Hawks hope time in rockford makes difference
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alpaca herd grows in county Business, E1
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MCC: No conflict of interest here Trustees maintain firm conducting expansion study is only a consultant By CHelSea mcdoUgall
cmcdougall@shawmedia.com CRYSTAL LAKE – McHenry County College Trustees maintain there is no conflict of interest with the firm hired to conduct a feasibility study for its proposed expansion.
Critics of MCC’s $42 million plan for a health sciences facility, clinic and fitness center have blasted Power Wellness’ role in the feasibility study. The college in October hired Power Wellness to determine whether the expansion should move forward. The Addison-
based firm also is charged with exploring potential partners to fund it. Power Wellness was paid $50,000 to conduct the study. Because they have not been hired as a financial partner, there is no conflict, board members said. “Right now we haven’t hired
any partners,” MCC Board Chairwoman Mary Miller said Tuesday at a Committee of the Whole meeting. “We’ve hired a consultant.” Some trustees and college officials have not ruled out Power Wellness as a potential partner. Trustee Ron Parrish asked
At issue McHenry County College is considering paying $42 million for a health sciences facility, clinic and fitness center.
board members if they were comfortable with Power Wellness’ role leading the study. Parrish represents the trustees on a 16member oversight committee that includes MCC staff and Power Wellness representatives.
See mCC, page a6
Report: 1 in 3 in Ill. face poverty
Food taking bigger budget bite
State cuts may worsen problem By tammY WeBBer The Associated Press
CHICAGO – One-third of Illinois residents are living in or near poverty, more than during the depths of the Great Recession, according to a new report that suggests the trend is not slowing and that state budget cuts have exacerbated the problem. Almost 1.9 million Illinoisans, or 15 percent, live in poverty, up from 12 percent when the recession began in late 2007. An additional 2.2 million, or 18 percent, are close to the poverty level, compared with 16.2 percent in 2007, according to the report issued Wednesday by the Chicago-based Social IMPACT Research Center. “It really is kind of shocking that a full third of the state is struggling,” said Amy Terpstra, the center’s associate director. Poverty is defined as an annual income below $23,021 for a family of four. Almost half of those in poverty earn half that. Those considered low-income earn between 100 percent and 199 percent of poverty. The study is based on the U.S. Census Department’s 2011 American Community Survey. Terpstra said near-poor residents often hold lowwage jobs with too few hours and no health benefits, yet
Josh Peckler – jpeckler@shawmedia.com
gene Schaefer wheels recently bought canned goods tuesday into the Woodstock Food pantry in Woodstock. the drought this past summer drove up feed prices, which in turn raised milk, eggs, beef, poultry and pork prices. By Jane HUH
jhuh@shawmedia.com Using traditional food preservation methods was a way of life in Bobette Von Bergen’s household. “My mother always froze and canned [produce], and I cook from scratch so I rarely bought anything,” she said. “It’s just so easy to do some of this if you’ve got freezer space and time. You could cut down on grocery bills.”
More planning may help buyers, pantries counteract higher prices Von Bergen’s Country Market in Hebron, which sells in-season produce, serves as a resource on food preservation methods. In recent years, beginning around the time when the recession hit, Von Bergen noticed more customers showing
LOCALLY SPEAKING
interest in canning vegetables and salsas. Higher food prices that agricultural economists have forecast for 2013 may push more consumers to explore ideas to stretch their dollars. After last summer’s drought,
consumers can expect to pay 3 percent to 4 percent more for groceries this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported. The drought generally drove up feed prices, which in turn raised milk, eggs, beef, poultry and pork prices. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, beef prices as a whole could see the biggest jump, from 4 percent to 5 percent.
neW village manager appointed
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ALGONQUIN: Golden Eagles pick up 76-66 double-overtime victory over Dundee-Crown. Sports, C1
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Vol. 28, Issue 16 Comics D4 Planit Taste D1-6 Local&Region B1-6 Lottery A2
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See povertY, page a6
D ISCOUNT
ALGONQUIN
After a search that took several months, the Algonquin Village Board on Tuesday hired Timothy Schloneger, the current Lockport city administrator, to be the next village manager. Schloneger replaces Bill Ganek, who is retiring after being village manager since 1992. His first day on the job will be Feb. 18. He will earn $165,000 a year. For more, see page B1.
Sarah Nader – snader@shawmedia.com
See Food, page a6
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