985 More Acres of Permanent Open Space in McHenry County, Largest Purchase in Chicagoland since 1996

Found on the Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge website:

Celebrating 985 Acres Added to Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge

Tamarack Farms. Photo credit: The Conservsation Fund

It started as a dream. . . and we are very excited to announce the largest regional conservation acquisition in 28 years.

The Conservation Fund, Illinois Audubon Society, and Openlands announced today the partnership’s acquisition of Tamarack Farms in Richmond, Illinois for Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge (Hackmatack).

Straddling the Illinois-Wisconsin border, the federally designated Refuge protects vital habitat for the region’s biodiversity while offering extensive recreational opportunities for the 12 million residents of the greater Chicago, Rockford, and Milwaukee metropolitan areas.

Tamarack Farms. Photo credit: The Conservaton Fund.

At 985 acres, Tamarack Farms is the largest single property located within Hackmatack’s approved boundary, where the average property size is only 63 acres.

According to the Prairie State Conservation Coalition, which maintains a database of all conservation properties in Illinois, Tamarack Farms is the largest conservation acquisition in the Chicago region since the creation of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in 1996.

Additionally, Tamarack Farms will connect several existing conservation areas, creating a continuous 5,600-acre macrosite — the third largest in the six-county metro region behind Midewin and the Palos Preserves of the Forest Preserves of Cook County.

“Since the Tamarack Farms property was under threat of development, protecting it has been a top conservation priority for decades. Through patient negotiations over the course of years, this once-in-a-generation opportunity has been realized,” said Emy Brawley, Illinois State Director for The Conservation Fund.

“Thanks to our collaborative partnership, and steadfast leadership from advocates, local government, and our congressional delegations, Tamarack Farms will enable the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to dramatically expand public land access for residents and visitors of the region.”

Tamarak Farms outlined. Phtot credit: The Conservsation Fund.

Established in 2012 by then-Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge protects wildlife habitat within the Nippersink Creek watershed in McHenry County, Illinois and Walworth County, Wisconsin.

As envisioned, Hackmatack aims to create an 11,200-acre natural landscape by connecting four conservation core areas with wildlife-friendly migration corridors through a combination of acquisitions and private land conservation agreements. A map of the Refuge’s existing land holdings is available here from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), the managing agency of the refuge.

National Wildlife Refuges serve joint purposes of

  • biodiversity conservation,
  • public recreation, and
  • education.

Hackmatack is also an urban wildlife refuge, a special designation within the National Wildlife Refuge system, which enhances its recreational and educational mission.

When open to the public, recreational opportunities will include

  • hiking and walking,
  • canoeing and kayaking,
  • birding and wildlife viewing, biking, and
  • wintertime recreation, as well as
  • volunteer stewardship events.

The property will also provide unique public access opportunities via an adjacent rails-to-trails path that connects with Wisconsin to the north and the Grand Illinois Trail network to the south.

“High-quality public land is a boon to McHenry County, as it would be for other parts of the region with natural assets like Tamarack Farms. From the emergence of Hackmatack in 2005 as an idea, Openlands has championed, with partners, the value proposition of a National Wildlife Refuge right here in our own metro,” said Michael Davidson, President and CEO of Openlands.

“McHenry County is already seeing results of accessible open space. Between 2021-2022, visitors to the county spent over $336 million, a 26% increase in spending from the previous year.

“Clearly, the economy benefits from our need to get outside and care for our physical and mental health. We hope this acquisition can lead to further investment in connecting our region’s natural lands.”

Tamarack Farms, farmland, photo by The Conservation Fund

Tamarack Farms aerial view. Photo: The Conservation Fund.

The acquisition of Tamarack Farms will further protect high-quality wildlife habitat on the property, including

  • remnant oak woodland,
  • habitat for nesting grassland birds and waterfowl,
  • cold-water springs,
  • a 70-acre open water wetland, and
  • multiple feeder streams to the nearby Nippersink Creek, one of the highest aquatic quality streams in the region.
Tamarack Farms aerial view. Photo credit: The Conservaton Fund.
  • Over 200 species of birds,
  • 70 species of fish,
  • 30 species of reptiles and amphibians,
  • 35 species of mammals, and
  • hundreds of plant species

have been recorded within the refuge boundary.

