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Oh, to be one in 175 million Powerball ticket-buyers line up and dream

Flider, Smith voted to raise income tax in ’11

By KEVIN P. CRAVER kcraver@shawmedia.com

Photos by Monica Maschak – mmaschak@shawmedia.com

ABOVE: Danny Walentin of Cary waits to buy a Powerball ticket as a line forms behind him Wednesday at the Thorntons gas station in Cary.

Walentin said he would like to help Hurricane Sandy victims if he wins the $550 million jackpot. TOP: Cary resident Betty Jankiewicz holds up one Mega Millions and two Powerball tickets after purchasing them Wednesday at the Cary Thorntons. Ticket sales for the $550 million Powerball jackpot have helped to more than double business at the store, said general manager Pam Selemon (left).

Did you win?

Wednesday’s Powerball numbers: 5-16-22-23-29.

Powerball: 6.

More lottery numbers on PAGE A2.

By STEPHEN Di BENEDETTO sdibenedetto@shawmedia.com

C

ARY – People throughout McHenry County lined up at gas stations and convenience stores Wednesday for a chance to win the $550 million Powerball jackpot, even against the slimmest of odds.

The drawing was shortly before 10 p.m. Wednesday and it likely

will be today before it’s known whether someone from Illinois or the 41 other Powerball-licensed states can claim the prize.

Even the idea of having $550 million – roughly $360 million in cash after taxes – drove area residents to stores. Cashiers at the Thorntons gas station in Cary were busy doling out lottery tickets to lines of people Wednesday afternoon.

Mary Robbins of Grayslake said

she couldn’t resist spending $2 on a ticket in the hope of winning the gigantic jackpot. She said she would use the winnings to build a dream house, open an animal shelter, travel and give at least $1 million to each family member.

“Somebody has to win. It might as well be me,” Robbins said. “It’s worth a shot.”

See POWERBALL, page A5

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate officially confirmed the state jobs of two former Democratic lame-duck representatives who voted at the last minute to approve the historic 2011 income-tax increase.

The Senate voted Wednesday to confirm the appointments of Robert Flider to head the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Michael Smith to a seat on the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board.

The two are among 12 lameduck lawmakers who voted in January 2011 to hike the state income tax 67 percent on individuals and 46 percent on businesses.

Flider, who has served as an interim since his February appointment by Gov. Pat Quinn, was confirmed on a 33-16 vote to the job, which pays $133,273 a year.

Smith, who has served unofficially on the board since June 2011, was confirmed on a 33-21 vote. The seat, which meets once a month and can be

Robert Flider

Michael Smith

Related Illinois House holds purse strings in battle over prison funds.

PAGE A3

See JOBS, page A6

Experts argue in Algonquin murder-for-hire case They differ on whether attorney knew behavior was wrong

By SARAH SUTSCHEK ssutschek@shawmedia.com

ROCKFORD – Sentencing began Wednesday for an Algonquin attorney involved in a murder-for-hire plot, with experts disagreeing on whether he was able to control his actions.

Jason Smiekel, 30, pleaded guilty to solicitation of murder using interstate commerce and faces up to 10 years in prison.

The intended target was Smiekel’s fianceé’s ex, Brian Hegg, who also was Smiekel’s client at one point.

The alleged motive cited by

LOCALLY SPEAKING

prosecutors was “dirt” Hegg had on Smiekel, but Smiekel’s attorneys have focused on his fear of Hegg – whether grounded in reality or not.

Prosecutors said Smiekel made several attempts to have Hegg killed, including soliciting a high school friend.

Another attempt was with a former client who owed Smiekel’s firm money. And the last ended up being an undercover agent for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Orest Wasyliw and Dia Boutwell, both forensic psychologists, agreed that Smiekel suffered from an anxiety disorder.

Wasyliw, who testified for the

McHENRY COUNTY

ROUTE 31 INTERSECTIONS FINISHED Construction on Route 31 at Virginia Road/Klasen Road is complete and all lanes of traffic will be open today, the McHenry County Division of Transportation said. A small amount of work remains and will be accomplished in daily lane closures that are expected to last until the middle of December, officials said. For more, see page B1.

Josh Peckler – jpeckler@shawmedia.com

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defense, said the disorder affected Smiekel’s ability to appreciate the criminality of his actions and control them.

He said Smiekel suffered from generalized anxiety disorder, which is characterized by extreme anxiety, excessive and overwhelming worries, and physical tension.

See MURDER PLOT, page A5

Jason Smiekel, 30, of Algonquin.

Page 2

Yesterday’s NWHerald.com most-commented stories 1. Letter: Benghazi-gate 2. Letter: Immigrant license idea 3. Letter: Public servant

Yesterday’s NWHerald.com most-emailed stories 1. Fox River Grove hideout for infamous bank robber 2. Richmond fire damages cars, garage 3. Medcor continues trek towards wellness

Thursday, November 29, 2012 • Northwest Herald • NWHerald.com

Are you buying a 377 board ticket?

Many would rather waste their hard-earned money buying Powerball tickets than pay taxes.

Given a choice between handing one-third of your income over to government agencies to do various things from which you might or might not benefit, or contributing one-third of your paycheck toward a 1-in-175 million shot at collecting $550 million, most would select the latter despite the odds.

This is human nature, and why paying taxes isn’t a choice, while sucker bets are entirely up to us. We like to think we’re entirely rational beings, yet there’s nothing rational about the likelihood of winning the Powerball lottery. There are plenty of rational reasons to pay taxes.

We can, will and should argue about what taxes we should pay, how much and for which services. But rational people know that without a citizen’s financial duty to the govern-

VIEWS Kevin Lyons ment, we’d live in anarchy. Survival of the fittest, the richest and the better armed.

As a middle-aged dude who doesn’t own a gun and has chosen a career in journalism, I assume I’d be toiling in some Apple manufacturing plant for iTunes gift cards in this dystopian society of my imagination. Instead, the government takes its cut from my paycheck, and the county treasurer sends me a bill twice a year.

We’re a rational society, so we’ve come to expect that we will pay taxes for basic things, in no particular order, such as military defense, public schools, roads, snow removal, police protection, a justice system and to assist in the basic needs of the poor.

There are many other things, and some of the least rational fringes of our rational society will quibble over the need to pay even for those basic government functions.

When any element of government proposes a new form of tax, particularly when residents themselves can vote on whether they want to pay it, expect a battle. Odds definitely aren’t 1-in-175 million, but they’re long to say the least.

So it will be interesting to watch the public discussion that takes place over the McHenry County Board’s proposal to form a new taxing district, a 377 board, to pay for services to support the developmentally disabled.

The new tax would mean an increase of about $60 a year to the owner of a $200,000 home who takes the homestead exemption. As examples of some of the need, county officials say there are more than 400 individuals in McHenry County who need group

homes and more than 700 families in the county in need of respite care.

I’m not trying to sell anyone on the referendum, but if you know anyone or have even spoken to anyone in these situations, you’d have some idea of just how taxing severe developmental disabilities can be on a family or an individual. The problem is real – not some tax-grabbing invention.

But even those who are sympathetic to the cause will need some solid convincing of exactly how it will work, where the money is going, how it will be distributed, and what the administrative costs will be. The more detailed and honest the answers, the greater the chances of holding a winning ticket.

• Kevin Lyons is news editor of the Northwest Herald. Reach him at 815-526-4505 or email him at kelyons@ shawmedia.com.

Illinois Lottery Pick 3 Midday: 8-9-0 Pick 3 Evening: 7-7-7 Pick 4 Midday: 4-6-2-1 Pick 4 Evening: 5-5-9-7 Lucky Day Lotto: 3-8-14-26-39 Lotto: 10-11-16-29-31-39 Lotto jackpot: $5.5 million

NEW YORK – New York City can be like a zoo sometimes, but a zebra running wild through the streets is not something you ordinarily see.

The Staten Island Advance reports that a zebra and a miniature horse were spotted trotting through a shopping center parking lot Wednesday morning in Staten Island.

Zachary Osher, owner of Metropolitan Drape & Blind, saw the runaway equines. He said they ran down a street and narrowly escaped being hit by a car. He said two men ran after them with lassoes.

A police spokesman said the animals were later corralled and returned to a petting zoo.

– Wire report

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8TODAY’S TALKER

Pot laws no free ride to smoke on campus

By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS The Associated Press SPOKANE, Wash. – Young voters helped pass laws legalizing marijuana in Washington and Colorado, but many still won’t be able to light up.

Most universities have codes of conduct banning marijuana use, and they get millions of dollars in funding from the federal government, which still considers pot illegal.

With the money comes a requirement for a drug-free campus and the threat of expulsion for students using pot in dorms.

“Everything we’ve seen is that nothing changes for us,”

Count on Me...

said Darin Watkins, a spokesman for Washington State University in Pullman.

So despite college cultures that include pot-smoking demonstrations each year on April 20, students who want to use marijuana will have to do so off campus.

“The first thing you think of when you think of legalized marijuana is college students smoking it,” said Anna Marum, a Washington State senior from Kelso, Wash. “It’s ironic that all 21-year-olds in Washington can smoke marijuana except for college students.”

Voters in November made Washington and Colorado the first states to allow adults over 21 to possess up to an

ounce of marijuana. Exit polling showed both measures had significant support from younger people. Taxes could bring the states, which can set up licensing schemes for pot growers, processors and retail stores, tens or hundreds of millions of dollars a year, financial analysts say.

But the laws are fraught with complications, especially at college campuses. At Washington State, students who violate the code face a variety of punishments, up to expulsion, Watkins said. The same is true at the University of Colorado Boulder, where the student code of conduct prohibits possessing, cultivating or consuming illegal drugs.

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How many Powerball tickets did you buy?

Are you buying or have you bought Powerball tickets for today’s drawing?

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8CONTACT US

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Gary Gasseling, deputy chief of the Eastern Washington University police department, said that while they await guidance from the state Liquor Control Board, which is creating rules to govern pot, one thing is clear.

“The drug-free environment is going to remain in place,” he said.

Even if conduct codes did not exist, marijuana remains illegal under federal law, another key reason that campuses will remain cannabis-free.

The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act requires that any university receiving federal funds adopt a program to prevent use of illicit drugs by students and employees.

8CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS Accuracy is important to the Northwest Herald, and we want to correct mistakes promptly. Please call errors to our attention by phone, 815-459-4122; email, tips@ nwherald.com; or fax, 815459-5640.

8CRISIS LINE Don’t know where to turn for help? Call the McHenry County Crisis Line at 800892-8900. The phone line is open 24 hours a day. It’s confidential and free. You also can visit the crisis line on the Web at www.mchenry-crisis. org.

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STATE & NATION

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Thursday, November 29, 2012 • Page A3

Obama mounts ‘fiscal cliff’ campaign

By DAVID ESPO The Associated Press

WASHINGTON – The White House and a key congressional Democrat hinted at fresh concessions on taxes and cuts to Medicare and other government benefit programs Wednesday as bargaining with Republicans lurched ahead to avoid the year-end “fiscal cliff” that threatens to send the economy into a tailspin.

Increasing numbers of rank-and-file Republicans also said they were ready to give ground, a boost for House Speaker John Boehner and other party leaders who say they will agree to higher tax revenues as part of a deal if it also curbs benefit programs as a way to rein in federal deficits.

“I’ll go anywhere and I’ll do whatever it takes to get this done,” President Barack Obama said as he sought to build pressure on Republicans to accept his terms – a swift renewal of expiring tax

AP photo

President Barack Obama gestures as he speaks Wednesday in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, on the White House campus in Washington, about how middle class Americans would see their taxes go up if Congress fails to act to extend the middle class tax cuts. cuts for all but the highest income earners. “It’s too important for Washington to screw

this up,” he declared.

For all of the talk, there was no sign of tangible prog-

ress on an issue that marks a first test for divided government since elections that as-

sured Obama a second term in the White House while renewing Republican control in the House.

“It’s time for the president and Democrats to get serious about the spending problem that our country has,” Boehner said at a news conference in the Capitol. He, like Obama, expressed optimism that a deal could be reached.

At the same time, he publicly disagreed with one GOP lawmaker, Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma, who said he was ready to go along with Obama’s plan to renew most but not all of the expiring income tax cuts. “It’ll hurt the economy” to raise rates for anyone, said Boehner.

Separately, at a closed-door meeting with the rank and file, the speaker told fellow Republicans they are on solid political ground in refusing to let tax rates rise. He circulated polling data showing the public favors closing loopholes to raise revenue far more than it supports raising rates on incomes over $250,000.

House holds purse in battle over prison funds

By JOHN O’CONNOR The Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn vowed Wednesday to continue fighting to steer state money from prisons to child protection, after being rebuffed by the Senate on his plan to shutter state facilities.

On the second day of the General Assembly’s fall veto session, the Senate voted, 35-16, to override Quinn’s veto of $57

million approved by the Legislature to keep two prisons and two juvenile detention centers open. The governor will take his case to the House, where a second override vote would not force the Democratic governor to keep the prisons open, but would prohibit him from spending the money elsewhere despite the state’s dire financial situation.

Quinn aides said his message, as he crosses the Capitol

rotunda in the coming days, is this: It’s a choice between spending on underutilized prisons or better protection against the abuse and neglect of children.

“He’s talking to lawmakers and will impress upon them that the money is better spent on kids than on prisons” he considers unnecessary, Quinn budget spokesman Abdon Pallasch said.

The House canceled Thursday’s portion of the fall ses-

sion. A spokesman said the legislation’s House sponsor, Speaker Michael Madigan, has not decided whether to seek an override. The session’s final three days begin Tuesday.

Beside the override vote, the Senate adopted a plan Wednesday to require some corporations to disclose what they pay in income tax. The chamber also rejected legislation that Quinn rewrote to ban assault weapons and sent the governor

a plan he supports to subsidize state park repairs with a $2 license plate surcharge.

The House adopted a resolution that recommends no pay raises this year for unionized state workers; set a special congressional election April 9 for the seat held by U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who resigned; and voted to give the Chicago Public Schools more time to announce what schools it plans to close.

e PrHOLIDAY

8STATE BRIEFS Quinn: ‘Squeezy’ pension video viewed 20K times

CHICAGO – Officials said Gov. Pat Quinn’s online pension reform campaign with its cartoon snake mascot has attracted more than 28,000 unique visitors.

He launched the website this month, billing it as a way to rally the public around a pension overhaul since lawmakers haven’t come up with a plan.

The site has been criticized for its lighthearted approach, including images of the orange serpent, “Squeezy the Pension Python.” The Democrat’s office said a video with the cartoon has been viewed 20,000 times.

The campaign involves Facebook and Twitter pages.

On Tuesday, Quinn unveiled a video with educator Salman Khan. He runs a nonprofit academy and has developed thousands of online tutorials.

Ill. license fee for state parks goes to governor

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate has approved a $2 license plate fee to improve crumbling state parks.

The plan to cut into a $750 million backlog in park maintenance and repairs now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn. He’s indicated he approves of the proposal.

It was the second go for the Senate. The measure failed in June but received a 39-11 vote in favor on Wednesday.

The money would be used by the Department of Natural Resources. It was suggested as an alternative to charging an entrance fee. A basic annual license plate costs $99.

– Wire reports

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New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (right), accompanied by Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference Wednesday on Capitol Hill in Washington to discuss disaster relief funds for superstorm Sandy.

NYC mayor seeks more disaster aid for Sandy victims

By ANDREW MIGA The Associated Press

WASHINGTON – New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg appealed to congressional leaders Wednesday for quick action on providing tens of billions of dollars in new federal aid to help his city and state and others recover from superstorm Sandy but was told it might be some time before it’s forthcoming – and it likely won’t be all at once.

Bloomberg met with more than a half-dozen lawmakers, including several who chair or sit on committees controlling the government’s purse strings, as well and both parties’ leaders in the House and Senate.

“Hurricane recovery is not a partisan issue,” he told reporters at a news conference in between the meetings. “We have to bring together both sides in Washington.”

New York state alone is seeking $42 billion in additional federal aid. New Jersey is seeking federal aid to cover most of the nearly $37 billion cost for recovery and rebuilding.

So far about $2 billion in federal funds – about half for direct assistance to individuals – have been provided to the two most heavily damaged states and nine others in the storm’s path. There’s about $5 billion left in the Federal Emergency Management

Agency’s disaster relief fund, but last year’s budget agreement permits President Barack Obama to seek another $5.4 billion without hitting a ceiling on spending.

Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, a member of the Appropriations Committee and the top Republican on the Homeland Security Committee that oversees disaster relief, struck a skeptical note after her meeting with the mayor.

“It’s going to be a hard sell,” she said, given Congress’s preoccupation with the fiscal cliff crisis and tight budget restraints. Reflecting a line taken in the past by House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan and other fiscal conservatives, she said at least some of the new spending for Sandy relief and rebuilding should be offset by spending cuts in other government programs.

“Otherwise it’s just going to be added to the debt and that makes it even more difficult for us to deal with the fiscal challenges,” she said.

Collins said she needs to see more detailed numbers on damages before deciding on how much Sandy aid is needed. But she said New York’s request is “reasonable” if the damages can be documented and added that state and city officials have not tried to exaggerate the damages, as she claims happened with Hurricane Katrina seven years ago.

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NATION & WORLD

Page A4 • Thursday, November 29, 2012

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

‘Second revolution’ ahead?

Egypt crisis raises fears of further political violence The ASSOCIATED PRESS

AP photo

U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice leaves a meeting Wednesday on Capitol Hill in Washington with Sen. Susan Collins, R- Maine, and Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., about the Sept. 11 Benghazi terrorist attack.

Senator voices concern about Rice for state job Collins: More info still needed on Libyan attack The ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON – A moderate Republican senator, vital to any White House hopes of getting U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice confirmed as secretary of state, said Wednesday she couldn’t back any nomination until more questions are answered about the deadly Sept. 11 attack in Libya and Rice’s State Department role during the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombing in Kenya.

In a fresh suggestion of eroding GOP support for Rice, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine emerged from a 90-minute, closed-door meeting with the ambassador voicing new criticism of her initial account about Libya. Collins also questioned what Rice, the assistant secretary of state for African Affairs in the Clinton administration, knew about

requests for enhanced embassy security before the Nairobi, Kenya, truck bombing.

Pressed on how she would vote if President Barack Obama names Rice to succeed Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Collins said, “I would need to have additional information before I could support her nomination.”

Obama came to Rice’s defense during a Cabinet meetSen. Susan ing, calling Collins her “extraordinary” and saying he couldn’t be prouder of the job she has done as U.N. ambassador.

Cabinet members joined Obama in applauding Rice, who attended the meeting.

Obama has not named a replacement for Clinton, who has said she intends to step down soon.

The misgivings from Collins, the top Republican on the Homeland Security Committee, came one day after three other GOP senators said they would try to block Rice’s nom-

ination. Sens. John McCain of Arizona, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire said they were more troubled than ever by Rice’s answers on Libya even though the ambassador conceded that her much-maligned first explanation was wrong.

In an unusual move, Rice and acting CIA Director Michael Morell have held two days of private meetings with Republican senators in hopes of assuaging their concerns.

Privately, Senate Republicans said they had hoped the conversations would quiet the criticism as they want to avoid the spectacle of a postelection challenge to a female African-American nominee.

Instead, the sessions have cast further doubt on her chances for the top State Department job and increased the likelihood of a protracted fight if Obama does choose her. Although Democrats will have 55 votes in the next Congress, the president would need the support of five Republicans to avoid a filibuster of the nomination.

Officer explains suspect’s handling

A suicide behind the treatment of WikiLeaks figure The ASSOCIATED PRESS

FORT MEADE, Md. – An Army private accused of sending reams of classified U.S. documents to the secret-spilling website WikiLeaks was kept in tight pretrial confinement partly because another prisoner had recently committed suicide, the former security chief at the Quantico, Va., Marine Corps base testified Wednesday.

Marine Col. Robert Oltman appeared as a witness on the second day of a pretrial hearing for Pfc. Bradley Manning,

who is seeking dismissal of all charges, claiming his confinement in the Quantico brig amounted to illegal punishment.

Oltman and others have testified that psychiatrists who examined Manning at Quantico repeatedly recommended that his conditions be eased.

But Oltman, whose command included Bradley the brig, said Manning he was skeptical about at least one of those recommendations because another detainee had killed himself in December 2009 after his custody status was reduced based upon the advice of the same doctor, Navy Capt. Wil-

liam Hochter, the psychiatrist assigned to the brig.

“He didn’t have the strongest credibility with me with regards to his recommendations,” Oltman said under questioning by civilian defense attorney David Coombs.

Manning was held at Quantico for nine months, from July 2010 to April 2011, when he was moved to Fort Leavenworth, Kan. Throughout his time at Quantico, he was designated a “maximum custody” detainee and considered at risk of either suicide or harming himself or others.

He was locked up alone for at least 23 hours a day, forced to sleep naked for several nights and required to stand naked at attention one morning, his lawyers assert.

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CAIRO – Faced with an unprecedented strike by the courts and massive opposition protests, Egypt’s Islamist president is not backing down in the showdown over decrees granting him nearabsolute powers.

Activists warn that his actions threaten a “second revolution,” but Mohammed Morsi faces a different situation than his ousted predecessor, Hosni Mubarak: He was democratically elected and enjoys the support of the nation’s most powerful political movement.

Already, Morsi is rushing the work of an Islamist-dominated constitutional assembly at the heart of the power struggle, with a draft of the charter expected as early as today, despite a walkout by liberal and Christian members that has raised questions about the panel’s legitimacy.

The next step would be for Morsi to call a nationwide referendum on the document. If adopted, parliamentary elections would be held by spring.

Wednesday brought a last-minute scramble to seize the momentum over Egypt’s political transition. Morsi’s camp announced that his Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamists will stage a massive rally in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, the plaza where more than 200,000 opposition supporters gathered a day earlier.

The Islamists’ choice of the square for Saturday’s rally raises the possibility of clashes. Several hundred Morsi opponents are camped there, and another group is fighting police on a nearby street.

AP photo

Egyptian protesters clash with security forces Wednesday near Tahrir Square in Cairo. President Mohammed Morsi’s camp announced a massive Muslim Brotherhood rally there Saturday. That could lead to clashes, as Morsi opponents are already camped at the square.

“It is tantamount to a declaration of war,” said liberal politician Mustafa al-Naggar, speaking on the private AlTahrir TV station.

Morsi remains adamant that his decrees, which place him above oversight of any kind, including by the courts, are in the interest of the nation’s transition to democratic rule.

Backing down may not be an option for the 60-year-old U.S.-educated engineer.

Doing so would significantly weaken him and the Brotherhood at a time when their image has been battered by widespread charges that they are too preoccupied with tightening their grip on power to effectively tackle the country’s many pressing problems.

Morsi’s pride is also a key factor in a country where most people look to their leader as an invincible figure.

He may not be ready to stomach another public humiliation after backing down twice since taking office in June.

His attempt to reinstate parliament’s Islamist-dominated lower chamber after it was disbanded in July by the Supreme Constitutional Court was overturned by

that same court. Last month, Morsi was forced to reinstate the country’s top prosecutor just days after firing him when the judiciary ruled it was not within his powers to do so.

Among Morsi’s first acts after seizing near-absolute powers last week was to fire the prosecutor again.

Unlike last year’s antiMubarak uprising, calls for Morsi’s ouster have so far been restricted to zealous chants by protesters, with the opposition focusing its campaign on demands that he rescind his decrees, disband the constitutional panel and replace it with a more inclusive one, and fire the Cabinet of Prime Minister Hesham Kandil.

“There is no practical means for Morsi’s ouster short of a coup, which is very, very unlikely,” said Augustus Richard Norton, a Middle East expert from Boston University.

Still, the opposition, whose main figures played a key role in the anti-Mubarak uprising, may be tempted to try to force Morsi from office if they continue to draw massive crowds like Tuesday’s rally, which rivaled some of the biggest anti-Mubarak demonstrations.

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The information above refers to simulated past performance, which cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance. For the S&P 500® Index, the Least, Median, and the Best index increase 10-year periods were based on historical index values as reported by Standard & Poor’s®. For the Annuity Linked TVI Index, the Least, Median and Best index increases 10-year periods were based on simulated index values as reported by Bloomberg. The Least, Median and Best index increase 10-year periods were determined for each index separately. The Median period is the sixth best index in crease out of the 11 10-year periods from 1991 to 2011. It is not the average of the Best and Least increase periods. To determine the Least, Median and Best index increase 10-year periods no Cap, which applies in determining the Index Interest Rate for the S&P 500® Annual Point to Point Index Account and no spread or participation rate or vesting percentage, which may apply in determining the Index Interest Rate for the 5 Year Annuity Linked TVI Index Account, were taken into account. A .50% annual spread currently applies to the 5 Year Annuity Linked TVI Index Account and is reflected in the simulated past performance shown above. Depending on market conditions, a participation rate may also apply in the future. A 3.0% Cap has been applied to the S&P 500® Annual Point to Point Index Account and is reflected in the numbers shown above. Although this product was not available for the period of time referenced above, actual historical prices of the indices were used in this example, which was intended solely for comparative values and is not an indication of the product’s past or future performance.

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During the 10-year surrender charge period all or part of the bonus may be recaptured. Bonus annuities, such as the Total Value Annuity, may use factors to determine interest rates that result in lower interest credited in future years, have higher surrender charges, longer surrender charge periods, or other charges than similar annuities without a bonus. The reduction of interest or higher charges may exceed the amount of the bonus.

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Standard or Poor’s®, S&P®, S&P 500® and Standard & Poor’s 500® are trademarks of Standard & Poors® and have been licensed for use by Security Benefit Life Insurance Company. This product is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor’s™, and Standard & Poor’s® makes no representation regarding the advisability of purchasing these products.

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(88-00002-18)

NEWS

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

Local residents snap up tickets in boost to stores • POWERBALL

2012 Powerball winners

People have a far greater chance of being struck by lightning in their lifetime (1 in 10,000), dying from a bee sting (1 in 6.1 million) or birthing identical quadruplets (1 in 13 million) than winning Wednesday night’s drawing. Odds of winning were estimated at 1 in 175 million.

The Powerball jackpot has been growing since early October – the last time someone won.

The Powerball payout would be the second-largest lottery on record, surpassed only by the $656 million Mega Millions jackpot in March.

That prize was split three ways. One of the winners was Merle Butler of Red Bud in southern Illinois. He took home nearly $119 million.

As of Wednesday, an Oak Park family was the only Powerball jackpot winner in Illinois. That was in 2010 – the first year the state started selling Powerball tickets.

The jackpot in the latest drawing was raised to $550 million early Wednesday from $500 million because of “blistering” lottery sales, Illinois Lottery officials said.

Over a 30-minute period around the middle of the day Tuesday, the Illinois Lottery sold more than $200,000 in Powerball tickets across the state.

At the Thorntons in Cary, general manager Pam Selemon said her lottery sales have nearly doubled since Tuesday.

Wednesday morning alone produced about $3,200 in ticket sales, Selemon said, and she expected the store would net between $10,000 to $13,000 by day’s end.

“It brings in more business,” she said. “They are going to stop and get gas, drinks

• Oct. 3: Anonymous Delaware resident – $50 million • Sept. 26: Iowans Mary and Brian Lohse – $202 million • Aug. 15: Donald Lawson of Michigan – $337 million • June 23: Noel Peel of Connecticut – $60 million • June 13: 20 employees from an Iowa Quaker Oats plant – $241 million • April 25: 48 transit workers from Pennsylvania – $172 million • March 21: Joseph and Celeste Tamburello of New Jersey – $70 million • March 7: The Ohana Trust in Rhode Island – $60 million • Feb. 25: Tara Ramirez of New York – $70 million • Feb. 11: Louise White of Rhode Island – $336 million

Continued from page A1

Source: The Multi-State Lottery Association

Voice your opinion How many Powerball tickets did you buy? Vote online at NWHerald.com. and coffee. It definitely helps because people are buying more stuff.”

Selemon was one of three employees at the cash register helping manage lines of ticket-buyers. She handed two tickets to Betty Jankiewicz.

The Cary woman said she would use the winnings on her family, especially because her husband died recently. But she didn’t deny she would use some of the money for herself.

“I would help my family probably more than anything and maybe buy a new car,” Jankiewicz said.

• The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Thursday, November 29, 2012 • Page A5

Palestinians hope to gain leverage They again seek U.N. recognition The ASSOCIATED PRESS RAMALLAH, West Bank – The U.N. vote expected today to recognize a state of Palestine will be far more than symbolic – it could give the Palestinians leverage in future border talks with Israel and open the way for possible war crimes charges against the Jewish state.

The Palestinians want the 193-member General Assembly to accept “Palestine,” on the lands Israel occupied in 1967, as a nonmember observer state. They anticipate broad support.

For Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the U.N. bid is a last-ditch attempt to stay relevant as a leader after years of failed peace talks with Israel, at a time when his Islamic militant Hamas rivals are gaining ground.

The U.S. and Israel have tried to block the quest for U.N. recognition of Palestine, saying it’s an attempt to by-

AP photo

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrives Tuesday at the United Nations Plaza Hotel in New York. The Palestinians say they need U.N. recognition to resume negotiations with Israel. pass Israeli-Palestinian negotiations that broke down four years ago.

The U.S. deputy secretary of state, William Burns, met with Abbas in New York on Wednesday, asking Abbas again to drop the idea and promising that President Barack Obama would re-engage as a mediator in 2013, said Abbas aide Saeb Erekat. Abbas told Burns it was too late.

Secretary of State Hillary

Rodham Clinton said U.N. recognition of an independent Palestine won’t help to reach a lasting two-state peace agreement and stressed that the “path to a two-state solution that fulfills the aspirations of the Palestinian people is through Jerusalem and Ramallah, not New York.”

Israel, meanwhile, appeared to back away from threats of drastic measures if

the Palestinians get U.N. approval, with officials suggesting the government would take steps only if the Palestinians use their new status to act against Israel.

The Palestinians say they need U.N. recognition of a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem, the lands Israel captured in 1967, to be able to resume negotiations with Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s predecessors accepted the 1967 lines as a basis for border talks, with modifications to be negotiated, including land swaps that would enable Israel to annex some of the largest Jewish settlements.

Those talks did not produce a deal, and the sides remained apart on other key issues.

Netanyahu rejects the 1967 lines as starting point while pressing ahead with settlement construction, leaving Abbas little incentive to resume negotiations. Israel goes to elections in January, and polls indicate Netanyahu has a strong chance of winning.

Smiekel’s sentencing hearing to continue today • MURDER PLOT

Continued from page A1 Smiekel had an extreme fearfulness with paranoia that primed him for a “fight or flight” response in which he would attack the source or escape.

While there were other stresses, including a divorce, child custody battle and an extortion attempt by one of the men he had solicited, Wasyliw said Smiekel’s biggest stress was Hegg, who Smiekel greatly feared.

“That fear was so intense that it basically controlled the direction of his thinking,” Wasyliw said. “His

primary motivation was selfpreservation and protection in any way he could think of.”

While Boutwell agreed with many of Wasyliw’s findings, she said she found that Smiekel did know his behavior was wrongful.

She cited Smiekel’s discussion of using throwaway phones, for example, and that he tended to minimize his plans to have an alibi.

U.S. District Court Judge Frederick J. Kapala at one point interjected in the questioning of Wasyliw and asked what reassurances Wasyliw could give to Hegg once Smiekel is out of prison and no longer on supervised

release.

“What happens then?” the judge asked.

Wasyliw said he does not have the expertise to answer that question, although the circumstances surrounding Smiekel’s actions were unique.

The “extreme pressures” Smiekel faced – whether real or perceived – are no longer present and his actions were out of character, Wasyliw said.

But there is no way of telling what, for example, Smiekel’s ex-wife or his son will be doing in the future, Wasyliw said.

Anxiety disorders, however, are among the most treat-

able mental disorders and can be successfully treated, he said.

Another expert who testified for the defense, clinical psychiatrist Lisa Rone, said she has treated many people in a similar situation to Smiekel’s and she believes he would be self-motivated to continue treatment.

“I feel very comfortable that he is a very minimal risk,” she said.

Sentencing was continued to today. Smiekel has been in custody at the Boone County Jail since he was arrested in August 2011.

His law license has been suspended pending completion of the case against him.

NEWS

Page A6 • Thursday, November 29, 2012

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

Loss of ice breaks records The ASSOCIATED PRESS

DOHA, Qatar – An area of Arctic sea ice bigger than the United States melted this year, according the U.N. weather agency, which said the dramatic decline illustrates that climate change is happening “before our eyes.”

In a report released at climate talks in the Qatari capital of Doha, the World Meteorological Organization said the Arctic ice melt was one of many extreme and recordbreaking weather events in 2012. Droughts devastated nearly two-thirds of the United States as well western Russia and southern Europe. Floods

swamped west Africa and heat waves left much of the Northern Hemisphere sweltering.

But it was the ice melt that seemed to dominate the annual climate report, with the U.N. concluding ice cover had reached “a new record low” in the area around the North Pole and that the loss from March to September was a staggering 4.57 million square miles – an area bigger than the United States.

“The alarming rate of its melt this year highlighted the far-reaching changes taking place on Earth’s oceans and biosphere,” WMO SecretaryGeneral Michel Jarraud said.

