Thursday, February 28, 2013

Old Sullivan’s grocery gets ready for Salvation Army thrift store | Belvidere Daily Republican

Written by Bob Balgemann

The Family Store is moving from its Whitney Boulevard location because it needs more space, McClintock said. It will continue sales of clothing, furniture and household goods.

Proceeds from the store will be used to help finance the Salvation Army’s adult rehabilitation centers and keep them self-sustaining. Work therapy is part of the rehabilitation process and some of that work is done in the thrift stores.

Click on the following for all of the story:  Old Sullivan’s grocery gets ready for Salvation Army thrift store | Belvidere Daily Republican

Meijer superstore could anchor proposed Perryville development - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

 

total of about $3.3 million in tax incentives to spur the development, which is being called the Perryville Promenade.

About $300,000 of that has already been provided as reimbursement for improving the intersection to accommodate a large retail center.

The proposal will go before the city’s planning and development committee Monday.

It would create 588 jobs during construction and 1,177 permanent full- and part-time jobs once the commercial retail center is open, according to a Northern Illinois University study.

There has been no word yet on when the center could open.

The NIU study also estimates that the 600,000 square-foot center will generate $3 million a year in annual sales tax revenue and $680,000 in property taxes.

Click on the following for more details:  Meijer superstore could anchor proposed Perryville development - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Employment Opportunities | Boone County, Illinois

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Current Job Openings :

Public Health Nurse

The Boone County Health Department is currently hiring a full-time Public Health Nurse to serve as a Case Manager in our Family Case Management, Lead and Vision/Hearing programs.  Must possess a strong desire to work with children and families.  Bilingual in English/Spanish encouraged to apply.  Must be a registered nurse licensed to practice in Illinois.  Excellent working environment and great benefit package.  No weekends or evenings.  For a more detailed job description, click here.  Send resume to Amanda Mehl, Boone County Department of Public Health, 1204 Logan Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008 or submit electronically to info@boonehealth.org.  EOE

Download the employment application here

The above job posting is from:  Employment Opportunities | Boone County, Illinois

Boone County officials look to fill six vacancies - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

 

Boone County officials are looking for volunteers to fill six vacancies on local government boards.

Fire Protection Districts 1, 2, 3 and 5 each have a single vacancy. Selected volunteers would serve three-year terms, which expire in May 2016.

Leaders are also looking to fill a vacancy on the Garden Prairie Street Light District Board. The individual would serve a three-year term, which expires in April 2016.

The Sanitary District Board of Trustees is looking for another person to serve on its group. The three-year term expires in May 2016.

Click on the following for more details:  Boone County officials look to fill six vacancies - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Sequester cuts: Illinois - The Washington Post

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Use the citation below for the remaining 5 pages.

Click on the following for this and other reference material provided by the White House:Sequester cuts: Illinois - The Washington Post

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Boone County officials not surprised by low voter turnout - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

 

Only six percent of Boone County registered voters showed up at the polls Tuesday.

Boone County Clerk Mary Steurer said this turnout is typical in primary elections, although the races were closer this year than in the past.

Click on the following for more details: Boone County officials not surprised by low voter turnout - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Primary Results for Boone County

 

UNDATED (WREX) -

Voters in Belvidere, Freeport, and Rockford are braving the snow to hit the polls Tuesday.

Tuesday's primaries choose who will run in many of the important races that are part of the April 9 general election. The following primaries will be decided:

  • Belvidere City Clerk
    • Joanne Riley (R) - 300, 33%
    • Shauna Arco (R) - 603, 67%
  • Belvidere Township Highway Commissioner
    • Richard Lee (R) - 737, 59%
    • Kenneth McBee (R) - 512, 41%
  • Belvidere Township Supervisor
    • Les Reid (R) - 566, 44%
    • Patrick Murphy (R) - 721, 56%
  • Belvidere Township Trustee
    • Kathy Grover (R) - 758, 19%
    • Robert Turner (R) - 866, 22%
    • Bill Robertson (R) - 839, 21%
    • Catherine Ward (R) - 745, 19%
    • Richard Nelson (R) - 789, 20%

Zoning Board of Appeals meeting for 2-26-2013 cancelled due to weather

FYI

The ZBA meeting scheduled for tonight at 7:00PM has been cancelled due to the weather.

The next meeting will be on March 26, 2013 at 7:00 PM, unless otherwise informed

Thanks.

Kathy J. Miller, AICP

Interim Planning Director

815 547-8644

Agenda for Tuesday’s Belvidere Township Meeting 2-26-2013

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Monday, February 25, 2013

News Release for the Ken McBee Campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 24, 2013

Is Richard Lee able to run for Road Commissioner in Belvidere?

PRESS RELEASE: Is Richard Lee able to run for Road Commissioner in Belvidere?
There is quite a climax coming to the Republican primary vote on 02/26/2013 for Belvidere Township Supervisor and Road Commisioner. Les Reid challenges incumbent Patrick Murphy for supervisor and Kenneth McBee challenges incumbent Richard Lee. While the only question here is for the road commissioner and his actual residency. It has been found a lot of people in the inner circle of the incumbent have been aware of the question of residency. The residence in Rockford of the incumbent is 23 miles from his office.

A question will be asked on Monday for an opinion of the Boone County States Attorney Michelle Courrier. It will also be asked how others responsible for certifying petitions for the last three terms have not reviewed this or if so have allowed it to continue.

Ken McBee can be reached at 815-979-8593 or Les Reid's cell is 815-262-7461. We would welcome you inquiry regarding this issue.


Richard Lee is the incumbent Belvidere Township road commissioner running for re-election on Tuesday. An ad run by his opponent(lisiting his residential tax bills] placed in the Boone County Shopper Thursday 02/21/2013 shows an owner occupied exemption on his residence in Rockford. His own campaign advertising in the same Shopper states he lives at 141 1/2 E Fourth Street in Belvidere.

