Hi-Liter Illinois 3/15/2023

Rare papers from the 1800s hit the road

The roads that we now take for granted, were not always so. In fact, it often took a Herculean effort on the part of many different property owners to get them created in the first place.

Ernest J. Varga, design engineer with the McHenry County Division of Transportation, said the first potential pothole in calling for a new road was reaching a consensus. All of the property owners from a given area had to agree, and they had to pony up the fees necessary to have their petition heard before the board of commissioners –the equivalent of today’s county board.

“The commissioners would then put out a public notice which was posted at the county courthouse and at the township hall of the given township,” Varga said. “The county wanted to make sure it wasn’t just for one person’s benefit.”

In the course of doing other research last year for the county at the McHenry County Historical Society’s Research Library, Varga learned about early “road papers” for Marengo Township within the MCHS collection. Since the MCDOT and the county records and archives department had worked previously with the Illinois State Archives to recover and digitize similar papers about 10 year ago, it was clear that a proven procedure existed to permanently preserve these documents for public use.

As McHenry is the only county in the state known to still possess such records, the Illinois State Archives was eager to undertake the preservation process. In cooperation with the McHenry County Records and Archives Department, the historical society relinquished 91 envelopes containing some 120 pieces of paper. The records include original petitions, sketches, contention papers, public notices; even a rare denial of a road request by the county.

It was the first time Varga ever came across the latter.

If commissioners found a petition had sufficient merit, it appointed three “viewers” to inspect the site and determine the best spot for a road. There could be lowlands, poor soils, productive farmland and challenging topography to negotiate, Varga said, and there undoubtedly was some lobbying on behalf of particular landowners. The result still can be seen today, with unusual bends and twists within the roads, first put into place to bypass trees or adhere to the perimeter of some property lines.

“There was no further compensation beyond the road for the area and its use for rights of way back then, Varga said.

The viewers shared their findings with the county surveyor, who actually completed the lay out of the various roads, thereby establishing their width and length.. Road names often reflected geographic destination, the owners of a nearby farm, an existing use (Mill or Grange, for example) or a topographical feature of note, such as Deep Cut Road between Harvard and Woodstock.

Once the Illinois State Archives finishing scanning each paper, it will provide electronic copies of the material to historical society and county. The originals will be sent to the state archives at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.

The McHenry County Geographic Information System Department will add the new scans from Marengo Township to its existing McHenry County Historic Documents Viewer (mchenrycountygis.org). Thus, a process begun in the 19th century will have come full circle – returning records originally created for the public back into its hands.

Above: Representatives gathered in the McHenry County Historical Society’s Research Library to sign documents turning over Marengo Township Road Papers to the Illinois State Archives. Pictured, from left, are: Kurt Begalka, administrator of McHenry County Historical Society & Museum; Steve Colazzi, records analyst for Illinois Secretary of State’s office; McHenry County Records Manager Melissa McCain; MCHS board member and library committee chair Arlyn Booth; and representatives from the McHenry County Department of Transportation – Design Engineer II Ernest Varga and County Engineer Joseph R. Korpalski, Jr.

KURT BEGALKA PHOTO Hi-Liter/MCN

An original drawing plat of Marengo Road to Byron Road.

Illinois considers legalizing

‘human composting’

While proponents say it’s greener than traditional burial, critics doubt its dignity

By Andrew Adams CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Religious and environmental ideals are at odds for some in the ongoing debate around what to do with human remains.

A proposal at the Illinois Statehouse would legalize and regulate “natural organic reduction,” a process in which human remains are rapidly decomposed into compost. The process is also known as human composting or terramation.

That process turns human remains into dirt over the course of several weeks. Companies that offer this service place a person’s remains in a vessel with wood chips, straw and other organic material and heat it to accelerate the growth of microbes that break down the body. This is distinct from “natural burial,” in which a body is buried with no casket or in a biodegradable container.

The measure, House Bill 3158, passed in the House Energy and Environment Committee on March 7 on a 16-10 vote. It now goes to the House for consideration, although its sponsor, Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, said an amendment to the bill is likely.

If lawmakers approve the proposal, Illinois would become the seventh state to legalize this process. Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, California and New York have already made the process legal, according to the human composting company Recompose.

Recompose pushed for the legalization of human composting in

Washington. Its website notes that a body will stay in the vessel for four to seven weeks before the resulting soil is allowed to cure for two to six weeks. A person’s loved ones are then left with approximately one cubic yard of soil.

“Natural organic reduction is, in fact, the most environmentally friendly death care option,” Haley Morris, a representative of the human composting company Earth Funerals, said during the committee hearing.

