Nancy Schmitz, a member of the Alliance, said the award was named in Conley’s honor because he embodies the spirit of caring and compassion that they would like to see in all who care for families experiencing this difficult type of loss.

“Conley was recognized for the great appreciation, and respectful, caring way he cares for babies and how parents can have the time that they want to be with their child, no matter his or her size,” Schmitz said at the ceremony. “The life stories (obituaries) that Conley writes come from the hearts of the parents as they talk to Conley about how much this little one meant to them. He has the gift of being able to put into words the heartfelt emotions of this baby’s family, and the result is a beautiful narrative that affirms the life and value of this child.”

Schmitz said when other children and siblings are present and parents are struggling to know how to help them understand this sadness, Conley and his son, Ben, always take the time to explain in a way that the child can understand what has happened, what this thing called death means, and what grief can feel like. Their questions are answered and they have a beginning at understanding this hard life lesson.

Schmitz said Conley’s caring also extends to families, in that he would meet with them in their homes as arrangements need to be made. He built on the legacy of his parents’ work as funeral directors, and developed the aftercare program at Conley Funeral Home and the Conley Outreach program to be a resource for families after their loss.

“It is truly evident that being a funeral director is not just a job for Conley, it is a calling to which he has faithfully and humbly given his best,” said Schmitz.

Conley accepted his award on behalf of his brother, Wayne, who passed away as an infant.

Conley described his brother’s short time with his family when accepting the award.

“Wayne’s brief life in this world has now changed and touched four generations of the Conley family, and the way we choose to care for infants and their families. Wayne was born in 1948 with spina bifida. My mother was kept from him so she would not ‘bond’ with Wayne, and it was believed her grief would thus be lessened. Of course, nothing could have been further from the truth. Both my parents suffered greatly at Wayne’s death a few months after he was born. That suffering wrought a deep conviction that no other infant, no other parents entrusted to our care would ever face the profoundly compounded grief that cultural and religious norms of the day had caused,” he said.

“In order that women like my mother could see and hold their children days after death when they left the hospital (remember this is 1948), my father literally invented ways of embalming and caring for newborns that were unheard of at the time. My mother hand sewed countless tiny infant outfits, complete with lace for the girls and trousers for the boys. The setting for parents’ viewing was, and still is, in a cozy room with a rocking chair and a fireplace and anything else that could make a parent feel ‘at home’ at the very hardest time in their lives,” Conley said. “My parents taught me all of these things, and I endeavored to improve upon them as I was called to meet the challenges of newborn death in my own career.”

Conley concluded by saying, “So as I receive this award in my infant brother’s honor, I say to all of you: for every family with whom you ‘endure weeping for the night,’ may these families and you, yourself find that ‘Joy cometh in the morning,’ for I believe with all of my heart, that there will come a day when you will see them again; and they shall be whole, and healthy and anxious to tell you how grateful they are for the care you gave when they passed through your hands and left footprints on your heart. God bless you all and thank you.”

In the future, The “Bruce Conley Excellence in Caring Award” will continue to be presented by The Alliance to funeral homes in the Chicago region which embody a spirit of caring and compassion as they work with families who experience perinatal loss.

Founded in 1987, The Alliance is an interdisciplinary professional organization of individuals from organizations including hospitals, social service organizations, churches, funeral homes and hospices in the Chicago area who provide education, support and resources for individuals who care for grieving families and their babies. The members are nurses, social workers, chaplains, therapists, funeral directors, photographers and physicians who have a leadership role in their organization’s support program. They work with families who have experienced a perinatal loss—miscarriage, fetal death, stillborn or newborn/infant death.

Photo: (From left) Judy Friedrichs, RN, and Nancy Schmitz, RN, award Bruce Conley the first-ever Bruce Conley Excellence in Caring Award from The Alliance of Perinatal Bereavement Support Facilitators—Chicago Region on July 22. In the future, the award will continue to be presented by The Alliance to funeral homes in the Chicago region which embody a spirit of caring and compassion as they work with families who experience perinatal loss. Photo courtesy of Todd Hochberg

Edward O. Cook, 25, of the 600 block of Galena Boulevard, Aurora, was sentenced last week by Associate Judge T. Jordan Gallagher to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Cook was convicted May 21, 2010, by Judge Gallagher of 11 counts of reckless homicide, each a Class 3 felony, 15 counts of aggravated driving under the influence (five are Class 2 felonies and 10 are Class 4 felonies), and one count of unlawful possession of a converted motor vehicle, a Class 2 felony, in the July 2009 death of 57-year-old David Long of Batavia. Cook had waived his right to a jury trial.

At about 6:45 a.m. July 29, 2009, Long was walking his dog on the sidewalk in the 1000 block of Woodland Hills Road on Batavia’s southeast side when a 2003 white Acura driven by Cook left the roadway and struck and killed Long and the dog.

Cook had been drinking, smoking marijuana and ingesting cocaine the previous night and early into the morning at a residence in Aurora and later in DeKalb. After being given a ride to the residence of an acquaintance, Cook took the car without permission. A blood sample taken at least three hours after the crash revealed that Cook’s blood-alcohol concentration was .106, and he had marijuana and cocaine in his system.

Cook had had his driving privileges revoked for a 2008 aggravated DUI conviction.

During sentencing, Judge Gallagher cited Cook’s violent and reckless past, which includes numerous drug, battery and theft charges. Judge Gallagher also cited the 2008 conviction of aggravated DUI conviction and noted that Cook was on parole from IDOC at the time of the 2009 crash that killed David Long.

In addition, the state noted that Cook had never successfully completed terms of a sentence for any of his numerous prior offenses, as well as Cook’s insistence that he does not have a drug and alcohol problem despite the presence of drugs or alcohol during many of his prior offenses.

“Anyone who has a prior conviction for DUI should not be anywhere near drugs or alcohol,” Judge Gallagher said. “I don’t know what it will take for this man to realize he has a drug and alcohol problem, but until he does I have to get him off the street.”

By law, Cook was sentenced on one count of aggravated DUI and the unlawful possession of a converted motor vehicle count. He was sentenced to 10 years for the aggravated DUI, for which he must serve at least 85 percent, and five years for the possession of a converted motor vehicle, for which he must serve at least 50 percent. Cook was given credit for 359 days served in the Kane County jail.

He had been held on $750,000 bail before his trial. Bond was revoked upon conviction.

The night will feature Butch Bradley, who has appeared numerous times on Comedy Central. Tickets are $25 per person, and the Fox Valley Wildlife Center will receive 100 percent of the ticket sales, which will benefit the animals in their care. A two-drink minimum is required, and all attendees must be 21 and older. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling (630) 377-2847.

The Wildlife Center is in urgent need of monetary donations and volunteers age 18 and older. Animal handling volunteers help with all aspects of wildlife rehabilitation, from hand feeding baby mammals and birds to doing laundry and washing food dishes, and need to commit to at least one four-hour shift each week, April through September. Morning shifts are also available October through March. Support volunteers are also needed to help keep the center running. There is no specific time commitment for support volunteers.

Call the Wildlife Center at (630) 365-3800 or visit www.FoxValleyWildlife.com for more information.

The Fox Valley Wildlife Center is a private 501(c) 3 non-profit volunteer organization. The center is state and federally licensed to care for orphaned and injured wild birds and mammals and is privately funded, supported entirely by membership fees, donations, grants and fundraisers.

The County Board chose, instead, to seek out another way to ease the Health Department’s current financial strain without eliminating several of its programs.

“I am just hoping I can put my vote forth towards solving the problem,” Kane County Board member Drew Frasz (Dist.26-Elburn) said. “We obviously want our Health Department to be fully staffed, and we certainly don’t want to have to cut anyone.”

About half of the Health Department’s funds currently come from Illinois state grants; however, the state currently owes Kane County between $1.5 and $1.7 million for services already provided. If the budget amendment goes into effect, the County Board no longer will accept several grants for certain health programs because of the state’s inability to follow through on its financial responsibilities.

“Paul (Kuehnert, Kane County Health Department executive) is advising everyone to not rely on state funds,” Frasz said. “And if there’s no positive movement in a positive direction in the next 30 days, we’ll have to vote in favor of the cuts.”

Despite the grim outlook, Frasz credits Kane County Board member Cristina Castro (Dist. 20-Elgin) with attempting to salvage Health Department positions by pushing to postpone budget cutbacks.

“Cristina basically came up to me and said, ‘Thirty days isn’t going to make or break us,’ and I give her a lot of credit for trying to make a difference,” Frasz said.

Anticipating the possibility that the County Board may approve the proposed budget cuts, Health Department officials are working on finding other providers for clients needing certain state-grant-funded services that the County no longer would provide.

“The Health Department is working closely with the state and two federally qualified health centers (Greater Elgin Family Care Center and the Visiting Nurses Association of the Fox River Valley) to assure a smooth transition of case management services that would be discontinued by the Health Department,” Kane County Public Relations Officer Tom Schleuter said.

Grant-funded programs at risk
Source: Kane County Health Department
Kane County Health Department Executive Director Paul Kuehnert recommended that the county reject certain state grants that fund some health programs. He said the Health Department’s budget cannot absorb the programs’ cost if the state does not come through with the money. If the County Board approves the budget revision, the county no longer will accept the state grants that fund programs including Family Case Management and Women, Infants and Children.

Kane County’s Family Case Management program has about 6,000 clients, and the Women, Infant and Children program has about 2,000 clients, many of whom both programs serve.

One type of infection successfully prevented at Delnor is called a “central line associated bloodstream infection” (CLABSI) and can occur when a central line or large catheter is inserted into a major blood vessel to administer medications and IV fluids to patients. The second is known as a “hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus,” (MRSA) infection, and is caused by a strain of staph bacteria that’s become resistant to the antibiotics commonly used to treat ordinary staph infections.

Either type of infection can become serious, or even life-threatening, and can extend a hospital stay, costing thousands of dollars in additional medical expenses, as well as discomfort and hardship for patients and their families, according to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI).

Keeping infections at bay
For the past 18 months, Delnor has had no hospital-acquired MRSA cases on patient units, an accomplishment the hospital credits to an initiative launched in 2008 by Delnor called “Project Zero.”

This effort was aimed at reducing all types of hospital-acquired infections, including preventing MRSA infections in the inpatient population.

“Infection rates at hospitals across the country are a big concern, and something people don’t often think about when going into the hospital,” said Steven Lewis, M.D., internist and infectious disease specialist at Delnor. “We started with a comparatively low infection rate, but were not satisfied. We take quality of care very seriously at Delnor and have excellent outcomes to prove it … Some people thought it was unrealistic that we set the bar at zero—and seemingly tried to achieve the impossible. But for CLABSIs and hospital-acquired MRSA, we’ve proven we’re able to achieve it.”

Since September 2009, Delnor has also had no cases of central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), an accomplishment the hospital credits to a collaborative initiative launched over three years ago, adopting the IHI’s 100K Lives Campaign.

Delnor leaders attribute the hospital’s success to a top-down commitment to improving quality at Delnor that starts with the board of directors and administration and extends to physicians and hospital staff, including the IV therapy team.

“The team of 14 specialty certified nurses are responsible for inserting 30 central catheters per month, which comprises 75 percent of all central lines placed,” said Nancy Moran, IV therapy and outpatient infusion services team leader. “These lines are usually placed in patients receiving care in intensive care units, medical/surgical units, newborn intensive care units and surgical areas.”

Moran said Delnor’s ability to eliminate CLABSIs is due to the hospital’s adoption of strict clinical practices. She said that the IV team, as well as physicians, are required to follow the practices for every central line inserted.

“If at any time a member of the team feels that compliance has been compromised, they will stop the procedure,” she said. “We are very strict in following the standard of care.”

There have been no CLABSIs reported in the last 9 months and only one infection in the last 18 months.

What you can do to protect yourself
Lynn Skelton, infection preventionist at Delnor, encourages patients to take a proactive role in their health care by knowing what to ask and do before a catheter is inserted:
• Ask a doctor or nurse to explain why the catheter is needed and for how long.
• Ask the care giver if they will be using all of the prevention methods, including washing their hands with soap or an alcohol-based solution and wearing sterile gloves before touching the catheter or the area around it.
• Patients should notify their doctor or nurse immediately if the bandage over a central line comes off, becomes wet or dirty, or if the area around the catheter is sore or red.
• Patients should not let family or friends who visit touch the catheter or the tubing.
• Patients should make sure family and friends clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub before and after visiting.

To learn more,visit www.healthcarereportcard.illinois.gov for the Illinois Hospital Report Card.

Delnor Hospital, located at 300 Randall Road in Geneva, is part of Delnor Health System, which provides a broad range of health care and wellness services for the community.

“I’m old,” she said. “I’ll be 62 years old in September, and my husband is already retired, so I think it’s time to join him.”

Marcusson, who founded Lazarus House in 1997 and has served as executive director for more than a decade, still plans to work on a part-time basis for the homeless shelter and service provider in St. Charles.

“It’s not like Darlene is leaving for good … She’ll still occasionally be available for consultations,” said Bill Grabarek, Lazarus board member. “We know, however, that there is indeed life after Lazarus House for Darlene, and we wish her well.”

Now that Marcusson has relinquished her leadership role at Lazarus, she will have the opportunity to visit her daughter in south Florida more frequently.

“My daughter lives about halfway between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, and I miss her,” Marcusson said. “My husband and I really look forward to being able to visit her more often.”

The shelter’s current associate director, Liz Eakins, will become the new executive director at the start of 2011. Grabarek, of Elburn, said he was extremely confident about Eakins ability to handle the leadership role.

“Liz is an excellent replacement choice for Darlene, and I have no doubt that Lazarus House will continue to grow with her serving in that position,” Grabarek said.

Marcusson also has confidence in Eakins.

“Liz is well-respected by the entire staff, and I know she’ll do a wonderful job as the new director,” Marcusson said.

The Lazarus board unquestionably holds that respect for Marcusson.

“She was the driving force behind Lazarus House and was a huge reason for its overwhelming success in the service area,” Grabarek said.

Marcusson is grateful for the opportunity she was given to work closely with the community during her time as executive director, she said.

Under Marcusson’s leadership for the past 13 years, Lazarus House has assisted thousands of people in need with its 24-hour shelter, three-meal-per-day soup kitchen, personal development programs, and transitional living quarters. In addition, Lazarus House helps subsidize household budgets and connects clients with appropriate social services agencies in the area to help them regain their independence.

Marcusson believes that founding Lazarus House was her destiny and now she is completely confident in her decision to step down at the end of the year.

“I have no idea what the Lord has in store for me, but we all have an assignment in life, and I have no doubt Lazarus House was what I was meant to do,” she said.

Shelter history
Darlene Marcusson founded Lazarus House in 1997 and since then led the organization through tremendous growth. Lazarus currently has approximately 40 employees and hundreds of volunteers, and serves St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia and western rural Kane County. Following is an abbreviated history of the St. Charles organization.

• June 1, 1997: Marcusson founded Lazarus House, which began as a warm-weather shelter (June through September) for homeless individuals connected to St. Charles.

• 1998: The program expanded its service area and located at the Free Methodist Church in St. Charles as a permanent site open 365 days a year.

• July 2003: The Lazarus House Center for Transitional Living opened its doors.

• January 2006: Lazarus House received a grant for a pilot program to provide ongoing rental subsidies to qualifying low-income households in St. Charles

• October 2006: Lazarus House opened the Daytime Center for Women and Children.

• October 2008: Lazarus House opened the Community Resource Center for its our Outreach Program (homelessness prevention).

Source: www.lazarushouseonline.com

“(Sheriff) Pat Perez told me about it. He said it would be really cool,” Hill said.

And she found that to be true.

She liked the Citizen Police Academy so much, she was disappointed when the 10-week, weekly program ended this spring.

“I looked forward to it (class),” Hill said. “I hoped it was going longer.”

She learned a lot, including the reason for the fingerprint results delay.

“Now, I know,” Hill said. “It’s backlogged. The state is so backlogged with handling everything unless it is a violent crime. Mine was just vandalism.”

The academy gave Hill look into the life of a police officer. She learned how police officers train, as well as what constitutes their daily job duties. The academy also teaches about the different divisions in the Sheriff’s Department, including K-9, SWAT, 911, crime scene investigation, evidence, corrections, patrol and criminal.

“You get to see all the aspects of everything,” Hill said.

One of the highlights of the class for Hill was to ride along with a patrol deputy and see how the officer would handle different situations.

“When we went on patrol and had to pretend to stop people, I had to stop a guy who had a gun tucked away in the front seat and he flipped me off,” she said. “I had to pretend when he was pulling the gun and say, ‘Put your hands on the wheel’ and pretend to pull my fake gun out on him.”

Participants even had an opportunity to fire real guns.

“I had never touched a gun before in my life; I had never shot a gun before in my life, and I got to in the simulator,” Hill said. “I got to do the assault rifle, the pistol and the tazer. They were so heavy. You would not believe how heavy a gun is.”

She also enjoyed the the K-9 unit class.

“They (the Sheriff’s Department) have these dogs from Hungary or Germany,” Hill said. “You have to speak to them in that language. They are trained that way.”

Participants also had a chance to drive a patrol car and wear a bulletproof vest.

In addition to all she learned by participating in the academy, the classes made Hill respect police officers more.

“I totally gained so much from it,” said Hill.

Through the academy, Hill gained insight into how risky a police officer’s role can be.

“I have a deeper appreciation for how dangerous their job is,” Hill said.

To participate in the Citizens Police Academy, a person must live or work in unincorporated Kane County, be 18 years or older, have no felony convictions or any misdemeanor arrests within a year of application.

“You have to, of course, be fingerprinted and your name is put through the database to make sure you are not wanted as a felon or anything like that,” said Hill.

The Citizens Police Academy is free and allows 20 students per session. All of the police officers who teach the classes donate their time for the program.

After graduating from the academy program, Hill decided to establish a Neighborhood Watch in Kaneville focusing on communication and education.

“We want to start (one) in the area because we had a rash of break-ins a couple months ago where locks were cut off garages and stuff stolen from sheds,” Hill said.

Next session starts Sept. 1
Wednesday nights
Sept. 1 through Nov. 3
6 to 9 p.m.
www.kanesheriff.com/citizensPoliceAcademy/default.aspx

Kane County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. John Grimes, Pat Hill, and Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez pose for a picture after Hill completed the Kane County Citizens Police Academy—A 10-week course offered by the Sheriff’s Department. Courtesy Photo

Forty-eight police, fire, EMS, public works agencies and area hospitals participated in the discussion-based drill that focused on multi-jurisdictional incident management and interoperable communications.

“The drill was the culmination of a yearlong project to create a tactical interoperable communications plan for Kane County that will become part of the state’s interoperable communications strategy,” Director Don Bryant said. “Lessons learned from this drill will help the county and local municipalities better coordinate interagency responses during regional disaster events.”

The Kane County Office of Emergency Management conducts several drills throughout the year to support local emergency response to disasters.

Kane County Sheriff’s Deputies were notified that on July 7, Michael Keenan, 41, of Bristol, was taken into custody in Wauwatosa, Wis., and transported to the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office.

On Friday, Kane County Sheriff’s Deputies picked him up and transported him back to Kane County.

Keenan was wanted in connection with a 2007 home invasion in the city of Geneva. Keenan had three warrants:
• Home invasion
• Domestic battery
• Violation of bail bond

The charges against Keenan are not a proof of guilt.

A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The effects of extreme heat conditions on the human body are cumulative and can lead to variety of health complications, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Residents can follow a few simple tips to keep cool:

· Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.

· Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.

· Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.

· Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.

· Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

· NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.

Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:

· Infants and young children

· People aged 65 or older

· Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure

· Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.

More information on how to beat the heat is available by visiting www.kanehealth.com/heat.htm.

Tickets are $10. Each year, Broadway Bound show earnings are dedicated to a local charity or community organization selected by group founder Mark Michelson Jr. For the second year, all ticket sales will go to Lazarus House, a community-based nonprofit emergency shelter and center for transitional living and a community outreach service provider serving people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and are connected to St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia or western rural Kane County. 

Broadway Bound was initiated in 2005 by Michelson when he assembled a group of like-minded talented students whom he had grown to know through the years in various theater groups throughout the area.