The Illinois Department of Revenue has the requirement for the homeowner occupancy credit: "Listed owner must have this address where an owner occupied credit is being given as their primary residence." If one looked up Richard Lee on Winnebago property tax rolls, they would find him listed as the homeowner receiving this credit for his home on 1652 Prairie Ave in Rockford. He claims a Belvidere address at 141 1/2 E Fourth street as his residence for voting and on his driver's license. He can't have it both ways. As further proof of his true living arrangements, his personal vehicles are also believed to be registered to his Rockford address. No personal vehicle is believed to be registered at the Belvidere residence.


He sold his Belvidere home in 2003 and has rented apartments to give the appearance of local residency in order to keep his job. The State of Illinois Board of Elections says in order to even be a candidate for a township official, he/she must live in the township.


It is well known (by his coworkers at the township office and inner circle of friends) that the commissioner spends most of his time on his Rockford west side farm with the occasional night in Belvidere, Has he misled the residents Belvidere in order to keep his job the last 10 years and save his pension? Or, did he claim and receive the Home Owner's exemption on his Rockford residence over the last decade to the tune of $20,000+ in tax credits? Were these tax credits his to receive or is he in fact a Belvidere resident?

 

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Saturday, February 23, 2013

Former NIU cop re-indicted on rape charges - chicagotribune.com

By Jodi S. Cohen, Chicago Tribune reporters

Ex-campus cop sues NIU over rape charge

A DeKalb County grand jury has re-indicted a former Northern Illinois University police officer for rape less than three months after prosecutors dropped an identical charge against him and just days after the school fired its police chief for allegedly mishandling the case.

Andrew Rifkin, 25, was charged Friday with felony criminal sexual assault in connection with an October 2011 incident involving an NIU freshman. The indictment adds another chapter to a legal drama that so far has included accusations of hidden evidence, upheaval in the campus Police Department and the abrupt dismissal of the original case by a lame-duck prosecutor.

Click on the following for more details:  Former NIU cop re-indicted on rape charges - chicagotribune.com

Township assessors claim to find millions in unassessed property | Belvidere Daily Republican

Written by Bob Balgemann

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In 2011, the assessed value of omitted property rose to $762,958, with a market value of $2.289 million.

Last year, the assessed value of omitted property more than doubled, to $1.805 million while the market value rose to $5.415 million.

Click on the following for more details:  Township assessors claim to find millions in unassessed property | Belvidere Daily Republican

ATTENTION Belvidere Town/Township Republicans—Primary is Tuesday, February 26

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A few things to know if you plan on attending the annual town hall meeting

All of the Townships will have their Annual Town Meeting.  Here is some friendly advice.

This is the only meeting where township residents have a “real say”. You can make huge changes to the Township policy and activities if you plan ahead. You need people to come, support your requests, and vote for your motions.

At some Town meetings the meeting is already preplanned by those currently in power.  The Sergeant at Arms is often preselected and he can intimidate many people and prevent your views from being discussed. Every township trustee or employee has all of their family and friends there , so it may be a lot to overcome.

If you  wants to speak at the Town meeting,  you must ask in writing  to be placed on the agenda, 30 DAYS ahead of the meeting.   The 30 day written notice includes any  motion which you wish to propose. Have your exact motion submitted in writing 30 days before the meeting.  Also you need 15 signatures of township voters on your request.

SEE THE LAW:  Here are some citation of law as presented by an association of townships for a town hall meeting.

III. ANNUAL AND SPECIAL TOWNSHIP MEETINGS

A. Annual Town Meeting

1. Date and Time

The annual town meeting, held for the transaction of the business of

the township, must occur on the second Tuesday of April in each

after 6 p.m. 60 ILCS 1/30-5. The annual town meeting (or special town

meeting) cannot be held earlier than 6 p.m. unless the time is changed by

the electors at a duly convened meeting. 60 ILCS 1/40-5; 60 ILCS 1/30-

30. The words .town meeting. have a definite and well settled meaning in

township law, and are uniformly used to describe the annual meetings of

the town for the purpose of electing township officers, and transacting

such business as the electors are by law authorized to transact. Chicago I.

& R. Co. v. Mallory, 101 Ill. 583 (1881). The place of holding annual

town meetings must be some convenient place in the township fixed by

the township board. 60 ILCS 1/30-15. Whenever the date conflicts with

the celebration of Passover, the township board may postpone the annual

town meeting to the first Tuesday following the last day of Passover. 60

ILCS 1/30-5.

Elections for township officers are held in accordance with the

consolidated schedule of elections prescribed by the general election law.

60 ILCS 1/30-5. Whenever the consolidated election as provided for in the

Election Code is rescheduled to the second Tuesday in April, the annual

town meeting must be held on the third Tuesday in April at the time

designated by the electors or the township board. 60 ILCS 1/30-5.

2. Notice of Annual Town Meeting

Notice of the time and place of holding annual and special town

meetings is given by the township clerk (or, in the clerk’s absence, the

supervisor, assessor, or collector) by posting written or printed notices in

three of the most public places in the township, at least 10 days before the

meeting and, if there is an English language newspaper published in the

township, by at least one publication in that newspaper before the

meeting. 60 ILCS 1/30-10. If the above procedures are followed, the

township electors are charged with notice of the time of the meeting and

with knowledge that any and all corporate business of the township may

then be lawfully transacted. Thorp v. King, 42 Ill. App. 513 (1891). Not

less than 10 days before the annual meeting, the township board shall

adopt an agenda for the annual meeting. A group of fifteen or more

registered voters in the township may request additional agenda items for

consideration by the electors to the township clerk by March 1. The

agenda adopted by the Board shall include such requests if relevant to the

powers granted to the electors under the Township Code. 60 ILCS 1/30-

10(b). If the agenda item is not included on the agenda for a township

annual meeting, fifteen electors may request the township clerk to order a

special meeting. However, again, the meeting must be relevant to the

powers granted to the electors under the Township Code. 60 ILCS 1/35-5.