“It’s less resource intensive than any other option and it reduces carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 90 percent relative to traditional options,” Moris added

Representatives of several environmental groups around the state have also voiced their support of the bill in witness slips filed with the committee. These include the Illinois Environmental Council, the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club and Go Green Winnetka.

Cassidy filed an amendment on March 8, altering some of the fee structures for licensing the practice and indicated in an interview that another forthcoming amendment will modify some of the regulations around testing the compost.

“This is about creating choices and options and in particular choices that are less harmful for the planet,” Cassidy said.

Cassidy also said she updated her own will last year to include that she would like her body to undergo the natural organic reduction process.

Notable among the bill’s

opponents is the Catholic Church.

Daniel Welter, the recently retired chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago, spoke to lawmakers at the request of the Catholic Conference of Illinois on March 7.

“Turning the mortal remains of a human person into compost for the purpose of fertilization, as one would with vegetable trimmings or eggshells, degrades the human person and dishonors the life that was lived by that person,” he said during the committee hearing.

Welter added that he and the church “oppose any tendency to minimize the dignity of a human being, even after death.”

Representatives of the death care industry also oppose legalizing this process. LeNette Van Haverbeke, a representative of Illinois Cemetery and Funeral Home Association, told lawmakers that many in the field “oppose human composting as lacking the traditional dignity afforded to the dead.”

Others in the field are not as critical. After a similar bill was met with opposition last year from the Illinois Funeral Directors Association, Cassidy met with representatives of the industry to craft new language regulating the vessels used in the process, professional licensing and soil testing among other elements of the bill.

“I’m not saying we’re a proponent of it, but the sponsor did listen to us,” said Margaret Vaughn of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association.

McCoy named to Dean’s List

Tyler McCoy of Antioch was named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC).

To be eligible for the honor, a student must complete at least six credits during the term, earned a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term, and maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at UMGC.

Coelho named to President’s List

Catherine Coelho, of Antioch, was named to the College of Charleston, in Charleston, SC, fall 2022 President’s List. Coelho is majoring in Studio Art .

To qualify for President’s List (Highly Distinguished), students must earn a GPA of 3.800 or higher and complete a minimum of 14 semester hours.

McBride named to University of Arkansas Dean’s List

Madison McBride of Antioch was named to the fall 2022 Dean’s List in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas.

To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must achieve at least a 3.75 grade-point average for the semester while completing at least 12 credit hours.

“Madison represents the very best of Fulbright College,” said Kathryn Sloan, interim dean. “In being

named to the Dean’s List, Madison demonstrates excellence in academics and a commitment to our mission of peace through education. It’s an honor to recognize Madison for this spectacular achievement and for making Fulbright College and the University of Arkansas so incredibly proud.”

Local students study abroad with Carthage College

More than 260 Carthage College students traveled with faculty on international study tours in January, including these local students:

• Katelyn Buerger of Antioch, studied in Germany with professors Greg Baer and Temple Burling.

• Regan Conway of Antioch, studied in Central Europe with Professor Peter Dennee and adjunct faculty member Melissa Cardamone. A Carthage tradition since the early 1970s, these short-term study tours allow students to experience new cultures and ideas without committing to a full semester abroad.

Mann named to Millikin Dean’s List

Mackenzie Mann of Antioch, has made the Dean’s List for fall 2022 at Millikin University in Decatur, IL. Students who attempt 12 graded credits during a fall or spring semester and earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher earn Dean’s List honors.

Troop Leaders Lynette & Tess- Getting their new vests, making the Girl Scout promise.

Gwyn & Mckenna-Shopping for troop uniforms in Janesville.

multiple gifts to each one of the students at the Agape House to make their Christmas a little extra special.

Ellie & Mckenna- celebrating after their Christmas Party and learning how to respect myself and others.

Ellie, A’zlana & Kelsey trying on the fire jacket at the Firehouse Station Visit. The troop was learning to respect authority and learned about their community helpers.

Troop #8105 closing out the night with the friendship circle and squeeze.

LCHD reports increase in opioid overdose events

Sign up to get free Naloxone from the Health Department

Between February 24 and March 1, 2023, there were 14 opioid overdose emergency department visits among Lake County residents. The increase has been reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Preliminary data do not suggest a connection between events.

There has been a nationwide surge in unintentional polysubstance (e.g., opioid and fentanyl, etc.) and counterfeit prescription drug use. Unintentional polysubstance use can occur when a person takes drugs that have been mixed with other products without their knowledge.

“Like many other communities throughout Illinois, Lake County continues to be impacted by the opioid overdose crisis,” said Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister. “We must take steps to alleviate overdose deaths and save lives.”

