Ex-SG principal gets prison

From the Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Ex-SG principal gets prison
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

SPRING GROVE – Janet Pope was shocked when she found out that the former principal at her daughter's school, Spring Grove Elementary, was charged with committing a sex act with a minor last spring.

But her reaction at that time paled in comparison to how she felt about the one-year prison sentence that he received in Milwaukee County Court Wednesday.

"That's it? For what he's done?" Pope said. "I'm appalled. It should have been seven [years]."

Daniel Markofski, 48, was sentenced to one year in prison and 18 months of extended supervision on two felony counts of exposing a child to harmful material and a misdemeanor county of committing a sex act with a child 16 or older. Markofski was charged in April, after police said they found him watching pornography with two teenage girls at a Super-8 Motel in Glendale, Wis. The girls, now ages 16 and 17, were in various states of undress, according to police reports.

Markofski pleaded guilty to the charges in September, as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors, who requested that he be sentenced to 18 months in prison and 18 months of extended supervision.

Chris Quinn, assistant district attorney for Milwaukee County, said Markofski's sentence was satisfactory.

"That's fairly similar to what I was requesting as part of the plea agreement," Quinn said. "[It's] basically the same general spirit and same idea."

Markofski was sentenced by Judge John Franke.

After Markofski completes his prison and supervision sentence, he will be required to register as a sex offender for the next 15 years.

Markofski was removed from his post as principal at Spring Grove Elementary after his arrest in April. After the incident, Nippersink District 2 officials denied Markofski's resignation request and fired him.

In June, the district school board tightened hiring policies by requiring new employees in the district to pass a mandatory drug test. When police discovered Markofski and the two girls, they were investigating a marijuana odor coming from their motel room.

Other community members echoed Pope's disappointment in the sentence.

"It should be longer," said Mary Rabelhofer, of Spring Grove. "It was a serious offense."

Lakemoor officials approve salary increase

From the Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Lakemoor officials approve salary increase
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

LAKEMOOR – The Lakemoor Village Board has approved salary increases that will raise the village president’s pay by $4,800 after the spring 2009 election.

The village president's annual salary will be $12,000 starting in May 2009. The board also approved raises for the village clerk and village trustees for the first time since July 2000.

"That's a huge job," said Trustee Ralph Brindise, who voted in favor of the increases. "[The president] is going to meetings all the time; there's a lot of stuff the president does."

Brindise and trustees Kimberly Beach, Colin McIntyre and Robert Koehl voted in favor of the salary increases. Trustees Kathleen Lennon and Nick Weber were absent from the Oct. 23 meeting.

The village clerk's salary will increase to $150 a month from $100 a month. The clerk also will receive $150 for each Village Board meeting she attends and $150 for each special board meeting or public hearing attended. Previously, the clerk earned $100 each time she attended a regular board meeting, special board meeting or public hearing.

Village trustees who are elected after April 2009 will earn $150 for each board meeting they attend, which is a $50 increase from their current rate. Trustees also will earn $150 for attending at least one committee meeting a month and $150 for each special board meeting they attend. Previously, trustees earned $100 for attending at least one committee meeting and $100 for each special board meeting.

The raises will not affect officials who already are in office unless they run and are re-elected.

Brindise said the increases were modest.

"I don't think anybody does this for the money," he said. "It's done for civic pride."

.Current salaries:

Village President: $7,200 annually, plus $100 for each special village board meeting or public hearing president attends.

Village Clerk: $100 each month, plus $100 for each village board meeting clerk attends and $100 for each special board meeting or public hearing clerk attends.

Trustee: $100 for each village board meeting, plus $100 for attending at least one committee meeting each month and $100 for each special board meeting trustee attends.

Salaries after Spring 2009 election:

Village President: $12,000 annually, plus $150 for each special village board meeting or public hearing president attends.

Village Clerk: $150 each month, plus $150 for each village board meeting clerk attends and $150 for each special board meeting or public hearing clerk attends.

Trustee: $150 for each village board meeting, plus $150 for attending at least one committee meeting each month and $150 for each special board meeting trustee attends

.

Parents concerned about coach replacement, board appointment

From the Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Parents concerned about coach replacement, board appointment
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

JOHNSBURG – District 12 school board members spent about an hour assuaging concerns from parents about how an athletic coach who resigned will be replaced and defended their decision to reappoint a former board member to the school board.

Johnsburg High School men's basketball coach Matt Ryndak resigned last week both as a coach and physical education teacher. Several parents came to the meeting to express their concern over his replacement process.

"There's been so much turmoil in the sports program the reputation of this town is in jeopardy," said Ellen Cravens, whose son is a sophomore at Johnsburg High School and plays three sports. "I think we're forgetting who we have to put first."

District Superintendent Dan Johnson told Cravens and other parents who attended the meeting that preserving the athletic program's reputation was a top priority. He cited his own experience as the parent of three students in the school as evidence of his dedication to that cause.

"We will do everything we can to make sure that pride stays here," Johnson said.

The board also was questioned by former Athletic Booster Club President Kathy Ignoffo about why a former school board member, Bob Preston, was appointed to the board earlier this month.

Preston was chosen from a pool of 12 applicants to replace board member Jayne Thompson, who resigned in September. He will hold the position until the spring election. He was on the school board for more than 20 years until 2006, when he decided not to run for re-election.

Ignoffo, who left the booster club in May after controversy about the high school athletic director's resignation, called Preston's appointment irresponsible.

"Why would you reappointment [him] when you have some great candidates?" Ignoffo said.

Another parent at the meeting said she thought Preston was handpicked by the board.

Board Vice President Mike Wolf responded by saying the board considered all the applicants.

"It was amazing to us ... the quality of the candidates that came forward," Wolf said. "We had a very difficult time narrowing this down."

Other board members chimed in to the response and defended Preston's appointment.

"It's going to take you at least a year before you have a clue what's going on," said Tom Liston, board president. "One of the traits we were looking for was somebody who knew what was going on."

All the board members were present at the meeting.

Residents concoct spooky yard scenes

From the Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Residents concoct spooky yard scenes
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

It started with one wolfman about 25 years ago. Lila Harris thought trick-or-treaters would enjoy seeing him in the yard when they came by for candy.

“It was a way of keeping Halloween exciting for them,” said Harris, who lives at 4410 Barreville Road, Prairie Grove. “They say, ‘Trick or treat,’ but I don’t think most of them know sometimes you’d get tricked.”

The wolfman was such a hit that each following year, she upped the ante by adding another monster or ghoul to the display. Now her residence is as much a home to the handmade ghouls, monsters and ghosts that populate the front lawn every Halloween as it is to Harris and her husband, Lee.

For some, a carved pumpkin on the doorstep doesn’t get the job done anymore. Nowadays, extravagant, outdoor Halloween decorations are as important to enthusiasts as eating turkey on Thanksgiving or having a tree at Christmas.

A top-notch Halloween display has lights, fog machines and life-sized scares.

Area retailers are stocking and selling more decorations this year than in years past.

At the McHenry Wal-Mart store, this season’s most popular decorations help transform suburban lawns into cemeteries.

“The top of the list is a foam tombstone,” said Katherine Michaels, who manages the seasonal department. “They’re very precise looking, very real.”

The prices for the tombstones range from $1 to $13, and the most expensive tombstones are 3 feet tall, she said. Fog machines also are popular this year, and cost about $15 at the store. Other top sellers include caution tape and strings of Halloween lights used to create spider webs.

But many residents are opting out of the store-bought decorations and creating their own masterful scenes.