“Climate change is taking

place before our eyes and will continue to do so as a result of the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which have risen constantly and again reached new records.”

The dire climate news – following on the heels of a report Tuesday that found melting permafrost could significantly amplify global warming – comes as delegates from nearly 200 countries struggled for a third day to lay the groundwork for a deal that would cut emissions in an attempt to ensure that temperatures don’t rise more than 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit over what they were in preindustrial times.

6 of 12 lame ducks voting for tax hike have gotten state jobs Government jobs for tax-increase votes?

• JOBS

Continued from page A1

attended by phone, pays $93,926 a year.

Both votes came after pointed questions by Republican lawmakers alleging the jobs are political payback for their tax-increase votes.

Quinn and the candidates repeatedly have denied that.

In Flider’s case, he campaigned against the tax increase but voted for it in his final hours as a state lawmaker after losing his 2010 re-election bid. Smith actively campaigned for a tax increase before losing his re-election bid.

Sen. Dan Duffy, R-Lake Barrington, voted against both appointments. Duffy, who has repeatedly called the job positions a “Quinn pro quo,” said after Wednesday’s votes that the fix officially came in.

“It’s the same typical payto-play politics that has made Illinois a late-night punch line for comedians,” Duffy said.

“These are people getting paid off for their votes.”

Sen. Pam Althoff, RMcHenry, voted “no” on Smith and missed the vote on Flider, but said she would have voted “no.” Althoff said she knows and respects both men, but did not accept that their nominations after their tax-increase votes were coincidence.

“They are lovely gentlemen; however, they are receiving these appointments, in my opinion, for voting for a tax increase and other initiatives that pleased either their party or their governor,” Althoff said. “In my view, this is a, ‘Thank you very much for what I wanted to achieve,’ and I don’t believe this is good, quality government.”

The 12 lame-duck votes were vital to approving the tax increase, which passed with the minimum required votes in both houses with no Republican support. Six of those lame ducks, including Flider and Smith, have since landed government jobs.

Democratic Rep. Careen Gordon, like Flider, campaigned against the tax in-

The Illinois Senate on Wednesday approved the appointments of two lame-duck lawmakers to state jobs. Each voted for the historic 67 percent state income-tax increase last year.

• Robert Flider was confirmed on a 33-16 vote to head the Illinois Department of Agriculture, a job that pays $133,273 a year. Flider, who was nominated in February, campaigned against the tax increase but voted “yes” after he lost his re-election bid.

• Michael Smith was confirmed on a 33-21 vote to a seat on the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board. The seat, which meets once a month and can be attended by phone, pays $93,926 a year.

Six of the 12 Democratic lame-duck members who voted for the tax increase in 2011, including Flider and Smith, have landed government jobs.

The others: • Careen Gordon ended up with an $84,000-a-year job as an attorney with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Gov. Pat Quinn first nominated her for an $86,000-a-year seat on the Illinois Prisoner Review Board, but she withdrew after Senate Republicans promised a grilling on the perception of quid pro quo.

• David Miller, a dentist who served 10 years before running for comptroller and losing to Republican Judy Baar Topinka, was hired at $117,000 a year as oral health chief for the Illinois Department of Public Health.

• John O’Sullivan was hired in May 2011 as a regional superintendent with the Cook County Forest Preserve District. The job pays $85,704 a year. He was fired five months later.

• Michael Carberry was hired by Cook County at $100,000 a year as deputy director in the county’s Department of Facilities Management.

Sources: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois Transparency and Accountability Portal, Northwest Herald archives crease but voted for it after losing her re-election bid.

Three days after the vote, Quinn nominated her to fill an $86,000-a-year vacancy on the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. She quit two months later just prior to her confirmation hearing after Republicans promised to grill her over the perception of quid pro quo.

A month later, Gordon landed an $84,000-a-year job with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which did not require Senate approval.

Other lame-duck representatives who landed government jobs after their taxincrease votes include former Rep. David Miller, a dentist who lost his 2010 bid for comptroller, and now has a $117,000a-year job as oral health chief for the Illinois Department of Public Health. Two other Democratic lame ducks, John O’Sullivan and Michael Carberry, got jobs with Cook County that pay $85,704 and $100,000 a year, respectively.

O’Sullivan later was fired.

Duffy said he is concerned

that the 35 lame-duck lawmakers leaving in January will be offered the promise of state jobs for controversial votes, including long-rumbling rumors of a possible attempt to make the income-tax increases permanent instead of temporary.

The threshold to get legislation approved is three-fifths in the veto session, but drops back to a simple majority in January.

“I’m worried that the same thing is going to happen – vote the way the governor wants, damage the state and hurt our business climate even more, and be rewarded with state jobs down the line,” Duffy said.

Althoff said she would not describe her feelings as worrisome, but said it would not surprise her at all if such lame-duck votes take place.

Lawmakers sold the 2011 income-tax increase as a way to pay down the state’s tremendous backlog of unpaid bills, but almost all of the new revenue has been swallowed by the state’s public-sector pension obligations.

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NPA103942-0175

Weather TODAY

FRI

48

48

Wind: S/SW 5-15 mph

SAT

SUN

MON

53

58

60

Partly sunny and very mild

Mostly cloudy and warm

Wind:

Wind:

Showers likely and turning cooler Wind:

W/SW 5-15 mph

S/SW 10-20 mph

W/NW 15-25 mph

Wind:

Partly sunny with a shower or two late Wind:

S/SE 5-10 mph

S 5-15 mph

Mix of sun and clouds; mild

Partly to mostly sunny and mild

Thursday, November 29, 2012 Northwest Herald Page A8

34

38

ALMANAC

48

45

WED

52

35

50

Partly sunny and chilly Wind:

N/NW 5-15 mph

32

24

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

at Chicago through 4 p.m. yesterday

Harvard 46/33

Belvidere 46/33

TEMPERATURE HIGH

TUE

Crystal Lake 48/34

Rockford 46/33

LOW

Hampshire 45/33

Algonquin 46/33

88

Sandwich 46/31

39

90

Waukegan 45/33

Oak Park 48/36

St. Charles 48/34

DeKalb 48/34 Dixon 46/31

McHenry 46/33

High pressure to our south will continue to bring up a mild air mass thanks to southerly winds. A weak storm system will pass well to our north, spreading a few clouds, but no rain is expected. Not much change Friday, but the weekend looks warmer with a slight chance of showers Saturday night and highs in the upper 50s. Near-record highs Monday.

Aurora 46/30

LAKE FORECAST

46

WATER TEMP: Chicago Winds: SSW at 12-25 kts.

48/35 Waves: 2-4 ft.

Orland Park 45/34 41°

Normal low

27°

Record high

69° in 1905

Record low

0° in 1887

Q.

?

How long does it take sunlight to reach the Earth?

PRECIPITATION 0.00”

Month to date

0.95”

Normal month to date

2.94”

Year to date

24.70”

Normal year to date

34.51”

SUN AND MOON

Approximately 8 minutes traveling at 186,000 miles per second.

24 hours through 4 p.m. yest.

FOX RIVER STAGES as of 7 a.m. yesterday Flood

Current

24hr Chg.

Fox Lake

--

3.18

-0.04 -0.07

Nippersink Lake

--

3.10

Sunrise

7:01 a.m.

New Munster, WI

10

5.40

-0.18

Sunset

4:23 p.m.

McHenry

4

1.25

+0.09

Moonrise

5:25 p.m.

Algonquin

3

1.43

+0.02

Moonset

7:47 a.m.

MOON PHASES Last

New

Dec 6

Full

Dec 19

Dec 28

AIR QUALITY Wednesday’s reading

0-50 Good; 51-100 Moderate; 101-150 Unhealthy for sensitive groups; 151-200 Unhealthy; 201-300 Very Unhealthy; 301-500 Hazardous Source: http://www.epa.state.il.us/air/aqi/index.html

UV INDEX TODAY The higher the AccuWeather.com UV Index™ number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

9a

10a 11a Noon 1p

2p

3p

Today

City

First

Dec 13

NATIONAL CITIES

4p

0-2 Low; 3-5 Moderate; 6-7 High; 8-10 Very high; 11+ Extreme

5p

Hi/Lo/W

Albuquerque Anchorage Atlanta Atlantic City Baltimore Billings Boise Boston Charlotte Cincinnati Cleveland Dallas Denver Des Moines Detroit El Paso Fairbanks Fargo Green Bay Honolulu Houston Indianapolis Jacksonville Kansas City Las Vegas Los Angeles Louisville Memphis

60/36/s 15/2/s 60/40/s 46/36/s 50/28/s 48/35/pc 53/41/sh 45/30/pc 58/31/s 50/33/s 44/32/pc 69/54/pc 64/34/s 50/35/pc 45/30/pc 70/42/s -13/-25/s 22/18/pc 36/27/pc 81/65/s 69/56/pc 48/32/pc 68/51/pc 60/38/pc 67/50/pc 68/56/pc 54/36/s 62/41/s

WORLD CITIES

REGIONAL CITIES

WEATHER TRIVIA™

A.

Normal high

Today

City

Hi/Lo/W

Miami Milwaukee Minneapolis Nashville New Orleans New York Norfolk Oklahoma City Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh Portland, OR Reno Richmond Sacramento Salt Lake City San Antonio San Diego San Francisco Seattle Sioux Falls St. Louis St. Paul Tampa Tucson Wash., DC Wichita

79/70/pc 44/33/pc 34/26/pc 58/36/s 67/52/pc 45/35/pc 50/36/s 66/46/pc 75/58/pc 46/33/pc 76/54/pc 45/28/pc 52/46/r 57/40/c 51/30/s 64/52/c 56/42/pc 69/59/pc 67/55/pc 64/57/c 52/45/r 40/22/pc 58/39/pc 36/26/pc 78/56/pc 73/48/s 51/34/s 64/37/pc

Today

Friday

Saturday

City

Hi/Lo/W

Hi/Lo/W

Hi/Lo/W

City

Hi/Lo/W

Today

City

Arlington Hts Aurora Bloomington Carbondale Champaign Chicago Clinton Evanston Galesburg Joliet Kankakee Mt. Vernon Naperville Peoria Princeton Rockford Rock Island Springfield Waukegan Wheaton

47/34/pc 46/30/pc 52/32/pc 56/36/s 50/32/pc 48/35/pc 50/34/pc 48/36/pc 50/33/pc 45/32/pc 48/33/pc 54/33/pc 47/32/pc 50/34/pc 48/34/pc 46/33/pc 46/33/pc 50/36/pc 45/33/pc 47/33/pc

47/36/pc 48/32/pc 52/37/pc 60/41/pc 53/35/pc 50/37/pc 54/38/pc 47/38/pc 52/36/pc 49/34/pc 51/35/pc 58/39/pc 48/33/pc 53/37/pc 51/34/pc 48/33/pc 51/34/pc 57/42/pc 45/34/pc 48/34/pc

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Acapulco Amsterdam Athens Baghdad Beijing Berlin Brussels Buenos Aires Cairo Cancun Dublin Geneva Hong Kong Islamabad Istanbul Kabul Kingston Lima London Madrid

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Manila Melbourne Mexico City Montreal Moscow New Delhi Paris Rome Santiago Sao Paulo Seoul Singapore Stockholm Sydney Tel Aviv Tokyo Toronto Vancouver Vienna Warsaw

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Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day.

Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice

Forecasts and graphics, except WFLD forecasts, provided

by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2012

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Stationary Front

Opinion

John Rung Publisher

Dan McCaleb Senior Editor

Thursday, November 29, 2012 • Page A7 • Northwest Herald • NWHerald.com 8OUR VIEW

8SKETCH VIEW

Federal courts have said that Illinois’ prohibition on recording police officers in public is unconstitutional, and legislators should take the opportunity to rewrite the state’s eavesdropping law.

We wholeheartedly agree.

The general rule of thumb is, if you can be seen in public, you can be photographed in public.

However, in Illinois, if you For the record can be heard in public, it’s a Lawmakers must start fresh on crime for someIllinois’ eavesdropping law that one to record prohibits audio recordings of your voice. police doing their jobs in public.

Recording the voice of a police officer doing his or her job in public is considered a felony punishable by as many as 15 years in prison under the state’s eavesdropping law, passed in 1961.

The law against recording police is not enforceable at the moment. In May, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found the law violated the Constitution’s First Amendment guarantee of freedom of speech.

Some legislators have suggested that throwing out the penalty for recording police should make the law acceptable. We think the law should be rewritten to take into account, among other things, modern technology.

Much has changed since 1961. Today, most any random person on the street can have a video and audio recording device in their pocket.

Video and/or audio recording police officers performing their duties in public should be legal. But if that recording obstructs an officer from doing his or her duty, that’s another matter.

Police have a dangerous job, whether they are performing a traffic stop, responding to a domestic violence incident, or patrolling on foot or bicycle. They are routinely confronted with suspects who are intoxicated, violent, or otherwise pose a danger to themselves and others.

Concern for public safety demands that police be unimpeded by amateur cameramen who might not know what’s best for their own safety in a potentially dangerous situation.

What’s needed is a law that balances the rights of the public to record goings-on in the public sphere with the rights of police to be able to perform their duties safely.

8IT’S YOUR WRITE

Rewrite law on recording

8ANOTHER VIEW

Keep debt ceiling It would be wrenching for the country to be faced with another showdown over the federal debt ceiling. But the solution should not be, as Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner recently suggested, to dispense with the debt ceiling because it is an inconvenient impediment to ratcheting up the national debt.

Geithner said on Nov. 16 that the debt ceiling – the cap on federal indebtedness that requires congressional approval to raise – should be eliminated.

The idea is preposterous. The debt ceiling is the only thing that forces Congress and the president to confront the results of their out-ofcontrol spending.

Doing away with the ceiling would stoke problems down the road in exchange for shortterm expediency.

The Columbus Dispatch

Time for transparency

To the Editor: McHenry County deserves quality leadership, and Ersel Schuster is just the person for the job of County Board chairman.

Honesty, integrity and financial stewardship with accountability are her top priorities for everyone in McHenry County. It’s time to move this county forward and out of the back room.

Alan and Lori Plane Harvard

Not about kids

To the Editor: District 300 pays for 80 percent of teachers benefits (medical/ dental/vision). If a spouse also is a part of the bargaining unit, then it’s 100 percent. District 300 teachers receive 12 sick days a year, which accumulate with no limitations.

District 300 elementary teachers receive about $1,500 annually for each student in excess of 28 in their classes. District 300 teachers are ranked third in average starting salaries for nearby districts. District 300 teachers work 10 months a year, eight hour days, which include a paid lunch period and 150 planning minutes a week.

How much do you pay for your benefits and what do you get? Accumulated sick days? Were you paid more for taking on extra responsibilities at work? My husband took a 20 percent pay cut four years ago – we’d be happy with a 2.75 percent pay raise.

Average employees work 12 months a year, eight-hour days, not including lunch/break periods and with no planning time.

Are the teachers blind to what they already receive? Do they not see the economic conditions surrounding them? Do they see how many of their family, neighbors and parents of the students they are teaching are unemployed?

Every other bargaining unit in District 300 has recognized the economic circumstances and have given their fair share back to help our district. The teachers obviously feel they are above everyone else and should not have to make any compromises.

Striking on Dec. 3 will show how much more deserving they think they are. This is not about the kids.

Dina Tenayuca Lake in the Hills

Innovation, leadership

To the Editor: I’m Carol Perschke, McHenry Township assessor since 1995, running for re-election in 2013. I have a Democratic opponent.

My office has served property owners with information, innovation and leadership. Future vision includes continued excellence in service, fairly and professionally.

Information and customer service include: • Education in person, print and web; • Ask the Assessor night; • Extended office hours and home visits.

Innovation includes: • Online access since 2000/2001; • Ongoing work toward paperless office; • Advanced assessment software user.

Leadership includes:

How to sound off We welcome original letters on public issues.

Letters must include the author’s full name, home address and day and evening telephone numbers.

We limit letters to 250 words and one published letter every 30 days. All letters are subject to

• Department head; award-winning professional; • 2012 budget lower than 2009; • Past officer County Assessors Association and Illinois Assessors Association; • Current chairman of the Illinois Property Assessment Institute; • McHenry Lions Club since 1999; current second vice president.

I have the passion and energy to continue making ours the best assessment office in the county.

Please choose me on April 9 based on qualifications and accomplishments, not generic promises.

Carol L. Perschke

McHenry Township assessor

Another taxing body

To the Editor: Thank you for informing the readership on the referendum about a proposed 377 board. Much more needs to be said about this rotten attempt to create another taxing body.

I am not surprised, but outraged that any referendum would be placed on an off-year ballot. The County Board knows that the voter turnout will be between 10 percent and 15 percent. They are attempting to ramrod a new tax through. I feel sorry for the disabled, but my

editing for length and clarity at the sole discretion of the editor.

Submit letters by: • E-mail: letters@nwherald.com • Mail: Northwest Herald “It’s Your Write” Box 250 Crystal Lake, IL 60039-0250

tax dollars should not be used to support the needs of any special interest. That is the obligation of family, friends, church and state agencies.

If money is owed by the state to organizations that support the disabled, those organizations should sue the state for payment. Those organizations should not expect the public to become their financial support.

Our tax burden is much too heavy today. Taxes need to be reduced, not increased. I am 67 years old. I have no pension. I have to provide for myself and my family. We live in a democracy, not a socialist state. Unfortunately, most taxers and spenders are attempting to turn our country into just that.

We seniors are being crushed by inflation and increasing taxes. The action by the County Board in this matter stinks, and it is wrong.

Put a referendum on the ballot to exempt seniors from paying real estate taxes on their primary home at age 65. Put a referendum on the ballot to repeal PTELL. Put a referendum on the ballot to freeze all school districts budgets at the year 2010 levels.

Ron Edwards Lakewood

‘Lincoln’ a refreshing depiction of flawed man with noble cause SPRINGFIELD – Springfield is a town of hundreds of politicians, thousands of bureaucrats, and one big tomb.

And there lies Abraham Lincoln – the Great Emancipator, Preserver of the Union, Rail Splitter and scion of Springfield.

With Daniel Day Lewis playing Honest Abe on the silver screen in Steven Spielberg’s new film, national attention once again is drawn to the 16th president.

For those of us living in Springfield, we are well aware of the long, often mythical shadow he casts.

Folks from Chicago to Cairo and beyond make pilgrimages to the state capital to meditate before the tomb – and to touch the nose of his statue for good luck.

It’s one of the Prairie State’s oddest rituals.

I realized the pervasiveness of this tradition three years ago when my then 4-year-old daughter, Grace, announced: “Daddy, I rubbed Mr. Lincoln’s nose for good luck two

Editorial Board: John Rung, Dan McCaleb, Kevin Lyons, Stacia Hahn, Jon Styf

weeks ago, but now my luck is all gone. We need to go to Mr. Lincoln’s tomb right away.”

After taking her to the cemetery and lifting her to touch the nose, I stood back and watched a parade of pilgrims from across the planet step forward to do the same.

They touched the statue with religious reverence and solemnity.

And the nose is rubbed so often that a metalsmith is periodically dispatched to patch holes.

Springfield is a town composed mainly of people who wouldn’t think of bowing down before an idol – unless it is of Honest Abe. In Abe’s case, all rationality is gone. He’s Illinois’ martyred saint.

If you grow up in Illinois and share a birthday with Lincoln, like I do, expect to be thoroughly indoctrinated in Lincoln lore.

When I was a kid, I read every Lincoln biography in the school library, had a picture of Honest Abe tacked to my bedroom bulletin board, and could rattle off Lincoln

VIEWS Scott Reeder trivia the way other boys can recite baseball statistics.

When I was 8, I wanted to go to Gettysburg – not Disney World.

That’s why I like Spielberg’s movie so much. He cast Lincoln in a different light.

Rather than giving him nearmessianic qualities, Spielberg depicted Lincoln as a wisecracking Illinois politician who wheeled and dealed behind the scenes to get his legislation passed.

He’s seen passing out patronage jobs to outgoing lawmakers during a lame-duck session of Congress.

His goal of freeing the slaves was honorable, but the political sausage making behind the scenes isn’t pretty.

This ruffles the feathers for many

8THE FIRST AMENDMENT

Scott Reeder’s daughter, Grace, rubs the nose of the Abraham Lincoln statue in Springfield. reared on the Lincoln myth.

But for me, it’s a refreshing and accurate depiction showing a flawed man with a noble purpose.

• Scott Reeder is a veteran state-

house reporter and the journalist in residence at the Illinois Policy Institute.

He can be reached at: sreeder@ illinoispolicy.org.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Local&Region N�w� ����or: K�v�n Lyon� • k�lyon�@�hawm���a.com

8COMMUNITY NEWS

LAKEMOOR TO FLUSH WATER

LAKEMOOR – Lakemoor residents may experience issues with water next week when the water department flushes all of its water systems.

The flushing may cause some water discoloration, pressure changes and cloudiness, according to a release from the city’s engineering firm.

Call the water department at 847-634-5550 with questions.

SECTION B Thursday, November 29, 2012 Northwest Herald

Breaking news @ www.NWHerald.com

Union: More of the same

Latest D-300 negotiations focus on paying for smaller classes By stePHeN d� BeNedettO sdibenedetto@shawmedia.com CARPENTERSVILLE – The latest bargaining session at District 300 produced little change in negotiations, with finances and class sizes continuing to dominate contract talks, the union president said.

The sides met again Tuesday, nearly a week after the district’s union, LEAD 300, formally filed a strike notice.

Teachers can picket beginning Tuesday, but a strike date hasn’t been set, LEAD 300 President Kolleen Hanetho said.

She said the latest talks focused

entirely on finances and how to pay for smaller class sizes. The district averages 33 to 37 students in elementary classes.

“The issue is the district is unwilling to put any additional funds to lower class sizes,” Hanetho said.

“The issue is the district is unwilling to put any additional funds to lower class sizes.”

Kolleen Hanetho LEAD 300 president

See UNION, page B6

– Emily K. Coleman

HOLIDAY MAIL FOR SOLDIERS

8LOCAL BEST BETS

Letters from home

BOAR’S HEAD FEST THIS WEEKEND

MARENGO – The Boar’s Head Festival will be at 6 p.m.

Saturday, and at 2 and 5 p.m.

Sunday at Zion Lutheran Church of Marengo, 412 E. Jackson St., Marengo.

This is an annual medieval Christmas celebration in which the church is transformed into the manor home of King Wenceslas.

A freewill offering will be taken.

Tickets are free but require reservations at 815-568-0648 or hagenmuller@att.net.

For information, visit www. zionmarengo.net.

Pho�o� by Jo�h P�ckl�r

• jpeckler@shawmedia.com

HOLIDAY FLORAL ideAs At eVeNt

HARVARD – Don Dow of Harvard will present craft and floral ideas for the holiday season from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at Harvard Diggins Library, 900 E. McKinley St. Dow will offer tips and ideas on making the holiday a colorful and festive one.

All are invited, plus there will be a workshop to make a Noel plaque after the presentation from 2 to 4 p.m. that afternoon.

The first 10 who sign up at the library will make the plaque from materials that Dow will supply.

All others are invited to watch the presentation and workshop, receive free project guides and enter a raffle.

Register for the workshop at the library or call 815-943-4671.

Registration is not required for the 1 p.m. presentation.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA SATURDAY

ALGONQUIN – The AlgonquinLake in the Hills Rotary Club will host its annual Breakfast with Santa from 8 to 10:30 a.m.

Saturday in the cafeteria of Westfield School, 2100 Sleepy Hollow Road, Algonquin.

The holiday breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, milk, orange juice, coffee and hot chocolate.

Participants are encouraged to bring a digital camera for a picture with Santa.

The suggested donation is $1 per person or $5 per family.

The Jacobs High School Interact Club will provide children’s games and crafts.

The Westfield Community School PTO also will sponsor a holiday bazaar from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the school’s large gym.

For information, call 815-2452117.

8LOCAL DEATHS Bryan Edward Eubanks 64, Lake in the Hills Mary K. P�rgl�r 91, Crystal Lake K�nn��h A. Vonckx 50, Elgin OBITUARIES on page B5

ABOVe: Jacob� H�gh school ��n�or Par�h Kam�ar work� on ��amp�ng han�wr����n l����r� W��n���ay �ur�ng �h� “Hol��ay Ma�l for H�ro��: Car�� for sol���r�” �v�n� a� �h� Algonqu�n Ar�a Publ�c L�brary. th� l����r� w�ll b� ��n� ov�r��a� �o �ol���r�. tOP: A volun���r wr���� a l����r by han� �o a �ol���r�.

Cash-rich D-2 eyes flat levy D-36 Nippersink also considers giving back some taxes By eMiLY K. COLeMAN ecoleman@shawmedia.com RICHMOND – Nippersink District 2 has been stockpiling money, some of its school board members said at their Wednesday meeting, and they want to give it back.

The school board unanimously gave initial approval to a flat levy, which, if given final approval, means the district will bring in the same amount in property taxes that it did last year.

If you go n What: Nippersink District 2 school

board meeting n When: 7 p.m. Dec. 18 n Where: Nippersink Middle School library, 10006 Main St., Richmond Even with a flat levy, Nippersink is set to bring in more money than it spends, board member Sue Maurer said.

Its members also discussed a tax abatement to give back some of the money the district has accumulated.

“I think at the end of the day, you need a buffer for the unexpected – but not nuclear war,” board member Mindy Ross said.

As of June 30, the district had nearly $10.4 million in savings, with nearly $7.4 million in its three main funds: education, operations and

s�� NiPPeRsiNK, pag� B6

Route 31 done at Klasen, Virginia roads NORTHWEST HERALD ALGONQUIN – Construction on Route 31 at Virginia Road/Klasen Road is complete and all lanes of traffic will be open today, the McHenry County Division of Transportation said.

Motorists should expect a slight delay today as traffic signals are turned on, officials said.

A small amount of work remains

and will be accomplished in daily lane closures that are expected to last until the middle of December, officials said.

The Route 31 improvements will tie into the eventual Western Algonquin Bypass Project.

Improvements along Route 31 this year include more than a mile of reconstructed concrete pavement, with four lanes of traffic and dual left-turn lanes at Virginia Road. Vir-

ginia Road also was realigned to increase safety.

The Klasen Road and Virginia Road intersections received modernized traffic signals, and a paved bike path was put in along the entire length of the east side of Route 31. More than 2.5 miles of new storm sewer also was installed.

Final landscaping for Route 31 will be completed in spring and involve daily lane closures.

outlines 2013-14 tax levy

By SHAWN SHINNEMAN sshinneman@shawmedia.com

WONDER LAKE – The District 36 board preliminarily approved a $4.411 million tax levy for the 2013-14 school year, which moves to $4.534 million when estimated bonds and interest are added.

The total tax levy for the 2011-12 school year was $4.549 million. It was $4.685 million in 2010-11.

The final property tax rate won’t be set until the spring, when property values are finalized.

The school board considered two other options at its November meeting. Each would have tinkered with the amount of money levied for the district’s transportation fund.

The higher option would have set

s�� LeVY, pag� B6

LOCAL&REGION

Page B2 • Thursday, November 29, 2012

CRYSTAL LAKE: PARK DISTRICT

Chili golf tourney set for Jan. 19 NORTHWEST HERALD

CRYSTAL LAKE – Know a golfer who has everything?

The Crystal Lake Park District suggests giving a gift certificate to cover the cost of a foursome golf team for the 42nd annual Doc Haznow Chili Open Golf Classic.

The event will be on the frozen surface of Crystal Lake on Jan. 19. Crystal Lake Main Beach is at 300 Lakeshore Drive. Golfers will play a nine-hole, par 32 course on the frozen lake.

If there is thin ice or open water, the event will be postponed to Feb. 2 or Feb. 16.

Participants don’t need golfing experience to participate; they just need to bring three friends, some short irons and a putter. All foursomes will receive a bowl of chili and the chance to win prizes that include golf bags, golf clubs, golf apparel and more.

Participants can decorate a sled and enter it in the Chili Open “Best Sled” contest for a chance to win golf prizes.

Painted golf balls, prizes and side games are provided to all golfers.

Tee-offs begin at 8 a.m. and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The cost is $115 a foursome.

To register, call Connie Cooke at 815-459-0680, ext. 213, or visit www.crystallakeparks.org and use program code 1405-0.

Gift certificates can be bought from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, 1 E. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake.

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

8POLICE REPORTS

McHENRY: CENTEGRA HEALTH SYSTEMS

Teen heart screenings planned NORTHWEST HERALD McHENRY – Centegra Health System offers echocardiogram heart screenings designed for teenagers ages 13 to 18.

The screening is an ultrasound of the heart that can detect heart defects and abnormalities, even when there are no symptoms.

Screenings will be done for $85 at Centegra Physician Care locations on the

Centegra Wellness on the Move mobile health unit.

They are from 4 to 7 p.m.: • Monday at Centegra Physician Care – Spring Grove, 1906 Holian Drive.

• Dec. 5 at Centegra Physician Care – Crystal Lake, 360 Station Drive.

• Dec. 10 at Centegra Hospital – McHenry, 4309 Medical Center Drive.

Many active teens do not show symptoms of heart abnormalities, yet may be at

risk for cardiac arrest or even death. Many cases of sudden cardiac death in teens, especially ages 13 to 18 years old, can be prevented with a proper heart screening.

ECHO heart screening requirements include completion of a pre-screening questionnaire, parental or guardian consent and the presence of a parent or guardian at the screening. Forms can be found at centegra.org/echo. The pre-

Crystal Lake

screening questionnaire should be brought to the appointment. Comfortable clothing should be worn.

Dr. R. David Halstead, a pediatric cardiologist with Centegra Physician Care – McHenry, interprets the screenings, and results will be mailed to a parent within one week.

For information, visit centegra.org, search Centegra Health System or call 877-236-8347.

• A 16-year-old juvenile was charged Friday, Sept. 21, with reckless conduct.

• Jose Miguel Huerta, 18, 80 N. Wolf Road, Apt. 3, Wheeling, was charged Monday, Oct. 1, with underage drinking.

• A 16-year-old juvenile was charged Wednesday, Oct. 3, with aggravated assault and disorderly conduct.

• A 14-year-old juvenile was charged Thursday, Oct. 4, with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

• A 13-year-old juvenile was charged Friday, Oct. 5, with reckless conduct.

8LOCAL BRIEFS McHenry Public Library to close early Friday

McHENRY – The McHenry Public Library, 809 N. Front St., will close at noon Friday for staff development.

Patrons can use the library’s website – www.mchenrylibrary.org – to check their accounts, renew items and use online resources.

The library will reopen at 9 a.m. Saturday.

For information, call the library at 815-385-0036.

Jaycees enlist support for Share-A-Christmas

CRYSTAL LAKE – Families are available for adoption through the Crystal Lake Jaycees’ Share-A-Christmas program.

To participate, visit www. cljaycees.org.

This marks the 52nd year the Crystal Lake Jaycees have collected toys, books, clothing, food and cash donations through its Share-A-Christmas program. The goal is to brighten the holidays of families that recently have fallen on hard times and have not sought past assistance from the Jaycees.

This year’s program has 32 families with 87 children avail-

able for adoption.

There are a variety of adoption levels, ranging from a minimum suggested donation of $50 up to $350.

To select a family to adopt, click on the Share-A-Christmas link at www.cljaycees.org.

Upon completion of the adoption registration form, donors will be sent their adopted family’s wish list and information about when and where to drop off the gifts.

For those unable to commit to adopting a family but who still would like to contribute to the program, tax-deductible donations can be addressed to the Illinois Jaycee Charitable Foundation, P.O. Box 7, Crystal Lake, IL 60039-0007.

deadline is Dec. 7.

• Breakfast or Lunch with Santa will be Dec. 18 at the McHenry Municipal Center, 333 S. Green St. The breakfast program will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m.; lunch will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. Children will make a simple ornament, listen to a story, sings songs and visit with Santa. A continental breakfast or lunch will be served.

The programs are for children ages 1 to 5 with an adult. The advanced registration fee is $10 a child; children younger than age 1 and adults may attend for free.

For information, call 815-3632160 or visit www.ci.mchenry. il.us.

McHenry outlines holiday programs

MCCD sets Lost Valley Venture programs

McHENRY – The McHenry Parks and Recreation Department will host two holiday programs in December.

• Letters from Santa can be sent to any child at heart.

Provide the child’s full address along with payment of $1 a letter to McHenry Parks and Recreation Dept., 333 S. Green St., McHenry, IL 60050. The

RINGWOOD – A Lost Valley Venture will be from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 15 and 29 at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood.

This family exploration program includes a nature lesson, game and activity based on this month’s topic: winter birds.

If the weather allows, guests will go for a short outdoor exploratory hike with staff, so they should dress for the weather and walking.

No registration is required. All ages are welcome.

Topics change monthly. In January, the topic will be animal tracks; in February it will be sugar maple trees.

This program is intended for families and cannot accommodate organized groups.

Youth groups should contact Prairieview Education Center at 815-479-5779 to schedule a program.

Defenders to extend store hours on Fridays

WOODSTOCK – There will be holiday music Friday evenings at the Woodstock Mall, 110 S. Johnson St., on the Woodstock Square.

Expressly Leslie’s will host musicians on the main level of the mall Dec. 7 and 14.

