The above is taken from the November 1, 2013 Boone County Journal which is available free of cost at merchants across the county and on line at: http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/news/2013/Boone-County-News-11-01-13.pdf#page=1
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Google engineers tapped to revive HealthCare.gov - Oct. 31, 2013
The agency overseeing the Obamacare site announced the additions Thursday, after the site had crashed for over 36 hours.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said the surge includes "dozens" of people with expertise in the site's key issues: reliability, stability, and large-scale operations.
Besides government employees, the surge includes employees from Google (GOOG, Fortune 500), as well as employees of software giants Red Hat (RHT) and Oracle (ORCL, Fortune 500).
Read more: Google engineers tapped to revive HealthCare.gov - Oct. 31, 2013
BDR Events
Great new site to find out what is happening: http://www.rvpnews.com/#!bdr-events/c1wm3
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THURSDAY, OCT. 31
Free mid-day workout, Belvidere Family YMCA, 220 Locust St., Belvidere, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Workout to Beachbody programs like “Insanity” or “Turbo Jam.” All fitness levels welcome. Call the Y with questions (815) 547-5307.
Belvidere Trick or Treating, 4-8 p.m.
Village of Cherry Valley Trick or Treating, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Village of Poplar Grove Trick-or-Treating 4-7 p.m.
Halloween Party with Trick or Treating for children, Northwoods Care Centre, 2250 Pearl St., Belvidere; 6:30-8 p.m. Register for bicycle giveaway.
Timberlane Trick or Treating 5-8 p.m.
FRIDAY, NOV. 1
Holiday Bazaar and Luncheon, First United Methodist Church, 610 Bonus Avenue, Belvidere. Bake Sale and Bazaar 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; Ham Ball Luncheon with salads, rolls, dessert and drink 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tickets $10. Bazaar features handmade items and crafts, Grandma's Attic featuring collectibles and gently used Christmas items, and Coffee Corner. The church is handicapped accessible. For more information or for luncheon tickets call 815-544-3479.
St. John’s UCC of Belvidere Bazaar and Bake Sale, 401 N. Main St., Belvidere, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Handcrafted items, gifts, baked goods, raffles. Handicapped accessible from the parking lot entrance.
Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos Celebration, 6–7:30pm, Ida Public Library-Sullivan Meeting Room. Day of the Dead with your friends and family. Try traditional foods, listen to music, decorate sugar skulls, and make a skull craft. Fun for the whole family.
SATURDAY, NOV. 2
Veteran’s Remembrance Day, 11 a.m. Cherry Valley Memorial Park (Log Cabin), marching to Baumann Park for the ceremony. Please arrive at 10:45 a.m. and bring United States flag to carry in the parade.
St. John’s UCC of Belvidere Bazaar and Bake Sale, 401 N. Main St., Belvidere, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Handcrafted items, gifts, baked goods, raffles. Handicapped accessible from the parking lot entrance.
Jewels to Jeans V Dinner Dance; social 5:30 p.m., dessert auction 6:30 p.m., dinner 7:15 p.m., Dale Rhode & The Crossroads band at 8 p.m. Tickets $30, available at the Keen Age Center, 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere. Proceeds benefit Boone County Council on Aging.
Kingston United Methodist Turkey Dinner, served 5 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. 121 W. First St., Kingston. $9 adults, $4 children. Complete dinner includes dessert. Carry-outs, gift certificates. (815) 784-2010.
SUNDAY, NOV. 3
Monroe Township Firefighters’ Assoc. all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast, 7-11 a.m. At fire station, 104 West St., Monroe Center. $8 adults, $4 children ages 6-12. Ages 5 and under free.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6
Veteran’s Coffee, 2:30 p.m. Keen Age Center, 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere. A time for
sharing memories and experiences over some coffee and treats. All veterans from any branch and time of service are welcome. Spouses are also welcome.
THURSDAY, NOV. 7
Free mid-day workout, Belvidere Family YMCA, 220 Locust St., Belvidere, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Workout to Beachbody programs like “Insanity” or “Turbo Jam.” All fitness levels welcome. Call the Y with questions (815) 547-5307.
FRIDAY, NOV. 8
“FrUiTCaKeS,” a comedy, 7 p.m., presented by the Main Street Players of Boone County, at the Community Building Complex of Boone County, 111 W. First St., Belvidere. Call 800-741-2963 for tickets or see www.mainstreetplayersofboonecounty.com for more information.
SATURDAY, NOV. 9
Kingston Friendship Center All–you-can-eat breakfast, 120 S. Main St., Kingston. 7 to 11 a.m. $7 adults, $3 children age 4 and under. Carry-outs. Eggs cooked to order, pancakes, waffles, biscuits/gravy, corned beef hash, bacon, sausage patties, and more. Contact (815) 784-3921.
First Presbyterian Church Holiday Bazaar, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 221 N. Main St., Belvidere. Christmas crafts and decorations, homemade baked goods, luncheon $9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Call the church at (815) 544-6402 for reservations – no tickets will be sold at the door.
“FrUiTCaKeS,” a comedy, 7 p.m., presented by the Main Street Players of Boone County, at the Community Building Complex of Boone County, 111 W. First St., Belvidere. Call 800-741-2963 for tickets or see www.mainstreetplayersofboonecounty.com for more information.
“Christmas in the Country,” 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sandwich High School, Lynn Haskin Grade School, Sandwich Middle. Over 150 crafters, bake sale, door prizes. Admission $2. South of Rt. 34 on Wells, Lions and Dayton Sts.
SUNDAY, NOV. 10
Belvidere Veterans Day Parade, 9:30 a.m. starting from City Parking Lot 5 to State Street bridge for short ceremony, and ending at Veteran's Memorial on West Lincoln Ave. with closing ceremony. In case of inclement weather, ceremonies 10 a.m. at VFW Post 1461, 1210 W. Lincoln Ave. For information, call the VFW at 815-544-2014 or the American Legion at 815-547-7216.
“FrUiTCaKeS,” a comedy, 2 p.m., presented by the Main Street Players of Boone County, at the Community Building Complex of Boone County, 111 W. First St., Belvidere. Call 800-741-2963 for tickets or see www.mainstreetplayersofboonecounty.com for more information.
“Christmas in the Country,” 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sandwich High School, Lynn Haskin Grade School, Sandwich Middle. Over 150 crafters, bake sale, door prizes. Admission $2. South of Rt. 34 on Wells, Lions and Dayton Sts.
TUESDAY, NOV. 12
Senior Moments group, Cherry Valley Library, 10:30 a.m. music presentation by Chip Messiner, radio DJ. Registration is required by calling 815-332-5161. The library is located at 755 E. State St., Cherry Valley.
THURSDAY, NOV. 14
Free mid-day workout, Belvidere Family YMCA, 220 Locust St., Belvidere, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Workout to Beachbody programs like “Insanity” or “Turbo Jam.” All fitness levels welcome. Call the Y with questions (815) 547-5307.
FRIDAY, NOV. 15
“FrUiTCaKeS,” a comedy, 7 p.m., presented by the Main Street Players of Boone County, at the Community Building Complex of Boone County, 111 W. First St., Belvidere. Call 800-741-2963 for tickets or see www.mainstreetplayersofboonecounty.com for more information.
