16 minute read

Obituaries

from Woodstock Independent 3/31/2021

by Woodstock Independent

from Woodstock Independent 3/31/2021, page 10

Article from: Woodstock Independent 3/31/2021

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Patricia Evelyn Reich, 83, of Hebron, died on March 18, 2021.

She was owner of Stitch-N-Time in Woodstock for 25 years.

The family will host an outdoor memorial celebration on April 8 in Hebron.

Dorothy Eckert, 84

Dorothy Eckert, 84, died March 24, 2021.

She graduated from Woodstock High School in 1955.

A service is pending

Email obituaries to pr@thewoodstockindependent.com. You may also mail them or drop them off at 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098. Staff Report

NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

No more enrolling for vaccinations, but appointments are needed.

The McHenry County Department of Health has announced a new process for residents to schedule appointments to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

After the state recently announced expanding Phase 1B eligibility, county health officials have opened appointments to all Phase 1B and Phase 1B Part 2. Eligibility does not necessarily mean immediate access to a vaccination appointment.

According to a news release, the county is now using the state’s COVID-19 vaccine registration page at covidvaccination.dph.illinois.gov/. Health officials encourage residents to visit the site frequently.

People who are eligible to receive their vaccines at a county clinic will no longer need to enroll, but anyone who received a first vaccine through the county will receive an email with information on scheduling a second appointment when it is due.

People with no or limited access to the internet and people who need translation services may schedule an appointment through the county’s call center at 815-334-4045 or by calling the Illinois Department of Public Health hotline at 833-621-1284.

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG

Woodstock Police Department

■ Jeremie J. Long, 36, Woodstock, was arrested March 14 at Eastwood Drive and Irving Avenue on a McHenry County warrant charging failure to appear. Bond $5,000. Released on personal recognizance. Court date April 1. ■ Jose L. Urbina, 34, Woodstock, was arrested March 15 in the 1700 block of Quail Court on two McHenry County warrants charging failure to appear. Released on personal recognizance with notice to appear. Court date March 30. ■ Brandy M. Brown, 31, Wonder Lake, was arrested March 16 in the 3000 block of Raffel Road on charges of driving under the influence, driving under the influence over 0.08 bloodalcohol content, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper lane usage, and resisting a peace officer. Bonds $3,000 and $100. Released on personal recognizance. Court date April 22. ■ Shane R. Gillespie, 25, Lake in the Hills, was arrested March 17 at U.S. 14 and Route 47 on charges of driving under the influence, driving under the influence over 0.08 blood-alcohol content, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, failure to wear a seat belt, and disobeying a traffic control device. Bond $3,000. Released after posting $200 and surrendering driver’s license. Court date April 22. ■ Marie L. Salyers, 38, Woodstock, was arrested March 18 at Routes 120 and 47 on charges of driving while license revoked and expired registration. Bond $2,500. Released on personal recognizance. Court date April 22.

Charges are only accusations of crimes, and defendants are presumed innocent until proved guilty.

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District

EMS calls for March 18-24: 69 Fire Runs March 18

2:26 a.m. – U.S. 14, arcing/shorted electrical equipment; engine 5:31 a.m. – U.S. 14, arcing/shorted electrical equipment; engine 5:52 a.m. – Brown and Washburn streets, no incident found on arrival; truck 6:16 a.m. – 1200 block of Lake Avenue, malfunctioning alarm system sounded; engine 12:04 p.m. – 200 block of Cold Springs Road, power line down; truck 2:14 p.m. – 15700 block of North U.S. 14, public service assistance/other; engine 3:26 p.m. – 200 block of North Madison Street, unintentional smoke detector activation, no fire; shift commander, truck, ambulance 3:48 p.m. – 9700 block of Route 176, Crystal Lake, assist police or other agency; brush truck

March 19

6:14 a.m. – 2000 block of South Eastwood Drive, unintentional alarm system activation, no fire; shift commander, truck, ambulance, engine