The Environmental Defenders’ of McHenry County’s used-book and gift store and The Green Spot will extend hours until 7:30 p.m. on those evenings. Proceeds from the store benefit the Defenders.

Those who sign up for the Defenders bookstore email list on those evenings will be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate for five free books.

As a special holiday promotion, anyone who spends $5 or more at the store during December will receive a free holiday book of his or her choice (while quantities last).

For information, visit www. mcdef.org or call 815-3380393.

Jaycees hosting book drive at CL library

CRYSTAL LAKE – The Crystal Lake Jaycees Share-A-Christmas project is teaming up with the Crystal Lake Public Library to give the gift of literacy to families in need.

Through Dec. 9, the Jaycees will host a book donation drive at the library, 126 W. Paddock St., Crystal Lake.

New or gently used books will be accepted for children ages 1 to 18.

Books also will be collected at the Monday general meeting at the Dole Mansion at the Lakeside Legacy Arts Park in Crystal Lake.

– Northwest Herald

����� � ������� ��� ���� Our friendly snowman is waiting for you to add the finishing touches to make him complete. Add eyes, a nose, a mouth, clothing ... anything you think that will get our snowman (or snowwoman) ready for winter. You may color him, glue items on him, draw a background behind him – anything, just be creative! Four lucky participants will win valuable gift cards just in time for the holiday. Good luck!

������ ���� � � ����� 1st Place ...........$25 Toys“R”Us Gift Card

���� � �� �� 1st Place:..........$50 Toys“R”Us Gift Card

���� �� � �� 1st Place ...........$75 Toys“R”Us Gift Card Runner-up ........$50 Toys“R”Us Gift Card

Name: ____________________________________

Age: _____________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________

City: _____________________________________

Clip out, decorate and mail your snowman to: Build a Snowman, P.O. Box 417, Crystal Lake, IL 60039-0417.

Entries may also be dropped off at our Crystal Lake office, 7717 S. Route 31.

For questions, please call 815-526-4483.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS 5 PM ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012.

Children of all ages may enter (adults included!).

All entries must be received by the deadline to be considered. More than one entry may be mailed in an envelope. By entering the contest, you agree to have your name printed in the Northwest Herald on the day selected drawings are featured.

Winners’ decorated snowmen will be featured in a full page ad on December 21, 2012. Winners will be chosen based on creativity and idea. Employees of Shaw Media may enter, but are not eligible to win. Please note that artwork will not be returned.

LOCAL&REGION

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

8LOCAL BRIEFS

RICHMOND: EARLY MORNING BLAZE

Health department to mark World AIDS Day

WOODSTOCK – World AIDS Day, which is commemorated annually Dec. 1, was established in 1988 by the World Health Organization to raise awareness and promote advocacy and education about the global AIDS epidemic.

In observance of World AIDS Day on Saturday, the McHenry County Department of Health is offering free confidential rapid HIV testing to individuals at high risk for infection.

To determine whether you qualify for free testing, call the health department at 815-3344847.

According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1.2 million Americans are infected. One in five is unaware of the infection.

About 50,000 are newly infected every year, data shows.

The Illinois Department of Public Health reports there are 123 people in McHenry County living with HIV, 72 of whom have advanced to AIDS. The best way to protect yourself is to know your HIV status and that of your sexual partners. Most people change behaviors to protect their partners if they know they are infected with HIV. For information, visit www. aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics or call the health department at 815334-4500.

MCC students to host pottery sale Tuesday

CRYSTAL LAKE – McHenry County College ceramics students will host a Student Pottery Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday in the commons area in Building B at the college, 8900 Route 14.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ryan Long Memorial Scholarship Award fund, which is available for MCC students.

The fund was established in 1994 for art students in memory

of Ryan Long, who was 12 when he died in 1993. His mother, Joann Long, a ceramic artist, established the award in his name because he was interested in ceramics.

The event is free and open to the public.

Free estate planning, probate seminar in CL

CRYSTAL LAKE – Faith in Action of McHenry County and Bruning and Associates will present “Probate and Estate Planning from A-Z” from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday at The Pointe Outreach Center, 5650 Northwest Highway (next to Target in Crystal Lake).

Attorneys Stacy Stusowski and Kevin Bruning will explore the probate process, estate planning, wills and trusts, powers of attorney, charitable giving and more.

There is no charge for this event, but reservations are requested by calling 815455-3120 or emailing staff@ fiamchenrycounty.org.

Seminar to feature economic outlook

CRYSTAL LAKE – The Friends of McHenry County College Foundation continues the MCC Educational Seminar Series from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday with “Economic and Market Outlook” in the Luecht Conference Center at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14.

Attendees will learn about the current market outlook and take home investing tips for 2013 from seminar presenter James E. Hodapp, senior vice president of Markets and Product Strategy at Wells Fargo Advisors.

Hodapp is a member of the Corporate Credit Markets Executive Committee and the Regional Advisory Committee of SIFMA, the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois

University in Edwardsville and holds the following registrations: Series 7, Series 63, Series 55 and Series 24.

The seminars are free and open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is strongly encouraged.

To reserve a seat or to view the full schedule, visit www. mchenry.edu/seminarseries.

For information, call the Friends of McHenry County College Foundation Office at 815-455-8721.

Sign-up to begin for trips to sugar maples fest

MARENGO – McHenry County Conservation District offers free field trips to elementary schools in McHenry County and public tours for the annual Festival of the Sugar Maple at Coral Woods Conservation Area in Marengo.

The popular Festival of the Sugar Maples School Field Trip sign-up starts Wednesday for grades two through five. The field trip is offered daily Feb. 25 to March 1 and March 4 to 8.

Students will learn the fascinating history of maple sugaring and see how the sap collection process has evolved to modern techniques. They also will visit the evaporator house and to watch the sap as it is transformed into syrup.

Finally, everyone gets a taste of pure Coral Woods maple syrup before they leave.

The entire field trip is outdoors, lasts about an hour and travels one-mile stretch of a wooded nature trail.

Teachers can call 815-4795779 to plan an outing.

Free public tours are offered weekends, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 2, 3, 9 and 10.

Coral Woods Conservation Area is at 7400 Somerset in Marengo.

For information, call 815-4795779 or visit www.mccdistrict. org.

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RICHMOND – A garage and three vehicles inside were heavily damaged in a fire early Wednesday in Richmond.

Crews were called to the 11200 block of Lakeview Road about midnight and found a detached garage engulfed in flames, the Richmond Township Fire Protection District said in a news release.

The garage had a workshop attached to the back of the building.

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Ex-Congressman latest to seek Jackson’s seat

By DON BABWIN The Associated Press

CHICAGO – Just a few blocks from a courthouse where he was convicted of fraud and a few miles from another where he was convicted of having sex with a minor, former U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds announced Wednesday he is running for the congressional seat vacated by Jesse Jackson Jr. The former congressman is the latest entry in a race that has unleashed a frenzy of ambition, with politicians from every level seeing their once-in-a-lifetime shot at Washington – or a chance at redemption.

Among others considering a run is Sam Adam Jr., a verbose defense attorney best known for representing former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and R&B star R. Kelly.

Jackson’s brother, Jonathan Jackson, is, too.

Former Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson, who was beaten by Jackson in the primary last spring, said she intends to run, as does state Sen. Napoleon Harris, a former Northwestern University football who played seven years in the NFL. Former Cook County Board President Todd Stroger, who was sent packing by voters after a tenure marked by corruption allegations, was thinking

about making a run. But he opted against it amid reports that about $500,000 had disappeared from his campaign filings. Stroger said it was the result of an accounting error.

Reynolds adds an additional layer of intrigue, startling even by the standards of Chicago – a city with a healthy reputation for corruption and that recently sent a politician back to the Legislature despite being under federal indictment.

The former congressman, who was released from prison in 2001 after President Bill Clinton commuted his sentence, announced his latest political plans Wednesday at a news conference in Chicago.

AP photo

Convicted former Congressman Mel Reynolds announces at a news conference Wednesday in Chicago that he’s joining the crowded field running for the congressional seat that Jesse Jackson Jr. vacated last week.

Terrorist’s mental state Simple measures postpones resentencing cut infections

8STATE BRIEF

OSHA: Swans to blame for Villa Park man’s death

CHICAGO – Federal safety officials said the swans were to blame for the death of a Villa Park man in April.

Authorities said 37-year-old Anthony Hensley worked to keep geese away from a condo complex near Des Plaines.

He fell out of his kayak and drowned while checking out the swans. Officials said he apparently got too close and was attacked.

WBBM radio reported investigators from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration worked to determine whether any safety violations contributed to Hensley’s death.

The agency has now cleared his employer, saying it found no violations.

WBBM reported that Hensley was a good swimmer but ended up in the water fully clothed and wearing boots. Police said the swans continued to swim at him as he tried to make it to shore.

By CURT ANDERSON

“It would be bene�cial. It is in his best interest to continue the sentencing.”

The Associated Press MIAMI – Convicted terrorism plotter Jose Padilla’s resentencing was postponed by a federal judge Wednesday after his defense attorney argued Padilla is deteriorating psychologically from years of isolation and said he needs more time for family visits.

Attorney Michael Caruso said Padilla’s family in South Florida has been able to visit him only one time since 2008 at the Supermax prison in Florence, Colo., where he is kept in solitary confinement 23 hours a day and allowed no contact with other inmates.

Now that Padilla, 42, is back at a Miami detention center, his mother and brothers can see him more regularly and perhaps improve his mental condition, Caruso told U.S. District Judge Marcia Cooke at a hearing. He did not elaborate on Padilla’s mental issues.

– Wire report

Michael Caruso Jose Padilla’s attorney “It would be beneficial. It is in his best interest to continue the sentencing,” Caruso said.

At one point, Caruso called the harsh prison conditions akin to torture, which was rejected by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Frazier.

“He is not in some black hole of Calcutta,” Frazier said.

Cooke agreed to postpone the resentencing hearing from Monday to Jan. 29. A new sentence must be imposed because the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Padilla’s original 17-year sentence was too lenient for a trained alQaida operative who also had a long criminal record as a Chicago gang member.

Among other things,

TWO LAKE IN T E

“People are human, they make mistakes,” said Reynolds, who spoke in front of a sign that read: “REDEMPTION.” Jackson, the son of a civil rights icon, resigned last week, citing his ongoing treatment for bipolar disorder. He also confirmed publicly for the first time that he is the subject of a federal probe and is cooperating with investigators.

A Harvard graduate and a Rhodes Scholar, Reynolds unseated U.S. Rep. Gus Savage in 1992, two years after a House ethics committee determined that during an official trip to Africa Savage had made improper sexual advances to a female Peace Corps volunteer.

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Cooke gave Padilla credit for more than three years he was imprisoned without criminal charge in a South Carolina Navy brig as an enemy combatant. Those years were also in intense isolation, court records show.

Padilla, who according to trial testimony trained at an al-Qaida camp in Afghanistan, was arrested in 2002 at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on what authorities at the time said was a terrorist mission to detonate a radioactive “dirty bomb” in a major U.S. city. Those allegations were dropped before Padilla was added to an existing South Florida terrorism support indictment.

caught in hospitals

By LINDSEY TANNER The Associated Press CHICAGO – Preventing surgery-linked infections is a major concern for hospitals and it turns out some simple measures can make a big difference.

A project at seven big hospitals reduced infections after colorectal surgeries by nearly one-third. It prevented an estimated 135 infections, saving almost $4 million, the Joint Commission hospital regulating group and the American College of Surgeons announced Wednesday.

The two groups directed the 2½-year project.

Solutions included having patients shower with special germ-fighting soap before surgery and having surgery teams change gowns, gloves and instruments during op-

erations to prevent spreading germs picked up during the procedures. Some hospitals used special wound-protecting devices on surgery openings to keep intestine germs from reaching the skin.

The average rate of infections linked with colorectal operations at the seven hospitals dropped from about 16 percent of patients during a 10-month phase when hospitals started adopting changes to almost 11 percent once all the changes had been made.

“The improvements translate into safer patient care,” said Dr. Mark Chassin, president of the Joint Commission.

“Now it’s our job to spread these effective interventions to all hospitals.”

Almost 2 million health care-related infections occur each year nationwide; more than 90,000 of them are fatal.

OBITUARIES

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

BRYAN EDWARD EUBANKS

8FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Richard Clark: The visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, at Kisselburg-Wauconda Funeral Home, 235 N. Main St., Wauconda.

Services and inurnment will be private. For information, call the funeral home at 847-526-2115.

Marjorie E. Davidson: Friends may meet the family from 10 a.m. until the memorial service at 11 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 1, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 404 N. Green St., McHenry. A luncheon at the church will follow the service. For information, call Justen Funeral Home & Crematory at 815-385-2400.

Lamont T. Gralapp: The visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 29, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Route 176), Crystal Lake.

Transfer prayers will be said at 9:15 a.m., Friday, Nov. 30, at the funeral home. followed by a procession to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave. (Route 176), Crystal Lake, for a 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Crystal Lake Memorial Park Cemetery. For information, call the funeral home at 815-459-3411.

Karen M. Kemp: The visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at Willow Funeral Home, 1415 W. Algonquin Road, Algonquin.

She will lie in repose from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at St. Margaret Mary Church, 111 S. Hubbard St., Algonquin. Cremation will be private. For information, call the funeral home at 847-458-1700.

Karin Lewis: A memorial gathering will be from noon until the 2 p.m. memorial service Saturday, Dec. 1, at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St., Harvard. For information, call the funeral home at 815-943-5400.

Marianne L. Mavis: The visitation will continue from 10 to 11 a.m.

Thursday, Nov. 29, at the Evangelical Free Church of Crystal Lake, 575 E. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Crystal Lake. For information, call the funeral home at 815-459-1760.

Wesley “Wes” A. Pribla: A memorial Mass will be celebrated at noon EST on Friday, Nov. 30, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 52473 State Road 933, South Bend, Ind. Interment will be in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Fla., at a later date. There will be no visitation.

George Martin Ridgway: The funeral service will be at 11 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 1, at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, 10805 Main St., Huntley.

Aracely Villasenor: Friends may meet the family for the funeral Mass celebration at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 29, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.

Interment will be private. For information, call the funeral home at 815-385-2400.

James “Big Jim” Watzlawick: A celebration of Jim’s life will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, at Willow Funeral Home, 1415 W. Algonquin Road, Algonquin. Casual attire and bikes welcome. A short service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Windridge Memorial Park and Nature Sanctuary in Cary.

For information, call the funeral home at 847-458-1700.

Matthew R. Wilson: A celebration of Matthew Wilson’s life will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Little Angels, 1435 Summit St., Elgin. For information, call Davenport Family Funeral Home at 815-459-3411.

Kathryn Wrubel: The visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Highway, Palatine. The funeral will be 9:15 a.m. Friday, Nov. 30, leaving from the funeral home to Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 410 First St., Cary, for a 10 a.m. Mass celebration. Interment will be in Windridge Cemetery. For information, call the funeral home at 847-359-8020.

Died: Nov. 18, 2012

LAKE IN THE HILLS – Bryan Edward Eubanks, 64, of Lake in the Hills, passed away peacefully Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012.

He served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1969 during the Vietnam War. Afterward, he drove a semi-truck for Plote and Waspi.

He was a member of VFW Post 5915 in Carpentersville, sergeant -at-arms at the POA and senior vice and commander at the American Legion 1231, both in Lake in the Hills.

He is survived by his wife, Carrie (nee Bradshaw); children, Crystal, Ashley and Wesley Eubanks; stepson, Ryan (Michel) Miller; brother, Raymond (Barbara); sister, Martha Lou Morris; grandsons, Aidan Miller and Nathan LissnerEubanks; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Edith (nee Gunner); and brothers, Richard Lee and Carl Wayne.

A memorial visitation will be from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Laird Funeral Home, 120 S. Third St., West Dundee. There will be a flag presentation at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the James A. Lovell Federal Healthcare Center, American Legion Post 1231 or VFW Post 5915.

For information, call the funeral home 847-836-8770 or visit www. lairdfamilyfuneralservice.com.

Sign the guest book at www.

NWHerald.com/obits

PAULINE ‘POLLY’ J. HALL

Born: Jan. 20, 1926; in Lima, Ohio Died: Nov. 26, 2012; in Normal NORMAL – Pauline “Polly” J. Hall, 86, of Normal, passed away Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, at her home.

Polly was born Jan. 20, 1926, in Lima, Ohio, the daughter of Paul and Theresa Hogan Finn. She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Richard “Dick” Hall.

Over the years, Polly and Dick lived in Cincinnati, Ohio, Shelbyville, Ind., and Mount Prospect before moving back to Lima when they retired.

Recently they moved to Normal to be closer to their children.

Also surviving are her children, Pamela (Daryl) Floit of Normal, Steve (Theresa) Hall of Wonder Lake, Rick (Mimi) Hall of Westchester, Ohio, and Mike (Judy Lynn) Hall of Crystal Lake; 12 grandchildren, Matt Floit, Aimee Scaramuzzo, Chastity Barnewolt, Lisa Rowan, Todd Floit, Melinda Hall, Rick Hall Jr., Wes Delk, David Hall, Frank Hall, Jeff Hall and Doug Hall; 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Theresa “Sis” Graham of Lima, Ohio, and Leah Otto of Ottawa, Ohio; and a large number of loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Hall; and four siblings, Ed Finn, Mary Ogle, Carolyn Bailey and Patrick Finn.

Polly was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, avid reader, euchre enthusiast, crossword aficionada, cook extraordinaire and dedicated member of many civic organizations.

Polly was a 25-year member of the Lima Eagles No. 370 Auxiliary, where she held the offices of vice president, chaplain, trustee and treasurer.

She was a 25-year member of the Lima Moose No. 199 Auxiliary and held the offices of senior and junior regent, chaplain and secretary/treasurer.

Polly was a lifetime member of the VFW in Columbus Grove, a member of the Lima Red Hat Mamas, and a longtime patron of the Encore Theatre.

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She also was a member of the Allen County Women’s Democratic Auxiliary and served several years as an election judge.

Her greatest goal in life was to be an exceptional wife, mother and grandmother – roles to which she exceeded the highest expectations.

Her positive mental attitude carried her through every challenge in life and was a gift she shared with all who knew her.

Her celebration of life service is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Chiles-Laman Shawnee Chapel, 1170 Shawnee Road, Lima, Ohio. Guests are invited to join the family at the Lima Eagles No. 370 for a celebration luncheon after interment in Rockport Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Lima Eagles No. 370 Auxiliary or Lima Moose No. 199 Auxiliary.

Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington, is in charge of local arrangements.

For information, call the funeral home at 309-663-1968.

Sign the guest book at www.

NWHerald.com/obits

ETHEL KRUEGER LAGERHAUSEN

Born: Oct. 16, 1927; in Bensenville Died: Nov. 27, 2012; in Hagerstown, Md. HAGERSTOWN, Md. – Ethel Krueger Lagerhausen, 85, of Hagerstown, formerly of Roselle passed away peacefully after a short illness Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown.

Mrs. Lagerhausen was born Oct. 16, 1927, to Albert and Augusta Krueger in Bensenville. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years Robert E. Lagerhausen.

He died in 2007.

Mrs. Lagerhausen was the loving mother to Kathryn (Scott) Palmer of Wayne, Pa., and Lee (Norma) Lagerhausen of Clear Spring, Md. She was devoted to her four grandchildren, Jennifer Palmer of King of Prussia, Pa., Grant Lagerhausen of Clear Spring, Md., James (Meghan) Palmer of Houston, and Julianne Lagerhausen of Clear Spring, Md. Mrs. Lagerhausen was excited about the recent birth of her first great-grandchild, Nixon Douglas Palmer in Houston.

She is also survived by her sister, Darlene (William) Haseman of Huntley and the following brothers- and sisters-in-law, Mary (Ron) Payne of Huntley, Henry (Marion) Lagerhausen of Harvard, William (Peggy) Lagerhausen of Woodstock, Marvin “Bud” (Marlene) Lagerhausen of Harvard and Nancy (Walter, deceased) Lagerhausen of Hebron; and 23 nieces and nephews.

While raising her family, Mrs. Lagerhausen helped operate two family businesses and donated her time to the Roselle Fire Department Auxiliary and the Roselle Lions Club.

She loved to cook, host parties, and shop for shoes. She said “If the shoe fits, buy it in every color.”

Mrs. Lagerhausen enjoyed traveling and was proud of visiting all 50 states.

The visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at DeFioreJorgensen Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, in the funeral home.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind, 1039 S. Rochester Road, Rochester, MI 48307, or to the charity of your choice in Ethel’s name.

For information, call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 . Online condolences can be directed to www.defiorejorgensen.com.

Sign the guest book at www.

NWHerald.com/obits

MELBA J. LANG

Born: Nov. 9, 1931; in Alden Died: Nov. 22, 2012 CRYSTAL LAKE – Melba J. Lang, 81, of Crystal Lake, passed away Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012.

She was born Nov. 9, 1931, in Alden, to Wates and Irma (Ashbaugh) Harvel. She married Donald A. Lang on July 19, 1952, in Crystal Lake.

Melba, known as “Mel,” loved being a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was very loyal to all she loved and didn’t hesitate pouring out that love.

Mel especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her sisters, as well as gardening and living on Crystal Lake. She usually had a project in her yard and often enlisted the help of her grandchildren.

She always had time for her friends and family. Mel worked many years with special needs children at West School Elementary and was beloved by her students and faculty.

She is survived by her children, Jennifer (Tracy) Smith and Don (Kelly) Lang; grandchildren, Meg (Jordan) Lang-Imhoff, Kate Lang, Samuel Lang and Liz Lang; great-granddaughter, Abigail Imhoff; siblings, Lee (Jane) Harvel, Jack Harvel, Bev (the late David) Engelbrecht, Linda (Bill) Deates, Toni (Ray) Buzbee and Tess (Larry) Tipton; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; sisters, Betty (Ray) Anderson and Sharry (Jim) Sherman; and her parents.

A memorial visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3, at Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home, 500 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.

A memorial service will be at 7 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Melba’s honor to Heartland Hospice, 220 N. Smith St., Palatine, IL 60067, or the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th floor, New York, NY 10001.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.querhammerandflagg.com. For information, call the funeral home at 815-4591760.

Sign the guest book at www.

NWHerald.com/obits

MARY K. PERGLER

Born: Oct. 16, 1921; in Chicago Died: Nov. 26, 2012; in Wauconda CRYSTAL LAKE – Mary K. Pergler, 91, of Crystal Lake, died Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, at Wauconda Healthcare.

She was born Oct. 16, 1921, in Chicago, to Wladyslaw and Helena (Gawryl) Zaucha. She married

Thursday, November 29, 2012 • Page B5 John Pergler in 1946 in Chicago.

She worked as a secretary for the Nunda Township tax assessor and worked on the first teletype in the county for the Crystal Lake Herald.

She was a longtime parishioner and very active at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, where she served as Eucharistic minister, volunteered at the parish festivals and worked at Little Christopher Shoppe.

She loved gardening, working in her yard and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Pat (Thomas) Thorsen, Rich Pergler and Bob (Carrie) Pergler; grandchildren, Chris, Natalie and John; and sister, Tosh.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; brothers, Teddy and Walter Zaucha; and sisters, Helen, Emily and Camille.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.

Interment will follow in Crystal Lake Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.querhammerandflagg.com. For information, call the funeral home at 815-4591760.

Sign the guest book at www.

NWHerald.com/obits

seen most of the world, Karen retired from United Airlines.

Karen touched the lives of many family members, friends and neighbors.

She enjoyed family get-togethers and occasional trips to Las Vegas. She will be remembered as a woman of strength, dignity and compassion.

She is survived by her brothers, Peter Wojnicki of Harvard, Paul (Michelle) Wojnicki of Woodstock and John (Laura) Wojnicki of Escondido, Calif.; and nieces and nephews, Todd, David, Aaron, Andrea, Michael, Sarah, Allison, Audrey and Alex.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law, Karen M. Wojnicki.

The visitation will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St., Harvard.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 206 Front St., Harvard. Father Rafael Tunarosa will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family for a memorial to be established in Karen’s name.

For information, call the funeral home at 815-943-5400.

Sign the online guestbook at www.saundersmcfarlin.net.

Sign the guest book at www.

NWHerald.com/obits

KEVIN ‘KEVO’ R. ZENT KENNETH A. VONCKX

Born: Oct. 30, 1962; in Arlington Heights Died: Nov. 26, 2012; in Elgin ELGIN – Kenneth A. Vonckx, 50, of Elgin, passed away Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, at Sherman Hospital in Elgin.

He was born Oct. 30, 1962, in Arlington Heights, the son of Joseph and Joan (Thomsen) Vonckx.

Ken gave the ultimate gift by being an organ and tissue donor.

He is survived by his son, Kenneth “Kenny,” and daughter, Alyssa Vonckx of Elgin; his mother, Joan Stacey of Huntley, and father, Joseph (Bonnie) Vonckx; and brothers, Joseph (Linda) Vonckx of McHenry and Robert (Julie Wyatt) Vonckx of Algonquin.

The memorial visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, in Laird Funeral Home, 310 S. State St., Elgin.

For information, call the funeral home at 847-741-8800 or visit www.lairdfamilyfuneralservices. com.

Sign the guest book at www.

NWHerald.com/obits

KAREN DEE WOJNICKI

Born: April 25, 1948; in Wichita, Kan. Died: Nov. 25, 2012; in Maywood HUNTLEY – Karen Dee Wojnicki, 64, of Huntley, passed away Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood.

Karen was born April 25, 1948, in Wichita, Kan., to Albert John and Elizabeth “Betty” Louise (Hayden) Wojnicki.

Karen grew up in Lombard and graduated as a high honor student from Glenbard East High School.

Not being sure that she wanted to pursue a career in higher education, she decided to follow her dreams as a world traveler.

Thirty-five years later, having

Born: June 10, 1988; in Barrington Died: Nov. 26, 2012 LAKE IN THE HILLS – Kevin “Kevo” R. Zent, 24, of Lake in the Hills, passed away unexpectedly Monday, Nov. 26, 2012.

He was born June 10, 1988, to Brad and Janet (nee Carlson) in Barrington.

Kevin is survived by his parents, Brad and Jan Zent; brother, Brad Jr. Zent; maternal grandmother, Pat Organ; aunts, Kathy (the late George) Palermo, Kay (the late Mike) Renoe, Barb (the late Dave) Carlson and Sherrie (Jay) Hendricks; uncle, Steve Organ; and many cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Lois Sanderson; maternal grandfather, Robert Organ; and uncle, Rick Carlson.

Kevin’s family would like to give a special thanks to Kevin’s girlfriend, Brittaney Bond, Steve Staley and many other friends from “The Other Side” for their support and love.

The visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m., with a funeral service at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta (Route 176), Crystal Lake.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the PKD Foundation, P.O. Box 871847, Kansas City, MO 64187-1847; The Salvation Army, 4401 Charles St., Rockford, IL 61108; or New Directions, 93 Berkshire Lane, #G, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

For information, contact Davenport Family Funeral Home, 815-459-3411.

For online condolences please visit, www.davenportfamily.com.

Sign the guest book at www.

NWHerald.com/obits

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NEWS

Page B6 • Thursday, November 29, 2012

8CALENDAR Today • 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. – Crystal Clear Toastmasters meeting, Panera Bread, 6000 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake. For information, visit: www.crystalcleartoastmasters.org.

• 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. – Beginner pole dancing workshop, Intrigue Fitness, 9115 Trinity Drive, Lake in

the Hills. A 90-minute workshop for women ages 18 and older and all fitness levels. Cost: $45. Registration and information: 224-6789943 or www.intrigue-fitness.com.

• 7 to 8:30 p.m. – College funding workshop, Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd St., Woodstock. For parents of high school students by the College Funding Team. Free. Registration and infor-

mation: 800-713-2151.

• 7 to 9 p.m. – McHenry County Food Patriots evening, McHenry County College Conference Center, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Learn more about local food and initiatives in the county. See excerpts from the documentary film "Food Patriots." Information: 847-989-1381 or www.foodpatriots.com.

Goal: Cut cash reserve to 270 days • NIPPERSINK

“I just don’t want to get back into a situation where we feel like we can’t provide the best possible education and experience for our kids.”

Matt Johnson, D-2 board member

Continued from page B1 maintenance and transportation.

That’s about $1.7 million more in total savings than it had the year before, according to the district’s audit.

To receive the highest financial designation from the Illinois State Board of Education, school district need to have 180 days’ cash on hand.

Nippersink has just more than 388 days, according to its 2013 financial profile.

Board members discussed a tax abatement or several abatements over several years with the intent to bring its cash reserves down to 270 days.

An abatement to do that would be the equivalent of 25 percent of the levy, or $3 million returned to taxpayers, Maurer said.

“I really feel like we’re not in the business of stockpiling [money],” Maurer said. “I think if we can give something back, we’re in the perfect opportunity, and I don’t think

there’s a time when taxpayers are hurting more.

“Do I want to send the district backwards? Absolutely not, but these kind of balances, we don’t need them.”

It wasn’t long ago that the district was in the opposite situation, board member Matt Johnson said.

“The history that I have is the poor financial situation we were in, programs that were cut, trying to negotiate contracts with teachers where you feel like you don’t have enough money to give increases, not having air conditioning in the buildings ...”

Johnson said.

“I just don’t want to get back into a situation where we feel like we can’t provide the best possible education and experience for our kids.”

He would like to see the dis-

trict better plan its long-term goals with cost estimates.

Because of the way the area school districts were combined, Nippersink is limited on how much debt it can have.

At this point, it cannot issue bonds, Maurer said.

An abatement resolution will be presented at the same meeting as the levy, although unlike the levy, it doesn’t face a December deadline, Superintendent Dan Oest said. The amount can be decided at the meeting.

The school board is also considering setting a maximum on how much it can have in reserves.

One board member suggested 270 days of cash on hand.

Maurer also suggested setting it as a percentage of expenditures.

More than $875K allotted for transportation • LEVY

Continued from page B1 the transportation fund at slightly more than $1 million, increasing the levy by more than 8 percent and causing

the board to hold a Truth in Taxation Hearing in which the public would be allowed to comment.

As it stands, the district will dedicate about $877,000 of its 2013 tax levy to transportation.

The levy is up for final approval at the school board’s Dec. 11 meeting.

Harrison School District 36 encompasses Harrison Elementary School, a kindergarten-through-eighth-grade school in Wonder Lake.

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

Official: Offer basically unchanged • UNION

Continued from page B1 “They expect the teachers to take concessions to pay for it,” she said.

She said the school board has barely moved from the final offer it submitted earlier this month after the union declared a formal impasse in negotiations.

The offer, Hanetho said, is essentially unchanged from the one union members voted down in October before they authorized a strike.

The board proposed capping class sizes at 28 students in kindergarten, first and second grades, and 31 students in third, fourth and

fifth grades. To pay for it, the board suggested cutting back some benefits and certain pay, while adding slightly to the automatic “step” increases that teachers get for classroom experience.

Board member Joe Stevens, a lead district negotiator and spokesman, declined to discuss Tuesday’s negotiations, saying only that the meeting produced “some progress.”

Earlier this month, he said the school board’s offer was a fair deal that achieved what both sides want – lower class sizes.

The two sides are scheduled to meet again today.

They have been negotiating since late spring.

Meanwhile, Superintendent Michael Bregy released more details this week on the district’s plan if teachers go on strike.

Parents have until the end of business today to register their students for three emergency attendance centers that would be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during a strike.

The centers are for kindergartners through sixthgraders whose parents are unable to supervise them during daytime hours. The centers will be at Carpentersville, Dundee and Hampshire middle schools.

To register, visit the district’s website at www.d300. org.

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Sports

SECTION C Thursday, November 29, 2012 Northwest Herald

Breaking news @ www.NWHerald.com

Spo�ts edito�: Jon Styf • jstyf@shawmedia.com

Tigers’ Jenna Wallace to play tennis at WIU

�FIVE ON ONE

AP file photo

TODAY’S TOPIC: Suh many choices

Lions defensive lineman Ndamakong Suh (above) was fined $30,000 by the NFL for kicking Texans QB Matt Schaub after falling on Thanksgiving. Here are five other careers Suh could try if/when he gets “kicked” out of the NFL: 1. Wrestling. Isn’t that kind of behavior encouraged there?

2. Soccer. His accuracy is impeccable. He has a history in the game. His father was a semi-pro player, and his sister plays for Cameroon’s national team.

3. Magician. He can kick someone down there and then try to get them to believe it was an accident.

4. Hockey. Like when the late Manute Bol laced up the skates, this could be fun.

5. Ski jumping. I would head to Norge to watch this one.

Crystal Lake Central senior Jenna Wallace was not certain she would attract interest from an NCAA Division I school for her tennis abilities.

Then Wallace utilized some networking skills to help open a door. She contacted Jenna Jim Capalbo, a Central Wa��ace graduate and assistant coach at Western Illinois University. Capalbo previously worked summers for Wallace’s grandfather at Crystal Lake Country Club,

PREP ZONE Joe Stevenson teaching lessons to young players.

“I told him to put in the good word for me,” Wallace said. “Before I knew it, I was visiting the school and meeting the girls on the team.”

And just after her high school season finished, Wallace received and accepted WIU’s offer. She signed her NCAA national letter of intent this month and will attend Western on

scholarship next year.