SATURDAY, NOV. 16
“FrUiTCaKeS,” a comedy, 7 p.m., presented by the Main Street Players of Boone County, at the Community Building Complex of Boone County, 111 W. First St., Belvidere. Call 800-741-2963 for tickets or see www.mainstreetplayersofboonecounty.com for more information.
Turkey Supper/Bake Sale, Garden Prairie United Church of Christ, Garden Prairie Road and Rt. 20, 4-7 p.m. Adults $9, children 6-12 $4, under 6 free. Crafts, Sunday School bake sale. Call Ruth Ross 815-597-4421 with questions.
SUNDAY, NOV. 17
“FrUiTCaKeS,” a comedy, 2 p.m., presented by the Main Street Players of Boone County, at the Community Building Complex of Boone County, 111 W. First St., Belvidere. Call 800-741-2963 for tickets or see www.mainstreetplayersofboonecounty.com for more information.
Big Thunder Grange Toy Show and Sale, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Community Grange Hall, located at the Boone County Fairgrounds, on Route 76. Many toy vendors , crafts, food. Admission $2. For more information call Dean: 815-547-8380.
THURSDAY, NOV. 21
Free mid-day workout, Belvidere Family YMCA, 220 Locust St., Belvidere, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Workout to Beachbody programs like “Insanity” or “Turbo Jam.” All fitness levels welcome. Call the Y with questions (815) 547-5307.
“Managing Diabetes through the Holidays,” 6 p.m., U of I Extension, 205 Cadillac Ct., Unit 5, Belvidere. Registered dietician and diabetes educator, Marilyn Csernus to lead program. $5 per person. Register at 815-544-3710 or online at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo.
FRIDAY, NOV. 22
Holiday Bake Sale & Bazaar, Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 108 N. Fifth Street, Rockford. Friday 10 a.m.-5:30p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Variety of Greek baked goods, gift shop, bazaar, gift baskets, cookbooks. Lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Advance order bakery items at 815-282-9593.
SATURDAY, NOV. 23
Holiday Bake Sale & Bazaar, Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 108 N. Fifth Street, Rockford. Friday 10 a.m.-5:30p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Variety of Greek baked goods, gift shop, bazaar, gift baskets, cookbooks. Lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Advance order bakery items at 815-282-9593.
TUESDAY, NOV. 26
Caregivers Support Group, 2 p.m., Keen Age Center, 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere. Come, relax, and take some time for yourself. Programs vary. Please call Susan at (815) 544-9893 with any questions.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 27
Rudolf Fun Run/Walk/Stroll through Belvidere Park; 6 p.m. start, to view Holiday Lights Display. Hot chocolate and cider served afterwards. Entry fees. See www.belviderepark.org for more information.
BDR Public Meetings
MONDAY, NOV. 4
Boone County Administrative/Legislative Committee meets 6 p.m., County Board Room.
Boone County Board of Health meets at noon, Boone County Health Department.
Belvidere City Council meets 7 p.m., City Council Chambers.
Village of Poplar Grove Finance Committee meets 6:30 p.m., Poplar Grove Village Hall.
TUESDAY, NOV. 5
Boone County Roads/Capital Improvement Committee meets 6 p.m., County Board Room.
Belvidere Township Board meets 5 p.m., Township Board Room.
Village of Poplar Grove P and Z Commission meets 7 p.m., Poplar Grove Village Hall.
Community Building Complex Finance Committee meets 11:45 a.m. at Applebees.
Community Building Complex Rules and Regulations Committee meets 11:45 a.m. at Applebees.
Community Building Complex Building and Grounds Committee Committee meets 11:45 a.m. at Applebees.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6
Boone County PZB Committee meets 6 p.m., County Board Room
THURSDAY, NOV. 7
Boone County Health/Human Services meets 6 p.m., Health Department office.
MONDAY, NOV. 11
Veterans Day
Boone County Public Safety Committee meets 6 p.m., PSB.
Spring Township Board of Directors meets 6 p.m., Spring Township Building, 3150 Shattuck Road.
Belvidere Committee of the Whole meets 6 p.m., City Council Chambers.
Village of Poplar Grove Board meets 7 p.m., Poplar Grove Village Hall.
TUESDAY, NOV. 12
Boone County Finance Committee meets 6 p.m., County Board Room.
Belvidere Township Park District Board meets 5 p.m., Baltic Mill Annex.
Flora Township board meets 7 p.m., 3100 Townhall Road, Belvidere.
Belvidere Planning and Zoning Commission meets 6 p.m., City Council Chambers.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 13
City/County Coordinating Committee meets 6:30 p.m., County Board Room.
MONDAY, NOV. 18
Belvidere Community Unit School District #100 meets 6 p.m., District Central office.
Belvidere City Council meets 7 p.m., City Council Chambers.
TUESDAY, NOV. 19
Belvidere Township Board meets 5 p.m., Township Board Room.
Boone County Board meets 6:30 p.m., County Board Room.
Boone County Conservation District Board meets 5 p.m., BCCD office.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 20
Boone County Historical Museum District Board meets 4 p.m., 311 Whitney Blvd., Belvidere.
FRIDAY, NOV. 22
Boone County Ag Conservation and Farmland Protection committee meets 7:30 a.m., County Board Room.
TUESDAY, NOV. 21
Community Building Complex Committee Regular meets 5 p.m. in the Community Building Meeting Room.
MONDAY, NOV. 25
Belvidere Committee of the Whole meets 6 p.m., City Council Chambers.
North Boone Board of Education meets 6:30 p.m., 6248 North Boone School Road, Poplar Grove.
Village of Poplar Grove Administration Committee meets 6:30 p.m., Poplar Grove Village Hall.
TUESDAY, NOV. 26
Belvidere Township Park District Board meets 5 p.m., Baltic Mill Annex.
Village of Poplar Grove Parks Advisory Committee meets 6:30 p.m., Poplar Grove Village Hall.
Above is from; rvpnews | BDR Public Meetings
The Belvidere Daily Republican Featured News
Boone County has need, but emergency shelters are absent
Oct. 31, 2013
By Bob Balgemann
BOONE COUNTY - Danice Loveridge says she receives telephone calls all the time from people in need of a place to escape a variety of problems.
But there aren't any emergency shelters in this county of 54,000 and space is limited in its much larger neighbor, Winnebago County.
"All we have is hotels and that's a maximum of one week," the chair of the Boone County Homeless Project task force said at its Oct. 25 meeting. "There is no money available from the city (of Belvidere) or the county. Yet there truly is a need, especially now that it's getting colder. It's difficult to be staying in cars."
Remedies, a local organization, has two apartments but she said they usually are full. And they're not considered to be shelters. Remedies has an office in Boone County but it's for counseling, she said.
Loveridge said Belvidere House is not suitable for women. Beyond that, she said the county health department "has issues with them."
Belvidere's new mayor, Mike Chamberlain, was at the meeting and he said the state of Illinois "shut them down last year and made them delouse the place."
"We don't have the demographics in Boone County to apply for funding," he added.
The bottom line, Loveridge said, is "we have an issue here. How we've been dealing with it is we have been moving it to Winnebago, DeKalb and McHenry counties. I don't know what to do about it. It's hard to get state and federal dollars based on our counts."
She said Boone County's point in time counts of the homeless, conducted twice a year, are combined with the counts in Winnebago County. Funds for local use also are combined with Winnebago's and she said, "We have been trying to determine how much of that money is ours. But we have not been able to get those numbers."