A 2002 case involving county governments raised some doubt as to

whether new matters added to an agenda can perhaps be discussed but not

acted upon. See Rice v. Board of Trustees of Adams County, 326

Ill.App.3d 1120 (4th Dist. 2002). This could also apply to townships, but

because township electors are required to have only one meeting per year,

and because the statute allows the agenda to be added to by electors in

accordance with the procedures outlined above (so long as the agenda

item is relevant to the powers granted to the electors under the Township

Code), in order to allow both discussion and action, there is a strong

argument that action may be taken if the statutory procedures are

followed.

3. Admission to Meeting

Electors at the meeting must be verified as voters registered within

the township by the township clerk, or a designee of the township clerk,

through the use of township voter registration lists obtained by the

township clerk from the election authority having jurisdiction over the

township and updated to include voters registered no less than 28 days

before the day of the meeting. 60 ILCS 1/40-5.

4. Call to Order

The electors present are called to order by the township clerk if there

is a clerk and he or she is present. If there is no township clerk or if the

township clerk is not present, the electors may elect by acclamation one of

their number as chairman. 60 ILCS 1/40-5.

5. Recessing to Move to Larger Hall

If there are electors desiring admittance to the meeting who cannot be

admitted because of the size of the meeting hall, the chairman may

immediately recess the meeting to a time as soon as practicable and to a

place sufficiently large to accommodate at least the number of electors

present at that time within the meeting hall and those outside the meeting

hall desiring to be admitted. 60 ILCS 1/40-5.

6. Election of Moderator

The electors present must choose one of their number to preside as

moderator of the meeting. A township official may serve as moderator.

Before entering upon the duties of the office, the moderator must take an

oath, administered by the township clerk or chairman or some other

officer authorized to administer oaths, to faithfully and impartially

discharge the duties of the office. The moderator of the meeting presides

at the meeting, announces the business before the meeting, preserves

order, and decides all questions of order. The moderator has the same

power and is subject to the same penalties in connection with his or her

conduct as moderator as are judges of election under the provisions of the

general election law. 60 ILCS 1/40-5.

7. Minutes

The township clerk acts as clerk of the meeting and keeps faithful

minutes of the proceedings in a book to be known as the township record.

The clerk enters every order or direction, and all rules and regulations

made by the meeting. The entry must be signed by the clerk and the

moderator of the meeting. 60 ILCS 1/40-10.

8. Motions

All questions upon motions made at town meetings are determined

by a majority of the electors present and voting, and the moderator

ascertains and declares the result of the vote upon each question. When

the result of any vote is questioned by one or more of the electors present,

the moderator makes the vote certain by causing the voters to rise and be

counted, or by a division of the voters. 60 ILCS 1/40-15. The amount of

time which might be required for balloting at a town meeting is not

constitutionally significant so long as all qualified electors have equal

opportunity to attend and vote. Smith v. Town of Proviso, 13 Ill. App. 3d

519, 301 N.E.2d 145 (1st Dist. 1973).

9. Close of Business of the Meeting

Poplar Grove puts foundation in place for controlled growth - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

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By Jennifer Wheeler

RRSTAR.COM

There wasn’t a comprehensive zoning code in place, which would have given officials the ability to enforce quality and minimum standards. There wasn’t a logical system to collect fees, either.

“Before, if you knocked on the door, you could come on in and do whatever you want. Now, it says if you’re going to do this, you need to do this,” said Gina DelRose, contracted planner for the villag

Click on the following to read all of the story:  Poplar Grove puts foundation in place for controlled growth - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Wisconsin adds 20,500 jobs over 12-month period - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

 

Walker's Department of Workforce Development released the latest numbers Friday that show the addition of 20,481 jobs during that time. That's slower growth than the previous 12-month period through last June when 35,381 private-sector jobs were created

Click on the following for more details:  Wisconsin adds 20,500 jobs over 12-month period - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Is Belvidere Township’s Assistance Office as visible as it should be?

 

Belvidere Township administers general assistance for the nine townships of Boone County. Is Belvidere Township’s Assistance Office as visible as it should be? The posting directly following this-- -http://www.boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2013/02/townships-and-general-assistance.html - shows you what the larger DeKalb County does at the DeKalb Township site. Should Belvidere Township be doing the same for Boone County?

The following is taken from: http://www.belvideretownship.org/ and appears as such: clip_image002

The only direct reference to the assistance program are the following answers to Q&A tab from the top of the page links. Click on Q&A (http://www.belvideretownship.org/questions.html) and the following page appears:

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Here are the only two answers regarding the issue:

Q. Does Belvidere Township provide general assistance to those in need?
A. Yes, the Township does provide assistance for those in need. For more information call 815-544-2027

Note that the sites does not mention the other townships which Belvidere Township administers,; many of these townships are too small to have a website.

Q. What other services does the Township provide?
A. Beyond those services established by state law, Township Government provides vital services to the people next door. This may include senior citizens programs , youth programs, assistance to the disabled, parks and recreation, health services, and cemetery maintenance.

The link for assistance to disabled only leads to RAMP (http://rampcil.org/index.asp) and the following website:

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Friday, February 22, 2013

Townships and General Assistance

There has been so much discussion this past year concerning  Belvidere Township’s administration of assistance to the poor, I thought it would be good to look at what other townships in other counties do.

Here is DeKalb Township and other townships of DeKalb County’s program. 