“Large-scale conservation such as this project is critical to ensure species’ resiliency in the face of climate change, and Tamarack Farms will provide a natural sanctuary for both people and wildlife,” said Jo Fessett, Executive Director of Illinois Audubon Society. “This exceptional addition to the Refuge will not only create habitat for numerous threatened and endangered species of plants and wildlife, but also present the perfect opportunity to enhance public interaction and appreciation of nature.”

Tamarack Farms remains under an active farm lease and public access will be limited until the property is opened for recreation by USFWS.

The property was purchased from a willing private seller with the stated intention of adding it to Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, resulting in the protection of nearly 10% of the land within the Refuge’s approved boundary.

The acquisition was financially supported by

  • The Conservation Fund,
  • Illinois Audubon Society, and
  • Openlands, with additional support from
  • the Bobolink Foundation,
  • James and Elizabeth Bramsen,
  • Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Hamill,
  • Nancy Hamill Winter,
  • the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, and the
  • McHenry County Conservation Foundation.

The Conservation Fund and Openlands will hold the property in trust until it can be conveyed to the USFWS as funding from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund becomes available.

“In many ways, acquisition of Tamarack Farms represents a ‘dream realized’ for a small group who first came together over two decades ago to advocate for its protection as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system,” said Steve Byers, Chair of Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge.

“Protection of Tamarack Farms, with its majestic oak woodlands, dynamic wetlands, and opportunities for prairie restoration, is a historic leap forward for the Refuge and brings it closer to its goal of 11,200 acres of protected land. It also demonstrates the power of dreams and of a shared vision with committed partners in building a landscape that benefits our natural world and the residents of the region alike.”

Those interested in experiencing the Refuge are encouraged to visit the Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge website, hackmatacknwr.org, to learn about educational and volunteer opportunities, or to visit several of the USFWS or McHenry County Conservation District conservation areas within the Refuge boundary.

About The Conservation Fund

The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches, and enduring government, community and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America’s natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms. To learn more, visit www.conservationfund.org.

About Illinois Audubon Society

The mission of the Illinois Audubon Society is to promote the perpetuation and appreciation of native flora and fauna and the habitats that support them. The Society is an independent, statewide, member supported, nonprofit organization. Founded in 1897, the Society is Illinois’ oldest private conservation organization with 2,200 members, 17 chapters and 19 affiliate groups. The Illinois Audubon Society has protected 6,200 acres by investing $17 million to protect land and water throughout Illinois. Find out more at illinoisaudubon.org.

About Openlands

Founded in 1963, Openlands protects the natural and open spaces of northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region to ensure cleaner air and water, protect natural habitats and wildlife, and help balance and enrich our lives. As Chicago’s regional land trust, Openlands connects and energizes the region through strategic collaboration and local partnerships. We work closely with government agencies and policymakers to develop new environmental conservation plans and practices created with all individuals in mind. From establishing city parks and trails to stewarding large-scale landscapes and waters in Northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region, Openlands is committed to advancing nature-based solutions to mitigate the threats of biodiversity loss and climate change and create access to nature for all. For more information, please visit openlands.org.

Passage of Electronic Publication of Legal Notices Could Spell Death Knell for Newspapers

Brought up in McHenry County’s Law and Justice Committee last month:

HB 3154/SB 61 Notices-Electronic Publication (Ford & Castro) Amends the Notice By Publication Act.
Provides that whenever a municipality is required to provide notice by publication in a newspaper by law, order of court, or contract, the municipality may publish the notice on an official municipal website instead of in a newspaper if the notice published on the official municipal website is also published electronically on a searchable online database website and that website provides independent certification of the publication. Provides conditions concerning the availability and format of the searchable online database website. Repeals a Section concerning the placement of published notices on a statewide website and makes corresponding changes throughout the Act and in the Newspaper Legal Notice Act. Effective immediately.(In Rules and Assignments). This legislation is supported by the Illinois uUnicipal League.

The legislation went no where.

UPDATE WITH VIDEO: McConchie Bill to Make Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Handicapped Accessble Passes Senate Committee Copy

From State Senator Dan McConchie:

Sen. McConchie’s New Legislation Ensures Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging Stations for People with Disabilities

SPRINGFIELD– State Senator Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) is working to ease the challenges faced by people with disabilities when charging their electric vehicles (EVs) by improving the accessibility of EV charging stations, ensuring they are more accessible to all.