Currently, federal funding is focusing on transitional housing and permanent housing. "We have some units of that in Boone County and it's helping, but it's slow. The piece that we're missing is how to help these folks who need emergency shelter."
Boone County United Way representative Teri Carter said no local churches are able to take on that kind of a project.
Also Oct. 25, Loveridge said the task force has a new survey for the homeless relating to jobs. Two basic questions are whether they are working and, if not, why aren't they working?
"There is a direct link between jobs and being housed," she said. The goal is to connect the homeless with available jobs.
News in Brief
Oct. 31, 2013
By Bob Balgemann
Capron Rescue seeks formal agreements in service area
POPLAR GROVE - Capron Rescue Squad has been serving northern Boone County since 1957. Now, it is seeking intergovernmental agreements with the villages of Capron, Caledonia, Poplar Grove and Timberlane, along with the county and unincorporated Candlewick Lake, to make that coverage formal.
Poplar Grove is the first village to receive the request.
The resolution states in part that Poplar Grove "recognizes the desirability of providing ambulance services to its community in a manner that provides the most timely, efficient and cost effective service delivery for all their respective citizens ..."
It also states that Poplar Grove agrees to "use the services of Capron Rescue Squad before seeking the assistance from other ambulance service."
North Boone Fire District 3 is studying the possibility of including ambulance service for the area now served by Capron Rescue.
Owen Costanza, president of the rescue district board of trustees, said the other villages and Candlewick will be contacted and asked to put the resolution on an upcoming meeting agenda.
Capron Rescue also has changed its name, to North Boone EMS, to better reflect its coverage area of 144 square miles.
Township decides issue
BELVIDERE - The Belvidere Township Board of Trustees has decided not to pay the fee for renewal of the certified appraiser's license for Anita Taylor, a former deputy assessor for the township.
Assessor Diann Helnore made the request for payment of the $530 fee before Taylor resigned, effective Oct. 15.
While Helnore subsequently withdrew the request, the township board voted 5-0 Oct. 22 to formally deny payment of the fee.
Helnore initially asked if the township had paid the renewal fee for her predecessor, longtime assessor Bob Falkenstein. With the request being withdrawn and now formally rejected, that question has not been answered.
Beloit Road bicycle path
BELVIDERE - Completion of a bicycle path linking Prairie Field park off Fairgrounds Road with Belvidere North High School will be partially done before winter weather returns.
Belvidere Township Supervisor Pat Murphy said Oct. 22 that the remaining portion of the walkway would be roughed in and rolled during the current construction season. Then, in the spring, an asphalt surface would be applied.
"We will be inspecting to be sure the pitch is correct and that it's ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant," he said.
Trustee Richard Nelson asked who would be responsible for the liability?
"It's on (District 100) school board property," Murphy replied. "They're primary on the insurance."
Officials said earlier they hoped to finish the walkway this year. But Murphy said, "The opportunity to get blacktop has been tough."
Shaw Road weight limit
BELVIDERE - Enforcement of the weight limit along Shaw Road, south of the U.S. 20 Bypass, continues to be talked about at Belvidere Township board meetings.
It also was discussed at the Oct. 10 city-county coordinating committee meeting. Co-chairman Dan Snow asked county administrator Ken Terrinoni about the matter, because enforcement involves both the city of Belvidere and Boone County. Terrinoni said it wasn't aware of it but would check into the situation.
Terrinoni said Oct. 25 that he talked with county engineer Rich Lundin, who explained the township had posted a new weight limit for that stretch of Shaw Road, which made it a township matter.
"It will always be a concern," township Supervisor Pat Murphy said at the board's Oct. 22 meeting. "We're not receiving as many calls (about truck traffic) as before, but there were quite a few," he said.
Shaw Road had been regularly included on the township board's agenda, but wasn't there Oct. 22.
City-initiated Hometown Market wraps up second season
Oct. 31, 2013
By Bob Balgemann
BELVIDERE - The Hometown Market, an initiative of the city of Belvidere, has concluded its second year off State Street, next to the Boone County History Museum.
And how did everything go, what with this season being on a new day and at a new time? Pretty well, according to Mayor Mike Chamberlain and associate planner Gina DelRose, who coordinated it.
As far as Chamberlain is concerned, the market will be back again during the summer of 2014. He said a debriefing would be held soon, to discuss what went well and what changes, if any, need to be made.
The market featured everything from produce to pastries to purses. There was a massage therapist, sales of Avon products and live musicians.
Children were not forgotten. Cricket the Clown was there to entertain, along with a friend who painted little faces.
In all, a lot of variety and for the most part cooperative weather. Attendance ranged from a high of 150 to a low of 10, but that was on a rainy day.
There were eight new vendors this year as the market changed from Thursday afternoon to Saturdays from 1-5 p.m.
Hours may change again in 2014, possibly opening at 10 a.m. and closing at 3 p.m. "The number of shoppers dies off after 3 p.m.," DelRose said.
Evening hours are another option, though she said there would have to be food and some kind of live entertainment.
Produce vendor Joan Fidder was there in 2012 and said she did pretty well this year. Closing day on Oct. 12 was a bit slow and her offerings were limited, down from the usual five ironing boards full of different goods.
Has large garden
She said she likes to be around people and she loves gardening. She has a 20-by-70-foot garden in back of the Boone County Conservation District complex off Appleton Road. She also has two small gardens at home.
"I mainly do craft shows," she said. "There's a big one coming up in Pecatonica." But it's possible that she will return to the circuit in New Jersey because "that's where the money is. I do that by mail; you don't need a permit because it's considered wholesale."
Some of the businesses at the market were in an incubator status, trying to build clientele through awareness with an ultimate goal of moving into a storefront somewhere in or near the downtown.
One business succeeded in doing that last year but none took that step in 2013.
Cricket the Clown was successful in landing some birthday parties but her summer was cut short when she had to leave to care for a relative, who became ill.
There also was a craft table for kids to put their creativity to work, while their parents shopped. When she was unable to line up enough live entertainers, DelRose used a radio to provide background music.
She said Mayor Chamberlain and the city council ultimately would decide if the market returns for a third year. "They gave me a budget for advertising," she said. "On days when we advertised there were more shoppers. There is a Facebook page, too. They'll (vendors) use it to advertise what they're going to have that day."
A survey will be sent to vendors to get their thoughts on the market's strengths and weaknesses.
Check on “new” news from the BDR by clicking on the following: http://www.rvpnews.com/#!bdr/c17yo
Belvidere Township Meeting November 5, 2013 5ooPM
AGENDA
BELVIDERE TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWNSHIP BOARD
8200 Fairgrounds Road
November 5, 2013 – 5:00 P.M.
Meeting is a week earlier than usual because of the Township Officials of Illinois Conference held in Springfield the following week.
I. Call to Order/Roll Call
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Public Input
IV. Discussion and potential action on approval of Prior Meeting’s Minutes
V. Discussion and potential action on Transfers
VI. Reports
a. Supervisor’s Report
b. Highway Commissioner’s Report
c. Assessor’s Report
d. Clerk’s Report
e. Trustee’s Report
VII. Unfinished Business – Discussion and Potential Action May Occur on the following items:
a. Bike Path
VIII. Legal
a.
b.
IX. New Business
a. Bonnie Heimbech-No. Illinois Tourism
b. 1st Reading of Tax Levy
X. Discussion and Potential Action on Treasurer’s Report and Approval of Bills
XI. Closed Session
XII. Adjournment
Next Meeting: November 19, 2013 @ 5:00 P.M.