The following is take from their website:  http://dekalbtownship.com/general-assistance/

General Assistance

DeKalb Township
General Assistance Programs

 

Assistance Information

Assistance Programs provided by Supervisor Johnson’s Office

DeKalb Township offers financial assistance to families and individuals in need. The following are brief descriptions of the various types of assistance. For further information please contact DeKalb Township at (815) 758-8282

General Assistance

General Assistance is administered to individuals or families in need who meet the financial and non-financial requirements. A component of general assistance is workfare. Those determined eligible for general assistance are assigned to work at a non-profit organization, if positions are available, in return for their assistance and must be currently seeking full time employment or be pending disability. Applications are taken at the DeKalb Township Office by appointment.

Eligibility for assistance is determined by income, assets, and cooperation with the program. If you are currently receiving General Assistance from another township or Categorical Assistance, such as TANF, SSI, Refugee and Repatriation Assistance, you may not receive General Assistance.

Emergency Assistance

Emergency Assistance is administered to persons once in a twelve month period with a lifetime maximum of 5 times. Applicant must be a Township resident who has received a utilities disconnection notice (not for non-payment of deposit), and/or a five day notice on rent or behind on mortgage payments. Applications are taken at the Township Office by appointment.

You may not receive general assistance and emergency assistance at the same time. You must be ineligible for general assistance in order to be potentially eligible for emergency assistance. Income, assets, and cooperation with the program will determine eligibility. This is an optional program and not all townships administer this program. Emergency Assistance is paid directly to a vendor such as a landlord or utility company.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance only pays for necessary and essential medical services. It is only available if the applicant qualifies for General Assistance and has no other source of medical coverage. Preventive care is not considered essential. Prior approval is required on all medical and dental care unless an emergency exists. If an individual has filed for medical assistance based on a disability with the Illinois Department of Human Services and has been denied medical assistance, they should appeal the decision.

Other DeKalb County Townships

Because DeKalb Township has full time, professionally trained, general assistance staff the following townships have contracted with DeKalb Township to process their general assistance applications and cases: Afton Township, Clinton Township, Cortland Township, Franklin Township, Genoa Township, Kingston Township*, Malta Township, Mayfield Township, Pierce Township, Sandwich Township, Shabbona Township, Somonauk Township, South Grove Township*, Squaw Grove Township, Sycamore Township*.

Townships that have DeKalb Township process their Assistance Programs reimburse the township for direct expenses associated with the applications and pay a processing fee for each case.

* Township that does not offer Emergency Assistance

Mortgage settlement wipes out $614M in debt in Illinois - Chicago Tribune

February 21, 2013|By Mary Ellen Podmolik | Tribune staff reporter

…People remain confused by the loan modification process, and there are continued stories of dual tracking, working with borrowers on loan modifications while also pursuing foreclosure judgments against them. Borrowers are having to submit the same documentation multiple times. Questionable fees are being added to the total sums due. Different employees are offering conflicting information to borrowers.

"What I had expected, where we're heading, I expected slow and steady improvement," Smith said in an interview while in Chicago Thursday. "These are large and complex enterprises but that is not an excuse."….

In Illinois, of the 20,044 borrowers who received assistance from the nation's five largest servicers between March 1 and Dec. 31, 3,794 received principal writedowns on first or second mortgages while another 5,928 borrowers saw their second lien obligations erased, according to the report. Altogether, those principal writedowns and extinguishments totaled $614.5 million.

Another 5,831 Illinois homeowners sold their homes through short sales and 2,629 completed mortgage refinancings, with an average interest rate reduction of 2.32 percent

Click on the following for more details:  Mortgage settlement wipes out $614M in debt in Illinois - Chicago Tribune

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Rockford named No. 3 on Forbes' 'Miserable' list - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

 

According to a Forbes magazine list of “America’s Most Miserable Cities,” Rockford ranks No. 3, behind No. 1 Detroit and No. 2 Flint, Mich.

Rounding out the top 10 behind Rockford, Forbes listed Chicago; Modesto, Calif.; Vallejo, Calif.; Warren, Mich.; Stockton, Calif.; Lake County, Ill.; and New York.

Click on the following for more details:  Rockford named No. 3 on Forbes' 'Miserable' list - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Rockford's economic development chief Janyce Fadden resigns - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Is there another story; another reason for Ms. Fadden’s move?

By Isaac Guerrero

Janyce Fadden stunned a lot of people Wednesday when she announced her resignation after nearly eight years of leading the agency tasked with retaining and attracting jobs to Rockford area.

Fadden told her board of directors that she is leaving town to be closer to her family. The board is interviewing candidates and she will continue to serve on the board until a replacement is found

Rockford's economic development chief Janyce Fadden resigns - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Township supervisor being challenged in bid for re-election | Belvidere Daily Republican

Written by Bob Balgemann

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Incumbent Belvidere Township Supervisor Pat Murphy is being challenged by resident Les Reid as he seeks to be elected to a second four-year term.

The Republican primary election is Tuesday, Feb. 26

CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING TO READ ALL OF THE STORY:  Township supervisor being challenged in bid for re-election | Belvidere Daily Republican

Bill Pysson abstains from voting on appointments of Regional Planning Commission, Housing Authority and Capron Rescue Squad

I will be abstaining tonight on the vote for appointments. I thank the appointees for coming forth and volunteering their valuable time and please do not consider this an affront to your personal abilities or motivation. However I cannot condone the actions of the County Board Chairman whose process of soliciting and selecting candidates appears not to be in the best interests of people of Boone County.

The Chairman with the advice and consent of the county board makes numerous appointments to fire districts, county advisory boards, the Health Department and other semi-autonomous boards representing the people of Boone County. These appointments occur at various times during the calendar year and are not well known by the general public. The dates and length of terms are not always even available in the Boone County Year Book, the unofficial government fact book compiled by  Boone County’s Clerk & Recorder.

In my opinion, actions by the Chairman and the administration have not enlightened the public regarding the need for citizen participation nor granted a real opportunity for new people to apply for these open positions.