“While every gas station and pump in America is accessible for the vast majority of people with disabilities, current laws overlook EV chargers,” said Sen. McConchie.

“As we are still in the early days of building out EV infrastructure, it is important to guarantee that people with disabilities can conveniently charge their vehicles, just like everyone else.”

Senate Bill 3323, introduced by Sen. Dan McConchie, mandates that all EV charging stations are readily accessible, spaced adequately apart to accessibility needs, equipped with longer charging cords, and meet technical standards to ensure accessibility to all.

SB 3323 passed through committee and will be heard on the Senate Floor.

The Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging Station Act, facilitated by Sen. McConchie, would ensure all charging stations are designed to be independently usable by individuals with disabilities.

This includes those who might have trouble using their hands, people with limb differences, or individuals reliant on special driving controls.

Message of the Day – Fragility

From a Friend of the Blog:

Margaret Taylor Green Moves To Vacate Speaker

Could Speaker Johnson break former Speaker McCarthy’s record for shortest serving speaker in modern history?

McCarthy’s 269-day speakership was the third shortest in U.S. history and the shortest in the past 140 years. 

He had the position for about 9 months.

He was also the first Speaker to have ever been removed.

Ever.

Now Johnson could join him as number 2.

It took from the 18th century until 2023 to get rid of one speaker. Now we could have two removals within less than half a year.

Both Republican.

This does not exactly scream,

“Yes, we have a stable government.”

It does not exactly convey the message,

“Yes, as a political party, we do have a coherent vision.”

What it indicates is chaos within the government and Republican intraparty struggle.

Johnson, McCarthy’s successor, has been in office for less than 5 whole months, yet a motion to give him the pink slip has already been filed.

I bet that makes McCarthy happy…

McCarthy ally Marjorie Taylor Greene filed the motion to vacate after Johnson agreed to a 1.2 trillion dollar package to avoid a government shutdown.

Johnson’s move was seen by some as a betrayal of values.

A similar action is what resulted in McCarthy getting fired in October 2023. Interestingly, however, MTG was not one of the members who supported the removal of McCarthy, but she has soured on Johnson.

At the time, some of the more conservative members didn’t care for what McCarthy was doing but questioned whether the alternative would be better.

Only 8 supported firing him.

Most of the “Freedom Caucus” did not since they too had reservations about an alternative (MTG was kicked out of the Freedom Caucus by the way).

MTG might reasonably conclude she was correct about her assessment of the situation back then.

Johnson has not proven himself to be more principled on the controversial issue of “continuing resolutions” to finance the government.

This way of financing the government on a continuing resolution basis, as opposed to the more traditional budget process, along with the amount of money being spent angers some of the more conservative legislators.

Now it’s possible Johnson could be fired.

Seeing as Republicans have an even narrower majority than they had in October, the fate of Johnson is in the hands of the Democratic Party. 

If Democrats choose to join with the protesters, as they did against McCarthy, then Johnson will be ousted.

Who, then, would replace Johnson?

Could we be in for another round of failed votes?

More embarrassment for the Republican Party on national television?

It took a few days to decide on McCarthy and it took a few days to decide on Johnson.

Both were fired, and it may take a few more days and embarrassing failed votes to replace Johnson should he be fired.

And who is to say that person will be any better, and who is to say that person won’t get fired too?

One thing is certain:

The Republican Party does not appear competent at governing.

Their optics suck.

They should be running away with this next election, based on issues such as

  • crime,
  • inflation,
  • immigration, and
  • foreign policy chaos,

but their squabbling in the House jeopardizes the otherwise strong political hand they’ve been dealt.

Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory will be the narrative should Republicans blow it in 2024.

It’s a familiar narrative for Republicans.

Conservative State Rep. Beats Back Teacher Unions’ Challenge as a Write-In

From State Rep. Adam Niemerg:

State Rep. Adam Niemerg wins decisive victory in re-election bid

Dieterich, IL – State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) has won a decisive victory in his bid for re-election and says the results confirm 102nd District voters have no interest in electing far-left candidates to be their voice in Springfield.

Niemerg received 7,259 votes and his opponent received 1,057 votes, which translates to an 87 percent to 13 percent margin of victory.

Niemerg’s opponent spent upwards of $400,000 to get percent of the vote.

“Voters understood what was at stake in this election,” Niemerg said.