March 20

2:38 a.m. – 300 block of Leah Lane, lockout; truck 3:49 a.m. – 1400 block of Cord Grass Trail, gas leak (natural or LP); engine 9:05 a.m. – 400 block of Springcreek Lane, smoke/odor removal; truck 9:23 a.m. – 1200 block of Dean Street, malfunctioning alarm system sounded; shift commander, truck, ambulance, engine 1:06 p.m. – 4100 block of Doty Road, brush or brush/grass mixture fire; engine, shift commander, brush truck 3:27 p.m. – 12400 block of Route 176, traffic accident with injuries; shift commander, two ambulances, engine 3:39 p.m. – 2500 block of Cherry Valley Road, brush or brush/grass mixture fire; truck, chief 5:05 p.m. – Bull Valley and Fleming roads, authorized controlled burning; shift commander

March 22

2:31 p.m. – 1100 block of Borden Street, authorized controlled burning; engine, shift commander, brush truck 7:25 p.m. – 1200 block of Dean Street, malfunctioning sprinkler activation; shift commander, truck, ambulance, engine 9:17 p.m. – 8600 block of Route 120, outside rubbish fire/other; engine

March 24

1:36 p.m. – 1900 block of Duncan Place, extinguishing system activation; shift commander, truck, ambulance forcing logistical and manpower problems that need to be addressed. I have been told Woodstock firefighters do more with less than just about any fire district in northern Illinois. This is a testimony to the professionalism and dedication of its members. I hope to promote this attitude as a trustee.

2. With additional revenue coming in from the successful 2019 tax referendum, what do you believe the board’s top spending priorities should be to make the wisest use of the funds?

The passing of the 2019 referendum was key in keeping the WFRD equipped and staffed. Thanks to the people of the sistrict, the department was able to get back on solid ground. Paying off existing debt, maintaining/replacing equipment, and assuring proper staffing are essential. But the WFRD can’t rely solely on the referendum.

Situations continue to change. The [changes at] the Woodstock hospital mean ambulances and firefighter/paramedics spend much more time out of district, making the vehicles and crews unavailable for other emergencies. This also leads to unanticipated overtime and excessive wear on vehicles, reducing their life expectancy.

Going forward, one of the keys to keeping the WFRD well equipped, properly staffed, and well trained is finding additional, alternative funding sources. Funding from public and private grants, as well as federal and local programs, needs to be investigated.

TIMOTHY RANDELS

Age: 59 Vocation: Retired firefighter/paramedic; security supervisor Residence: Woodstock

1. What personal and/or professional experience do you have that qualifies you for a seat on the WFRD Board of Trustees?

I have been a member of the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District from 1991 until my retirement in 2010. I have a working knowledge of the fire service from working for two different fire departments.

2. With additional revenue coming in from the successful 2019 tax referendum, what do you believe the board’s top spending priorities should be to make the wisest use of the funds?

I think that the additional revenue should be used to make responsible spending on new employees, new fire apparatus, training to make the fire ground as safe as possible.

No one knows the Woodstock market better. Take Advantage of the Hot Market and call to start the listing process today!

“I’m Selling Homes and Want to Earn your Business!”

JOLENE WHITE

SUBURBAN

1. In addition to having been road commissioner, what other personal and/or professional experience do you have that makes you the better candidate in this election?

John Fuller: Before being elected road commissioner, I started working in a township in 1999. I worked all aspects of the job, from cleaning up roads, filling sandbags for flooding, snowplowing, and road repair. I am a well-rounded, experienced road maintainer. I have been the current road commissioner for 4 years, and before that was I elected to the Dorr Township Board of Trustees. I’ve also completed the Township Highway Commissioner of Illinois Voluntary 4 course certification program along with other safety and certification courses.

I have lived in Woodstock my entire life. Married for 36 years. We have four children and two grandchildren, all living in the community.

Tom Thurman: My personal experiences mirror those of many Dorr Township residents. I am a husband, father of three, and passionate in making this the best community to raise a family. Now grown, I believe I have successfully taught my children to be positive, fearless and to simply live life honestly; and they have taught me how to be open-minded and adaptable. Candidates should possess character traits, much like we have taught our children.

My 30 plus years of road maintenance experience provides me with confidence to represent the residents in Dorr Township, the integrity to keep my promises, and the courage to not make promises I know I cannot fulfill. I hold the knowledge that a good leader provides the tools and expertise to empower the road crew to complete their day-to-day tasks with confidence and the flexibility to listen to their points of view to reach a consensus that will benefit everyone.

2. What are the most challenging parts of the job of highway commissioner, and what is your approach to dealing with them?