  • · The Chairman and the administration of the county have the responsibility to advertise and post vacancies for such appointments. In today’s electronic age this is usually done by use of email news releases and special postings on the county’s website. I fail to see that this has been even attempted.
  • · Please note the appointments for less than full term terms with the Regional Planning Commission. These positions were occupied for over a year by individuals who continued their duties despite their appointed terms being expired. Some submitted requests for reappointment months ago. One member of the Planning Commission with several decades of professional experience in planning withdrew his application and resigned because of the Chairman’s inaction on his request for reappointment.* This is not right.
  • · It is standard business practice for an applicant for any post to submit a letter of introduction or a resume. One of the proposed appointee has submitted only a one sentence request to be appointed to the position. Is this acceptable? I do not criticize the applicant but rather the Chairman, who apparently did not give a suitable request for written information and who accepted such a short letter.

For the above reasons, I regrettably will be abstaining from voting on these appointments this evening.

SEE the application letters:  http://www.boarddocs.com/il/boone/Board.nsf/files/94WU4H7A3C79/$file/appointments%20Feb.%2020%2C%202013%20mtg.pdf and http://www.boarddocs.com/il/boone/Board.nsf/files/94WU527A5026/$file/planning%20commission%20appointments%20Feb.%2020%2C%202013.pdf

*See Mr. Luhman’s letter of resignationhttp://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2012/12/mrwalberg-decides-not-to-reappoint-bill.html

Boone County Zoning Board of Appeals meeting changes location

BELVIDERE - BOONE COUNTY
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
401 Whitney Boulevard, Suite 400 - Belvidere, Illinois 61008 – 815 544-5271 - FAX 815 547-9214
February 20, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For additional information contact:
Kathy J. Miller, AICP
Interim Planning Director
401 Whitney Boulevard
Belvidere, IL 61008
815 544-5271
kmiller@boonecountyil.org
The Boone County Zoning Board of Appeals will have their regularly scheduled meeting
on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 7:00 pm at the Poplar Grove Fire Station, 305 West
Grove Road, Poplar Grove, Illinois due to the Primary Election in the Boone County
Board Room. The wind energy conversion system setback text amendment is one of
the items on the agenda. The preliminary agenda is attached.
For further information contact Kathy Miller at the Belvidere-Boone County Planning
Department.
###

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Financial emergency': Economic review finds Detroit unable to fix budget woes - U.S. News

By Andrew Rafferty, Staff Writer, NBC News

The report found the Motor City faces a cumulative cash deficit of more than $100 million by June 30, 2013 if "significant spending cuts" are not made. Detroit has $14 billion in employee retirement liabilities and unfunded pensions, and will need $1.9 billion over the next five years to pay off other long-term liabilities. The city has been running deficits every year since 2005, according to the review team…..

lot of the ingredients for the turnaround of the city are in place," said Frederick Headen, legal advisor for the Michigan Department of Treasury and member of the review panel. "Now we just need to execute and I do believe strongly that Detroit is fixable."

Click on the following for more details:  'Financial emergency': Economic review finds Detroit unable to fix budget woes - U.S. News

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

County officials urged to rally behind veterans referendum | Belvidere Daily Republican

Written by Bob Balgemann

The three-cent tax levy would cost someone with a $100,000 home about $8.20 a year. For a home valued at $150,000, the cost would be $13.20….

There are an estimated 3,400 veterans living in Boone County and she said they cannot seek assistance from commissions in the area because each county is supposed to have one.

County Administrator Ken Terrinoni said previously the tax would generate about $280,000 a year for the commission.

Click on the following to read all of this article: County officials urged to rally behind veterans referendum | Belvidere Daily Republican

The feds will run most Obamacare exchanges

Posted by Sarah Kliff on February 18, 2013 at 10:37 am

The federal government did not get many takers. Some of the most closely watched states, including Florida and New Jersey, decided to leave the entire task to the federal government. All told, the federal government will run 26 of the state health exchanges. It  also will partner with seven states, where state and federal officials take joint responsibility for the marketplace. Seventeen states and the District of Columbia will take on the task themselves

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Click on the following to read all of the story:  It’s official: The feds will run most Obamacare exchanges

Monday, February 18, 2013

China’s Army Is Seen as Tied to Hacking Against U.S. - NYTimes.com

By DAVID E. SANGER, DAVID BARBOZA and NICOLE PERLROTH
Published: February 18, 2013

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Obama administration officials say they are planning to tell China’s new leaders in coming weeks that the volume and sophistication of the attacks have become so intense that they threaten the fundamental relationship between Washington and Beijing….

What most worries American investigators is that the latest set of attacks believed coming from Unit 61398 focus not just on stealing information, but obtaining the ability to manipulate American critical infrastructure: the power grids and other utilities. …

“Right now there is no incentive for the Chinese to stop doing this,” said Mr. Rogers, the House intelligence chairman. “If we don’t create a high price, it’s only going to keep accelerating.”

Click on the following to read all of this story: China’s Army Is Seen as Tied to Hacking Against U.S. - NYTimes.com

Underage drinking program in Boone turns mistakes into lessons - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

By Jennifer Wheeler

Offenders have a financial incentive to take the $200 alcohol awareness class, too. Judges were previously hesitant to require offenders to take such costly classes, considering they already face court costs and fines. The Boone County state’s attorney’s office charges minors who are caught possessing or consuming alcohol with a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to a year in jail and $2,500 in fines. Prosecutors charge about 100 minors per year.

Click on the following for more details;  Underage drinking program in Boone turns mistakes into lessons - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Boone County Food Pantry has big spread in local magazine

The March issue of North Boone County Life, the monthly magazine by the publisher of Belvidere Daily Republican has a big spread on the Belvidere/Boone County Pantry.  The free magazine sent to postal customers in northern Boone County, free of cost.