The Lake County Health Department is combating the opioid crisis in a multitude of ways, including the dis-

tribution of free Naloxone to community members and law enforcement personnel. Naloxone is a non-addictive, lifesaving medication. It can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when used in time. It is easy to get and easy to use.

Lake County residents, especially those whose loved ones may be using opioids, are encouraged to have Naloxone on hand in case of an overdose.

“An opioid overdose is a life-threatening emergency and may be reversible with quick action,” said Lake County Health Department Medical Epidemiologist Dr. Sana Ahmed. “Naloxone is a safe and effective life-saving medication that is known to save lives. It can easily be administered into the nose by anyone, including friends, family, and, non-medical community members.”

Symptoms of an opioid overdose include:

• Unconsciousness, or inability to wake up

• Limp body

• Falling asleep, extreme drowsiness

• Slow, shallow, irregular or no breathing

• Pale, blue, cold and/or clammy skin

• Choking, snoring, or gurgling sounds

• Slow or no heartbeat

If you suspect an opioid overdose:

• Call 911 immediately, provide the location of the overdose.

• Administer Naloxone, if available. Multiple doses may be required. Naloxone won’t harm someone if they are overdosing from a drug other than opioids.

• Try to keep the person awake and breathing.

• Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.

• Stay with the individual until help arrives.

If you would like to request a free Naloxone kit (includes 4 doses of Naloxone and five fentanyl test strips), visit www.lakecountyil.gov/naloxone or call (847) 377-8199.

County continues to study community needs at ARPA two-year anniversary

As the nation observes the two-year anniversary of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Lake County continues its work to allocate nearly $136 million in federal funds to support residents, communities, businesses and governmental services following the COVID-19 pandemic.

To date, Lake County has committed approximately $90 million to address pandemic response needs such as food distribution, housing programs, long-term initiatives to improve water quality, mental health support services, workforce programs, and more.

A summary of some of these important initiatives includes:

• The Lake County Rental Assistance Program

Provides eligible households up to six months of rental assistance. Lake County reopened the application period for this program starting on March 13.

• Jobseeker and Small Business Assistance

Lake County Workforce Development has expanded engagement and outreach to small businesses and jobseekers while providing jobseekers with work experience opportunities and occupational training. The goal is to address skill gaps and improve the economic standing of local employers and residents.

• Water Quality, Resiliency and Maintenance

The West Oak Middle School and Oak Terrace project consolidates two water systems into a single community water supply and will replace aging water main infrastructure in the Oak Terrace subdivision.

Numerous projects are under-

way to provide additional capacity and better maintenance at the Lake County Public Works Wastewater Reclamation Facilities.

• Regional Operations and Communications Facility (ROC)

Funds have been allocated toward the construction of a new 911 / Emergency Operations Center in Lake County. The building’s design would provide necessary structural protections from severe weather. The ROC also is designed to be a net-zero facility, which means it will produce enough renewable energy to meet its own annual energy consumption requirements and reduce the use of nonrenewable energy.

• Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center Mental Health Services

Allows the center to continue offering therapy to children in child abuse situations.

Resident and community-based feedback on priorities and needs is an important component in continuing to develop the County’s spending plan.

Residents were able to provide suggestions through several engagement efforts including an online survey, in-person and virtual public input sessions.

“Receiving the input from residents, businesses and community partners has been critical in understanding the challenges they continue to face following the pandemic,” said County Board Chair Sandy Hart. “Their feedback is crucial as we develop a strategy for long-term growth.”

In 2022, the County opened an application period to accept

program and service requests from nonprofit and not-for profit organizations and local units of government to aid in the response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Special Committee on COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery and Investment is evaluating a prioritized list of projects and programs for consideration and funding. A list of recommended projects will be provided to the Committee in the next couple of months for potential approval. All of the County’s ARPA funds must be appropriated by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026.

“Lake County continues to build our long-term, community-driven spending plan for these American Rescue Plan funds. Because of our investments in our people, our communities and vital services, Lake County has recovered stronger and better prepared for the future. As we complete this process, we will continue to invest in our people and transformative projects that impact and strengthen our communities.

“ said Paul Frank, chair of the Financial and Administrative Special Committee on ARPA.

Dunn Museum will be celebrating its five-year anniversary March 25-April 2 by offering free admission with the donation of a non-perishable

Dunn Museum celebrates anniversary with free admission food drive

The Bess Bower Dunn Museum is celebrating its five-year anniversary at its current location at 1899 W. Winchester Road in Libertyville.

“To recognize the occasion and thank Lake County residents, free admission will be offered between March 25–April 2 with the donation of a non-perishable food item or toiletry,” said Director of Education Nan Buckardt. “The collected items will benefit the Libertyville Township Food Pantry.”