Boone County’s Video Gaming Income for September 2013
The county will receive $4,623.23 compared to $5,782.64 for August 2013.
The following is taken from: http://www.igb.illinois.gov/revreportsVG/VGStat201309.pdf
![[image%255B14%255D.png]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07xejIxQDa-D8aadmlRuGuVvOR5-jTV1uEqUSLUJWUxJH_ZP9aKgJTKUWAg1bEWpyoLWt9hOEOfajwFJk0Mw3p58ZFthGBVWWxMxkdzgbwyA-lzDhIUkdgC2ycr5XyXmicYq2-m42o7Aj/s1600/image%25255B14%25255D.png)
City of Belvidere will receive $61.35
Capron $248.43
Retailers Brace for Reduction in Food Stamps - Yahoo Finance
Retailers Brace for Reduction in Food Stamps
By Shelly Banjo | The Wall Street Journal – The change will leave 48 million Americans with an estimated $16 billion less to spend over the next three years and comes just months after the expiration of a payroll tax cut knocked 2% off consumers' monthly paychecks.
On the business side of the equation, the cuts will fall particularly hard on the grocers, discounters, dollar stores and gas stations that depend heavily on low-income shoppers. Weak spending in that stressed consumer segment has already led retailers including Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Target Corp. to lower their sales forecasts for the rest of the year ahead of holidays….
benefits for a family of four receiving a maximum allotment will drop by 5.4%, the equivalent of about $36 a month, or $420 a year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The $16 billion, three-year toll of the cuts estimated by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities pales in comparison with the estimated $120 billion, one-year hit caused by the earlier expiration of the payroll tax cut. But for many retailers the two have a cumulative effect.
Wal-Mart estimates it rakes in about 18% of total U.S. outlays on food stamps. That would mean it pulled in $14 billion of the $80 billion the USDA says was appropriated for food stamps in the year ended in September 2012.
Read more by clicking on the following: Retailers Brace for Reduction in Food Stamps - Yahoo Finance
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Boone County Council of Aging to hold 40th anniversary dinner on Saturday - Entertainment & Life - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL
BELVIDERE — The Boone County Council of Aging will hold a 40th anniversary dinner at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Belvidere Community Building, 111 First St.The event will feature performances by Dale Rhode and the Crossroads Band, as well as a silent auction, door prizes and a dessert auction.Cost: $30. For information or tickets: 815-544-9893
The Belvidere Daily Republican Featured News
Truck parking issue returning to county board Nov. 20
Oct. 30, 2013
By Bob Balgemann
Reporter
BOONE COUNTY - The Boone County Board will be revisiting the question of whether a semi-cab and trailer are allowed to park in an A-1, agriculturally zoned area, along Caledonia Road.
That decision was made at the board's Oct. 16 meeting in a 7-5 vote to reconsider a previous vote to deny the request for a special use permit. State's attorney Michelle Courier said a vote to reconsider would automatically table the issue until the November meeting.
Board members Denny Ellingson, Kenny Freeman, Paul Larson, Chris Berner, Ron Wait, Karl Johnson and Marion Thornberry voted in favor of reconsideration. Opposition came from board Chairman Bob Walberg and members Brad Fidder, Cathy Ward, Craig Schultz and Bill Pysson.
The vote that's being reconsidered was taken at the Sept. 18 meeting and it was 10-1 in favor of denying the request from Mladenko Josipovic. Freeman was the only one to support the applicant and he said he would continue to do so.
Last year the board approved a similar request, also along Caledonia Road. But when that precedent was mentioned, it was stated the Josipovic 5.2-acre property is much closer to homes than the other, smaller tract.
Another concern was the petitioner not being at the September board meeting, which made it seem the request didn't mean much to him.
But he said Oct. 16 that wasn't the case, that as a trucker he was on the job and not at home when the meeting took place.
Neighbor Christina Porto reiterated why she wanted the board to deny the request. And she presented some new information, saying the tractor was parked on the property Oct. 6, 7 and 11, weeks after the special use permit had been denied.
"He's not treating the board with respect," she said of Josipovic.
But he presented a letter from the county saying it would be all right for him to park his truck there until there was a final vote on the matter. It had been determined at the Oct. 2 meeting of the planning, zoning and building committee that the matter would be placed on the Oct. 16 county board agenda.
Wait said he was at the property earlier that day and talked with Josipovic for about 20 minutes. "He said the tractor was in the barn," Wait said. "I didn't see it."
He added that improvements had been made to the driveway on Josipovic's property, making it possible now for him to drive in without blocking any lanes of Caledonia Road.
Salvation Army scales back its annual Thanksgiving meal
Oct. 30, 2013
By Bob Balgemann
Reporter
BELVIDERE - For a long time it was an event that many looked forward to each fall.
The Salvation Army put on a Thanksgiving feast in the historic Belvidere Community Building, with upwards of 800 people expected to attend last year.
There will be another holiday meal this year, on Nov. 26, but it won't be as grand as in the past.
Danice Loveridge, who chairs the Boone County Homeless Project task force, said Friday (Oct. 25) this year's meal would be from 4-7 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Salvation Army building on Main Street, and it will be limited to 400 people.
The meal will be free of charge but participants must have a ticket in order to eat. Tickets will be available starting Nov. 6, when the organization has its monthly food distribution at the Main Street location.
Loveridge said 125 families typically are served at each distribution, meaning most if not all of the tickets will be given out that day. Should any remain, she said they would be given to the Belvidere/Boone County Food Pantry in Capron. It has food distributions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Tuesday.
Poplar Grove United Methodist Church, 105 E. Grove St., has stepped up in an attempt to fill part of the void by putting on a special meal from 4-7 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, which is Nov. 28 this year.
She said there would be servings at 4, 5 and 6 p.m., with a maximum of 70 per serving. Tickets also will be required and they will be distributed during the church's weekly meal.
"We're hoping to serve the northern sector of the county," she said.
Seeking volunteers
Poplar Grove church officials are looking for volunteers to work any of the five shifts: 2-4 p.m., 3-5 p.m., 4-6 p.m., 5-7 p.m. and clean-up.
"You are welcome to eat in one group and volunteer in another shift," she said. "Volunteers can be of any age as long as they are accompanied by an adult."
To volunteer, call Loveridge at 815-509-9445.
North Park Church of Christ, 401 N. Main St. in Belvidere, recently held its second monthly community meal. They are offered free of charge from 5 to 6:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at the church.
Church representative Bob Rhodes was at the Oct. 25 homeless task force meeting and said his church possibly might be able to help fill more of the Thanksgiving meal void. Its next meal will be Nov. 20.
North Park had about 40 people at its October meal, while Poplar Grove United Methodist Church has been serving upwards of 60 people each week.
The number would be even higher, Loveridge said, if people had a way to get to the church. The Keen Age Center bus in Belvidere does provide on-demand service, but she said it ends at 3:15 p.m. each day.
"It's a great system," she said of the meal program, "but as of now there is no way to get people there."
Belvidere Mayor elected to IML Board of Directors
Oct. 30, 2013
BELVIDERE — The Illinois Municipal League held its 100th Annual Conference. Over 1,500 mayors, council members, and local officials attended the conference recognizing IML’s “Century of Service to Illinois Municipalities.” The IML Conference is the gathering place for education, in-depth working sessions, and learning about new laws and responsibilities for municipalities and municipal officials. It is also where new officers are elected to lead the IML’s 1,124 municipal-membership.