Thurman:The most challenging parts of the job of highway commissioner are the election process, understanding the requests of residents, including how to meet or exceed their needs, and implementing continuous improvement practices to sustain road safety and right of way enhancement, whilst maintaining budgetary goals.

INDEPENDENT STAFF PHOTO

Campaign signs for competing candidates sit side by side outside the McHenry County Administrative Building, where early voting continues through April 5 for the April 6 consolidated election. Voting hours at the Administration Building are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays through Friday, March 26, and then weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Monday, April 5. Weekend hours at those sites are 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 27, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 3, and Sunday, April 4.

JOHN FULLER

Age: 58 Vocation: Dorr Township road commissioner

Residence:

Woodstock

TOM THURMAN

Age: 52 Vocation: Highway maintenance

Residence: Woodstock

The election process at times can be very stressful. My approach is simple: in the end, win or lose, if a candidate can say they ran with their integrity intact, then it was a successful election.

Dorr Township residents are the customer of the township, and communication is key. Understanding how to address each request is not unlike providing exceptional customer service in any business. Utilizing today’s technology is essential in keeping the residents appraised of township services and events. Being accessible 24/7 by phone or email as well as having the flexibility to personally meet with the concerned party is important.

Budgets are set annually. Analyzing past road and equipment maintenance requirements, along with experience, are essential in supporting budgetary targets. My extensive background in department management, auto, heavy equipment, and road maintenance has given me the skills to regularly maintain the equipment and roadways, during adverse conditions or weather-related emergencies.

Fuller: Ice, snow, wind, and other inclement weather-related road issues can be very challenging. Keeping the roads safe for the motoring public is top priority. I have to do my job so people can get to their jobs safely. Weather or other road-related incidents can happen any time day or night. I have procedures in place to handle situations like these. I appreciate the residents alerting me to hazardous situations along the road. They are my eyes and ears to the township and aid in my quick response.

CITY OF WOODSTOCK Mayor

Mike Turner

City Council

(Elect three) Tom Nierman Robert Seegers Jr. Gordon Tebo

VILLAGE OF BULL VALLEY Board of Trustees

(Elect three) Mark Newton Kurt Kleinschmidt Steven Thomas Edgar A. Ellinghausen

VILLAGE OF GREENWOOD Board of Trustees

(Elect three) No candidates

School District

WOODSTOCK DISTRICT 200 Board of Education

(Elect four) Bruce Farris Carl Gilmore Jacob Homuth John Parisi

WOODSTOCK FIRE/RESCUE Board of Trustees

(Elect two) Patrick Burke Joseph Galli Robert Kristensen William Kulinski Timothy Randels

WONDER LAKE FIRE PROTECTION Board of Trustees

(Elect two) Todd Rishling Barbara Klasen

Two-year unexpired term

No candidate

Community College

McHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE Board of Trustees

(Elect two) Dale Morton Sumish Parikh Elizabeth Speros

Library District

WOODSTOCK PUBLIC LIBRARY Rural Board of Trustees

(Elect two) Jan Vanderspool Stacy Iwanicki

Two-year unexpired term

Robert Aavang

PAT BURKE

Age: 70 Vocation: Retired Residence: Woodstock

1. What personal and/or professional experience do you have that qualifies you for a seat on the WFRD Board of Trustees?

I believe I’m qualified for a seat on the WFRD Board of Trustees after spending 35 years as a Woodstock firefighter/ EMT. I spent many of those years as assistant chief. My duties included fire ground operations, management, and fire inspector.

I also spent 30 years volunteering with youth and high school baseball programs, helping them be the best they could be. The 35 years I was employed by United Parcel Service, a union-run company, gives me the background needed to work with the full-time firefighters.

2. With additional revenue coming in from the successful 2019 tax referendum, what do you believe the board’s top spending priorities should be to make the wisest use of the funds?

My plan for the spending of the additional revenue from the 2019 tax referendum is to manage the money in the best interest of the taxpayers. My goals include making sure the equipment in the firehouses is well maintained and up to date. Also, to provide the opportunity for the firefighters to continue their education so the residents of Woodstock continue to receive the excellent service the fire district provides.

JOE GALLI

Age: 33 Vocation: Firefighter (city of Elgin) Residence: Wonder Lake

1. What personal and/or professional experience do you have that qualifies you for a seat on the WFRD Board of Trustees?

The primary reason I feel compelled to run for WFRD trustee is due to a unique and diverse skillset acquired over time.