“They stood with me because they did not want the far-left activists who were funding my opponents’ campaign to gain more power. “This was a decisive victory for the grassroots, conservative movement I, along with several of my colleagues in the House, have been building.”

Niemerg said he is grateful to everyone who went to the polls to cast their write-in votes for him.

“Voters had to go out of their way to vote for me,” Niemerg said.

“The fact that they went to the polls and wrote my name in means a lot. I am honored and humbled by the outpouring of support the 102nd showed on Election Day.”

= = = = =

Niemerg made a paperwork mistake in filing his election petitions for re-election, causing him to run as a write-in candidate.

The last state rep. candidate I can remember winning a seat was the first Mayor Richard Daley–his first elective office.

University of Illinois Honors Anthony Fauci for for “Ethical Behavior and Fair Play in Government”

From Stephen Moore’s Unleashed Prosperty Hotline #982:

The University of Illinois Declares Fauci an Ethics Hero

The state university of one of the most infamously corrupt states in the nation, Illinois, has presented an award for “ethical behavior and fair play in government” presented to… Anthony Fauci. You can’t make it up. Since when is lying an ethical behavior?

Meanwhile,

From Epoch Times:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has agreed to remove social media posts and webpages that urged people to stop taking ivermectin to treat COVID-19, according to a settlement dated March 21.

The FDA in the settlement is also agreeing to delete multiple social media posts that came out strongly against ivermectin, including one that stated: “You are not a horse. You are not a cow. Seriously, y’all. Stop it.“…

“FDA has not admitted any violation of law or any wrongdoing, disagrees with the plaintiffs’ allegation that the agency exceeded its authority in issuing the statements challenged in the lawsuit, and stands by its authority to communicate with the public regarding the products it regulates,” the spokesperson said. “FDA has not changed its position that currently available clinical trial data do not demonstrate that ivermectin is effective against COVID-19. The agency has not authorized or approved ivermectin for use in preventing or treating COVID-19.”

Seventeen Apply for Associate Judgeship

From the McHenry County Circuit Court:

SEVENTEEN APPLY FOR ASSOCIATE JUDGE POSITION

(Woodstock, IL) Chief Judge Michael J. Chmiel of the Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit announces seventeen attorneys have filed applications to become an Associate Judge of the Circuit.

The Associate Judge vacancy accrued on February 1, 2024, when the Supreme Court of Illinois appointed Associate Judge Jennifer L. Johnson to fill a Circuit Judge position.

The seal of the 22nd Circuit Court.

The attorneys who have applied include:

  • Carlos S. Arevalo
  • Matthew T. Brodersen
  • Thomas J. Carroll
  • Kevin A. Chrzanowski
  • Michael G. Cortina
  • Sharyl D. Eisenstein
  • Robert T. Hanlon
  • Colette L. Kennedy
  • Desiree B. Sierens
  • Thomas B. Spencer, IV
  • Thomas A. Vaclavek, Jr.
  • Elizabeth M. Vonau
  • Patrick S. Wall
  • Danelle M. Wozniak
  • Guy R. Youman
  • Michael P. Zasadil
  • Tyler G. Mikan

A similar process accrued earlier in the year, when those who applied were evaluated by Members of the Illinois State Bar Association and the McHenry County Bar Association and interviewed by the Circuit Judges. New applicants will similarly be evaluated and given the opportunity to meet with the Circuit Judges.

The mission of the 22nd Judicial Circuit of McHenry County is to be the guardian of life, liberty and property to all seeking access to justice, by adhering to practices that ensure equality, fairness and confidence in the judiciary.

Chmiel will ask the Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts to initiate a
balloting process with the Circuit Judges who will be able to vote for an applicant. The Director will receive back completed ballots, tabulate the results, and certify the results to the Chief Judge. The new Associate Judge will likely take office in May or June of 2024.

Public comment by letter is invited by April 15, 2024. Letters can be addressed to Chief Judge Michael J. Chmiel, 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Room 355, Woodstock, IL 60098.

As Income Tax Due Date Approaches, Feds Send Another Income Tax Evasion Press Release

From the U.S. Attorney:

Superseding Federal Tax Indictment Against Chicago Attorney Adds Charge for Alleged Witness Tampering

CHICAGO — A federal grand jury has charged a Chicago attorney with corruptly attempting to influence the testimony of a witness in his federal tax fraud case.