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

Feb North Boone CO---FOOD PAN 1 of 5Feb North Boone CO---FOOD PAN 2 of 5Feb North Boone CO---FOOD PAN 3 of 5Feb North Boone CO---FOOD PAN 4 of 5

Feb North Boone CO---FOOD PAN 5 of 5

Community Action Programs

 

Community Action Programs


Small Business Loan Program ~

Serving Boone and Winnebago Counties, the Small Business Loan Program provides low interest rate (3-5%) loans to businesses that will create at least one job for a low-income person for every $20,000 loaned.  Loan Application

Mayor's Youth Advisory Council ~

The Mayor's Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) provides a youth perspective to the Mayor of Rockford and assists the City of Rockford in developing strategies to address youth issues.

Emergency Assistance Programs ~

Serving Boone and Winnebago Counties, the Direct Client Assistance Program assists low-income persons with financial assistance for a variety of issues related to self-sufficiency or emergency needs.  Examples would be a working person who needs car repair to retain their employment or an individual who cannot afford life saving prescriptions.

Neighborhood Network ~

Neighborhood Network supports and provides training and technical assistance to neighborhood associations and neighborhood watch groups.  Neighborhood Network Website

Community Gardens ~

The Community Garden Project provides funding to neighborhood associations to start community gardens in their neighborhoods.  All projects must commit to planting at least one row for the "plant a row for the hungry" program.

LIHEAP ~

Serving Boone and Winnebago Counties, LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) assists eligible income households in paying the high cost of home energy bills.  The assistance amount varies with the household income, size and fuel type.    LIHEAP Information

SWEEP ~

SWEEP (Sharing Work for Excellence Everywhere Program) provides exterior clean-up, repair and support to elderly and disabled homeowners who have difficulty maintaining their property.  This program hires low-income youth and trains them to provide services.  Program operates May through September.

City of Rockford Fair Housing Board ~

The Fair Housing Board assists citizens in reporting fair housing discrimination complaints.  It also provides education and outreach regarding the Fair Housing ordinance.

Education Programs ~

The Scholarship Program provides scholarships (average award $1000) to low-income students who are enrolled/enrolling in an accredited Illinois post secondary school or training program.  Applications are now available for applicants with household income below 125% of the federal poverty level, reside in Winnebago or Boone County, and plan on attending a post secondary accredited school or training program located in Illinois for fall semester 2013.   Scholarship Application 2013

The Boone Tutoring Project works with youth at risk in Boone County to provide them with the skills needed to succeed in high school.  For more information call (815) 987-8049

Page last updated: 2/8/2013 10:43:19 AM

Click on the following to visit this page and gain access to links:  Community Action Programs

Rockford's SWEEP helps elderly, low-income residents with upkeep - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Old Story from 2011—which may be occurring again this summer

The SWEEP program is eligible to low-income residents of Winnebago and Boone counties, though most tend to live in Rockford, said program coordinator Annie Hobson

It’s not only a help to the homeowners, Hobson said. The program employs low-income young people looking for summer work. The workers, who are required to have high school diplomas or GEDs, do field work Monday through Thursday and then receive educational training on Fridays….

Iven Love, 21, who has worked in the program since it was started, is one of four people on the crew this summer.

Rockford's SWEEP helps elderly, low-income residents with upkeep - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Northwest Herald | Poverty creeps into county

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By STEPHEN Di BENEDETTO

Nearly 10,300 more McHenry County residents now live in poverty than four years ago,

Recent poverty estimates put 28.5 percent of Harvard's population below the poverty line. (Sarah Nader - snader@shawmedia.com)

To read the rest of the article, a subscription may be required; click on following:  Northwest Herald | Poverty creeps into county

Poplar Grove votes 4-2 to ban video gaming machines | Belvidere Daily Republican

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Written by Bob Balgemann

Bravo’s, Mortimer’s Roadhouse and Bar and Timber Pointe Golf Club all applied for state licenses so they could have video gaming machines at their establishments.

recent survey by the Chicago Tribune that showed 48 percent of the municipalities in the suburbs had voted to allow the machines, with 45 percent banning them. The remaining 7 percent was unknown.

Click on the following for more details:  Poplar Grove votes 4-2 to ban video gaming machines | Belvidere Daily Republican

Friday, February 15, 2013

Belvidere dog wins Best of Breed - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

By Jennifer Wheeler

Bogie, who uses the show name CH Reyem’s Red Rover Come Over, is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Kent and Gwen Meyer, of Meyer’s Tails Up Farm in Belvidere, showed the dog.

Click on the following for more details:  Belvidere dog wins Best of Breed - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Chrysler uses Compass to keep Belvidere plant busy - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

By Alex Gary

Dart production hit a high of 14,101 in November. But sales have not kept pace and Chrysler cut Dart output to 7,046 in January. Company CEO Sergio Marchionne admitted the company erred by building mostly manual transmission Darts at first as well as equipping them with underpowered transmissions.

As the company alters its production mix, it has upped the number of Jeep Compasses coming out of the plant. The Compass remains popular in Europe and in January workers turned out 11,381 of the small SUVs.

Click on the following to read the entire story:  Chrysler uses Compass to keep Belvidere plant busy - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Two Rivers Head Start—Boone County’s HEAD START

The following postings are taken from:  http://trhsa.org/trhsa_website_final_003.htm

 

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Thursday, February 14, 2013

Due diligence and 2008A bond refunding?

Has Boone County done “due diligence” in the selection of Speer Financial (advisor) and Robert W. Baird Company (broker) in the proposed refunding of Boone County’s 2008A bonds.

(These bonds are going to be refunded at a lower rate, possibly this year)  I sent this email to the Finance subcommittee and County Administration

Courtesy prevented me from raising this question in front of Mr. Mc Canna at last Wednesday’s Finance subcommittee.

I understand that state law considers this to be “professional service” and as such not subjected to a bidding process. However this is a very large expenditure, the commission and profit to these venders may amount to the $10,000’s. As such I think it is only prudent to ask your committee and Mr. Terrinoni, the reason Mr. McCanna was selected and what efforts were made to compare his services and costs to other advisors and brokers.

