CL South grad Johnson continues volleyball career in Austria
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2014
WWW.NWHERALD.COM
The only daily newspaper published in McHenry Co.
City’s bill for repairs unclear
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STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
Theme: Power moves Reaction “Unfortunately, the president shares the mentality in Illinois and Washington to spend money we don’t have.”
Woodstock seeks courthouse offers By SHAWN SHINNEMAN sshinneman@shawmedia.com WOODSTOCK – The $2 million figure originally presented as the city’s contribution toward Old Courthouse renovations ultimately might not mean much as officials talk with potential developers about the historic property. The city’s request for proposals, which went out Jan. 15, asks for potential owners to include restoration and budget plans, among other details. An architect’s report had originally suggested that the city would cover $2 million in renovations before turning the property over for an additional $2.7 million in renovations by a private owner. The request for proposals states the property is offered “as is,” but City Planner Nancy Baker said officials would consider further preservation efforts under the right proposal. “That’s what we want a developer to tell us,” she said. In the fall, the City Council accepted a $376,000 bid to repair the courthouse’s dome and roof. But many repairs originally identified as within the city’s scope are yet to be started. The request for proposals, a 15-page document giving an overview of the project and how to put in for it, is available online at the city’s website, www.woodstockil.gov, or the Courthouse’s marketing website, www.woodstockcourthouse.org. The city also has prepared a separate document with guidelines and recommendations for the restoration. The document, prepared after examinations of the building by the Woodstock Historic Preservation Commission, encourages repairs that maintain the character of the structure.
See WOODSTOCK, page A4
On the Net Read the request for proposals online at the city’s website, www. woodstockil.gov, or the Courthouse’s marketing website, www. woodstockcourthouse.org.
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U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren R-Winfield
AP photo
President Barack Obama gives his State of the Union address Tuesday on Capitol Hill in Washington as Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio listen. Obama’s proposals for action by lawmakers were slim and largely focused on old ideas that have gained little traction over the past year. He emphasized a series of modest executive actions coming up.
More executive actions ahead, but mild goals By JULIE PACE The Associated Press WASHINGTON – Seeking to energize his sluggish second term, President Barack Obama vowed Tuesday night in his State of the Union address to sidestep Congress “whenever and wherever” necessary to narrow economic disparities between America’s rich and poor. He unveiled an array of modest executive actions to increase the minimum wage for federal contract
workers and make it easier for millions of low-income people to save for retirement. “America does not stand still and neither do I,” Obama declared in his prime-time address before a joint session of Congress and millions of Americans watching on TV. Draped in presidential grandeur, Obama’s hour-long address served as the opening salvo in a midterm election fight for control of Congress that will quickly consume Washington’s attention. Democrats, seeking to cast
Republicans as uncaring about the middle class, have urged Obama to focus on economic mobility and the gap between the wealthy and poor. His emphasis on executive actions was greeted with shouts of “Do it!” from many members of his party. Declaring 2014 a “year of action,” Obama also sought to convince an increasingly skeptical public that he still wields power in Washington even if he can’t crack through
See OBAMA, page A4
“Instead of dividing up an increasingly shrinking slice of the pie, let’s join together in growing the whole economy for the benefit of all Americans.” U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam R-Wheaton
“Congress should put aside pointless partisan political bickering and tackle the toughest challenge our country faces, which is overspending by our federal government.” U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk
Reaction mixed among local pols By EMILY K. COLEMAN ecoleman@shawmedia.com WASHINGTON – Following a speech that criticized Congress for its lack of action, reaction from local legislators fell on partisan lines. Many of the statements came tinged with allusions to the upcoming midterm elections with many Congressional legislators facing challengers. In a statement, U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, said he supported President Barack Obama’s State of
LOCALLY SPEAKING
Voice your opinion How would you grade President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address? Vote online at NWHerald.com.
the Union Address Tuesday, especially his agenda to support working families and his call to action. “Everyone deserves a shot at the American dream – to get a good education, a job that supports a family, and a place to call home,” Foster said
See REACTION, page A4
CRYSTAL LAKE
HARVARD
LOCAL LEADERS GIVE ANNUAL OVERVIEW
EYE DOCTOR REFLECTS ON 55-YEAR CAREER
Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley and Lakewood Village President Erin Smith addressed more than 100 prominent residents Tuesday at the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce State of the Community Luncheon. Both leaders highlighted their communities’ achievements in 2013 and looked forward to goals in 2014. For
A lot has changed since Norbert Patterson settled at his Harvard optometry business in November 1958. Late last year, 55 years to the month after the shop opened, Patterson decided to close for good. Some of his success might be attributed to efforts outside the office. His volunteerism helped his community get to know him. For more, see page E1.
more, see page B1.
Kyle Grillot – kgrillot@shawmedia.com
in the statement. “Unfortunately, for too many, that dream is becoming harder to achieve. Our country succeeds when our middle class succeeds and it is critical that our policies support working families.” U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, R-Wheaton, invited a Hoffman Estates woman who was notified she would lose her health care plan due to Obamacare as his guest to the address. Roskam said Americans want change. “Instead of dividing up an
McHENRY: GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner visits McHenry. Local&Region, B1
R-Ill.
“Our country succeeds when our middle class succeeds and it is critical that our policies support working families.” U.S. Rep. Bill Foster D-Naperville
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Vol. 29, Issue 29
A2 B5, 7 A7 E2, 9 D1-3, 6 C1-6