“I thought I could play an intense level at a D-II or a D-III school,” Wallace said. “That’s where I was looking until Western gave me the opportunity.”

Capalbo played there and stayed in Macomb as an assistant on coach Chris Kane’s staff. Capalbo was well ahead of Wallace at Central, but her grandfather, Crystal Lake South coach Don Nead, knew Capalbo well from summers at the country club.

Wallace was born into a tennis family. Nead coached at Crystal Lake Community previous to South open-

ing (in the fall of 1978) and has been at South with boys or girls tennis ever since. Julie Wallace, Jenna’s mother, played at Central.

“I had a racket in my hand when I was 4,” Jenna Wallace said. “I started thinking seriously about it in the eighth grade.”

Wallace plays a lot of youth tournaments over the summer. She won the Fox Valley Conference and CaryGrove Sectional singles titles, then won her first two matches in the state tournament.

See PrEP ZONE, page C2

MIxED MArTIAl ArTS

HE’S ‘THE REAL’ DIEHL

– sportsdesk@nwherald.com

�THEY WROTE IT F�om E�ic B�anch SFGate.com

After revealing that, as widely expected, Colin Kaepernick would make his third consecutive start Sunday when the 49ers visit St. Louis, Jim Harbaugh was in no mood to explain his rationale [Wednesday].

Why Kaepernick? Remarkably, Harbaugh sounded as if he planned to start both Kaepernick Co�in and Alex Smith Kaepe�nick against the Rams.

“The rationale is we’ve got two quarterbacks that we feel great about,” Harbaugh said. “Both have earned it. Deserve it. Alex over a long period of time. Colin by virtue of the last three games.

Tips the scale, Colin, I believe, has the hot hand. We’ll go with Colin.

And we’ll go with Alex. Both our guys.”

OK, Jim, but we can now assume Kaepernick will also start in Week 14 and 15 …? Harbaugh didn’t bite.

“I wouldn’t assume anything,” he said. “I know you probably will.”

Harbaugh obviously wasn’t talking much, but some stats help explain why he’s sticking with Kaepernick as his starter, almost certainly for the remainder of the season.

In terms your toddler could understand, the 49ers have fewer really bad plays – and more really good plays – with Kaepernick at the controls, which is a nod to the second-year quarterback’s strong arm and fast feet.

Monica Maschak - mmaschak@shawmedia.com

MMA fighte� Joey Dieh� (�eft) spa�s Tuesday du�ing a p�actice at Team Cu��an Ma�tia� A�ts in C�ysta� lake. Dieh� is on the ca�d fo� the Be��ato� MMA tou�nament in Decembe� in Hammond, Ind., that wi�� ai� on MTV2.

Jacobs graduate small, ready for big chance to prove himself

By JEFF ArNOlD jarnold@shawmedia.com CRYSTAL LAKE – Give Joey Diehl a quick glance, an initial once-over, and he doesn’t look the part.

He’s 5-foot-4 and 130 pounds – a whopping 135 if he’s training. He hasn’t grown an inch since eighth grade. And yet, Diehl is what he is – a 21-year-old professional mixed martial arts fighter.

Look again. It’s hard to get over, Diehl admits.

The former Jacobs wrestler from Algonquin is a professional fighter only three years after he graduated high school and after deciding to quit his 40-hours-a-week job at his parents’ sheet metal company and opting not to attend Northern Illinois as planned. He’s a professional fighter even though before three years ago, Diehl had never hit anyone in his life.

That’s just not who Joey “The Real” Diehl is.

“I was never really that guy looking for fights,” Diehl said. “I’m not a jerk kind of a guy who likes to hit people.”

And yet, Diehl is a professional fighter.

His friends, at first, didn’t believe it. His mother, Linda Diehl, who still has trouble bringing herself to watch one of her son’s caged bouts, isn’t necessarily surprised

WOODSTOCK 66 AlDEN-HEBrON 45

that what began with an intense fascination with all things MMA and Ultimate Fighting Championships has become a way of life for the youngest of her three children.

Then there is Diehl, the selfproclaimed nice guy, who, after going 3-3 in six professional fights – which followed 12 straight amateur bout victories – can’t imagine life any other way.

BEArS

Marshall eager to face Seahawks’ top corners

Streaks stop feisty Giants

By TOM MUSICK

By DAN HOWEll

tmusick@shawmedia.com

�WHAT TO WATCH

dhowell@shawmedia.com

Co��ege basketba�� No. 8 Kentucky at Not�e Dame, 6 p.m., ESPN2

HEBRON – It was a homecoming of sorts Wednesday.

Alden-Hebron girls basketball coach Jen Nichols, a former Woodstock basketball standout, was coaching against her former team and former coach, Marty Hammond, an Alden-Hebron graduate and former A-H softball coach.

The schools, separated by only 12 miles on Route 47, had never met in the regular season. And this one turned into a scrap.

Nichols was issued a technical from the bench. Woodstock’s Alejandra Taborn was T’d up from the court, and elbows, hard fouls, and tough rebounds were the norm before Woodstock pulled away for a 66-45 nonconference victory.

LAKE FOREST – Brandon Marshall hoped for an opportunity to line up against the Seattle Seahawks’ top cornerbacks this weekend at Soldier Field.

Now that Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner have appealed four-game suspensions for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing drugs, it appears Marshall will get his wish.

“I’m excited about this matchup,“ Marshall said Wednesday at Halas Hall, where the Bears conducted a two-hour practice. “I’m happy that they are playing, really excited that they are playing.

That’s good for the game, and I’m ready to compete.”

The Bears (8-3) will need Marshall to shine against the Seahawks (6-5), who boast the

The host Irish (6-1) will pit their experience – five returning starters from last season – against the young talent of the Wildcats (4-1).

For more on prep sports and video, visit our online partner, McHen�yCountySpo�ts.com.

See STrEAKS, page C2

See DIEHl, page C2

Josh Peckler - jpeckler@shawmedia.com

A�den-Heb�on’s Jo�dan Pea�son (�ight) t�ies to b�ock a shot by Woodstock’s Cody B�and du�ing the fi�st qua�te� Wednesday in Heb�on. Woodstock won, 66-45.

More Bears Gabe Carimi expects to start at right guard Sunday in place of injured Lance Louis. PAGE C3

league’s fifth-best total defense and third-best passing defense entering Sunday.

Earlier this week, the status of Sherman and Browner appeared to be in jeopardy. Both reportedly tested positive for Adderall, which is a prescription medicine for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that can serve as a stimulant when abused.

The NFL has yet to announce when it will hear Sherman and Browner’s appeals, and they may continue to play until further notice.

See BEArS, page C3

SPORTS

Page C2 • Thursday, November 29, 2012

PREP ROUNDUP

8INSIDE GIRLS BASKETBALL

Sass’ 263 game, 642 series pace Huntley

Athlete of the week

SARA MICKOW CL South, forward, jr.

Mickow can do it all on the court for the Gators, as she did in South’s 55-42 win Tuesday at Woodstock North, scoring 18 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.

The 5-foot-11 forward has produced double-double numbers in each of the Gators’ first six games, averaging more than 15 points and 15 rebounds a game to lead South.

NORTHWEST HERALD HUNTLEY – Megan Sass shot a high game of 263 and series of 642 to lead all bowlers Wednesday at Bowl-Hi Lanes.

Sass, Aimee Jenchel (584) and Sarah Coplin pushed Huntley past South Elgin, 2,689-1,789, for a nonconference win.

Amy Antczak added 482 pins for the Red Raiders (1-1).

Noteworthy

Wolves prepare for tough week: The upcoming week will go a long way in determining whether Prairie Ridge is a legitimate contender for the Fox Valley Conference Valley Division title. While the Wolves are off to a great start, at 4-1 under coach Rob Baker, they play four games within a sevenday stretch beginning Friday at Woodstock.

“Our defensive intensity has been incredible,” Baker said. “We haven’t let up defensively at all.

We’ve played physical, we’ve played tough and that’s what we’re trying to instill in the kids.”

Prairie Ridge’s two biggest obstacles in the FVC Valley, CaryGrove and Huntley, are on tap next week. The Wolves face the Trojans at home Tuesday, a team they haven’t beaten in more than a decade. They won’t have much time to rebound from what should be a tightly contested game as the Wolves host Huntley next Thursday.

“We have an opportunity to be a good team,” Baker said. “We have enough skill players, and we have enough experienced players to compete with anybody including Cary-Grove. They’re obviously the best, Cary-Grove and Huntley, are the two teams. They’ve proven to be the best over the years so until we beat them they’re still the best.

We definitely have the capabilities to play with those teams.”

C-G’s Barker still sidelined: The Trojans have been forced to play without sophomore guard/forward Katie Barker after the meniscus in her right knee was repaired.

One of C-G’s three captains, Barker has been able to run around and shoot, however, she is not expected to return to the starting lineup until around Christmas, coach Rod Saffert said.

This week’s top games Huntley at CL Central 7 p.m. today The Red Raiders travel to Crystal Lake Central to take on an unbeaten Tigers squad coming off a lastsecond victory. Huntley is also off to a great start and features two of the area’s best scorers, forward Sam Andrews and guard/forward Haley Ream.

Cary-Grove at Prairie Ridge 7 p.m. Tuesday Prairie Ridge has started the season 4-1 but won’t be satisfied without a win against their rival and one of the FVC Valley Division favorites, Cary-Grove. The Wolves are searching for their first win against the Trojans in more than 11 years.

– Meghan Montemurro, mmontemurro@shawmedia.com

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

Marengo 2,669, St. Charles East 2,646: At Bowling Green Lanes

in West Chicago, Susan Anthony bowled the high series (601) for the Indians, and Megan Hanelt had a match-best 233 game as Marengo (5-0) eked out a nonconference win to remain undefeated.

GIRLS BASKETBALL Byron 70, Richmond-Burton 46: Monica Maschak – mmaschak@shawmedia.com

MMA fighter Joey Diehl (left) watches as two others spar Tuesday at Team Curran Martial Arts in Crystal Lake. Diehl is 3-3 as a professional fighter.

Jacobs grad in Bellator 84 • DIEHL Continued from page C1 “I was never good at team sports – I was too short for basketball, can’t catch, can’t throw,” Diehl said. “Back in high school, people would just assume they could pick on you. and it’s kind of nice to know you can defend yourself – especially when you’re a little guy.”

Six fights into his professional career, Diehl is considered a lower-level pro who will be part of the undercard at next month’s Bellator 84 event at The Venue at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Ind. But considering what he’s learned about the sport – and more importantly about himself – in those six fights has been invaluable for a bantamweight fighter looking to make a name for himself.

Bellator, which is the second-largest MMA promotion in the country and the sport’s largest tournamentstyle organization, will be the biggest event Diehl has been a part of. And although his televised fight Dec. 14 won’t open a future with Bellator for Diehl, it’s the kind of event that puts him on promoters’ radar screens, opening the door to future opportunity.

“It’s going to be the most fun I’ve ever had,” Diehl said. “It’s different than what I’m used to, but to me, it’s just a fight. The cage is the same – there’s nothing’s different about it.”

Over the past three years, Diehl has gone from high school wrestler who studied jujutsu on the side to becoming a fighter who has had to spend every day learning the ropes. As an amateur, he fought once a month, combining his wrestling abilities with the MMA fundamentals he learned studying under his coach and training partner, Jeff Curran.

But after going undefeated in 12 amateur fights, Diehl has been forced to become more disciplined – both in his training and inside the octagon.

He has learned to get the most of the six hours he trains five days a week, perfecting his form and techniques, having learned that even the most minor of slip-ups can cost him in a fight.

The toughest – and yet most valuable – lessons come after a loss, Curran said. It’s there where Diehl has had to grow the most and the area, Curran believes, where the young fighter still has the biggest strides yet to make.

“[Joey’s] got the skill, got the ability, got the desire, and he’s got the heart,” Curran said. “But he’s had some setbacks, and he just lacks confidence at certain rough periods of the fight.

“But that’s finally starting to click.

He’s more hungry.”

The passion for the fight has never been lacking with Diehl, who was 12 when he saw his first UFC-televised event. He’s been hooked since, digesting every pay per view he could, slowly starting to picture himself in the kind of fights he had watched on TV. Linda Diehl attends every fight with her husband to show her support. But she said about two weeks before each of her son’s fights, the nerves start to kick in and she prepares herself, knowing anything can happen.

So she watches Joey’s fights from a nearby hallway or while standing behind her brother-in-law – unwilling to completely take in the sport’s brutal nature with her son at the center of it all.

“It’s what he loves, and what he’s good at and so you want to support him, but you say, ‘Oh my God, should I even be watching this?’ ” Linda said.

“I never see very many other mothers around.”

Diehl is 3-3 in his six professional bouts and prefers to treat next month’s Bellator event as just another fight.

He still remembers the feeling he had his first fight, calling it surreal.

But now, this is his life.

“Once that first fight was done, everything’s been different,” Diehl said.

“It’s hard to explain how – it’s just a different feeling.”

Curran sees a different fighter, too.

Diehl is much more skilled and confident. He manages fights better and gets the most of his 135-pound frame.

With a good showing at Bellator, Curran figures Diehl has the makings of the kind of tough, exciting fighter promoters are looking for. And with Diehl committed to do whatever it takes to make a living as a professional fighter, Curran envisions big things ahead for one of the scrappiest fighters in his gym.

“Joey is on a collision course with success. I have no doubt about that,” Curran said. “It’s just going to take time. You can’t rush it.”

At Byron, Alex Callanan scored

a team-high 13 points, and Sam Boettjer added 10, but the Rockets (2-4) couldn’t stop Byron’s Mayson Whipple (19 points) in the nonconference loss.

BOYS BOWLING South Elgin 3,356, Huntley 2,902:

At Bowl-Hi Lanes in Huntley, Beau Rehner bowled team-best games of 245 and 256 en route to Huntley’s high series (641), and Joe Gutka added 583 pins, but South Elgin overpowered the Red Raiders with four series higher than 600.

Elgin 2,847, Marengo 2,724: At Glo Bowl in Marengo, Alex Gross had a 633 series, and Dakota Termini and Dustin Termini both added 538s in the nonconference loss for the Indians.

• Chris Burrows contributed to this report.

8SPORTS SHORTS Miles, LSU agree to extension

Les Miles has a new seven-year contract at LSU that also will result in a pay raise for one of the most successful coaches in the history of the Tigers’ football program.

The new contract runs through 2019, which amounts to a two-year extension. LSU athletic director Joe Alleva said financial details were still being worked out and will be released after LSU plays in a still-undecided bowl game to close out this season.

A person familiar with the contract said Miles’ new annual pay would be in the range of $4.3 million. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because financial details were not released.

Louisville headed to ACC

Atlantic Coast Conference leaders got the school they wanted.

The ACC announced Wednesday that its presidents and chancellors unanimously voted to add Louisville as the replacement for Maryland, which will join the Big Ten in 2014.

A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that ACC leaders also considered Connecticut and Cincinnati over the past week before the vote to add Louisville during a conference call Wednesday. The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the ACC hasn’t released details of the expansion discussions.

– Wire reports

Woodstock senior Ludwig scores 20 points in victory • STREAKS Continued from page C1 “I’m glad we came up against this team because it forces us to play a lot harder,” Hammond said. “Jen, it’s her first year here, and she’s got those girls playing real, real hard.”

Woodstock (3-2) was led by Sam Ludwig with a game-high 20 points.

The Blue Streaks will most likely lean on her senior leadership this season.

“I’m very happy with how our team is working out,” Ludwig said.

“We came out with the taller girls and the better shots.”

The Streaks went on a 16-6 run to start the game before the Giants fought back. However, the Streaks closed the game on a 25-10 run to put it away.

Megan Pautrat (18 points) and Cody Brand (16) provided the second and third options for the Streaks.

Pautrat believed the game was a little closer than Woodstock would have liked.

“We just kept wanting to force it at times, and it wasn’t there,” Pautrat said.

The Streaks had a tough spell of shooting in the second quarter, as the Giants went on a 10-2 run to tie the score at 18.

“We had the consistency when we

played our game,” A-H junior Jacqueline Walters said. “That’s when we really pulled together.”

A-H (4-2) tied the score at 21, but Nichols’ technical followed. Woodstock took a 24-21 lead after the free throws and never trailed again.

“Our ladies stood strong, fought the entire game and they did exactly what I knew they would do as far as effort,” Nichols said. “There’s a few things we struggled with as far as rebounding and boxing out, but as far as our heart and effort, it was definitely there.”

Walters led A-H with 18 points, and she said the challenge Woodstock posed will help her team later in the year.

“We can always know that we played against a school that’s a 3A school – we’re a 1A school with 120 kids,” Walters said. “But knowing that we stayed with them in the beginning is really good.”

A-H’s Gabrielle Peterson scored 11, and Sparkle Lagerhausen added six.

Hammond is waiting for his Streaks to come together.

“Sooner or later they’re going to mature as a team,” Hammond said.

“We have three 6-footers almost, and we’ll start working the ball inside and outside. We should be able to dominate inside.”

More local football players honored

• PREP ZONE Continued from page C1

“I got the offer right around the night of our awards ceremony,” Wallace said. “It was an emotional night because I knew I wouldn’t be playing any more high school tennis, but I would still have the opportunity to play in college.”

Honorable mentions: Richmond-Burton’s Ryne Blanton, Marian Central’s Liam Kirwan and Woodstock North’s Ryan Wade were selected as honorable mention picks to the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association All-State teams.

Blanton, a two-way lineman, was selected in Class 4A. Kirwan, a defensive end, and Wade, who played fullback and linebacker, were named in Class 5A. For a list of local players named to the IHSFCA Academic All-State team, which also was announced Wednesday, see page C5.

Albright commits: Huntley senior infielder Tyler Albright has committed to play baseball next year at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines.

Albright was a reserve for the Red Raiders last season and hit .300 with six RBIs in 17 games.

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January 6 - ebruary 24 Sess ons for Grades 1-12 Northwest Herald file photo

Crystal Lake Central’s Jenna Wallace returns a volley against Belvidere North’s Lindsay Kirkham-Olsen during the sectional championship match at the Racket Club in Algonquin. Wallace won, 6-3, 6-1.

• Joe Stevenson is a senior sports writer for the Northwest Herald. He can be reached by email at joestevenson@shawmedia.com.

You also can follow him on Twitter @nwh_ JoePrepZone.

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NFL THIS WEEK

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012 • Page C3

8EDITOR’S 8

VIEWS Jon Styf

Northwest Herald Sports Editor Jon Styf’s NFL power rankings

Bears walk fine NFL line of good-bad

Last week’s ranking in parentheses

1

Houston Texans 10-1 (1)

The Texans stumbled on Thanksgiving. Their knee even touched the ground. But they got up and ran away with the win.

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Atlanta Falcons 10-1 (2)

The Falcons have a short week heading into tonight’s likely highscoring matchup with New Orleans.

Baltimore Ravens 9-2 (3) The Ravens laid an egg in the first half, then came away with a win.

San Francisco 49ers 8-2-1 (5)

Colin Kaepernick didn’t look as great in start No. 2, but was good enough to win.

New England Patriots 8-3 (6) The Patriots keep scoring a ton of points and keep winning.

Denver Broncos 8-3 (7)

AP photo

Seattle Seahawks rookie quarterback Russell Wilson has a 122 passer rating at home but only a 75.5 rating on the road. Seattle visits the Bears on Sunday.

Bears vs Seahawks Noon Sunday, Fox, AM-780, FM-105.9

Peyton Manning has this team on a roll.

Northwest Herald sports writer Tom Musick breaks down this week’s Bears game:

Green Bay Packers 7-4 (4)

The struggling Giants exposed Green Bay. But the Packers had been on a quite a run before that.

Bears 8-3 (9)

They looked great Sunday after looking terrible the Monday before.

Let’s see what this week brings.

9. Indianapolis Colts 7-4 (12) 10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6-5 (11) 11. New York Giants 7-4 (14) 12. Minnesota Vikings 6-5 (8) 13. New Orleans Saints 5-6 (10) 14. Cincinnati Bengals 6-5 (15) 15. Washington Redskins 5-6 (19) 16. Seattle Seahawks 6-5 (13) 17. St. Louis Rams 4-6-1 (17) 18. Dallas Cowboys 5-6 (16) 19. Miami Dolphins 5-6 (20) 20. Pittsburgh Steelers 6-5 (18) 21. Detroit Lions 4-7 (21) 22. Buffalo Bills 4-7 (22) 23. Tennessee Titans 4-7 (23) 24. San Diego Chargers 4-7 (24) 25. New York Jets 4-7 (25) 26. Oakland Raiders 3-8 (27) 27. Philadelphia Eagles 3-8 (26) 28. Cleveland Browns 3-8 (29) 29. Jacksonville Jaguars 2-9 (31) 30. Carolina Panthers 3-8 (30) 31. Arizona Cardinals 4-7 (28) 32. Kansas City Chiefs 1-10 (32) – jstyf@shawmedia.com

BEARS

3

Bears’ rushing offense vs. Seahawks’ rushing defense Matt Forte limped off the field in Week 12 because of an ankle injury, but did not appear to be hobbled as he sprinted and caught passes during practice Wednesday. The Bears will need Forte to be healthy and effective against the Seahawks’ front line, which includes Alan Branch and Brandon Mebane at defensive tackle. The good news is that Gabe Carimi is an excellent run blocker, so he could create space for Forte up the middle.

Edge: Bears Bears’ passing offense vs. Seahawks’ passing defense Brandon Marshall said he was “excited” to hear that Seahawks cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner would play this week. It’s great to want to compete against top competition, but the Bears would have been better off without the duo playing against them. The Seahawks have the No. 3 passing defense with 200.7 yards allowed a game, and a feisty pass rush could keep Jay Cutler on edge.

Edge: Seahawks

3

Seahawks’ rushing offense vs. Bears’ rushing defense Marshawn Lynch is third in the NFL with 1,051 rushing yards, which trails only Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson (1,236 yards) and Houston’s Arian Foster (1,064 yards).

Peterson and Foster topped 100 yards against the Bears’ defense in recent weeks, and Lynch could do the same. He has two fumbles this season, and the Bears will do their best to increase that number.

Edge: Seahawks

3 3

SEAHAWKS

3

Seahawks’ passing offense vs. Bears’ passing defense If not for the Bears’ last-ranked passing attack, the Seahawks’ No. 31 passing offense would be the worst in the league. Russell Wilson looks like a legitimate starter at quarterback, but in his rookie season he has posted a 122 passer rating at home to go with a 75.5 passer rating on the road. With apologies to Sidney Rice and Golden Tate, none of the Seahawks’ wide receivers is especially intimidating.

Edge: Bears Sunday’s winner Picking against the Bears last week proved to be a big mistake. Lesson learned. The return of Cutler helped to stabilize a beleaguered offense, and a veteran-laden defense regained its footing by notching its 31st, 32nd and 33rd takeaways to lead the league.

Although the Seahawks have a shot at a playoff berth, they are 1-5 on the road with their only win away from home coming by four points against the Carolina Panthers.

Musick’s pick: Bears 24, Seahawks 17

PRO PICKS / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS New Orleans (plus 31⁄2) at Atlanta, tonight The Falcons will secure at least a wild card if they win and Seattle loses.

FALCONS, 33-27 N.Y. Giants (pick-em) at Washington, Monday Not having to give points make this an obvious ...

BEST BET: GIANTS, 27-24 Indianapolis (plus 41⁄2) at Detroit Hold that challenge flag, coach Schwartz.

UPSET SPECIAL: COLTS, 22-20 Tampa Bay (plus 61⁄2) at Denver BRONCOS, 28-27 Seattle (plus 4) at Bears BEARS, 21-20

Minnesota (plus 9) at Green Bay PACKERS, 24-17 San Francisco (minus 7) at St. Louis 49ERS, 24-13 New England (minus 71⁄2) at Miami PATRIOTS, 37-20 Houston (minus 41⁄2) at Tennessee TEXANS, 23-20 Arizona (plus 41⁄2) at New York Jets JETS, 20-10 Carolina (minus 1) at Kansas City PANTHERS, 24-16 Philadelphia (plus 10) at Dallas COWBOYS, 33-14

BEARS NOTES

Carimi expects to start at guard

By TOM MUSICK tmusick@shawmedia.com

LAKE FOREST – Gabe Carimi never had played guard in a game until he replaced injured teammate Lance Louis as an emergency fill-in this week at Soldier Field.

Now, Carimi is the starting right guard heading into the Bears’ next game Sunday against Seattle.

“As of right now, that’s where it is,” Carimi said Wednesday at Halas Hall.

Carimi practiced with the first team as part of a reshuffled offensive line that included J’Marcus Webb at left tackle, Edwin Williams at left guard, Roberto Garza at

center and Jonathan Scott at right tackle. Louis is out for the season because of a knee injury, while Chris Spencer missed practice because of a knee injury.

Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice said he was impressed by Carimi’s stint at guard after Louis went down.

Carimi had been benched a week earlier as the starting right tackle and accepted his new position without complaint.

“I’m glad he kept in a good mind frame and went in there and did a nice job,” Tice said. “He looked good pulling around there [at right guard].”

Cram session: Andre Gurode

started learning the Bears’ playbook before his first practice at Halas Hall, where he wore No. 64 and lined up with the second team at right guard.

The Bears signed Gurode on Tuesday to bolster an offensive line that has been depleted by injuries. Gurode, 33, started 127 games in 10 seasons with Dallas and Baltimore before joining the Bears.

“We looked at a couple of different things today,” said Gurode, who received the locker that was left vacant

by Chilo Rachal. “I got some things down. I’m going to keep working at it and take it home tonight and start studying all over again.”

Jacksonville (plus 6) at Buffalo BILLS, 27-16 Cincinnati (minus 1) at San Diego BENGALS, 23-17 Pittsburgh (OFF) at Baltimore RAVENS, 20-13 Cleveland (OFF) at Oakland BROWNS, 23-20 2012 RECORD Against spread: 8-3-1 (73-91-6). Straight up: 13-3 (110-65-1) Best Bet: 6-4-2 against spread, 10-2 straight up.

Upset special: 8-4 against spread, 6-6 straight up.

– Barry Wilner

The difference between good and bad in the NFL isn’t that far.

Bad is an injury to Ben Roethlisberger away from happening to any team. The Steelers were playing well but lost twice in a row without him.

What works isn’t straight forward. San Francisco can dominate the Bears after losing handily to the Vikings. Then, the Bears can dominate those same Vikings.

Before you say it, be honest with yourself and realize that wasn’t all about Jay Cutler missing a game.

On Sunday, we’ll see two polar opposites on the coaching spectrum.

Ho-hum Lovie and Excitable Pete.

There are arguments for both.

Professionals can motivate themselves, they need consistency not blind enthusiasm.

Or maybe they really do need any sort of motivation they can get.

The reality is that every player is different. And what works one time might not again.

That’s why Jon Gruden won a Super Bowl in Tampa Bay but was ultimately fired there too.

Sometimes, change for change’s sake can even help.

That’s an explanation for why Brandon Marshall has been so good this year after having so many issues in the recent past.

Same for Jonathan Scott, who has been good so far since being cut by so many teams before.

The point is that there is no true solution to winning in the NFL. It evolves quickly, and coaches and players need to as well.

That’s why Miami’s wildcat worked until it didn’t. And why cover 2 was once the answer to everything, until it was solved.

Coaches who can evolve will fare the best, as long as they have decent talent.

Which brings us to the Bears, and their evolving offense.

Something was different Sunday, though I’m not sure I can pinpoint it.

The offensive linemen were somewhat the same, but better. The receiving corps remained one-dimensional. And Kellen Davis was Kellen Davis.

But, somehow, it worked.

Finding that space as often as they can the remainder of the season is the key to the Bears’ success, no doubt.

How they got there, well, is harder to define.

Cutler was rested and healthy. He looked great from start to finish. He even made Matt Spaeth look good. And while he picked apart the Vikings, the running game fed off his success.

They still started off poorly. First a lost fumble by Matt Forte, then a sack and a quick punt.

But eventually it started working, and the offense fed off what the defense handed them.

They substituted to go big and got the short yardage with Michael Bush on the ground and they hit Marshall across the middle for short, crucial gains when they needed them.

For the first time in a while, their playcalling seemed to make sense. But that’s only because it found success.

I’d love to simplify and explain why they were good with a simple quote or fact. But it just doesn’t work that way.

Some days you’re good. Some days you’re not. And the Bears saw both sides of that spectrum in a seven-day period.

Sunday, we’ll find out how long it lasts.

The pick: The Bears likely will have Matt Forte and likely keep the positive forward momentum, remaining alone in first place in the NFC North.

Bears 21, Seahawks 17

• Write to Northwest Herald Sports Editor Jon Styf at jstyf@shawmedia.com.

Seattle’s top corners among NFL’s best • BEARS Continued from page C1 Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Sherman and Browner would be available against the Bears. Although Carroll declined to specifically address the players’ pending suspensions, he was happy to explain their value to the defense.

“The wide receivers have to deal with them play-in and play-out,” Carroll said. “They get their hands on you and they press really well. That’s just the start of it.

“Both are very savvy kids.

They understand the game.

They’re physical. And both guys can catch and make a play on the ball when they get their chances.”

The duo presents a big challenge for the Bears in more ways than one.

At 6-foot-4 and 221 pounds, Browner is one of the league’s tallest defensive backs. He has three interceptions, six pass break-ups and two forced fumbles.

Across from Browner, Sherman is another big defender (6-foot-3, 195 pounds) who has tallied four interceptions, 15 pass break-ups and two forced fumbles.

The Bears have been outsized against the duo in years past, but that has changed this season with Marshall (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) as the featured receiver.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler said he expected Marshall to be in for a physical game.

“Brandon’s usually the biggest guy out there on the outside and kind of does what he wills,” Cutler said. “With those guys around, it’s a different matchup for him.

“A bigger guy is going to grab, going to pull, going to get up in his face. So we’re going to have to attack it a little different.”

Marshall has embraced the challenge.

Although Marshall never has faced Sherman or Browner, he is aware that the Seahawks prefer to play single coverage in the secondary.

They have had success this season against elite receivers such as Detroit’s Calvin Johnson (3 receptions, 46 yards) and Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald (4 receptions, 63 yards).

Page C4 • Thursday, November 29, 2012

Hunter shows lack of common sense

Last week I wrote about the 72-year old archer from Des Plaines who harvested what he thought were a pair of elk, only to find out they were European red deer that had escaped from a farm. It didn’t matter which species they were, legally, because there are no proscribed seasons for either in Illinois because they do not reside here.

I got quite a bit of feedback on the issue, and I got a little more aggravated the more I thought about it. The guy sees what he thinks are three elk, so he decides to shoot two of them. He knows there are no elk in Illinois. What if these animals were part of the Clam Lake herd that the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation established in Wisconsin?

I know it’s highly unlikely that a trio of elk would wander 300 miles south, but stranger things have happened, have they not? If that was the case, this hunter certainly made sure that they’d never have a chance to repopulate, having left only a single with no mate.

If this hunter knew the animals were legal to shoot because there is no season because there technically are no animals, what went through his mind when he saw them? He had to know that the animals had either migrated to Illinois, which would have made them incredibly rare, or he had to have known they were escapees from a private owner.

In either case, I feel the hunter was incredibly shortsighted and extremely greedy.

These animals go about 500 pounds each. Wouldn’t one be enough to stock a freezer? In any case, he should not have unleashed his arrows, in my humble opinion.

I just sent this off to Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller: “Marc, I have attached two columns I have recently written touching on the subject of the European red deer that were harvested on private property near Antioch. It is my fervent belief that any species of animal that does not have a hunting season designated for it should not be allowed to be harvested. I cannot possibly imagine any valid reason for allowing an unregulated species to be taken at will. This is something that could be corrected with a simple stroke of your pen. I think it would be simple to accomplish and stop people like the Antioch hunter of taking unfair advantage of a loophole in the conservation laws.”

Here are a couple of interesting responses to my question as to where the “elk” might have come from: Art Peterson wrote, “There is a large captive elk herd just east of Lake Geneva. Strays from there could easily have gotten to Lake County. The elk are visible from the road. I’ve seen them while riding rustic roads. Did not stop or note the name. The ranch/farm is just northeast of the intersection of Rte. 50 and Cranberry Road.

Also, there are some captive buffalo operations in the area, in case anyone finds a shaggy stray munching Pampas grass in their backyard.”

Thanks, Art. I hope none of those buffalo accidentally get loose and wander past the tree stand of that 72-year-old guy from Des Plaines.

OUTDOORS & COLLEGE

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

NIU FOOTBALL

Lynch top dog in MAC

OUTDOORS Steve Sarley Mike Sullivan showed his great memory, writing, “Just thought I’d let you know that there was a very similar story to yours about killing an elk just off Hogback Road, 20-25 years ago. It had somehow walked off the Kelly property on Country Club Road. Supposedly, the shooter called the IDNR and was told there was no season and that it would be OK to kill it. I’m sure some of the details have blurred over the years, but I do remember the Kellys had a few elk, a bunch of Chinese deer and a couple of Bactrian camels wandering around their property back then.”

I responded that I hoped that the camels were smart enough to stay put because I’ve heard that camel backstraps are very tasty.