Every year Lawrence Priester constructs elaborate, mechanical scenes with mad scientists, Frankensteins, aliens, cannibal families and graveyards on his property at 11218 McConnell Road, Woodstock.

Priester’s hobby started 15 years ago, when he discovered some machinery that made for a perfect alien scene.

“I’ve got the little aliens rotating out of the person’s stomach, and the alien’s head spinning around in glee,” said Priester, 43. “It was just an old piece of farm equipment that had two different motions.”

This year he has eight scenes spread over 2 acres. He’s been working on the scenes since September so they are ready in time for an annual, family Halloween party.

“It’s almost like a Thanksgiving or holiday for us,” he said.

All the decorations in Harris’ front yard are handmade, too.

“We build the ghouls ourselves, and we build a new one every year,” she said. “A lot of the ghouls are wearing my husband’s old clothes, or mine.”

Snowboarders keep cool during Hucktoberfest

From the Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Snowboarders keep cool during Hucktoberfest
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

LAKEMOOR – Forget what the thermometer said: There was snow Saturday in Lakemoor.

About 10 area snowboarders spent the evening plummeting down two 40-foot-long runs covered in snow during Munson Ski & Marine’s first Hucktoberfest celebration.

Organizers of the promotional event for the Lakemoor store spent days collecting snow discarded by area ice rinks to create the setup.

“We show[ed] up with a bunch of shovels and a bunch of trucks and shovel[ed] it in,” said Don Schnurr, pro shop manager. He said he and co-workers had been gathering snow left over from ice resurfacing since Wednesday.

More than 100 teens and twentysomethings came to the event, named after the snowboarding term “huck,” which refers to someone throwing themselves into the air for a big jump.

About 10 snowboarders, who were specially invited to the event, showed off their moves to an eager crowd of snowboarding enthusiasts by descending down the 40-degree angled ramps and rails.

“This is probably the best parking-lot setup I’ve been to,” said 21-year-old Paul Buck of Palatine, who was one of the snowboarders. “Everyone’s learning new tricks.”

Although many of the snowboarders only wore pants and T-shirts, they barely flinched when they ended up in the snow and didn’t mind that temperatures were in the high 40s.

“I love the cold,” Buck said.

Organizers said it was a way for them to promote their business and that the store sold snowboards, while thinking creatively during a challenging economy.

“This is how you do it,” said Kevin Denbroeder, who works in the pro shop.

They kept their own costs down not only by using the ice rink’s ice, but also by advertising online and through word of mouth.

But they said most of all, they wanted to bring snowboarders together before the season started.

“The economy is doing what it’s doing,” Schnurr said. “But we don’t dwell on it. It’s the fun factor for us.”

Emergency officials test plan

From the Friday, Oct. 24, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Emergency officials test plan
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

SPRING GROVE – It started as a train engine derailment near Route 12 and Blivin Street in Spring Grove. As the scene unfolded, emergency officials learned that diesel fuel leaked from the train, the fuel contaminated the water, and the train intentionally was derailed by a domestic terrorist who claimed the incident was “God’s will.”

It was all part of a simulated disaster exercise that more than 20 officials from Spring Grove, Hebron, Richmond and the county participated in Thursday to test Spring Grove’s disaster reaction plan.

Each participant was assigned a role, and they sat around a round table acting as they would if the incident were happening.

“It’s a good thing to do these things to prepare,” said Richmond Police Chief John Fryksdale, who played the role of a public information officer.

After the exercise, the group discussed ways to improve their performance and continue to plan for disasters.

Bob Ellsworth, assistant director of McHenry County Emergency Management, stressed the importance of making sure that not every firefighter and police officer was at the scene, in case other emergencies occur.

“Somebody’s got to stay back and deal with the real world,” Ellsworth said.

Hebron Police Chief Dale Egland was among the participants. He said that although Hebron officials were willing to help, their distance from Spring Grove would cause a slow response time.

Spring Grove officials responded by suggesting that they improve their mutual aid agreements with nearby communities such as Round Lake and Wauconda.

The group also discussed which public officials can declare evacuations, and the challenges evacuations pose because Illinois doesn’t have mandatory evacuations.

“It’s a major problem,” said Spring Grove Fire Chief Rich Tobiasz, who led the event and played the role of a dispatcher. “Nobody wants to leave their home.”

Overall, participants seemed pleased with their performance.

“It’s good to ... build a foundation,” Fryksdale said.

Spring Grove eyeing hotel proposal

From the Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Spring Grove eyeing hotel proposal
By Diana Sroka - dsroka@nwherald.com

SPRING GROVE – Village officials are seeking input from residents to find out how they would feel about having an “upscale yet reasonably priced hotel” in town.

Last month, the village released a survey through the village Web site to solicit feedback, and almost 100 residents have responded.

Mike Lee, chairman of the Spring Grove Economic Development Committee, said all the feedback had been positive so far.

“Everybody’s really excited about the hotel,” Lee said.

He said residents had commented that the hotel would be ideal for family who come from out of town for holidays and special family events. Area business owners have expressed interest in hosting company retreats at the hotel or using it as a conference center.

The developer interested in building the hotel, Wagner Commercial, also is interested in building several boutique shops nearby.

“We don’t want to create just another strip mall,” Lee said. “It’s got to have the look of Spring Grove ... the feel of Spring Grove.”

If the village and developer decide to move ahead with the hotel and boutique shops, they could be built as early as fall 2009, Lee said. It likely would be built near the northwest corner of Route 12 and Winn Road, according to the developer Web site, wagnercommercial .com.

Lee said the village was not exploring establishing a tax-increment financing, or TIF, district for the hotel.

To take the survey, visit www.springgrovevillage.com.

Johnsburg library increases online features

From the Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Johnsburg library increases online features
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

JOHNSBURG – Need one more day with that library book? No problem.

Johnsburg Public Library patrons can now renew library materials from home, as well as place items they would like to pick up on hold, thanks to a new software program at the library.

"Once they log in, the system knows who they are and they just punch a button," said Maria Zawacki, library director.

The new online-based system, Follett Destiny, is a first for the library. It was implemented last month and is more user-friendly and picturesque than the system that has been used for the past 10 years.

"It just looks better," Zawacki said. "Our old system functioned but it was very old-fashioned."

With the old system, library patrons could only log on and see what items were checked out and if there were any fines. If they put an item on hold, Zawacki would receive an e-mail and have to denote the item was on hold.

Now, patrons can renew their materials online, put items on hold without requiring librarians to hand place the item on hold, perform searches that yield pictures of the books along with the book titles, and receive an e-mail notification before books are due.

The new software cost $3,000 to implement, and carries an annual license fee of $800, Zawacki said.

The only snag so far is that the e-mail notification system, which sends patrons an e-mail three days before their materials are due, isn't working. But Zawacki said it'll be fixed within the week.

So far, more than 100 library users have signed up for the new system, and Zawacki said about six patrons sign up every day. She said it's been so popular because it has an Amazon.com-type of feel to it and also is the same system used in neighboring schools.

"The kids are used to how it looks and how it functions," Zawacki said. "I think people are just used to being able to do this kind of thing."

To check out Johnsburg Public Library's new online program, Follett Destiny, go to johnsburglibrary.org.

D-12 board says hold off on new administrative position

From the Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

D-12 board says hold off on new administrative position
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

JOHNSBURG – Although District 12 officials and the school board agree there's a need for a full-time curriculum director, the plan to add another administrator to the district will have to wait.

District Superintendent Dan Johnson formally recommended the school board convert the part-time curriculum director position to a full-time spot in a memo to the board earlier this month. However, the board said the request was untimely.