“I thought we had a fantastic opportunity to give back to the community with the knowledge and skill we gained over the course of our artistic development,” Mickelson said. “Broadway Bound is a unique outlet for the cast members to explore their personal passions … Lazarus House is a group which I feel works similarly to aid those who become engulfed with monetary restraints, which I think are the key factor in inhibiting the pursuit of an individual’s personal passions and ambitions.”

For more information, call (630) 587-2144.

Photo: Broadway Bound singers John Stombres, (from left) Amy Marik and Emory Tower, provide a sampling of their sound at a past Lazarus House Open House/Block Party. Courtesy Photo

GO TO 2040 will guide growth in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties for the rest of this century. In addition to land use and transportation, GO TO 2040 also addresses the full range of quality-of-life issues, including the natural environment, economic development, housing, and human services such as education, health care, and other social services.

An open house is scheduled for Wednesday, July 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kane County Government Center, 719 S. Batavia Ave., Geneva.

The open house will feature a short plan overview presentation by CMAP staff, followed by a question-and-answer period. Formal public comments will also be accepted. Residents may also review the plan and submit comments on the GO TO 2040 website, www.goto2040.org.

The fair will take place from Wednesday, July 14, through Sunday, July 18, at the fairgrounds on Randall Road and Route 38 in St. Charles.

The family-oriented fair offers fun for all ages, starting every day at noon. General admission is $7 and children younger than 5 are admitted free. Wednesday offers seniors free admission, and a reduced general-admission of $2. In addition, eight carnival rides cost just $10 that day.

The fair’s grandstand shows are among its highlights. The admission for all grandstand events is $10. Opening night features the U.S. Freestyle Motorcross Championship at 7:30 p.m. On Thursday, fans can see the Motor Sports International Truck Pull at 7:30 p.m. with Megasaurus as a special feature.

On Friday at 7:30 p.m., cowboys will try to stay on the raging bull at the Championship Bull Riding event. The Big Hat Rodeo returns with more exciting events and two shows on Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. The final grandstand event is the Demolition Derby, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to see cars charge at each other at high speeds and crash in a controlled environment. Demolition Derby shows will take place at 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday.

Besides the grandstand events, the fair offers free, daily shows. The Swifty Swine Racing Pigs are a fair favorite to watch. A new show this year is the Great Bear Show, educational entertainment with live bears. Grandpa Cratchet provides comedic laughs this year, and features for children include the Sheer Magic Show, the Kid Buck$ Game Show and the petting zoo.

A perennial fair favorite, the 4-H displays, will be featured throughout the fairgrounds, with the sheep, horse, poultry and swine judging on Wednesday, and the dairy, rabbit and goat judging on Thursday. The beef cattle judging and Horse and Pony Fun Day will take place on Friday, and Saturday features include the horse and pony dressage judging in the horse arena and Milking Derby at 5:30 p.m.

In addition to all of these events, families may enjoy the carnival rides and games, and a wide variety of food booths.

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According to a statement released by the department, the KCHD relies on the state for between 40 and 50 percent of its total budget and currently the state owes KCHD $1.7 million for services the Health Department has already performed. This figure continues to grow daily. KCHD Executive Director Paul Kuehnert recommended that the Kane County Board decline to accept certain state grants that require it to perform services for which the state agrees to reimburse the department, because there is no guarantee the KCHD will receive the reimbursement. The mounting debt to the state’s universities, local public school districts, mental health providers and other service providers only serves to underscore the need to take this action.

“Through a combination of cuts to our grants and the state’s irresponsible business practices, this will be the third year in a row that the Health Department has been forced to cut staff and programs,” Kuehnert said. “The cash-flow situation is dire. Without taking swift action, we will not have enough money to operate as early as this fall. We cannot and will not sugarcoat this; it will be painful. We can no longer perform the services that are required by the grants in hopes that we may, some day, receive the money the state of Illinois owes us. We will have to re-organize in order to provide core public health services that will protect and promote the health of our community.”

The Health Department will see about a 40 percent cut in its budget. Because of this, the department will not be able to maintain the same staffing levels. The workforce will be reduced from 120 full-time-equivalent positions (FTE)s today to approximately 70 FTEs by mid-August. These cuts will mean that the Health Department will cease performing many services to residents while assuring core health protection services continue to be provided.

KCHD will continue to work with state officials in an attempt to transition any discontinued Health Department programs to other providers if possible.

The idea to host Water Street Studio resident artist’s work came about when Water Street Studio’s Director of Development, Jim Kirkhoff, talked with Congressman Foster’s office about the annual competition Congress holds for high school art students.

Foster’s office then invited Water Street Studios resident artists to display their work in the atrium of their building. This invitation was well received as the resident artists are always looking for ways to get involved with the community. Kirkhoff, who also agreed this was a great opportunity, commented, “They have a beautiful space with empty walls, and we have a lot of great artists who are happy to loan them work.”

While the resident artist’s work can be displayed at the office, the pieces are not for sale due to congressional rules. Every month, a different Water Street Studios resident artist or artist member will be featured.

For more information on Water Street Studios membership as well as its gallery activities, studios rental and classes, visit www.waterstreetstudios.com. For questions or comments email waterstreetstudios @gmail.com or call (630) 761-9977.

Associate Judge T. Jordan Gallagher ruled that West, not Kane County, is responsible for the cost of the legal expenses.  

West was indicted May 18, 2010, on five counts of official misconduct, each a Class 4 felony, for failing to perform his mandated duties while acting in his official capacity as required by Illinois law. West is accused of failing to properly dispose of a TV belonging to the estate and heirs of a deceased man.

Attorney David J. O’Connor, appointed by Judge Gallagher to argue on behalf of Kane County that the county should not be responsible for the cost of West’s legal representation, told Judge Gallagher that the Illinois Constitution prohibits the use of public money for private purposes.

“Using public dollars to litigate private matters would be a huge mistake,” O’Connor said.

Judge Gallagher agreed, but said he might be willing to revisit the matter.

The outside attorney is necessary because Kane County State’s Attorney John Barsanti, as part of his duties, represents county officials in legal matters. However, because the legal dispute is between two county parties, Barsanti cannot represent either party because of an inherent conflict.

West is being prosecuted by the Office of the Illinois State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor.

The charges against West are not proof of guilt. West is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Extreme temperatures aren’t just uncomfortable—they are also responsible for more weather-related deaths than all other weather phenomena combined.

That’s why the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) will focus on heat safety throughout the month of July as part of its 12-Month Preparedness Campaign.

“It’s no secret that summers in Illinois are hot, but sometimes people fail to recognize how dangerous extreme heat can be,” said IEMA Interim Director Joe Klinger. “When temperatures creep up into the 90s and 100s, conditions can become hazardous, particularly for children, seniors, those with special needs and pets. During July, we’ll be working to remind people of the steps they can take to stay safe.”

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Lincoln, Ill., more than 970 heat-related deaths have occurred in Illinois since 1995. That number is more than five times the combined number of deaths from tornadoes (25), lightning (15), floods (23), snow and ice storms (20) and extreme cold temperatures (95).

“When the effects of warm temperatures are combined with high levels of humidity, heat-related illnesses can develop even quicker,” said Chris Miller, Warning Coordinator Meteorologist with the NWS in Lincoln. “Keep in mind that temperatures are measured in the shade, so if you are in direct sunlight it can feel 15 degrees hotter.”

Heat-related illnesses range from heat cramps to the potentially life-threatening heat stroke. It’s important for people to recognize the symptoms of these maladies and know what actions to take if they or someone near them becomes ill. Symptoms and recommended treatment actions include:
• Heat cramps: Twitching or painful spasms, usually in muscles of legs or abdomen during or after heavy physical activity, as well as heavy sweating and thirst. Treatment includes stopping activity and resting in a cool place. Lightly stretch or gently massage muscles to relieve spasms, and give sips of cool water or electrolyte drink to sufferer.
• Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating, with cool, pale and clammy skin. Pulse is fast and weak and breathing is fast and shallow. Victim will have normal temperature or a low-grade fever. Fainting, vomiting, dizziness, nausea and headache are common. Treatment includes having the victim lie down in a cool place. Apply cool, wet cloths and give sips of cool water or electrolyte drink. Contact doctor if symptoms worsen or do not improve within 30 minutes.
• Heat stroke: High body temperature of 103 to 106 degrees. Victim will have hot, red, dry skin, and sweating may be heavy or have stopped. Breathing is fast and shallow, and other symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness and confusion, with possible unconsciousness or seizure. Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical situation requiring emergency medical treatment.

Tips on how to protect yourself and others from heat-related illnesses are available on the state’s Ready Illinois website (www.Ready.Illinois.gov). Some of those tips include:
• Avoid overexertion and strenuous outdoor activities during extreme heat.
• Consume plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Exposure to air conditioning for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk for heat-related illness.
• Keep lights in your home low or off, keep shades drawn and avoid using the oven.
• Closely monitor children, the elderly and those who require special care during periods of intense summer heat.
• Do not leave children or pets in a closed vehicle, even for a few minutes. On a hot day, temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140 degrees.

For other tips on staying cool and reducing cooling costs during the summer, visit the state of Illinois’ Keep Cool Illinois website at www.keepcool.illinois.gov.

A male subject who identified himself as John Gareski called the Clerk’s Office and made a threat toward the clerk who answered the phone and an Assistant State’s Attorney.

On June 30, Gareski, 46, was taken into custody outside his residence in Bolingbrook, Ill. The Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office authorized two felony counts of threatening a Public Official against Gareski.

Gareski was transported to the Kane County Adult Justice Center and is being held on $75,000 bond.

The charges against Gareski are not a proof of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Each year, TAILS is inundated with unwanted litters of puppies and kittens. Across the country, 3 to 5 million pets each year are euthanized because they are unwanted.

“During tough economic times, it can be difficult to afford to spay or neuter your pet,” said Beth Drake, TAILS Executive Director. “Because of the tragedy of pet overpopulation, we believe spay/neuter is very important.”

TAILS Low Cost Spay/Neuter Program makes it more cost-effective for people to begin responsible pet ownership. Prices at TAILS are significantly lower than veterinarian clinics, but pets should be seen by veterinarians annually and when needed.

Male cats are neutered for $50 and female cats spayed for $75. Costs for dogs depend on the weight of the dog. For dogs under 40 pounds, males are neutered at a cost of $75 and females spayed for $100. For dogs between 41 and 75 pounds, males are neutered for $100 and females spayed for $125. For dogs over 76 pounds, males are neutered for $125 and females spayed for $150.

Low-cost vaccinations and microchips are available for $15 during surgery appointments.

Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling TAILS at (815) 758-2457, ext. 107, email spayneuter@tailshumanesociety.org, or submit the application at www.tailshumanesociety.org.

Pets are dropped off at the TAILS Humane Society Veterinary Clinic at 2250 Barber Greene Road in DeKalb, the morning of surgery and picked up later the same day. Pre-anesthetic blood work is strongly recommended for dogs older than 7 years, but blood work is available for all animals for an additional fee.

“Please wait at least two months to schedule a spay if your female dog has shown any signs of being in heat while keeping in mind that the female is most fertile the two weeks after discharge stops,” Drake said.

For information about why pets should be spayed or neutered, visit www.tailshumanesociety.org.

As the organization celebrates its 25th year of service, it’s clear that its philanthropy has made a notable difference in communities in the United States, Africa, Haiti and Lithuania, to name a few.

Christian Relief’s efforts improved thousands of lives in 2009 alone. For example, Christian Relief teamed up with Bread and Water for Africa to ship medical supplies, hygiene items, shoes, clothing, tools and school supplies, including textbooks—all valued at over $9 million—to partner organizations in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone and Zambia. Christian Relief also supports sustainable grassroots programs in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Burundi and Cameroon.

Along with Americans Helping Americans (AHA), Christian Relief distributed more than 1,000 pairs of new boots and 1,000 warm blankets to Appalachian children in West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina in 2009. Since July 1, 2009, Christian Relief and AHA have also provided special food boxes to 8,995 individuals in the Appalachian region of West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio.

For the holidays, Christian Relief gave Appalachian families over 10,000 whole turkeys and supplemental food, including fresh fruits, vegetables, bread and a dessert item. Christian Relief continued its support of service-enriched housing and community centers, as well as local affordable and transitional housing programs.

On American Indian reservations, Christian Relief worked with American Indian Youth Running Strong to distribute food and supplies to 12 American Indian-run church and community food banks and food pantries. In 2009, Christian Relief provided over 2 million pounds of food for over 29,000 individuals, as well as 32,000 holiday turkeys and 162,000 pounds of food for Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday meals.

Over 3,000 children received 5,000 new winter coats, 7,000 new blankets, 5,000 pairs of new shoes and school supplies. In addition, Christian Relief funded the construction of water wells, community gardens and emergency heating.

For more information, visit www.christianrelief.org.

The agency is now providing parents and community members across Illinois two interactive resources, the agency Megan’s Law Helpline, (888) ASK-PFML, and their website, www.parentsformeganslaw.org, to report registered sex offenders who are believed to be out of compliance with; registration requirements, employment restrictions, conditions of probation or parole, or who are in positions of trust where they access potential child victims.

All SORT tips are triaged by PFML analysts who are retired law enforcement professionals with more than 40 years of investigative and supervisory experience. Viable leads and supporting documentation are forwarded to the appropriate local, state or federal law enforcement or criminal justice agency for follow-up action. SORT tips have resulted in the identification of out-of-compliance registered sex offenders and sex offenders working in positions of trust with children, and they have provided law enforcement agencies with information that has facilitated the successful conclusion of criminal investigations. PFML also collaborates closely with Facebook and MySpace to remove registrants from their social networking sites.

Because of SORT tips, analysts have taken actions to mitigate potentially dangerous situations, such as sending a registered sex offender back to prison after he was identified as residing in a state registered child day care center where he could access children; preventing a convicted former middle-school teacher required to register as a sex offender from gaining employment as an in-home children’s tutor for a reputable tutoring company; identifying and reporting a registered sex offender convicted of sexually victimizing a 4-year-old boy while babysitting, who had absconded and failed to register; informing parents at a karate school at which the sensei is a registered sex offender convicted of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old; and identifying, locating and reporting registered sex offenders in violation of conditions of probation, parole, local employment or restriction laws.

This program is funded by the U.S. Justice Department.

PFML is a nonprofit national organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of sexual abuse and provision of services to all victims of violent crime. The agency is a Certified Rape Crisis Center and staffs the National Megan’s Law Helpline and Sex Offender Registration Tips (SORT) Program.

Department staff can assist with questions such as how to properly document storm damage, whether to make temporary repairs, what a consumer’s homeowner policy covers, and what to expect during the claims process.

“The damage caused by a natural disaster can be devastating, and the post-storm claims processes can seem overwhelming,” said Michael T. McRaith, director of the department. “The department’s professional consumer service representatives are available to help consumers navigate the claims process and resolve any disputes that arise in the claim settlement process.”

The department offers the following advice on what to do after a damaging storm strikes:
• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide as much detail as you can about damage to your property and all phone numbers where you can be reached.
• Make temporary repairs to protect your property. This may include boarding up windows, covering furnishings, and drying out wet carpets and furniture. Keep all bills and receipts from repairs.
• Get prior agreement from your insurance adjuster before contracting for repairs. Be cautious when signing repair contracts and only deal with reputable contractors.
• Do not throw away damaged furniture and other expensive items. The adjuster will want to see damaged items.
• Be cautious when hiring a contractor. Deal only with established, reliable contractors. Obtain written estimates before repairs begin, and keep your insurance representative involved.
• If hiring a public adjuster, be certain you understand what services are provided and what fees will be charged. “Public adjusters” (or insurance adjusters who are not employed by a particular insurance company) are usually hired to help settle a complex or difficult loss negotiation with an insurance company for a fee, which is typically 10 percent of a claim. Illinois law requires public adjusters to be licensed by the department. Call (866) 445-5364 to verify that the public adjuster is licensed and in good standing before signing any contract. You do not need to hire a public adjuster in order to settle a claim with your insurance company, and many consumers may find that the services offered by public adjusters can be performed, for free, by trained department staff. You may wish to speak with department staff before engaging the services of a public adjuster.

Useful information on insurance coverage and how to handle the insurance claims process following a natural disaster can also be found in the department’s consumer fact sheet titled “When Disaster Strikes—What to do After an Insured Homeowners Loss.” The fact sheet can be found at www.insurance.illinois.gov.

Consumers in need of information or assistance should visit the department’s website at insurance.illinois.gov or call (866) 445-5364.

St. Charles
The annual St. Charles July 4th celebration is a time for friends and family to get together for picnics, leisure, entertainment, and most of all, to commemorate our nation’s birthday.

The fireworks extravaganza, which is held on Sunday, July 4, can be best viewed at Pottawatomie Park or Ferson Creek Park.

The event is free thanks to the support of numerous local businesses. Main sponsors include the St. Charles Park District, city of St. Charles, Valley Community Bank and the St. Charles Breakfast Rotary.

Pottawatomie Park opens at 8 a.m. and offers something for everyone. Picnic tables will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is strongly suggested that patrons bring their own tables, blankets and lawn chairs.

Settle in early to enjoy picnic-style offerings (hot dogs, bratwurst, ice cream, popcorn, and soft drinks) at reasonable rates from the River View Miniature Golf concessions, which will remain open until 9:15 p.m.

Pottawatomie Pool opens to residents at 10 a.m. and to non-residents at 2 p.m. Daily admission fee for resident adults (16+) is $5.50 and resident children is $4.50. Fee for non-resident adults is $11 and non-resident children is $9. Pottawatomie Pool will close at 6 p.m. Only bathing suits may be worn for swimming, no cutoffs or street clothing will be permitted in the pools.

Get the family together for a bit of competition at River View Miniature Golf Course, which opens at 9 a.m. This 18-hole, par 42 challenging course offers a great atmosphere of playable greens, interactive babbling brook, waterfall, sand traps, windmill, lighthouse, bridges, and scenic view of the Fox River. The last tee off is at 7 p.m. Adults (16+) pay only $5 per 18 holes of golf. The cost for children is $4. There will not be any canoe or pedal boat rentals.

Beginning at 6 p.m., listen to live music from Red Woody in the large pavilion at Pottawatomie Park. Over the past several years, Red Woody has become one of the best cover bands in the western suburbs. As a Fox Valley favorite rock & roll band, they play a wide variety of music including classic rock & roll, contemporary favorites and great alternative hits. With songs from Journey, Sublime, Green Day, Tom Petty, John Mellencamp, Goo Goo Dolls and many more, Red Woody is sure to entertain everyone.

In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks will be scheduled for the next clear evening. For more information, call the Park District at (630) 513-6200 or visit www.stcparks.org.

A few reminders
• Come early. Spectators are strongly encouraged to park downtown and walk to Pottawatomie Park.
• Do not activate your car alarm because they have a tendency to go off during the fireworks.
• Spectators are asked to leave the grounds after the fireworks display has ended. Vehicle headlights are distracting to other viewers.
• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on park property at all times.
• Fireworks are prohibited in the park, including sparklers.
• There will be no canoe or pedal boat rentals on July 4 at River View Miniature Golf.
• Boy Scout Island boat launch will be closed on July 4.
• For emergency assistance, go to the Main Gate or Pottawatomie Pool during the day and the main entrance of River View Miniature Golf Course during the evening.

Batavia
The city of Batavia will host one of the most celebrated Fourth of July fireworks productions in the area, called the “Sky Concert.”

It has a more than 50-year history of being produced and paid for by local citizens. It is now provided under the auspices of the Batavia ACCESS Committee, and is paid for with private donations and fundraisers.

The pyrotechnics are placed on the Mooseheart field, and the audience observes from Engstrom Park at the corner of Millview Drive and West Main Street. There is also space for observers on the Batavia High School athletic fields on West Main Street.

The event begins with Savor-the-Flavor food venders at 5 p.m. The band Automatic Fixx will perform from 7 to 9:15 p.m. Following announcements and a message from the mayor of Batavia, the Sky Concert will begin at 9:30 p.m.

Rail will not stop the show, although dangerous conditions could cause it to be delayed until the following evening.

No parking will be allowed on Wilson or Main streets between Van Nortwick Avenue and Randall Road. No parking will be allowed on Randall Road from Main Street to McKee Street.