Bob Bailey wrote, “Your Nov. 22 article in reference to car/deer crashes and alleged elk being shot in Illinois was interesting. You might be interested in checking on a recent car/elk crash. As I recall it occurred in early October in the Sawyer County part of Clam Lake, Wis. A small car struck and killed a 10-year-old bull elk with large antlers. The car was destroyed and the driver broke her neck when the elk landed on top of the car and pushed the top down on her head.”

••• I am sure many readers responded to my request to contact your legislators to voice your demand for a positive vote on the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012.

This one seemed like a no-brainer to me. A diverse coalition of angling, hunting and conservation organizations worked for many months to create this historic bill containing 17 major provisions for anglers, hunters and aficionados of fish and wildlife conservation.

Incredibly, the bill failed to pass because of what was termed “a party line vote on a procedural motion.”

Said Gordon Robertson, vice president of the American Sportfishing Association, “The shocking aspect of this bill’s defeat is that it occurred over a budget argument giving the Secretary of the Interior the ability to increase the duck stamp price $10, thus pumping more dollars into wetland conservation for both fisheries and wildlife benefits.

“Adding salt to the wound is that the increase is strongly supported by waterfowl hunters who champion the user pay-user benefit concept for fish and wildlife conservation along with all sportsmen and women as well as the fishing and hunting industries.”

To see how your Senators voted, visit the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 page on KeepAmericaFishing.org.

• Northwest Herald outdoors columnist Steve Sarley’s radio show, “The Outdoors Experience,” airs live at 5 a.m. Sundays on AM-560.

Sarley also runs a website for outdoors enthusiasts, OExperience.com. He can be reached by e-mail at sarfishing@yahoo. com.

QB is NIU’s 6th MVP in 7 years SHAW MEDIA

AP photo

Illinois’ Nnanna Egwu blocks a shot by Georgia Tech’s Robert Carter, Jr. during the first half Wednesday in Champaign. Illinois won the Big Ten/ACC Challenge game, 75-62.

BIG TEN/ACC CHALLENGE

Bertrand rallies Illini Victory helps Big Ten win Challenge

Challenge results

Wednesday Virginia 60, Wisconsin 54 Purdue 73, Clemson 61 Miami 67, Michigan State 59 Illinois 75, Georgia Tech 62 Boston College 73, Penn State 61 Duke 73, Ohio State 68 Tuesday Virginia Tech 95, Iowa 79 Minnesota 77, Florida State 68 Michigan 79, NC State 72 Nebraska 79, Wake Forest 63 Maryland 77, Northwestern 57 Indiana 83, North Carolina 59

The ASSOCIATED PRESS CHAMPAIGN – Joseph Bertrand made 3-pointers on consecutive possessions and scored every point in a 10-0 run to ignite No. 22 Illinois to a 75-62 victory over Georgia Tech on Wednesday night in a Big Ten/ACC Challenge game.

The Big Ten finished the two-day event with a 6-5 record.

Illinois (8-0) took charge behind Bertrand, who also scored on drives in the decisive surge to lift the Illini from a 58-54 deficit late in the second half.

The Illini finished the game on a 21-4 run.

Bertrand scored 12 of his 15 points in the second half.

Brandon Paul also scored 15 points for the Illini, while forward Tyler Griffey and guard D.J. Richardson had 14 points apiece.

Kammeon Holsey led Georgia Tech (4-2) with 14 points.

No. 2 Duke 73, No. 4 Ohio St. 68: At Durham, N.C., Mason

• Big Ten wins, 6-5 Plumlee had 21 points and a career-high-tying17rebounds, and Duke rallied late and held on to beat Ohio State.

Freshman Rasheed Sulaimon scored all 17 points in the second half. Ryan Kelly added 15 and hit 3-pointers on consecutive trips downcourt early during the 20-7 run that put the Blue Devils (7-0) ahead to stay.

Deshaun Thomas scored 16 points for Ohio State (4-1).

Miami 67, No. 13 Michigan St. 59: At Coral Gables, Fla., senior Trey McKinney Jones scored a career-high 18 points, and Miami beat Michigan State (5-2).

Miami (4-1) held the ball in the final seconds to run out the clock, and students then stormed the court, hoisting at least one player and the team mascot onto their shoulders and chanting, “ACC.”

Virginia 60, Wisconsin 54:

At Madison, Wis., Joe Harris scored 22 points to lead Virginia (5-2) over Wisconsin.

Ben Brust led Wisconsin (4-3) with 15 points, and Jared Berggren added 12.

Purdue 73, Clemson 61: At Clemson, S.C., D.J. Byrd had 20 points and six 3-pointers in the first half as Purdue built a big lead and held on to defeat Clemson (4-2).

The Boilermakers (3-3) won in the conference challenge for a fourth straight year and did so on the strength of their early outside shooting.

Byrd was 6 of 9 from beyond the arc, and Purdue had seven threes overall to lead 42-22 at the break.

DeKALB — For Northern Illinois, having a player win the Mid-American Conference MVP has become routine.

On Tuesday, NIU junior quarterback Jordan Lynch was honored with the Vern Smith Leadership Award, given to the league’s most valuable player by the league’s coaches.

Lynch is the sixth Huskie in the past seven years to win the award, joining Garrett Wolfe (2006), Larry English (2007 and 2008), Chad Spann (2010) and Chandler Harnish (2011).

Lynch has led NIU to an 8-0 record in the MAC and an 11-1 mark overall. The Huskies are ranked No. 21 in the BCS standings and will play for the MAC championship Friday against Kent St. at Ford Field in Detroit.

Lynch has thrown for 2,750 yards and 23 touchdowns while running for 1,611 yards and 16 touchdowns. He holds the NCAA record for most consecutive 100-yard rushing games by a quarterback (nine) and became the first player in FBS history to pass for more than 400 yards and rush for more than 150 yards in a game when he accomplished the feat against Toledo on Nov. 14.

Boston College 73, Penn St. 61: At State College, Pa., fresh-

man Olivier Hanlan scored 22 points, and Boston College withstood a furious late-game rally to beat Penn State.

The Eagles (3-4) led by 20 with 6:21 left before an 18-1 run got Penn State within 60-57 with 3:05 left, led by Jermaine Marshall (25 points) and D.J. Newbill (22).

Kyle Bursaw – kbursaw@shawmedia.com

Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch is the Mid-American Conference player of the year.

OUTDOORS NOTES Hunting/fishing report

Northern Illinois: Dave Kranz from Dave’s Bait, Tackle and Taxidermy in Crystal Lake reports: “The second firearm deer season should be as good as the first, with mild weather in our area. Hunters will find yearling does and does that did not take during the first season giving us a second rut. Doe in heat scent should be used at this time to get the buck to stop where you have a good shot.

The Fox River is still providing good open water fishing for the nonhunters. Walleye and white bass will hit an extra-large fathead on a jig head. It is also time to dust off that ice tackle.”

Call 815-455-2040 for updated reports.

For up-to-the-minute water conditions on the Fox Chain and Fox River, go to foxwaterway.state.il.us/ or call 847-587-8540.

Wisconsin – Lake Michigan: You can call Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan Fishing Hotline at 414-382-7920 to hear the latest fishing information for Lake Michigan and its tributaries.

Turkey permits

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources advises Illinois resident hunters that they may now apply for the first lottery for 2013 Illinois Spring Wild Turkey Season permits online. Visit the IDNR website for information at dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/turkey/Pages/SpringTurkeyHunting.aspx. The application deadline for the first lottery for 2013 resident spring turkey permits is Saturday. Nonresidents may apply for 2013 Illinois Spring Wild Turkey permits beginning Dec. 4.

Youth goose hunt

Any youth interested in the 13th annual Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt on Dec. 26 and 27 at private waterfowl hunting clubs in Peoria, Fulton and Knox counties can register now.

Youth hunters must phone in to 217-785-8060 to register for the drawing to participate in the hunt. The registration deadline is Dec. 7. The drawing will be conducted Dec. 10 and youth hunters selected will be notified by mail. Firsttime applicants will be given a priority over previous participants in the drawing. The hunt is

open to youngsters ages 10 to 15 at the time of the hunt. All applicants must have successfully completed a hunter safety education course, possess a valid Illinois hunting or sportsman’s license, have a Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration number, and have a 20-gauge or larger shotgun. Youth hunt participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must possess a valid FOID card.

Sportsmen Against Hunger

Illinois hunters are encouraged to donate whole deer to the Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger program, which is part of the IDNR ‘Target Hunger Now!’ initiative. Participating meat processors turn the donated deer into ground venison for delivery to food banks and charities in Illinois. For more information on ‘Target Hunger Now!’ and the Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger program, check the IDNR website at dnr.illinois.gov/programs/ISAH/Pages/default.aspx or contact them by email at tracy.shafer@Illinois.gov or write to Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271.

– Steve Sarley

Bow Hunters: Are You Ready? f& f o p o Dr t a p u Pick

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Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

BULLS 101, MAVERICKS 78

Bulls bounce back in big way The ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHICAGO – Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau preaches 48 minutes of effort to his team. He didn’t quite get that against the Mavericks on Wednesday night, but it was much better than the last time out.

Luol Deng had 22 points and six rebounds as the Bulls cruised to a 101-78 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

Five players scored at least 11 points to help the Bulls (7-7) beat the Mavericks for the fourth straight time. The Bulls recovered from a 93-92 loss to Milwaukee on Monday, in which it blew a 27-point thirdquarter lead, largely because of the proficiency of its reserves.

“The bench was great,” Thibodeau said. “The starters got us out to a good start. We needed everybody.”

Nate Robinson had 14 points and a game-high six assists for the Bulls, and fellow reserve Jimmy Butler scored a career-high 13, including 9-of-10 shooting from the free throw line.

AP photo

Dallas’ Dominique Jones (left) and the Bulls’ Joakim Noah battle for a rebound Wednesday at the United Center.

“I feel like we’re coming together, getting more comfortable out there,” Butler said. “They tell us all the time that you have to keep building that lead, but it definitely shows that any night, any team – 20 down, 10 down – they can come back and win the game.”

The Bulls’ bench combined for a season-high 50 points.

Joakim Noah chipped in 13 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three blocks as the Bulls avoided their first three-game losing streak at the United Center since dropping five straight in March 2010.

“It was good to come out and forget that last loss and move forward as a team,” said Bulls reserve Taj Gibson, who had eight points and eight rebounds. “We understand we have a long season. There’s going to be a lot of bumps in the road, but we’re sticking together.”

Shawn Marion scored a seasonhigh 18 points for Dallas, which shot just 35 percent to lose for the eighth time in 11 games. The Mavericks (79), who had won 21 of 27 against the Bulls, dropped to 2-6 on the road.

“I loved our start to the game, but they kept chipping away and they cut the deficit, they took the lead, and our response wasn’t good,” coach Rick Carlisle said. “No excuses. We played last night and all that, but we just have to do a better job.”

NBA ROUNDUP

Nets scuffle with, defeat Celtics straight losses.

The ASSOCIATED PRESS

BOSTON – Joe Johnson scored 18 points, Andray Blatche had 17 points and 13 rebounds, and the Brooklyn Nets beat the Boston Celtics, 95-83, on Wednesday night after Rajon Rondo was ejected after a fight.

The Celtics’ point guard was tossed after he shoved Kris Humphries to retaliate for the Nets forward’s hard foul against Kevin Garnett. Humphries and Brooklyn forward Gerald Wallace also were ejected for their roles in the second-quarter skirmish.

Wizards 84, Trail Blazers 82: At Washington, Jordan Crawford scored 19 points, and Washington beat Portland for its first victory after starting the season with 12

Thunder 120, Rockets 98: At Okla-

homa City, Kevin Durant matched his season high with 37 points, and Oklahoma City beat Houston in James Harden’s first game back at Chesapeake Energy Arena since being traded by the Thunder before the season.

Harden scored 17 points.

Grizzlies 103, Raptors 82: At Memphis, Tenn., Marreese Speights had 18 points and 12 rebounds to help Memphis beat Toronto for its third straight win.

Knicks 102, Bucks 88: At Milwaukee, Carmelo Anthony scored 29 points to lead New York past Milwaukee. The Bucks’ Brandon Jennings and Beno Udrih each scored 18 points.

Pistons 117, Suns 77: At Auburn

Hills, Mich., Brandon Knight and Charlie Villanueva scored 19 points apiece, and Detroit routed Phoenix to win back-to-back games for the first time this season.

Hawks 94, Bobcats 91: At Atlanta, Al Horford scored 17 points and hit two clinching free throws to help Atlanta beat Charlotte for its sixth straight victory.

Spurs 110, Magic 89: At Orlando, Fla., Manu Ginobili had 20 points, Gary Neal scored 19 and San Antonio raced past Orlando for its fifth straight win.

Jazz 96, Hornets 84: At New Orleans, Al Jefferson had 19 points, Marvin Williams scored 16 before leaving with concussion symptoms, and Utah won its second straight game by defeating New Orleans.

PREPS BOYS BASKETBALL ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 10 POLL

Here are the boys prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record and total points.

CLASS 4A

School W-L 1. Simeon (10) 0-0 2. Whitney Young 0-0 3. Proviso East 4-1 4. Edwardsville 4-0 5. Rock Island 4-0 6. Belleville East 4-0 7. Curie 0-0 8. St. Charles East 5-0 9. Marist 3-0 10. Homewood-Flossmoor 4-0

Pts Prv 100 80 55 50 43 40 35 34 29 20 -

Others receiving votes: Bogan 13.

Willowbrook 9. Plainfield East 8. Rockford East 7. Bloom Township 6. Joliet West 6.

Bolingbrook 3. Oswego 3. Aurora West 3.

Benet 2. Glenbrook North 2. Hyde Park 1. Andrew 1.

CLASS 3A

School 1. Morgan Park (9) 2. Cahokia 3. Normal University 4. Washington (1) 5. Westchester St. Joseph 6. North Chicago (tie) Peoria Manual (1) 8. St. Rita 9. Orr 10. Hillcrest

W-L 0-0 5-0 4-0 4-0 3-1 5-0 4-0 3-1 2-0 2-2

Pts Prv 99 67 61 55 42 41 41 40 32 26 -

Others receiving votes: Champaign Centennial 23. Chatham Glenwood 23.

East St. Louis 15. Decatur MacArthur 12.

Springfield Southeast 10. North Lawndale 9. Chicago Marshall 3. Springfield Lanphier 2. Fenwick 2. Herscher 1. Quincy Notre Dame 1.

CLASS 2A

School W-L 1. Seton Academy (10) 2-4 2. Harrisburg (3) 1-0 3. Teutopolis 2-0 4. Monmouth-Roseville (2) 4-0 5. Pleasant Plains 4-0 6. Rockridge 4-0 7. Robinson 3-0 8. Carlyle 1-0 9. Breese Central 2-2 10. Fieldcrest 1-0

Pts Prv 132 126 93 91 69 57 47 36 29 28 -

Others receiving votes: Monticello 25. Roxana 22. Nashville 19. Riverton 14.

St. Joseph-Ogden 12. Hales Franciscan 8. Providence-St. Mel 6. Tolono Unity 4.

Breese Mater Dei 3. Sterling Newman 2.

Williamsville 2.

CLASS 1A

School 1. Woodlawn (11) 2. Illini Central (1) 3. Mounds Meridian 4. Gallatin County (1) 5. Madison 6. Saltfork 7. Okawville 8. Goreville 9. Waterloo Gibault (1) 10. Arthur-Lovington

W-L 1-0 2-3 6-0 0-1 2-0 4-1 1-0 2-0 4-1 1-1

Pts Prv 124 111 95 77 69 52 48 41 35 31 -

Others receiving votes: Mooseheart (1) 29. 25. Oblong 22. Winchester-West Central 19. Decatur Christian 14. Carrollton 11. Kewanee (Wethersfield) 8.

Waverly 7. Hope Academy 6. Concord Triopia 6. Nokomis 5. Woodland 5. Cisne 4. Jacksonville Routt 3. Hinckley-Big Rock 2. Payson-Seymour 2. St. Anne 1. Lanark Eastland 1. Moweaqua Central A&M 1.

GIRLS BASKETBALL ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 10 POLL

Here are the girls prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record and total points.

CLASS 4A

School W-L Pts Prv 1. Whitney Young (6) 6-0 60 2. Edwardsville 4-0 45 3. Marist 6-0 29 4. River Forest Trinity 2-0 26 (tie) Springfield 6-0 26 6. Richwoods 6-0 24 7. Chicago Hgts. Marian 4-0 22 8. Rock Island 5-0 20 9. Bolingbrook 3-0 17 10. DeKalb 6-0 16 Others receiving votes: Maine South 14, Huntley 9, Fenwick 8, Plainfield East 8, Rolling Meadows 3, Wheaton Warrenville South 2, Romeoville 1.

CLASS 3A School W-L 1. Montini (5) 5-0 2. Quincy Notre Dame (2) 2-0 3. Vernon Hills 5-0 (tie) Hillcrest 3-1 5. Galesburg 5-1 6. Champaign Centennial 4-1 7. Morton 3-2 8. Bloomngtn Cnt. Cthlc 4-0 9. Springfield Southeast 4-2 10. Rock Island Alleman 4-2

Pts Prv 59 50 43 43 36 33 23 21 16 15 -

Others receiving votes: Springfield Lanphier 13, Normal University 10, Morgan Park 8, Althoff Catholic 5, Marian Central 4, Bishop McNamara 3, Peoria Notre Dame 2, Taylorville 1.

CLASS 2A School W-L 1. Breese Central (7) 6-0 2. El Paso-Gridley (1) 4-0 3. Chmpgn St. Thms Mre (1) 6-1 4. Teutopolis 5-1 5. Nashville 5-0 6. Mt. Carmel 6-0 7. Sherrard 4-0 8. Pana 4-2 (tie) Carlyle 6-1 10. Riverton 5-0

Pts Prv 70 65 59 41 38 36 35 24 24 16 -

Others receiving votes: Byron 15, St. Joseph-Ogden 11, Clinton 10, Piasa Southwestern 7, Riverdale 7, Marshall 6, Oregon 6, Litchfield 5, Ottawa Marquette 4, Immaculate Conception 4, Pleasant Plains 4, Waverly 4, Paxton-Buckley-Loda 3, St. Francis de Sales 1.

CLASS 1A School W-L 1. Aquin (6) 5-1 2. Annawan (1) 5-0 3. Moweaqua Central A&M 5-2 4. Illini Bluffs (1) 7-0 5. Cowden-Herrick 3-1 6. Shiloh 5-0 7. Jacksonville Routt 2-1 8. Winchester W. Central 3-1 9. Goreville 4-0 10. Carrollton 3-0

Pts Prv 69 63 49 46 38 36 35 31 30 26 -

Others receiving votes: Prophetstown 22, Mt. Pulaski 21, Wethersfield 9, Colfax Ridgeview 5, Okawville 2, Broadlands Heritage 2, Calhoun 1.

BYRON 70, RICHMOND-BURTON 46 RICHMOND-BURTON (46) Callanan 5 2-2 13, Swanson 0 2-2 2, Hoglund 2 0-0 5, Kaeseberg 2 0-0 4, Koenig 3 2-4 8, Boettjer 3 4-6 10, Fox 1 0-0 2, Tasker 1 0-0 2. Totals 17 10-14 46.

BYRON (70) Ware 3 0-0 6, Dinges 1 0-0 2, Whipple 8 0-0 19, Holloway 4 0-2 8, Roecher 7 2-2 16, Getzelman 4 4-6 14, Rohne 2 1-2 5.

Totals 29 7-12 70.

Richmond-Burton 7 10 15 14 – 46 Byron 15 18 19 18 – 70 Three-point goals: Richmond-Burton 2 (Callanan, Hoglund), Byron 5 (Whipple 3, Getzelman 2). Total fouls: RichmondBurton 9, Byron 15.

WOODSTOCK 66 ALDEN-HEBRON 45 WOODSTOCK (66) Pautrat 7 4-4 18, Brand 6 4-5 16, Jacobs 1 0-1 2, Davis 2 1-2 5, Ludwig 7 3-4 20, Roberts 1 1-1 3, Kunzie 0 0-0 0, Taborn 0 1-2 1, Corzoli 0 1-2 1. Totals: 24 15-21 66.

ALDEN-HEBRON (45) Lagerhausen 2 0-0 6, Peterson 3 6-7 12, Knoll 1 2-2 4, Walters 7 2-4 18, Pearson 0 1-2 1, Winkelman 1 2-2 4, Behrens 0 0-1 0, LeJeune 0 0-0 0. Totals: 14 13-17 45.

Woodstock Alden-Hebron

16 8 14 28 – 66 8 13 8 16 – 45

Three-point goals: Woodstock 3 (Ludwig 3), Alden-Hebron 4 (Lagerhausen 2, Walters 2). Total team fouls: Woodstock 20, Alden-Hebron 14. Foul out: Taborn (Woodstock). Technical fouls: Nichols (A-H), Taborn (W).

BOYS BOWLING ELGIN 2,847, MARENGO 2,724 at Glo Bowl in Marengo

Elgin: Lynde 185-170-181 536, Kelly 267-204-193 664, Majka 213-192-222 627, Bator 158-148-213 519, Vargas 107-124146 377, Leonard 109-209-183 501. Totals 932-923-992 2,847.

Marengo: Alt 154-189-193 536, Du. Termini 184-192-162 538, Gross 235208-190 633, Ranzino 128-178-138 444, Tengler 134-153-167 454, Da. Termini 205-163-170 538. Totals 912-930-882 2,724.

SOUTH ELGIN 3,356, HUNTLEY 2,902

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

South Elgin: Riscossa 194-219-159 572, Ouch 164-225-248 637, Netzel 266-215-245 726, Anderson 221-200-184 605, Brennan 188-189-204 581, Brown 278-191-278 647.

Totals 1,147-1,050-1,157 3,356.

Huntley: Gutka 208-191-184 583, Gardner 170-198-167 535, Rehner 140245-256 641, Szekeres 214-201-155 575, Anzalone 162-162-183 507, Manczko 130191-192 513. Totals 894-1,026-982 2,902.

ALL-NORTHEASTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

at Bowl-Hi in Huntley

GIRLS BOWLING HUNTLEY 2,689, SOUTH ELGIN 1,789 at Bowl-Hi in Huntley

South Elgin: Lewellyn 65-63-100 228, Rawden 138-139-148 425, Edgren 106-172-136 414, Waichunas 82-136-150 368, LeFever 161-86-107 354. Totals 552596-641 1,789.

Huntley: Coplin 198-168-167 533, Antczak 145-137-200 482, Walsh 169-138 307, Jenchel 207-175-202 584, Sass 263-207-172 642, O’Neill 141. Totals 982825-882 2,689.

MARENGO 2,669 ST. CHARLES EAST 2,646 at Bowling Green Lane in West Chicago

Marengo: Bailey 163-161-182 506, Hanelt 233-150-134 517, Anthony 221199-181 601, Krenzelok 201-131-116 448, Iversen 167-163-159 489, Nakoneczny 181169-168 518. Totals 1,003-842-824 2,669.

St. Charles East: Brown 161-131-173 465, Solis 169-181-190 540, H 182-225202 609, Crocker 160-131-159 450, Brandt 182-156-181 519, Banas 154-177-176 507.

Totals 854-870-922 2,646.

WRESTLING Tuesday’s Late Results

MARENGO 54, NORTH BOONE 17 106: Dierkes (M), fft.

113: Meyers (M), fft.

120: Briggs (NB) tech. fall Graham, 18-1 126: Skorzewski (M) p. Ryan, 3:55 145: Knaak (M) p. West, 3:55 152: McMackin (M) Rodey, 4:41 160: Turner (M) p. Monthrayer, 3:35 170: Westland (NB) inj. def. Frederick 182: Dauphin (M) p. Vodby, 3:59 195: Richards (M), fft.

220: Caskey (M), fft.

285: Eisele (NB), fft.

MARENGO 53 GENOA-KINGSTON 30 106: Dehmlow (GK) p. Dierkes, 2:44 113: Meyers (M) tech. fall Marr, 17-2 120: Graham (M) p. Ordlock, 3:00 126: Skorzewski (M), fft.

132: Wilson (GK), fft.

138: Peters (GK), fft.

145: Murray (GK) p. Knaack, 1:37 152: Rogers (GK) p. McMackin, 2:42 160: Turner (M), fft.

170: Szflarski (M), fft.

182: Dauphin (M) p. Mousser, 0:28 195: Paducci (M), fft.

220: Caskey (M) p. Ruchit, 3:59 285: Firlick (M) p. Cotham, 5:30

FOOTBALL ALL-STATE ACADEMIC TEAM Here are the local players named to the All-State Academic Football team by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association.

Cary-Grove: Kaene Connington, Quinn Baker, Mickey Duncan, Kasey Fields, Zach Marszal, Patrick O’Malley.

Crystal Lake South: Chris Ivers, Brendan Chrystal.

Harvard: Justin Nolen, Ian Stricker.

Jacobs: Adam Kulon, Connor Conzelman.

Marengo: Justin Velasquez.

Marian Central: Chris Daniels, Chris Streveler.

Prairie Ridge: Shane Evans.

Woodstock: Matt Swedberg.

Woodstock North: Shane Zieman.

ALL-NORTHEASTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE Alden-Hebron selections First team: Bryce Lalor, QB; Chip McKay, TE-LB; Anthony Rajkowski, OL-DL; Logan Yerk RB-K-DB. Second team: Edwin Gorostieta, OL-DL. Honorable mention: Nick Beck, RB-DB; Alec O’Halleran, OL-DL; Avi Mohr, WR-DB.

Alden-Hebron selections Second team: Sparkle Lagerhausen.

Honorable mention: Brooklyn Hilton.

SCHEDULE TODAY

Boys basketball: Grayslake North at Cary-Grove, Prairie Ridge at Hampshire, Crystal Lake Central at Marengo, Cornerstone at Faith Lutheran, 7 p.m.

Wrestling: Oregon, North Boone, Rockford Lutheran at Harvard Quadrangular, St. Viator and Lake Forest at Marian Central Tri, 5:30 p.m.; RichmondBurton at Winnebago, 6 p.m.; Cary-Grove at Crystal Lake South, Huntley at Prairie Ridge, Woodstock North at Johnsburg, Woodstock at Crystal Lake Central, 6:30 p.m.; Dundee-Crown at McHenry, 7 p.m.

Girls bowling: Grayslake Central at Dundee-Crown, McHenry at Jacobs, Huntley at Johnsburg, Woodstock at Grayslake North, 4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY

Boys basketball: Richmond-Burton at Rockford Christian, Woodstock North at Harvard, Antioch at Johnsburg, Carmel at Huntley, 7 p.m.; Marian Central at Immaculate Conception, 7:30 p.m.

Girls basketball: Alden-Hebron at Faith Christian, 6 p.m.; Cary-Grove at Grayslake Central, Harvard at Genoa-Kingston, Huntley at CL Central, CL South at Hampshire, Johnsburg at Dundee-Crown, Prairie Ridge at Woodstock, McHenry at Woodstock North, Jacobs at Grayslake North, 7 p.m.; North Boone at Marengo, 7:15 p.m.

Wrestling: Alden-Hebron at Christian Liberty Academy, 6 p.m.; Hampshire at Cary-Grove, CL Central at Dundee-Crown, Johnsburg at Jacobs, Woodstock North at Prairie Ridge, Woodstock at Crystal Lake South, 6:30 p.m.; Grayslake North at McHenry, 7 p.m.

Boys swimming: Huntley at IMSA, 5 p.m.

SATURDAY

Boys basketball: Wauconda at Woodstock, Libertyville at Crystal Lake South, Harvard at Rockford Lutheran, 7 p.m.; Dundee-Crown at St. Patrick, 7:30 p.m.

Girls basketball: Aurora Central Catholic at Marian Central, 2:30 p.m.; Wheeling at Prairie Ridge, 3:30 p.m.; CL South at Johnsburg, Woodstock at Marengo, 7 p.m.; Huntley at Barrington, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling: Huntley at Fenton Invitational, 9 a.m.; McHenry at Niles West Quadrangular, 8 a.m.; Harvard at East Troy Tournament, 10 a.m.; Woodstock North at Plainfield East Invitational; Jacobs, Marengo, Woodstock, AldenHebron, Johnsburg at Richmond-Burton Tournament, 9 a.m.; CL South at Leyden Quad, Dundee-Crown at Hinsdale South Hornet Invite, 9 a.m.

Boys bowling: Marengo, Huntley at Immaculate Conception Tournament, 11 a.m.; McHenry at Vernon Hills Tournament, 11 a.m.; Girls bowling: Marengo at Rockford Jefferson Tournament, 8 a.m.; Woodstock at J-Hawk Invitational, 8:30 a.m.; Jacobs at Palatine Invitational, 9 a.m.; Huntley at Dundee-Crown Tournament, 9 a.m.

Boys swimming: Huntley at Libertyville, 10 a.m.; Dundee-Crown at Harlem Invite, noon; McHenry, Cary-Grove at Stevenson Patriot Relays, 1 p.m.

Fencing: Marian Central at Conference Dual Meet at New Trier, 9 a.m.

Thursday, November 29, 2012 • Page C5

FIVE-DAY PLANNER TEAM

TODAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

SEATTLE Noon Fox AM-780, FM-105.9 PHILADELPHIA 7 p.m.

WGN AM-1000 at Milwaukee 7 p.m.

CN100

PEORIA 7 p.m.

WCUU

ON TAP TODAY TV/Radio

NBA BASKETBALL

7 p.m.: San Antonio at Miami, TNT 9:30 p.m.: Denver at Golden State, TNT

COLLEGE FOOTBALL 6:30 p.m.: Louisville at Rutgers, ESPN

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

NFL FOOTBALL

7 p.m.: Virginia at Minnesota, BTN

7 p.m.: New Orleans at Atlanta, NFLN

MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

GOLF

6 p.m.: Kentucky at Notre Dame, ESPN2 6:30 p.m.: South Carolina at St. John’s, ESPNU 8 p.m.: Marquette at Florida, ESPN2 8:30 p.m.: Seton Hall at LSU, ESPNU

8:30 a.m.: Sunshine Tour, Nedbank Challenge, �rst round, TGC (same-day tape) 2 p.m.: World Challenge, �rst round, TGC

BETTING ODDS

TRANSACTIONS PROS BASEBALL American League BALTIMORE ORIOLES — Designated 1B Joe Mahoney for assignment.

BOSTON RED SOX — Traded RHP Zach Stewart to Pittsburgh for a player to be named; RHP Sandy Rosario to Oakland for a player to be named or cash considerations; and 3B Danny Valencia to Baltimore for cash considerations. Named Greg Colbrunn hitting coach.

CLEVELAND INDIANS — Reinstated LHP Nick Hagadone. Designated LHP Rafael Perez for assignment.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS — Announced RHP Chris Volstad and C Brayan Pena refused outright assignment and elected free agency.

L.A. ANGELS — Agreed to terms with RHP Ryan Madson on a one-year contract.

NEW YORK YANKEES — Agreed to terms with LHP Andy Pettitte on a oneyear contract. Designated C Eli Whiteside for assignment.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS — Agreed to terms with RHP Pat Neshek on a one-year contract. Designated OF Jermaine Mitchell for assignment.

SEATTLE MARINERS — Released OF Chone Figgins.

TEXAS RANGERS — Agreed to terms with INF Yangervis Solarte and RHP Collin Balester on minor league contracts.

National League CUBS — Designated RHP Casey Coleman for assignment.

CINCINNAT REDS — Agreed to terms with RHP Jonathan Broxton on a threeyear contract.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES — Traded RH Luis Rico and LHP Luis Santos to Kansas City for RHP Vin Mazzaro and 1B Clint Robinson. Designated INF Jamaico Navarro and INF Matt Hague for assignment. Named Ricky Bennett, Carlos Berroa, Ron Hopkins and John Kosciak professional scouts.

SAN DIEGO PADRES — Traded RHP Cory Burns to Texas for a player to be named or cash considerations. Agreed to terms with OF Travis Buck, RHP Daniel Stange, RHP Jason Ray and C Eddy Rodriguez on minor league contracts.

BASKETBALL National Basketball Association DENVER NUGGETS — Promoted Pete D’Alessandro to vice president of basketball operations and Mike Bratz to director of player personnel.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS — Assigned C Robert Sacre to Los Angeles (NBADL).

FOOTBALL National Football League NFL — Fined Detroit DT Ndamukong Suh $30,000 for kicking Houston QB Matt Schaub in the groin during Sunday’s game.

BEARS — Signed LB Patrick Trahan from the practice squad and DE Aston Whiteside to the practice squad.

BUFFALO BILLS — Signed DE Corbin Bryant to the practice squad.

DALLAS COWBOYS — Released DL Tevita Finau from the practice squad. Signed WR Andre Holmes to the practice squad.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — Placed DT Josh Chapman and DE Fili Moala on injured reserve. Signed DT Kellen Heard.

Signed CB Delano Howell from Buffalo’s practice squad.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS — Claimed DE Jason Babin off waivers from Philadelphia. Placed RB Jalen Parmele and CB William Middleton on injured reserve.