On Saturday, Oct. 19, the IML membership elected 36 Vice Presidents to take a leadership role within the statewide organization. Belvidere Mayor Mike Chamberlain was elected to serve as one of the Vice Presidents. This is a vital, active Board that carries out the mission of the IML.
The Illinois Municipal League is Illinois’ statewide lobby and education organization whose special interest is the people, so municipalities can have a powerful resource and voice in Springfield. IML’s mission is to keep decision making local.
“I am honored to represent my area in this statewide organization. Interacting with other elected municipal officials in Illinois will allow me to be on the forefront of innovation and positive progress while being a strong voice for my community and the people who elected me.”
About the Illinois Municipal League
The Illinois Municipal League was founded in 1913 and has worked continuously for the benefit of municipalities. The Illinois Municipal League is a not-for-profit, non-political association of 1,124 municipalities in the State of Illinois. The League's mission is to articulate, defend, maintain, and promote the interests and concerns of Illinois communities. The governing board is comprised of chief elected officials of member municipalities.
Provides a formal voice for Illinois municipalities in matters involving common interests
Promotes competence and integrity in administration of municipal government.
Provides municipal officials knowledge and experience to best administer their duties.
Provides direct informational mailings such as the Illinois Municipal Review monthly magazine; - Legislative Bulletin published during the General Assembly session; Legal Bulletin published bi-monthly and sent to all municipal attorneys.
Provides publications: the Illinois Municipal Handbook, Illinois Municipal Directory, Zoning Handbook.
Educates members via conferences, road shows, and other educational meetings.
Provides other member services, including the IML Risk Management Association, and staff resources.
Member Municipalities Population: 10,716,575
IML Members are 96.3 percent of Total Municipal Population
IML largest member: Chicago, population: 2,695,598
IML smallest member: Wenonah (Montgomery County) population: 37
COMMUNITY CALENDAR through Nov. 6
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30
Trick or Treating for all area children at Heritage Woods, 6:30 p.m., 4730 Squaw Prairie Road, Belvidere. Residents will hand out candy to children. Costumes welcomed.
IOU Halloween Parade through Belvidere.
Writer’s Workshop, 9-11 a.m., with Jeff Doty at Keen Age Center, 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere. Call to reserve a space: 815-544-9893.
THURSDAY, OCT. 31
Free mid-day workout, Belvidere Family YMCA, 220 Locust St., Belvidere, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Workout to Beachbody programs like “Insanity” or “Turbo Jam.” All fitness levels welcome. Call the Y with questions (815) 547-5307.
Halloween Party with Trick or Treating for children, Northwoods Care Centre, 2250 Pearl St., Belvidere; 6:30-8 p.m. Register for bicycle giveaway.
Village of Cherry Valley Trick or Treating 5:30-7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, NOV. 1
Holiday Bazaar and Luncheon, First United Methodist Church, 610 Bonus Avenue, Belvidere. Bake Sale and Bazaar 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; Ham Ball Luncheon with salads, rolls, dessert and drink 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tickets $10. Bazaar features handmade items and crafts, Grandma's Attic featuring collectibles and gently used Christmas items, and Coffee Corner. The church is handicapped accessible. For more information or for luncheon tickets call 815-544-3479.
St. John’s UCC of Belvidere Bazaar and Bake Sale, 401 N. Main St., Belvidere, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Handcrafted items, gifts, baked goods, raffles. Handicapped accessible from the parking lot entrance.
Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos Celebration, 6–7:30pm, Ida Public Library-Sullivan Meeting Room. Day of the Dead with your friends and family. Try traditional foods, listen to music, decorate sugar skulls, and make a skull craft. Fun for the whole family.
SATURDAY, NOV. 2
Veteran’s Remembrance Day, 11 a.m. Cherry Valley Memorial Park (Log Cabin), marching to Baumann Park for the ceremony. Please arrive at 10:45 a.m. and bring United States flag to carry in the parade.
St. John’s UCC of Belvidere Bazaar and Bake Sale, 401 N. Main St., Belvidere, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Handcrafted items, gifts, baked goods, raffles. Handicapped accessible from the parking lot entrance.
Jewels to Jeans V Dinner Dance; social 5:30 p.m., dessert auction 6:30 p.m., dinner 7:15 p.m., Dale Rhode & The Crossroads band at 8 p.m. Tickets $30, available at the Keen Age Center, 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere. Proceeds benefit Boone County Council on Aging.
Kingston United Methodist Turkey Dinner, served 5 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. 121 W. First St., Kingston. $9 adults, $4 children. Complete dinner includes dessert. Carry-outs, gift certificates. (815) 784-2010.
SUNDAY, NOV. 3
Monroe Township Firefighters’ Assoc. all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast, 7-11 a.m. At fire station, 104 West St., Monroe Center. $8 adults, $4 children ages 6-12. Ages 5 and under free.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6
Veteran’s Coffee, 2:30 p.m. Keen Age Center, 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere. A time for
sharing memories and experiences over some coffee and treats. All veterans from any branch and time of service are welcome. Spouses are also welcome.
Trick-or-Treating schedules
Oct. 29, 2013
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30
IOU Halloween Parade through Belvidere.
Trick or Treating for all area children at Heritage Woods, 6:30 p.m., 4730 Squaw Prairie Road, Belvidere.
THURSDAY, OCT. 31
Belvidere Trick or Treating, 4-8 p.m.
Village of Cherry Valley Trick or Treating, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Village of Poplar Grove Trick-or-Treating 4-7 p.m.
Halloween Party with Trick or Treating for children, Northwoods Care Centre, 2250 Pearl St., Belvidere; 6:30-8 p.m. Register for bicycle giveaway.
Timberlane Trick or Treating 5-8 p.m.
Health Department to host “Cover Your Community” event on Affordable Care Act
Oct. 29, 2013
BOONE COUNTY – Learn more about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) this Saturday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Ida Public Library, 320 N. State St., Belvidere. The Health Department will be there helping residents get more information about the new health insurance options available through Get Covered Illinois.
This is the largest statewide effort to educate Illinois residents about Get Covered Illinois and the range of health insurance options and community resources that are available to Boone County residents. Specially trained navigators will be on-site to assist and answer questions.
Under the Affordable Care Act, thousands of Illinoisans who were previously unable to get insurance can now get covered. All plans in the marketplace cover recommended preventive services free of charge, include a cap on out-of-pocket costs, have no lifetime or yearly dollar limit on coverage and will not reject anyone on the basis of pre-existing conditions. For more information about the Affordable Care Act, contact the Boone County Health Department at 815-544-2951 or visit www.GetCoveredIllinois.gov.
Check on “new” news from the BDR by clicking on the following: rvpnews | Belvidere Daily Republican
Employment Opportunities | Boone County, Illinois
Employment Opportunities
Home › Employment & Appointments
Boone County government offers a wide and diverse number of direct services to its residents, including law enforcement, correction and detention of law violators, support for the criminal justice system, direct health care, maintenance of essential records, highway maintenance, property assessments, courtroom operations, building and planning services, tax collection for other local governments, and election administration among others. From these many services come many opportunities for employment.