Public parking will be permitted at both high school partking lots, the Ace Hardware parking lot, and at the Wilson Business Center on West Wilson Street. Parking will also be available at several of the major retail lots along Randall Road.

A $5 donation per car will be requested at each lot, with all proceeds going to support the fireworks show.

No one in the audience will be allowed to bring alcoholic beverages to Engstrom Park or the school grounds; use sparklers, firecrackers or other handheld explosive devices; bring dogs or other pets; ride bikes, scooters or mopeds on the school grounds; or enter any portion of the Moosehead property.

Lost and found will be coordinated near the ESDA trailer located at Engstrom Park.

Hannig also announced that IDOT will make sure roads are open wherever possible, but some projects will continue, resulting in lane closures during the holiday weekend.

“While we want everyone to enjoy their holiday weekend, we must put safety first and remind motorists to not drink and drive and to be conscious of work zones,” Hannig said. “We will limit lane closures where possible to provide some relief to those travelling over the holiday weekend, but some areas will still have workers present, so please obey the posted speed limits and drive cautiously.”

IDOT will suspend construction-related lane closures starting at 3 p.m. Friday, July 2, until 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, July 6. Motorists are advised to comply with the posted speed limit of 45 mph while driving through a work zone at all times.

Wherever a road is closed, a detour will be posted. In some areas, there will be lane restrictions. Because of the nature of some projects, there will be a number of work zones that will continue to have lane closures. Motorists are advised to slow down and be alert in those work zones, and are reminded that work zone speed limits are still in effect. For more information about ongoing construction projects, motorists can check IDOT’s traveler website, www.gettingaroundillinois.com.

Interstate road information is also available at 1-800-452 IDOT (4368).

Closures in Kane County include the following:
• Keslinger twin precast concrete box culvert over Welch Creek in Elburn. Road closed and has a posted detour.
• South Municipal Drive and Galena Boulevard reconstruction in Sugar Grove. One lane in each direction.
• Route 56 bridge deck replacement over Blackberry Creek in Sugar Grove. One lane open in each direction.

Between May 14 and 31, 108 safety belt citations, six child safety seat citations, five uninsured motorist citations, and 10 speeding citations were written. In addition, two drivers were arrested for suspended or revoked license, one felony arrest and one drug arrest was made, and one subject was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

A special emphasis was placed on seat belt enforcement at night, when the risk of a fatal crash increases significantly.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone to always buckle up—not only is it the law, it also saves lives.

Meantime, postal union representatives remain concerned that the consolidation might negatively affect mail delivery and cause job loss.

The proposed consolidation announced earlier this month would cancel out the U.S. Postal Service’s Aurora-Fox Valley distribution center as a collection-mail processing operation. All mail that typically would go through the Aurora-Fox Valley distribution center, including Sugar Grove’s, would then travel through the Bedford Park, Ill., facility.

“Bedford Park is a larger facility, and it just makes sense for them to handle the additional collection mail at this time,” said Jim Mruk, Great Lakes spokesperson for the U.S. Postal Service. “The proposal still has a ways to go, and there’s no fixed timeline for when the reviews at each level will be complete.”

According to Mruk, the consolidation is necessary since the Aurora-Fox Valley distribution center is no longer processing a high level of collection mail because of increased electronic communication usage and a mail-volume decline inflicted by the recession.

The American Postal Workers Union members have expressed concerned that approximately 40 Aurora-Fox Valley distribution center employees possibly might lose their jobs and local mail service will decline with the consolidation.

But Mruk claims the Postal Service simply would place those 40 employees in other jobs within the company. He also said he does not expect any decrease in the quality of mail delivery as a result of the consolidation.

“We’re confident our customers will receive the same quality of service if the changes do take place,” he said. “We feel this (consolidation) is in the best interest of our customers, and also in the best interest of (our company’s) job security.”

The American Postal Workers Union leader is not entirely convinced of the Postal Service’s assurances.

“They’re saying employees won’t be impacted and there’ll be no degradation in mail service. I don’t drive a postal truck, so I don’t know,” said Jackie Engelhart, President of the American Postal Workers Union’s Northwest Illinois Area Local Chapter. “(U.S. Postmaster General) John E. Potter and company don’t seem to care about anything other than efficiency and penny costs.”

Mruk said the consolidation will save the U.S.P.S. $1.5 million a year.

Bedford Park handled all mail for southern Kane County until the early 1990s, when the Postal Service built the Aurora-Fox Valley center.

“The Granddaddy of Illinois Festivals” will run Tuesday through Sunday, June 22-27.

Free nightly musical entertainment on the Central Stage kicks off on Tuesday evening with Liverpool—The ultimate musical tribute to the Beatles. Evening entertainment continues all week with Mike & Joe, Libido Funk Circus, R-Gang and The Runaways. Join performers Greg Boerner, Gregory Hyde and Jim Green from The Wandering Endorphin for afternoon Concerts on the Lawn.

Favorite fun for young visitors includes the Creation Station Art projects, Quad Power Jump, and the Pet Parade. Friday, June 25, is entirely dedicated to kids with the Kids’ Day Parade and numerous other child-friendly attractions, including the dunk tank and Fire Hose Challenge.

Kids of all ages will enjoy the carnival, merchant sidewalk sales and the annual craft show. When hunger pains hit, favorite American and ethnic fare combined with traditional Swedish delicacies-meatballs, pancakes and pastries-will be among the many tempting treats.

Again this year, you can take a step back into history at the Swedish Cottage Walk and Viking Ship Tour in Good Templar Park on Saturday, June 26.

On Sunday, bring some chairs and blankets so the entire family can enjoy the renowned Grand Parade and create memories that last a lifetime.

Come join us for a day or the entire week of Swedish Days. Visit www.genevachamber.com for a full schedule of events or call (630) 232-6060.

The state is more than three months behind in disturbing the income-tax money it owes municipalities throughout Illinois, Anderson said. For Elburn, that amounts to up to $130,000, Anderson said.

“It’s not a pretty picture,” Anderson said.

State Sen. Chris Lauzen (R-25th) blames the current and past state administrations.

“The Blagojevich and Quinn administrations have gradually and consistently destroyed the fiscal condition of the state of Illinois,” Lauzen said.

Lauzen does not believe the state will solve the financial crisis that led to the delay in income-tax disbursements anytime soon.

“In my financial opinion, it will take us at least three to four years to correct this condition, after we fire the people responsible, in November, for gross neglect,” he said.

Anderson and mayors from other Illinois municipalities discussed the issue of the tardy disbursements during the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus meeting June 4.

“Everybody left there grinding their teeth,” Anderson said.

Anderson said the village will survive the crisis by continuing to cut its budget, although no specific expenses are slated for reduction yet.

Another potential challenge looms
ELBURN—Under state law, if the 2010 U.S. Census determines that the village’s population is more than 5,000, the village must establish a police commission and hire an actuary, which could cost the village more than $100,000 annually, Anderson said.

“Property owners’ taxes would have to pay for this,” Village President Dave Anderson told the Village Board.

A special U.S. special census determined the village’s residents numbered 4,696, and village officials believe the population currently could exceed 5,000.

A Kane County grand jury returned an indictment of D Y Trade, Inc., a South Elgin recycling business, its chief executive officer, Yu Tan Zheng, 34, of Elburn, and An Hong, 32, of Elburn, an employee at the business, on one felony count each of water pollution and additional charges of misdemeanor water pollution.

The criminal charges are the result of the collaborative efforts of the Attorney General’s Office, the South Elgin Police Department, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the South Elgin Fire Department, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard.

“As a result of the thorough investigative efforts of all of these law enforcement agencies, we were able today to obtain this indictment and will move swiftly to hold this company and these individuals accountable for violating the criminal environmental laws,” said Attorney General Madigan.

The Attorney General’s office coordinated the multi agency investigation after South Elgin Police received a complaint from an area resident on May 15 that he had discovered foam and dead fish in his backyard pond and the nearby creek, which is located near the D Y Trade facility at 670 Sundown in South Elgin.

Arriving at the scene, a South Elgin police officer observed an individual at the business allegedly pouring the contents of a blue plastic drum into a storm drain at the D Y facility. The drain flows to a creek, which empties into the Fox River. A sampling of the material taken from the storm drain has been identified as an industrial cleaner toxic to fish and slow to biodegrade.

Based on today’s indictment, the defendants will receive a summons requiring that they appear in court on July 9. The public is reminded that these are merely charges and the defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty. Felony Water Pollution is a Class 4 Felony punishable by up to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and a $25,000 fine for each day of violation.

The Attorney General’s Environmental Crimes Bureau Chief, Paula Becker Wheeler, and Assistant Attorney General Colette Kennedy will prosecute the case. The Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office is assisting with the prosecution.

This year’s event retains many popular components of the festival, including Dragon Boat Racing, the Harris Bank Main Stage concert series and the famous Municipal Center Sand Sculptures. New events include upgraded Corvette and My Other Car Shows, a new downtown location on the “Plaza Green” next to the Fox River for the popular Canine Agility Trials and Pet Boutique, and a lineup of more than 200 crafters and vendors throughout town to provide residents a roaming shopping experience to compliment the reconstructed downtown.

“There will hardly be a spot in downtown where something’s not taking place,” said festival organizer Julie Farris, who also organizes the popular Sister’s Fest in St. Charles.

Pottawatomie Park events
River-focused events return to Pottawatomie Park this year, with Dragon Boat Racing teams competing for glory and prizes in brightly colored Chinese Dragon Boats holding 18 paddlers, one drummer and a steersman.

Between racing sessions, fans will be treated to professional water ski shows presented by the Wonder Lake Ski Team. Citizens interested in entering the Dragon Boat Races or sponsoring a team can find a downloadable entry form at www.prideofthefox.com.

Lincoln Park gazebo
Family entertainment, contests and other performances will be held at the Lincoln Park Gazebo on the west side of downtown. A special display of modern robotics hosted by a team from St Charles North High school will be included in the Lincoln Park festivities.

Plaza green
The popular and entertaining Canine Agility Trials feature highly trained dogs in obstacle course and timed events to thrill and amaze people at the intelligence and energy of the dogs. The event includes demonstrations of dog obedience and agility held on the Plaza Green riverfront south of the Main Street Bridge and east of the main parking deck. A Pet Boutique will also be offered on site for people interested in the newest goods, toys and services for pets.
Family carnival

A family carnival will be provided by Windy City Amusements one block north of Route 64 on Route 31. A RiverFest Carnival will be held north of Main Street in the parking lot next to Route 31. This year’s carnival will focus on family rides and games. The festival will be offering special ticket prices on its website so that young and old alike can enjoy new-fashioned summer fun.

Harris Bank Mainstage
The Harris Bank Mainstage will feature a lineup of premiere regional and local musical acts and a Battle of the High School Bands. Headliners include 7th Heaven, Hi-Infidelity, The Fold and ARRA.

Craft fair
More than 200 commercial and arts and craft vendors will be present at the Pride of the Fox River Festival. The Crafts Fair will be held in Pottawatomie Park, while leading food and commercial goods vendors will be distributed throughout downtown St. Charles.

Corvette, car shows
Saturday and Sunday will feature two different car shows. The Saturday show in Pottawatomie Park features Corvettes while the Sunday show features classic and restored vehicles.

Rugby tournament
A rugby tournament will be held contiguous to the dates of Pride of the Fox RiverFest at Thompson Middle School.

For additional information, contact event marketing director Christopher Cudworth at (630) 621-8520 or event organizer Julie Farris at (630) 809-7901, or visit www.prideofthefox.com.

What a difference eight months can make.

The Kane County Board on May 11 voted to remove its previous ban on video gambling in the unincorporated areas of Kane County, allowing any establishment in those areas to own and operate video gambling machines.

Video gambling has been a local hot-button issue since the state of Illinois enacted a law in July 2009 allowing it at establishments with liquor licenses throughout the state, prompting both Elburn and Kaneville to act quickly and implement village-wide bans on video gambling last fall. The Kane County Board followed suit in December 2009, banning video gambling in unincorporated areas of the county.

The Kane County Board recently decided to reverse the ban in unincorporated Kane partly because the state’s share of video gambling revenue is expected to account for somewhere between 25 and 33 percent of the funding for the state capital bill, a spending program funding statewide road and infrastructure improvements.

Kane County Board member Drew Frasz (Dist. 26-Elburn) voted against repealing the video-gambling ban.

“We all want and support the (state) capital bill and the jobs it will create, but I don’t think the negative effects video gambling brings with it are worth it,” he said. “I wish the unions and special interests had put their energy toward finding an alternate funding source for that portion of the capital bill funded by video gambling. I also think this shows the power that special interests and union money has in certain political circles.”

Several local bar owners don’t like the long, confusing list of requirements involved with video gambling, and the state’s packet explaining guidelines for owning and operating video gambling machines is hardly a quick read.

Two bars, Blackberry Inn and the Winner’s Circle, have no plans to offer video gambling, even though they can.

“I won’t be installing (gambling machines), not until the state of Illinois straightens out all of the kinks involved, and that could take years,” Blackberry Inn owner Chuck Reese said. “Until then, I won’t touch the issue with a 10-foot pole.”

Summer Laws, owner of the Winner’s Circle Bar and Grill in Maple Park, also said she had no interest in bringing video gambling machines into her establishment.

Kane County Board member Drew Frasz (Dist. 26-Elburn) hopes that soon, the machines won’t be an option.

“I believe Senator (Bill) Brady, if successful in his bid for Governor, will veto video gambling and propose an alternate funding source, making this whole issue moot,” Frasz said.

Until then, Frasz said that the easy, impulsive access to gambling in local bars will result in residents spending money on video gambling that they would have spent at local businesses for needed purchases.

The 129 teams and supporters gathered early in the morning, dressed in a rainbow of T-shirt colors and symbolic attire to celebrate the teams represented, from the feathery finery worn by the Tranquility Flockers, to the many T-shirts with photos of loved ones being honored.

As all the walkers enjoyed coffee and treats, LivingWell Board Chairman Terry Murphy presented a plaque to the Shodeen Family Foundation for their five-year commitment as the Bridge Walk event sponsor.

After a moment of silence in honor of all LivingWell participants who lost their fight this past year, all the survivors joined for the “Celebration Walk” in honor of their journey and life. In a touching tribute, American Idol celebrity Leslie Hunt sang “We are the Champions” as the survivors walked through a path lined with cheering members of the St. Charles and Geneva Drill Teams and Color Guard.

Seven teams broke LivingWell’s five-year team fundraising records, with the new record being $16,302, raised by “Kathy’s Circle,” led by Glenn Harks in memory of his late wife. Other records were broken by St. Charles East High School, with $11,000 raised, and Linda’s Lions with $6,875 raised.

Tom Wright, CEO of Delnor Hospital, called the Bridge Walk “the best party ever.” Special Events Coordinator Sue Mielke said, “We are so grateful to the 65 sponsors and in-kind donors, and the 60-plus volunteers who planned and helped on walk day and all the amazing Bridge Walk walkers. They are all our LivingWell angels.”

LivingWell Cancer Resource Center provides information and support services that address the challenges of people living with cancer, their family members and their friends. All services are provided at no charge to participants. LivingWell offers networking and support groups, educational programs, mind-body fitness classes, youth programs, a library, individual psychological and nutritional counseling and other services. The center is at 1803 W. State St. in Geneva and online at www.LivingWellCRC.org. LivingWell is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be called at (630) 262-1111. LivingWell is a certified 501(c) nonprofit organization and an affiliate of Delnor Heath System.

Photo: Members of the LivingWell Breast Cancer Boot Camp Team gathered together to celebrate. The LivingWell Breast Cancer Boot Camp has been funded through a grant provided by Bears Care, the charitable foundation of the Chicago Bears Football Team. Courtesy Photo

The act created a new category of bonds intended to stimulate the economy by providing the private sector with access to lower-cost financing compared to traditional methods. Recovery zone facility bonds are “private activity” bonds, the proceeds of which are exempt from the gross income of obligation holders for federal tax purposes.

“We are truly excited to be a part of this program that will give a needed boost to Kane County’s economy and ultimately help our hard-working families,” County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay said. “The investments will give our businesses an opportunity to grow, allowing them to retain workers, while creating new jobs in both the short- and long-term.”

The bonds are intended to be applied to promjects located within the corporate limits of the county, but outside the cities of Aurora and Elgin, which received separate allocations.

When issued, the bonds will not be general obligations of the county or payable from any taxes or other revenues of the county. Rather, they will be paid from project revenues or other revenues received pursuant to a loan agreement or other similar agreement. All recovery zone facility bonds must be issued prior to Jan. 1, 2011.

Projects eligible for recovery zone facility bond financing include professional, business and medical office buildings; warehouses and storage facilities; commercial developments (including retail businesses, shopping centers, auto dealerships and restaurants); agricultural facilities; and manufacturing facilities. Residential rental projects are not eligible.

For more information, visit www.countyofkane.org/Pages/ARRA/rzfbp.aspx or call (630) 208-5351.

The Illinois Liquor Control Commission, assisted by the Illinois State Police, conducted the operation in which underage volunteers attempted to purchase liquor from the establishments.

Among the businesses cited were Schmidt’s Towne Tavern, 107 N. Main St., Elburn; Riley’s Classic Bar & Grill, 117 N. Main St., Elburn; Rosati’s, 860 N. Main St., Elburn; and Big Dawg’s, 107 Main St., Maple Park.

The other businesses cited for the offense were located in Waterman, Hinckley and Shabbona.

The Illinois Liquor Control Commission will mail official citation notices to the owners of the businesses, said agency representative Sue Hofer.

Penalties may range from fines to liquor-license revocation, depending upon the cited businesses’ histories of state liquor code violations, Hofer said.

Local law enforcement agencies, including municipal police and Kane County Sheriff’s departments, were not involved in the investigation.

Elburn
• A side rear window of a pickup truck parked in front of a residence in the 1100 block of Berry Street in Elburn was shattered sometime between 7 p.m. May 16 and 5:40 a.m. May 17. Damage was estimated at $400.

• A chrome and purple Huffy bicycle was left for about a week in the bike rack at Town & Country Public Library in Elburn. The library turned the bicycle in on May 17 to the Elburn Police Department, 301 E. North St., where it was secured in bike storage.

Sugar Grove
• Justin A. Elfano, 19, of the first block of Augusta Court, Glendale Heights, Ill., was stopped by Sugar Grove police for traveling 73 mph in a 45 mph construction zone. Elfano was also charged with driving while his license was suspended and not having proof of insurance. Elfano was also found to have a failure-to-appear warrant out of Lombard.

• The owner of a home on the 100 block of Brompton Lane, Sugar Grove, reported on May 21 that numerous items had been stolen from the vacant home sometime in the past three weeks. Two ceiling light fixtures valued at $100 each, a ceiling fan valued at $150, a ladder valued at $25 and 10 sets of blinds valued at a total of $700 were reported missing.

• Sugar Grove police found a stone column and street sign damaged by a vehicle that left the road near Whitfield Avenue on Merrill Road May 11 near the Hannaford Farms subdivision. The vehicle had left the scene.

• Sugar Grove police arrested Matthew Longmire of the 500 block of East Altgeld St., Glendale Heights, Ill., for driving while his license was suspended on May 13. Longmire was stopped after he was observed driving around cones set up on the eastbound lane of Route 56 due to a bridge that was out on Route 56 at Golfview Drive. Longmire posted bond, and a court date for June 18 was scheduled.

• Victor M. Barrera-Algantar of the 500 block of Colorado St., Aurora, was taken into custody May 14 for driving without a driver’s license after Sugar Grove police stopped the truck he was driving due to debris blowing into the roadway. Barrera-Algantar was taken into custody, and was also found to have an outstanding warrant for deceptive practice through the Wheaton Police Department. He posted bond and has a June 16 court date.

• The parent of a Harter Middle School student reported to Sugar Grove police May 17 that their child’s iPod Nano with nearly 200 purchased songs, valued at $350, and a black sweatshirt valued at $20, was stolen from a locker that was left unlocked at the school three weeks prior.

• Someone stole an ELEMENT skateboard grindrail valued at $120 from a residence on the 300 block of Meadows Drive two- to three-weeks prior to the report on May 18.

Kane county
• A Wayne man was sentenced to probation and 180 days in jail on May 13 for a June 2009 drunken driving crash that killed a West Chicago man and seriously injured two others.