I would prefer your reply be in writing and be specific as to contacts and approximate dates of interviews or communications with other advisors/brokers and why Mr. McCanna was selected.

Bill Pysson

A reply from the County Administrator:

In the summer of 2008, I along with Chairman Ward and Finance Committee Chair Dave Taylor looked at four possible Financial Advisors for purposes of selling bonds:

Crowe Chizek and Company LLC (John Miller, formerly with RV Norene & Associates)

Ehlers & Associates Inc.

Wells Fargo Public Finance

Speer Financial Inc.

Speer was considered the more qualified of the four due to depth of staffing and experience with municipal bonds.

Hope this answers your questions.

Ken Terrinoni

Based upon the volatile nature of the finance industry since the Great Recession, I question whether fresher research was warranted to insure that Speer Financial is still well qualified.  However because of the urgency due to possible interest rate rise perhaps keeping with Speer is the best decision at this point.  Nonetheless, I believe that the Finance Subcommittee and the County Board should have had a voice in the decision to keep Speer.  Did they?—Bill P

Area community garden applications available today - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

 

WINNEBAGO COUNTY — Applications for participation in the Community Action Gardens program for Winnebago and Boone counties are available.

Interested parties must attend one of the following free meetings: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 19 at City Plaza, 555 N. Church St., Rockford, or 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at Boone County Conservation District, 603 N. Appleton Road, Belvidere.

The program offers residents the opportunity to create neighborhood gardens. The meetings will cover topics including program basics, available financial assistance and gardening education.

For information: 815-967-4034, cyndie.hall@rockfordil.gov.

Click on the following for more details:  Area community garden applications available today - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Boone County real estate transactions recorded Jan 28-31 | Belvidere Daily Republican

 

Recorded Jan. 28

913 Caswell St., Belvidere, $181,898.32, Judicial Sales Corp. to Secretary of HUD.

1364 Pondview Dr., Belvidere, $130,000, Luis and Lilia Vasquez to Erick and Tania Gasca.

Recorded Jan. 29

101 Bree Dr., Poplar Grove, $100,000, US Dept. of HUD to Tayler Anne Pesava.

115 E. Third St., Belvidere, $30,000, REO, LLC to Stonecrest Income and Opportunity Fund.

Recorded Jan. 30

641 Ruth Circle, Belvidere, $50,000, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. to Estela Camargo.

1747 Pearl St., Belvidere, $66,666, Federal National Mortgage Assoc. to Cecelia Bagnuoolo.

215 Hastings Way SW, Poplar Grove, $47,000, Federal National Mortgage Assoc. to Jessica Diaz and Tracy Duran.

Woodstock Road acreage, $164,400, Openlands Corp. to Boone County Conservation District.

12418 Fire Island Dr., Loves park, $226,600, Des A. Pennington and Nicole Renee Pennington to Thomas Krauel.

216 Ridgestone Trail, Poplar Grove, $120,000, Federal National Mortgage Assoc. to American Homes 4 Rent LP.

121 Cross Dr., Poplar Grove, $128,000, Michael E. Woods and Marcia A. Woods to Mark A. Lynch.

2000 Oakbrook Dr., Belvidere, $60,000, Michael J. Kunz and Trisha C. Kunz to Lucy Bahena.

127 Liverpool Dr. SE, Poplar Grove, $53,000, Kenneth R. Washburn and Karen M. Washburn to Todd L. Wasmund.

Recorded Jan. 31

1324 Perrsons, Belvidere, $120,000, Federal National Mortgage Assoc. to Rodolfo Rodriguez.

12257 Callanish Lane, Loves Park, $219,000, Jacob Osterberg to Wayne W. Ozmina.

14087 Russellville Road, Capron, $84,000, Federal National Mortgage Assoc. to Dann Harris Jr. and Sarah Harris.

1206 Eighth Ave., Belvidere, $43,000, Federal National Mortgage Assoc. to Steinbis Properties, LLC.

Boone County real estate transactions recorded Jan 28-31 | Belvidere Daily Republican

County Democrats gather for a chili supper, some politicking | Belvidere Daily Republican

Written by Bob Balgemann

Incumbent township Assessor Diann Helnore was one of those organizing the meet and greet. She’s being opposed by her chief deputy assessor, Republican Tami Torrance.

“I have kept all of my promises,” she told the group. “I worked every day; I viewed every property.”

In addition, millions of dollars in unlisted property was found throughout the township, meaning a lot of additional tax revenue. “We found airport hangars, garages, swimming pools, additions and the list goes on,” she said. “I expect to find $10 million this year.”

Click on the following for more details:  County Democrats gather for a chili supper, some politicking | Belvidere Daily Republican

Workers at Chrysler supplier stage walkout - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

By Alex Gary

Nearly 100 workers at Ventra Belvidere LLC walked off the job Wednesday to protest lack of progress on a labor deal.

The workers are represented by United Auto Workers Local 1268, which represents most workers at the Chrysler Group LLC and several of its suppliers. Ventra Belvidere LLC is owned by Flex-N-Gate of Urbana, a $3 billion supplier to all of the major automakers

Click on the following for more details; Workers at Chrysler supplier stage walkout - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Community Action Gardens

Grant program for neighborhood gardens available for Boone County groups.

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Regional Planning Commission Meeting Canceled

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The above is taken from: http://www.boonecountyil.org/sites/default/files/Regional%20Planning%20Commission%20February%2019,%202013.pdf

Rep. Adam Kinzinger eyes Belvidere for new office - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

I think this is unheard of and question the propriety?  And why is the city competing with private landlords?

U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger’s northern 16th District office may be housed in Belvidere City Hall.

On Monday, the Belvidere Committee of the Whole approved renting space to Kinzinger at 401 Whitney Blvd. at $350 per month from March 3, 2013 to Jan. 2, 2015. Rent includes office space, internet and all utilities.