MICHAEL ABRAMSON was originally indicted in 2018 on federal tax charges for allegedly filing false individual and corporate income tax returns. 

The original charges alleged that Abramson provided more than $1 million for personal expenses to a woman with whom he was romantically involved and then falsely characterized the funds as commissions or loans in his corporations’ books and on the tax returns. 

Abramson was an attorney in Chicago who held ownership interests in two companies – Leasing Employment Services Co., Inc. and Eastern Advisors, Inc.

The superseding indictment returned this week in U.S. District Court in Chicago renews the prior tax charges and adds counts of witness tampering and contempt of court for Abramson’s alleged attempt to script the testimony of a witness to make it more favorable to Abramson. 

Abramson allegedly gave the witness a copy of her previous court testimony, on which he had made handwritten notes changing, supplementing, or otherwise scripting her answers, and told her to review it before Abramson’s trial on the tax charges, which was scheduled for Feb. 5, 2024. 

The witness for several years had provided bookkeeping and accounting services for Abramson’s companies.

As a result of the alleged witness tampering, Abramson’s trial was continued to July 1, 2024. 

Abramson’s bond was also revoked and he was remanded into federal custody pending trial.

Abramson, 74, of Wilmette, Ill., will be arraigned on the superseding indictment on March 28, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Kendall.

The superseding indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Justin Campbell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard M. Rothblatt and Misty N. Wright.

The public is reminded that charges are not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. 

Lake in the Hills St. Patrick’s Enhanced Enforcement Finds No DUI’s

From the Lake in the Hills Police:

The Lake in the Hills Police Department Announces St. Patrick’s Day DUI Enforcement Results

Lake in the Hills, IL – The Lake in the Hills Police Department announced it made two (2) arrests and
issued 30 total citations during the St. Patrick’s Day enforcement period.

  • Speeding Citations: 23
  • Disregard Traffic Signal: 1
  • Electronic Communication Device: 2
  • Failure to Signal: 1
  • Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicle: 2
  • Expired Registration: 1
  • Two arrests for Possession of Controlled Substance

Keicher on Human Traffiking Task Force

From State Rep. Jeff Keicher:

Rep. Keicher Tapped to Serve on Human Trafficking Task Force

SPRINGFIELD – This week, State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) was appointed to serve on Illinois’ Human Trafficking Task Force by House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna).

Keicher has been a strong advocate for improving Illinois’ record of supporting victims of abuse during his time in the General Assembly, unanimously passing legislation last year that is now law and recently joining several legislators to propose a package of legislation to further improve protections for victims and hold abusers accountable.

“Human trafficking and sexual exploitation, especially of children, are deeply disturbing crimes that are far more prevalent than many of us realize,” said Keicher.

“Despite some recent progress, the research shows our state is failing when it comes to preventing these horrific crimes and helping victims heal.

“These victims represent our most vulnerable, and while I wish a task force like this wasn’t necessary, I hope my participation leads to tangible policy changes that not only help victims recover but prevent exploitation in the first place.”  

This issue has been something personal for Keicher since joining the General Assembly, as a family member who was abused as a child tragically died due to a lack of resources to help victims recover.

The Human Trafficking Task Force consists of twenty-two regular members and four ex officio members who serve without compensation.

The overall goal of the Task Force is to produce policy recommendations that prevent trafficking, improve assistance for victims and educate the public about the problem to assist in prevention.

Like one of the primary goals of the Task Force, Keicher also stresses how important it is to raise awareness by requesting that members of the media and public utilize the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 888-373-7888, to report any suspected trafficking taking place in their communities.

More information about the package of legislation recently proposed by Keicher and his colleagues can be found on RepKeicher.com. For more information about the Human Trafficking Task Force, click here.

Rep. Keicher serves the 70th District, which includes portions of DeKalb, Kane, and McHenry Counties.

More Free Money from the Feds via Pritzker

From Govenor JB Pritzker:

Pritzker Administration Provides Nearly $300 Million in Emergency Mortgage Assistance

Illinois is a national leader in helping homeowners experiencing financial hardships due to pandemic

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) released the “Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund Final Report,” highlighting the distribution of $298.6 million in emergency mortgage assistance that helped 16,845 households avoid foreclosure across the state.

McHenry County’s share.

“Here in the Land of Lincoln, we’re working to ensure housing access and affordability in an ever-changing economy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. 