"It makes sense. It's the best thing for the students," said Mike Wolf, board vice president. "It's just the wrong time."

Wolf said the board supports the idea, but declining enrollment, a deficit budget and the overall uncertainty of the economy made the request untimely.

"We've asked the administration to keep this on the back burner, periodically bring it back to our attention," he said. "But the way the district is going at this point, it just makes no sense."

Last month the board approved a $27.8 million budget for the 2008-09 school year, which included an anticipated $300,000 in deficit spending. The district also released statistics last month showing 93 fewer students are enrolled for the 2008-09 school year than were enrolled during the 2007-08 school year.

Derek Straight currently works as a part-time principal at James C. Bush Elementary School and part-time curriculum director for the district.

In the memo, dated Oct. 10, Johnson also recommended the full-time curriculum director be hired in time for the 2009-10 school year.

"The demands of the job have developed as such the district cannot grow in the area of curriculum as needed," Johnson wrote in the memo.

The memo also suggested an office location for whomever fills the position, and what procedure would be followed to hire a new principal if Straight chose to fill the position.The cost of adding the position would be about $100,000, according to the memo.

Johnson said he understood and accepted the board's reservations.

"We understand many people are having a hard time with things and we want to make sure we're being fiscally responsible," Johnson said. "This will have to be put off a few years."

Area schools to emphasize drug-free lifestyles

From the Monday, Oct. 20, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Area schools to emphasize drug-free lifestyles
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

By the time Millie Haller started high school, she had participated in drug awareness activities multiple times, and she even was an essay finalist in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or DARE, program.

But when she became a student at McHenry West High School, she quickly found out that applying the lessons she had learned wasn't so easy.

"You wouldn't expect it to be that hard, but [there's] peer pressure," Haller, 17, said as she assisted at a Red Ribbon Week kickoff event Friday. "It's pretty much [about] fitting in."

As part of a national campaign to promote drug-free lifestyles and discourage drug use, many McHenry County schools will participate in Red Ribbon Week drug awareness activities this week and next week.

Red Ribbon Week is one of the oldest and most recognized anti-drug use campaigns in the country. It was established in 1988 to honor the memory of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent who was tortured and killed in Mexico while investigating a major drug cartel.

Many schools will have themed dress up days tied to anti-drug catchphrases for students.

The theme Monday at Richmond Grade School is "Lay off drugs," and students are encouraged to wear Hawaiian style clothing, said Associate Principal James Block. At Riley School in Marengo, students are encouraged to wear team jerseys to school one day for the theme "Stay in the game, play drug free," said Cathi Kunde, a second-grade teacher who is organizing the activities.

"The children really enjoy the theme-related activities," Kunde said. "[With] those little fun reminders, hopefully they'll remember them when they get older."

Local police will reinforce the drug-free message by visiting some area schools and talking to students about drug use effects.

Crystal Lake Police Officer Sean McGrath will talk with students at Lundahl Middle School in Crystal Like next week.

"We've known children prior to drug use, seen the decline and talk about where they end up," McGrath said.

Exposure to drugs usually starts in middle school, he added, and it's not unusual for high school students to start out by using prescription drugs.

"It's not uncommon ... to see some students getting into their parents' prescriptions, taking them to school and selling them," McGrath said. "If we only talk about marijuana or cocaine and meth, we're only covering part of the problem."

In McHenry County, the three most frequently used drugs are cocaine, marijuana and heroin, McHenry Count Sheriff's Department Sgt. John Koziol said.

In 2007, the sheriff's department handled 50 marijuana possession cases. The cases don't include possession instances in cities, just unincorporated areas. The number in 2007 is slightly down from the number of cases between 2004 and 2006. In 2004, there were 68 cases; in 2005 there were 63 cases; and in 2006 there were 71 cases, according to department statistics.

Among teens in the city of McHenry, the most popular drug of choice is marijuana, said McHenry Deputy Police Chief Bill Brogan.

While activities during Red Ribbon Week are worthwhile, McGrath said it's crucial for parents to be the first to warn teens against using drugs.

"The family needs to be aware of what the child is up to," McGrath said. "It's more education, not so much a lecture."

He said parents shouldn't wait until high school to have conversations about drugs, because children are exposed to drugs as early as middle school. Sometimes high school students aren't as receptive.

At Woodstock High School, for example, there won't be any Red Ribbon Week activities this month.

"There's not a very strong student response," said Lisa Terry, a social worker at the school. "I think it's more productive in the middle school and elementary school."

Terry said the school instead emphasizes the drug-free lifestyle around Homecoming time, when students are tempted to drink at parties.

Not all high school students are immune to the message, though.

Haller was among a handful of volunteers from Johnsburg High School and McHenry's high schools who assisted at a Red Ribbon Week kickoff event sponsored by the McHenry Area Youth Commission Friday.

High school volunteers such as Haller oversaw activities for more than 75 students in districts 12, 15 and 36. Students who attended brought red ribbons back for their peers and also pledged to refrain from drug abuse as they get older.

"It's something nice to promote and show kids to be drug-free," Haller said.

Soldier receives hearty welcome home

From the Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Soldier receives hearty welcome home
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

CRYSTAL LAKE – Army Pvt. Jeremy Holderness thought he surprised his family and friends when he came home from Iraq a day early last week. But after receiving a hero's welcome Saturday, he turned out to be the one who was most surprised.

More than 60 motorcyclists from Warriors' Watch Riders, Patriot Guard Riders and American Legion Post #911 in Wauconda greeted Holderness at his Crystal Lake home, where friends and family had gathered to celebrate his 18-day return.

"I knew something was coming, but I had no idea," said Holderness, 19. "It feels great."

Holderness was shocked as he watched the motorcyclists drive in displaying large American flags and cheering for him. They were joined by Crystal Lake firemen and policemen who blared the sirens on the trucks and squad cars as they approached his neighborhood.

Holderness is a private 2nd-class with the Army, who has been stationed in Baghdad for the past eight months as a logistics coordinator. He will be home until Nov. 4, and then return to Baghdad until July 2009.

He also is a 2007 Crystal Lake Central High School graduate.

To keep the big welcome a secret, his mother organized a small get-together at their home.

"I pretended we were having a nice, big dinner with all his friends," Carole Holderness said.

As the motorcyclists parked their bikes, he gave out hugs and they continued applauding him.

"I was waiting for this moment as soon as I got [to Iraq]," he said. "It's stuff like this that gets us by, over there."

Annual event at Glacial Park puts daily routines of past centuries on display

From the Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Annual event at Glacial Park puts daily routines of past centuries on display
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

RINGWOOD – Five-year-old Gina Spilotro of Marengo wanted to do laundry the way it was done in centuries past. So her aunt, Marion, and father brought her to the "Servant's Quarters," explained how it was done, and told her to give it a shot.

She was confident, determined, and ready, but had just one question:

"Do I have to work here every day?" she asked, before heading towards a washboard and bucket at one of the tents at this year's Trail of History event at Glacial Park.

The Spilotros were among thousands who flocked to the Ringwood park Saturday for the 20th annual event, hosted by the McHenry County Conservation District.

For the weekend, more than 200 re-enactors portray blacksmiths, sheep herders, fur traders and others who lived between 1670 and 1850. Using their role-playing and elaborate scene-setting, they give visitors a glimpse of life as it was more than 150 years ago.

The valley was filled with tents and stages with special displays, such as an indentured servant auction.

Jessica Williams, 32, was among the re-enactors at that particular display. Her character, a 20-some-year-old engaged woman named Katherine Caird, from the 1770s, tried to return a servant she had purchased.