Onofrio J. Lorusso, 19, of the 4N block of Honey Hill Circle, Wayne, was given a sentence of three years probation and 180 days in the Kane County jail.

On March 31, Lorusso pleaded guilty to one count of reckless homicide, a Class 2 felony, and three counts of aggravated DUI, one a Class 2 felony and two counts Class 4 felonies. Circuit Judge Timothy Q. Sheldon accepted the plea.

Lorusso must serve 120 days in the Kane County jail this year, 30 days in 2011 and 30 days in 2012. However, the judge said that for every speech Lorusso gives on the dangers of drunken driving, his sentence will reduced by one day after 2010.

In addition, Lorusso must pay $30,061.42 in restitution to the family of the deceased.

Lorusso was given credit for time served in the Kane County jail, where he has been held since April 30, 2010.

• An Aurora man has been convicted of drunken driving in the death of a Batavia man who was killed while walking his dog on the sidewalk just after dawn.

Edward O. Cook, 25, of the 600 block of Galena Boulevard, Aurora, was convicted Friday by Associate Judge T. Jordan Gallagher of reckless homicide, a Class 3 felony, 15 counts of aggravated driving under the influence (five are Class 2 felonies and 10 are Class 4 felonies), one count of unlawful possession of a converted motor vehicle, a Class 2 felony, in the July 2009 death of 57-year-old David Long of Batavia.

Cook had waived his right to a jury trial.

At about 6:45 a.m. July 29, 2009, Long was walking his dog on the sidewalk in the 1000 block of Woodland Hills Road on Batavia’s southeast side when a 2003 white Acura driven by Cook left the roadway and struck and killed Long and the dog. Cook had been drinking and smoking marijuana the previous night and early into the morning at a residence in Aurora and later in DeKalb. After being given a ride to the residence of an acquaintance, Cook took the car without permission. A blood sample taken at least three hours after the crash revealed that Cook’s blood-alcohol concentration was .106, and he had marijuana and cocaine in his system.

Cook previously had had his driving privileges revoked for a 2008 aggravated DUI conviction, and he has never had a valid license to drive a motor vehicle.

Cook’s next court appearance was set for 1:30 p.m. July 23, for motions and sentencing. Cook faces a sentence of probation or between three and 14 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Cook remains in custody in the Kane County jail. He had been held on $750,000 bail since the crash. Bond was revoked upon conviction.

• An Aurora woman has been indicted for her role in a May 2009 crash on Route 47 in which two people were killed and several others were injured.

Alia N. Bernard, 20, of the 1500 block of West Galena Boulevard, Aurora, was indicted May 18 by a Kane County grand jury, on two counts of reckless homicide, each a Class 3 felony, and one count of driving under the influence, a Class A misdemeanor.

Bernard surrendered May 19 at the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, posted $5,000 bond and was released. Bernard was ordered to appear at 9 a.m. June 2 in Courtroom 217 in front of Associate Judge James C. Hallock.

According to the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred at about 8:20 a.m. May 23, 2009, at the intersection of Route 47 and Smith Road in Blackberry Township south of Elburn. A vehicle in the southbound lane on Route 47 had stopped to turn left onto Smith Road, waiting for several northbound motorcycles to pass. Two additional southbound vehicles had stopped behind it. A fourth southbound vehicle, a 1999 Toyota Solara driven by Bernard, approached and struck the third vehicle in the rear.

The collision created a chain reaction that ultimately pushed the first vehicle into the path of the oncoming motorcycles. A 2000 Harley-Davidson Softtail struck the first vehicle, and motorcycle’s driver, Wade Thomas, 44, of St. Charles, and the passenger, his wife, Denise Thomas, 45, also of St. Charles, were killed.

According to the indictment, Bernard was acting recklessly, performing acts likely to cause the death or great bodily harm to some individual in that she operated a motor vehicle while failing to keep a proper look out and thereby caused the deaths of Wade Thomas and Denise Thomas. The indictment further states that Bernard had cannabis in her system at the time of the crash.

Bernard was given a traffic citation at the time for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. However, that charge was dropped while authorities awaited the results of toxicology tests, which took several months to be returned, and while the Kane County Sheriff’s Office continued to investigate the case.

If convicted of the most serious charges, Bernard faces a sentence of probation or two to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The charges against Bernard are not proof of guilt. Bernard is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

According to the indictment, West, while performing his official duties as coronoer, failed to dispose of the personal property of a deceased individual—a Magnavox 24-inch TV/DVD/VCR. The indictment states that West allowed the TV to be taken and possessed by another person and not disposed of as required by Illinois law. Additionally, the indictment includes the act of theft, “in that he or one for whose conduct he is legally accountable knowingly exerted control over property of the heirs and estate of (the deceased),” according to a press release from the Kane County Sheriff’s Department.

After the indictment, a judge issued a summons ordering West to appear in court at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 27.

Charges against West are not proof of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial. It is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case is being prosecuted by the Office of the Illinois State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor.

Alia N. Bernard, 25, of the 1500 block of West Galena Boulevard, Aurora, was indicted Tuesday by a Kane County grand jury on two counts of reckless homicide, each a Class 3 felony, and one count of driving under the influence, a Class A misdemeanor.

Bernard surrendered Wednesday morning at the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, posted $5,000 bond and was released. Bernard was ordered to appear at 9 a.m. June 2, in Courtroom 217 in front of Associate Judge James C. Hallock.

According to the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred at about 8:20 a.m. May 23, 2009, at the intersection of Route 47 and Smith Road in Blackberry Township south of Elburn.

A vehicle in the southbound lane on Route 47 had stopped to turn left onto Smith Road, waiting for several northbound motorcycles to pass. Two additional southbound vehicles had stopped behind it. A fourth southbound vehicle, a 1999 Toyota Solara driven by Bernard, approached and struck the third vehicle in the rear.

The collision created a chain reaction that ultimately pushed the first vehicle into the path of the oncoming motorcycles. A 2000 Harley-Davidson Softtail struck the first vehicle, and the motorcycle’s driver, Wade Thomas, 44, of St. Charles, and the passenger, his wife, Denise Thomas, 45, also of St. Charles, were killed.

According to the indictment, Bernard was acting recklessly, performing acts likely to cause the death or great bodily harm to some individual in that she operated a motor vehicle while failing to keep a proper look out, and thereby caused the deaths of Wade and Denise Thomas. The indictment further states that Bernard had marijuana in her system at the time of the crash.

Bernard was given a traffic citation at the time for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. However, that charge was dropped while authorities awaited the results of toxicology tests, which took several months to be returned, and while the Kane County Sheriff’s Office continued to investigate the case.

If convicted of the most serious charges, Bernard faces a sentence of probation or two to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The charges against Bernard are not proof of guilt. Bernard is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Nominations must be received by Thursday, July 1, and should be submitted to Teri Leatherbury, WCC executive assistant to the president, by calling (630) 466-7900, ext. 5703, or by e-mailing tleatherbury@waubonsee.edu. Official nominating forms are available at www.waubonsee.edu.

The Distinguished Contributor Award annually honors an individual who has made outstanding contributions or given exemplary support to Waubonsee Community College. The person has supported the general operation of the college in either a personal or professional capacity, which has contributed to the overall growth and expansion of the college’s mission.

The nominee’s commitment has enhanced a program, the operation and/or future development of the college that went beyond the ordinary, and such results would not have occurred without that special effort. The college staff, community residents and officials or community college leaders must also recognize the person as having made an extraordinary commitment to promote the college and its mission.

The nominee must have documented evidence of contributions to the community and/or the educational community. Employees and retirees of Waubonsee Community College are not eligible to receive this award.

The Distinguished Alumnus Award is an award for outstanding graduates of Waubonsee Community College. It honors a graduate who shows evidence of personal/professional support for the college, its growth, development and mission. The individual must have documented evidence of a distinguished record in their chosen profession and/or occupation; documented evidence of contributions and service to their community; and have demonstrated a continued interest in lifelong education.

Aside from the ruts made by drivers who illegally operate vehicles in the preserves, such activity can destroy plants, flowers and wildlife, and make the preserves less enjoyable for others.

The penalty for illegally operating vehicles in preserves includes a fine and possibly a mandatory court appearance. Anyone issued a citation for destruction of natural resources is required to appear in court. The mandatory appearance prompts a stiffer fine and requests a judgment against the driver to recover costs for repairing damage to the natural resource. Damages may include labor, equipment and replacement materials. In some instances, these damages have been in the thousands of dollars. Parents should also be aware that they can be held responsible for a minor child’s conduct.

“We take these offenses very seriously,” said Chief Mike Gilloffo, director of public safety for the Forest Preserve District. “Driving ATVs or other motorized vehicles in the preserves is illegal because of the damage to all of our natural resources. These vehicles also create public safety issues on trails and properties that are designed for multiple uses: walkers, joggers, bicyclists. The bottom line is that we need to show courtesy to each other in these multiple-use areas. Our goal is to create a family-friendly environment,” he said.

“We want everyone to come out and enjoy our beautiful natural areas … but please leave your ATVs at home,” Gilloffo said.

He also encouraged those who live near preserves to keep a watchful eye and to immediately report any suspicious activity—including ATV use.

“Please call 911 if you see someone riding an ATV in a forest preserve. That call will dispatch a Forest Preserve District or Kane County officer to the location,” he said.

For more information, the Forest Preserve District’s Use Ordinance is posted at each preserve. It is also available online at www.kaneforest.com.

People need to be aware of motorcycles and use caution around them, and motorcyclist themselves need to drive defensively in the event they are not seen. Illinois State Police District 02 urges motorcycle riders to use caution when riding this summer.

According to the National Safety Council, the number of motorcycle fatalities has steadily increased 131 percent from 1998 to 2008. There are several reasons for the increased fatalities: more motorcycle drivers on the roadways due to gas economy and recreation, new drivers with little or no riding experience, failure to wear helmets and driving under the influence.

District 2 troopers and their special enforcement teams will be out on the highways and rural roads keeping an eye out for drivers who are operating unsafe motorcycles, driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, driving without the correct driver’s license classification and driving under the influence.

The state police offers the following safety tips for new riders all the way up to seasoned veterans:
• Although Illinois does not mandate wearing a motorcycle helmet, use of approved helmets, protective body wear, boots and gloves is strongly recommended.
• Improve your visibility by wearing brightly colored clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night.
• Don’t drink and ride. Alcohol slows reactions and impairs function.

If you are caught riding without the proper classification, you could lose all of your driving privileges for a period of three months, Throughout the summer, the state police will have increased focused enforcement patrols on both motorcycle violations and those violating the traffic laws around motorcycles.

“Knowing what to do to protect yourself and your family is essential,” said Don Bryant, director of the Kane County Office of Emergency Management. “Make a family protection plan, build an emergency kit with enough supplies for three days, and get trained in first aid and CPR”.

Having an all-hazards NOAA Weather Radio in your home or business to receive severe weather or tornado information should be as commonplace as having a smoke detector in your home, according to the county.

It’s a proven fact that being prepared and staying informed saves lives, according to the county.

For an in-depth guide to emergency preparedness, visit go to www.kcoem.org.

After a busy 2009 in which there were 47 cases involving identity theft in Sugar Grove, 15 incidents have already been reported in the village since the beginning of this year. And in a society where steady employment and solid wages are hard to come by, the identity theft statistic is likely to keep increasing as it becomes easier to attain an individual’s personal information.

“As the economy has gone bad, we’re seeing a lot more identity theft-type cases (in the area),” Sugar Grove Police Department investigator John Sizer said. “We had a case where a mother stole the identity of her twin boys who were in college. She’d lost her job and was desperate to keep them in school, so she set up credit card accounts in their names and essentially ruined their credit.”

Identity theft, which occurs when someone assumes another person’s identity through the exploitation of the victim’s Social Security number or credit-related information, has become more and more of a nationwide problem over the last few years—mainly because so many people in this country do the bulk of their financial transactions through credit and debit cards.

Sizer said credit card fraud is the most common identity-theft-related occurrence in the Sugar Grove area. In fact, many of the incidents happen to people whose credit card information has been compromised without them actually losing possession of the card.

“Typically, someone has cloned the information on the credit card and is selling the information to others,” Sizer said. “About 43 percent of identity theft crimes are done through finding personal information in the garbage. Just 11 percent are done through the computer.”

Some cases of identity theft in the area were the result of credit card skimming. One particular instance of skimming involved an Aurora restaurant employee who was stealing card information while on the job.

Despite the number of ways someone can steal personal information, local residents can reduce the risk of falling victim to identity theft by shredding old financial documents and minimizing credit card activity on the Internet.

Anyone who suspects their personal information has been compromised should call local police immediately.

Identity theft is a state felony offense, but the charge can be brought up to the federal level if the offense is severe enough.

The district will have wood chips available for pick-up from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin.
Please bring your own shovels and containers. For larger quantities, Forest Preserve staff will operate a front-end loader. Please note, nothing larger than a one-ton dump truck will be filled.

The wood chips are from hardwood trees removed throughout Kane County because of storm damage or clearing efforts. None of the wood chips are from ash trees.

Burnidge Forest Preserve is located at 38W235 Big Timber Road, Elgin. For more information, contact the Forest Preserve District at (630) 232-5980 or visit www.kaneforest.com.

Approximately 200 IRS offices nationwide will be open Saturday, May 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. IRS staff will be available on site or by telephone to help taxpayers work through their problems and walk out with solutions.

“Four IRS offices in Illinois will be open May 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to assist taxpayers,” said Sue Hales, IRS spokeswoman for Illinois.

The four Illinois IRS office locations are in Chicago, Galesburg, Schiller Park and Springfield.

“Our goal is to resolve issues on the spot so small businesses and individuals can put any issues they have with the IRS behind them,” IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said. “If you have a problem filing or paying your taxes or resolving a tough tax issue, we encourage you to come in and work with us.”

IRS locations will be equipped to handle issues involving notices and payments, return preparation, audits and a variety of other issues. At a previous IRS Open House on March 27, approximately two-thirds of taxpayers requested and received assistance with payments and notices.

For example, a taxpayer who cannot pay a tax balance due can discuss with an IRS professional whether an installment agreement is appropriate, and if so, fill out the paperwork then and there. Assistance with offers-in-compromise will also be available. Likewise, a taxpayer struggling to complete a certain IRS form or schedule can work directly with IRS staff to get the job done.

At the March 27 Open House, 88 percent of the taxpayers who came in for help had their issues resolved the same day.

Locations for the May 15 open house are listed on the IRS website at IRS.gov.

The Open House on May 15 is the first of three events scheduled through the end of June. The next two are planned for Saturday, June 5, and Saturday, June 26. Details regarding those events will be available soon.

“At a time when Congress must restore fiscal discipline to address the deficit, automatic pay raises for Members of Congress are not the answer,” said Foster. “This pay increase is unnecessary and inappropriate.”

Foster was a cosponsor of both pieces of legislation that blocked the pay increase in FY 2010 and FY 2011. He is also a cosponsor of legislation, H.R. 4720, that would reduce the rate of basic pay for members of Congress by 5 percent.

“Though I am proud to have worked with a bipartisan group over the past two years to successfully block the automatic pay raises for members of Congress, the 2009 pay raise is still in effect,” said Foster. “I believe, as I did last year, that this money could be put to better use as our economy recovers, which is why I am happy to donate this money to charity.”

The FY 2009 pay raise was voted on before Foster was elected to office. Like last year, Foster again donated the FY09 pay raise this year, which amounts to $4,700, to the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

“Congressman Foster has been a strong advocate and personal supporter of Northern Illinois Food Bank for quite some time,” said Dennis Smith, President and CEO of NIFB. “Funds will be used to help build a new food distribution and community nutrition center. Congressman Foster understands the critical nature of building a food security net that will support those in need for many years to come.”

The annual event between the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and the U.S. Postal Service is the largest one-day food drive in the nation. This joint effort will help feed families in all 50 states. But closer to home, employees at more than 217 post offices throughout the Northern Illinois District will be getting ready to help break last year’s national record of 73.4 million pounds of food collected.

“With the commitment of our employees and the community, we fully expect this be the most successful food drive ever,” said district spokesperson Sean Hargadon. “We are amazed by the consistent generosity from the public every year.”

Donations across the country from this year’s event are expected to increase the total amount of food collected throughout the years to over 1 billion pounds. The total currently is 982.7 million pounds. Last year, throughout Northern Illinois, letter carriers collected more than 335,000 pounds of food.

NALC President Fredric Rolando said that as successful as the food drive has been in the past, it must be better this year due to the struggling economy.

“Millions and millions of families are suffering—struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table,” said Rolando. “Food banks, pantries and shelters need our help more than ever this year. As families count on them for support, they’re counting on us and we will not back off on our commitment.”

Elburn
• A 16-year-old male from Georgia led police on a high-speed chase Saturday after he stole a local resident’s vehicle parked in front of a business in Elburn at 1:50 p.m. on Saturday. The owner left his 2007 Saturn Ion running outside of the Mobil gas station at 213 S. Main St. when the theft occurred. Elburn police were able to follow the offender because the vehicle had a GPS device. He was apprehended after going north on Route 47 to Route 20 in Elgin and hitting a median. The offender was wanted in several states, including Georgia and Iowa.

• A 2008 H & H tilt-flatbed trailer was stolen on April 19 from a loading dock outside of Correct Direction, 801 Paul St., Elburn, where its owner stored it. The trailer is valued at $5,600.

• Robert Grant Headly, 30, of Riverton, Utah, was arrested at 11:28 p.m. April 25 for driving while his license was suspended. Police stopped him for speeding on Route 47 at Shannon Street in Elburn.

• Barbara J. Kujawa, 46, of the 400 block of Conley Drive in Elburn, was arrested at 12:57 a.m. on April 24 for driving under the influence of alcohol after the vehicle she was driving struck the car ahead of it on Route 38 near Anderson Road in Elburn. She also was cited for failing to reduce speed to avoid a crash. No one was injured in the accident.
n Sugar Grove

• Cheryl L. Bartle, 53, of the first block of Sugar Lane, Aurora, was arrested at 2:32 p.m. on April 26 on a warrant for failure to appear in court on a charge from the Aurora Police Department of driving without a license. She was at the Police Department at the time of arrest.

• Someone punctured the tires on a car parked at The Fireside Grille Restaurant between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on April 24.

• Jeremy T. Migonis, 32, of the 15000 block of McGirr Road, Hinckley, was arrested at 7 p.m. on April 21 on an in-state warrant from DuPage County Sheriff’s Department for driving on a suspended license. He was northbound on Route 47 at KaDeKa Road.

• Mitchell J. Wagner, 25, of the 1900 block of Annette Circle, Sugar Grove, was arrested for driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured vehicle at 6:42 p.m. on April 19. He was southbound on Route 47 from Galena Boulevard.

• Marcelino Garcia, 31, of the 800 block of Kramer Avenue, Elgin, was arrested for driving with an obstructed windshield and no valid driver’s license at 4:27 p.m. on April 19. He was northbound on Route 47 at KaDeKa Road.

Kane County

Defendant faces additional charges for murder for hire
The attempted murder trial of an Elgin man was postponed April 26 when the defendant was accused of attempting to hire someone to kill a witness in the trial.

Bernardino Hernandez Jr., 22, of the 800 block of South Liberty Avenue, Elgin, was charged with one count of solicitation for murder and one count of solicitation for murder for hire, each a Class X felony.

Authorities allege that Hernandez, while in custody at the Kane County jail on charges in two separate cases—attempted murder (2008) and unlawful use of a weapon (2009)—had sought to have someone kill a witness in the attempted murder case.

In 2008, Hernandez was charged with one count of attempted murder and one count of aggravated battery with a firearm, each a Class X felony, for the June 2008 shooting of an acquaintance. On Sept. 9, 2009, Hernandez posted $15,000 bond and was released from jail. A short time later, authorities obtained evidence that Hernandez, while out of jail on bond, had been in possession of a firearm, which is a violation of his conditions of bond. Hernandez was taken into custody in late December 2009 and charged with three counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, each a Class 4 felony, and other charges. His bail in that case was set at $1 million, and he has been held in the Kane County jail since.