Since opening in 2018, the Museum has hosted 10 special exhibitions including, Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross, Ansel Adams: Early Works and Reima Ratti: Life and Art in the Great Depression. There have also been three significant community projects that include A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico, Our Voice is Black History and the COVID-19 Documentation Project.

“In addition, during the past five years, we have added a virtual presence for programming, collections and exhibits to our repertoire,” Buckardt said. “More than 128,000 visitors have come through the Museum or attended a program either inperson or virtually.”

The Museum is named in honor of Lake County’s first official historian, Bess Bower Dunn (1877–1959). Her determination to preserve the early history of Lake

County resulted in a significant and lasting contribution—and one of the best cultural offerings in the Chicago area. The Lake County Forest Preserves, which operates the Museum, is continuing her mission and sharing her innovative spirit with visitors of all ages.

Previously named the Lake County Discovery Museum, the Museum opened in 1976 and operated for 40 years in a converted farm building at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda. The central Lake County location provides more than twice the gallery space for exhibitions about Lake County’s past than its previous site. It also offers dedicated teaching areas, a public research center, as well as convenient access for all visitors.

The nationally accredited Dunn Museum—a distinction held by only 3% of American museums—cares for a treasure trove of history about our region. Other area accredited museums include the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Science & Industry. Lake County’s natural and cultural history is brought to life through a balance of interactive exhibitions, authentic artifacts, reproductions and audiovisual displays.

The Museum will be open with special hours during the five-year anniversary food drive. Please visit LCFPD.org/ planyourvisit for details.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Hi-Liter/MCN

food item or toiletry.

Chicago to host Rotary International 2030 Convention

McHenry Area Rotary among regional clubs excited by selection announcement

Cynthia

Wolf

CONTRIBUTOR

The McHenry Area Rotary is excited about the news that Chicago has won the provisional bid to host the Rotary International 2030 Convention at McCormick Place.

Rotary members and participants from around the world will gather in Chicago to connect, learn from each other and various experts, and share ideas for bringing positive, lasting change to communities across the globe. The annual Rotary convention was last held in Chicago in 2005 and was attended by approximately 40,000 participants.

“This is big news and very exciting for clubs everywhere, but especially for those throughout our district,” said Don Tonyan, president of McHenry Area Rotary. “The workshops, guest speakers and inspirational leadership training opportunities at the convention are always huge — and in 2030 they will be right here.”

“Rotary International has deep roots in Chicago and I am thrilled to welcome them back to our great city for their international convention in 2030,” said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “Rotary is a global organization that delivers many benefits to communities around the world, and we are honored that they chose Chicago for such an important celebration. Major events like these are vital to our local economy and our residents, and we look forward to welcoming tens of thousands of Rotary members to Chicago!”

The winning bid was led by Rotary clubs in northern Illinois and endorsed by Rotary clubs across six states. The City of Chicago assisted with the proposal, as did Choose Chicago, the Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, Navy Pier, the Chicago Transit Authority, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and the State of Illinois.

“We’re thrilled to announce ...that Chicago will

once again host Rotary’s biggest gathering,” said the chair of Rotary’s Chicago Bid Team, Lyle Staab. “We can’t wait to show our visitors all Chicago has to offer. We’re determined to deliver a memorable experience for the participants, and to make a difference in Chicagoland through the event.”

“What started with the vision of one person, our founder Chicago attorney Paul Harris, to gather professionals with diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships and give back to their communities, quickly grew to become a global movement,” said Rotary International President Jennifer Jones. “As the birthplace of the world’s first service organization, Chicago is the ideal location for our members and participants to reflect upon and celebrate our successes, and plan for the next 125 years and beyond to improve lives and strengthen communities around the world.”

Rotary members throughout the world develop and implement sustainable, community-driven projects that fight disease, promote peace, provide clean water, support education, save mothers and children, grow local economies and protect the environment. Over US$5.5 billion has been awarded through The Rotary Foundation to support these programs worldwide.

About Rotary Rotary unites a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges and creating lasting change. Rotary connects 1.4 million people of action from more than 46,000 Rotary clubs in almost every country in the world. Their service improves lives both locally and internationally, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. For more information, visit Rotary.org.

MCDH offering wellness screening opportunities in April

Get preventative and reserve a spot with the McHenry County Department of Health to receive a wellness screening to increase your health awareness.

A wellness screening includes point of care testing for cholesterol and glucose, blood pressure, heart age assessment and an estimated body mass analysis. Results help identify early warning signals coming from high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood glucose.

Screening opportunities are available April 5 in Crystal Lake and April 12 at the Woodstock Public Library.

Cost of screenings are: $25 Cholesterol and Glucose test, $35 A1C test with Cholesterol and Glucose test $20 A1C only.