Released WR Micheal Spurlock and CB Chris Harris. Signed WR Quan Cosby and DB Antwaun Molden. Signed WR Toney Clemons and RB Jordan Todman from the practice squad.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS — Released LB Bryan Kehl.

MIAMI DOLPHINS — Released G Ryan Durand.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Signed RB James Develin from the practice squad and WR Jeremy Ebert to the practice squad.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — Released G Scott Winnewisser. Signed G Ryan Lee to the practice squad.

NEW YORK JETS — Signed WR Mardy Gilyard. Signed WR Eddie McGee and OL Dennis Landolt to the practice squad.

OAKLAND RAIDERS — Signed LB Jerrell Harris to the practice squad.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — Placed WR Kyle Williams and RB Kendall Hunter on injured reserve. Released DB Eddie Whitley from the practice squad. Signed WR Chad Hall to the practice squad.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Signed OL Derek Hardman. Released WR Diondre Borel from the practice squad. Signed LB Joe Holland to the practice squad.

TENNESSEE TITANS — Signed RB Lennon Creer to the practice squad.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS — Released LB Darryl Gamble from the practice squad.

HOCKEY National Hockey League COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS — Reassigned G Allen York from Springfield (AHL) to Evansville (ECHL).

DETROIT RED WINGS — Reassigned D Max Nicastro from Grand Rapids (AHL) to Toledo (ECHL).

SOCCER Major League Soccer COLUMBUS CREW — Exercised options on G Andy Gruenebaum, G Matt Lampson, D Eric Gehrig, D Josh Williams, M Bernardo Anor, M Dilly Duka, M Ethan Finlay, M Kevan George, F Justin Meram and F Aaron Schoenfeld. Declined options on G William Hesmer, D Rich Balchan, D Julius James, D Sebastian Miranda, M Chris Birchall, M Tony Tchani and F Tommy Heinemann.

COLLEGE ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE — Announced Louisville has been elected as a member.

CLEMSON — Suspended men’s basketball F Milton Jennings one game.

LSU — Agreed to terms with football coach Les Miles on a seven-year contract.

BASKETBALL NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE Central Division W L Pct Milwaukee 7 6 .538 Bulls 7 7 .500 Indiana 7 8 .467 Detroit 5 11 .313 Cleveland 3 12 .200 Atlantic Division W L Pct Brooklyn 10 4 .714 New York 10 4 .714 Philadelphia 9 6 .600 Boston 8 7 .533 Toronto 3 13 .188 Southeast Division W L Pct Miami 10 3 .769 Atlanta 9 4 .692 Charlotte 7 7 .500 Orlando 5 9 .357 Washington 1 12 .077 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct Memphis 11 2 .846 San Antonio 13 3 .813 Houston 7 8 .467 Dallas 7 9 .438 New Orleans 4 10 .286 Northwest Division W L Pct Oklahoma City 12 4 .750 Utah 9 7 .563 Denver 8 7 .533 Minnesota 6 7 .462 Portland 6 9 .400 Pacific Division W L Pct Golden State 8 6 .571 L.A. Clippers 8 6 .571 L.A. Lakers 7 8 .467 Phoenix 7 9 .438 Sacramento 4 10 .286

Dallas Chicago GB — ½ 1 3½ 5 GB — — 1½ 2½ 8 GB — 1 3½ 5½ 9 GB ½ — 5½ 6 8 GB — 3 3½ 4½ 5½ GB — — 1½ 2 4

Wednesday’s Games Bulls 101, Dallas 78 San Antonio 110, Orlando 89 Washington 84, Portland 82 Brooklyn 95, Boston 83 Atlanta 94, Charlotte 91 Detroit 117, Phoenix 77 Memphis 103, Toronto 82 Utah 96, New Orleans 84 Oklahoma City 120, Houston 98 New York 102, Milwaukee 88 Minnesota at L.A. Clippers, (n) Today’s Games San Antonio at Miami, 7 p.m.

Denver at Golden State, 9:30 p.m.

BULLS 101, MAVERICKS 78 DALLAS (78) Marion 7-11 4-4 18, Crowder 1-7 0-0 2, Kaman 4-14 2-2 10, Do.Jones 4-9 2-2 10, Mayo 2-9 0-0 4, Beaubois 2-7 1-2 6, Brand 1-4 2-2 4, Murphy 2-3 2-2 7, Carter 3-10 2-2 10, Da.Jones 0-1 2-2 2, James 0-0 1-2 1, Cunningham 2-6 0-0 4. Totals 28-81 18-20 78.

CHICAGO (101) Deng 8-17 5-6 22, Boozer 3-7 0-0 6, Noah 5-9 3-4 13, Hinrich 2-4 1-2 6, Hamilton 2-4 0-0 4, Butler 2-4 9-10 13, Gibson 3-9 2-2 8, Robinson 5-6 2-2 14, Belinelli 2-5 5-5 11, Mohammed 1-3 0-2 2, Teague 0-0 0-0 0, Radmanovic 1-1 0-0 2. Totals 34-69 27-33 101.

Submitting results To submit results from a varsity high school game, coaches can call the Northwest Herald sports desk at 815-526-4498, send a fax to 815-459-5640 or send an email (not in an attachment) to sportsdesk@nwherald.com before 10 p.m.

FRIDAY

23 19 16 20 —78 24 34 19 24 —101

3-Point Goals–Dallas 4-18 (Carter 2-4, Murphy 1-1, Beaubois 1-4, Marion 0-1, Kaman 0-1, Do.Jones 0-1, Mayo 0-2, Crowder 0-4), Chicago 6-10 (Robinson 2-2, Belinelli 2-3, Hinrich 1-2, Deng 1-2, Gibson 0-1). Fouled Out–None.

Rebounds–Dallas 40 (Brand 6), Chicago 56 (Noah 10). Assists–Dallas 18 (Do. Jones 5), Chicago 24 (Robinson 6).

Total Fouls–Dallas 26, Chicago 19.

Technicals–Carter, Da.Jones, Murphy, Robinson. A–21,575 (20,917).

AP TOP 25 FARED Wednesday 1. Indiana (7-0) did not play. Next: vs.

Coppin State, Saturday.

2. Duke (7-0) beat No. 4 Ohio State 7368. Next: vs. Delaware, Saturday.

3. Michigan (6-0) did not play. Next: at Bradley, Saturday.

4. Ohio State (4-1) lost to No. 2 Duke 73-68. Next: vs. Northern Kentucky, Saturday.

5. Louisville (5-1) did not play. Next: vs.

Illinois State, Saturday.

6. Syracuse (4-0) did not play. Next: at Arkansas, Friday.

7. Florida (5-0) did not play. Next: vs.

Marquette, Thursday.

8. Kentucky (4-1) did not play. Next: at Notre Dame, Thursday.

9. Arizona (3-0) vs. Northern Arizona.

Next: at Texas Tech, Saturday.

10. Kansas (5-1) did not play. Next: vs.

Oregon State, Friday.

11. Creighton (6-1) lost to Boise State 83-70. Next: vs. Saint Joseph’s, Saturday.

12. Gonzaga (6-0) did not play. Next: vs. Lewis-Clark State, Thursday.

13. Michigan State (5-2) lost to Miami 67-59. Next: vs. Nicholls State, Saturday.

14. North Carolina (5-2) did not play.

Next: vs. UAB, Saturday.

15. Oklahoma State (5-0) did not play.

Next: at Virginia Tech, Saturday.

16. Missouri (5-1) did not play. Next: vs. Appalachian State, Saturday.

17. Cincinnati (6-0) did not play. Next: vs. Alabama, Saturday.

18. N.C. State (4-2) did not play. Next: vs. UConn, Tuesday.

19. Colorado (6-0) did not play. Next: at Wyoming, Saturday.

20. Georgetown (4-1) did not play.

Next: vs. Tennessee, Friday.

21. Minnesota (7-1) did not play. Next: vs. North Florida, Saturday.

22. Illinois (8-0) beat Georgia Tech 7562. Next: vs. Western Carolina, Tuesday.

23. San Diego State (4-1) did not play.

Next: vs. UCLA, Saturday.

24. UNLV (3-1) vs. UC Irvine. Next: vs.

Hawaii, Saturday.

25. New Mexico (7-0) beat Mercer 7658. Next: at Indiana State, Saturday.

WESTERN CONFERENCE Midwest Division GP W L OL SL Pts GF GA Grand Rapids17 10 5 1 1 22 62 53 Rockford 20 10 9 0 1 21 64 64 Wolves 18 8 7 2 1 19 51 58 Milwaukee 18 8 8 1 1 18 51 56 Peoria 18 6 9 2 1 15 43 66 Wednesday’s Games Rockford 4, Wolves 2 St. John’s 3, Adirondack 2 San Antonio 4, Rochester 2 Hershey 5, Norfolk 2 Today’s Game Oklahoma City at Houston, 8:05 p.m.

ICEHOGS 4, WOLVES 2 Rockford Chicago

0 1

1 1

3 0

NCAA Football Today TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 3 (43½) Louisville Friday Mid-American Conference At Detroit Championship N. Illinois 6 (58) Kent St. Pacific-12 Conference Championship at Stanford 8½ (44) UCLA Saturday Cincinnati 5 (40½) at UConn Pittsburgh 6½ (46½) at S. Florida Oklahoma 6½ (60½) at TCU at Kansas St. 11½ (63½) Texas Oklahoma St. 4 (86½) at Baylor Boise St. 9½ (60) at Nevada at W. Virginia 20 (71) Kansas at Texas St. 13 (57) New Mxco St. at Arkansas St. 10 (62½) Middle Tenn.

La.-Lafayette 9 (60) at FAU at Hawaii 6 (52½) S. Alabama Conference USA Championship at Tulsa 2 (55) UCF Southeastern Conference At Atlanta Championship Alabama 7 (50½) Georgia Atlantic Coast Conference At Charlotte, N.C. Championship Florida St. 14 (62½) Georgia Tech Big Ten Conference At Indianapolis Championship Nebraska 3 (49) Wisconsin FAVORITE at Rutgers

NFL Tonday TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 3½ (56) New Orleans Sunday at Bears 3½ (37½) Seattle at Green Bay 9 (46½) Minnesota San Francisco 7 (40) at St. Louis at N.Y. Jets 4½ (36½) Arizona Carolina 3 (40½) at Kansas Cty at Detroit 4½ (51) Indianapolis at Buffalo 6 (45) Jacksonville New England 7½ (51) at Miami Houston 6 (47) at Tennessee at Denver 7 (50½) Tampa Bay at Baltimore OFF (OFF) Pittsburgh at Oakland OFF (OFF) Cleveland Cincinnati 1½ (46) at San Diego at Dallas 10 (43) Philadelphia Monday N.Y. Giants 2½ (51) at Washington FAVORITE at Atlanta

Off Key Pittsburgh QB questionable Cleveland QB questionable NCAA Basketball FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG at Notre Dame Pk Kentucky South Alabama 2 at FAU at UALR 9½ Troy Arkansas St. 3 at FIU at St. John’s 6 South Carolina Middle Tenn.

7 at La.-Lafayette W. Kentucky 8 at La.-Monroe at Florida 11 Marquette at LSU 3½ Seton Hall at Oregon 17 UTSA at Loyla Mrymount 5 Long Beach St. Manhattan 4 at Fordham La Salle 3 at Rider W. Illinois 2 at South Dakota at Mo.-Kansas City Pk IUPUI at N. Dakota St. 19 Nebraska-Omaha at TCU 8½ S. Utah at Memphis 29 UT-Martin at Montana St. Pk Pepperdine FAVORITE at Miami Denver

NBA LINE UNDERDOG 6 San Antonio 2½ at Golden State

FOOTBALL NFL

MEN’S COLLEGE

HOCKEY AHL

GLANTZ-CULVER LINE

– 4 – 2

First Period–1, Kassian 6 (Ebbett, Haydar), 1:13.

Second Period–2, Chicago, Schroeder 7 (Sterling, Connauton), 13:48; 3, Rockford, St. Pierre 5 (Saad), 14:55.

Third Period–4, Rockford, Morin 8 (Saad, Clendening), 4:59 pp; 5, Rockford, Smith 7 (Lebda, Lalonde), 7:12 pp; 6, Rockford, Shaw 5 (unassisted), 19:27 en.

Shots on goal–Rockford: 1510-17—42; Chicago: 11-18-8—37.

Power plays–Rockford 2-7; Chicago 0-5. Goalies—Rockford, Hutton (35-37), Chicago, Climie (38-41). A–5,620.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE North W L T Pct PF PA Bears 8 3 0 .727 277 175 Green Bay 7 4 0 .636 273 245 Minnesota 6 5 0 .545 248 249 Detroit 4 7 0 .364 267 280 East W L T Pct PF PA N.Y. Giants 7 4 0 .636 305 226 Washington 5 6 0 .455 295 285 Dallas 5 6 0 .455 242 262 Philadelphia 3 8 0 .273 184 282 South W L T Pct PF PA Atlanta 10 1 0 .909 294 216 Tampa Bay 6 5 0 .545 310 254 New Orleans 5 6 0 .455 308 304 Carolina 3 8 0 .273 214 265 West W L T Pct PF PA San Francisco 8 2 1 .773 276 155 Seattle 6 5 0 .545 219 185 St. Louis 4 6 1 .409 205 254 Arizona 4 7 0 .364 180 227 AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF PA New England 8 3 0 .727 407 244 Miami 5 6 0 .455 211 226 N.Y. Jets 4 7 0 .364 221 290 Buffalo 4 7 0 .364 243 319 South W L T Pct PF PA Houston 10 1 0 .909 327 211 Indianapolis 7 4 0 .636 230 273 Tennessee 4 7 0 .364 238 335 Jacksonville 2 9 0 .182 188 308 North W L T Pct PF PA Baltimore 9 2 0 .818 283 219 Pittsburgh 6 5 0 .545 231 210 Cincinnati 6 5 0 .545 282 247 Cleveland 3 8 0 .273 209 248 West W L T Pct PF PA Denver 8 3 0 .727 318 221 San Diego 4 7 0 .364 245 237 Oakland 3 8 0 .273 218 356 Kansas City 1 10 0 .091 161 301 Today’s Game New Orleans at Atlanta, 7:20 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Seattle at Bears, Noon Minnesota at Green Bay, Noon San Francisco at St. Louis, Noon Carolina at Kansas City, Noon Houston at Tennessee, Noon Arizona at N.Y. Jets, Noon Indianapolis at Detroit, Noon Jacksonville at Buffalo, Noon New England at Miami, Noon Tampa Bay at Denver, 3:05 p.m.

Cleveland at Oakland, 3:25 p.m.

Cincinnati at San Diego, 3:25 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Baltimore, 3:25 p.m.

Philadelphia at Dallas, 7:20 p.m.

Monday’s Game N.Y. Giants at Washington, 7:30 p.m.

COLLEGE AP TOP 25 SCHEDULE Friday No. 8 Stanford vs. No. 17 UCLA, Pac-12 championship, 7 p.m.

No. 18 Kent State vs. No. 19 Northern Illinois, MAC championship at Detroit, 6 p.m.

ADVICE

Page C6 • Thursday, November 29, 2012

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

Physical therapy helps torn ACL Boyfriend can’t fill father’s shoes for 9-year-old daughter

Dear Abby: My husband committed suicide 2 1/2 years ago. We had been married for 13 years and had two daughters who are now 15 and 9.

The l5-year-old seems to be doing fine. The 9-year-old is not.

But my biggest problem is my live-in boyfriend, “Tim.” While I love him and mostly enjoy his company, he appears to dislike my 9-year-old.

She needs male attention because her dad was an attentive, wonderful father. I have discussed this with Tim. His response is he has a hard time doing it because she is “totally out of control and crazy.”

Abby, she is none of that.

She is a child with a lot of energy. I don’t know what to do. I know it isn’t fair to my daughter, but I’m lonely and miss Tim when he’s not there.

I’d appreciate any advice you can give me. – Trying to Move

On in Ohio Dear Trying: I am so sorry

for your loss. However, parents get only one chance at parenting, which is why it’s so important to do it right the first time. What is happening in your household is unfair to your daughter. She should not be forced to live with a man who doesn’t like her and can’t give her positive reinforcement. That’s why, for her sake, it would be bet-

DEAR ABBY Jeanne Phillips ter for you and Tim to live apart. If you choose him over your daughter, you will later regret it and could cause her serious emotional problems for decades.

Dear Abby: The holidays are right around the corner, and my husband and I have had a difficult couple of years financially. I’m a full-time student; he is the only one bringing in an income while we raise two young boys.

I love the holidays – except for shopping for others. I hate spending money I don’t have looking for that perfect gift for everyone on my list. More often than not, the gift ends up being re-gifted or in the summer garage sale. For the past two years I have asked that if people want to give gifts, to please give them to the kids and leave us adults out of it. My requests have been ignored.

I know for a fact my extended family is as strapped for cash as I am, but they charge on credit cards.

Should I refuse a gift I can’t reciprocate or thank them and try not to feel guilty? The name exchange option didn’t work. I feel there should be

more to the holidays than going into debt for gifts. – Ma

Humbug in Oregon Dear Ma Humbug: I agree

with you, and so would credit counselors coast to coast. Thank your relatives for their gifts. Reiterate that money is tight, so you will be giving gifts to the youngest family members only. If you feel you must reciprocate in some way, whip up a batch of holiday cookies or fudge brownies, wrap them with a colorful ribbon and make that your holiday gift.

Dear Abby: My husband and I have been married for six years. Before I met him, I was with a woman. I don’t want my husband to find out about it because I’m afraid it will turn him on and he’ll want to have threesomes. (He enjoys looking at lesbian porn.)

Should I feel this way about telling him? – Wants

My Past In the Past Dear Wants Your Past in the Past: If you think there is a chance your husband will find out, then the person he should hear it from is you.

And if he suggests having a threesome, tell him you are happy as things are and you prefer to remain monogamous.

Dear Dr. K: I tore my ACL. Is surgery inevitable?

Dear Reader: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a band of tissue that runs through the middle of the knee joint and keeps the shinbone from sliding forward past the thighbone. The ACL can tear during a sudden or awkward twist, turn or stop. More often than not, it’s these noncontact injuries that injure an ACL. Between 100,000 and 200,000 ACL injuries occur each year in the United States.

Women are more vulnerable to ACL injuries than men, but it’s not clear why.

The anatomy of a woman’s knee is different from a man’s. When a woman pivots or stops suddenly while running, her knee is bent more inward than a man’s. This puts more strain on the ACL. Obesity and weakness of the hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh also appear to be associated with ACL injury.

For elite athletes, the treatment is fairly clear: reconstructive surgery to replace the ACL, plus intense physical therapy. The sports that most often are associated with ACL injuries are skiing, football and gymnastics.

ASK DR. K Dr. Anthony Komaroff

I’m assuming that, like most of us, you’re a recreational athlete. If so, the answer is often different. If your ACL is only partially torn, then forgoing surgery in favor of rehabilitation through physical therapy is worth considering. Surgery still could be an option down the road.

Physical therapy can strengthen the muscles around your knee enough so they compensate for the nonworking ACL. A knee brace could protect your ACL during an occasional tennis or soccer game. Without surgery, you should recover enough to be active again within two or three months.

That’s compared with about six months for surgery patients. On the flip side, surgery will make your joint more stable than physical therapy rehab alone.

Once your ACL has healed, these exercises can help prevent re-injury: • Strengthen the muscles around the knee. Keeping your quadriceps (front of the thigh) and hamstring mus-

cles strong and flexible will make the knee more stable.

One exercise that strengthens the quads and hamstrings is a walking lunge.

This involves taking a large step forward and dropping the back knee down toward the floor, keeping your front knee over your ankle.

• Keep your hip muscles strong. One-legged squats – knee bends done while standing on one leg – are a great way to strengthen the hips, quadriceps and hamstrings and to improve your balance. When you do a one-legged squat, bend your knee slowly so it ends up just over your toes. I’ve put an illustration of the correct way to perform a walking lunge and one-legged squat on my website.

You and your doctor will need to carefully consider the extent of your injury, your age, your activities and other factors when determining the best treatment for your ACL injury. Whether you have surgical or nonsurgical treatment, studies have found that after the recovery period, you’ll be much improved.

• Write Doctor K at 10 Shattuck St., Second Floor, Boston, MA 02115.

• Write Dear Abby at www.

DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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FRIDAY

Movie reviews, interviews, DVDs, gaming and more!

©2009 BMW of North merica, LLC. The BMW name and logo are registered trademarks. For information, call 1-800-334-4BMW. Or bmwusa.com

COMICS

NORTHWEST HERALD / NWHerald.com

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“

I want to feel like a champion.”

Reality TV star Melissa Rycroft on the eve of winning “Dancing With The Star: All Stars”

Smell like Katy Perry

THINGS

WORTH TALKIN’ ABOUT

Thursday, November 29, 2012 • PlanitNorthwest.com/buzz

Katy Perry is adding some new scents to her perfume line.

The singer and songwriter is to develop a line of signature scents with beauty company Coty Inc., according to an announcement released Wednesday. Coty will distribute them on a larger scale than the Purr and Meow! perfumes that Perry previously crafted.

The company says Perry’s “unique approach to music and life” will drive her inspiration, and move toward “new avenues of scent creation.”

Other pop stars to concoct their own fragrances include Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and Taylor Swift. Coty’s perfume brands include Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs and Playboy.

BUZZWORTHY

Adele album sales hit milestone

Kardashian divorce nears trial Kim Kardashian’s divorce attorney told a judge Wednesday that the reality star wants to move on with her life but is “handcuffed” to her estranged husband because the case is not yet ready for trial.

Superior Court Judge Stephen Moloney told attorneys for Kardashian and NBA player Kris Humphries to return to court in midFebruary to set a trial date to either dissolve or annul the couple’s 72-day marriage. He didn’t set a deadline for depositions and other pre-trial investigation to be completed, but indicated a trial could be held early next year if it is ready by Feb. 15.

Humphries, a power forward for the Brooklyn Nets, is seeking an annulment based on fraud, but his attorney says he needs more time to collect documents from companies that handle Kardashian’s reality shows.

Kardashian is seeking a traditional divorce, and her attorney Laura Wasser has cited both the marriage’s short duration and a prenuptial agreement as reasons for why it should be quickly resolved.

“I don’t think his client has a fraud case,” Wasser said in court of Humphries’ attorney. “I think there’s a fishing expedition going on here.”

Humphries’ attorney Marshall Waller said he needed to be sure he had documents from E! Entertainment and NBC Universal before deciding the scope of his case, but that he was narrowing it down.

Adele is rolling in the records.

The 24-year-old British songstress’s album “21” has sold more than 10 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The album reached the milestone last week, less than two years after its release.

“21” is the 21st album to sell 10 million copies since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking sales in 1991.

Adele’s sophomore studio album debuted in 2011 and featured hits such as “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You” and “Set Fire to the Rain.”

It’s the third album to reach the 10 million mark in 2012.

Linkin Park’s “Hybrid Theory” and Usher’s “Confessions” both crossed the 10 million mark earlier this year.

Adele won in all six categories she was nominated in at the Grammys earlier this year, including album of the year.

Director Forman to be honored

Two-time Academy Award winner Milos Forman is receiving the lifetime-achievement award from his peers at the Directors Guild of America.

The filmmaker who won Oscars for “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “Amadeus” will be getting the guild honor at the directors union awards ceremony Feb. 2.

More celeb news at PlanitNorthwest.com/buzz In announcing the award Wednesday, guild President Taylor Hackford called Forman one of the greatest filmmakers of modern times, saying the filmmaker finds the “universality of the human experience in every story.”

Along with the directing Oscars for “Cuckoo’s Nest” and “Amadeus,” Forman also received the Directors Guild top prize for both films.

Forman is the 34th recipient of the guild honor, whose past recipients include Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood, Martin Scorsese, Stanley Kubrick, Ingmar Bergman, Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock.

Houston’s daughter cited

Police say the daughter of the late Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown was cited in a car accident in a northern Atlanta suburb.

Officers Wednesday morning responded to a call about a black Chevrolet Camaro that slid off the road and landed in a ditch in Alpharetta.

They found 19-year-old Bobbi Kristina Brown standing beside her damaged car near her home.

Police say Brown lost control and was not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

No injuries were reported.

Police cited Brown for failing to maintain her lane.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS Blues musician John Mayall is 79. Actress Diane Ladd is 77.

Musician Chuck Mangione is 72. Country singer Jody Miller is 71.

Singer-keyboardist Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals is 70. Comedian Garry Shandling is 63. Director Joel Coen is 58. Actor-comedian Howie Mandel is 57. Actress Cathy Moriarty is 52. Actress Kim Delaney (“NYPD Blue”) is 51. Actor Tom Sizemore is 51. Actor Andrew McCarthy is 50. Actor Don Cheadle is 48. Singer Jonathan

Knight of New Kids on the Block is 44. Actor Larry Joe Campbell (“According to Jim”) is 42. Keyboardist Frank Delgado of Deftones is 42. Actress Paola Turbay (“True Blood”) is 42. Actress Gena Lee Nolin is 41. Actor Brian Baumgartner (“The Office”) is 40.

Actress Anna Faris (“Scary Movie”) is 36. Rapper The Game is 33.

Drummer Ringo Garza of Los Lonely Boys is 31. Actor Lucas Black (“Sling Blade,” “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift”) is 30.

Business editor: Chris Cashman • ccashman@shawmedia.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012 Northwest Herald

★ ★★ ★

Turning of�ce politics to your advantage. Page D2

★

★★

SECTION D

★

Business

Terri Greeno

Breaking news @ www.NWHerald.com 8BUSINESS ROUNDUP

THE MARKETS

Pink Door Thrift Shop extends hours Tuesdays

106.98 12,985.11

23.99 2,991.78

10.99 1,409.93

OIL

$86.68 a barrel -$0.50

THE STOCKS Stock

Close

Change

64.57 +0.51 38.69 +0.28 40.63 +0.43 582.94 -1.84 47.58 +0.27 33.62 unch 59.77 +0.35 65.99 +0.18 54.90 +0.61 37.56 +0.40 36.66 +0.37 57.60 +0.21 17.10 +0.41 29.87 +0.16 29.85 +0.09 88.10 +0.75 26.36 +0.21 11.25 +0.15 25.28 +0.27 683.67 +12.96 27.82 +0.40 191.98 +0.75 40.83 +0.08 51.15 -0.01 45.82 +0.49 8.85 +0.02 86.52 +0.60 27.36 +0.28 7.07 +0.04 54.43 +0.40 10.16 +0.13 70.35 +0.24 17.00 -0.11 16.96 +0.42 44.48 -1.57 78.56 +0.87 9.43 +0.14 2.80 +0.10 62.81 +0.24 20.18 +0.04 70.56 +1.06 33.32 +0.29 32.37 +0.46 36.49 +0.05

Abbott Labs AGL Resources Allstate Apple

AptarGroup AT&T Bank of Montreal Baxter CME Group Coca-Cola Comcast Covidien Dean Foods Dow Chemical Exelon Exxon Facebook Ford General Motors Google Hillshire IBM JPMorganChase Kohl’s Kraft Foods Group Live Nation McDonald’s Microsoft Modine Moto Solutions OfficeMax Pepsi Pulte Homes Safeway Sears Holdings Snap-On Southwest Air. Supervalu Target United Contint.

Wal-Mart Walgreen Waste Mgmt.

Wintrust Fincl.

COMMODITIES Metal

Close

Change

Gold Silver Copper

1718.60 33.675 3.524

-23.70 -0.306 -0.0125

Grain (cents per bushel) Close

Corn Soybeans Oats Wheat

760.25 1446.25 370.75 876.00

Livestock

Close

Live cattle Feeder cattle Lean hogs

131.65 146.05 87.45

Change

Sarah Nader – snader@shawmedia.com

Christmas Decor by Arvidson & Sons employee Vladimir Buenfil of McHenry installs holiday lights and wreaths at Niko’s Lodge in Algonquin Tuesday.

Decor chore Company stresses safe installation for holidays NORTHWEST HERALD CRYSTAL LAKE – According to the Home Safety Council, four out of five U.S. households plan to use ladders around their homes to prepare for the holiday season. Annually, during the two months surrounding the holiday season, more than 14,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms due to injuries related to holiday decorating.

Christmas Decor by Arvidson & Sons Inc. provides the Crystal Lake area with professional holiday and event decorating, eliminating unnecessary accidents for local residents. Its designers are trained to execute lighting displays on high roofs, ladders, and in tricky situations.

Christmas Decor installation crews are professionally trained to use care when decorating a client’s home, without damaging moldings, roofing, or architectural elements.

“Homeowners are simply not following proper safety practices,” said Dennis Marunde of Christmas Decor

by Arvidson & Sons Inc.. “These unsafe practices can lead to major injury and even death, turning the holidays from a time of celebration into a time of tragedy.”

While Marunde recommends homeowners and businesses use a professional for holiday decorating to prevent injuries, he offers these safety tips for homeowners who insist on doing their own decoration installations: • Use proper climbing equipment.

Eighty-two percent of consumers reported climbing on chairs, counters, shelves and other pieces of furniture when decorating for the holidays. Invest in a sturdy and reliable ladder that can adapt to different heights according to your needs.

• Practice safe techniques. Secure

Sarah Nader – snader@shawmedia.com

Christmas Decor by Arvidson & Sons employee Hector Alonso hangs up holiday lights on a tree at Niko’s Lodge in Algonquin. ladders on even ground, don’t stand on the top two steps of a ladder, and don’t reach further than you should when decorating around windows.

• Aluminum and electricity don’t mix. Thirty-two percent of consumers admit to stringing lights while they are plugged in. If your ladder is aluminum it will conduct electricity and an error can cause electrocution.

• Alcohol consumption when climbing ladders can lead to injury and death. Also, decorate outside during daylight hours.

“Hopefully homeowners will leave it to the pros,” added Marunde. “If not, we recommend these tips to help keep area residents safe and healthy for the holiday season.”

To learn more about Christmas Decor by Arvidson & Sons Inc. in Crystal Lake, call 815-459-0660 or email DennisM@arvidsons.com.

About Christmas Decor Since its inception in 1986, Christmas Decor has risen to become the premier holiday lighting and decorating company in North America. The Texas-based company was founded by Blake Smith as an off-season supplement to his landscape business and as a method to provide year-round work for employees.

Christmas Decor emerged as a viable business opportunity and today operates in more than 350 markets in 48 states and Canada. Plans are under way to open locations in more than 100 new markets through franchise expansion in select communities around the country.

Christmas Decor has been named one of the Top Ten Home Improvement Franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine.

For more information, visit www. christmasdecor.net.

+0.25 -3.00 -2.25 +3.00 Change

-0.675 -0.875 +0.725

Stay connected To sign up for the Northwest Herald Business Update weekly email newsletter, select Business Update at NWHerald.com/newsletter.

Health, Fitness and Nutrition Expo Jan. 6 CRYSTAL LAKE – Park Place, a Crystal Lake Park District banquet facility at 406 W. Woodstock St., will host the Health, Fitness and Nutrition Expo from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Jan. 6.

There are a limited number of booth spaces still available for health-, fitness- and nutritionrelated businesses and organizations. Vendor booth space is $125. A vendor information packet and registration form can be downloaded online at www.crystallakeparks.org.

All event advertising is provided by the Crystal Lake Park District, including park district brochure, newspaper advertising, banner advertising, and radio advertising.

Vendors will benefit from a large audience of health-, fitness- and nutrition-minded individuals, and participating businesses and organizations will be included in welcome bag distribution to expo attendees.

Expo admission is free.

For more information, call Lauren Thibodeau at 815-4775871.

Business Management Fast Track at MCC CRYSTAL LAKE – Those looking to enhance their careers or prepare for a management position can gain a competitive edge in today’s workforce with a Business Management degree through the accelerated Fast Track program at McHenry County College.

Two new Business Management courses are starting in January. Students earn six to nine credit hours per semester by attending classes one evening per week or online.

Upon successful completion of the program, students earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in Business Management, as well as professional certificates.

Other Fast Track courses at the college’s Crystal Lake campus effectively prepare students for success in construction, manufacturing and network security. Classes are offered in 16-week, eight-week, online and blended formats. depending on the program.

For more information, visit www.mchenry.edu/fasttrack, or call Lori Smyth at 815-479-7831.

‘Goodbye to 2012’ mixer Dec. 11 in Huntley

Follow us Follow all the latest local and national business news on Twitter @NWHeraldbiz

Business blog The Business Scene blog is your connection to McHenry County’s business information today. Visit NWHerald.com/ blogs/business.

McHENRY – The Pink Door Thrift Shop, 3741 W. Elm St., McHenry, will extend hours until 8 p.m. Dec. 4 for a special holiday sale. The store will continue the extended shopping hours each Tuesday through Dec. 18.

The holiday sale features special markdowns throughout the store and a bag sale on clothing for men, women and children. The newly opened boutique room offers evening and formal wear, bags and shoes.

The Auxiliary to Centegra Hospital - McHenry has operated the Pink Door for more than 30 years. Normal hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

For more information, call 815-344-4560.

Sarah Nader – snader@shawmedia.com

Christmas Decor by Arvidson & Sons employees hang holiday lights and wreaths at Niko’s Lodge in Algonquin.

HUNTLEY – A “Goodbye to 2012” multi-member mixer will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Talamore Club House, 12121 Talamore Blvd., Huntley.