For applications and openings for the Sheriff's Department please visit the Public Safety Building at 615 N. Main Street, Belvidere, IL 61008
Current Job Openings :
Boone County Public Defender's Office
Part-time Administrative Assistant
The Boone County Public Defender's Office is currently
hiring a part-time Administrative Assistant. This person
will be responsible for filing, answering phones,
greeting clients, and any other office assistance
that may be needed.Applicants must be well organized and have strong communication
skills. Computer knowledge is a must.
The starting wage for this position is $11.50 per hour
and a maximum of 19 hours per week.
Applications are available at the Boone County Administration Office,1212 Logan Avenue, Belvidere, IL 61008
or online at www.boonecountyil.org
Please submit applications to:
Boone County Public Defender's Office
Attention: Susan Cooper
130 South State St. Suite 311Belvidere, IL 61008
Applications must be received by November 1, 2013.
EOE
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Illinois set to issue licenses to undocumented immigrants - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL
CHICAGO — State lawmakers are announcing when and how immigrants living in the U.S. illegally may obtain an Illinois drivers’ license.Secretary of State Jesse White has scheduled a news conference for Tuesday morning in Chicago to discuss the procedures.Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation allowing the licenses earlier this year. The licenses are temporary and may be used only for driving. They are not a valid form of identification for activities like boarding a plane, voting or buying a firearm.Supporters say the law will save Illinois motorists money and improve safety by ensuring more drivers have insurance and know the rules of the road.Critics warn there’s a potential for identity fraud. They also say the state should be cracking down on immigrants who broke the law, not accommodating them.
Monday, October 28, 2013
The Belvidere Daily Republican Featured News
Boone gets bucks for shelter program
Oct. 28, 2013
BELVIDERE – Boone County has been chosen to receive $30,751.00 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army; and, United Way Worldwide. The Local Board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.
A local board, made up of the American Red Cross, Boone County Council on Aging, Catholic Charities, City of Belvidere, The Salvation Army, United Jewish Communities, Belvidere Ministerial Association, Homeless Representative, RAMP, and the United Way of Boone County, will determine how the funds are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service organizations in the area.
The Local Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program. Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.
Boone County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously with The Salvation Army and Northern Illinois Food Bank participating. Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact United Way of Boone County by calling (815) 544-3144 for an application. The deadline for applications to be received is Nov. 4, 2013. .
Belvidere Township assessment appeal assistance available
Oct. 28, 2013
BELVIDERE - Belvidere Township Assessor, Diann Helnore, has announced extended hours to answer questions about the 2013 property assessment notices received in the mail. To accommodate property owners in Belvidere Township who are not able to visit or contact the Assessor’s office during normal business hours 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., the office will remain open for extended hours in November.
The extended hours beginning Nov. 4, are as follows: 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday until Nov. 25. The extended hours will also include two Thursdays: Nov. 14 and Nov. 21, from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and two Saturdays: Nov. 16 and Nov. 23 from 8 a.m. until Noon. Property owners are encouraged to visit the office to speak to the Assessor or her staff concerning the assessed value of their property.
Belvidere Township Assessors Office is located at 8200 Fairgrounds Road, Belvidere, IL 61008, Telephone (815) 547-8095.
To obtain assessment information about your property online, you may visit the county website: boonecountyil.org. Please click on the link at the top of the page labeled Property Information to connect to the new Sales Locator Tool that will lead you to Comparable Sales information.
The last day for you to file a Property Assessment Appeal with the Boone County Board of Review is on Monday, Nov. 25, 2013 at the County Assessment Office, 1208 Logan Ave., Belvidere.
Belvidere North journalism program recognized
Oct. 28, 2013
WHITEWATER, Wis. – Belvidere North High School’s journalism program received some outstanding recognition Friday, Oct. 18, at the 50th annual Kettle Moraine Press Association’s (KEMPA) Fall Scholastic Conference at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
At the conference, which was attended by dozens of high schools from northern Illinois and Wisconsin, North’s 2012-13 North View newspaper yearbook received All-KEMPA honors, the highest achievement possible in competition. In comments, the judge said, “The North View contains some excellent writing & comprehensive coverage of Belvidere North High School. This paper is close to being one of the best!”
The co-editors of the 2012-13 North View were Danielle Harris, a freshman at DePaul University, and Conor Reilley, a freshman at Harvard College.
Also, North’s yearbook, the 2013 Equus, the North View, was awarded first place in its competition. This is the third year in a row that the Equus has placed first among yearbooks.
The co-editors of the 2013 Equus were Kim Seger, a freshman at the University of Illinois, and Rachel Tripp, a freshman at UW-Whitewater.
Finally, Mike Doyle, adviser to the North View and Equus, was named to KEMPA’s Hall of Fame.
Two local churches holding bazaars this week
Oct. 28, 2013
BELVIDERE – First United Methodist Church and St. John’s United Church of Christ will each hold holiday events this week.
First United Methodist Church, 610 Bonus Avenue, Belvidere will hold its Holiday Bazaar/Luncheon and Bake Sale from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1. The Ham Ball Luncheon, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., includes salads, rolls, dessert and drink. Tickets are $10. The bazaar will feature handmade items and crafts, and Grandma's Attic will feature collectibles and gently used Christmas items. There will also be a Coffee Corner for a relaxing cup of coffee and a treat. The church is handicapped accessible. For more information or for luncheon tickets call (815) 544-3479.
St. John’s UCC, 401 N. Main St., Belvidere, will hold its Christmas Bazaar and Craft/Bake Sale, on Friday, Nov. 1 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Along with reasonably priced handcrafted items and gifts, there will be raffles for great prizes and many assorted baked goods to choose from. The church is handicapped accessible from the parking lot entrance.
Two fatal crashes in Boone over three days
Oct. 25, 2013
By Troy A. Bruzewski
Editor
BELVIDERE – The Boone County Sheriff’s Dept. is investigating a fatal crash on Russellville Road, Thursday.
Deputies say they were dispatched to the 12000 block of Russellville Road, near Woodstock and Grange Hall Roads, around 11:15 a.m. that morning. According to the report, a dump truck was backing out of a driveway, when a Chevy Cavalier that was driving south, hit the truck.
The driver of the car was pronounced deceased at the scene; the truck driver was treated for minor injuries and released. Information on the deceased driver had not yet been released.
Lawrenceville Road
Two days earlier, a man was killed in a one-car crash on the 9600 block of Lawrenceville Road. Deputies said the crash happened around 3:45 p.m. and they were dispatched to the scene.
According to the report, the driver was traveling west and lost control of his vehicle, which departed the road and struck a tree. Deputies wanted helicopter evacuation for the driver, however, inclement weather prohibited a flight.
The driver, Robert Mickey, 81, was taken by ambulance to OSF St. Anthony Medical Center and was later pronounced deceased. When an autopsy was performed, it determined the cause of death to be multiple injuries sustained in the crash. However, it also revealed the driver had a cardiac arrhythmia that led to the crash
Check on “new” news from the BDR by clicking on the following: rvpnews | Belvidere Daily Republican
Veterans Assistance Commission October 28, 2013 meeting
VAC had its October public meeting at the VFW Club in Belvidere at 6:00PM today.
The following reports were given. Mr. Davis gave the Superintendent’s Report.
Note regarding Item #11—The Stand down is at The Verdi Club, 782 N Madison St, Rockford · (815) 968-8119
As shown below, $3,984.53 in assistance was provided two three applicants for the month of October. One was continuing assistance. Two were one-time assistance.