Cash or check are the only forms of payment accepted. Fasting is optional and results are available immediately.

Call (815) 334-4521 for

The Canning Thoracic Institute expands to serve Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital patients

Hospital surpasses 50th thoracic surgical case at McHenry Hospital

Northwestern Medicine’s Canning Thoracic Institute recently expanded its thoracic surgery services to Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, offering patients stateof-the-art patient care close to home. Ankit Bharat, MD, chief of thoracic surgery at Northwestern Medicine and director of Canning Thoracic Institute, began seeing patients at McHenry Hospital in fall of 2022, but was still scheduling the procedures at the Northwestern Medicine’s downtown campus in Chicago. Recently, the team was able to expand clinical resources to create a surgical team at McHenry Hospital, and since April 2022, the team has surpassed 50 complex thoracic surgical cases.

Additionally, Dr. Bharat is implementing the Canning Thoracic Institute Ambulatory Precision Lung Sparing (CTI A-PLUS) program at McHenry Hospital, where diagnosis and treatment occur at the same time in under a few hours and patients can be discharged the same day as their surgery, including those who

may have advanced lung disease or lung cancer.

“The Canning Thoracic Institute is proud to expand services to patients in McHenry County, eliminating the need to travel downtown for their procedures,” said Ankit Bharat, MD. “Just months ago, this wasn’t an option. We understand that commuting can add another layer of stress, and we are pleased to relieve them of that inconvenience moving forward.”

Tina Klasek, 66, of McHenry, needed a left robotic thymectomy with resection of a very large mass in front of her heart which was diagnosed during a scan. She was already coping with bladder cancer, so she was grateful when she was told that Dr. Bharat would be able to conduct the procedure to remove the large tumor close to her home at McHenry Hospital.

Despite the size of the tumor, the thoracic surgery team was able to remove it through minimally invasive robotic approach. “I feel so blessed that we have the caliber of

Northwestern Medicine physicians so close to our home, and that these top-notch doctors are now coming out to our hospital,” said Klasek. “The whole process was smooth, and despite Dr. Bharat’s busy schedule, he took the time to explain my situation to me in a professional, yet understandable manner. Most importantly, he spoke to me with care and compassion, and I consider myself lucky that I was able to have such a highly-established expert in the field taking care of me without having to travel to the city.”

Since the procedure, Klasek’s health has continued to improve and her prognosis is good. “I am comforted knowing that I have the full support from the Northwestern Medicine team of doctors, should I need to reach out,” said Klasek. “In the meantime, I am going to focus on enjoying my time with my husband and family.”

For more information, please go to https://www.nm.org/conditionsand-care-areas/pulmonary.

additional information and instructions on how to register.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Hi-Liter/MCN

Northwestern Medicine’s Canning Thoracic Institute team.

Illinois Supreme Court grants expedited appeal in assault

weapons

ban case

Macon County judge ruled parts of the law unconstitutional

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

The Illinois Supreme Court agreed last week to fast-track the state’s appeal of a Macon County judge’s ruling against parts of a recently passed state ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

Lawmakers passed the ban during a lame duck session in January and Gov. JB Pritzker signed it into law almost immediately. The law came in response to numerous mass shootings in the United States, including at an Independence Day parade in Highland Park last summer in which the shooter used an assaultstyle weapon, killing seven people and injuring dozens of others.

The new law bans the sale and manufacture of a long list of firearms defined as “assault weapons,” assault weapon attachments, .50-caliber rifles and .50-caliber cartridges, as well as large-capacity magazines.

The law allows people who already own such items to keep them, but it restricts their ability to sell or transfer them to someone else. And it requires current owners of such weapons to register them with the Illinois State Police by Jan. 1, 2024.

The law also exempts certain people from the ban, including current and retired law enforcement officers; wardens, superintendents and keepers of state and federal prisons; members of the armed services or reserve forces while they are performing official duties or traveling to or from their places of duty; and companies that employ armed security guards at federally supervised nuclear sites.

Passage of the law prompted immediate legal challenges in both state and federal courts by gun rights advocates who said it violated both the Illinois and U.S. constitutions.

One of those suits was filed by a group of plaintiffs led by Republican state Rep. Dan Caulkins, of Decatur.

On March 3, Judge Rodney S. Forbes ruled that the exceptions to the assault weapons ban violate the equal protection clause in the Illinois Constitution as well as the “special legislation” clause that prohibits the General Assembly from passing “a special or local law when a general law can be made applicable.”

“We look forward to vigorously defending this final judgment by Judge Forbes,” Caulkins said at a news conference March 8. “We believe that we have the facts on our side.”

