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McHenry County News DISPLAY ADVERTISING & CLASSIFIEDS: 815-654-4850 • CIRCULATION: 815-654-4854 • E-MAIL: McHenryNews@RVPublishing.com
VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 49
11512 N. 2nd ST. • MACHESNEY PARK, IL 61115
THURSDAY, November 30, 2017
Jesse White targets shoppers abusing disability parking at malls Marks the 11th year Secretary of State police conduct stings
Secretary of State Jesse White announced last week that Secretary of State Police would conduct statewide parking stings targeting individuals illegally parking in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities at shopping malls beginning Black Friday, Nov. 24. Secretary of State Police will enforce the provisions of the Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities at shopping centers in Aurora, Bloomington, Carbondale, Chicago, Fairview Heights, Oak Brook, Orland Park, Peoria, Rockford, Schaumburg, and Springfield on Nov. 24. Black Friday marked the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Other enforcements will take place during the holiday season in Chicago, the suburbs and throughout the state. “Our mission is not to issue tickets, but to ensure that accessible parking spaces are available to those who need them,” White said. “Parking illegally in a space reserved for people with disabilities means a possible driver’s license suspension and a hefty fine, money which could otherwise be used on gifts. Remember, if you don’t belong there, don’t park there.” Drivers caught misusing a placard face a six-month driver’s license suspension and a $600 fine. Repeat violators will face a one-year driver’s license suspension and a $750 fine for a second offense; for third or subsequent offenses, violators will face a $1,000 fine plus a one-year driver’s license revocation. The fine for parking in an accessible parking space without a disability placard or license plates can be up to $350 and using a deceased person’s placard or a fraudulent placard can result in a $2,500 fine and one-year revocation of a driver’s license. Currently, 627,281 permanent disability placards and 51,416 disability license plates are registered in Illinois. Secretary White urges individuals to report abuse of parking spaces for people with disabilities by calling 217-785-0309. Callers should be prepared to report placard and license plate numbers as well the as the location of vehicles. People can also report abuse via the Secretary of State’s website at www. cyberdriveillinois.com and complete the Parking Program for Persons with SUBMITTED PHOTO McHenry County News Disabilities Abuse Complaint Form. Secretary of State Jesse White announced that police will be monitoring handicap parking at malls during the holiday shopping season.
Community invited to ‘A Very Merry Huntley’ Don’t miss out on the fun as the Village of Huntley kicks off its holiday season. Dec. 1 - Municipal Complex Shop the Kris Kringle Market (3 to 8 p.m.) Tree Decorating Contest voting - be sure to bring spare change for voting - all donations go to the Grafton Food Pantry (3 to 8 p.m.) Kids Room - Free things for kids to do (4 to 8 p.m.) Take a free train ride on the Huntley Holiday Express (4 to 8 p.m.) - NEW Visit with Mrs. Claus (4 to 8 p.m.) Live Reindeer (4 to 8 p.m.) Free Hot Chocolate & S’More Making (4 to 8 p.m.) - Sponsored by Journey Church Very Merry Huntley Holiday Open House at the Huntley Public Library This is a ticketed event (free tickets) - tickets are available at the Information Desk inside the library. For details go to: www.huntleylibrary.org Free Horse-drawn Trolley Rides through Parisek Park (pick up ride in the Library parking lot) Dec. 2 - Fellowship Hall / 1st Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shop the Indoor Farmers Market and Craft Fair 9 a.m. to Noon Cookie Walk (1st Congregational Church Bell Choir)
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free Horse-drawn Trolley Rides 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free Craft Making for Kids Noon 1st Congregational Church’s Handbell Choir Performance (free) Noon to 2 p.m. Free Family Games, Scholastic Book Fair & More at Trinity Lutheran Church, 11008 N. Church St. Town Square Events (on Coral Street between Church & Woodstock Street) 3 to 5 p.m. Caroling with the Merry Maskers 3 to 6 p.m. Free Horse-drawn Trolley Rides Free Hot Chocolate - Sponsored by the Village of Huntley & Trinity Lutheran Church 4:45 p.m. Christmas Tree Decorating Contest Winners Announced 5 p.m. Santa Arrives on a Fire Truck Lighting of the Christmas Tree in the Gazebo & Town Square Holiday Fireworks Show Pictures with Santa in the Gazebo! Don’t forget to bring your camera. Dec. 7 - Ladies Night Out: Holiday Edition 5 to 8 p.m. Downtown Huntley