"She wore spectacles," she said. "She does not have perfect vision, and when she gets older she'll need new spectacles."

She managed to get five-pound refund on her servant.

The journey back in time continues today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the park.

Glacial Park is at 6316 Harts Road, off the west side of Route 31 north of Ringwood. Cost to attend is $6 per adult, $2 for seniors 60 and older, and $2 for children ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Pets are not permitted.

Legion post seeks Korean, Vietnam War vets

From the Friday, Oct. 17, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Legion post seeks Korean, Vietnam War vets

RICHMOND – The Paul C. Hoffman Post 253 of the American Legion is seeking veterans who were inducted into the military around the time of the Korean and Vietnam wars for a memorial in downtown Richmond.

Members of the Richmond-based group are hoping to track down veterans inducted between Jan. 1, 1947, and May 8, 1975, who also were residents of Richmond or Burton townships at the time.

"We know there's people out there," said Sonny Katzenberg, a Legion member who is organizing the effort. "[But] there's absolutely no place you can find the names of these people."

The monument stones were placed at Stevens Park last month, he said, but they don't have names on them yet. Anyone who was inducted into the military during that period of time will have their name printed on a removable steel nameplate to be placed on the stones. There is no cost for getting a nameplate, he said.

To submit a name, call Katzenberg at 815-678-4131 or mail the name, address, telephone number, branch of service and dates served to Sonny Katzenberg, P.O. Box 148, Richmond.

– Diana Sroka

Following complaints, transient told to stay away from school

From the Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Following complaints, transient told to stay away from school

WOODSTOCK – Police and school officials at Westwood Elementary School in Woodstock are urging parents not to worry about a suspicious man seen in the woods near the school recently.

Following complaints from students last week and Wednesday, police developed a description of the man, tracked him down, and determined that his activity wasn't criminal, according to a news release from the Woodstock Police Department.

The man had been seen in the woods after school hours on two occasions, which alarmed several students. After investigation, police determined the man was a transient, the release said, and was warned against trespassing on school property or returning to the area near the school.

"We have increased supervision in the back of the school during arrival and dismissal times," Westwood Principal Jared Skorburg said in a letter to parents regarding the reports.

Skorburg encouraged parents or students who observe suspicious activity to notify the school if an incident arises.

– Diana Sroka

Former member re-appointed to D12 board

From the Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Former member re-appointed to D12 board

JOHNSBURG – Bob Preston knows a thing or two about Johnsburg schools.

He grew up in town and attended Johnsburg schools. His two grown children attended Johnsburg Schools, and he served on the District 12 school board for more than 20 years until 2006, when he decided not to run for re-election.

After about a year and a half hiatus, Preston, 51, was re-appointed to the D12 board last week. His first meeting was Tuesday.

Preston replaces board member Jayne Thompson, who resigned from the school board in early September. Her last meeting was Sept. 23.

When Preston heard about the opening, it took only a few conversations with friends to convince him he should apply for the spot.

"One of the things most people are worried about [is] the financial condition of the district," said Preston, who has an accounting and business background. "I thought it would be a good idea to throw my hat into the ring and see if I could get back on."

Preston graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1979 with a degree in accounting. He owns Sky Hawk Sprinkler Systems Inc., based in Antioch.

Preston will hold the position until April 2009, when Thompson's term was set to expire.

– Diana Sroka

Administrators pleased with new Haber Oaks school

From the Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Administrators pleased with new Haber Oaks school
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

CARY – Freshly painted, warm colored walls. Large windows with a clear view of more than three acres of green grass and autumn trees.

Sound like a dream home? Nope, just a typical school day for about 70 high school students at District 155's new Haber Oaks Campus.

Administrators got a chance to walk through the newly renovated school Wednesday at an open house event. The new school, previously an under-used Cary District 26 administrative building, is the new home to District 155's alternative learning program.

"We gutted this building," said Debbi Cleary, special services director for the district. "The only things that are the same are the main hallway walls."

The renovations cost about $800,000 and were completed in late August, said John Lutsch, assistant superintendent for business and finance.

Among the renovations to the building are repainted walls, re-tiled floor, indoor carpeting, installation of a sprinkler system and many of the walls were knocked down to create new rooms. There are nine classrooms and four breakout rooms, plus an art room, counselor offices and lockers for the students.

Most of the classrooms have large windows along at least one of the walls and white dry erase boards instead of chalk boards.

"With all the natural light ... it really gives a nice, warm feeling," said Mike Sayre, a teacher at the school.

High school students in the district's alternative school programs have class in the Haber Oaks building, 400 Haber Road.

Thirty-one high school students in grades 9 through 12 are in a program called The Academy. This program is for students with behavioral and emotional issues, according to the District 155 Web site.

Forty students attend classes at the school as part of the Annex Alternative Education Program, for high school juniors and seniors who are behind in credits, Cleary said. As part of the program, students have a shortened school day and must have a job outside of school.

Previously, Annex students went to classes in the lower level of the District 155 Center for Education building. Academy students went to class next door to center, in a building the district rented.

"I think it [effects] their self esteem," Cleary said. "The district saw there was a need to get them out of the basement."

Teachers said not only is the new building more aesthetically pleasing, it's helped improve students' moods.

"It really helps just with the overall attitude," Sayre said.

Wednesday's event was the second of three open house events that took place since the school opened in August. An open house for parents was in August, at the start of the school year, and there will be an open house for residents in the school's neighborhood Oct. 22.

If you go:
What: Haber Oaks Campus open house for community members.
When: 3:30 to 5 p.m., Oct. 22.
Where: 400 Haber Road, Cary.

Trail of History returns to Glacial Park

From the Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Trail of History returns to Glacial Park
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

RINGWOOD – This weekend, Bob Paine won't be a 64-year-old adjunct professor from Crystal Lake.

Rather, he will be a 54-year-old fur trader of French and Potawatomi descent, living in a North American Métis village in the 1760s.

"I make sure the people who live in [my] village bring in the furs to trade with my company rather than a competitor," Paine said.

Paine is one of more than 200 re-enactors who will abandon their real identities as part of the McHenry County Conservation District's 20th annual Trail of History event.

From 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Glacial Park, the re-enactors will portray blacksmiths, sheep herders, fur traders and others who lived between 1670 and 1850. Through their role-playing and elaborate scene-setting at the park, visitors will get a glimpse of life as it was more than 150 years ago.

"They will not break character the entire time they're down there," said Wendy Kummerer, communications manager for the district.

Between 8,000 and 12,000 visitors are expected at the annual event, where they can travel back in history as they walk a mile-long trail.

Visitors can make corn husk dolls, play old-fashioned games, and dress up in old-fashioned clothes, among other activities. There also will be a re-enactment of military tactics during the French and Indian War, Dr. Balthazar’s traveling medicine show, swordsmanship and blacksmith demonstrations, and a variety of musicians, dancers and fortune tellers.

"It's a fun way for people to learn what life was like in the past," Paine said. "Most of the [re-enactors] know a lot about their periods, the events and people of their time."

Parents also will have the chance to "sell" their child as an indentured servant, perfect for any family with a child who has complained about doing chores.

Re-enactors will begin arriving Thursday night and won't leave the campsite until the event is over Sunday. Friday, about 1,500 fifth-grade students from area schools will get a sneak peek at the event as part of a field trip.

Glacial Park is at 6316 Harts Road, off the west side of Route 31 north of Ringwood. Cost to attend is $6 per adult, $2 for seniors 60 and older, and $2 for children ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Pets are not permitted.