That decision, the judge wrote, was based on a 5th District Court of Appeals ruling in another case in which an Effingham County judge had granted a temporary restraining order to block enforcement of the ban. That order, however, applied only to the roughly 800 plaintiffs who were named in the case. That case, Accuracy Firearms LLC v. Pritzker, also is on appeal before the Supreme Court.

Although the Accuracy Firearms case went through an appellate court before reaching the Supreme Court, Attorney General Kwame Raoul appealed the Caulkins case directly to the high court.

In both cases, Raoul filed motions for an expedited hearing schedule. But on March 7, the court chose to take only one, accepting the Caulkins case and denying the motion in the Accuracy Firearms case.

According to the court’s order, oral arguments in the Caulkins case are scheduled to be heard sometime in May.

Pritzker touts $70 million plan for addressing teacher shortage

Grant program targets vacancies in 170 school districts accounting for 80 percent of vacancies

By Nika Schoonover CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Gov. JB Pritzker recently highlighted a proposed grant program that would direct $70 million per year over the next three years to school districts facing the greatest teacher shortages.

The Teacher Pipeline Grant Program, which Pritzker included in his budget proposal to lawmakers, would target vacancies in 170 school districts that account for 80 percent of all unfilled teaching positions in Illinois. The districts would have “maximum flexibility” to decide how the funds are disbursed, according to a news release.

Funds could be used for signing bonuses, housing stipends, down-payment assistance and providing residencies or apprenticeships, among other hiring incentives. Districts may also use the funding to reimburse tuition and fees or to provide teaching supplies, coaching and additional school support.

“The result will be that

over 870,000 Illinois students will see an improved teacher-student ratio, a critical factor in classroom success,” Pritzker said at a news conference. “Our collective goals are to make sure we have enough great teachers in every classroom.”

The governor touted some of his earlier accomplishments aimed at improving the teaching workforce, including increasing the teacher minimum wage, increasing scholarships and grants for aspiring teachers, and reducing the reinstatement fees for a lapsed educator license.

Pritzker also made a call to other teachers in surrounding states to move to Illinois.

“We have surrounding states where teachers are paid less than teachers in the state of Illinois and I want to formally invite every teacher in every state surrounding us to jump over the border,” Pritzker said, eliciting laughter from the crowd.

He was joined by newly appointed State Superinten-

dent of Education Tony Sanders, a former superintendent for Elgin Area School District U46, the second largest school district in Illinois.

Sanders pointed to Illinois State Board of Education data that shows Illinois schools reported 3,558 unfilled teaching positions as of October 2022.

“These shortages don’t just affect students equally. These vacancies are concentrated in bilingual education, special education and STEM,” Sanders said. “This is why the teacher pipeline program will target districts with the resources they need to solve locally the challenges they have for recruitment and retention and remove barriers preventing aspiring educators from pursuing a calling to teaching.”

In addition to the grant program, ISBE will also spend $6 million in federal funds to hire a multimedia advertising and marketing firm to create a statewide teacher recruitment campaign.

The governor has spent several recent news conferences publicizing his plans on education issues, including his proposed “Smart Start” program to expand access to preschool and child care throughout the state. In the weeks following his budget address, he visited Springfield, Rockford, East St. Louis, Chicago, Mount Vernon, Chicago, Peoria and Macomb to rally support for the plan.

“When I came into office, the state of Illinois was providing nearly the lowest percentage of school funding for K-12 and P-12,” Pritzker said. “That was four years ago. But during the last four years, with the General Assembly’s help, we’ve addressed this woeful underfunding of K-12 education with an increase of more than $1.5 billion from the state of Illinois.”

His proposed plan calls for $250 million to fund the first year of Smart Start and an additional $350 million aimed at the Evidence Based Funding formula.

Conservation district announces March programs

Virtual Wildflower ID

Tuesday, March 21, from 7-8:30 p.m. Virtual online program. Zoom link will be sent upon registration.

Interested in learning about the blooms you see in the spring? This programs will discuss local wildflowers and ephemerals and tell you how to identify them and when to look for them. Ages 14 and up welcome.

Nippersink Info Night

Thursday, March 23, from 7-8 p.m. at Lost Valley Visitor Center, Route 31 and Harts Rd., Ringwood.

Do you want to canoe or kayak the beautiful Nippersink Creek but aren’t quite sure how to plan a trip? This indoor presentation will prepare you for successful future paddles. Ages 14 and up welcome.

There’s an App for That!

Saturday, March 25, from 10:00 a.m. – noon at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Ever wonder what that plant or bird song was while you were hiking but didn’t have a field guide with you?

If you have a smart phone, you have access to hundreds of nature ID apps. Join in on this program and head outside to try a few apps. Ages 14 and up welcome.