Hosts are Century 21 New Heritage/Lora Mahnke, Ryland Homes, and Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois.

For more information, call 847-669-0166.

BUSINESS

Page D2 • Thursday, November 29, 2012

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

Office politics can help career advancement

With the November elections fresh in our minds, our society has been immersed in political slogans, advertisements, debates and jargon.

Election years are prime time for different sides to expose the other candidates’ weaknesses by exploiting decisions on every political plane and elevating their own strengths in the process. This sleight of hand is deemed negative politics.

Unfortunately, negative politics is not restrained to merely public office.

In the workplace, office politics can be a driving force in career advancement and placement. According to an open-ended survey by Gallup, a research-based consulting company, office politics is among the most disliked aspect of the workplace, especially among college graduates. So if one cannot escape negative office politics, one must overcome it. Understanding office politics and know-

ing how to choose the other side of negative politics, the positive, can go a long way in helping one’s career.

Great politicians have one thing in common: They are great with people. Hundreds of public servants have been seen shaking hands and holding babies. Moreover, some go into politics to genuinely help their constituents. In the workplace, politics can be used to humbly build one’s self up and help others out. The positive side of office politics can secure and strengthen reputations, earn respect and build strong relationships.

One strength of overcoming office politics by exuding positive techniques is that it helps to create a strong reputation in the office.

No matter what type of employee or coworker you are, a reputation or brand supersedes experience.

Whether known for working hard, al-

WORK FORCE Terri Greeno ways offering assistance or backstabbing, one’s personal brand can help or hurt an employee’s chances of moving up the corporate ladder.

Developing a track record as someone who accomplishes goals and gets results will lend itself to more opportunities.

Status and job title only go so far in garnering respect at the office. The old saying is just as true as ever: Respect is earned. With a solid reputation, respect is available through constancy and continuous improvement. If an employee is constantly putting others first and helping during a crisis, coworkers will start looking toward that sure-footed

person as an expert in certain areas.

This goes hand in hand with employers as well. If employees are always producing quality work, doing work outside of their specific pay grade and are well respected by their coworkers, management will also give respect.

The relationships of good office politics are vital to career advancement. Being genuine in connecting with others can create strong allies who will be great supporters and advocates in the future. Showing respect for others’ ideas, even when they may not be the best solutions for the company, helps strengthen professional relationships. Nicety and respect are still powerful tools to help influence outcomes at work.

A recent poll by Monster, an online employment solution company, concluded that 18 percent of coworkers do not want friends at work. Be-

ing friendly with those who do not want to be friends can be tough, but employees who focus on what they can do and bring solutions to the table will elevate their career by standing out as a problem solver.

Office politics can be a minefield to navigate but take advantage of the opportunity. Some employees feel the need to create alliances against others, gossip or cut people down to elevate their career. Do not take this road to destruction. It doesn’t work in the political arena and it won’t work in the workplace. Take advice from the positive side of politics and move up the office ladder with bridges kept intact. You will win at office politics every time by doing the right thing!

• Terri Greeno owns Express Employment Professionals in Crystal Lake.

Business partnerships help foundation turn music vision into reality NORTHWEST HERALD CARPENTERSVILLE – During the first few months of the new school year, the D300 Foundation for Educational Excellence teamed up with Otto Engineering and the Carpentersville Rotary to turn a vision into a reality for Carpentersville Middle School music teacher Michael Kasper.

Kasper’s vision was to take two old closets and transform them into storage space for the D300 Foundation’s Instrument Lending Library and a private practice room for his music students.

This project came to life when Diane Magerko, D300 Foundation trustee, received a generous donation from Otto Engineering providing all the necessary building supplies and James Olvera, Rotary Club of Carpentersville-Morning volunteered to organize all the labor for this project.

“In addition to our club members we had two outstanding contractor volunteers, Brian Lood and Richard Olvera, who did a great job with some of the more challenging tasks that needed to be accomplished,” Olvera said. “The immediate

use of each space was pretty amazing and eye opening to the fact of how much they were actually needed. Again, we are very happy about the success of the project and appreciate the opportunity to be involved.”

Diane Magerko, Fund Development chair for the foundation, said, “Our partnerships with the local businesses and organizations are so very vital to the foundation. When we work together on these types of projects with local businesses and organizations, it brings our communities closer together, and everyone benefits from the outcome.”

If you have a musical instrument sitting in the back of your closet or basement, consider donating it to the D300 Foundation’s Lending Library. You may drop off your instrument donation, which is tax deductible, at the Central Office in Carpentersville at 300 Cleveland Ave., or call the foundation for a pickup at 847-551-8475.

For information about how you can partner with the D300 Foundation and to view some of the project grants it has funded, visit www.d300foundation.org.

Imagetec L.P. selected as recipient of Torch Award

McHENRY – Imagetec L.P. has been selected as a recipient for the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago & Northern Illinois’ Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.

Imagetec last was awarded the Torch Award in 2011.

This is the 16th year the BBB has been honoring companies for “Doing It Right – Ethically.”

This year’s competition received more than 2,060 nominations and eight were selected recipients for the year. Companies were judged in seven general categories based on employee size by an independent panel of judges from the business and academic community, based on criteria including ethical standards of behavior

towards customers, suppliers, employees and the community.

Imagetech was selected in Category III for companies with 100-999 employees.

“The Torch Award is a mark of distinction that we are proud to showcase.

It symbolizes our commitment to offering the best business practices and ethics towards our employees, customers and vendor relationships. It shows our clients that they can depend on us to be treated fairly before and after a sale,” said Richard Cucco, Imagetec managing partner.

Imagetec, founded in 1992, has become the largest independent office equipment dealer based in the Chicago market.

B&K Power Equipment to collect items for food pantries

MARENGO – B&K Power Equipment Inc., 17009 Harmony Road, Marengo, is having an area food pantry drive Dec. 13-15. Items will be collected for the Grafton Food Pantry, M.O.R.E. Center and the Burlington-Hampshire Food Pantry.

Items that the food pantries need include: Gas cards or local store gift cards, paper goods, personal grooming items,

household cleaning items, baby items, condiments and nonperishable food items. Donation hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14, and 7 a.m. to noon Dec. 15.

B&K Power Equipment will makeacashdonationequalto5 percent of all parts department cash-and-carry sales made Dec. 13-15. The funds will be split equally between the three food pantries.

Provided photo

MLS Mailing Inc. in Huntley has expanded its operation with the purchase of two Konica Minolta bizhub digital presses.

MLS Mailing expands with digital presses HUNTLEY – MLS Mailing Inc., a fullservice mailing, fulfillment, print and marketing services provider, has expanded with two new Konica Minolta bizhub digital presses.

Owners Maria and Angel Vazquez said they added the latest digital technology in response to the needs of their clients.

Established in Chicago in 1984, MLS Mailing moved to the suburbs in 1993 and opened its 10,000-square-foot facility at 11381 Allison Court in Huntley in 1998.

The addition of the Konica Minolta bizhub PRESS C8000 will allow MLS Mailing to achieve new levels in client deliverables. Owner and President Maria Vazquez noted that technology has accelerated at a dizzying pace over the past

few years. “In tandem, businesses have harnessed the technology and developed new customer-centric techniques for motivating people to purchase products and services,” she said. “One of them is the digital printing market. This is why we conquered our fears and stepped into the digital work with Konica Minolta and their C8000 and bizhub PRO 951 digital presses.”

The bizhub PRESS C8000 incorporates new Simitri HD+ color polymerized toner for offset-like image quality, and utilizes a new dual fusing system that improves throughput productivity even when running heavy weight stocks. The press employs an air and vacuum belt paper feeding system, similar to an offset press, for

reliable substrate handling.

MLS selected the CREO Color Server and Print Shop Mail variable data printing software to help maintain color standards with sophisticated color management tools, and to provide customized and personalized direct mail marketing pieces.

The bizhub PRO 951, a digital blackand-white press, images at 95 pages per minute and will allow MLS to provide services including direct mail pieces, marketing collateral, manuals, booklets, and other supporting work for customers on a tight deadline.

For more information about MLS, call 847-669-0030, or visit www.mlsdirectmailing.com.

8CALENDAR Area chambers of commerce • Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce, 2114 W. Algonquin Road, Lake in the Hills.

Information: 847-658-5300; www. algonquin-lith-chamber.com.

• Cary-Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, 445 Park Ave., Cary.

Information: 847-639-2800; www. carygrovehamber.com.

• Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce, 427 W. Virginia St., Crystal Lake.: 815-459-1300; www.clchamber. com.

• Fox Lake Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, 71 Nippersink St., Fox Lake. Information: 847-587-7474; www.discoverfoxlake. com.

• Hampshire Area Chamber of Commerce, 153 South State St. Hampshire. Information: 847-683-1122; www.hampshirechamber.org.

• Harvard Chamber of Commerce & Industry, 62 N. Ayer St., Suite B, Harvard. Information: 815943-4404; www.harvcc.net.

Today, Nov. 29

• 7:45 a.m.: Power Partners of Cary Grove meets at Century 21/Sketchbook 20 Northwest Hwy., Cary. Call Ryan Fain of The Mailroom, 815-353-8600.

Friday, Nov. 30

• 7:30 to 9 a.m.: Business Networking International/Northwest Business Associates, Colonial Café 2555 W. Bunker Hill Road, Algonquin. Information: Shawn Blaha, 815-356-2118.

• Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce, 11704 Coral St., Huntley.

Information: (847) 669-0166; www. huntleychamber.org.

• Marengo-Union Chamber of Commerce, 116 S. State St., Marengo.

Information: 815-568-6680; www. marengo-union.com.

• McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce, 1257 N. Green St., McHenry. Information: 815-385-4300; www.mchenrychamber.com.

• Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce, 429 Randall Road, Suite B, Carpentersville. Information: 847-426-8565; www.nkcchamber. com.

• Richmond/Spring Grove Chamber of Commerce, 10906 Main St., Richmond. Information: 815-678-7742; www.rsgchamber.com.

• Wonder Lake Chamber of Commerce, 7602 Hancock Drive, Wonder Lake. Information: 815-728-0682; www.wonderlake.org.

• Woodstock Chamber of Commerce, 136 Cass St., Woodstock.

Information: 815-338-2436; www. woodstockilchamber.com.

• 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: McHenry chamber Prosperity Training, Inc. Lunch Time Mixer.

Location TBA.

Saturday, Dec. 1

• 2-5 p.m.: Fox River Grove Tree Lighting Festival, Algonquin Road School, 975 Algonquin Road, Fox River Grove.

• 4 p.m.: Village of Huntley Christmas on the Square Holiday Parade. Huntley chamber will host a special appearance

from Mrs. Claus in chamber office during the day.

Sunday, Dec. 2

• Noon to 3 p.m.: Merry Cary Holiday Festival and Parade, downtown Cary. Parade, visits with Santa, petting zoo, pony rides and more.

Monday, Dec. 3

• 10:30 a.m.: Ribbon cutting at Allstate - The Hapanovich Agency, 60 E. Main St., Cary.

• 7-8 p.m.: McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce SOHO meeting at Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois. Information: 815-385-4300.

Tuesday, Dec. 4

• 7 a.m.: LeTip of Algonquiin/ Lake in the Hills, Colonial Café, 2555 W. Bunker Hill Road, Algonquin. Information: Mark Sessa, 847-409-6383; www. letip.com.

• 7:30 a.m.: Crystal Lake Business Network, Algonquin Bank & Trust, 4049 West Algonquin Road, Algonquin. Information: Laura Sinnaeve, 847-204-4899.

• 7:30 a.m.: Crystal Lake chamber’s Referral Exchange Network, Exemplar Financial Network, 413 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. Information: Kevin Bruning, 815-455-3000.

• 7:30 a.m.: Crystal Lake chamber’s Business 2 Business Network, Benedict’s La Strata, 40 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake.

Information: Mike Daniele, 815356-2126.

• 5-7 p.m.: McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party at Chili’s Grill & Bar. Information: 815-385-4300.

Wednesday, Dec. 5

• 7 to 8:30 a.m.: Woodstock LeTip, Vaughan’s Restaurant, 790 S. Eastwood Drive, Woodstock. Information: Richard Toepper, 815-338-9900.

• 7 a.m.: McHenry County LeTip, Panera Bread, 6000 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake. Information: Donna Nilsson, 815-206-5600; dnilsson@ amfam.com.

• 8 a.m.: Cary Grove Referral Network, Cary Bank & Trust, 60 E. Main St., Cary. Information: Shirley Rochford, 847-3414104.

• 8 a.m.: Lighthouse Business Networking, St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, 8901 Cary-Algonquin Road, Cary.

Information: Richard Sansone, 847-516-0433; Steve Randahl, 847-769-6285.

• 5-6:15 p.m.: Discover the McHenry Area Chamber orientation. Chamber office.

Thursday, Dec. 6

• 7:45 a.m.: Power Partners of Cary Grove meets at Century 21/Sketchbook 20 Northwest Hwy., Cary. Call Ryan Fain of The Mailroom, 815-353-8600.

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

BUSINESS

Thursday, November 29, 2012 • Page D3

Union moving offices to Woodstock Plasterers, cement masons local plans trades programs at new site

By EMILY K. COLEMAN ecoleman@shawmedia.com

WOODSTOCK – Taking advantage of low prices, the union representing cement masons and plasterers across northern Illinois bought an industrial building just outside Woodstock. a location with potential for growth, a union official said.

Local 11 relocated its offices to 1102 Rail Drive from Lakemoor and plans to operate its apprenticeship and con-

tinuing education programs out of the 7,200-square-foot building at the Trakk Industrial Park.

The union, which represents 1,200 workers, has been training its members and potential full members since 1960, business manager Art Sturms said.

The real change is that instead of renting space throughout its territory, classes will be consolidated in the new facility, he said.

It covers nearly all of north-

ern Illinois from as far south as Iroquois County to the Wisconsin border, excluding Cook and DuPage counties. Its territory also includes counties in Iowa and Minnesota.

While it means a longer drive for its participants, it won’t be a financial burden, Sturms said, because their mileage is reimbursed.

The new, consolidated location was picked because its membership is concentrated in the collar counties. The site is also a better fit for its longterm plans, he said.

“Here we have the potential to add on once work does pick up,” Sturms said, referring to the space that the 1.1-

acre lot has for expansion.

“The bottom line is we bought the building because the commercial market is, as far as what the building costs... Four or five years ago we could have never bought this building for what we bought it for.”

The building was purchased for $450,000 in July after being originally listed for $495,000 through Harding Real Estate. Rick Bellairs of Harding Real Estate handled the transaction.

Four or five years down the road, Sturms could see the union adding on to the facility but that is contingent on the economy improving and

building steps up.

“We have no problem investing in our future,” Sturms said. “We’re going to be here.

I don’t foresee anything that could change what we’re doing. People need concrete and roads built. That stuff needs to be done.”

For now, a minimal amount of work needs to be done to get classrooms and hands-on concrete workshops in the back of the building ready by the time classes start in January.

The three-year program trains apprentices, preparing them to work in the industry as full members of the union.

As they make their way through it, they receive 70,

80 or 90 percent of the unionnegotiated wage.

It’s a partnership between the union and the contractors its members work for and is funded through employer contributions.

When someone is hired, a contractor asks for him to be put in the program. There are some people on a waiting list to get in, Sturms said, but most program participants are new hires or people they’re looking to move into that area.

On average, between 20 and 30 apprentices go through the program each year, he said.

For more information, visit opcmialocal11.com.

New home sales dip .3 percent in October

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON – U.S. sales of new homes fell slightly in October and September sales were slower than initially thought. The October sales pace was dragged lower by steep declines on the East Coast, partly related to Superstorm Sandy.

TheCommerceDepartment said Wednesday that newhome sales dipped 0.3 percent in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 368,000.

That’s down marginally from the 369,000 pace in September, which was revised lower from an initially reported 389,000.

Sales fell a sharp 32.3 per-

cent in the Northeast and nearly 12 percent in the South.

The government said Sandy had a minimal effect on the housing data because it made landfall in the final days of the month. Still, the storm disrupted business activity from North Carolina to Maine.

States outside the area affected by the storm fared better. Sales surged 62.2 percent in the Midwest and were up 8.8 percent in the West.

“Sales probably would have been slightly stronger without the hurricane,” said Jim O’Sullivan, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics. “Still, the report was disappointing.”

Sales were still 17 percent

higher in October than the same month in 2011. Even with the gain, new-home sales are well below the annual rate of 700,000 that economists consider healthy.

“Over the past 18 months, new home sales have been on the gentle rising trend although they remain at a very depressed level,” said Steven Wood, chief economist at Insight Economics.

The modest improvement in the new-home market this year follows other reports that show the housing market starting to recover more than five years after the bubble burst. Home prices are rising, sales are up, and builders are starting work on more new

Realtors debate open houses over holidays NORTHWEST HERALD

ELGIN – Is holding an open house during the holidays a waste of time, or can it really help sell your home? Many home sellers and real estate agents will be asking themselves that question in the weeks to come.

To offer some guidance, the Re/Max Northern Illinois real estate network asked a sampling of its agents who regularly hold open houses at other times of the year for their views on the issue.

The primary reason to hold an open house during the period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, the agents agreed, is that anyone who stops in is probably eager to purchase a home.

“People going to open houses during that period usually are dead serious about finding a home sooner rather than later,” said Sheila Yakutis of Re/ Max Synergy in Orland Park.

“Instead of doing their holiday shopping, entertaining or visiting family, they are out dealing with the weather and checking out listings.”

There are a number of factors that bring out buyers during the holidays, but idle curiosity, a major factor at other times of the year, is rarely one of them, she observed.

According to Elena Dan of Re/Max 1st Class Realty in Skokie, common buyer motivations for holiday house hunting include capturing year-end tax benefits, the need to relocate quickly or a belief that home prices are at their lowest during the winter months, which Dan said is not always the case.

Yet even with strongly motivated buyers in the market, many agents and sellers do cut back on their home marketing efforts over the holidays because of travel, other obligations or just a desire to relax and enjoy the season, according to Dan. “Most sellers want to stop by the end of November, and I

have to encourage them to let me do an open house during the holidays,” she said. “The truth is that one of the best months I’ve ever had selling homes was in December.”

Brian Ernst of Re/Max Action in Lisle believes strongly in the value of open houses for both sellers and their agents.

He holds open houses, primarily in Naperville and Aurora, throughout the year but views the holiday season as an especially advantageous time.

“There’s less competition because other agents and sellers aren’t as active.

Buyers are serious, and they have the added incentive of tax advantages if they can close by the end of the year,” he said. “Doing open houses during the holidays can benefit all my listings because if the home that is open is not quite right for a buyer, another one of my listings could be ideal.”

Another plus during the holiday season, according to Ernst, is that with friends and families getting together at that time of year, buyers often bring parents, siblings or close friends to an open house.

Getting positive input about a home from such “trusted advisers” can help close the sale.

The challenge during the holidays can be drawing people to an open house when the weather is less than ideal. One way to do that is by making the event as enticing as possible, contends Starr Zook of Re/Max On Track in Aledo.

She starts by holding holiday open houses at her most appealing listings and backs that up by serving refreshments and even offering a giveaway or drawing for something like a prepaid gas card.

Once visitors arrive, it doesn’t hurt to capitalize on the holiday spirit, suggests Mike Kravitz of Re/Max Signature in Chicago.

“With the owners’ cooperation, you want Christmas trees up and a wreath on the door – make sure that it’s warm and

cozy. Add scented candles to make the home smell good, and maybe bake a pumpkin pie. Even if the property is empty, do the same thing, at least at the front entrance,” he advised. “Food makes them stay longer, and that allows the home to make a deeper impression.”

As much as they generally approve of the idea of open houses during the Thanksgiving-Christmas period, the agents did point out that not every day during that period is equally appropriate for such an event.

Yakutis carefully schedules her open houses to avoid conflicts with Chicago Bears games.

Kravitz usually stops holding open houses between Dec. 20 and early February because house hunters are few during that six-week period.

In contrast, Zook reports that activity in her market around the Quad Cities tends to pick up noticeably in midJanuary, and she resumes holding open houses at that time.

When it comes to holiday open houses, it’s important for both the agent and homeowner to be flexible, advises Yakutis.

“If I have a seller who really wants to get something done over the holidays, I’ll test the market and try an open house,” she said. “On the other hand, if I have a young family with kids who just wants to be free and easy, I’ll tell them to pull back and wait until after the holidays for an open house – eliminate the stress. But my bottom line is that I’m flexible. I look at the market, and if there are buyers out there, then an open house can be a great idea even during the holidays.”

The Re/Max Northern Illinois network, with headquarters in Elgin, consists of 2,100 sales associates and 110 individually owned and operated Re/Max offices.

AP file

In this Oct. 12 photo, a construction worker finishes a roof in Chicago. U.S. sales of new homes fell slightly in October and the September sales pace was slower than initially thought. homes and apartments.

The median price of a new home sold in October was $237,700. That’s down 4.2 percent from September but 5.7 percent higher than October 2011.

The supply of homes for sale inched up to 147,000, slightly above the lowest level on records dating back to 1967.

The thin supply of homes

for sale has helped drive this year’s housing rebound. The market has finally started to shed the excess number of homes built during the housing boom.

BUSINESS

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012 • Page D5

RV industry’s recovery gains speed

By BRUCE SCHREINER The Associated Press

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The RV industry’s recovery from the Great Recession has picked up speed.

Recreational vehicle makers are churning out higher numbers of travel trailers bound for dealers’ lots and, ultimately, campgrounds.

Overall shipments from manufacturers to dealers – a key measure of consumer demand – are expected to rise 10 percent in 2012 and could gain another 4.5 percent next year, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association said Tuesday.

Through September, shipments were up nearly 11 percent from the same period last year, the group said. The higher-than-expected number had dealers, manufacturers and suppliers feeling more optimistic as they gathered this week for an annual industry trade show.

“We made up a lot of ground this year,” said Jeffrey Pastore, owner of Hartville RV Center in northeastern Ohio.

“We’re seeing a lot more buyers walking in the door, and we’re seeing those buyers with more money in hand.”

Sales at his dealership are up about 18 percent so far this year, and he’s predicting another 15 percent gain in 2013.

It’s a big turnaround from 2009, when sales plunged 40 percent amid the country’s worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

“It was dreadful,” said Tom Stinnett, an RV dealer in southern Indiana. “There were a lot of us wondering if we were going to make it.”

Shipments to dealers slumped to 165,700 units in

Trend for new units At General RV Center in Huntley, operations manager Keith Lessner said sales are up over 2011.

“There’s been huge growth from last year,” Lessner said of the dealership, which has been open a year and a half.

He said a trend has been new units over used units. “You’re getting a lot more for your money with a new unit,” Lessner said.

“A 26-foot Prime Time Avenger bunk-bed unit sold for $13,000 10 years ago,” he said. “It still sells for $13,000, and you’re getting better construction, technology, better everything.”

He said low interest rates have contributed to the popularity of new units.

“People are tired of being told not to spend money and starting to enjoy themselves,” Lessner said.

– Northwest Herald 2009 from 353,400 in 2007.

Weak demand and evaporated credit left dealer lots clogged with RVs and forced the industry to lay off tens of thousands of workers. This year’s shipments are expected to be better — hitting 277,300.

Jobs are coming back, too.

The industry’s workforce has risen to 375,000 from less than 250,000 in 2008, according to RVIA. It’s still below the 530,000 from 2007.

Driving the industry’s gradual comeback have been less-expensive towable RVs attached to pickups or hitched to other vehicles.

Towables, which now account for about 90 percent of the new RV market, cost between $8,000 and $100,000, with an average price of $32,000, ac-

AP file

Attendees look at the all-electric E-Tahoe by MPV at the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s 2011 trade show in Louisville, Ky. cording to RVIA. Before the recession hit, towables represented eight out of every 10 new RVs shipped.

By contrast, stand-alone motor homes range in price from $55,000 to $1.5 million for top-of-the-line, bus-like vehicles. The average price is $100,000 for the amenity-filled moving homes.

“It’s a given that consumers love to do this, or there would be no market at all because they don’t have to have it,” Stinnett said. “But they’re simply not willing to commit as much money.”

KZ RV, based in Shipsh-

ewana, Ind., has regained about three-fourths of its prerecessionary business, but the manufacturer has seen the shift in consumer demand toward towables. Its most popular products cost between $10,000 and $35,000 — well off its top-of-the-line RVs, which run about $90,000, said Andy Baer, the company’s vice president of sales.

“Seven years ago they didn’t give a thought to buying a top-of-the-line product, kind of similar to the housing industry,” Baer said. “People are more in tuned with what the reality is that they can

comfortably afford today.”

Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Thetford Corp., which supplies toilets and sinks to RV makers, saw its business plunge by 70 percent during the recession. It survived the downturn because RV owners upgraded existing models, said Executive Vice President Kevin Phillips.

Now, the company is having a good year as existing RV owners purchase upgrades and entry-level buyers enter the market, he said.

Winnebago Industries Inc., best known for its premium products, also has adjusted to

Disney, Sears used factory where 112 died

By JULHAS ALAM The Associated Press

DHAKA, Bangladesh – Amid the ash, broken glass and melted sewing machines at what is left of the Tazreen Fashions Ltd. factory, there are piles of blue, red and offwhite children’s shorts bearing Wal-Mart’s Faded Glory brand. Shorts from hip-hop star Sean Combs’ ENYCE label lay on the floor, along with a hooded Mickey Mouse sweatshirt from Disney.

An Associated Press reporter searching the Bangladesh factory Wednesday found these and other clothes, including sweaters from the French company Teddy Smith and the Scottish company Edinburgh Woollen Mill, among the equipment charred in the fire that killed 112 workers on Saturday. He also found entries in account books indicating that the factory took orders to produce clothes for Disney, Sears and other Western brands.

Garments and documents left behind in the factory show it was used by a host of major American and European retailers, though at least one of them — Wal-Mart — had been aware of safety problems. Wal-Mart blames a supplier for using Tazreen Fashions without its knowledge.

The fire has elevated awareness of something labor groups, retailers and governments have known for years: Bangladesh’s fastgrowing garment industry – second only to China’s in exports – is rife with dangerous workplaces. More than 300 workers there have died in fires since 2006.

Police on Wednesday arrested three factory officials suspected of locking in the workers who died in Saturday’s fire, the deadliest in the South Asian country’s less

than 35-year history of exporting clothing.

Local police chief Habibur Rahman said the three will be questioned amid reports that many workers trying to escape the blaze had been locked inside. He said the owner of the factory was not among those arrested.

The three officials were arrested Wednesday at their homes in Savar, the Dhaka suburb where the factory is located. Rahman did not identify the officials or give their job status.

About 1,400 workers worked at the plant, some 70 percent of them women. Most are from the north, the poorest region of Bangladesh.

Workers who survived the fire say exit doors were locked, and a fire official has said that far fewer people would have died if there had been even one emergency exit. Of the dead, 53 bodies were burned so badly they could not be identified; they were buried anonymously.

The fire started on the ground floor, where a factory worker named Nasima said stacks of yarn and clothes blocked part of the stairway.

Nasima, who uses only one name, and other workers said that when they tried to flee, managers told them to go back to their work stations, but they were ignored.

Dense smoke filled the stairway, making it hard to see, and when the lights went out the workers were left in total darkness. Another worker, Mohammad Rajib, said some people used their cellphones to light their way.

“Everyone was screaming for help,” Nasima said. “Total chaos, panic and screaming. Everyone was trying to escape and come out. I was pulling the shirt of a man. I fainted and when I woke up I found myself lying on the road outside the factory.”

the new market.

The company, headquartered in Forest City, Iowa, is rolling out towable products again after a decades-long absence from that market.

And Winnebago has stepped up its presence in the market for entry-level motor homes priced in the $60,000 to $70,000 range. Those vehicles offer fewer features and amenities than their pricier counterparts.

“That’s where we see a lot of the movement in the industry,” said Scott Degnan, the company’s vice president of sales.

8IN BRIEF Costco plans special dividend of $7 per share

File photo

In this April 21, 2010, file image provided by the U.S. Coast Guard, fire boat response crews battle the blazing remnants of the off shore oil rig Deepwater Horizon.

BP suspended from new fed contracts The Associated Press WASHINGTON –The Obama administration put a temporary stop to new federal contracts with British oil company BP on Wednesday, citing the company’s “lack of business integrity” and criminal proceedings stemming from the Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010.

The action by the Environmental Protection Administration bars BP and its affiliates from new government contracts for an indefinite period, but won’t affect existing contracts.

In a further blow to the company, BP will be disqualified from winning new leases to drill for oil or gas on taxpayer-owned land until the suspension is lifted. The federal government planned a sale Wednesday of more than 20 million acres of offshore land in the Gulf of Mexico.

BP won’t be eligible for that sale, the Interior Department said. An EPA official said BP was not informed about the suspension until Wednesday morning.

In London, BP said it had no immediate comment on the decision or its federal con-

tracts, but expected to make a statement later Wednesday.

In the past, BP has been a major supplier of energy to the U.S. military, and has also provided fuel products and drilling services for other U.S. agencies such as the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

The EPA said the suspension was standard practice when a criminal case raises responsibility questions about a company. The suspension came the same day two BP rig supervisors and a former executive were scheduled to be arraigned on criminal charges stemming from the deadly explosion and the company’s response to the resulting oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

“EPA is taking this action due to BP’s lack of business integrity as demonstrated by the company’s conduct with regard to the Deepwater Horizon blowout, explosion, oil spill, and response,” the agency said in a statement.

BP announced earlier in November that it will plead guilty to manslaughter, obstruction of Congress and other charges and will pay a record $4.5 billion in penalties to resolve a Justice Department

investigation of the disaster.

Attorneys and a federal judge will meet in December to discuss a plea date.

“When someone recklessly crashes a car, their license and keys are taken away,” said Rep. Ed Markey, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee and a frequent critic of BP. “The wreckage of BP’s recklessness is still sitting at the bottom of the ocean,” the Massachusetts Democrat said, “and this kind of time out is an appropriate element of the suite of criminal, civil and economic punishments that BP should pay for their disaster.”

When it agreed to the plea deal, BP said it hadn’t been advised that any federal agency intended to suspend it. However, an EPA official said Wednesday that the plea agreement includes a provision for how BP can satisfy the concerns that stand in the way of the suspension being lifted. That order, if the court accepts it during sentencing, would give BP 60 days to address the conditions that led to violations. If the government approves the plan, it becomes part of BP’s criminal probation.

Costco plans a special dividend of $7 per share next month in addition to the regular quarterly dividend the wholesale club operator pays shareholders.

The Issaquah, Wash., company said Wednesday that the special dividend will be payable Dec. 18 to shareholders of record Dec. 10. Costco Wholesale Corp.’s regular quarterly dividend of 27.5 cents per share will be paid Nov. 30 to shareholders of record as of Nov. 16.

Costco also said Wednesday that its November revenue climbed nearly 9 percent to $8.15 billion. Revenue from stores open at least a year rose 6 percent. The increase was 5 percent excluding gains from gasoline price inflation and stronger foreign currencies.

Revenue from stores open at least a year is a key gauge of a retailer’s health because it excludes results from stores recently opened or closed.

Nokia sues RIM for breach of contract HELSINKI – Nokia Corp. is suing Research In Motion, the maker of the BlackBerry, for breach of contract in Britain, the United States and Canada over cellular patents the two companies agreed on nine years ago.

The struggling Finnish cellphone maker said Wednesday that it agreed with RIM in 2003 on a “cross-license for standards-essential cellular patents,” amended in 2008.

RIM has since claimed the license should also have covered patents for non-essential parts and it filed arbitration proceedings with the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce in March 2011.

Earlier this month, the Arbitration Institute of Stockholm Chamber of Commerce ruled against RIM’s claims.

– From press services

Thursday, November 29, 2012 • Section F

Builder’s kingdom encompasses multiple subdivisions Jerry Kuyper

ELGIN - Business is booming for Pete Stefani, president and founder of King’s Court Builders.

Sales are in the double digits this year, and, in 2013, he projects building 25 custom houses in Chicago’s suburbs.

Seven of his recent sales are in Highland Woods, which is divided into two neighborhoods, the Waterford and the Reserve. Six customers opted to have Stefani build them a house in the

Waterford section, and one chose him for a larger design in the Reserve.

His housing in the Waterford section begins at $297,000 and includes the 80-by-125-foot lot. Stefani’s custom designs in the Reserve section are priced from $383,000 including a 95-by-140 -foot lot.

Besides the seven that are going to contract, Stefani has 64 additional lots on which to build in Highland Woods. He also is active in Plainfield’s Lakeside of Grande Park subdivision and three more in Naperville.

They are Ashwood Creek, Ashwood Creek South and

ONLY $179,000!

205 Bauer Rd., McHenry

Directions: Green St. to Bretons, to Bauer

Over 2000 sq. ft energy efficient home in a great neighborhood! 3 lg bedrooms, 2 1/2 bths, master bth, formal liv & dining rms, fireplace, family room,hardwood floors, fenced yard, oversized garage..... new windows.... Close to pool, parks & schools!