The FY 2014 was previously submitted to the Boone County Board.
Income/expenditures for month of October 2013 and period from January 1 through October 28, 2013.
The Warehouse - Local Government Finances Made Transparent
Penn State to Pay $59.7 Million to 26 Sandusky Victims - NYTimes.com
Penn State has agreed to pay $59.7 million to 26 sexual abuse victims of the former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky in exchange for an end to their claims against the university, the school announced Monday.
Multimedia
Dec. 3, 2011 — An Interview With Jerry Sandusky
Of the 26 settlements, 23 are fully signed and 3 are agreed to in principle, with final documentation expected within the next few weeks.
“The board of trustees has had as one of its primary objectives to reach settlements in a way that is fair and respects the privacy of the individuals involved,” Keith E. Masser, the board’s chairman, said in a statement
VideoYours truly in Chinatown, Seattle, WA
Picture taken in September 2013.—What do think? Haircut or shave? Or both?
Sunday, October 27, 2013
9 Ohio, W.Va. residents sue DuPont Co. over cancer - Yahoo News
lawsuits, filed Oct. 8 and this week, are among about 50 such cases — including one alleging wrongful death — filed against DuPont since April, when a court-appointed science panel found probable links between exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid, also known as C8, and kidney cancer, testicular cancer and thyroid disease, among others.
DuPont, based in Wilmington, Del., uses C8 at its plant near Parkersburg, W.Va., on the Ohio line but plans to stop making and using the chemical by 2015. C8 is a key ingredient in Teflon, the coating used on cookware, clothing and other products.
The recent litigation is the latest in a yearslong battle between DuPont and residents of the Mid-Ohio Valley, in the heart of Appalachia along the Ohio River.
About 80,000 area residents filed a class-action lawsuit against the company in 2001. It resulted in a settlement in which DuPont agreed to pay as much as $343 million for residents' medical tests, the removal of as much C8 from the area's water supply as possible and a science panel's yearslong study into whether C8 causes disease in humans.
The Belvidere Daily Republican Featured News
Capron Rescue donates ambulance to village in Guatemala
Oct. 25, 2013
By Bob Balgemann
Reporter
POPLAR GROVE - A retired Capron Rescue Squad ambulance is getting a new lease on life.
The 2006 unit has been donated to Hearts in Motion (HIM), a Christian organization based in Munster, Ind., which serves needy children and families in the United States, Central and South America.
The organization, formed in 1990, plans to place the ambulance in a village in Guatemala that, according to rescue squad officials, is 90 miles from the nearest medical care.
Squad member Quinn Murphy has personally visited the region where the ambulance soon will be put back into service. He has traveled there with HIM, helping provide medical treatment to those in need.
It was Murphy who suggested that the ambulance be given to that village. He's currently a full time paramedic with the Woodstock Fire Department, who works part-time for the Capron squad.
Tony Stepansky, assistant chief of the squad, said he checked out HIM and found it to be "a worthy organization."
He said the ambulance has a 2006 front-end and a 1999 back-end, the latter in need of work. HIM will take care of any needed repairs and plans to fly a paramedic to Illinois in the coming weeks, who in turn will drive the ambulance to Guatemala.
HIM was organized by Karen Scheeringa-Parra, who has 11 adopted children, one of them from Guatemala. Its mission is to provide care and medical treatment for children and families in need.
For Stepansky, it's a bittersweet time because he responded to calls in the 2006, also known as Old 19, for about three years. "I guess I'm sentimental about 19," he said. "Fundamentally, it's a good truck. It's neat to know it will continue to make a difference in people's lives."
Trying to keep the moment light, he added, "There's not a lot of demand for a 2006 ambulance with electrical challenges in the back end."
The gift was approved in a 5-0 vote of the rescue squad district board of trustees as its Oct. 15 meeting. The board formally declared the ambulance as surplus and to be a donation from the district to HIM.
Now all that's left is to wait for HIM to send someone to perform the necessary repairs and for the paramedic to come to get Old 19.
Stepansky is hoping Murphy will be able to accompany the ambulance to its new duty station.
Auditor: Belvidere Township 'in good financial condition'
Oct. 25, 2013
By Bob Balgemann
Reporter
BELVIDERE - In a time when some levels of government are struggling, Belvidere Township has been given a clean bill of financial health by its auditor, Gary Kuhls.
He presented the 2012-13 audit to the board of trustees Tuesday night (Oct. 22), pointing out that it was maintaining healthy fund balances, or savings, in each of the 11 funds.
There was one that bore watching, the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, he said. Income last year was $52,000 with expenses at $51,000, he said, adding "With an expected rate increase and payroll increases, this fund will need attention."
The township's equalized assessed value declined by $175 million between 2008 and 2012, he reported.
"Local governments increased their (tax) rates to make up for the lost revenue," he said.
In Belvidere Township, he said the tax burden "is not tremendous," with taxpayers being "treated consistenly" over that period of time. The tax levey decreased a little this year and is expected to go down even more in the coming year. The township's fiscal year runs from April 1 to March 30.
He cited the township for lowering taxes while maintaining healthy fund balances. "Township management has performed responsibly," Kuhls said. "They serve taxpayers and residents of the township well."
The township received an "unqualified opinion," which he said "is what you want." That means no problems were found with the way the township was being run or with the way financial records were being kept.
He gave the township the same opinion last year, when some were questioning why it had such large fund balances.
Township supervisor Pat Murphy said that was to be prepared for major, unexpected expenses. Even now, he said Oct. 22 that "all of a sudden we're getting a lot of requests for general assistance (GA)." There currently are 10 ongoing cases compared with five in all of 2012-13. So far just under $10,000 has been provided in rental assistance.
"That is an unpredictable fund," Kuhls said.
The general assistance fund, usually with a budget of more than $200,000 a year, provides help to qualified people with various living expenses such as rent and utilities.
Murphy also said a burial was pending, the first anyone was aware of. The individual has no relatives and provided "a real test for our GA."
In other action Oct. 22, the board voted 5-0 against providing $750, the amount needed to bring the Northern Illinois Food Bank's mobile food pantry to the Salvation Army parking lot on Main Street in Belvidere.
Township assessor Diann Helnore, who's on the board of the Boone County Homeless Project task force, asked the township earlier this year if it would agree to having a pantry visit in its parking lot at 8200 Fairgrounds Road. That request was tabled and when it came up again, the time had passed for reserving a stop by the truck.
Murphy said he met with the Salvation Army's new local lieutenant about the matter. The township board previously agreed to donate $2,750 to the organization for its ongoing work in the city.
Capron Rescue Squad, Boone County increasing fees
Oct. 25, 2013
By Bob Balgemann
Reporter
BOONE COUNTY - Assessed values are decreasing yet tax bills increase. Groceries, gasoline and other staples of life also are becoming more expensive.
Now dog registration fees and the cost of riding in an ambulance also are rising.
The Capron Rescue Squad, which covers 144 square miles of northern Boone County, decided Oct. 15 to increase a variety of charges relating to the care provided by its paramedics and emergency medical technicians.
That action was taken by the district board of trustees after seeing a comparison of fees with the Watertown, Wis. Fire Department; Johnson Creek, Mich. Fire and EMS service; Beaver Dam, Wis. Fire Department; Delavan, Wis. Rescue Squad; and Salem, Wis. Rescue.