Storytime on the Trails

Saturday, March 25 from 1-2 p.m. at Stickeny Run Conservation Area, 3216 W. State Park Road, McHenry.

Join in on an adventure on the trail as they travel and explore with the book “Animals in Camouflage!” The hike includes exploration activities and observing wildlife. Ages

Lake County Sheriff’s arrest bulletin

The Lake County Sheriff’s Dept. reported the following arrests in Lake County. Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Feb. 14

You ought to be in pictures!

Ronald J. Brown, 51, Waukegan, was cited for a warrant obtained: failure of sexual offender to report change of address;

Denise J. Deinhart, 52, Gurnee, was cited for viola-

tion of an order of protection, and obstructing justice;

Feb. 15

Dalance M. Robinson, 23, Calumet City, was cited for battery;

Julio Cruz-Barrientos, 43,

2-6 with a chaperone. Conservation Egg Hunt Sunday, March 26, 2-3 p.m. at Brookdale Conservation Area – Paulsen, 2105 Paulsen Road, Woodstock.

A short hike leads kids to various bird habitats where they search for “eggs” of local birds. Everyone finds eggs and gets a prize! All ages welcome.

For more information or to sign up for programs please visit the McHenry County Conservation District website at MCCDistrict.org.

McHenry, was cited for a warrant obtained: theft and money laundering; Pawel Kulikowski, 50, Antioch, was cited for violation of an order of protection;

Feb. 16

Cory D. Meyerin, 43, Spring Grove, was cited for possession of a stolen motor vehicle;

Juvenile, was cited for possession of a stolen motor vehicle;

Juvenile, was cited for possession of a stolen motor vehicle;

Tanya M. Cronin, 41, Zion, was cited for no driver’s license;

t Show the community what your group has been doing!

t NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED!

t Just shoot and e-mail!

t We need you to ID everyone in the photo first and last names required

t Tell us what’s happening in the photo

t Please do NOT crop your photos.

t Tell us who took the photo and we will give them a photo credit

Remember

Keelo, is about a year old, up-to-date on routine shots (incl. rabies), tested negative for heartworm and on preventative and microchipped.

While walk-ins are welcome, adoptions are by appointments only to ensure we have the staff available to help adopters. For information and/ or to complete an online application, please visit www.saveapetil.org/adopt.

Sarah L. Rosing, 40, Beach Park, was cited for violation of bail bond;

Feb. 18

Diego Cruz-Cruz, 31, Zion, was cited for DUI - alcohol, and open transportation of alcohol;

Alejandro Garcia, 19, Waukegan, was cited for DUI – alcohol;

Feb. 19

Todd T. Morrison, Jr., 22, Beach Park, was cited for violation of bail bond, resisting a peace officer, criminal damage to property, and disorderly conduct;

Ruben Martinez-Avila, 51, Beach Park, was cited for DUI – alcohol;

Michael J. Otto, 28, Lake Villa, was cited for DUI – alcohol and no insurance.

Court & crime news

Case worker arrested on multiple charges

On September 13, 2022 the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services of possible child abuse.

The reported abuser was a Case Manager for a local non-profit social service agency.

The Criminal Investigations Division conducted a five-month investigation into the events which occurred.

Several juvenile victims were identified during the investigation and all provided consistent allegations against the suspect’s contact and communication as being sexual in nature. The suspect was identified as Mohammad Mohsin Khan.

As a result of the investigation an arrest warrant was issued for the following charges: Grooming (Class 4 Felony), 3 counts of Battery (Class A Misdemeanor) and 2 counts Disorderly Conduct (Class C Misdemeanor).

Khan surrendered himself

to law enforcement without issue.

Inmate attempts to disarm corrections officer

On March 1, at approximately 11:20 a.m., a Lake County Corrections Officer was assigned to transport inmate Jim Ayala, 21, of the 1300 block of Judge Place, Waukegan, from his holding cell to court. The corrections officer opened Ayala’s cell door and Ayala attacked the corrections officer.

Ayala tried taking the electronic control device (Taser) that the corrections officer had secured to his belt, however, the corrections officer was able to keep the device secured in its holster. Ayala was able to obtain a spare cartridge connected to the device and threw the cartridge at the officer’s head. Ayala then ran from the corrections officer.

As Ayala was running away, he was tackled by another corrections officer, who was in the vicinity. While struggling with Ayala, that corrections officer sustained an injury to his knee. Ayala was secured in handcuffs and

returned to his cell.

The injured corrections officer was treated at an area hospital for his injury

After reviewing the circumstances surrounding the attack, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the following additional charges for Ayala: Attempt to Disarm a Corrections Officer (Class 2 Felony), Resisting a Corrections Officer Causing Injury (Class 2 Felony), Aggravated Assault (Class 4 Felony) and Escaping Control of a Corrections Officer (Class A Misdemeanor).