Roberts & Andrews Sandy Etten 815-405-2194 www.mchenryhomes.com

3500 Lakeview Drive, Algonquin

Terrace Hill Subdivision – $297,000 4 Bedrooms / 2.5 Bathrooms / Full Finished Basement Gleaming hardwood floors, freshly painted neutrals throughout.

Beautiful ktichen, avanza counters, eating area, slider to patio, all appliances in kitchen stay. Family room w/fp & bay window, formal dr w/tray/crown ceiling hrwd flr. Mbr w/lux bath/walk-in. Spacious bedrooms. Fabulous finished basement with rec room, 2nd kitchen, bar, exercise room & office, wired ss. Great corner lot, landscaped & fenced.

Also for rent $2,500/mo.

Unlimited Northwest

Stephanie Burrows 224-639-7653 sburrows@remax.net

Have your ad featured in this space Call Abby at (815) 526-4428

See BUILDER, page F2

Photo provided

A two-story custom house built by Pete Stefani’s King’s Court Builders in Elgin’s Highland Woods subdivision is open for viewing Thursdays through Sundays.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS ALGONQUIN

Open House Saturday 12/1-11am-1pm

Paddocks.

“People have been sitting on the sidelines for a long, long time and, although some of my clients were hurt in the downturn (2008 collapse of housing market), most are doing well enough today to move forward and they can afford to build a new house,” Stefani said.

“The market is starting to improve. My buyers are primarily those that are moving up to larger houses, and the prices for those buyers go from $325,000 up to $475,000 for 2,800 to 3,600 square feet of living space.”

$100,000, 2039 Teton Pkwy, Algonquin 60102-5427, 19-35454-016, Tcf National Bank To Jorge Luis Ramirez Patino, September 28 $103,000, 2294 Dawson Ln, Algonquin 60102-5977, 19-32-128-049, Fannie Mae To Louis A Stickling, September 27 $155,000, 433 S River Rd, Algonquin 60102-2842, 19-34-181-006, Fannie Mae To Ralph Grant Jr, September 28 $174,189, 1073 Saint Andrews Ct, Algonquin 60102-4135, 19-32427-111, Judicial Sales Corp To Hud, September 28 $189,000, 215 Lake Dr S, Algonquin 60102-1738, 19-29-402-010, Barbara Leipold To Partha Sarathi Majumder & Ruma Majumder, September 27 $190,000, 940 Glacier Pkwy, Algonquin 60102-5012, 1935-254-028, Sandra Lynn Costello To Kyounghwa Kim, September 28 $240,000, 935 Zange Dr, Algonquin 60102-2038, 19-33-326-011, Roger J Quinlan To Christopher M Wodziak & Constance L Wodziak, September 25

BARRINGTON

$770,000, 301 Ridge Rd, Barrington 60010-2331, 20-29-200-018, Arlene R Baumgart To Daniel Nass & Jennie Nass, September 28

BULL VALLEY

$400,000, 315 S Valley Hill Rd, Bull Valley 60098-7882, 13-01-100-027, Chicago Title Land Trt Co Ttee To Thomas Mileski & Tiffany Mileski, September 26

CARY

$85,000, 512 New Haven Dr, Cary 60013-1806, 19-11-304-015, Anthony J Mele Jr To Heather C Queen, September 28 $100,000, 467 Cary Woods Cir, Cary 60013-2059, 20-18-355-007, Deutsche Bank Trt America Ttee To Joseph M Sawicki & Lindsay Turner, September 25 $115,000, 478 New Haven Dr, Cary 60013-1811, 19-11-304-021, Federal National Mortgage Assn To Areli Serrano, September 25 $180,000, 819 Burr Oak Cir, Cary 60013-1662, 20-07-404-005, Dennis T Daley To Fengi Li, October 1 $224,000, 70 Decker Dr, Cary 60013-2284, 20-18-204-005, Jeff

Kraeger To Brian B Bateman & Tracy L Batman, September 25 $375,000, 7103 Swallow Way, Cary 60013-6049, 20-07-203-013, Nathan C Claridy To Ignatz Rauscher & Margaret Rauscher, October 1

CRYSTAL LAKE

$83,000, 667 Elsinoor Ln, Crystal Lake 60014-7517, 19-08-129-014, Deutsche Bank Natl Trt Co Ttee To Fano Theofanous, September 27 $87,000, 512 Windham Cove Dr, Crystal Lake 60014-2739, 19-18-280004, Cindy Hopper To Daniel Odonnell & Diane Odonnell, September 25 $93,000, 687 Coventry Ln, Crystal Lake 60014-7540, 19-08-151-007, Christopher Miller To Shannon Baker & Shannon T Baker, September 26 $103,500, 485 Linn Ave, Crystal Lake 60014-7141, 19-05-353-009, Federal Home Loan Mtg Corp To Brendan W Silker, September 25 $120,000, 1204 Walnut Glen Dr 10C, Crystal Lake 60014-6843, 1812-182-039, Home State Bank Na To Tyler S Barth, September 28 $145,000, 412 Charlotte Ave, Crystal Lake 60014-5139, 18-01-351-002, Roy Y Nelson To Patricia L Vanderheyden, September 28

$179,000, 671 Broadway Ave, Crystal Lake 60014-5601, 19-06-379-001, Linda S Mindock To Sally Munn, September 28 $217,000, 270 College St, Crystal Lake 60014-6039, 19-05-177-032, James A Neff To Kari A Gavle, September 28 $245,000, 1133 Autumn Dr, Crystal Lake 60014-1612, 18-12-177-009, Matthew Lee Deguzman Perkins To Matthew Joseph Hillyer & Sarah Ann Hillyer, September 25 $248,000, 1253 Sandalwood Ln, Crystal Lake 60014-1637, 18-13276-013, Karl T Krogstad To Steven Hannagan & Donna Hannagan, September 28 $290,000, 1155 Lakeview Ave, Crystal Lake 60014-6989, 18-12202-002, William J Jones To Donald J Lewis, September 28 $360,000, 3675 Tamarack Cir, Crystal Lake 60012-2137, 14-26305-010, William Francis Norton To Pamela Domanski, September 28 $425,000, 347 W Woodstock St, Crystal Lake 60014-4231, 14-32-351010, Chicago Title Land Trt Co Ttee To Jon Jason Holt, October 1 Continued on page F2

130 Dole Avenue, Crystal Lake • 3 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • New Kitchen and Baths • Hardwood Floors • Walkout Basement • Large Fenced in Yard Freshly remodeled, new, new, new inside and out! Cedar privacy fence in the huge back yard, lower level entrance, concrete veranda, mature trees. Inside is to die for! New kitchen cabinets, stainless steel appliances, undermount lighting, can lighting, ceramic tile. Baths newly redone with heated floors! Family room with fireplace, new windows, solid wood six panel doors & trim! New 90+ furnace and hot water heater, A/C. Second family room, much more!

Offered at $189,000

199 Midway Court, Crystal Lake • 4 Bedrooms • 3 Car Garage • 2,800 Sq. Ft. Custom Built • Luxurious Master Suite • Whirlpool Tub/Sep. Shower • Brick Paver Patio Great home in North Crystal Lake! Excellent original owners. Closing flexible as the sellers are building new. High end stainless/granite kitchen, custom cabinetry, luxury rollouts! Walk in pantry, separate dining, luxury kitchen open to family room with fireplace! Huge master suite with private bath, double vanity, separate shower/whirlpool tub, 3 car garage,. Great stained custom wood interior! Treat yourself!

Offered at $319,000

Thank You

Happy Holidays! The future is certainly looking better.

It’s your move, call me!

AS GOOD AS A LUXURY HOME GETS

1305 Cougar Trail, Cary. 4 bedrooms. 3 Full Baths, plus 2 half baths. Spacious FIRST-FLOOR Master Bedroom. Formal living & dining rooms. Den. Centerisland kitchen, maple cabinets, granite counters, stainless-steel appliances.

Hardwood floors. 18ft-ceiling family room, wet bar & stone fireplace.

Offered by:

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3,863 sq ft, plus a full-finished basement w/ recreation & theater rooms, & 2nd fireplace. Freshly painted interior, new carpeting. Two huge walk-in floored attic spaces or bonus rooms for extra square footage. Finished & heated 3-car garage. Professional landscaping. Meticulously maintained. $424,900.

See: www.1305CougarTrail.com

Tom Zarnek Managing Broker

815-759-6750

For voting Reinert Builders one of the best home builders in McHenry County

EQU L HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

Unlimited Northwest

lgonquin, Cary, Crystal Lake, Lake Zurich & Palatine

office: 815-479-6182 cell direct: 815-382-0384 www.reinert4homes.com

Thinking about marketing your home, consider an agent that advertises.

reAl eSTATe

Page F2 • Thursday, November 29, 2012

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

Photo provided

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• builder Continued from page F1

“Five of them are four-bedroom, two stories, one of them is a three-bedroom ranch, and another is a design with a first-floor master suite on the main living level and three more bedrooms on the second floor,” he added.

A model is open daily at 443 Winged Elm in Highland Woods.

The subdivision is about three miles west of Randall Road off Route 20. Follow Route 20 to Coombs Road to Highland Woods Boulevard to the model. For information, call (224) 856-5056.

The two-story, 3,350-square-foot model has a full basement (lookout), attached three-car, front-load garage (dry walled, taped and painted), four bedrooms, three baths, a porch stretching across the front and a deck. The kitchen includes a separate breakfast area, upper and lower hardwood cabinets, stainless steel appliances (General Electric Cafe), built-in microwave, hooded range and three-quarter-inch, tongue and groove hardwood flooring.

Hardwood flooring dominates most of the main living level with the exception of a bathroom and an eight-by-15-foot tiled laundry room. “We have hardwood in the foyer, kitchen, sunroom and the main (downstairs) floors,” Stefani

Continued from page F1

HARVARD

$75,000, 917 Joanne Ln, Harvard 60033-7831, 06-05-152-007, Robert A Diets To Arnulfo Esquivel, September 28 $107,500, 413 Galvin Pkwy, Harvard 60033-3248, 01-36-328-001, Rebeca S Sanchez To Cesar D Flores, September 28

HUNTLEY

$86,000, 13588 Delaney Rd, Huntley 60142-6335, 08-31-405-032, Alpha M Bondy Estate To William J Peck, September 25 $110,000, 13512 Bonaire Rd, Huntley 60142-6338, 18-31-406-013, Perlowski Trust To Molloy Trust, September 28 $115,000, 11801 E Main St, Huntley 60142-6967, 18-33-126-002, National Loan Investors Lp To Huntley Village (il), September 25 $175,000, 11957 Stonewater Xing, Huntley 60142-7585, 18-32-379-004, Flynn Trust To George Luebke & Kathleen Luebke, October 1 $238,500, 11173 Victoria Ln, Huntley 60142-2451, 18-21-281-008, Drh Cambridge Homes Inc To Christopher Santomarco & Melissa L Santomarco, September 28 $248,500, 9531 Farley Dr, Huntley 60142-6003, 18-21-178-005, Ryland Group Inc To Levis B Mcghee & Melissa E Mcghee, September 28 $258,000, 9575 Cummings St, Huntley 60142-6025, 18-21-157-009, Ryland

indicated. Carpeting, except for bathroom tile, prevails on the second floor.

Living and dining rooms flank the two-story foyer which leads to a family room with fireplace and a library. “Also, the model has a sunroom with a door leading to the (rear) deck,” Stefani said.

The second floor has the four bedrooms and two bathrooms. “A private bedroom (suite) with a trey ceiling has its own bathroom with tub and oversized shower plus a large walk-in closet,” Stefani said.

Bathrooms are tiled with granite added in the master bath and downstairs powder room. “And we have soft craftsman trim throughout the house,” Stefani said. “This means the trim is more linear and flat as opposed to the detailed molding you see in a lot of houses.

It is a clean and fairly obvious look. For example, the stairway newel posts are more square than rounded and, from floor to ceiling, you will see that type of trim. The interior has a distinct craftsman appearance.”

For more on the Craftsman style, search for Gustav Stickley at www.ragtime.org or visit www. archtecturaldesign.com, www. houz.com.

Standard height is nine feet on the first floor, eight feet upstairs and eight-feet, 10 inches for the basement.

“On the exterior, we have a partial stone front with fiber cement and some shake siding. Horizontal fiber cement siding (looks like wood) is on the sides and at the rear. We have architectural asphalt shingles for the roof,” he said.

The model sits on a 13,000square-foot corner lot in the Reserve neighborhood and is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). “If we were to put it on the market right now, which we have no plans to do, it would be priced at $499,000,” Stefani said.

Each of Stefani’s custom houses is protected by a two-year warranty covering workmanship and materials. “We started offering the two-year warranty in the early 1990s and we were the first to do so in the custom home market,” he said. “The decision to do so was easy. I was taking care of our customers anyway, so I just put it into the contracts,” he noted.

With that warranty, he has to be careful with his subcontractors. The ones he hires have been with him for years if not decades.

“We pick good subs and they know they have to do good work. They pick the products so they are extra careful to choose the best. For example, my heating contractor buys a better grade of furnace that will endure and last longer. He

knows that if he puts in a cheaper grade and it fails, he will have to cover the terms of the warranty,” he said. “We have customers who want us to come back and take care of some problem or other and we do that. Our subs know they can be called back at any time and they are happy to do it.”

Stefani has a customer representative branch of his company.

The email address is customerservice@kingscourtbuilders.com.

Stefani is not shy when it comes to his company. “When people ask, ‘Do you build better than others down the street ?’ we say ‘Yes we do’ and we tell them we enjoy servicing them too,” he said. “We pride ourselves on being available before, during and after your home is complete.”

Stefani, 49, began working for a Chicago-area builder when a junior in high school. His initial responsibilities were sweeping out construction debris and running errands. He learned quickly the ins and outs of general contracting from the trades in the new housing industry. This learning curve convinced him he wanted to build houses as a career, but college came first. In 1986, he graduated from Benedictine University with a bachelor’s degree in business.

While at Benedictine, the name of his company was born. “I was a business major and was writing

a paper in one of my courses on what kind of company I wanted.

Well, I had to have a name for the company and I came up with King’s Court Builders. I am the king and the court are my subcontractors and we are building houses for people.”

In 1986, with a business degree and a company name, he began building houses. “I had a wealth of knowledge on how homes should be built and what made homeowners happy. My reputation is dependent on every single home that I build. I take that very seriously.”

Building a new house can be a complicated process. “It relies on the work of others,” he said.

“What I enjoy most is the coordination and cooperation of our trades partners and staff to make the process as smooth as possible for our home buyers.

“I believe learning from the ground up was important. My early experience has paid off tremendously. I have incorporated a lot of what I learned from the tradesman and, with the quality, value and service of our company, I am proud to have my name behind King’s Court Builders.

For information, write Pete Stefani, King’s Court Builders, Post Office Box 5070, Naperville 60567, call 630-369-4150, visit www. kingscourtbuilders.com or email pete@kingscourtbuilders.com.

Group Inc To Joel L Mcginnis & Dawn C Mcginnis, September 28 $259,000, 11222 Victoria Ln, Huntley 60142-2450, 18-21-280-042, Srh Cambridge Homes Inc To Dina J Cece & Daniel Cece, September 28 $300,000, 12270 Glazier St, Huntley 60142-6068, 18-20-478-016, Ryland Group Inc To Christopher C Brittain & Amy L Brittain, September 28 $304,000, 12282 Donahue Dr, Huntley 60142-6009, 18-20-228-018, Phillip C Beaydoin To Adam S Gurchiek & Gina L Gurchiek, September 27

The Hills 60156-1411, 19-28-157-004, Darrell Overbey To Christopher E Bickford & Edwin F Bickford, September 25 $129,000, 1000 Viewpoint Dr, Lake In The Hills 60156-4912, 19-28-252-087, Jamie S Thrasher To Eric See, September 25 $171,000, 314 Starwood Pass, Lake In The Hills 60156-4878, 19-19-404004, Carin M Gurgone To Matthew J Schramer, September 28 $215,000, 12 Heron Ct, Lake In The Hills 60156-1060, 18-23-401-011, Jason M Henning To Daniel F Pohorny & Melissa J Pokorny, October 1 $218,000, 4761 Highwood Ln, Lake In The Hills 60156-6348, 18-14-328-010, Daniel J Fulton To Eugene Peterson Jr & Patricia Peterson, October 1 $445,000, 4855 Coyote Lakes Cir, Lake In The Hills 60156-6512, 18-25177-026, Chicago Title Land Trt Co Ttee To Jeffrey L Kolberg & Loretta W Kolberg, September 28

Monika Cannell, September 25 $91,000, 2304 Country Ln, Mchenry 60051-4747, 09-25-477-018, Youman Trust To Paul S Wroblewski, September 28 $95,000, 4907 Home Ave, Mchenry 60050-3511, 09-27-156-005, Sdl Investmnets Llc To Jackie Palmer, September 27 $100,000, 1003 Hilltop Blvd, Mchenry 60050-8205, 14-02-455-017, John S Clemens To Kacey F Culver & Eric Nystrom, September 28 $123,500, 5311 Glenbrook Trl, Mchenry 60050-2710, 14-04-231-025, Timothy R Wilkin To Margaret Klingenberg, October 1 $136,000, 5008 W Glenbrook Trl, Mchenry 60050-5451, 14-04-230-015, William T Holian To Thr Property Illinois Llc, October 1 $175,000, 1225 N Green St, Mchenry 60050-4341, 09-26-454-013, Martin Marks To Kriti Sukniyom & Siriphote Kaewnopparat, September 26 $181,500, 2902 Payton Xing, Mchenry 60051-4105, 09-23-202034, Mb898 Llc To Sylvia J Foster, September 25 $350,000, 800 S Riverside Dr, Mchenry 60050-3176, 14-01-310-013, Michael W Tye To Normann Trust, September 28

WONDER LAKE

JOHNSBURG

$265,000, 3414 Prairie Trl, Johnsburg 60051-5117, 09-14-252-017, James A Rial To George Bucur & Jeannine Bucur, October 1

LAKE IN THE HILLS

$66,000, 1501 Washington St, Lake In The Hills 60156-1043, 19-20-101-025, Hud To Argimiro Quezada, September 28 $70,000, 313 Pocahontas Trl, Lake In The Hills 60156-1431, 19-28-104-006, Mark Jones To Robert Kaenike & Jesica Kaenike, September 27 $76,000, 147 Northlight Passe, Lake In The Hills 60156-4950, 19-19-427020, Federal National Mortgage Assn To Adam Tekien, September 25 $85,000, 412 Plum St, Lake In The Hills 60156-3331, 19-20-427-001, William C Kreger To Corine Reed, October 1 $125,000, 524 Blackhawk Dr, Lake In

MARENGO

$100,000, 931 Cottonwood Ln, Marengo 60152-3616, 11-25-451-019, Deutsche Bank Natl Trt Co Ttee To Aart Gilissen & Persis Gilissen, September 26

McHENRY

$59,000, 5005 Prairie Ave, Mchenry 60050-3505, 09-27-106-007, Amber Clairy To Michael J Thiel, September 28 $90,000, 2006 W Indian Ridge Dr, Mchenry 60051-6144, 10-07-302023, Leary Trust To Charles Cannell &

RICHMOND

$227,000, 10733 Mallard Ln, Richmond 60071-9260, 04-09-277-001, Sunset Ridge Estates Llc To Wendy B Peiler, September 27

$189,000, 4013 Crabapple Ln, Wonder Lake 60097-8162, 08-14-201-001, Richard S Wright To Steven Berndt & Kathryn M Berndt, September 28 $290,000, 3307 E Lake Shore Dr, Wonder Lake 60097-8511, 09-18-351003, James A Nadeau To James A Denna & Melissa L Ruiz Denna, September 28

WOODSTOCK

$73,000, 803 Wicker St, Woodstock 60098-2348, 13-06-231-018, Chicago Title Land Trt Co Ttee To Jo Ann Emerick, September 26 $80,000, 1704 Walnut Dr, Woodstock 60098-2564, 08-32-329-002, Ginmeg Llc To Antonio Romero, September 28 $90,000, 132 W Willow Ave, Woodstock 60098-2572, 08-32-328-019, Wmsy Properties Llc 132 W Will To Roberto Rodriguez Parades, October 1 $160,000, 510 W Jackson St, Woodstock 60098-3109, 13-06-477-021, Michael T Bradford To Gregg R Stade & Sandra A Stade, September 28 $175,000, 1400 Savanna Ln, Woodstock 60098-3674, 13-08-455-017, Peggy A Rummel To Joaquin Zarate, September 28 $267,000, 16401 Kishwaukee Valley Rd, Woodstock 60098-9021, 12-03-400-008, David A Kost I To Michael Szydlo & Samantha Cook, September 25 $350,000, 408 S Shannon Dr, Woodstock 60098-9474, 12-01-102-010, Michael W Luecht To Ml Capital Ventures Llc, September 25

Page B2 • Thursday, November 29, 2012

LOCAL&REGION

SZ

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

LAKE IN THE HILLS: DISTRICT 158 EDUCATION FOUNDATION

EAST DUNDEE: DECEMBER EVENTS

Santa events to benefit programs Dundee library NORTHWEST HERALD LAKE IN THE HILLS – The District 158 Education Foundation’s annual Santa’s Fireside Feast and Breakfast with Santa events will be Friday and Saturday at Marlowe Middle School, 9625 Haligus Road.

Proceeds from the events will benefit the Education Foundation’s programs.

From 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, families are invited to join Santa and Mrs. Claus for dinner. Two buffet bars will be

set up with pasta, a variety of sauces and more. A green garden salad, breadsticks, beverages and Mrs. Claus’ special dessert cookies will be served table-side.

The District 158 Faculty Jazz Band will perform holiday music throughout the evening as children visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Buddy the Elf, Frosty the Snowman and a few surprise characters.

Children also will receive a goodie bag to take home.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 2 to

12 (children younger than age 2 are free) and can be bought by visiting the Education Foundation webpage at district158. org/education-foundation.

Can’t make it for dinner?

Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for breakfast Saturday.

Two sessions are available: 8 to 9:30 a.m. or 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Santa’s elves will serve pancakes and French toast sticks, sausage, a variety of fruits, milk, juice and more.

After breakfast, children can visit with Santa, make a craft, play holiday games

BARRINGTON: ADVOCATE GOOD SHEPHERD

8LOCAL BRIEFS

Hospital, literacy group to host event with Santa Claus

Algonquin library to join Holiday Rock on the Fox

NORTHWEST HERALD

BARRINGTON – Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital is partnering with A to Z Literacy Movement to provide children’s books to local schools.

To get a picture taken with Santa, bring a new or gently used book to a special event, which will run from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, 450 W. Route 22, Barrington.

Santa will arrive via a Barrington firetruck at 6:15 p.m.

At 6:45 p.m., a local firefighter will read “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The event also will feature refreshments and holiday music.

A to Z Literacy Movement partners with other nonprofit organizations to provide children books, teacher professional development, assistance with teacher salaries and school lunches.

For information For information about A to Z Literacy Movement, contact Mal Keenan at 815-382-5695 or email ormal@atozliteracy.org.

The group accepts new or gently used children’s books to stock shelves at focus schools and orphanages.

The group believes in promoting the love of literacy by enriching children’s lives with literature early in their schooling. A to Z Literacy Movement has shipped more than 8,000 books to children in Zambia, Africa. It also has sent books to Peace Corps volunteers getting schools up and running in Africa and Dominican Republic.

For information about A to Z Literacy Movement, contact Mal Keenan at 815382-5695 or email ormal@atozliteracy.org.

ALGONQUIN – The Algonquin Area Public Library District will be at Riverfront Park in Algonquin for Saturday’s Holiday Rock on the Fox from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Those who stop by the park at 201 N. Harrison St. can hear holiday stories at 5 p.m. They’ll be told by librarians Alexa (Jingle the Elf) and Virginia (Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer), who also will give each child visitor a book.

No library registration is required to attend.

Admission is free.

There also will be other activities, including a community tree lighting, candy cane hunt, Santa and holiday music.

Donation bins will be available for nonperishable food and new, unwrapped toys.

Dundee historical society sets open house

WEST DUNDEE – The Dundee Township Historical Society will present its annual Christmas open house from 2 to 4 p.m.

Sunday at Centerville School in Randall Oaks Park.

and decorate a cookie to take home.

Tickets are $7 a person (children 12 months and younger are free) and can be bought by visiting the Education Foundation webpage at district158.org/educationfoundation.

Basket raffle tickets also will be available at both events for $2 each.

The baskets, made by the staff of each school, will be raffled at 11:45 a.m. Saturday.

Winners do not need to be present at the drawing.

Children of all ages are invited to visit with Santa, make an ornament and have cookies and cider.

Cameras are welcome.

There is no fee, but donations are appreciated.

For information, call the museum at 847-428-6996.

Barbershop chorus to present holiday concert

ELGIN – The Fox Valley Men of Harmony barbershop chorus will present its annual holiday concert at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in downtown Elgin.

The chorus is under the direction of Doug Smith of Woodstock and assistant director Harry Swenson of South Barrington.

Secular and religious numbers will be performed by The Clefhangers, The Fox Sounds, The Golden Chords, The Mood Makers and Who’s on Bass?

Tickets are $10; children younger than age 5 attend for free. Tickets may be purchased from any chorus member or at the door.

– Northwest Herald

offers holiday season programs If you go

NORTHWEST HERALD EAST DUNDEE – The Dundee Library offers special events for all ages to help residents take a holiday season breather.

• Dickens in Dundee Holiday Classic Movie, 3 p.m. Saturday: The classic 1938 ver-

sion of “A Christmas Carol,” starring Reginald Owen as Ebenezer Scrooge, will be shown. No tickets or reservations required; audience capacity is 80 people. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. for free popcorn and refreshments.

Children younger than age 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

• Jacobs High School Madrigal Singers, 7 p.m. Wednesday: The courtly musicians

of Jacobs High School perform holiday madrigal music in full dress. Attendees will enjoy holiday classics and staples of the madrigal literature. Registration is recommended.

• ACT Practice Test, 9:30 a.m. Dec. 15: Not exactly a

holiday tradition, but high school juniors might want to put their time off to good use during winter break with this free ACT practice test offered by Sylvan Learning Center. Gain valuable insight into what to expect on test day. Test takers will receive their results at a second session at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at the library. Registration is required.

• Free holiday kids’ movie, “Arthur Christmas” (PG), 2 p.m.

Dec. 22: On Christmas night at the North Pole, Santa’s youngest son looks to use his father’s high-tech operation for an urgent mission.

n What: Dickens in Dundee

Holiday Classic Movie n When: Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Saturday; movie starts at 3 p.m. n Where: Dundee Library, 555 Barrington Ave. (Route 68) in East Dundee n Cost: Free

Animated. Starring James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent and Bill Nighy. No tickets or reservations are required; audience capacity is 80 people.

Doors open at 1:30 p.m. for free popcorn and refreshments. Children younger than age 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

• Mitten Tree: Help keep folks warm this winter by donating new mittens, gloves, hats and scarves for the annual Mitten Tree. Donations will be collected through Dec. 20. The Mitten Tree is on the lower level in the Children’s Department. All items will be given to Carpentersville’s F.I.S.H. Food Pantry and the Elgin Crisis Center.

The above programs are free and will be at the Dundee Library, 555 Barrington Ave. (Route 68) in East Dundee.

Registration is recommended.

To register, visit the “Events & Registration” page at www.frvpld.info, stop by the Information Services Desk or call 847-4283661, ext. 5876.

Note: The Dundee Library and Randall Oaks Branch Library will be closed on the following dates in observance of upcoming holidays: Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1.

����� � ������� ��� ���� Our friendly snowman is waiting for you to add the finishing touches to make him complete. Add eyes, a nose, a mouth, clothing ... anything you think that will get our snowman (or snowwoman) ready for winter. You may color him, glue items on him, draw a background behind him – anything, just be creative! Four lucky participants will win valuable gift cards just in time for the holiday. Good luck!

������ ���� � � ����� 1st Place ...........$25 Toys“R”Us Gift Card

���� � �� �� 1st Place:..........$50 Toys“R”Us Gift Card

���� �� � �� 1st Place ...........$75 Toys“R”Us Gift Card Runner-up ........$50 Toys“R”Us Gift Card

Name: ____________________________________

Age: _____________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________

City: _____________________________________

Clip out, decorate and mail your snowman to: Build a Snowman, P.O. Box 417, Crystal Lake, IL 60039-0417.

Entries may also be dropped off at our Crystal Lake office, 7717 S. Route 31.

For questions, please call 815-526-4483.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS 5 PM ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012.

Children of all ages may enter (adults included!).

All entries must be received by the deadline to be considered. More than one entry may be mailed in an envelope. By entering the contest, you agree to have your name printed in the Northwest Herald on the day selected drawings are featured.

Winners’ decorated snowmen will be featured in a full page ad on December 21, 2012. Winners will be chosen based on creativity and idea. Employees of Shaw Media may enter, but are not eligible to win. Please note that artwork will not be returned.

D-300 union: Little change comes from latest talks

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

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Oh, to be one in 175 million Powerball ticket-buyers line up and dream

Flider, Smith voted to raise income tax in ’11

By KEVIN P. CRAVER kcraver@shawmedia.com

Photos by Monica Maschak – mmaschak@shawmedia.com

ABOVE: Danny Walentin of Cary waits to buy a Powerball ticket as a line forms behind him Wednesday at the Thorntons gas station in Cary.

Walentin said he would like to help Hurricane Sandy victims if he wins the $550 million jackpot. TOP: Cary resident Betty Jankiewicz holds up one Mega Millions and two Powerball tickets after purchasing them Wednesday at the Cary Thorntons. Ticket sales for the $550 million Powerball jackpot have helped to more than double business at the store, said general manager Pam Selemon (left).

Did you win?

Wednesday’s Powerball numbers: 5-16-22-23-29.

Powerball: 6.

More lottery numbers on PAGE A2.

By STEPHEN Di BENEDETTO sdibenedetto@shawmedia.com

C

ARY – People throughout McHenry County lined up at gas stations and convenience stores Wednesday for a chance to win the $550 million Powerball jackpot, even against the slimmest of odds.

The drawing was shortly before 10 p.m. Wednesday and it likely

will be today before it’s known whether someone from Illinois or the 41 other Powerball-licensed states can claim the prize.

Even the idea of having $550 million – roughly $360 million in cash after taxes – drove area residents to stores. Cashiers at the Thorntons gas station in Cary were busy doling out lottery tickets to lines of people Wednesday afternoon.

Mary Robbins of Grayslake said

she couldn’t resist spending $2 on a ticket in the hope of winning the gigantic jackpot. She said she would use the winnings to build a dream house, open an animal shelter, travel and give at least $1 million to each family member.

“Somebody has to win. It might as well be me,” Robbins said. “It’s worth a shot.”

See POWERBALL, page A5

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate officially confirmed the state jobs of two former Democratic lame-duck representatives who voted at the last minute to approve the historic 2011 income-tax increase.

The Senate voted Wednesday to confirm the appointments of Robert Flider to head the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Michael Smith to a seat on the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board.

The two are among 12 lameduck lawmakers who voted in January 2011 to hike the state income tax 67 percent on individuals and 46 percent on businesses.

Flider, who has served as an interim since his February appointment by Gov. Pat Quinn, was confirmed on a 33-16 vote to the job, which pays $133,273 a year.

Smith, who has served unofficially on the board since June 2011, was confirmed on a 33-21 vote. The seat, which meets once a month and can be

Robert Flider

Michael Smith

Related Illinois House holds purse strings in battle over prison funds.

PAGE A3

See JOBS, page A6

Experts argue in Algonquin murder-for-hire case They differ on whether attorney knew behavior was wrong

By SARAH SUTSCHEK ssutschek@shawmedia.com

ROCKFORD – Sentencing began Wednesday for an Algonquin attorney involved in a murder-for-hire plot, with experts disagreeing on whether he was able to control his actions.

Jason Smiekel, 30, pleaded guilty to solicitation of murder using interstate commerce and faces up to 10 years in prison.

The intended target was Smiekel’s fianceé’s ex, Brian Hegg, who also was Smiekel’s client at one point.

The alleged motive cited by

LOCALLY SPEAKING

prosecutors was “dirt” Hegg had on Smiekel, but Smiekel’s attorneys have focused on his fear of Hegg – whether grounded in reality or not.

Prosecutors said Smiekel made several attempts to have Hegg killed, including soliciting a high school friend.

Another attempt was with a former client who owed Smiekel’s firm money. And the last ended up being an undercover agent for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Orest Wasyliw and Dia Boutwell, both forensic psychologists, agreed that Smiekel suffered from an anxiety disorder.

Wasyliw, who testified for the

McHENRY COUNTY

ROUTE 31 INTERSECTIONS FINISHED Construction on Route 31 at Virginia Road/Klasen Road is complete and all lanes of traffic will be open today, the McHenry County Division of Transportation said. A small amount of work remains and will be accomplished in daily lane closures that are expected to last until the middle of December, officials said. For more, see page B1.

Josh Peckler – jpeckler@shawmedia.com

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defense, said the disorder affected Smiekel’s ability to appreciate the criminality of his actions and control them.

He said Smiekel suffered from generalized anxiety disorder, which is characterized by extreme anxiety, excessive and overwhelming worries, and physical tension.

See MURDER PLOT, page A5

Jason Smiekel, 30, of Algonquin.