Hernandez’s trial in the 2008 case was set to begin April 26. When Hernandez appeared for his trial in front of Circuit Judge Timothy Q. Sheldon, the new charges were read to Hernandez. Judge Sheldon set Hernandez’s bail in the new case at $2 million and set his next court appearance for 9 a.m. May 13, in Courtroom 319. In addition, Judge Sheldon rescheduled the trial to begin Aug. 30.

If convicted of the most serious charges in each case, Hernandez would face a combined sentence of between 52 and 118 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Montgomery man returns to prison
for burglary of VNA office
A Montgomery man will return to prison for burglarizing the Visiting Nurses Association office in Aurora.

Cornell Vinegar, 51, most recently of the 2200 block of Gallant Fox Circle, Montgomery, was sentenced April 22 to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for his conviction on one count of burglary, a Class 2 felony.

Vinegar pleaded guilty Feb. 25, 2010, in front of Judge Golden.

At about 3 a.m. March 14, 2009, Vinegar broke through a window at the entrance of the Visiting Nurses Association office in the 400 block of North Highland Avenue, Aurora, and attempted to steal an ATM machine and place it in his SUV. While in the process of loading the machine into his vehicle, a private security guard who had been alerted to the crime arrived and Vinegar fled. A short time later, Aurora police, having been subsequently alerted, witnessed Vinegar’s vehicle driving away from the scene with the tailgate open.

During sentencing, Judge Golden cited Vinegar’s extensive criminal past, which began with a 1976 robbery in Cook County. In all, Vinegar has been convicted of 13 felonies and three misdemeanors, and has had 10 prior terms in IDOC in the last 34 years. During that time, he has been free from custody for about eight years.

Because of his criminal past, Vinegar was subject to enhanced sentencing guidelines.

In addition, Judge Golden ruled that this sentence is to be served consecutive to a six-year sentence for a Feb. 2, 2009, burglary in Kendall County. In December 2009, Vinegar was sentenced to six years for that crime. Judge Golden said the consecutive sentence was necessary to protect society.

Based on Illinois law, Vinegar was given day-for-day sentencing. Vinegar was given credit for 406 days served in the Kane County jail.

Aurora man sent to prison
for slashing ex-neighbor with machete
An Aurora man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for severely injuring his former neighbor by using a machete-type knife in July 2009.

Nicholas A. Worley, 26, last known address of the 1-99 block of Madison Street, Aurora, was sentenced April 22 by Circuit Judge Thomas E. Mueller to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. In addition to the 15-year sentence, Worley must pay $3,600 in restitution to the victim.

Worley was convicted March 2, 2010, by a Kane County jury of one count of armed violence, a Class X felony.

At about 4:50 a.m. July 6, 2009, Worley pounded on the apartment door of the victim in the 1000 block of Fifth Avenue, Aurora. The victim awoke, recognized Worley’s voice as a former neighbor and let him into his apartment.

An argument ensued, and Worley then attempted to slash the victim in the face or neck with a 15-inch machete-type knife that Worley brought with him. The victim was able to block the slash with his left arm, but was left with a deep laceration to his left forearm that required multiple stitches and staples to close.

Because Judge Mueller determined that the victim suffered great bodily harm, Worley is required to serve at least 85 percent of the sentence.

Worley was given credit for 248 days served in the Kane County jail.

Worley had been held in the Kane County jail on $20,000 bail. Bond was revoked upon conviction.

Before planting a tree, make sure you know how to do it correctly, advised the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). How a tree is planted and initially maintained makes all the difference in the world. Too many people are content to simply plant a tree and don’t ensure that the tree has the chance to go on to live for many years.

“Planting a tree is making an investment in the future,” said Sharon Lilly, ISA Educational Director. “You must care for and nurture your young tree so that it will pay dividends for years to come.”

Tree planting tips
There are a few simple tips to remember when planting your tree this Arbor Day:

Prepare the perfect hole for planting
• Dig the hole two to three times the width of the root ball. Do not dig deeper than root ball depth. Make the sides of the hole slant gradually outward.
• For bareroot trees, neatly cut away any broken or damaged roots. Soak the roots for a few hours prior to planting to allow them to absorb water.
• Container-grown trees should have the plastic or metal containers completely removed. Carefully cut through any circling roots. Remove the top half of pressed peat/paper containers.
• Balled and burlapped trees should have all of the ropes cut. Pull the burlap at least one third of the way down; slit remaining burlap to encourage root growth. If in a wire basket, cut away the top of the basket.

Plant the tree
• Gently place the tree in the hole.
• Partially backfill with the soil from the hole.
• Water to settle the soil.
• Finish back-filling the hole.
• Tap the soil gently, but do not step on the root ball.

A few more pointers
While you may have finished planting, Arbor Day aficionados should remember these final touches:

• Remove tags and labels.
• Do not stake unless the tree has a large crown or if the planting is situated on a site where wind or people may push the tree over. Stake for a maximum of one year.
• Prune only the damaged branches.
• Soak the soil well, making sure no air pockets form between roots. Wait until next year to fertilize.
• Spread two to three inches of mulch over the planting area, but do not place it up against the trunk.
• Be sure the root ball has plenty of water throughout the year.

Anyone with questions regarding choosing the right tree or proper planting and maintenance is advised to contact an ISA-Certified Arborist.

For additional information on planting and other tree care topics and to find a local ISA-Certified Arborist, visit www.treesaregood.org.

The International Society of Arboriculture, headquartered in Champaign, Ill., is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research and education around the world. As part of ISA’s dedication to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only internationally-recognized certification program in the industry. For more information, contact a local ISA Certified Arborist or visit www.isa-arbor.com.

“Creating and supporting jobs must be our top focus,” Hatcher said. “No matter what other steps we take, families will continue to struggle and so will our economy and state budget until we get people back to work … With these petitions, we will be sending a loud and clear message to the governor and to Speaker Madigan that we need jobs now.”

Hatcher said that Fox Valley families also need to send the message to the governor and the speaker that we can’t afford a 33 percent income tax increase.

“Unemployment statewide is at 12 percent. Since the economic downturn began, we have lost 407,000 jobs. Raising taxes on families or employers now is one of the worst things we could possibly do. We need to make sure that message gets through as well … and the more signatures we get, the stronger the message,” Hatcher said.

Both petitions are posted on Hatcher’s website, www.hatcher.ilhousegop.org. Petitions can be printed out or e-mailed to Hatcher directly from the website. Once signatures are collected, she will take the petitions to Springfield.

Powell, of Elburn, is one of three professors who were awarded 2010 Board of Trustees (BOT) Professorships, recognizing faculty members who have achieved a consistent record of excellence in teaching, academic leadership, scholarship or artistry, and service and outreach.

Each BOT Professorship is accompanied by a $10,000 stipend, renewable annually during a five-year term.

Powell is a veteran NIU professor and world-renowned geologist. Whereas most people read books to learn about history, Powell reads rocks. He has gone to great lengths—from Arctic fjords to the bottom of the Antarctic sea—to recover sediments that he and other scientists use to interpret how ice sheets behaved millions of years ago and how they will react to global climate change in the future.

“Ross has put NIU on the map and has kept it there,” NIU colleague Reed Scherer said. “He recognized the importance of studying polar records of climate change long before climate change took its place at the forefront of critical research.”

Powell’s groundbreaking work early in his career in the Arctic and Alaskan glacial marine environments is now cited in textbooks on the topic. He currently serves as co-chief scientist of the $30 million international Antarctic Geological Drilling (ANDRILL) Program, which involves more than 100 researchers.

In recent years, ANDRILL scientists drilled into the Antarctic seabed, retrieving sediment cores that hold a wealth of information about past ice sheet behavior during periods of warmer world climate. The information is vital to predicting how ice sheets and sea levels will respond to projected warmer temperatures in the future, and the project’s results have attracted worldwide media attention, including an upcoming NOVA special.

Powell’s work attracts millions of dollars in research funding. Just this past fall, the National Science Foundation awarded NIU $2.5 million for his lead role in a new project that will investigate ice sheet melting using a 24-foot-long robotic submarine.

Equally important is his mentoring of students, from undergraduates to post-doctorates. Many have accompanied their professor on research expeditions.

“The opportunity to work one-on-one with someone at the top of his field completely changed my whole educational experience,” said geology alumnus Ryan Cumpston, who as an undergraduate traveled with Powell on a 2005 research expedition to arctic Norway.

“You learn about something in a classroom, but to see and learn from someone who can do it so fluidly in the field takes it to a new level,” Cumpston said. “It was inspiring.”

The group is seeking volunteers who want to be active participants in helping horses become healthy in mind, body and spirit, so the organization can help them find new homes.

Volunteer tasks would include grooming, feeding, cleaning, fundraising and much more.

If you would like to attend, or have questions, please contact Addie at lilcreek96@aol.com. For more information about our organization, visit www.fodhra.org.

The first installment will be due June 1, and the second installment will be due Sept. 1.

Starting Friday, April 23, you may visit KaneCountyTreasurer.org to view current tax information and print out duplicate bills. Also available on this website is a list of all unclaimed funds held by the treasurer.

Taxpayers can make payment by:
• Mailing the payment to the Treasurer’s Office, in the envelope provided,
• Making the payment at any one of the designated banks within Kane County,
• Making the payment during business hours in the Treasurer’s Office (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday except holidays),
• Dropping the payment off in the property tax drop box, which is available 24 hours a day. The drop box is located behind Building A at the Government Center in Geneva.
• Credit card or Echeck over the Internet. Please note there are convenience fees for both of these services. Additional information is available on the Treasurer’s Office web site KaneCountyTreasurer.org.

“I see the establishment of the EPA as a direct result of the concern the American public displayed for how the environment was being damaged,” Ward said. “People wanted clean air, clean water and clean land. They did not want their health or their children’s health to be affected because the environment was being used/abused in ways that disregarded its importance to all. There was an outcry that something had to be done, that some form of regulation needed to occur.”

President Richard Nixon and Congress responded to that outcry and created the EPA, said Ward, who was 9 years old on the first Earth Day and living in the Midwest, in rural Missouri. He remembers the sorry state of the environment at that time.

“My grandfather was an outdoorsman, (and) I remember the damage being done to the local rivers and lakes, as well as the woodlands near my home,” Ward said. “Wildlife was disappearing because of habitat destruction and improper dumping of toxic chemicals by industry.”

He remembers seeing fish kills on local rivers and streams into which businesses had dumped toxic water.

“You have to remember there were no laws that governed dumping of wastes or introduction of chemicals into the air,” Ward said. “Businesses and people could do what they wanted without regard to their impact.”

Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. senator from Wisconsin, proposed the nationwide protest to force the issue of pollution control on the national agenda, according to earthday.net. In 1995, Nelson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his role as Earth Day founder.

Nelson organized the first Earth Day as an “environmental teach-in” in response to the many college protests against pollution that were taking place at that time, and it grew from there as more people from diverse groups became involved, Ward said.

The Elburn Herald is withholding the resident’s name to protect his privacy and due to the potential that he could become a victim of identity theft.

The resident, who uses a post office box, received a notice in his mail that he would soon be receiving a census form. A few days later, an official-looking form did come in the mail, and the man answered all of the questions, including the one about his Social Security number, and sent it back to what he thought was the Census Bureau.

Not so, according to the 2010 Census Form website.

“The Census Bureau never asks for your full Social Security number,” the site states.

Sizer, who has recently seen quite a bit of identity theft activity in Sugar Grove, said that he had just heard about this particular scam on the radio when the Sugar Grove resident walked in.

“Hopefully he’s caught it quick enough,” Sizer said.

Sizer’s advice for the man was that he should begin monitoring his credit card and other accounts. By law, individuals are entitled to a free credit report every year, he said.

In such a situation, any of the three major credit check companies will put a flag on your account for 90 days, he said. They would notify him right away if there is some unusual activity on any of his accounts.

“Right now, we don’t know if he’s a victim,” Sizer said. “So far, they haven’t used it to set up any accounts in his name.”

Sizer said he told the man that if he sees any out-of-the-ordinary activity in his accounts, he should come back to the station and Sizer would begin an investigation.

If you think you might have been contacted by someone pretending to represent the Census Bureau, the Chicago Regional Census Center may be contacted at (312) 454-2700.

While being alert to potential scams, each household is required by law to complete a census form and send it in with a postmark of Friday, April 16. Census workers will begin going door-to-door on Saturday, May 1, to those households that have not sent in a completed form.

More than $400 billion in federal funds are distributed to tribal, state and local governments each year, based on the information from census data, as well as decisions on what community services to provide. According to the website, this year’s form is one of the shortest in United States history, consisting of only 10 questions and taking 10 minutes to complete.

Elburn
• Thomas J. Billingsley, 28, of the 1100 block of Emerald Drive in Aurora, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, at 12:41 a.m. April 11. Police arrested him after he stopped his vehicle in the middle of Nebraska Street just west of Main Street in Elburn and shut off the headlights.

• Brittney K. Roscoe, 20, of the first block of North River Road in North Aurora, was arrested at 8:26 p.m. April 3 on a warrant for failure to appear in court on charges in St. Charles of littering. Elburn police arrested her at the corner of Route 38 and Route 47 and turned her over to police in St. Charles.

• Someone pried open the door of a shed in the 800 block of Gee Court in Elburn sometime between 1 p.m. April 1 and 10:20 a.m. April 3. Damage was estimated at $100.

• Richard D. Meaderdes, 27, of the 200 block of North Lincolnway in North Aurora, was arrested at 2:04 a.m. April 3 for driving without having vehicle insurance. Police stopped him on Route 47 south of Capes Drive in Elburn, for speeding.

• Modesto M. Ferral, 19, of the 100 block of North Main Street, was arrested at 1:30 p.m. March 31 for driving without having a valid license. Police stopped him for driving in the wrong lane as he was southbound on Route 47 near Pierce Street in Elburn.

• A resident of the 1000 block of Wise Street in Elburn reported that someone smashed a passenger window and side mirror on his 2002 Hyundai Elantra sometime between 9 p.m. March 26 and 6 a.m. March 27. Damage was estimated at $30.

Sugar Grove
• Joanna R. Villamil, 25, of the 700 block of New York Street, Aurora, was charged with operating an uninsured vehicle, driving without a valid driver’s license, and operating a vehicle with expired registration at 3:33 p.m. on April 8. She was westbound on Galena Boulevard at St. James Parkway.

• Someone threw a rock through a window in a home in the 100 block of Arbor Avenue on April 10. The report was filed at 8:39 p.m. The window will cost $150 to 200 to replace.

• Jenaro H. Samaniego, 23, of the 100 block of Loucks Street, Aurora, was charged with driving with a suspended license and with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, at 4:18 p.m. on April 11. He was southbound on Route 47 from Galena Boulevard.

• Enrique Gomez, 47, of the 100 block of N. Fourth Street, Aurora, was charged with driving without a driver’s license and with an unlawful number of passengers, at 10:41 p.m. on April 1. He was eastbound on Settler’s Boulevard at Cornell Drive.

Kane County
• A Wayne man pleaded guilty last week to reckless homicide and aggravated drunken driving in a June 2009 DUI crash that killed a West Chicago man and seriously injured two others.

Onofrio J. Lorusso, 19, of the 4N block of Honey Hill Circle, Wayne, Ill., pleaded guilty to one count of reckless homicide, a Class 2 felony, and three counts of aggravated DUI, one a Class 2 felony and two counts Class 4 felonies.

Circuit Judge Timothy Q. Sheldon accepted the plea and set 1:15 p.m. May 13, for sentencing. Lorusso faces a sentence of between 3 and 14 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, or probation if Judge Sheldon rules that extenuating circumstances exist.

At about 3:20 a.m. June 14, 2009, Lorusso was driving a red 2005 Ford Explorer west on in the 3100 block of Royal Fox Drive when the vehicle left the roadway, struck a mailbox, an unoccupied parked car and two trees on the south side of the street. The vehicle came to a rest when it wrapped around the second tree, which it struck on the front passenger side. Eighteen-year-old Cameron J. Godee of West Chicago, who was riding in the front passenger seat, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two others, who were passengers in the Explorer’s back seat, sustained serious injuries. The investigation revealed that Lorusso was traveling at approximately 77 mph in a posted 25 mph zone when he lost control of the vehicle shortly before impact, and that Lorusso had marijuana in his system and a blood-alcohol concentration of .227. Illinois’ legal limit for persons under 21 is 0.00.

Lorusso remains free on $50,000 bond. Judge Sheldon ordered Lorusso remanded to custody at 9 a.m. April 30, at the Kane County jail when Lorusso completes studies for the semester.

• Kane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the intersection of Dauberman and Lasher roads in unincorporated Big Rock Township for a report of a traffic crash with injuries at approximately 5 p.m. on Saturday.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, the initial investigation shows that a 1999 Acura, driven by Louise Wentworth, 55, of Downers Grove, was traveling eastbound on Lasher and failed to stop for the stop sign for eastbound traffic. A 2005 Ford pickup, driven by Thomas Tecza, 43, of Elgin, was traveling northbound on Dauberman. The truck did not have a stop sign and entered the intersection and struck the Acura on the passenger side. The female driver of the Acura was pronounced deceased at the scene. The male driver of the truck was transported by Big Rock Fire Department ambulance to Delnor Community Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. There were no passengers in either vehicle.

Members of the Kane County Accident Reconstruction Team responded and are assisting Sheriff’s Detectives with the investigation. The Kane County Office of Emergency Management also assisted at the scene. The roadway was closed for approximately three hours.

It does not appear that drugs or alcohol were a factor in this crash, and no tickets have been issued.

Seniors are encouraged to bring out their inner “smarty-pants” by signing up for the 2010 Illinois State Senior Spelling Bee. The Association of Illinois Senior Centers and the Illinois Department on Aging have encouraged Senior Centers and other senior service providers, from the smallest town to the largest city, to participate.

Locally, the contest will be held at the Beecher Community Center, 908 Game Farm Road, Yorkville on Monday, April 26, at 10 a.m.

Participating seniors must reside in Hatcher’s 50th District.

Local winners will advance to the regional semi-finals. The state finals will be held at the Illinois Building at the 2010 Illinois State Fair on Senior Day, Monday, Aug. 16, 2010.

Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Register by Monday, April 19, with State Rep. Hatcher by calling (630) 553-3223.

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is auctioning off some of its used, broken and/or replaced equipment to the public. Items go on display Thursday, April 1, at Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve, 35W003 Route 31, South Elgin, Ill. Items may be inspected during preserve hours, sunrise to sunset.

This year, 35 items are up for auction. Among them are two dump trucks, six pick-up trucks, a former police vehicle, a tractor and various mowers and other equipment. Items are sold as-is, with no warranty, actual or implied.

Bids should be addressed to the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, 1996 S. Kirk Road, Suite 320, Geneva, IL 60134. All bids should be placed in a sealed envelope, one bid per envelope. The bid should contain the item number, the amount bid for the item, and the name, address and telephone number of the bidder. The outside of the envelope should contain the item number and the name of the bidder.

Sealed bids are due at Forest Preserve headquarters by 2 p.m. on Friday, April 23. Bids received after that will not be opened. Successful bidders will be notified by telephone and must pay for winning items with cash, money order or bank check. No personal checks will be accepted.

Purchasers have until Friday, May 7, to purchase and remove items. Any items not purchased and/or removed by that date will be considered forfeited.

Proceeds from the sale of used assets are returned to the District’s General Fund. Last year, the used equipment sale brought in $75,000.

For more information on the District’s used equipment sale, call (630) 232-5980.

Working with the Three Fires Council, local donors and volunteers, the Geneva History Center displays a collection of images and items from Geneva’s Scouting history. Due to the popularity of the exhibition, it will remain open to the public through June.

Since the opening of Scouting: A Century of Values, Geneva History Center educator Margaret Selakovich has provided more than 30 guided tours of the exhibition to local and regional Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops. The tour includes not only the history of the Boy Scouts, but also insight into the five Boy Scout core values and how these values pertain to our own lives.

Participants will view the uniforms, manuals, badges, awards, pins and artifacts that have been part of the Boy Scout movement for the past 100 years. The exhibition provides an opportunity for Scouts to participate in a History/mystery scavenger hunt, a hands-on knot tying activity and will be able to get their picture taken with Boy Scout founder Robert Baden-Powell.

Tours are available after school, evenings and weekends. Call (630) 232-4951 to schedule a tour.