Ayala appeared in court on March 4, on the new charges, where a Lake County Judge increased his bond from $50,000 to $250,000. Ayala was due to appear in court again on Tuesday, March 7. Ayala was initially being held on the charges of domestic battery and resisting a peace officer, in connection with a February 15, 2023, arrest.

Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “This is yet another example of the everyday dangers our correctional officers face. Something as simple as transporting an inmate to a court hearing resulted in the inmate cowardly attacking. Now, the inmate faces numerous additional years in prison for his foolish actions. We wish our injured correctional officer a speedy recovery.”

Subject identified in January attempted murder

In the early morning hours of Saturday, Jan. 21, members of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 5100 block of Timber Lane in unincorporated Woodstock for a report of shots fired.

The on-scene investigation revealed an attempted car burglary occurred. The victim stated a male suspect entered his vehicle, which was parked in an open carport near his house. The suspect fired four rounds from a handgun in the direction of the victim as he approached. The suspect continued to shoot as he ran to

McHenry County Sheriff’s arrest bulletin

The following arrests in McHenry County were reported by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department. Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Feb. 8

Jonathan C. Coulman, 41, Crystal Lake, was cited for manufacture, deliver, possess with intent to deliver cannabis – more that 5,000g, 4 counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of cannabis – more than 5,000g, and unlawful production of cannabis sativa plant – more than

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Ray Castro, 18, Beloit, was cited for armed robbery, aggravated robbery, burglary, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a handgun under 18, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon with no FOID;

Miguel A. Perez, 34, Marengo, was cited for driving while license suspended or revoked, illegal transportation or possession of alcoholic liquor by driver in motor vehicle, and headlight/taillight out;

Sarah E. Wise, 43, Crystal Lake, was cited for 4 counts

of possession of a controlled substance, unlawful production of cannabis sativa plant – more than 50 but less than 200 plants, manufacture, deliver, possess with intent to deliver cannabis – more than 5,000g, and possession of cannabis – more than 5,000g;

Feb. 9

Justin R. Griletz, 38, McHenry, was cited for 4 counts of child pornography; Daphne K. Woods-Cage, 52, Zion, was cited for theft – obtains/exerts unauthorized

Automobiles

control over property of the owner – less than $500; Haleyjean J. Maves, 28, Wonder Lake, was cited for A-1 domestic battery/bodily harm;

Feb. 10

Rogelio Cantu, 53, Beach Park, was cited for violation of an order of protection;

Feb. 11

Johann R. Strauss, 45, McHenry, was cited for (a)(2) driving while driver’s license, permit or privilege to operate motor vehicle is revoked.

Snowmobiles

a waiting car in the roadway and fled the area.

The McHenry County Criminal Investigation Division responded to the scene and continued the investigation. Throughout the ongoing investigation, evidence was obtained which led to the suspect being identified as James D. Mercer, 19, of Rockford.

Charges that have been filed: Attempted Murder (Class X Felony), 4 counts of Aggravated Discharge of a firearm (Class 1 Felony), and 5 counts of Reckless Discharge of a firearm (Class 4 Felony).

Mercer is in custody at the Winnebago County Jail on unrelated charges.

A warrant has been issued and his bond is set at $250,000 with 10% to apply. Court date is pending.

Occupants in vehicle shoot at home

On March 7, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Lake

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DISCLAIMER NOTICE This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.

Produce/Feed

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County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the 38000 block of North Manor Avenue, Beach Park, for a report of shots fired. Sheriff’s deputies arrived and located a home that was shot. Nobody was shot or injured during the incident. Preliminary investigation shows a dark colored vehicle slowed in front of the victims’ home, which appears to be specifically targeted. Occupants in the vehicle then shot toward the targeted home.

While assisting the victims in the home and processing the evidence, sheriff’s deputies and evidence technicians were asked by the victims to leave. The occupants indicated they did not want the assistance of the sheriff’s office in processing their home for evidence, without the sheriff’s office obtaining a search warrant.

While the victims appear to be uncooperative, sheriff’s detectives will continue to investigate.

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Other Real Estate PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familiar/ status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.

Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-900669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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Motorcycles

2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON Heritage softail classic, 32k, metallic flake merlot color, $9500 firm. 815-947-2895.

2015 YAMAHA VUNTURE GT $4,000. 2009 Arctic Cat 570 $3,000. 1998 Yamaha 700 $3000. 847-347-8640.

Sports/Classic Cars

1990 CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE, triple black, 49,000 miles, automatic, no winters. $11,500. (630) 886-6667.

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