Professionally, I have 19 years as a career union firefighter for the city of Elgin. For the past 15 years, I’ve represented the firefighters in my Local and have served as president since 2017. During that time, I’ve accumulated experience in labor management relations, represented in collective bargaining and grievances, engaged in bilateral policy building, and participated in budgetary processes affecting the outcome of both taxpayers and employees alike. No matter the issue, the outcome has always been better when all parties are represented fairly and honestly.

Personally, my life was shaped early by the U.S. Marine Corps. I was fortunate to serve beside incredible men and women who helped me succeed, and I do my best to honor them always. My wife, Cam, and my two daughters are without a doubt the reason I’m able to take on new challenges and they encourage me to succeed.

This district deserves a fresh point of view from someone who can understand today’s challenges from all points of view. I know that I can provide our residents with that perspective.

2. With additional revenue coming in from the successful 2019 tax referendum, what do you believe the board’s top spending priorities should be to make the wisest use of the funds?

The referendum was absolutely crucial in keeping the department afloat. However, the referendum alone will not keep up with the costs needed to maintain current operations in the future. A crucial factor driving this issue is the amount of money wasted due to understaffing both firefighters and the administration. Several options exist, but I feel one in particular can give all stakeholders an honest understanding of our financial future. The district needs to insist upon better labor management relations, eliminate wasteful spending, and actually implement and follow through with the strategic plan.

The contract between the union and the district expires April 30, 2021, and both parties would be best served by good-faith negotiations. Additionally, our firefighters are spending far too much time and energy doing administrative work rather than focusing on emergency response, training, and continuing education. And if it is worth spending the time and energy to create a strategic plan, we ought to be following through with it. Our firefighters deliver incredible service despite depleted staffing levels and having fewer resources. But that just isn’t sustainable. We need to reanalyze our current spending without ignoring what’s needed in the future.

ROBERT KRISTENSEN

Age: 73 Vocation: Self-employed Residence: Woodstock

1. What personal and/or professional experience do you have that qualifies you for a seat on the WFRD Board of Trustees?

I have been a WFRD trustee for over 30 years. I was a part of the team that successfully combined the Woodstock Rural Fire Department, the Woodstock City Fire Department, and the Woodstock Rescue Squad. The result of the consolidation greatly improved rescue and fIre service for the Woodstock community.

My professional career for the past 40 plus years has been the owner of a gas station/ auto repair shop/convenience store as well as a towing and snow-plowing business. I am experienced in all the financial aspects of owning your own business, such as profit/loss statements, balance sheets, payroll, etc.

2. With additional revenue coming in from the successful 2019 tax referendum, what do you believe the board’s top spending priorities should be to make the wisest use of the funds?

The WFRD is approaching the end of the first fiscal year with the new revenue coming in from the successful 2019 referendum. During this current fiscal year, the board approved the purchase of a new much needed ambulance, which is already in service. The new fiscal year starting May 1, 2021, will include the purchase of a new engine, which will replace a 20-year-old engine that is still in service.

Another goal would be to examine the part-time [firefighters] program. This study should research hiring/retention incentives. It is very important to offer a package to retain the part-time hires and keep them from going to another department.

The district needs to analyze what other equipment is in need of replacement and budget for those items for the next fiscal year.

Another goal that I have for the upcoming fiscal year is to research any and all supplemental revenues through grants.

BILL KULINSKI

Age: 60 Vocation: Customer service representative Residence: Woodstock

1. What personal and/or professional experience do you have that qualifies you for a seat on the WFRD Board of Trustees?

I spent many years as a part-time firefighter/EMT with the Prospect Heights FPD. I have experienced the challenges of operating and maintaining a professional fire-rescue district on a limited budget. Firefighting and EMS are difficult, dangerous jobs. It’s imperative that the people who do it have the equipment and the staffing to do their jobs safely. And that’s best for the people of Woodstock, too.

Average response time in Woodstock for a medical emergency is under 6 minutes. We all want that to stay the same or even improve. Due to [changes at] the Woodstock hospital, WRFD ambulances spend much more time out of district, See FIRE DISTRICT, Page 4

This article is from:

Woodstock Independent 3/31/2021

by Woodstock Independent