“I think this is an outstanding opportunity for the city of Belvidere, the next administration, as well as our constituents,” Mayor Fred Brereton said.

Click on the following for all of the story:  Rep. Adam Kinzinger eyes Belvidere for new office - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Chicago gas prices spike - chicagotribune.com

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By Samantha BomkampTribune reporter

11:39 a.m. CST, February 12, 2013

 

The main reason for the spike is the higher price of crude oil. The price of oil has gone from around $85 a barrel in December to around $97 now because of improving economic certainty as the country moved past the election and the fiscal cliff deadline, according to energy analyst Phil Flynn. It's also being driven by better-than-expected growth in China, the world's second largest economy.

Click on the following to read the entire story:  Chicago gas prices spike - chicagotribune.com

Monday, February 11, 2013

Underwater CO₂ shows potential as barrier to Asian carp | ACES News :: College of ACES, University of Illinois

 

Cory Suski experimented with adding carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the water as a supplemental tool to work in tandem with the electric fence, which has been used to divert the carp from entering the canal, with the goal of providing a second line of defense. Suski found that carbon dioxide is quick and effective in repelling fish from an area.

Click on the following for more details:  Underwater CO₂ shows potential as barrier to Asian carp | ACES News :: College of ACES, University of Illinois

Should the county board approve the 2.25%/2.5% increase in Health Department Fees

Here are some of the numbers supplied by the Health Department regarding the matter.

Well & Septic Inspections:

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Food and Restaurant:

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Here is a build up the labor/administrative cost of several inspection.

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More towns willing to play the video gambling game - Elgin Courier News

By Linda McDaniel-Hale Point Taken February 8, 2013 9:42PM

….about 22 businesses in West Dundee are eligible for the devices. Each business will be able to have up to five terminals in their establishment and hope to make $2,250 a year per machine.

Municipalities already allowing this type of gambling include Carpentersville and East Dundee, both being close neighbors to West Dundee. The East Dundee Village Board went ahead and gave the green light to video gambling even after its citizens voted against it in 2010.

The Elgin City Council is expected to vote Feb. 27 on the issue. Other area villages including Bartlett, Gilberts, Hampshire, Hoffman Estates, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Pingree Grove, South Elgin and sections of unincorporated Kane County already have the machines up and running.

The village of Algonquin is taking a let’s-see-what-happens approach to the issue for at least six months.

Click on the following for more details:  More towns willing to play the video gambling game - Elgin Courier News

Saturday, February 9, 2013

The States People Are Fleeing In 2013 - Yahoo! Finance

By Jenna Goudreau | Forbes – Fri, Feb 8, 2013 2:40 PM EST

At No. 1, New Jersey has the highest ratio of people moving out compared to those moving in. Of the 6,300 total moves tracked in the state last year, 62% were outbound.

top-10 states people are leaving are located in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions, including Illinois (60%), New York (58%), Michigan (58%), Maine (56%), Connecticut (56%) and Wisconsin (55%). According to Stoll, this reflects a consistent trend of migration from the Frost Belt to the Sun Belt states based on a combination of causes.
The economy has been a major push factor for residents in the Frost Belt, particularly those in hard-hit areas like Michigan. “

Click on the following for more details:  The States People Are Fleeing In 2013 - Yahoo! Finance

Planning Department requests that new administrative assistant be full time rather than part time

The following increase in staffing will be discussed Feb 12, 2013 – at Boone County’s  Finance, Taxation & Salaries Committee Meeting. The Wednesday meeting begins at 6:30 PM.

This document is available at:  http://www.boarddocs.com/il/boone/Board.nsf/files/94QRUB6FA894/$file/Planning%20dept%20staffing.pdf

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Assessments across Boone County Down for 2013 tax levy

The following are the assessment totals for 2012 assessment year. The 2012 assessments are the basis for which the taxes paid in June 2013 are based.  This information is available at:  http://www.boarddocs.com/il/boone/Board.nsf/files/94FR2T6BB696/$file/2012%20Boone%20County%20Assessment%20report.pdf There are a number of other revealing statistics available at this “boarddoc” site.

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Friday, February 8, 2013

The .03% Solution - ProPublica

by Jesse Eisinger
ProPublica, Feb. 6, 2013, 12:15 p.m.

Last month, 11 European countries, including France and Germany, moved forward on introducing a minuscule tax on trades in stocks, bonds and derivatives. The tax goes by many names….

This month, Sen. Tom Harkin, Democrat of Iowa, and Rep. Peter DeFazio, Democrat of Oregon, plan to reintroduce their bill calling for just such a tax.

A transaction tax could raise a huge amount of money and cause less pain than many alternatives. It could offset the need for cuts to the social safety net or tax increases that damage consumer demand. How huge a sum? Harkin and DeFazio got an estimate from the bipartisan Joint Committee on Taxation, which scores tax plans. It's a hearty one: $352 billion over 10 years.

The money would come from a tiny levy. The bill calls for a three-basis-point charge on most trades. A basis point is one-hundredth of a percentage point. So it amounts to 3 cents on every $100 traded.

Click on the following for more details:  The .03% Solution - ProPublica

Feds to Publicize Drug and Device Company Payments to Doctors Next Year - ProPublica

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by Charles Ornstein and Tracy Weber
ProPublica, Feb. 1, 2013, 4:25 p.m.

The release of payments data in September 2014 would mark a milestone in the push to bring transparency to medicine. Once posted, patients will be able to see if their physicians receive money from any of the companies whose products they prescribe. Studies have shown that such payments, however small, bias physicians towards companies and their products.

Until now, ProPublica's Dollars for Docs tool [2] has been the only freely available source for the public to search and analyze the payments made since 2009

Click on the following for more details: Feds to Publicize Drug and Device Company Payments to Doctors Next Year - ProPublica