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WHAT’S NEXT? Arkush: Hard to see how Trestman believes Bears can turn it around / C1 NWHerald.com
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County Board calls for vote do-over Outcry prompts reconsideration of last week’s grant decision By KEVIN P. CRAVER kcraver@shawmedia.com WOODSTOCK – The McHenry County Board is calling a do-over on its vote last week to reject a state grant to pay for counselors to help people get insurance un-
der the Affordable Care Act. The board will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday to reconsider the Oct. 21 vote against accepting a $584,791 grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health to pay for a counselor and several social service agencies to help enroll people
through the state health care exchange. While the County Board accepted the grant last year, a vote to accept the grant again died last week on a 10-10 vote, with four members absent. The decision to meet again came during a Monday af-
ternoon closed-door meeting after County Board members received significant pushback from local social service agencies and other voters angry with the decision. But given that Tuesday’s vote gave the appearance of a protest vote against
the Obamacare law, board members are starting to receive pressure to stand their ground. Public Health and Human Services Committee Chairwoman Donna Kurtz,
See DO-OVER, page A6
What it means The McHenry County Board will hold a special meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday to reconsider and revote on its decision last week to reject a state grant to pay for in-person Affordable Care Act counseling. The meeting will be at the county Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.
Where to get the first pot seeds? Most state laws silent on issue By CARLA K. JOHNSON The Associated Press CHICAGO – As more states legalize medical marijuana, there’s one stage in the process nobody wants to talk about: the part where people still have to break the law. After growers obtain licenses, plan for security and build facilities, they then must obtain their first seeds or cuttings – while regulators turn a blind eye. “It has to be hush-hush,” said Bradley Vallerius, an attorney focused on the emerging industry in Illinois. “I’ve seen the moment where the client realizes this is a problem” – and wonders how they’re supposed to get started. The situation is known as the “immaculate conception” or the “first seed” problem. Those involved see it as an absurd consequence of the nation’s patchwork of laws, with 23 states allowing medical marijuana sales, Colorado and Washington state allowing recreational use and a federal prohibition in place. While marijuana may not be hard to find, getting the first seeds for medical operations often involves either descending into the underground market or crossing state lines – a violation of state and federal laws. One Colorado grower, Toni Fox, said she ordered her first seeds for a medical crop five years ago from advertisers in High Times magazine. If they showed up at all, they came hidden in packages with T-shirts and coffee mugs.
Sarah Nader – snader@shawmedia.com
Olympic figure skater Gracie Gold demonstrates a move Monday for young skaters at the Crystal Ice House. Gold spent more than an hour on the ice with the young skaters of the Wagon Wheel Figure Skating Club, teaching them techniques and offering encouragement.
A GOLD GREETING Crystal Lake-based figure skaters meet Olympic star
By EMILY K. COLEMAN ecoleman@shawmedia.com CRYSTAL LAKE – Seven-year-old Abigail Jungles skated around the circle, mimicking a half turn demonstrated by Olympic ice skater Gracie Gold. Gold, who took home the bronze medal in the last Winter Olympics, returned to Crystal Ice House on Monday to skate and take photos with members of the Wagon Wheel Figure Skating Club. The 19-year-old, formerly of Springfield, was in town for Skate America, which kicks off a series of six inter-
national figure skating competitions, and stopped by the Crystal Lake rink, which is where the skating club is based. When she was a member of the club, but mainly trained at other Chicago area sites. “It’s really nice actually [to be back],” Gold said. “Everybody’s been really supportive, and I know Chicago hasn’t had a big sporting event in a while. It was a really big turnout for Skate America.” Gold spent time with each skill level, answering questions and watching
See GOLD, page A6
“IT’S REALLY NICE ACTUALLY [TO BE BACK]. EVERYBODY’S BEEN REALLY SUPPORTIVE, AND I KNOW CHICAGO HASN’T HAD A BIG SPORTING EVENT IN A WHILE. IT WAS A REALLY BIG TURNOUT FOR SKATE AMERICA.” – Olympic ice skater Gracie Gold
See SEEDS, page A6
SPORTS Marengo’s Peyton Velasquez (left) and Woodstock North’s Madison Andrychowski
LOCAL
WHERE IT’S AT
Restricting e-cigarette use
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Crystal Lake’s proposed ban on usage in public places receives some pushback / A3 STATE
Indians hold off Thunder
Ebola quarantine policy
Marengo girls volleyball beats Woodstock North to reach regional semifinal / C1
Quinn and Ill. health officials take pains to distinguish the state’s approach / B3
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