Above is taken from Page A-11, Rockford Register Star, January 23, 2015.
Friday, January 23, 2015
Letter: Animal cruelty, abuse in local puppy mills - Opinion - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL
It has been brought to the Boone County Board’s attention that there is a need for additional requirements concerning a special-use permit when applying for a breeding/boarding kennel permit in Boone County. There have been two of these facilities discovered in Boone County that made the list of “101 Puppy Mills: A Sampling of Problem Puppy Mills in the United States” by the Humane Society of the United States. In case you are not aware, a tremendous amount of abuse is inflicted on the dogs in these types of facilities.
The intention and goal of these additional requirements are to ensure safer, more humane living conditions for these dogs. The current guidelines are vague and allow for mistreatment of the animals to occur.
Boone County Board Chairman Bob Walberg has chosen to form an ad hoc committee
to address these concerns. The objective of this committee is to get all of the appropriate input and
to represent all interests concerning this issue. This committee should consist of a fair and balanced group of people with varying views on animal welfare.It was suggested by a member of a local animal advocacy organization to Mr. Walberg that this group consist of nine people: two veterinarians, two animal rescue group representatives, two licensed breeders, two citizens and an animal control officer. Mr. Walberg has chosen only seven people: a Boone County board member, a veterinarian, a former breeder, a breeder, a breeder/boarder, an employee of that breeder/boarder and an animal advocate.
It appears to me and many others that his choice of people for this committee is absolutely NOT fair and balanced. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
Keep in mind that it is the breeders who inflict the abuse and neglect upon the dogs in these facilities. The whole purpose of these additional requirements is to PROTECT animals.
A committee that consists of one farmer and a group of breeders is a distinct conflict of interest.
And it hardly seems like the proper group to be writing these new requirements.
Also, these meetings are, by law, to be held in open meetings with the public welcome and encouraged to attend. The Boone County Board must also post a notice of location, date and time of these meetings.
In conclusion, if you are concerned with the reputation of our county, if you care about the dogs in these facilities, if you dislike unfairness and bias in your local government: please let Walberg (815-544-2100; bwalberg@boonecountyil.org) know that you disagree with the group of people chosen for this committee.
This is a perfect opportunity for YOU to do something for the dogs — BE THEIR VOICE!
Marie Arnquist, Belvidere
Letter: Animal cruelty, abuse in local puppy mills - Opinion - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL
Dixon Comptroller will not receive her pension
Rita Crundwell committed perhaps the crime of the decade here in Illinois. It is great that she will not receive a pension and the benefit will be used as restitution to Dixon.
But what about Boone County’s government embezzler —Deputy Circuit Clerk Donna Osoria. SEE: http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2014/12/deputy-clerk-osoria-offers-guilty-plea.html Will Boone County seek to insure that she will not receive retirement benefits for her years of less than meritorious service? What do we have to do to insure that she does not?
The above is from page A9, Rockford Register Star, January 23, 2015
Letter: Wind farm opponents launch another attack in Boone County - Opinion - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL
Posted Jan. 22, 2015 @ 5:00 pm
Wind farm opponents who want to deprive Boone County of millions in revenue for all residents and taxing bodies are launching another attack, and an important hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting in the County Board Room, 1212 Logan Ave., Belvidere.
BCJ’s Major articles on wind turbines, animal services and Belvidere’s taxi service
The Boone County Journal is available free of cost at merchants across the county and on line at: http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/news/2015/Boone-County-News-01-23-15.pdf#page=1
Editorial on Wind Turbine Ordinance.
Regional Planning Commission opposes text amendment 3-2. Next Zoning Board of Appeals on January 27.
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Progress on the animal service building
Illinois health law enrollment climbs past quarter-million - The Clinton Herald, Clinton, Iowa: News
CHICAGO (AP) — Nearly 287,000 Illinois residents have signed up for private coverage under President Barack Obama's health care law. The enrollment surpasses last year numbers, when about 217,000 Illinoisans signed up.
The Health and Human Services Department updated the Illinois tally Wednesday. The figure includes consumers who were automatically re-enrolled into their current plan or a plan with similar benefits.
There's one month to go in the enrollment period. The Obama administration expects a surge of sign-ups near the Feb. 15 deadline.
Illinois is one of 37 states served by the HealthCare.gov website where consumers can shop for insurance and qualify for financial help. Ten health insurance companies are participating in Illinois.
The law offers subsidized private coverage to people who don't have health insurance on the job.
Illinois health law enrollment climbs past quarter-million - The Clinton Herald, Clinton, Iowa: News
Illinois Officials Review Applications for Enterprise Zones | WSILTV | Local News
Yes-#-22 is Boone County (Boone County, Belvidere, Poplar Grove, Capron)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Officials say dozens of new applications for so-called enterprise zones in Illinois are under review.
Illinois law allows a limited number of zones each year that are aimed at improving conditions in economically depressed areas. Businesses there receive tax breaks, like an exemption for utility taxes.
The proposals are evaluated on several criteria, including a high vacancy rate of industrial or commercial buildings or being able to offer career skills programs at high schools.
Officials with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity said Wednesday that 67 applications have been submitted and 49 will be approved. State law says new zones get a 15-year term.
Many of the applications are from Chicago. Others include proposals from suburbs south of Chicago, and from Belleville and Champaign.
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Illinois Officials Review Applications for Enterprise Zones | WSILTV | Local News
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