The Geneva History Center is located at 113 South 3rd St., in the heart of Geneva’s historic downtown area. The exhibition can be visited from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

“Today, now that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is law, key provisions of this health insurance reform will go into effect, and families and small businesses in the 14th District will begin to benefit,” Foster said. “For example, seniors will start to see the Medicare Part D ‘donut hole’ close, small businesses can receive tax credits to make employee coverage more affordable, and young adults will be able to stay on their family insurance plans until the age of 26.”

The Senate was scheduled to begin consideration of the legislation containing the improvements to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Tuesday. This legislation passed the House on Sunday evening.

“I was proud to support a package of changes in the House that would improve the Senate health-insurance reform bill, and I urge the Senate to quickly pass these improvements,” said Foster.

The following benefits will be available in the first year after enactment (this year) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. (Note: This list reflects what is in the Senate bill, which is now law, not the reconciliation language, which is currently pending in the Senate.)
• The Medicare Part D “donut hole” will begin to close by raising the ceiling on the initial coverage period by $500 in 2010. It will also guarantee 50 percent price discounts on brand-name drugs and biologics purchased by low and middle-income beneficiaries in the coverage gap.
• Small businesses that choose to offer coverage will be eligible for tax credits of up to 50 percent of premiums to make employee coverage more affordable.
• Young adults will be allowed to stay on family policies until age 26.
• $5 billion is provided in immediate federal support for a new program to provide affordable coverage to uninsured Americans with pre-existing conditions. Coverage under this program will continue until new exchanges are operational.
• Early retirees will have immediate access to re-insurance for employer health plans providing coverage for them—this re-insurance will help protect coverage while reducing premiums for employers and retirees.
• Insurance companies can no longer impose lifetime limits on benefits, and will restrict the use of annual limits.
• Insurance companies cannot rescind insurance when claims are filed, except in cases of fraud or intentional misrepresentation of material fact.
• Group health plans are prohibited from establishing any eligibility rules for health care coverage that have the effect of discriminating in favor of higher-wage employees.
• Standards for insurance overhead will be established to ensure that premiums are spent on health benefits. It will also require public disclosure of overhead and benefit spending and require premium rebates for insurers that exceed established standards for overhead expenses.
• Assistance will be provided to states that establish offices of health insurance consumer assistance or health insurance ombudsman programs to assist individuals with the filing of complaints and appeals, enrollment in a health plan, and eventually, to assist consumers with resolving problems with tax credit eligibility.
• All health plans will implement an effective appeals process for appeals of coverage determinations and claims, and will adopt uniform descriptions of plan benefits and appeals procedures and will use uniform forms and claims processing processes to reduce costs.
• A new website will be created to provide information on and facilitate informed consumer choice of insurance options.

Kane County voters can receive information from League members and sign petitions at the St. Charles Library on Thursday, March 25, between 3 and 7 p.m., at Caribou in Geneva on Friday, March 26, between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., and at the Little Owl in Geneva on Saturday, March 27, between noon and 2 p.m.

The Fair Map Amendment to the Illinois constitution would change the process for drawing up the districts from which state legislators are elected. The amendment would move the legislative map drawing power from incumbent legislators to an independent commission to be selected and guided by stringent, established criteria. The amendment would also mandate greater transparency during the mapping process, calling for open public meetings of the commission.

Statewide, the goal is to obtain 500,000 petition signatures by Thursday, April 15, to ensure getting the Fair Map Amendment on the November ballot. In addition to the League of Women Voters, the amendment is supported by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Better Government Association, the Illinois Farm Bureau, Common Cause–Illinois, and Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.

For additional information or sign a petition, contact the League of Women Voters of Geneva-St Charles,www.lwvgenstc.org.

Each year, the Illinois Sheriff’s Association announces it will be awarding more than $53,000 in college scholarships throughout the state of Illinois to students wishing to pursue higher education during the 2010-11 academic year. The scholarships are to be applied to tuition, books and fees only. The student must be enrolled full-time at a certified institute of higher learning within the state of Illinois.

Perez will award one scholarship in the amount of $500. There are no restrictions on any applicant by reason of race, age, creed, color, sex or national origin. The only limitations are as follows:
• Applicants must be Illinois residents
• Scholarships must be utilized at initiations of higher learning within the state of Illinois
• Students must be enrolled as a full time student during the 2010-11 school year (excluding summer session)

Applications are available by calling Dawn Barsanti at (630) 208-2003 or at www.ilsheriff.org. Applications are to be returned to the Sheriff’s Office in the student’s permanent county of residence and must be postmarked by April 12.

The public is invited to attend on Friday, March 26, from noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, March 27 and 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Touch-A-Tractor offers activities for all ages. Kids can participate in hands-on activities, ride pedal tractors, shell corn, visit the farm zoo, plant seeds, play in a kiddie pool full of corn, and sit in the seat of a real tractor or combine. Local farmers and friends of the Farm Bureau will be on hand to answer questions about the machinery and explain how this equipment helps farmers get crops from the field to your table.

Fay’s BBQ will offer pork barbecue or catfish dinners on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help the nonprofit KCFB Foundation raise funds for literacy and scholarship programs. A kid’s hot dog meal is also available. Call the Farm Bureau at (630) 584-8660 to pre-order. Catfish and pork chop dinners are $12 when reserved and paid by March 23, or $13.50 at the door. Hot dog meals are $4.

On Sunday, March 28, the winning ticket will be drawn in the Farm, Food and Fuel raffle. The first-prize winner will be able to choose a John Deere Gator TS 4×2 or $5,000 in cash. Second prize is $100 in groceries every week for a year, and third prize is $50 in gas every month for a year. Tickets are available at the Farm Bureau office until the time of the drawing. Proceeds benefit college scholarships and Ag-in-the-Classroom programs.

Touch-A-Tractor
5th Annual
Kane County Farm Bureau
“Touch-A-Tractor”

Kane County Farm Bureau
Randall Rd at Oak Street
St. Charles
Friday March 26, Noon to 7 p.m.;
Saturday March 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
Sunday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m

In fact, one in six children in the U.S. lives in poverty. When a family can’t even afford food or shelter, they certainly can’t afford birthday gifts.

Delnor Hospital wants to help change that with this month’s Giving Tree, and everyone in the community can help do their part as well. For the entire month of March, the Delnor Giving Tree is working with the Cheerful Givers organization to provide toy-filled birthday bags to food shelves and shelters.

In 2009, 37,531 less fortunate children were able to experience the joy of receiving a birthday gift from their parents because of Cheerful Givers. The organization believes that this simple gesture boosts self-esteem, enhances self-worth, and strengthens bonds in families. Since 1994, it has donated over 300,000 birthday gift bags to children in need.

“Cheerful Givers provides more than birthday bags, it celebrates those lives that matter,” said Robin Maynard Steele, founder of the Cheerful Givers organization. “The birthday bags are a symbol of the unconditional love that we have for our anonymous neighbors in need and their children. They warm the heart of the volunteer who made it. And when this gift is met with a parent’s tears of joy, we know that this one little birthday bag is going to warm the world in the hands of a child.”

Wrapping up smiles and warm wishes
“Cheerful Givers seemed to be a perfect fit with Delnor’s mission to help the communities we serve,” said Shari Motylinksi, patient advocate at Delnor Hospital. “I read an article about the organization a few years ago and how it touched so many lives; I really wanted to be a part of it. This is the second time Delnor has been involved with Cheerful Givers. It is very heartwarming when a child can unwrap a present for their birthday they would otherwise not have received, both for the parent and the child.”

Be part of the giving
Delnor is asking for toy donations, including items like books, plush toys, balls, puzzles, stickers, crayons even cake mixes and balloons. For a complete list, please visit delnor.com and look under the “What’s New” section for the Giving Tree.

At the end of the month, Delnor will host a bag blitz and put the items into bags. They will then be distributed to St. Peter’s Food Pantry, St. Charles Salvation Army and Batavia Interfaith Pantry.

The Giving Tree, located in the Delnor Hospital atrium, allows employees to easily drop off their contribution. For community members, making a donation is simple; just pull into the entrance of Delnor Hospital and the valet parking staff will take donated items and place them by the Delnor Giving Tree. Valet parking is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information
If you have any questions about Delnor’s Giving Tree or the Cheerful Givers organization, contact Lynne Casey, senior marketing specialist, at (630) 208-4512.

Delnor Hospital, located at 300 Randall Road in Geneva, is part of Delnor Health System.

The position is for the remaining year of an unexpired term, and the appointee will then be eligible for a full three-year term.

The primary qualifications required for this volunteer position are a sincere interest in benefiting senior citizens and a desire to make the public aware of the services available to seniors. Interested persons should contact Dawn Chapman at the agency by Friday, March 19, at P.O. Box 809, Kankakee, IL 60901, or by phone at (815) 939-0727 or 1-800-528-2000.

The position is for the remaining year of an unexpired term, and the appointee will then be eligible for a full three-year term.

The primary qualifications required for this volunteer position are a sincere interest in benefiting senior citizens and a desire to make the public aware of the services available to seniors. Interested persons should contact Dawn Chapman at the agency by Friday, March 19, at P.O. Box 809, Kankakee, IL 60901, or by phone at (815) 939-0727 or 1-800-528-2000.

Reginald Hearon, 50, of the 3500 block of Boyer Lane, Plano, Ill., was indicted March 2 by a Kane County grand jury on three counts of aggravated DUI, each a Class 2 felony, and one count of reckless homicide, a Class 3 felony.

At about 5:30 a.m. Oct. 2, 2008, Hearon was driving a 1997 Ford Econoline van east on Fabyan Parkway in Blackberry Township when he attempted to pass vehicles in a posted no-passing zone, a two-lane stretch between Hughes Road and Main Street. Hearon’s eastbound van entered the lane for westbound traffic and struck head-on a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer driven by 53-year-old Craig Smith of St. Charles. The Blazer was westbound on Fabyan Parkway. Smith died at the scene. 

Hearon works as a guard at the Illinois Youth Center at St. Charles.

The investigation revealed that Hearon had an unlawful amount of alcohol and codeine in his system at the time of the crash that impaired his ability to drive.

After the indictment, Associate Judge James C. Hallock signed a warrant for Hearon’s arrest and set his bail at $500,000. Hearon surrendered March 3 to the Kane County Sheriff’s Department.

If convicted of the most serious charges, Hearon faces a sentence of between three and 14 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The charges against Hearon are not proof of guilt. A defendant charged is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

“With each appearance, she was forced to relive the day she received word that her son was found dead in a Chicago alley,” said Kane County Assistant State’s Attorney Kelly Orland, who prosecuted the case. “I am pleased that we finally can provide closure to Michael’s mother and two sisters.”

One defendant, Nathan L. Green, 23, of Maple Park, agreed on Feb. 5 with the Kane County State’s Attorney to a sentence of three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections in exchange for a guilty plea to one count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance to York before his death at age 17 on Dec. 15, 2007.

On that day, Green and York were together in the residence of Lindsey Parker, 24, of St. Charles, along with Jordan Billek, 19, of Maple Park. Green delivered an amount of heroin to York, which he ingested. York became seriously ill after ingesting the heroin, later lost consciousness and died. In the mid-morning hours of Dec. 16, Parker discovered York deceased in a guest bedroom. After Parker, Green and Billek discussed how to remove York’s body from Parker’s home, Billek and Green drove the body to Chicago and abandoned it in an alley on the city’s west side. No one called 911.

York’s body was discovered by a passerby, who called Chicago police. The autopsy was performed by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. Authorities ruled the cause of York’s death as “undetermined,” which is why no one was directly charged with York’s death.

Billek agreed on March 4 with the Kane County State’s Attorney to a sentence of 24 months probation in exchange for a guilty plea to one count of obstructing justice, and one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance. On March 23, 2009, Billek was stopped by Aurora police for a traffic violation. During the subsequent investigation, police discovered an amount of heroin in Billek’s vehicle.

Parker agreed on March 4 with the Kane County State’s Attorney to a sentence of 24 months probation in exchange for a guilty plea to one count of obstructing justice.

Green also pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault, for the Nov. 4, 2009, assault of a corrections officer while he was in the Kane County Jail. Green’s sentence breaks down as three years in IDOC for the heroin delivery charge and one year for the assault charge. The sentences are to be served consecutively.

Kane County Associate Judge Allen M. Anderson accepted the plea agreements.

Anderson chided each defendant for the selfishness of their actions and reminded them that their futures are in their own hands. When given a chance to speak, Parker remained silent, but Billek apologized to York’s mother.

“This is an all or nothing proposition,” Anderson told Parker. “You will succeed or you will fail. If you fail, you could find yourself in jail. If you succeed, you won’t see me again.”

To Billek, Anderson said, “If you rely upon drugs, you’re likely to be back. I hope you get this right. I don’t want to see you back here.”

Billek’s sentence breaks down as 24 months probation for each count. The sentences are to be served concurrently.

As a condition of probation, Billek and Parker must continue treatment for heroin addiction.

Each artist has a unique interpretation that highlights the beauty of local surroundings. The public is invited to view the new installation and meet the artists during the reception. Light refreshments will be provided.

The subject matter of Zoberis’ watercolors include the common scenes you may pass by every day as you go to work, school or take care of errands. He translates these images in watercolors that have a deeper meaning of life and existence. He refers to his style as “representative impressionism.” Dave said he feels it is important to preserve the meaning of our “everyday.”

The local landscape also inspires Tritt. He builds his work with layers of paint to create abstract works of art that are inspired by rural landscapes. Each painting is built up by the materials he chooses, which add to the depth and texture of he finished image.

“In my paintings, I try to put an acre of paint on a small surface. With each composition I create areas of color and texture using the Illinois landscape as my model,” Tritt said.

His current installation at Hauser-Ross is a reflection of winter and solitude with glimpses of color reflected from the sky.

Bringas’ vision is expressed from behind the lens of her camera. This is a medium she enjoys because it gives her the opportunity to capture local vignettes she discovers on her travels each day.

“Photography causes me to be regularly in touch with the beauty that lies in everyday encounters,” she said.

She will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of her pieces sold at Hauser-Ross to the Brandon T. Bringas memorial fund.

The exhibit will be open at Hauser-Ross Eye Institute from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and will run until May 25. For more information, contact Jennifer Bennett at jbennett@hauserross.com.

According to Fee’s practice manager Laura Bickhaus, for every dollar up to $500 collected by members of the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, Fee will match that amount with dental supplies purchased at cost from his vendors. The end result will be $1,000 worth of dental supplies, or 3,000 toothbrushes and travel-size toothpaste containers for the people of Hesed House.

Hesed House Director and Sugar Grove resident Ryan Dowd said he is grateful for the dental supplies donated for his clients.

“In my 10 years of experience, when people get evicted, they grab their clothes and their wallets, but most people forget to grab a tooth brush,” Dowd said. “It’s difficult to get a job or even just to maintain your basic dignity if you can’t brush your teeth.”

Bickhaus said she understands that Hesed House is at capacity, and the practice is happy to help in this way. She said that McCannon, one of Fee’s patients, has two sets of wings—her angel wings and her tooth fairy wings.

The funds will help advance the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology (health IT). This funding is made possible by the federal stimulus, which Foster voted for.

“Advancements in health IT significantly improve our health care system by reducing the costs of maintaining and tracking medical records, increasing efficiency and reducing medical errors and duplicative tests,” Foster said. “I am pleased that the stimulus will allow NIU to take a leading role in the use of health IT by our area health care providers, as it will greatly benefit doctors and patients alike.”

The award will allow NIU to create a Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center (REC) that will assist doctors to adopt health information technology. NIU estimates that this project will directly create or retain 105 jobs, and will indirectly create or retain an additional 35 jobs. HHS granted a total of $375 million in stimulus funds that will go to an initial 32 nonprofit organizations to support the development of regional extension centers (RECs). The regional extension centers are expected to provide outreach and support services to at least 100,000 primary care providers and hospitals nationwide within two years.

“We are excited to play a role in advancing this important health care initiative,” said NIU President John Peters, who noted that it fits well with other initiatives being spearheaded by the university.

The REC will work primarily with priority care providers—family practitioners, doctors of internal medicine, pediatricians and obstetricians who serve Medicare /Medicaid patients and other underserved populations. Those physicians provide about 80 percent of the nation’s health care, but only about 20 percent of them currently utilize electronic health records systems.

Late last week, the administration learned of the Illinois State Board of Education’s published budget scenarios for the coming fiscal year, which would translate to a loss of state aid of up to $2.2 million for 2010-11.

Facing a potential loss of state funding ranging from $1.4 million to $2.2 million, the Kaneland School District will need to come up with a plan for next year’s budget that will include further reductions in teaching positions, Kaneland School District administrators told the School Board on Tuesday.

The School Board’s recent discussions regarding proposed budget cuts addressed the initial $2.6 million budget deficit. The additional shortfall in funding from the state could nearly double that number, creating a hole in the budget as high as $5 million, administration officials told the School Board on Tuesday.

With a total budget of $48 million, the potential cuts would make up a full 10 percent of the district’s budget.

Although Kaneland officials have not been given any specific information about funding cuts from the state of Illinois, a call placed to the district’s financial advisers, PMA, confirmed that they had heard the same projection.

“It is important to know that while all of this information is still preliminary, it is the first time Kaneland has seen a real number representing a potential loss in state funds,” Associate Superintendent of Human Resources Jeff Schuler said.

District Superintendent Charles McCormick said that the district must develop contingency plans within the next month that would address the huge potential shortfall, given that any personnel cuts for next year must be communicated by March 22.

Using a worst-case scenario, McCormick said that if the administration could come up with $700,000 in non-teaching cuts, it would still require that they find another $1.5 million cuts in teaching staff. With each teaching position averaging $50,000, this would be the equivalent of cutting 30 additional teaching positions.

“The state is in abysmal condition,” he said. “We’d better plan accordingly.”

The board will discuss the proposed reductions in force that will give them the flexibility to respond to the state funding crisis. The board will discuss the plan, what school officials are calling phase two, at the next School Board meeting on Monday, Feb. 22.

“The house didn’t just shake, it felt like it was swaying in the wind,” Hruza told The Elburn Herald. “It lasted about 10 seconds, and I thought I was dreaming until I realized everyone in the house woke up.”

Hruza said some things were falling off shelves and his computer desk.

“It was scary for a bit there,” Hruza said.

Lights in the houses in his neighborhood immediately began going on, as the earthquake woke residents. By 4:10, Hruza was on the U.S. Geographical Survey website, which already had confirmed an earthquake had occurred just before 4 a.m. in northern Illinois.

The USGS first reported that the earthquake had a magnitude of 4.3, but later in the morning stated that the magnitude actually was 3.8.

The USGS estimated that nearly 11 million people felt “a light shaking” during the quake.

Maple Park Police Chief Michael Acosta was abruptly awakened in his Sugar Grove home at about 4 a.m. by the earthquake. He said he heard a loud thunder and crumbling sound and first thought that a car had rammed into his house.

“It felt like the whole east-side walls had moved,” Acosta said.

Acosta said some Maple Park residents initially thought that a train had derailed in the village. No one reported any property damage or injury from the earthquake.

The epicenter originally was reported in Sycamore, Ill., but later in the morning the USGS reported it to be just south of Pingree Grove, Ill. The epicenter’s depth was about three miles.

Elburn and Countryside Fire Department received several calls from residents about the earthquake, but no reports of damage or injury.

Ben Draper contributed to this article.

U.S. Geological Survey links:
Home >>
“Did you feel it?” report >>
Event website >>
Google map of epicenter:

View Larger Map

IIlinois quakes
The largest Illinois earthquake ever recorded was on Nov. 9, 1968, in southern Illinois, measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake downed chimneys, cracked plaster, broke windows and overturned tombstones.

Earthquakes occur when an abrupt easing of strain occurs on a geologic fault, causing movement on the earth’s surface. The most common measure of the size of an earthquake is its magnitude-a measure of the amount of energy it releases within the earth.

Earthquakes with a magnitude of 3 to 4 occur about once a year in Illinois. Larger earthquakes are more rare in the state, approximately once in four years for a quake with a magnitude of 4 to 5 and once in 20 years for one with a magnitude of 5-6.
Source: U.S. Geological Survey

Once completed, these forms should be returned to the Kane County Treasurer’s Office on or before March 1.