If you go
What: Trail of History.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Where: Glacial Park, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood.
Cost: $6 for adults, $2 for seniors 60 and older and $2 for children ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and younger admitted free.
Information: Call 815-338-6223 or visit www.mccdistrict.org.

Antiques business owners react, adjust to economic climate

From the Monday, Oct. 13, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Antiques business owners react, adjust to economic climate

By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com
Seven years ago, a normal week meant 300 or 400 customers would stop by Colonial Antique Mall in Woodstock, one of seven antiques shops in town.

But now, Lee Muto's antiques mall is the only one of its kind in Woodstock, and the average number of weekly customers is down to 100 or 150.

Across McHenry County, antiques business owners are watching shops close, sales drop and foot traffic decline. Although they agree that it's been a tough decade for the antiques market nationwide, there's debate over how much of the shift is because of the tumultuous economy or to a change in consumer tastes.

Many store owners attribute the shifts in the market to the rise of big-box stores such as Ikea, Target or Wal-Mart.

"People are wanting cheap and fast," Muto said. "If it fits in the corner and it works for them, they buy it. They're not interested in buying for the value."

Muto has been in the business for 35 years. She said the young adult generation, more than any other, turns to retail stores for furniture because they think it saves them money. But these young consumers might not be getting the deal they think, she said.

"That's a misconception, because antiques are usually less money than your Target and your cheap stuff," Muto said. "And [antiques] are made of real wood; they [will be] here forever."

The average all-wood dresser ranges from $195 to $250 at Colonial, Muto said, and there are dressers priced as low as $75 and as high as $900. According to the Ikea Web site, a chest of drawers not necessarily made of all wood can cost anywhere from $30 to $400.

But not all shoppers are opting for the retail furniture.

"Ikea is cool because it's throwaway furniture, ... but people are getting sick of the quality," said Lisa Santiago, sales manager at the Volo Antique Malls on Old Volo Village Road.

She said shoppers were opting for higher-quality pieces, and Hoosier cabinets had been particularly popular at the Volo malls in recent weeks. At the Volo malls, the price of these kitchen cabinets ranges from $495 to $525, Santiago said.

Hutch-style kitchen cabinetry from Target ranges between $200 and $549, according to the Target Web site.

Santiago declined to provide sales figures, but said sales took a dip after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. She said sales now were rising at the mall but hadn't bounced back to what they were before the terrorist attacks. However, from her perspective, customers haven't ruled out buying antique furniture or other home items.

"They find a way to afford it," she said. "They work hard to buy the piece."

Shoppers also are becoming increasingly more wary of how much they spend. It's not uncommon for customers to visit the store several times before making a purchase, or come back with a friend or spouse.

"They'll go home, think it over and come back," said Pat Miller, owner of Solid Brass Fine Antiques in Richmond. "People are very careful about how they spend their money."

Once customers nail down an item they'd like to buy, they're more prone to haggle down the price than they were in the past.

At most antiques shops, items are priced by dealers before they are placed on display and available for purchase. However, Santiago said, many customers are ignoring the tags and naming their own prices – requiring shop owners and dealers to accommodate this new trend.

"We do leave that door open," Santiago said. "We go out of our way to try and help the dealer."

Beyond negotiating prices, antiques business owners are paying special attention to the presentation of their items and their niche in the antiques market.

Miller's store in Richmond specializes in high-end antiques, such as military equipment, tools and clocks. Unlike other shops, many of Miller's items are geared toward men.

Miller's shop is one of eight remaining antiques hubs in Richmond. Ten years ago, there were 15 antiques shops in Richmond, and in 1972, Richmond was home to 40 antiques shops.

At the Volo antiques malls, dealers are encouraged to group like items together or create a scene, or vignette.

"If it's thrown together, ... they're not going to do well," Santiago said.

In spite of the challenging economy, antiques business owners are optimistic about the future of their market and convinced that business will re-ignite when the economy thrives again.

"As long as people have a business mind, they're going to be fine," Santiago said. "Everything that happens with the economy happens in antiques."

Tips for preserving antiques

• For furniture, leave the finish alone, even if it's stained.
• For books, don't oil leather book covers.
• For silver, avoid high-octane metal polishes.
• For brass, polish items regularly.
• For garden antiques, bring them indoors during winter or cover them to keep water from freezing over them.
Source: Antiques Roadshow Web site, www.pbs.org/roadshow

Algonquin celebrates history, fall season

From the Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Algonquin celebrates history, fall season
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

ALGONQUIN – If a wagon box is 2 feet deep, 10 feet long and 3 feet wide, how many bushels of wheat can it hold?

Most eight grade students – or adults, for that matter – can't answer that question. But in 1895, every eighth-grader who wanted a diploma from an Algonquin public school knew the answer.

The material on the eight-grade final exam, how the Algonquin State Bank survived a tumultuous economy during World War I, and where original school houses are in Algonquin were among the historical facts that residents learned Saturday while on the Algonquin Cemetery Walk.

Hundreds of residents came to the sixth annual walk, sponsored by the Algonquin Historic Commission. More than 20 volunteers with the commission played characters from the town's history and guided tours for eager residents.

"[Our] past has a lot of interesting events and people," said Lori Cole, a commission member.

Cole played Mrs. Grace Keyes during the cemetery walk, a school teacher during the late 1800s who was married to one of the residents who used personal money to bail out the Algonquin State Bank during tough economic times during World War I.

The cemetery walk was especially popular with children.

"Just walking around looking at symbols [on the grave stones], told a lot about that person's history," said 10-year-old Samantha Eidl of Algonquin.

Meanwhile, near the downtown area, residents enjoyed the last Farmers Market of the season and Harvest Fest activities.

"It's always nice to have something in the area to go to," said Jen Yonamine of Algonquin. She came with her husband, Doug, and their three children, David, Rachel and Sarah.

For the Yonamine children as well as many others, the biggest attraction was pumpkin decorating.

Others enjoyed baked goods, children's games and a costume parade at Algonquin State Bank.

Hampshire grad killed in Yemen

From the Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Hampshire grad killed in Yemen
By DIANA SROKA -sroka@nwherald.com

HAMPSHIRE – At about 180 pounds, Jeff Patneau was among the smallest linebackers on the varsity Hampshire High School football team. But on the field, that didn't matter to him.

"He was able to play at a smaller size," said Dan Cavanaugh, head coach. "He was a hardworking, good guy."

Patneau, who graduated from Hampshire in 2001, died Oct. 4. He was 26.

Pantau was injured in a vehicle accident in Yemen Sept. 29. He was working for the U.S. State Department when an armored vehicle he was traveling in was struck broadside, said the Rev. Richard Priggie, campus minister at Augusta College. Patneau suffered skull injuries and was in a coma for five days before he died.

Despite his tragic death, those who knew Patneau said he never regretted his career choice.

"He wouldn't have done it any other way," said Don Umland, director of campus recreation at Augustana. "He had an extreme devotion to his country ... he loved what he was doing."

Patneau graduated with a business degree from Augustana in 2005.

It was no secret on campus that Patneau's dream was to become a Marine or government Secret Service agent.

"He loved his country and would do anything to advance the goals of freedom," said Priggie, who met Patneau during a spring break service trip.

Patneau was a recognized student leader during college. As vice president of the student government association his senior year, Patneau revamped the student honor code, which ultimately was adopted by the school.

He also was active in Habitat for Humanity and the Delta Omega Nu fraternity at Augustana.

While he was a student at Hampshire, he was known for his positive personality and his determination.

