Belvidere Daily Republican

New business signs, seals and delivers

December 05, 2013

BEVIDERE – A new business venture in Belvidere arrived just in time for the holidays.

Wayne and Martha Carpenter have opened Pack It-Ship It-Print It at 900 Belvidere Rd., to fill the void left by the departed UPS Store. Within a month of UPS heading out of town, the Carpenter’s store opened its doors, Aug. 27.

Wayne Carpenter said the venture was developed to provide services to people and businesses in the Belvidere area, giving them an option other than traveling a longer distance to ship packages.

“We created the name and opened so that the residents of Belvidere, Poplar Grove, Marengo, Kingston and Garden Prairie would not have to drive to Rockford or Huntley for their shipping needs,” he said. “And it’s a location to do copies, faxing, laminating and packaging supplies.”

The Carpenters are leasing the space on Belvidere Road and are relying on previous experience in the customer service industry to guide the business. Wayne is a former director of hospitality services in the commercial cleaning industry, specializing in housekeeping services for hotels and resorts.

“We transferred numerous times to run and rebuild regions to include Los Angeles, New York, Nashville and Madison (Wis.) after starting in the Schaumburg office,” he said. “All with a strong emphasis on customer service.”

Martha – a native of Medellin, Colombia – provides a valuable asset, giving the business a bilingual feature, allowing the location to cater to different nationalities and help avoid miscommunications in an industry of exact addresses. She spent many years in the banking industry, working primarily from Crystal Lake. The couple said she will continue to operate their commercial cleaning operation.

The Carpenters say the location can provide services for UPS, FedEx Ground and FedEx Express and to entice locals to ship their holiday packages through the Belvidere location, they’re offering an incentive. From now through Dec. 21, customers can register for a $100 Wal-Mart gift card.

The store also is offering other holiday-related items, such as Christmas cards and gift boxes.

“We want our new business to be a 100 percent convenience for everyone in Boone County and the surrounding areas,” he said.

 

Appeal denied for accused killer

December 05, 2013

BELVIDERE – The first-degree murder charge of a Capron man will stand after the Illinois Supreme Court ruled on the appeal.

Aaron Null was convicted in December 2010, of murdering his wife, Brynn Null. The crime occurred on Nov. 17, 2002, when Brynn disappeared and her body was never found. According to Illinois State Police, Brynn was last seen alive with her husband, on Nov. 16, 2002. The ISP investigation discovered a “significant amount of forensic evidence” that included blood stains in the couple’s bedroom. Police say a large blood stain was found on the couple’s bed, which they say was “soaked into the inner mattress” of the bed.

In addition, ISP said they found blood splatter on the bedroom walls and ceiling, then later determined the splatter originated from the mattress. A bloody towel was apparently discovered in the trunk of Aaron Null’s vehicle. ISP said DNA tests revealed the blood found on the mattress, walls, ceiling and towel belonged to Brynn Null.

According to the Boone County State’s Attorney office, evidence was also presented that Aaron Null physically attacked his wife on at least eight prior occasions and that she sought help during the attacks.

Aaron Null was convicted and sentenced to 50 years in prison, of which he has served three.

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