“Through the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund, we supported individuals and families to keep their homes rather than facing foreclosure. I’m grateful for IHDA’s work to rapidly deploy emergency assistance to Illinoisans as they navigated financial difficulties.”

Created through the State’s allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2), the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) was administered by IHDA to provide relief to households still reeling from financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These impacts were widespread, but were particularly prevalent among low-income families, people of color, and those least able to weather financial hardships.

“The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund was born out of the unprecedented economic strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond having serious consequences for public health, the pandemic had a lasting ripple effect on every inch of Americans’ lives, including some families’ ability to pay their rent or mortgage,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL).  “I’m grateful for the support ILHAF, funded through the American Rescue Plan, offered Illinoisans in need during the pandemic.”

Focusing on preventing mortgage delinquencies, defaults, and foreclosures, ILHAF began accepting applications on April 11, 2022, and closed on October 31, 2023. Eligible homeowners could receive up to $60,000 in grant assistance.

Allowable uses for homeowners included catching up on past due mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and/or flood insurance payments, homeowner/condominium association fees, and mobile home lot rent.

After the applicant’s delinquent mortgage or non-mortgage housing costs were reinstated, households could also receive future mortgage assistance for up to three months to maintain housing stability.

“The American Rescue Plan provided more than $300 million to help ensure Illinois homeowners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t have to worry about foreclosure or being evicted from their homes and communities,” U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) said. “Thanks to President Biden, Governor Pritzker and the Democrats who put working families first, our hardest-hit residents were able to access vital resources to help prevent mass displacement while they recovered from the pandemic’s financial impacts. I’ll continue to do all I can at the federal level so that Illinois’ most vulnerable continue to receive the support they need.”

To ensure funding assisted historically underserved communities and socially disadvantaged residents, ILHAF partnered with a network of 58 housing counseling agencies, community-based organizations, and legal aid organizations that provided essential outreach and on-the-ground support to homeowners in their communities.

These services were offered in all 102 counties, at no cost to the applicant, and in 35 unique languages.

“IHDA’s work is rooted in the financing and preservation of affordable housing throughout Illinois; however, in times of crisis, we have been called upon to offer guidance and support to provide housing relief to individuals and families,” said IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust.As foreclosure rates continued to rise, we knew relief funds needed to get into the hands of Illinois’ most vulnerable homeowners efficiently and swiftly in order to keep them housed. ILHAF was designed to prioritize those most at-risk for housing instability. I want to thank Governor Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly for entrusting IHDA to deliver this assistance on behalf of the State.”

While accessibility and efficiency were priorities in the distribution of the ILHAF assistance, key safeguards and controls were also put in place and regularly evaluated to prevent fraud and misuse.

“I had been in construction for so many years and when COVID hit, construction stopped and there was no income coming into my house,” said ILHAF recipient and Tinley Park native John Devalk. “Feeding my kids and family was my number one priority and we were going to have to move because I couldn’t pay the mortgage. When my ILHAF application was approved, it was incredible. IHDA was here for me.”

Final Report Highlights

  • 46,060 applications were received from all 102 IL counties.
  • $298,618,622 in assistance provided.
  • 16,845 households assisted.
  • $17,727 average assistance received per household.
  • 70% of households earned less than $60,000 per year.
  • 98 counties received funding.

Read the final report here, which includes a detailed breakdown of applicant demographics and ILHAF payments by county.

Hear the testimonial of an ILHAF recipient here.

While the ILHAF program is no longer accepting applications, IHDA remains committed to helping homeowners avoid foreclosure as communities continue to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

IHDA has provided funding to a network of HUD-certified housing counseling agencies and legal aid organizations to continue to provide critical support to families at risk of foreclosure, helping them to understand their options, apply for assistance programs, and achieve the best possible outcome for their situation. Homeowners concerned about their ability to pay their mortgage can find a list of agencies at: https://www.illinoishousinghelp.org/ilhaf.

Chief Judge Michael Chmiel Makes New Judicial Assignments

From the McHenry County Circuit Court:

JUDGES WILL TAKE ON NEW CALLS ON APRIL 15

With the Circuit adding back its eighteenth judge this month, Chief Judge Michael J. Chmiel has entered an Administrative Order to factor the Circuit’s newest judge into its mix and realign certain assignments.