To qualify, a Senior Citizen must:
• Be 65 or older by June 1, 2010
• Have a total household income of $50,000 or less
• Have lived on the property for at least three years
• Not owe any delinquent property taxes
• Have homeowners insurance.

If you have a mortgage, you should also submit proof that your agreement allows you to participate in the Senior Tax Deferral Program.

Forms may be picked up at the Treasurer’s Office located at 719 Batavia Avenue, Building (A), in Geneva or they may be obtained by mail. People needing assistance or advice may contact Della Winckler at the Treasurer’s Office at (630) 232-3565.

Ritchie said she hopes to raise at least $1,500 during the free entry evening for Mutual Ground. Last year, Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn cut state funding to domestic violence programs by 10 percent and to sexual abuse programs by 20 percent. The impact to Mutual Ground was a decrease in funding from the state of $90,000 out of $725,000 it receives from the state.

Mutual Ground Executive Director Linda Healy said that in these tough economic times, it is wonderful to see someone from the community take on a fundraising effort of the size and scope that Ritchie is doing.

“We’re excited and pleased,” she said. “She’s really done such a marvelous job, especially with marketing of the event.”

Mutual Ground stats
Mutual Ground provided
more than 20,000 hours of
counseling and almost
12,000 nights of shelter
to more than
1,700 clients in 2009

“Love is in the Air Ladies Night Out”
fundraiser
Bliss Creek Golf Club
Open Range Southwest Grill
1 Golf View Lane, Sugar Grove
Thursday, Feb. 11
5:30-9:30 p.m.
To raise funds for Mutual Ground

For more information:
Call (630) 363-2113 or e-mail
athomewithaud@mchsi.com

—————————————

Domestic violence
and sexual abuse statistics
• One-half of all married women in the
United States are physically abused at
some time in their marriage
• A woman is beaten every 10 seconds
• One in 10 teenagers will be involved in a
violent dating relationship before
graduating high school
• Abused women comprise 20 percent of
all women presenting injuries at hospital
emergency rooms
• Battering often occurs during pregnancy
• Domestic violence cuts across all
socioeconomic backgrounds regardless
of race, religion, or level of education
• A woman is raped every five minutes
• One-third of all rapes occur in a
woman’s home
• One-third of Mutual Ground’s sexual
assault program clients are children
between the ages of 3-13
• Only 7 percent of sexually abused
women report a rape, making the actual
number as high as 2 million per year in
the U.S.
Source: Mutual Ground website, www.mutualgroundinc.com.

Nathan L. Green, 23, of the 20900 block of Oak Lane, Maple Park, agreed with the Kane County State’s Attorney to a sentence of four years in the Illinois Department of Corrections in exchange for a guilty plea to one count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, a Class 2 felony, and one count of aggravated assault, a Class 4 felony.

The sentence breaks down as three years in prison for the heroin delivery charge and one year for the assault charge. The sentences are to be served consecutively.

Associate Judge Allen M. Anderson accepted the plea.

On Dec. 15, 2007, Green, co-defendants Jordan D. Billek, 19, of the 8N block of Grand Arbor Lane, Maple Park, and Lindsey Parker, 24, of the 4000 block of Royal Fox Drive, St. Charles, and 17-year-old Michael York of Elburn were together in Parker’s St. Charles residence. Green delivered an amount of heroin to York, which he ingested. York became seriously ill after ingesting the heroin, and his dead body was found the next day in an alley on the west side of Chicago. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the cause of York’s death as undetermined.

Because authorities were unable to determine the cause of York’s death, no one was charged with his death.

On Nov. 4, 2009, while in the custody of the Kane County Adult Justice Center, Green assaulted a Kane County corrections officer who was engaged in the execution of his official duties.

During sentencing, Judge Anderson told Green that, “What brought you here today was your callousness and disregard for the world around you. It is my hope that you are different when you come out of prison. You haven’t done well so far.”

By law, Green was given day-for-day sentencing. He was given credit for 94 days served in the Kane County jail while being held on the assault charge, and credit for 381 days served in the Kane County jail while being held on the heroin delivery charge.

“More than two years after his death, I am pleased that we finally can start to bring justice to Michael York, and start to give closure to Michael’s mother and two sisters,” said Kane County Assistant State’s Attorney Kelly M. Orland, who prosecuted the case.

Billek and Parker each are charged with one count of obstructing justice, a Class 4 felony. The cases are pending. The next court appearance for each is scheduled for 9 a.m. March 4, in Courtroom 311.

The charges against Billek and Parker are not proof of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

But Matt was more than willing to expend the energy because he found the cause worthy.

“I feel really bad for the people there,” he said. “They were already the poorest country in the world, and then they have an earthquake.”

The Elburn teenager spent Friday through Sunday at the church, with other volunteers helping with the collection. Matt’s job was as a mover, he said, stacking pallets with 70 boxes of relief supplies each.

Lord of Life’s 11-day collection brought in more than 10,000 items from the congregation, as well as other churches and residents. During the project, volunteers sorted and boxed donated supplies, including jars of peanut butter, bags of rice and beans, first-aid ointment, blankets, toothbrushes, tools and more.

Matt said he was impressed by the quantity of donated items, including 1,000 bars of soap from just one individual.

“It’s an awful lot of stuff,” Matt said.

Lord of Life was one of about 20 churches serving as Haiti relief collection sites for Lutheran Church Charities. After the churches take their collected supplies to a warehouse this week in Itasca, they will go by truck to Florida, where they will be sent by ship to Haiti, said collection volunteer and Lord of Life member Kathy Geiger of Elburn.

Lord of Life congregation also collected more than $3,000 since the earthquake to support humanitarian efforts in disaster-torn Haiti.

The monetary donations and supplies will be distributed through Lutheran Church- Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod’s World Relief/Human Care networks in Haiti.

Photo: Justin Bristle packed up canned goods for shipment to Haiti on Sunday at Lord of life Church in Elburn. He was among the many volunteers who helped with the 110-day collection at the church for Lutheran Church Charities’ Haiti relief drive for supplies needed by people in the earthquake-ravaged country. Photo by Martha Quetsch

“We’d like to bring visitors to Elburn and see them stay at St. Charles hotels,” said Egolf during Monday’s Elburn Development Committee meeting.

If Elburn officials agree to participate in a joint program, the St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau will list Elburn attractions in its tourist guides at no cost to the village.

Development Committee members like the proposal and recommended that the Village Board approve it.

“I think it’s an excellent idea,” Committee member and trustee Jeff Walter said. “It will be some promotion we don’t have now.”

Among the Elburn entities Egolf has identified to list in the Bureau’s publications are Amazing Grace Antiques, Heritage Prairie Farm, Ream’s Elburn Market, the Metra station, the Great Lakes Leadership Campus, Elburn Days and the St. Charles Sportsmen’s Club.

Egolf said the St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau works with the Illinois Bureau of Tourism, which would include Elburn’s attractions in state visitors guides.

The St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau is supported by city and state funding.

Applications must be made in January.

The Garfield Farm Museum Historic Administration Scholarship Fund has been established within the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley. This annual scholarship is focused on students at the master’s level or higher, pursuing degrees in historic administration, public history, museum administration or related fields of study who preferably have demonstrated a strong commitment to the preservation of historic sites through their studies, work experience, volunteer or other community activities.

Potential applicants from the southern half of Kane County and Kendall County enrolled at an accredited college or university are encouraged to inquire of the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley by calling (630) 896-7800 or visit www.CommunityFoundationFRV.org.

Garfield Farm Museum is located five miles west of Geneva off Route 38 on Garfield Road. For information, call (630) 584-8485 or e-mail info@garfieldfarm.org.

The winner of a $250 Ream’s Meat Market gift certificate was Andy Lyons of Esmond, Ill. Winning a $100 Ream’s Elburn Market Gift Certificate was Elaine Doty of Sugar Grove. The recipients of the two $25 gas cards donated by Casey’s of Maple Park were Kelly Snyder of Elburn and Heidi Gilkey of Maple Park.

Lincoln Highway 4-H Club will donate the raffle proceeds to local, charitable organizations.

Technology upgrades at Village Hall
MAPLE PARK—The village of Maple Park will purchase new software allowing it to develop a server for storing information.

The Village Board approved the expenditure of $738 for the software at its Jan. 5 meeting.

The new software will complement other technology additions at Village Hall, including 12 computer monitors and four printers recently donated by the Fraternal Order of Police.

Parking permits available for residents near Metra
ELBURN—The village of Elburn has announced that residents of the neighborhood on the southeast side of Elburn near the Metra station should pick up their 2010 Resident Parking Protection District permits at Village Hall, 301 E. North St.

The village created the parking protection district three years ago to deter commuters from parking in the neighborhood near Metra to avoid the commuter lot fee.

The following streets comprise the parking protection district: Nebraska Street (First Street to Third Street); Kansas Street (First Street to the east end); South Street (First Street to Third Street); Third Street (Nebraska Street to South Street); Second Street (Nebraska Street to South Street); First Street (Union Pacific Right-Of-Way to Oak Drive); and Oak Drive (from First Street to the east end).

Police issue tickets to commuters who park on those streets but will not ticket vehicles bearing the parking protection stickers. Residents of the neighborhood also may obtain parking stickers for visitors, so that their vehicles are not ticketed.

Volunteers sought for Mental Health Board
VIRGIL TOWNSHIP—Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services Inc., the local mental health authority for seven townships in southern Kane County, is looking for a Virgil Township resident volunteer to serve on the township community mental health board.

This person must have an interest in the issues of mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse. Meetings are three times a year to review how the local mental health levy serves Virgil Township residents and to provide input on needed community services. No fundraising and no compensation is involved.

Contact Jerry Murphy or Marti Cross at (630) 892-5456 for more information.

Kaneville Library cancels meeting, announces appointments
KANEVILLE—The Kaneville Public Library Board of Trustees canceled its scheduled meeting for Tuesday, Jan. 12. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 6:30 p.m. at the Kaneville Village Meeting Room.

The board also announced the appointments of Library Director, Ray Christiansen, as the district’s Freedom of Information Act Officer, and Board Vice-President Mary Niceley, as the district’s Open Meetings Act Compliance Officer. Both appointment became effective on Dec. 7, 2009.

Kaneville Classics hold Christmas party
KANEVILLE—The Kaneville Classics 4-H met on Dec. 28 and held its Christmas party, played games and exchanged gifts. The group’s next meeting will be on Monday, Jan. 25, at the Kaneville Comminity Center at 5:30 p.m.

Clifford Spence, Fishermen’s Inn president since 2005, said the economic downturn and competition from new restaurants in the area were the reasons for the closure.

“There was a steady decline in business in the last two years,” Spence said. “Every time a new place opened, our business dropped.”

Spence said he found out that Fishermen’s Inn was closing on Dec. 21, from officials at Old Second Bank, which oversaw a trust that owned the business.

“Basically, the business was dissolved,” said Spence, who worked for Fishermen’s Inn for 11 years.

Spence said the drop-off in customers started in spring of 2008, coinciding with the start of the economic recession. Fishermen’s Inn’s banquet business, which brought in one-third of the restaurant’s revenue, began to suffer as people scaled back on the size of wedding receptions and other gatherings.

By fall of that year, the situation had worsened.

“We had five cancelled weddings in one month (November 2008).”

Spence said more cancellations took place as people’s uncertainty about the economy heightened.

Among the many local people who frequented Fishermen’s Inn over the years and regret its closure is former Elburn dentist and village president, Jim Willey. Willey said he attended countless business and government gatherings at the restaurant during the 30 years he lived in Elburn.

Fishermen’s Inn also had a strong regional draw.

“People came from all over. It really had a landmark status,” Willey said. “I think they liked that it was really different.”

Fishermen’s Inn opened in 1964 in a renovated barn on Main Street Road just west of Route 47. Its founder, Orville Mercer, installed ponds behind the restaurant and stocked holding tanks with trout. The fresh fish became a restaurant specialty.

Mercer also created walkways around the ponds, where people could take a stroll on the grounds after dinner or while waiting for a reservation. Many people found Fishermen’s Inn to be a perfect place for weddings because of its picturesque setting.

Willey recalled his sister’s wedding reception there 20 years ago.

“It was a really nice place to have it,” Willey said. “The guests could go and walk around the ponds and the weeping willows.”

Aside from going to many meetings and receptions at Fishermen’s Inn, Willey often went there for dinner with his wife Cathy. He remembers one evening, while they were enjoying a meal and the view from the broad back windows, a customer jumped off the balcony into the pond and disappeared. The fire department brought divers to the scene to look for the man, who as it happened, dove in on a lark and left the scene unseen.

When his wife passed away in 2007, Willey decided to hold a memorial dinner for her at the restaurant.

“It was one of our favorite places, so it was an easy choice,” Willey said.

Willey remembers something that longtime Fishermen’s Inn manager Dick Walt would always tell customers as he regaled them with funny stories:

“He would say, ‘You may leave here a little taller, but no wider.’”

Fishermen’s Inn History
• Orville Mercer and his family started Fishermen’s Inn at 43W901 Main Street Road, Elburn, in 1964, in a renovated barn built in 1898. The Mercers lived in a house across the street.
• In 1972, the Mercers sold Fishermen’s Inn to Ralph and Ann Schleifer of Kaneville. The Schleifers later built a home in the woods behind Fisherman’s Inn.
• The Schleifers broke ground in June 1985 for a new banquet facility seating 200, to complement Fishermen’s Inn’s barn restaurant.
• A fire caused $1.4 million in damage to Fishermen’s Inn in October 1985. The blaze took firefighters nearly 24 hours to extinguish, burned the barn beyond repair and caused extensive smoke and water damage to the new banquet facility. As a result, the restaurant closed.
• In fall of 1986, Fishermen’s Inn reopened, after the Schleifers built a new barn and repaired damage to the banquet facility during the summer.
• Following Ralph Schleifer’s death in 2005, Fishermen’s Inn was turned over to a trust at Old Second Bank, which named restaurant employee Clifford Spence as president of the business.
• Fishermen’s Inn closed Dec. 21, 2009.

Photo: The rustic, scenic setting of Fisherman’s Inn in Elburn was part of its attraction as a place for weddings, private dinners and other social gatherings since 1964. Photo by Martha Quetsch

Candidates in contested races for the 14th Congressional District will appear in a forum on Monday, Jan. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles. Contested candidates for Illinois Senate District 25 and Illinois Representative District 50 will also participate in this forum. This forum is sponsored by the Leagues of Geneva-St. Charles, Batavia and Elgin.

The public is invited to both forums and will have an opportunity to submit questions for the candidates. Each forum will be moderated by a member of the League of Women Voters. The Jan. 18 forum will also include a panel of representatives from the media. At the end of the forums, audience members will be invited to meet informally with the candidates.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization which never endorses candidates. The purpose of league candidate forums is to offer the public an opportunity to hear and compare the views of candidates in an unbiased setting. Additional information may be obtained via www.lwvgenstc.org.

The IDPH announcement also mentions that pharmacies that have ordered vaccine should be able to provide H1N1 flu vaccinations in the coming weeks.

“This is good news for Kane County and means more people will be able to be protected against the H1N1 virus just as we head into the worst of the flu season,” said Paul Kuehnert, executive director of the Health Department. ”With hospitals, clinics, private providers and soon your local pharmacy with their own supplies, all residents over the age of 6 months will have access to the vaccine. Now that the supply is abundant, we encourage everyone to consider getting vaccinated.”

Residents may call the Health Department’s Call Center at (630) 723-5414 to make an appointment.

“We’re trying to save the world,” he said with a smile.

Dowd began his first paid work for Hesed House 10 years ago this month, as a part-time employee in the emergency shelter.

The shelter, the second largest of its kind in Illinois, provides an overnight place to stay, take a shower, do laundry and receive a meal.

In addition to providing a person’s basic emergency needs, however, Hesed House also provides a myriad of services that help to identify and break through the person’s individual barriers that prevent them from escaping the cycle of poverty and homelessness.

Whether it is mental illness, alcoholism or substance abuse, a medical or legal issue or something else, a case manager will work with the individual and other professionals to help the person create a plan.

“The idea is to help the person develop a plan to get out of here,” Dowd said.

A less tangible goal for both Dowd and the agency as a whole is to allow people keep their dignity throughout the process.

“Poverty doesn’t have to be undignified,” he said. “It’s just a lot harder. And with extreme poverty, it’s almost impossible.”

He said that the ways through which he attempts to treat the individuals who come to Hesed House with dignity are, on the surface, all the little things.

“You don’t have to say yes to everything people ask for,” he said. “But you can say no in a way that preserves an individual’s sense of self-worth and self-value.”

Remembering people’s names and using them, trying to shake as many hands as he can, and trying to remember people’s birthdays are just a few of the ways he tries to do this.

Allowing someone to do something for him is another. His favorite time of the day is the morning, when the person who empties his waste basket comes to his office.

People who spend the night are expected to do chores and take on some responsibilities. It may seem like a little thing, he said, but it’s an opportunity for that individual to give him something.

“I am thankful that every morning he and I have the opportunity to trade places where he has what I need, and the only payment I can offer is my gratitude,” he said.

As for saving the world, he said the fact that there are 16 new people who show up at Hesed House each week motivates him to help 17 people to move on.

“If we just did that, we would end homelessness in five years,” he said.

If that seems naive, Dowd would say that in the 10 years he has been with Hesed House, he continues to see miracles. There is the person that seems like he will never get it right, who all of a sudden does.

He also feels that God looks out for Hesed House in a myriad of ways.

For example, although the food pantry has run out of food for a period of time, they have never had to turn anyone away. Just when things look bleak, someone will show up with a truckload of food. A man with size 14 feet needs a pair of shoes, and in the next clothing donation is a pair of size 14s.

Dowd marked his 10-year anniversary with Hesed House on Dec. 1. He celebrated by recalling the beliefs that originally brought him to Hesed House and that, 10 years later, keep him coming back.

• One person really can change the world.
• Every person is of equal value, even if their bank accounts aren’t.
• The average person can, and will, save another’s life if given the opportunity.
• Good triumphs over evil, eventually, if good has the courage to persist and suffer through persecution.

Hesed House, located in the old incinerator building on River Street in Aurora, is a one-stop shopping mall of nonprofits serving poor and homeless persons. Located within Hesed House
is Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, Inc., one of the largest food pantries in Illinois; Aurora Soup Kitchen, Inc., which serves nutritious meals to families and individuals in need; and Public Action
to Deliver Shelter, Inc., which has multiple residential and non-residential programs for homeless families and individuals.

Hoffman will oversee the department, which employs six full-time and eight part-time police officers.

“The entire Village Board is delighted to have Chief Hoffman join us,” Smith said. “Rarely do you find a person with the combined capabilities in management, interpersonal communications and field experience that Dan brings to the organization.” Hoffman replaces former Police Chief Greg Anderson, who resigned in November.

Hoffman was hired as an Aurora police officer in 1979, where he served as a patrol officer and school resource officer. He was promoted to sergeant in 1990, where he oversaw patrol operations, narcotics/special operations and the investigative services bureau, before being promoted to lieutenant in 2004.

As a lieutenant, Hoffman oversaw patrol operations and administrative services. In 2007, Hoffman was promoted to police commander, where he oversaw three lieutenants, 10 sergeants, 75 officers and a civilian staff. Hoffman remained in this position until his retirement in July 2009.

In addition to his police career, Hoffman currently serves as the president of the Aurora Police Pension Fund, is a board member of the Aurora Police Credit Union, and a board member of Hesed House. He has been active in other community organizations as well.

An official swearing-in ceremony has yet to be scheduled.

Based on averages of past reports of snow on the ground on Christmas mornings from 2001-08, Illinoisans living in the northern part of the state have the highest chance at 30 to 50 percent.

Site averages indicate that Rockford and Chicago have just a 38 percent chance this year. For the remainder of the state at various cities, the chance of a white Christmas is about 14 percent.

The chance of a snowy Christmas has decreased in the past decade, compared with the 1971 to 2000 time period. Angel attributed this to the abundance of snow in the 1970s, and the mild winters in the early 21st century.

The Christmas Day with the most snow on the ground in recorded history was 1951, according to long-term records. Aurora had an incredible 31 inches piled up that day from 12 days of nearly non-stop snow and temperatures below freezing.