He was an offensive lineman and linebacker on the Hampshire football team, and his nickname was "Uno," Cavanaugh said.

"I remember him because he was a hardworking guy," Cavanaugh said.

His nickname came from always trying to tackle with one arm, said Bob Fillmore, an assistant football coach at Hampshire.

"He and I had a special relationship. We really bonded," Fillmore said.

For homecoming one year, Fillmore pasted Uno playing cards all over Patneau's locker. Patneau got back by covering the assistant coach's car with plastic wrap. Like others, Fillmore said he remembers Patneau's work ethic above all else.

"He worked so hard," Fillmore said. "That's the thing that sticks out. And he was a good student to boot."

After Patneau graduated from high school, his family moved to North Carolina.

A memorial service for Patneau was held Saturday morning Augustana.

The funeral will be Oct. 15, and arrangements are being handled by the Davidson Funeral Home in Lexington, N.C.

Libraries offer volumes more than books

From the Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Libraries offer volumes more than books
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

On a recent afternoon, 10-year-old Reilly Orpen was studying. Her 8-year-old brother, Michael, was playing Wii, and their father, Jerry, was doing some work – all at the Crystal Lake Public Library.

Libraries aren't just a place for books and card catalogs anymore, but a place for everything from book clubs and knitting classes to Wii tournaments and Guitar Hero.

Some wonder whether that's an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars earmarked for library districts, while others say it helps bring more people into the library and provides a valuable service.

"Some [programs] are educational, some are entertainment," said Johnsburg Public Library Director Maria Zawacki. "The library also serves as helping to meet the recreational needs, trying to function as a community center."

Zawacki said it's diverse programming – which often doesn't cost anything – that helps bring foot traffic into the library.

This past Tuesday, about 70 people attended a presentation at the Johnsburg Public Library about haunted locations in Illinois.

"You kind of have the educational thrown in with the entertainment," Zawacki said.

Another crowd-pleaser is the Eclectic Café, a monthly poetry gathering at the Algonquin Public Library.

It's a teen event that celebrates all things related to self-expession – from reading original poetry to performing short skits or music.

"Most of them are quite creative," said Virginia Freyre, young adult librarian at the Algonquin Library. "[They] read narratives they've written, stories, sometimes they get up and rant."

The poetry café takes place the second Wednesday of each month, September through July. Freyre said between 25 and 35 teens attend each session.

To attract yet another crowd, local libraries offer recent music CDs and DVDs for borrowing. A number of libraries in the area, including the Johnsburg, McHenry, Algonquin and Crystal Lake libraries, have purchased video gaming equipment.

In the past six months, the McHenry Public Library has seen increasing interest in Wii and Playstation 2, and purchased a brand new Wii in spring. It's used about twice a month, said Lesley Jakacki, assistant manager of young people's services at the McHenry Library.

"[Kids] can come after school and hang out with friends, or they can come by themselves and make friends by playing the game," Jakacki said.

While the Wii and movie rentals have nothing to do with research, Freyre said it's well-spent taxpayer money.

"Those taxpayers are paying for it, but they're also the ones that are coming in and borrowing them," Freyre said. "The taxpayers are enjoying what their tax dollars are [paying] for."

However, not all residents are buying it.

Orpen said that given the choice between paying less taxes to libraries or having the programming, he would rather pay lower taxes.

"As much as I want to support things like that, I don't think I can," said Orpen, of Crystal Lake.

However, he said he would be willing to pay small fees for the programming in which he partakes.

Not all libraries use tax money to fund these programs, however. At the Johnsburg library, most of the programming is paid for by the Friends of the Library, a volunteer organization that raises money through book sales. The Friends paid for the Haunted Illinois program this past week.

Jakacki said she wasn't concerned about youth recognizing the library as a place for recreation, rather than a place of research.

"As a young people's librarian, you're there to help mold the recreational part of their life as well as the educational," Jakacki said.

Candidates for county auditor share views

From the Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Candidates for county auditor share views
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

The challenger in the McHenry County auditor's race is advocating transparency and simplified financial reports that residents can more readily digest.

Meanwhile, the incumbent touts more than a decade of experience in the auditor's office, and says she is proud of the detail in her reports, which have helped the county garner praise from the Government Finance Officers Association.

Republican incumbent Pamela Palmer is a conservative with more than 11 years experience in the county auditor's office.

Her opponent on the Democratic ticket, Kerry Julian, owns an insurance and financial services business. He, too, is a self-proclaimed fiscal conservative.

Voters will choose between the two Nov. 4.

"I don't see that being fiscally conservative is Republican or Democrat," Julian said. "It would be better if the auditor's race were nonpartisan, because if you have partisan politics involved you introduce the possibility of favoritism."

Julian is running on a three-tiered platform: to make county government more transparent, develop county-wide expense policies and to force county government not to spend outside its budget.

If elected, one of his chief goals is to make the financial information available on the county Web site easier to understand.

"They're not really readable to the average person," Julian said.

He added that he advocates releasing a single-page report summarizing the financial state of the county.

Meanwhile, Palmer acknowledges the reports are long and complicated, but prides herself on their quality and thoroughness.

For the past nine years, the auditor's office has been commended by the Government Finance Officers Association for the thoroughness of the reports, which often comprise hundreds of pages.

"There's no way you could report this on a single sheet," Palmer said.

But she does acknowledge the difficulty of reading the long reports available online to residents. So for the past four years, she's been working to release a shorter report format, called the Popular Annual Financial Report.

Both candidates stressed the need for a better reimbursement policy, which became a hot topic after it was revealed that State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi charged thousands of dollars worth of expenses to the county, including candy for parades, in 2007.

Julian said the incident highlighted how county government was not looking out for taxpayers.

"They're meeting the letter of the law but the taxpayer is being shorted," he said. He stressed the need for a more thorough policy that says county government should not reimburse for entertainment at all.

Meanwhile, Palmer has insisted since the incident that she felt the expense reimbursement policy was weak, and raised the issue to others within county government.

Neither Palmer nor Julian believe it's the auditor's job to write policy. However, Palmer said county government wasn't responsive, so she recently completed a 22-page policy she wrote herself. That is presently under county administration review.

"I only did it out of extreme need," she said. "This is a one-time occurrence."

Richmond Fire plans motorcycle poker run memorial

From the Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Richmond Fire plans motorcycle poker run memorial
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

RICHMOND – Firefighter Ward Weber had been planning a motorcycle poker run to raise money for the Richmond Fire Department for more than a year and a half.

After the avid snowmobiler and family man died of a heart attack in July at age 48, his peers decided to finish the job.

The Richmond Fire Protection District will host its first motorcycle poker run and bicycle run Sunday in Weber's memory. The event will raise money for the station and aspiring firefighters.

Fellow Richmond firefighter Mark Miller, who is organizing the event, said Weber was known for his enthusiasm for his work, his family and enjoying the snow in the winter. Weber spent 13 years as a firefighter.

Anyone who rides a motorcycle is invited to meet at the firehouse by 9 a.m. Sunday. Registration is $25 per motorcycle and $5 for a passenger, and will be accepted the morning of the event.

Miller said about 400 motorcyclists were expected to participate as of Friday.

The motorcyclists will leave about 10:15 a.m. to travel to five different firehouses in the county, including stops in Harvard, Huntley and Johnsburg. The total trip will be about 90 miles and will last several hours.

At each stop, the motorcyclists will pick up a playing card, hoping to assemble the best hand.

There also will be a bicycle rally happening simultaneously for anyone who wants to participate but doesn't own a motorcycle, or for families. Bicyclists will travel different routes, some riding through Glacial Park at the McHenry County Conservation District and others through the Spring Grove area, Miller said.