“With the recent installation of Carl Metz as an Associate Judge, we will be able to shuffle our roster a bit to relieve some stress on the call of our cases,” explains Chmiel who entered Administrative Order No. 2024-05 on March 21, 2024.

With the loss of two judges since November 13, 2023, assignments had been rearranged, with Chmiel taking two calls to help relieve some of the pressure.

One of the calls covers collection cases up to $50,000 in value and will be reassigned to Judge Jeffrey Hirsch, who will also take on the position of ADR Supervising Judge.

“Judge Hirsch will bring great experience to the Civil Division of the Circuit as a certified mediator and will help the Circuit continue to advance its efforts in Alternative Dispute Resolution.”

Judge Hirsch and Presiding Judge Justin Hansen will leave the Family Division after each spending better than four years in that Division.

“The family calls of the Circuit are challenging in that they involve cases with great emotions and stressors,’ says Chmiel.

“These judges did great to calm many situations and handle cases in thoughtful and effective ways.”

Judges Hansen and Jennifer Johnson will exchange assignments, with Judge Johnson taking on the role as the Presiding Judge of the Family Division.

Judge Hansen will take on a criminal misdemeanor jury call in the Criminal Division of the Court.

“Judge Johnson will be asked to continue to evolve the initiatives Judge Hansen incorporated into the Family Division, to further benefit the operation of our court system and the community.”

Also in the Family Division, Judge Jeffrey Altman will move from his current order of protection and prove-up call to a family call, while Judge Cynthia Lamb will move from the traffic call in the Criminal Division to take on the order of protection and prove-up call.

Meanwhile, Judge Metz will take on the traffic call as his first full-time assignment with the judiciary.

“We are excited to put into operation some long-awaited changes, but also provide our judges new opportunities to impact the community in positive ways,” comments Chmiel.

The new assignments will go into effect on April 15, 2024.

Four Years of Sexually Assaulting Child, Age 6-10, Will Result in Sentence of 18 to 180 Years

From the State’s Attorney:

JUAN CHEVEREZ FOUND GUILTY BY A JURY OF THREE COUNTS OF PREDATORY CRIMINAL SEXUAL ASSAULT

Patrick D. Kenneally, McHenry County State’s Attorney, announces that Juan Cheverez, of Des Moines, Iowa, was found guilty after a three-day jury trial on three counts of Predatory Sexual Assault of a Child.

Juan Cheverez

Cheverez, who is facing between 18 and 180 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, will be sentenced by the Honorable Judge Tiffany Davis on April 24, 2024.

On April 11, 2019, an officer from the Crystal Lake Police Department began investigating a delayed report of sexual assault of a child.

Through diligent efforts of detectives, the identification of the perpetrator was made.

Officers worked with local law enforcement in Polk County, Iowa and the U.S. Marshalls to effectuate the arrest of Cheverez in Iowa.

Those efforts were unsuccessful as Cheverez could not be located.

After being out on warrant for three years, in March of 2022, Cheverez was apprehended by law enforcement officers in Texas and transported back to the McHenry County Jail.

A jury trial began on March 18, 2024, where the State’s Attorney’s Office presented evidence that Cheverez moved into the victim’s home sometime in 2008, at a time when the victim was just six years old.

Cheverez began sexually assaulting her almost immediately and the assaults continued for approximately the next four years.

The jurors heard from the victim, her mother, two officers involved in the investigation –Sergeant Algirdas Sindaravicius and Sergeant Jeffrey Mattson – and an expert in sex assault cases from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford.

On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, after deliberating for nearly three hours, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all three counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual of a Child, each a Class X felony.

This case was investigated by the Crystal Lake Police Department.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Ashur Y. Youash and Tyler Mikan, with special assistance provided by Assistant State’s Attorney Maria Marek.

The State’s Attorney’s Office would also like to thank two valuable members of the office, Victim Witness Coordinators Polo Fabian and Liliana Chavez, for their assistance on this case.

The State Attorney’s Office would also like to thank the Child Advocacy Center and University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford for their work on this case and their continued dedication to child victims.

The State’s Attorney’s Office would especially thank the victim for her courage during the prosecution of this case.

We encourage victims of sexual assault or abuse, regardless of how much time may have passed, to report the abuse to your local law enforcement.

Our office is dedicated to bringing these predators to justice.