Nearby sites reported significant amounts, including Midway Airport with 17 inches, Wheaton with 19 inches, Peotone with 21 inches, Geneseo with 16 inches, and Aurora with 15 inches. Other parts of northern Illinois had impressive amounts as well, including Morrison and Dixon, both with 25 inches, and Paw Paw with 27 inches.

This month, the National Weather Service predicts a normal amount of precipitation for December and an increased chance of colder than normal temperatures, which may boost the chance for snow. Still, the dream of awakening to glistening treetops on Dec. 25 is unlikely to come true.

“To have a guaranteed white Christmas in the Midwest, you have to travel to Hibbing or International Falls in Minnesota, or Marquette or Sault Ste Marie in Michigan,” Angel said.

The Illinois State Water Survey at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, under the Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability, is the primary agency in Illinois concerned with water and atmospheric resources.

Photo courtesy Stock.sxc.hu

“The American Red Cross is about to take an exciting step forward in our effort to increase our region’s capacity to respond to disasters and fulfill our mission in the Kane County area,” said Fran Maher, CEO, American Red Cross of Greater Chicago. “Our office in St. Charles will remain open, fully staffed and committed to expanding American Red Cross services to prepare for, prevent and respond to disasters throughout Kane County.”

“The merger is a win/win for both chapters, and for the American Red Cross,” said Jim Powell, Chairman of the Board, Fox River Chapter. “By centralizing our administrative functions in the Greater Chicago chapter, we will be able to create greater efficiencies and apply the savings to address our citizens’ critical needs.”

When a disaster threatens or strikes Kane County, the Red Cross provides food, shelter, and clothing to address basic human needs. The American Red Cross also provides training courses such as first aid, CPR/AED, babysitter safety, water safety and disaster preparedness education to help people live safer and healthier lives. The American Red Cross hosts blood drives in the region, as well. These services will continue and are expected to expand when the merger occurs.

The American Red Cross relies on the generous support of Kane County and elsewhere in the Chicago metropolitan area to provide services. You can give by visiting www.chicagoredcross.org/donate.

The brunch is potluck; for those able to cook, a dish to pass is appreciated. Food should arrive after 11:30 a.m. in a disposable container, ready to serve at noon. Appetizers, side dishes and entrees are all welcome. People who aren’t sure what they want to bring may call Lazarus House at (630) 587-2144 to find out if there are specific needs.

“We are always grateful for people who want to help,” Executive Director Darlene Marcusson said. “We welcome volunteers to bring food and share fellowship at our brunch. This brunch is such a gift to our guests, because it allows them to blend in with others and not stand out as homeless on this joyous day.”

People who wish to help in other ways are asked to consider a gift of financial assistance. Cash contributions and gift cards to superstores are greatly appreciated, especially given the current state of the economy.

Lazarus House provides food, safe shelter, case management and support services to homeless persons in St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia and western rural Kane County. It currently provides ongoing rental assistance to 47 households monthly. Persons needing shelter should call (630) 587-2144. Persons seeking rent or utility assistance should call (630) 587-5872.

Last fiscal year, the shelter served 382 different persons, an average of 63 per day, and approximately 68,000 meals. The Outreach (homeless prevention) program helped 58 households with one-time rental assistance and 54 households with ongoing rent subsidies.

From the nearly 80 entries in the Downtown St. Charles Partnership’s annual Electric Christmas Parade, a panel of independent judges determined the top three winners in each of three categories: Children’s, Not-for-Profit, and Business.

“The judging seems to get more difficult each year,” said Darlene Riebe, a volunteer with the Downtown St. Charles Partnership who coordinates the judging process. “Everyone really gets into the spirit of the event, and each year we see more organizations and businesses creating really outstanding entries.

“The point totals were extremely close this year; for example, in the Business division, the award winners ranked within fractions of a point from each other.”

Riebe said that a panel of three judges use a five-point system to rate the parade entries on originality, their use of lights, and creativity.

The winners in each of the categories for 2009 are: Children’s, Cub Scout Pack 151, first place; Cub Scout Pack 146, second place; Cub Scout Pack 108, third place; Not-for-Profit, LIFE Church, first place; Chicago Corvette Club, second place; Bob Wulff’s RV, third place; Business, Thunderbolt Roofing, first place; Autopractor, Inc., second place; Filling Station Pub & Grill, third place.

All nine winners have been invited to a special awards presentation before City Council in January.

According to a release from the Sheriff’s Department, Kane County Sheriff’s Deputies were responding to assist the Campton Hills Police Department with a traffic crash with injuries near Route 47 and Silver Glen roads.

While enroute to the crash, a Sheriff’s deputy witnessed a 2005 Chevrolet van traveling west on Route 64 near Wasco. The van was weaving across the two lanes of traffic. As the van approached Anderson Road, it began to skid.

The van struck a guardrail on the north side of Route 64, re-entered the roadway, crossed both lanes of traffic and left the roadway on the south side of Route 64, striking a concrete culvert and rolling onto the driver’s side of the vehicle. The driver, Jack A. Falzone, 55, of Campton Hills, was located inside the vehicle and was not wearing a seatbelt.

Elburn EMS arrived on the scene and pronounced the subject deceased. The driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

Route 64 was closed between Anderson Road and Hansen Road for approximately four hours while the crash was investigated.

A duplicate dollhouse will be raffled in the future by the DeKalb Veterans Assistance Commission. Proceeds will benefit the Fisher House in Maywood, where families of Hines Veterans Hospital patients can stay.

First Lady Michelle Obama might even help choose decorating features for the dollhouse destined for Washington D.C.

“I have been in contact with the White House scheduling department to hopefully meet with First Lady Obama (on a return trip to Chicago) and two ladies from the VA Commission,” Newston said. “Then we all can go to Lolly’s Miniatures in Elgin so she can pick out the interior wallpaper, carpet-tile-hardwood flooring, bathroom fixtures and electrical lighting.”

The dollhouse is not a replica of the White House. Newtson customized a Victorian-style dollhouse kit, adding electricity, operating windows and a doorbell.

The DeKalb Veterans Assistance Commission agreed in February to pay $800 for the dollhouses’ materials. Newston is donating the more than 350 hours it takes to build the houses, which are nearly finished.

In the past, Newtson donated another dollhouse to a DeKalb group that raffled it for Children’s Memorial Hospital, raising $15,000. Newtson also has built dollhouses for area libraries, hospices and the American Legion Post 630 in Elburn, of which he is a lifetime member. Newston, of Cortland, is a U.S. veteran and former Elburn resident who plans to move back to the village next year.

Holiday spirit was abounding as runners and walkers of all ages enjoyed the crisp morning cold and showed their support for TriCity Family Services, a local leader in community-based counseling and supportive services for those in need. The runners were led by a holiday-decorated fire truck belonging to Mike and Ann Worthington of Geneva, and Santa Claus himself surprised everyone at the Mill Creek Clubhouse following the race.

Miranda Barfuss, Director of Development for TriCity, estimated that the first-time event netted about $8,000, which is a tidy sum for a first-time fundraising run.

“The real triumph is in the sheer number of people we had come out in the cold, with their families and friends, to support TriCity Family Services,” Barfuss said. “This community is what our agency is all about.”

The first-place overall male winner was 15-year-old Dan Runzel of Elgin. Carrie Day, 35, of Geneva took first-place overall female honors. The entire list of Snowflake Shuffle results is available at www.tricityfamilyservices.org.

Photo: Girl Scout Troop 4478 of Elburn sported antlers and walked the 5K together in support of TriCity Family Services. Courtesy Photo

The Census Bureau is also looking for people who are bilingual. Testing is currently scheduled in Elburn at the Town & Country Library, 320 E. North St., on Monday, Dec. 21, at 3 and 6 p.m.; and on Tuesday, Dec. 22, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

If you wish to fill out an application in advance to bring with you to the testing site, go to 2010censusjobs.gov to print it out. Also, be sure to bring two forms of federal identification with you, including a photo ID. Testing will take two to three hours. If you cannot make these test dates, but wish to know about other test locations, call 1-866-861-2010.

Funds will be used to insulate the Lazarus House Women and Children’s Day Center exterior walls, add ceiling fans in sleeping and office areas to reduce heating/cooling costs and install hand dryers to reduce paper waste.

Lazarus House Executive Director Darlene Marcusson said, “I am so pleased about this grant. Given the current economy, there is no way we would be taking on these projects without special funds. Every dollar is going to essential needs like utilities so the homeless in our community have a safe place to stay. This grant should help us reduce our utility costs, which is not only good for the environment, but also good for our budget.”

Lazarus House serves people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and are connected to mid-Kane County.

Shelter services, available at (630) 587-2144, include case management and employment assistance, in addition to everyday essential needs such as food, shelter, showers and laundry. Outreach services, available at (630) 587-5872, include grant-funded rent and utility assistance, as well as case management for qualifying households.

Ann M. Day, 52, of the 1N6 block of Harley Road, La Fox, was sentenced Wednesday by Circuit Judge Timothy Q. Sheldon to 48 months probation and 180 days in the Kane County Jail. In addition, she was ordered to repay to her former law partner the $137,937.27 she was convicted of stealing. Day is to pay the restitution in monthly installments of $2,873.

Day was convicted Oct. 2, by Judge Sheldon of 12 counts of theft, four a Class 1 felony and eight a Class 2 felony, and 16 counts of forgery, each a Class 3 felony. Judge Sheldon heard the case in May 2009. Day waived her right to a jury trial.

From January to October 2004, Day operated a scheme in which she intentionally deprived her law firm of funds, instead pocketing the money for her personal use. Day would:
• Deposit checks made to the firm into her personal account
• Forge her partner’s name on checks written to the firm and then deposit the money into her personal account
• Write checks to herself from the firm’s checking account and then alter the firm’s ledger to misrepresent the purpose of the reimbursement

As a result of Day’s actions, the law firm was deprived of $137,937.27.

At a hearing Oct. 9 to set a sentencing date, Judge Sheldon granted a state motion to revoke Day’s $2,500 bond and ordered her into custody.

According to Illinois law, Day was given day-for-day sentencing, as well as credit for 62 days served in the Kane County Jail.

Six Chicago-area men are charged as part of the investigation, which was led by the North Central Narcotics Task Force (NCNTF), a multi-agency unit that investigates drug, firearm and gang offenses in Kane, DeKalb and McHenry counties. The investigation began in July and also included the efforts of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Kane County Assistant State’s Attorney Kelly M. Orland, who heads the office’s Narcotics Prosecution Unit, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the DuPage County Metropolitan Enforcement Group.

The investigation culminated with the Nov. 23, 2009, seizure of 2,300 pounds of marijuana with an approximate street value of $5.2 million, eight vehicles and approximately $480,000 in cash.

Authorities believe the seizure is one of the largest resulting from an investigation into suspects living in Kane County.

All cases will be heard in Kane County Court, in front of Circuit Judge Timothy Q. Sheldon in Courtroom 319 at the Kane County Judicial Center. The cases will be jointly prosecuted by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Each of these men is in custody at the Kane County Jail charged with one count of cannabis trafficking, a Class X felony punishable with a sentence of between 12 and 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and up to a $400,000 fine:
• Edwardo Alanis-Garcia, 43 (d.o.b. 10-17-1966), of the 200 block of North Street, Melrose Park. Bail has been set at $5 million. His next court date is Dec. 10, 2009. Case No. 09CF3310.
• Jose Arriaga, 36 (d.o.b. 1-12-1973), of the 9700 block of South Commercial, Chicago. Bail has been set at $10 million. His next court date is Dec. 11, 2009. Case No. 09CF3313.
• Joseph Lichay, 48 (d.o.b. 9-27-1961), of the 113 block of Fleetwood Street, Huntley. Bail has been set at $10 million. His next court date is Dec. 11, 2009. Case No. 09CF3315.
• Fabricio Mendiola, 36 (d.o.b. 12-27-1972), of the 3000 block of South Eves, Chicago. Bail has been set at $5 million. His next court date is Dec. 8, 2009. Case No. 09CF3312.
• Santos Nunez, 48 (d.o.b. 11-6-1961), LKA Calumet Street, Chicago. Bail has been set at $5 million. His next court date is Dec. 9, 2009. Case No. 09CF3316.
• William Santana, 41 (d.o.b. 6-13-1968), of the 800 block of Waverly, Elgin. Bail had been set at $5 million but was reduced Dec. 4, 2004, by Judge Sheldon on a defense motion to a $100,000 cash bond. His next court date is Dec. 11, 2009. Case

Authorities allege that the men were involved in a scheme to bring the marijuana to the Chicago area for distribution. Significant activity that led to the marijuana’s arrival in Illinois occurred in Kane County.

The case remains under investigation.

“I am very proud of the work of Kane County ASA Kelly Orland in these cases, her role in the investigation of these offenses, her work in bringing these charges and her efforts with the other law-enforcement agencies,” Kane County State’s Attorney John Barsanti said. “This may be the largest single seizure of cannabis that the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office has ever been involved with.”

“This case is another example that large scale drug-trafficking operations are occurring in the suburbs and across municipal boundaries. This is not just a big-city problem,” said Master Sgt. Bill Backus, director of the NCNTF. “It is investigations like this one that showcase the benefits of being involved in multiagency units, such as the NCNTF, which allows us to attack the drug problem from a wider perspective with a variety of resources.”

The charges against Alanis-Garcia, Arriaga, Lichay, Mendiola, Nunez and Santana are not proof of guilt. A defendant charged is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Illinois Tollway crews and Illinois State Police (ISP) are making final preparations to get the state’s frontline winter teams and equipment ready for emergency operations for the upcoming snow and ice season.

“IDOT has a proven track record of effective, timely snow and ice removals from our roadways, and this year will be no different,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. “ … it’s important for motorists to get ready now because Illinois weather can become dangerous in a matter of minutes. We want to assure every Illinois driver that safety is our first priority.”

IDOT also stressed the department’s commitment to the continued use of salt conservation practices even with prices of the commodity coming down from last year.

Snowbelt states have experienced two harsh winters in a row and most states, including Illinois, have used more than twice the average annual tonnage of salt in both winters.

During the 2009-10 winter season, more than 3,900 employees and 1,900 pieces of equipment will be deployed as needed by IDOT to keep state routes clear and passable. Last year, the agency spent $82.3 million on snow removal, spreading 488,300 tons of salt and logging 836,000 labor hours.

For years, the Illinois State Police and IDOT have worked together to urge motorists to drive defensively in winter weather.

“The winter season can produce rapidly changing weather patterns and unfavorable conditions. Snow and ice covered roads can significantly impede the flow of traffic, increase traffic congestion, and create adverse driving conditions. If motorists must drive in these conditions, they should plan ahead and allow sufficient time for travel,” said ISP Director Jonathon E. Monken. “The Illinois State Police reminds motorists to travel at safe speeds, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and use properly fastened seatbelts or child safety seats. In addition to driving safely, motorists should ensure their vehicles are properly maintained, and be prepared with updated supplies in their emergency car care kit in the event a vehicle becomes disabled.”

Monken also reminded motorists that state troopers will be enforcing Scott’s Law, or the “Move Over Law,” which requires drivers to yield to moving emergency vehicles, including highway maintenance vehicles, displaying oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights. Additionally, a driver is required to change lanes, if safe to do so, or reduce speed and proceed with caution when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying flashing warning lights.

On the Illinois tollway, 194 plow trucks and 27 front loaders are ready to combat snow and ice storms this winter across the 286-mile Tollway System. The tollway has a supply of about 82,200 tons of salt, 46,200 gallons of liquid calcium chloride and 7,800 tons of angular crushed stone. Stockpiled salt supplies are well in excess of the average amount used over a single winter season. Average annual salt usage per year over the last 10 years is about 67,300 tons.

“As the Illinois tollway completes roadway rebuilding and widening projects spanning more than 120 miles across Northern Illinois, drivers will find congestion relief and fewer potholes this winter,” said Illinois Tollway Acting Executive Director Michael King. “But we still encourage drivers to slow down for winter conditions and watch out for snow plows working to clear the way and other drivers who may not be taking necessary precautions.”

Other safety tips include
• Plan ahead and make sure before you head out:
is your trip necessary?
• Don’t crowd the plow—remember, a snowplow
operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see
them, but they may not see you.
• Watch out for black ice—roads that appear clear may
be treacherous. Take it slow when approaching
intersections, off-ramps, bridges, and shady areas—
all are prone to black ice.
• Always keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to
prevent the vehicle’s fuel line from freezing.
• Dress warmly for the weather—dress in layers of loose-
fitting, lightweight clothing in anticipation of
unexpected winter weather emergencies.
• Do not travel unless absolutely necessary—if you do
have to make a trip, check the forecast and plan ahead
with safety in mind.
• Make sure someone is aware of your travel route.
• Always carry an emergency car care kit that contains
jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer
fluid, a small ice scraper, traction material, blankets,
non-perishable food and a first aid kit.
• Carry a cell phone.
• Always wear a safety belt.

Motorists are urged to check travel conditions before any trip. You may get interstate condition information by calling 1-800-452-IDOT (4368) or on the internet at www.gettingaroundillinois.com.

Two performances are scheduled: Saturday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 20, at 3:30 p.m., in the Blizzard Theater at Elgin Community College Arts Center on the main campus of ECC, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Tickets can be purchased for $22, $17 for seniors, and $14 for students by calling the box office at (847) 622-0300, or online at tickets.elgin.edu.

Concert organizers are also asking the attendees bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the All People’s Interfaith Food Pantry located at 256 Chicago St., Elgin. The tough economic times have been felt by everyone, and food pantries are struggling to meet the needs of all who come to them. All donations are welcome. The pantry can always use canned meats, tuna, chili, ravioli and canned fruits.

The performance focuses on the unruly, ill-behaved children of the Herdman family, who decide to take over the town’s church and Christmas pageant one Sunday. The Herdman children, who have never heard the Christmas story before, are cast in the pageant against the advice of fellow church members. The Christmas pageant is the most unusual one that the town has seen, but quite possibly the best one ever.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” runs Dec. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20. Performance times will be Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. The Albright Theatre is located on the 3rd floor of the Batavia government building at 100 N. Island Ave.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors. Receive $1 off each ticket with a donation of a non-perishable food item. The Albright Theatre will donate the food items to local food banks. In addition, $1 from every ticket sold for the Sunday, Dec. 13, 2:30 p.m. performance will be donated to Hesed House.

Due to the popularity of this show, reservations are strongly recommended. For reservations, call (630) 406-8838. For more information, visit www.albrighttheatre.com.

On that date, the state’s revised Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) will take effect.

Maple Park Village Attorney Kevin Buick told trustees Tuesday that the FOIA changes are “sweeping and dramatic” and encouraged them to study the revisions carefully on the Illinois Attorney General’s website.

“The Attorney General (Lisa Madigan) was key in shaping these changes, which are designed to ensure the public has broad and open access to public records,” Buick said during the Village Board meeting.

A major change in the act is that communities must appoint a FOIA officer to be in charge of receiving and responding to public information requests in compliance with the law.

Every new FOIA officer must complete an electronic training program through the Illinois Attorney General’s office by July 1, 2010.

Elburn officials recently named Village Administrative Assistant Janet McGowan as the village’s FOIA officer. McGowan received training from the Attorney General’s office in October for the position, Village Administrator Erin Willrett said.

Kaneville and Sugar Grove officials have designated FOIA officers who will complete the online training program as soon as the Attorney General makes it available. They are Sugar Grove Village Administrator Brent Eichelberger and Kaneville Village Clerk Sandy Weiss.

Maple Park has yet to appoint a FOIA officer. Maple Park officials will discuss the issue at the Committee of the Whole meeting Monday, Dec. 21, Village President Kathy Curtis said.

The revised sunshine laws will require all FOIA officers to communicate closely with the state’s Public Access Counselor (PAC) to ensure that public bodies comply with FOIA and the Open Meetings Act.

Among other FOIA changes is that the public information requests will not have to be written on a village-specified form, and can be submitted in many different ways, including orally.

Buick said the new FOIA could cost municipalities more money than the previous law. Under the FOIA changes, a municipality must provide the first 50 pages of public information to a requestor free of charge, and can charge no more than 15 cents per additional page.

The new FOIA law also requires municipalities to provide public information electronically if requested, when it is available in that format; and, municipalities must respond to FOIA requests within five working days, compared to seven in the past.