"We're making it have a family feel," he said.

The bicycle rally starts at 8 a.m.

After the both the motorcycle event and the bicycle event, participants are invited to a pig roast hosted by the Richmond Odd Fellows Ben-Hur council. The pig roast will cost $5 a person. There also will be raffles, Miller said.

Money raised will be used to establish a scholarship for high school students who pursue a degree in fire science or emergency medical services. Some of the money raised will be used to help build a structure near the firehouse for new fire apparatus.

If you go
What: Richmond Fire first annual Ward Weber Memorial Poker Run.
When: Bicycle run starts at 8 a.m., and motorcycle run registration starts at 9 a.m. Sunday.
Where: Starts at Richmond firehouse, 5601 Hunter Drive, Richmond. For information, call 815-678-3672.

ICC OKs construction of power lines

From the Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

ICC OKs construction of power lines
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

HUNTLEY – Village officials are reeling after the Illinois Commerce Commission approved a ComEd request to build power lines near Huntley's Wing Pointe subdivision Wednesday.

The ICC gave a unanimous stamp of approval to the request during a bench session in Chicago. The decision allows ComEd to build, operate and maintain a 138,000-volt electric transmission line through a residential area in Huntley.

"The village and our residents deserve better," Village Manager David Johnson said. "We spent a lot of time proving there's an alternative route that is superior to ComEd's proposed route."

The Huntley Village Board has opposed the power line route since its proposal in May 2007. The line would extend 12 miles along the south side of Interstate 90 before turning north in Rutland Township, and it eventually would turn east along Kreutzer Road.

For months, village officials have voiced their disapproval of the request. In a Wednesday news release, village officials said the route "imposes an unnecessary and unwarranted burden" on the village and residents in the proposed route area.

ComEd spokesman Jeff Burdick said in August that the first step of the project would be the construction of the Interstate 90 portion of the transmission line. The inland portion affecting the route's residents wouldn't begin for at least another year.

This expansion represents the third phase of ComEd’s Northwest Reliability Project, which the company said was necessary because of sharp increases in the demand for electricity across the region.

ComEd said it hoped to complete the project near June 2011.

However, Johnson said village officials were investigating whether the decision could be appealed.

"That's something we are reviewing ... at this time," Johnson said. "We're hopeful we'll be able to sit down with ComEd and fully and completely understand what their plans are."

• Northwest Herald reporter Amber Krosel contributed to this report.

Spring Grove Fire to host open house

From the Sunday, Oct. 6, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Spring Grove Fire to host open house
SPRING GROVE – The Spring Grove Fire Protection District will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

The public is invited to meet Smokey the Bear, take a tour of the station, see the fire vehicles and receive fire-extinguisher training. Firefighters will be on hand to talk about what it's like to be a firefighter and what firefighters do during the workday.

Flight for Life will be at the station at 11 a.m. The McHenry County Health Department and Centegra mobile Wellness Van also will be at the open house.

The station is at 8214 Richardson Road, in Spring Grove.

– Diana Sroka

Barn, tractors destroyed in blaze

From the Sunday, Oct. 6, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Barn, tractors destroyed in blaze
HARVARD – No one was injured in an evening blaze that destroyed a barn and two tractors Friday.

Around 8:23 p.m., crews from the Harvard Fire Protection District responded to fire at 1202 Brookdale Road in Harvard, according to a news release. When they arrived, they discovered a large barn engulfed in flames.

The fire was so substantial that Harvard Fire sounded the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, or MABAS, for assistance from neighboring agencies.

No one was injured, but the fire caused about $30,000 in damages, the release said. The barn and two tractors were destroyed.

Emergency crews from Hebron, Huntley, Marengo, Wonder Lake, Woodstock, North Boone, Union, Capron, Fontana, Wis., Sharon, Wis., and the McHenry County Sheriff's Department assisted at the scene and in change of quarters.

– Diana Sroka

People walk for mental illness awareness

From the Sunday, Oct. 6, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

People walk for mental illness awareness
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

CRYSTAL LAKE – Roller coaster.

That's how Chris Gohl describes what life has been like since his wife, Kendra, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder two years ago.

"It's a struggle when you see someone doing everything they can, and it doesn't work," said Gohl. "But it's brought us closer as a family."

Gohl and his family traveled from their home in Lake Geneva, Wis., to join about 100 others for the seventh annual Walk for Mental Illness Awareness Saturday at Veteran Acres Park, in Crystal Lake.

The fundraiser walk was sponsored by the McHenry County Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, and aimed to raise awareness and provide fellowship for people who have mental illnesses.

"I think we really got our message across," said Merna Drewno, president of the chapter. "Even though there are times of difficulty and struggles, there's always hope."

It's estimated that mental illness affects about one in five American families, according to the national NAMI Web site, www.nami.org.

The walk gave people a chance to meet, share their stories and become motivated to conquer mental illness. One of the posters at the park included photographs of famous people who suffered from mental illnesses "so people could see those and be inspired,' Drewno said.

Money raised from the walk goes toward educational programs, peer support groups, an emergency medication fund and a scholarship for people living with mental illness who attend McHenry County College.

Drewno said she expected more than $15,000 to be raised.

Johnsburg SSA case continued until December

From the Saturday, Oct. 5, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Johnsburg SSA case continued until December
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

WOODSTOCK – After four days in court and still no resolution, the trial over a $10 million Johnsburg sewer project has been continued to December.

A member of the McHenry County Treasurer's Office and seven residents who live within the boundaries of the proposed project – including one who is suing the village – were questioned for more than five hours Friday in McHenry County Court until Judge Maureen McIntyre decided that the case needed more time.

"When we set this, we thought we would be able to complete this case in four days," McIntyre said. "Obviously ..."

Six of the residents who testified confirmed their home addresses and that they signed a petition opposing the project, which if approved, is to be paid for through establishment of a special service area. Homeowners living within SSAs pay more on their property taxes for a period of years to pay the costs of infrastructure projects.

After some of those testifying Friday said a resident in their homes had moved, the attorneys repeated the same sequence of questions.

"Did you ever notify the village ... ?" that someone had moved out of the home, asked the village's attorney, Kevin Costello.

The residents all answered, "No." Then the question went back to the attorneys representing opponents of the project.

"Did anyone tell you that you need to notify the village" of a resident moving out of the home, attorneys James Kelly and Maura McKeever asked.

In June 2007, the Johnsburg Village Board proposed funding a sewer system project through an SSA. Residents living within the boundaries of the SSA would pay either $14,800 up front or $21,600 in their property tax bills during the next 20 years.

Two months later, some residents filed a petition to stop the project. The village disputed some of the signatures on the petition, so a group of residents decided to sue the village to keep the project from continuing.

Signatures from 51 percent of residents affected by the SSA were needed to halt the project. The trial will determine whether opponents met that threshold.

One resident, Don Peeples, was questioned for almost four hours about his role in the petition drive and how the members of the coalition against the project did their fact-checking.

At one point during the trial, Costello asked a question implying that an attorney had helped the residents file the petition. Kelly objected and Costello then said to McIntyre that the residents were trying to portray themselves as "lay people" who didn't know how the petition process worked. McIntyre sided with Kelly, and Costello instead redirected his questioning to address whether coalition members knew that there were alleged errors in their petition.

The trial will resume at 10 a.m. Dec. 1.

