposed by the negotiation teams of the Board of Trustees and the McHenry County College Faculty Association. This is an agreement for a five year period that covers academic years 2008-2009 through 2012-2013. The agreement calls for an average increase in the base salary 2.76 percent over the course of the next five years.”

What Do You Make of This Statement by Patrick Fitzgerald about Barack Obama?

Posted on by December 15, 2008
Reply

STATEMENT OF U. S. ATTORNEY PATRICK J. FITZGERALD REGARDING THE ONGOING INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGED PUBLIC CORRUPTION IN ILLINOIS

CHICAGO – Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today made the following statement in response to inquiries about the statement issued by the Obama Transition regarding the ongoing investigation of alleged public corruption in Illinois state government:

“After the President-elect announced an internal transition team investigation, the United States Attorney’s Office requested a brief delay of the release of a report of that investigation to conduct certain interviews.”

Can you spell “Scooter Libby?”