All have paramedics and EMTs on their ambulances. Their coverage areas and levels of service are similar to the Capron operation.
The survey showed that in almost all categories of service Capron's charges were less, on average, than the five used in the comparison.
For example, Capron charges a resident $450 for basic life support, compared with an average $562.50 fee among the five departments. A non-resident pays $550 to Capron, with the five others averaging $654.17.
Capron charges a resident $550 for advance life support care, level 1. That comparison to the $679.17 average among the other five. For a non-resident, the charges are $650 and $775 respectively.
The transportation charge is $13 a mile for residents served by Capron, $13.50 for a non-resident. The average among the five others is $13.42 for residents and $14.96 for non-residents.
Capron charges $50 when oxygen is needed, for residents and non-residents alike. The other departments average $65.
"We're not that bad," Capron assistant chief Tony Stepansky said. "I recommend a 3 percent increase." That would generate an additional $28,988 a year, with $12,270 for 2013 if the adjustment was approved and made effective Nov. 1.
"The impact on the end user would be minimal," he said. "We're not trying to stick it to anyone." He added the last increase, which he described as "slight," came about two years ago.
Here are some sample that are in effec today and what they will be starting Nov. 1: Basic life support, resident, from $450 to $550; BLS, non-resident, from $550 to $650; advance life support level 1, resident, from $550 to $675; and non-resident, from $650 to $775.
Mileage, resident, remains $13 a mile; non-resident, from $13.50 to $14.50. Oxygen usage would increase from $50 to $65.
Dog registration fees
Meanwhile, the Boone County Board has approved increasing the cost of dog registration.
The additional money will not be used to operate the animal control department. The primary purpose is to have a steady stream of income to help construct a new building for the animal control services department.
Higher prices will become effective Jan. 1, 2014.
Here are the changes: altered dog registration, one year, from $20 to $25; three years, from $60 to $75. Non-altered dog, one year, $50 to $55; three years. $150 to $165.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Illinois’ Distinction As State With Most Nuclear Waste Worries Activist « CBS Chicago
CBS) — The state of Illinois now appears to be the nation’s biggest producer of dangerous radioactive waste.
CBS 2’s Mike Parker reports.
There are 70,000 metric tons of potentially deadly nuclear waste stored at both active and inactive nuclear plants in the U.S.
Bloomberg.com reports that Illinois, with its 14 nuclear plant sites, is the country’s biggest atomic dump site.
There are roughly 9,000 tons of “high level, long lived, dangerous spent fuel” in Illinois, according to David Kraft of the Nuclear Energy Information Service, an anti-nuclear group.
That is more nuclear waste than any other state.
Kraft says he is worried about “natural catastrophes like we saw in Japan at Fukushima, terrorists, accidental airliners hitting buildings, or whatever.”
Although the federal government seems to recognize the dangers, critics say Washington can’t seem to decide how and where to move the waste for safe keeping. So it continues to sit in casks and cooling pools at the plants.
Says Kraft: “There’s absolutely nothing inherently safe about a thousand Hiroshimas in a box.”
The above is taken from: Illinois’ Distinction As State With Most Nuclear Waste Worries Activist « CBS Chicago
Friday, October 25, 2013
Community Cupboard food Pantry Recieves $5,000 Grant
BELVIDERE (WIFR) -- The Community Cupboard food
pantry recently received a $5,000 grant from the General Mills Foundation on behalf of the Belvidere, Illinois Community Action Council.
“With the holidays around the corner and students
The Community Cupboard is the first school-based pantry in the state of Illinois and is housed in a classroom
Irene Road Interchange: Will it be like the Huntley Interchange?
The Illinois Route 47 Interchange Project is a new, all-electronic interchange at Illinois Route 47 on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) in Huntley, being constructed in partnership with the village of Huntley, Kane and McHenry counties and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The project completes an existing partial interchange that currently provides access to and from the east. This work is part of the Tollway's 15-year, $12 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future. The ramps are scheduled to open and the project completed in 2013.
Construction Update (10-11-2013)
I-90/Illinois Route 47 Ramps
As of October 11, westbound I-90 traffic exiting to Illinois Route 47 is directed onto two new ramps, one for northbound Illinois Route 47 and one for southbound Illinois Route 47.
Illinois Route 47 traffic entering I-90 eastbound now have access to two new ramps, one for northbound Illinois Route 47 and one for southbound Illinois Route 47.
Illinois Route 47 Bridge
Northbound traffic has now been shifted onto the new bridge carrying Illinois Route 47 traffic over I-90. A single lane is traveling over the bridge in both directions, with two northbound lanes available north of the bridge to the intersection at Jim Dhamer Road and Freeman Drive.
Illinois Route 47 Traffic
Southbound traffic from Oak Creek Parkway to north of I-90 remains reduced to one lane. Northbound traffic from north of I-90 to Jim Dhamer Road and Freedom Drive has two lanes available. Northbound traffic south of I-90 between Big Timber Road and Manning Road is shifted to the right, maintaining one lane of traffic in each direction.
Traffic on Jim Dhamer Drive and Freeman Road at Illinois Route 47 is now shifted onto new pavement with two lanes in both directions.
I-90 Traffic Pattern
Eastbound traffic has been shifted back onto the new lanes on the eastbound side of the road with two lanes and a full right shoulder. Westbound traffic remains shifted to the right. Two lanes are maintained in both directions during peak hours.
Project Summary
Interchange Construction
In 2013, the Tollway will complete construction of six new ramps to complete an existing partial interchange and will complete the reconstruction of Illinois Route 47 over I-90, including traffic signal installation to provide a full-access interchange.
Maintenance of Traffic
Whenever possible, the Tollway uses traffic shifts and shoulders to keep as many lanes open during peak hours as were available before construction. Existing ramps will remain open to traffic during reconstruction.
All-Electronic Interchange
The Illinois Route 47 Interchange is one of two new, all-electronic interchanges being constructed as part of Move Illinois. The Illinois Tollway operates the nation's largest electronic tolling system, with more than 86 percent of all toll transactions paid electronically through I-PASS or E-ZPass. I-PASS customers experience faster, safer and more convenient commutes and save time and money.
Toll rates at the Illinois Route 47 Interchange will be 30 cents to and from the east and 45 cents to and from the west. Truck rates will range from 60 cents to $1.50 to and from the east and 95 cents to $2.50 to and from the west during daytime hours, with overnight discounts offered.
Tollway customers driving through an all-electronic interchange without an I-PASS have a seven-day grace period to pay the toll online or by mail. Grace period toll payments are double the I-PASS rates.
Purpose
The Illinois Route 47 Interchange Project will be the first "green" interchange on the Tollway system, create more opportunity for continued economic development along Illinois Route 47 and will open up access between the Tollway and a regional north-south transportation route. Currently, existing ramps only provide access for drivers traveling to and from the east on I-90. These ramps were constructed in the early 1970s.
The project is estimated at $61 million with the Tollway funding half the cost and IDOT, McHenry and Kane counties and the village of Huntley funding the remainder.
The above is taken from: http://www.illinoistollway.com/construction-and-planning/projects-by-roadway/jane-addams-memorial-tollway-i-90/il47interchangeproject
Thursday, October 24, 2013
County grants Plote renewal but no extended hours
The above is taken from the October 25, 2013 Boone County Journal which is available free of cost at merchants across the county and on line at: http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/news/2013/Boone-County-News-10-25-13.pdf#page=1
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