When the words won't come: living with aphasia

From the Saturday, Oct. 5, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

When the words won't come: living with aphasia
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

Kristen Carlstedt thought she would get married this fall. The dress was picked out. But although much of the planning was still up in the air, Carlstedt, 33, and her fiancé, Rodrigo, were ready to start their life together.

Then in March, Carlstedt suffered a stroke while typing an e-mail at work. Instead of choosing flowers and bridesmaid dresses, Carlstedt has spent the past few months learning to live with a stroke side effect, aphasia, that inhibits her ability to speak and use language to communicate.

Carlstedt joined about 1 million Americans who suffer from aphasia, according to the National Institutes of Health. Aphasia can be triggered by strokes, traumas or tumors, and it's estimated that about 80,000 people acquire aphasia annually.

The severity of the condition varies; many experience difficulty understanding spoken words, contributing to a conversation, reading or understanding written words, or writing or doing math, according to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

"Imagine knowing what you want to say, but you can't get it out," said Barb Wasilk, director of Centegra Hospital's Neurotrauma Day Treatment Center, in Crystal Lake. "Or if people are talking to you ... you have no idea what they're saying."

Initially, Carlstedt's aphasia was so severe that she could not speak at all.

"Speech was hard work," Carlstedt said. "I can't tell you how many times I cried. It's like, when am I going to get better?"

She also suffered the physical side effects of the stroke and had difficulty using her right arm and leg.

Wasilk said it’s crucial for aphasia patients to start the recovery process with a speech language pathologist or therapist right away. Therapy is the only way aphasia patients can recover, and the sooner they begin, the more fully they will recover.

Rob Walkington, 45, also had a stroke in March and suffers from aphasia. He started speech and physical therapy within two weeks of the stroke.

“My right arm was just toast,” said Walkington, of Woodstock. "I really couldn’t do anything with it.

After he was released from the hospital, he began receiving treatment at the Neurotrauma Day Treatment Center, which is the only intensive day treatment facility for aphasia patients in McHenry County.

His wife, Kathi, often joined him at therapy, which therapists said helped with the recovery process.

"It's crucial for family to be a part of the treatment process and treatment plan,” Wasilk said. "To educate them about aphasia, teach them how to be an effective communication partner."

When Walkington struggled with his speech, he would look to Kathi because she knew what he was trying to say. But therapists encouraged him not to become dependent on having someone speak for him and taught him different ways to find words on his own.

"The struggle to find words is a big part of my life now," Walkington said.

One of the techniques he learned was circumlocution – thinking of related words that can help him remember the word he is seeking.

Talking with Walkington, most wouldn't be able to tell that he suffered a stroke this year. He speaks well and has even returned to work full-time. But occasionally, in conversation, Walkington can't find the right word and asks the other person to wait a moment while he thinks and uses circumlocution.

Therapists also encourage aphasia patients not to clam up because they’re having trouble speaking.

“Somebody who can’t communicate effectively will want to isolate themselves,” Wasilk said. “Encourage them to socialize or interact with others.”

Carlstedt lived in Michigan at the time of the stroke. As she began rehabilitation, she moved home to Crystal Lake to live with her parents, Rick and Jan Carlstedt.

Beyond helping her renew socialization skills, living at home allowed her more time to practice what she was learning in therapy.

Her parents gathered educational material, such as books that teach children to read, do math and tell time.

"We had to work on re-learning everything," Jan Carlstendt said.

Now, she can follow and carry a conversation, but she still struggles to put sentences together or find the right word.

Within the next year, Kristen Carlstedt hopes to begin working as a physical therapist part-time, complete her doctorate and get married.

Aphasia has changed both Carlstedt's and Walkington's lives, but they don't let it get them down.

"You really need to step up, and do it with vigor," Walkington said. "The more you work at it, the more it's going to get better."

To learn more: Information on aphasia can be found at www.nidcd.nih.gov/health. Click on Voice, Speech, and Language and then on Aphasia.

Underage drinking charges dropped for SG teens

From the Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Underage drinking charges dropped for SG teens
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

SPRING GROVE – Charges were dropped Wednesday against at least seven teens who pleaded guilty to underage drinking at a February barn party in Spring Grove.

The dropped charges were part of a July deal involving good behavior, alcohol awareness classes, community service, and a monetary contribution to CrimeStoppers or Students Against Drunk Driving.

"The village made the decision to have the prosecution agreement, and the kids did what they were asked to do," said Mary Spiegel, village prosecutor. "That's what you like to see, both parties following what they agreed to do."

The teens were among 58 teens who were arrested after Spring Grove police discovered a barn party at 7119 S. Solon Road. Of the 58 teens, 22 were charged with underage drinking. The party host, an 18-year-old male from Spring Grove, was charged with underage possession of alcohol and allowing underage persons to consume alcohol.

Many of the teens pleaded guilty to the charges and subsequently received three-month driver’s license suspensions, as updated state law requires. However, neither Spring Grove Police Chief Tom Sanders nor the teens and their attorneys were aware the guilty plea meant license suspensions, so some of the teens were allowed to rescind their March guilty pleas in July.

The village agreed to drop the charges against some of the teens if they were first-time offenders, didn't receive any new arrests of any kind, registered for and completed 10 hours of alcohol awareness and education classes, completed 20 hours of public service work, and made a $50 contribution, Spiegel said.

"You can't help but learn when you have to take a 10-hour alcohol awareness class," Spiegel said.

Underage drinking charges were dropped against at least seven of the teens in McHenry Branch Court Wednesday, and against the party host. In August, charges also were dropped against at least one teen charged with underage drinking.

Charges against one teen were not dropped because he did not complete the terms of the agreement, Spiegel said. However, she said the number of other teens who kept their side of the agreement showed the deal was effective.

"The fact that so many kids ... complied with the strict terms of the agreement shows it was a success," she said.

Johnsburg SSA trial focuses on process

From the Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Johnsburg SSA trial focuses on process
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

WOODSTOCK – The court battle that will decide whether the village of Johnsburg can move forward on a $10 million sewer project is under way.

Attorneys representing both the village and opponents of the project delivered opening statements and began witness questioning Tuesday in McHenry County Court.

In June 2007, the Johnsburg village board proposed funding a sewer system project through a special service area, or SSA. Residents living within the boundaries of the SSA would pay either $14,800 up front or $21,600 in their property tax bills over the next 20 years to fund the project.

Two months later, some residents filed a petition to stop the project. The village disputed some of the signatures on the petition, so some residents decided to sue the village to keep the project from continuing.

Signatures from 51 percent of residents affected by the SSA were needed to halt the project. The trial will determine whether opponents met that threshold.

During opening statements Tuesday, James Kelly, the attorney representing the opponents of the project, called the petition system a "backwards referendum" and the process the village used to evaluate the petition "flawed."

"What we hear from the village was it was overly burdensome for them to get it right," Kelly said.

Meanwhile, the village's attorney, Kevin Costello, defended the village's procedure.

"[The opponents] don't have to prove they have 51 percent... the village has to prove they do not," Costello said.

Two village employees testified Tuesday: Director of Village Operations Claudett Peters and Deputy Clerk Faith Brady.

Brady was questioned by Kelly about the procedure used to notify residents of the public hearing about the project.

Peters was questioned for more than three hours about the process used to determine which signatures from the petition were invalid and who made these decisions.

Judge Maureen P. McIntyre is presiding over the case, which is expected to last four days.

Village officials have been adamant that if the court decides the village can move forward with the project, the cost will have increased due to the time lapse, and residents in the 545 households in the SSA will pay a higher price than was marketed by the village last year. Village officials have not yet determined how the cost of legal fees over the litigation will be paid.

The trial will resume today.